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Leisure Centre Car Park, Port Alexander, New Babylon
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The scene surrounding Ben was an interesting contrast to say the least. The car park was teeming with activity of personnel from both UECAF and Chimeran troops loading the wounded around on stretches and giving medical attention, using their respective medical equipment. Dozens of the Imperials creepy orb droids floating around all over the place, assisting the Chimeran healers or independently going about giving medical treatment to both human and Chimeran casualties.
Nearby were rows of body bags filled with the dead of soldiers, marines and Colonial Militia, sadly topping into hundreds of so many of his fellow regiment comrades. On the other side by some burned out cars was the ever growing pile of broken up robots being chucked aside with contempt except for a few intact models being loaded up into a Buzzard dropship, for the scientists to study he guessed.
Civilians were now out of the shelters and wandered around the battle scarred capital of their home, finding out whether their homes or business survived or watching all the military comings and goings. He saw a group of kids staring up with a look of awe and fear at one of the Chamaele who dragged one of the destroyed robot tanks off the road toward the cluster of wrecks of other tanks, including that of the Widowmakers.
"So, does anyone know who the assholes responsible for all this are yet?"
"Other than they're called the Separatist Alliance and on the shit list of everyone here?. Afraid not Dan" He said casting his gaze over at the lines of deceased, feeling anger boil inside him at the sight of so many dead because of an invasion none of them knew the reasons behind it.
"These guys must know" Michelle pointed her finger at the Chimera "Bit convenient they so happen to be arrive just as we were about to be overrun"
"Sure but then again where was the Navy?. It wouldn't of taken them long to get here if the ships in orbit requested backup" Dan argued back, giving food for thought for Ben to think over. Any debate between his squad was interrupted when Ben saw a trio of Chimera walk over to Colonel Hall and Captain Pires standing by a medical station being set up by personnel from the newly, and lately, arrived ships of Second Fleet.
"Are you the planetary commander?" The lead Chimeran quizzed the Colonel in the typical deep, flanging voice his species had, towering over the officers by nearly a foot.
"Something along those lines. Colonel Frank Hall of the 115th Assault Regiment, First Frontier Division. You?"
"Commander Vicus Hikar'an of the 8th Regiment, 14th Imperial Army" He pressed a fist into his chest then gave a small bow.
"You have the thanks of me, the men and women of the one-one-five and probably the entire planet Commander. I was sure my next cigar would be in the heavens if it weren't for your guys kicking these bastards metal hides" Hall offered his hand to the alien in front of him. The Commander looked down at the hand like he wasn't sure what the gesture offered meant. One of the Chimera accompanying him whispered something behind a closed fist to him, a look of realisation appearing in his eyes.
"It was a pleasure Colonel Hall" The tall Chimeran shook his hand "The Separatist filth shall not succeed in the fruitless conquests"
"Wait, you know who these things belong to?"
"We were invaded by the Separatist Alliance two weeks ago. They're lead by an Admiral Laden who was wanting to add our territory into his Master's ambitions"
"The rumours were true then" Ben said breaking the focus away from the yammering officers. Buzzard G/Ts started lifting off the ground carrying more wounded up to the fleet to receive proper medical treatment, their troop compartments stuffed full of so many injured personnel.
"Corporal Howard" He turned to the person calling, recognising it as the marine Sergeant from the morning exercise.
"Sergeant Hibbert, good to see your alive"
"You guys too" He nodded to them all then raised his eyebrow at Dan and Michelle sitting on the curb "What happen to you two?"
"Got chased into the swimming pool by one of those big beasties" Colton put plainly thumbing at one of the Chamaele.
"Yeah we were saved by one of those. Ran straight through lines of them liking a bowling ball. Do you know where Major Demir is?"
"He's dead I'm afraid Sergeant" Pires walked over "Not many marines have made it back from the school district. Those that have said he held off the robots long enough for them to escape, not long after the Chimera's arrival"
"Shame sir, he was a hard ass but a good officer"
"So I hear. Just another reason to hate these things" Their superior spoke with discontent "Corp since you squad has no injuries other than a couple of wet suits, I need you to do clear up duty in the west of the city to search for any possible nasties left behind"
"Yes sir" Ben felt tired and was sure his team was too but it was better cleaning up any left over robots than standing around the dead. Whoever these Separatist Alliance guys were, they were sure as hell going to pay.
