Hello back to The Will of Revenge. Previously, we witnessed the last stand of Araluenian Royal Rangers that Maddie was part of, the demise of general Olo Kerrel and the beginning of planning of the upcoming counteroffensive. So yeah. Big things are coming. But before that, we're going back to the Milky Way to check on the state of things there. Ester and the others also need some screen time.

But before that, reviews.

To Guest: That only shows how unpredictable war can be. Not even high-grade commanders are safe from dying to a lucky shot.

To Supreme Supra: Already on it, buddy.

Okay, we can go on with the story.

Chapter 5

July 1, 2166

01:12

Turdan IV, Turdan System, Chakdrik Collective

"I see him."Heley said in the radio.

She looked through the scope of her sniper riffle towards the building on the other side of the street. Streams of blood-red rain fell from the sky, which gave the planet a dreadful atmosphere. Although the rain was just red water, colored by something in the atmosphere, it was just uncanny in all ways possible. For Chakdrik, however, this was just one of natural wonders of this planet and one of many tourist attractions.

Or at least, it was like that before the war. When Laconian forces started their push into UNSA and their allies' territories, Turdan IV found itself in the middle of action, when Laconian Marines landed on the planet, taking it with ease and using it as a supply hub for their further operations within Chakdrik territory. Not to mention numerous population displacements and massacres.

But after the initial shock of the invasion, and after the successful defense of Shakaya, Chakdrik command started getting it together and launched a counteroffensive, though small, but successful enough that Laconian forces were pushed all the way to Turdan IV. Now, they prepared to liberate the planet and interrupt Laconian operations.

This is why ICTA Special Operations Force, as it was finally officially named, was here. After Shakaya, the SOF was turned into an international organization. ICTA talked with other countries' governments and intelligence agencies and aliens were also allowed to join it and train to perform operations behind and right on the frontlines. As of now, there were a thousand soldiers, with four hundred being aliens from Milky Way, while the rest of it were Norrine's Marines and Falmartian Fighter Infantry.

Heley and Kenya now looked at the commander of enemy occupation force, which was giving orders by shouting to two of his subordinates. They just stood there, trying not to show fear in front of the commanding officer.
"How much do you wanna bet he's former HO?"Kenya asked.
"That's not what we're here for."Heley replied.
"Alright, I was just asking."the other Warrior Bunny said, pouting.

"And I was just saying."

"I can't decide. You're this emotionless or simply don't like my jokes?"
"Maybe both?"
"Ladies, stop arguing."Delilah said in the radio."We're liberating a planet here. Stay focused."
"Got it."the two replied.

"Okay, on your mark."their commander said and the sound of weapons being cocked was heard.
Heley didn't answer. Instead, she just looked and aimed down the scope, towards the enemy commander. If only he knew, he would start running. Or he could at least try. Heley would not let him escape, not even if he was in the elevator. High velocity bullets were enough to cut the line of said elevator.

"You take the other two."she said to Kenya.

"Sure."Kenya replied.

They again looked at the room and took breath. Slowly, they pulled the trigger and let the bullets fly.

In just a fraction of a second, the bullets beat the distance between the roof of a skyscraper and the lower building on the other side. They shattered the glass windows and soon, two dead bodies were falling on the ground, with the third enemy looking at them in shock and disbelief, paralyzed by fear. He soon joined them, when Kenya fired another shot.

"Done."Heley said in the radio.

"Understood."Delilah replied."We have a green light."

Soon, from all around the city, both snipers heard the sound of gunfire and lasers. Surprised and confused Laconian authorities tried to comprehend what was happening and constantly called the commander, but to no use. It took them two whole hours to actually organize and get it together, but it didn't help them in the slightest. SOF operatives and Chakdrik Resistance quickly smashed through the defenses of all police stations and city's garrison headquarters. They quickly took the city's communication center and spaceport, cutting the enemy from help from space.

They couldn't help them anyway. When green light was given, Chakdrik fleet awaiting the signal jumped into the system and quickly dispatched the residual garrison in the orbit, which consisted of no more than five Frigates and three Destroyers. After that, Chakdrik troops started landing and destroying Laconian forces on the planet. By the end of the day, Laconian forces, disorganized and scattered, surrendered to the attackers. Or at least the ones remaining did, while the others died while they tried to stop the invasion.

And with the liberation of Turdan, Laconian forces were completely thrown out of the Chakrik space, what became one of the quickest and biggest victories of the allied forces.

July 1

21:23

UNSA San Antonio, Turdan System

Five dropships flew inside the hangar of the ICTA's Stealth Frigate. Their doors and ramps opened and one hundred soldiers that took part in the liberation of Turdan IV came out, carrying the wounded and the dead, as even they were not safe from this. Soon, they were going to be put into coffins and sent to their families to be burred according to their species' funeral traditions.

Ester stood at the entrance to the hangar, saluting as the KIA passed by her. When they were gone, she looked towards Delilah and Warrior Bunnies, which came up to her.

"How was it?"she asked.
"Surprisingly easy."Delilah said.
"Nits gave up before actually putting a fight."Emmy muttered.
"So I head, but…"Colonel looked after the KIA.

Warrior Bunnies also looked in the same direction.
"Yeah."Delilah sighed."Unfortunately, some things cannot be evaded."
"True that."Ester said."Let's go. Leave your weapons and come to get something to drink. You all deserve it."
"Sure, be right there."Delilah said."Let's go, ladies."
With that, the six quickly went to the armory to give their weapons to Evo.

After they done that, they made their way to the common room. There, they saw not only soldiers from EUJM's Marines and their Fighter Infantry, but also from militaries of other Human-allied countries. Nashini, Shakayans, Chakdrik, Tertans and others were standing around and talking. Warrior Bunnies walked past them and came up to the part taken by Ester, Elsa and Norrine.

"Hey, our heroes are back."Norrine said."How was the fun?"
"Didn't Ester tell you?"Delilah asked.
"But it's nothing like hearing it from the ones who were there?"Elsa stated.
"I think I'm hurt."Ester huffed.
"Sorry, Ester."her assistant said.
"Nah, don't worry about it."colonel waved if off.

Warrior Bunnies sat on the couches and armchairs that were unoccupied.
"As we said, it was surprisingly easy."Delilah said."After Heley and Kenya took out the commander, their defense didn't hold out for long. They fell apart just like that."She snapped her fingers.
"Must have been pretty underwhelming, huh?"Norrine asked, pouring herself some brandy from the minibar.
"They still put up a fight nonetheless."Heley replied."I think that the bodies we brought with us are the best evidence of that."
Major lifted her hands up in a defensive gesture.

"Alright, I didn't want to sound bad."she said.
"We're not blaming you for anything."Macy said.

"Hey, quiet down and turn it up!"someone exclaimed.

Warrior Bunnies and Humans looked towards the owner of the voice, a Chakdrik Marine. Talking quieted down and everyone looked at the TV mounted on the wall. Someone picked up the remote and turned up the volume. On the screen, they could see a presenter in HNN's studio, saying:
"In other news. We're getting confirmed reports, that allied forces managed to retake planet Turdan IV."

Next to her, they saw a picture of destroyed Laconian tank with Chakdrik Collective flag presenting three suns of Chakdria, Red, Orange and Purple sun on blue background, stuck on top of it.

"By the last few weeks, allied fleets, led by Chakdrik forces, led a counteroffensive within Concordance controlled space of Chakdrik Collective. Surprised forces of Laconian Republic and it's allies were so surprised, that they didn't even manage to form a cohesive defense, what resulted in the biggest defeat since the start of the war a month ago. Within just few weeks, allied fleets and armies managed to liberate numerous worlds and drive back the invading forces. The last planet controlled by enemy in Chakdrik Collective, was Turdan IV. But now, it isn't the case anymore."

After she said that, the screen changed and now, they saw a video from a camera mounted on a helmet. In front of it was a street, with Laconian military vehicles and soldiers hiding behind them. The camera turned and looked at a squad of Chakdrik commandos, from which one aimed with a missile launcher, which was then fired.

"Ever wondered how such videos always got into the net so quickly?"Emmy asked.
"Don't ask me."Elsa said.

"As the videos show, the fights on Turdan IV were pretty one-sided."reader said.

Another video appeared, this time showing a group of people dressed in UNSA uniforms storming a building, firing down a corridor. In the distance, they could see Laconian Marines pulling a wounded ally back, towards the stairs.
"Hey, that's us!"Macy said."When we stormed that water power plant!"