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Geneva Main Spaceport, Geneva, Earth, Sol System, UEC Capital (Two days later)
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The runway was all set out correctly with all the ceremonial pomp of red carpets, the marine guards of honour standing on both sides of the welcoming carpet each with three rows of smartly dressed uniforms and berets. Each marine held an archaic bolt action rifle commonly used in the First World War, placing it onto their shoulders and standing to attention not moving an inch.
Premier James Cartwright awaited in a crisp navy blue suit on the mouth of the carpet with his entourage consisted of his aide Julia, the heads of the United Earth Commonwealth Armed Forces General Bill Terrance, Admiral of the Fleet Jussi Lindberg and Marine General Michael Collinson and Director of the Intelligence Bureau Rachel Aguero. The last time he hosted the Empress of the Chimeran Empire he had over a week for to plan preparations for her arrival, only this time he had two days.
Security was all over the place and a series of fences and a detail of guards were placed on the press outlets, camera drones taking pictures and recordings of this unexpected short notice visit. All air traffic was diverted away and from all the emails and notices Julia had informed him of air traffic controllers and merchant traders it wasn't a popular order but he didn't care, there was far more important issues to attend to.
An alien force had invaded the UEC and from the reports he received from the IB this same 'Separatist Alliance' had also attacked their neighbour. The press and Parliament had both continuously questioned him over whether or not the Commonwealth was at a state of war after the assault on New Babylon. It was a question he would soon answer once this meeting was concluded.
"Yes?" Admiral Lindberg answered an incoming call beside him. After brief couple of seconds he announced to him "Premier, the Royal Guardian has just exited out of FTL above orbit"
"Thank you Admiral, give them permission to land" James nodded then looked up at the sky, listening to Lindberg give confirmation. For a moment he wondered if the Chimera were actually going to land the behemoth dreadnought onto the runway, a sight that would no doubt give the gathered audience and citizens around the UEC capital city something else to talk about besides the visit.
After a few minutes several objects made their way through the clouds, flying down on the spaceport's position. A shuttle descending down with an escort of both Wasp superiority fighters from the CSF and a squadron of Revenant interceptors from the Empire's own Naval forces. As it soundlessly hovered over the tarmac surface of the runway the fighters dispersed back to the sky, leaving it to safely land on the homeworld of humanity.
"On we go" He said walking down the red carpet with his welcoming committee in tow. By the time he reached the five metre mark from the shuttle the landing bay door to the elegantly shaped, silver beetle like craft opened up without so much as a hiss, releasing a platform from beneath the doorway.
The first to step out of the shuttle was the Imperial Bodyguard, six heavily black armoured soldiers carrying seven foot tall energy staffs taking up the flanks stopping within a metre of himself. The next was a group of five and two blue orb droids, three women and two men, one in purple light armour and the other in dark brown heavier armour coming down the platform all following the lead of the one person centred in Chimeran society.
"Your Majesty, it is a pleasure to welcome you to Earth once again" He and the rest of his greeting company gave a bow to Empress Nissaya.
"Thank you Premier James Cartwright, it's always a great pleasure to visit the birthplace of your species. It is a shame our being here involves the tedious involvement of conflict" She said kindly in the soft, almost human sounding voice Chimeran woman unusually had, compared to that of the deep, gruff tones of the males. She then did something James would not of expected her to do, she extended her hand out for handshake.
He willingly accepted her offered hand and felt her hand firm grip onto his, a little too firmly as he tried not to show the slight tinge of pain that shot into his hand. James was sure that behind their helmets the bodyguards were watching his every move around the Empire's beloved head of state. After she released her hand from his she turned, indicating her hand to the more lightly armoured pair standing behind her.
"Our sentiments are the same, Empress Nissaya"
"May I introduce Supreme Admiral Tirus Nicar'on and Lord General Mikon Yuku'las" Both gave him a small bow "They shall be joining us in our discussion over the Confederacy issue"
For a second he was confused as to who she was referring to when it clicked from the intel report he received it was the other name for the alien government who attacked New Babylon.