"Alright, how did they put their hands on this one?"Norrine asked.
"Who knows?"Ester threw up her arms.

More videos appeared, showing allied soldiers on Turdan IV either fighting, or tearing down elements of Laconian propaganda. They also showed videos of Laconian soldiers laying on the ground, with hands behind their backs and with allied soldiers guarding them. Numerous videos of abandoned equipment also appeared.
"Allied forces were preparing for this offensive for a few weeks and when it started, it showed just how many problems does the Concordance forces have."reader said."Surprisingly, it was confirmed by even enemy soldiers themselves. This is the recording intercepted by Chakdrik intelligence services from two days ago."

Next, two windows appeared. One of them was signed with 'Laconian sailor' and other with 'Mother'. There was a line between them and a title above, reading: A TALK BETWEEN LACONIAN SAILOR AND HIS MOTHER.

"Fuck all this!"sailor said.
"What are you saying?"his mother asked.
"We're being slaughtered here!"sailor continued."We lost twenty ships from our fleet! OUT OF THIRTY!"

"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get reinforcements."
"Reinforcements my ass! They promised to give us new ships two days ago! Where are they, I ask?! Where?!"

"In the TV, they said that the situation is hard…"
"Screw the media! They are lying to you! How many men do you think we lost?!"
"Don't scream, please."
"HOW MANY ARE THEY TELLING YOU?!"
"They said our forces lost only about three hundred thousand."
"Like hell they did! I think they divided this number by at least TEN!"

"It can't be that bad…"

"We're lacking everything! Torpedoes, shells, fuel, even our Marines and pilots report lack of everything! For the last three weeks, we've been eating nothing but rice!"
"Don't worry, it's all gonna end soon. Earth is about to fall, they are on their last legs."
"I'VE BEEN HEARING THIS…FOR A MONTH! Earth won't fall easily! Stop watching the news and just think, mom!"

The intercepted conversation disappeared and was replaced by a video of more Laconian and even Varians.

"Why did you come here?"UNSA soldier asked.
"We don't know."Varian soldier replied.
"You don't?"
"We were told we're going to train."Laconian soldier said."That there were supposed to be unplanned maneuvers."

"And we were told we have to help in delivering humanitarian help to the Borderline."Varian added.
"Now this is ridiculous."Delilah said."You believe they didn't know where were they going?"
"There is such possibility."Ester said."I wouldn't be surprised if Laconians actually tried something like that."
"Lure them in with easy money, don't train and just send to the front."Norrine said."They did that back during Varian Civil War right after GGW."

"Yeah, I remember that."Kenya said.

"However, not everywhere is going as well."reader continued.

This time, the videos that appeared were said to come from Earth. On them, everyone could see crowds of people with flags, either those of United Nations, one of Human alliances or single nations, protesting in the streets of the cities. These protests were clearly peaceful, but even then, shots could be heard coming from Laconian occupation forces. Other videos showed straight up riots on the streets, with rioters exchanging fire with Laconias. There were also videos showing regular forces that still fought in the defense of Human homeworld.

"Fuckers."Ester said, tightening her fist.

Norrine put a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry. One day, we will return and take back Earth."she said.

"I don't doubt it."colonel admitted."But I just…"
She couldn't find anything else to say.

Meanwhile, the news now turned to different subjects, like the economic toll the war was taking on the entire galaxy, the goods and energy prices rising and what will come out of it. But this wasn't as interesting as the news from the frontline.

"I wonder what's Aqi doing right now?"Ester asked out loud.

"I bet she's hard at work."Elsa said."She's the leader of Tertan Protectorate after all."
"True. I just hope she's not overworking herself."

"You can only hope."Delilah summed up.

July 1

23:11

Uioron, New Terta, Teuron System, Tertan Protectorate

Aquexymeva Nequxorop stood in front of a window overlooking Uioron, capital city of the planet and the Tertan Protectorate. Rain was falling, as everyone went on with their daily business. Looking at all this, it was hard to believe that war was raging across the galaxy. But it was the fact. Galactic Concordance was waging war against all of free galaxy, laying siege to Earth and Nashina, while Tertan soldiers gave their lives in fight to stop them. And considering the current state of the Tertan race, every lost member of their specie was a great tragedy.
"Um, chancellor?"