"Very well, then allow me to introduce Generals Bill Terrance and Michael Collinson, Admiral Jussi Lindberg and Director Rachel Aguero of the Intelligence Bureau" He presented, all of whom except Aguero who remained away from the greetings.
"An honour to meet you all. Shall we continue this conversation and other important issues in a less open venue?"
"Of course your Majesty, this way" He fell into step with the Empress, inclining his hand down the red carpet to the awaiting transports at the end. The others walked behind them with the bodyguard moving in parallel on the sides, her handmaidens and the orb droids following closely behind.
"Present arms!" The Sergeant Major ordered the honour guard, all 60 marines unshouldering the rifles and holding the obsolete weapon with each hand close to their bodies.
"Tell me Premier, what are those weapons your warriors are holding?" She asked him looking over at the assembled marines who all stood to attention, their eyes fixed ahead of them standing deathly still.
"Those are bolt action rifles used in our last major internal conflict over six hundred years ago, before the Chimer-uh, Purists invaded" James corrected himself, knowing that their guests and ally disliked being compared to their hated enemy "It's a tradition of our armed forces to retain them for ceremonial purposes"
"Not that different to our own. It is strange two cultures evolved from different periods of time and space have such similarities, although there are quite stark differences that we struggle to understand about humans"
"The same could be said about your people, your Majesty" Director Aguero piped in, her tone sounding a little callous. He stopped as the Chimeran Empress did so turning to the IB Director, who didn't look at all apologetic at her rudeness toward their guest.
"Indeed, Director Rachel Aguero. Perhaps when war is not the centre issue we can debate those differences" Like many if not all humans, James had trouble working out the facial expressions of the Chimera. Their faces always seemed to be locked into a permanent frown, the lack of a visible nose and lips to cover the distinctive long, sharp teeth. Her amber coloured eyes common amongst her species had no pupils just a plain colour, staring blankly without movement at the Director.
"If you wish, Empress" The head of the Intelligence Bureau gave a respectful nod then glanced to him. They resumed going down to the waiting vehicles at the end of the walkway consisting of three armoured limos and a police escort taking up the front and rear. After answering a couple more inquires about the marine honour guard James reached the middle limousine where the driver stood by the backseat, opening the door on their approach.
"After you your Highness" He let her, the handmaidens, Julia and the floating droids in first seeing the Imperial bodyguard lining up at the front limo, their large frames having some trouble getting in. The rear limo had the military chiefs from both sides and Director Aguero climbing in, the police bikes taking up position once everyone was in and two Buzzard dropships hovering their location along with a couple civilian craft from the media recording the visit.
Once everyone was in he nodded to the head of the escort then climbed in, taking a seat next to Nissaya on the backseat. On the side seats sat his assistant and the handmaidens opposite the clear bullet proof windows, the midday sun reflecting of the shining black interior of the long vehicle. In the corner of his eye he saw the sunlight also shine off the top of a concealed sidearm in the belt of one of the handmaidens.
The convoy starting rolling, the roads with miles long barriers and police standing guard as Geneva's inhabitants lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the Premier and Chimeran Empress together as they headed to the parliamentary buildings. James spotted a few banners hanging over the barriers, some welcoming whilst others not so much. Still after five hundred fifty years there was animosity toward the Chimera, in spite of the Imperials stressing the Purists involvement but people had trouble telling the difference. All Chimera were the same in their book.
"Will we be passing Sentinel Square, Premier?"
"Yes your Majesty, it is located in front our government buildings so we'll be passing it"
"Our information regarding your planet's landmarks are limited to the few visitors from the Empire to have wandered your world. Who are the four statues in dedication to in Sentinel Square?" She asked turning to face him from her gazing out of the window.
"They're the four great heroes of the War. Nathan Hale, Joseph Capelli, James Grayson and Yuji Taniguchi. The War produced many heroes who pulled off great feats but these men are more in line to legends among our people" He told her of Earth's prominent heroes, figures many young soldiers look up to for inspiration.
The stories of Hale and Capelli were the more widely spoken of or portrayed in films and dramas. The two super soldiers of the famed Sentinels of SRPA with the latter having to kill the former because he succumbed to the virus after destroying Daedalus, who years later brought down a terraformer to cut the Tower's link to the wormhole. One such Tower was visible a few miles from parliament as a relic.
Then there was Grayson, a Royal Marine who played a huge part in liberating Western Europe from Chimeran control and for unknown reasons deserted after, went on later to single handedly destroy conversion centres as far as the Russian border. To this day James was like everybody else waiting for the day when somebody would find out what became of him. Taniguchi was revered more so in Asia and South Asian dominated colonies than anywhere in the world, mostly because he was credited for kicking the Chimera out of occupied Japan and leading the counter attack in other Asian nations soon after.
"We have heard of these humans. Some of our Generals have a difficulty believing the exploits of these warriors" Before he could reply he caught sight of Julia pressing onto her earpiece, talking to the whoever was on the other end.
"Pardon me Premier, I've just received word all arrangements have been completed"
"Thank you Julia" For the rest of the journey James spoke casually answering the Empress' inquires into several subjects, avoiding the topic of the current affairs for now.
They eventually drove into the deserted roads of Sentinel Square, spectators continued to the line the streets and a fair few were perched by the statues in front of the parliamentary building landscape. Four stone well built sculpture standing 35 feet tall, all in a circle with their backs to each other holding the weapons they favourably used during the Chimeran War.
The limos all stopped at the mouth of the entrance to the Commonwealth Parliament, a tall and wide building shaped like an ancient Roman structure but with a more modern look. A Steward came over and opened the door letting him out first then James offered his hand to the Empress who took it, her cape falling down her frame as she stepped out gazing up at Parliament.
The military chiefs all dispersed out of the back limo with Aguero coming out last. A commotion from the front limo got everybody's attention as five of the bodyguards were speaking to presumably the last one within the limo, a loud rattling echoing out of the armoured car.
"Is there a problem Jikus?"
"One of the energy staffs has lodged into the speeder's floor my Empress" The armoured guard replied back, Nissaya letting out a an amused 'humpf'. The bodyguard soon pulled the long weapon out with the screeching of metal, the limo chauffeur not looking at all happy from the wrecking of his vehicle.
Walking up the steps with camera drones taking snaps and dozens of reporters shouting questions to them over the caught on Battle of New Babylon and Imperial involvement, James and their Empire counterparts finally reached the confines of the governing building of the entire UEC. Behind him he heard General Terrance conversing with the Chimeran Lord General, passing by Members of Parliament and other staff who stopped their own conversations or duties to watch them walk by.
The meeting room they were heading to had two armed guards at the doors who snapped to attention once they heard him coming. With a nod from him the guards opened up the double doors to the space room, a large wooden oval table dominating the room. Usually the room was for his cabinet when new legislations, policies and the like were made before getting the approval from the rest of the MPs, only now it was for possible changing the Commonwealth's future forever in a way he never dreamed of.
"Take a seat, please" James indicated to the chairs. On her side she had all but four bodyguards who opted to stay outside, the two that came in standing on the far ends of the table with her handmaidens behind her. Now they were all seated James stayed silent as Nissaya began the talks.
"Premier Cartwright as you are fully aware we both have encounter this new threat to both our civilisations, been attacked without provocation or reason. I think it is in our interests to work together to put a stop to this Confederacy of Independent Systems before they launch another offensive against our peoples" For a moment James was a little taken aback by the proposal since he was expecting to be the one asking for their assistance, not the other way round.
"I agree Empress. So the rumours of the incursions were true?" He could feel Aguero's eyes on him briefly after his question. Of course he knew it to be true, he recieved her report on the invasion into the Empire on the first week which is why he had the UECAF go on high alert and strengthen all colony worlds as best as possible.
"Yes, I ordered our ambassador to withhold all information regarding the engagements. We, judging by the actions of your species if news spread, thought it best so not to cause panic and disorder in your nation"
"So you kept quiet because you wanted to protect us?" Lindberg enquired in his thick Finnish accent.