Aqi turned around and saw Piria, her assistant, standing in the door to the office, looking nervous.
"What is it?"chancellor asked.
"Your guests are here."

"Thank you, let them in."

Piria nodded and backed off, letting the two guests enter.

Firs of them was general Ytus Norper. A hero of the chaos that ensued after the destruction of Tertan System, and a seasoned veteran of many campaigns, who still served in the new Tertan Armed Forces. He was promoted to the chief of staff of TAF, so now, he was the highest ranking military officer in Tertan Protectorate.

Second was the Commissar for Foreign Affairs, Sitiet Qerei, also a seasoned politician, who held his role back during the rule of her father. Although being suspected of cooperating with president Nequxorop in secretly allying with Holy Order during the GGW, but all charges were overthrown. Luck would have it, that when Tertan System was destroyed, he was on a diplomatic mission to Earth. Since then, he helped to shape the future of the Protectorate in the alliance with UNSA and helping Aqi pave the way for new, brighter future for the Tertan people.
"Sit down, gentlemen."Aquexymeva said.

The two sat on the chairs in front of the desk, while chancellor sat behind it.

"Good that you came."she said.
"Always when you call, sir."Norper replied.

Aqi smiled.
"Ytus, we know each other since I went to the War Academy. Let's not be this formal, right?"
"Of course, Aqi."general nodded.

"If you say so."Sitiet agreed.
"So, why did you need us?"

"I would like to hear what you have to say about the current situation instead of waiting for your paper reports. It's always better to hear it first-hand."

The two looked at each other and nodded. Ytus began:
"If that is the case, then I can say, that the situation seems to be turning around. The latest counteroffensive partaken by Chakdrik and Human forces managed to throw out Concordance's fleets out of their space. It was even easier than expected."
"Him them where they don't expect."chancellor stated.
"Exactly."general agreed.

Except of good organization and preparation, there was another thing that led to the success of the counteroffensive: misinformation campaign. For the past few weeks, all media across the allied space were talking about the planned counteroffensive within Nashini space. All officials were ordered to keep their mouths shut about the reality of the plan, while intelligence services listened to the Concordance communicates. And after a time, it was confirmed that Laconians are moving their forces from other fronts to Nashinian space. Of course, it did put a bigger pressure on Nashini forces, but some reinforcements from UNSA and Tertan Protectorate helped them in holding the line. Meanwhile, secretly, much larger UNSA fleets moved in Chakdrik space, alongside some Shakayan forces. With Laconian forces occupied in Nashinian space, the counteroffensive was launched and completely surprised Concordance was unable to do anything and just like that, allied forces retaken large area of space.

Nobody knew how will Laconians respond to that, but it was certain, that acts of terror on still occupied territories and on contested planets and systems, attacks on civilian targets were going to increase. But sometimes, you have to pay the price to achieve your goal.

"Laconias were so surprised, that they almost didn't put up a fight. There were losses on our side, yes, but not as big as on the enemy's end."general continued."They won't recover quickly after that."

"Serves them right."Sitiet stated.
"Agreed."Aqi nodded."And what about the corridor?"

Smile disappeared from general's face.

"The one that connects Sol and Angier to the Concordance's territory?"he said."As of now, we can't do anything about it. Our forces are too occupied and the corridor itself is too well defended. Even though enemy was hit pretty hard, they still pose a threat we need to control. They're maniacs. Who knows, what will they come up with."
"True. Not to mention, that they put taking Earth on the top of their priorities list."chancellor summed up.
"That's also true."

Next, she looked at Sitiet.

"And how is it going on the diplomatic front?"she asked.
"As much as expected."commissar replied."I called numerous leaders or heads of governments of other countries and they all in all said much the same."
"Which is?"

"That they condemn Concordance's aggression and will do anything to resolve this conflict as quickly as possible."
"Hm. Good luck with that."Norper murmured.
Aqi sighed. It was pretty much as expected. The nations that were not allied with either UNSA or Laconia decided to just stay away from the actual fighting and just try and resolve everything peacefully. But she doubted, that it will work in case of this specific conflict. It was clear as day.
"And Gragonians called."