"In a way. We wanted to know who these aliens were, if they posed a real threat and where they came from"
"And what did you find?" James inquired next.
"When our forces engaged them for the first time we assumed it was a trick from your government as the head of the invasion was a human" The Chimeran to the right of Nissaya, the one she called Supreme Admiral though the name escaped him. "But we later sent units aboard their vessels and found other alien species aboard, along with thousands of war droids"
"And the information we obtained from both them and the ship's databanks showed they came from a different part of the galaxy, a much bigger society" The Lord General's words stunned him and no doubt the other delegates.
"They broke away from another nation called the Galactic Republic, a government larger than the Empire and your Commonwealth put together. For this was one of the reasons we never attempted contact with them in the past"
"Wait, you know who these people are?" James said in astonishment at Nissaya dropping an unexpected bombshell.
"Not those who invaded us, but we know of the Republic" She let out a sigh before continuing "During the fourth year of our war with the Purists the Empire was on the brink of collapse, there was period some in the High Council wanted to outright surrender to the fascists in fear of more monstrosities but others were angered by their cowardice. We were close to civil war when we seized an unknown ship entering into one of our systems"
"I take it this was when you met these Republic guys, correct?" Aguero spoke up, concluding the story.
"Not as such. Once we took the vessel we found only one person was present, a human. She said she belonged to this Galactic Republic and a religious order called the Jedi, an order that defends them. We took her in and she informed us of everything of the Republic. My ancestor and the High Council did not take a liking to them, they were too chaotic, corrupt. Since then it has been our policy to avoid opening relations with them"
"And you never thought to tell us that there's another civilisation out there?" General Terrance quizzed next, saying what they were all thinking.
"We thought it best to keep you away from these beings"
"With all due respect your Highness but what gives you the Goddamn right to decide how we-?!" Collinson's tempered outburst got him an angered growl from the bodyguards and a energy staff threateningly close to his throat.
"Stand down!" She ordered, glaring at the overzealous guard pulling up his staff and returned to attention "My sincerest apologies, General"
"All is forgiven Empress" The startled Marine General said, he too glaring at the offending guard.
"However General Collinson is right, it isn't your decision to decide how we go about our business" James persisted feeling slightly peeved by the Chimera's decision making without their consent over such an issue.
"Her Imperial Highness was not exaggerating when she said they are chaotic, Premier" The Lord General spoke again "We have studied extensively from the data of their governance and history and found they are even more volatile than yourselves"
"I've never knew of alliances being formed by trading insults to each other" Lindberg commented in sarcasm.
"It was not meant as an offence"
"You are right Admiral. I came here because the Empire will be declaring war against the Confederacy and I personally hope that a joint declaration will show these aggressors unity against those who would trample and disregard our ways of life" She declared staring straight at him, her eyes locking onto his own with fiery passion and conviction.
James felt as if all the energy of the universe was upon him, the lives of billions across the entire UEC from Earth to the further colony world on the rim of their borders rested on his next words. He never believed in all his wildest dreams he would be the one leading the human race against an alien invasion. Both human and Chimeran eyes pinned on him waiting for his answer, an answer that could either be the end of his administration or boost it.
"I'm with you Empress. A declaration of war however must be passed through the Commons, we are a democracy after all so it will be the people's decision"
"I understand"
"Perhaps Premier you should let her Highness address the Commons, it could boost chances of an agreement" He heard Aguero come up with a surprising offer, making him worry a bit over why she was suddenly so eager for war.
"Would you do so?" He asked her taking up the Director's suggestion.
"I would be honoured. As a gesture of good faith we'll send all data we have on the Confederacy" Her offer caused the Supreme Admiral and Lord General to look at her as best describe as shock.
"Thank you your Majesty" She stood up from her chair, James and everyone else quickly following suit "An alliance between humanity and the Chimera will show all outside aggressors that fighting us will be the biggest mistake of they could ever commit" He offered his hand over the table, the Empress shaking it less firmly and her mouth twitching into a Chimeran equivalent of a smile.
War was looming but the human race will not be alone in this fight.