Chancellor groaned. Tertans didn't hold the dragon-like specie in high regards, considering their way of thinking about the universe as just a way to earn some gold. As Humans put it: 'If a dragon had to choose between golden ship and a ship made for battle during a fight, they would choose the gold'.

"What do they want?"she asked.
"They wanted us to give them some of our MLRSs. They want to send their troops and help in our further operations."
"Finally."Norper stated.

As allies of UNSA, Gragonians joined the war against Galactic Concordance. However, their partition in the war was special. Although declaring the war on the enemy, they didn't move their forces to help the rest of the allies in their defensive and offensive efforts. They explained all that with, as they said, 'logistical difficulties'. No one bought that. It was clear, that although being allies and honoring the alliance, they waited to see how everything will turn out. If the Concordance started winning, they would probably try and make a deal with them. But now, as allies started actually punishing the enemy for their decision, Gragonians finally decided to move and join the battle. They didn't have the military power of Laconia or UNSA, but all help was welcome in the fight.

"At least they will do something."Aqi said.
"Can't argue with that."Sitiet agreed.

"What do you say?"general asked."We're giving them these launchers?"

Chancellor rubbed her chin before nodding.
"Why not? We won't lose anything, we can easily replace them."A smile appeared on her face."But they won't get them for free. Charge them thrice the unit price for each one."
"That can be done."Ytus nodded.
"Alright, let's end shit-talking the dragons. Is there anything else?"

The two shifted in their chairs. They looked at each other, as if they were searching for something to say. Aqi squinted her eyes.
"What is it?"she asked slowly.
"There is a situation…"Ytus said.
"In Hadadrian space…"Sitiet continued.
"What's going on there?"
"Well…"

July 1

23:46

Er're System, Hadadrian space

Er're System was one of the least populated star systems under the jurisdiction of Hadadrian Commonwealth. It wasn't big, it only had three small planets, all rocky, orbiting a pulsar. Due to the proximity of the star to the planets, all settlements that existed were built underground, what wasn't a problem for Hadadrians, which excelled at building underground settlements considering that part of their planet was so hot and hellish, that they just had to do.

It was also one of the systems, which were close to the borders of Hadadrian Commonwealth, which touched the Unknown Regions. Before the end of the Great Galactic War, it was the main reason so few people came to live here. Nobody knew then, what was the deal with the Unknown Regions and what might linger there, so it was not the best spot for settling. But with the emergence of races and nation states of UR, it became less scary and now, the pulsar was the main reason for low settling. And because Unknown Regions were too focused on bickering between each other, nobody feared any hostile action from them.

Until now.

Fleet of over one hundred thirty ships was making it's way through the system. They were of various shapes, sizes and designs. From smallest Corvettes, to a contingent of five massive Super Carriers, they passed through the system, seemingly unopposed. And although all of them came from various countries and species, today and now, they were fighting under a single, unified banner.

The banner of Treaty of Hurgura.

Commanding this fleet, was admiral Chandugwo, from Grand Duchy of Seiun. Or rather, formerly of the Duchy's Navy. He spent majority of his life serving his country, even when it was under the rule of Holy Order. But then, he was just a captain of a Frigate and was garrisoned near Seiunian homeworld. He rose to the rank of admiral during numerous battles with Grand Duchy's enemies after the fall of HO. These battles were not often provoked by said enemies, but that was just a detail.

When he was visited by his mentor, high admiral Junerokio and proposed to join him in Plan Starlight, he agreed without a second thought. Seeing how corrupt and decadent did Seiun become, he decided that he would do anything to bring back glory to his people. Even if it meant to take part in a coup aimed at overthrowing the government and killing the Grand Duke. Surprisingly, it all worked.

Not long after, Treaty of Hurgura was created and all Unknown Regions armies became a single, powerful armed force. He was than informed that secretly, ToH made a deal with Laconian Republic and the rest of Galactic Concordance. The plan was to break through Hadadrian Commonwealth and some other states and strike UNSA and it's allies from the back. What was going to be, at least theoretically, pretty easy.

The reason everyone thought like that, were the five Super Carriers, which used to be the pride of Seiunian fleet. Not to mention, that it were Seiunians who upgraded the Super Laser, a weapon mounted on Olympus Mons-class Super Carriers used by HO and which were capable to destroy even Hadadrian Super Battleship built from Genran Tungsten. HO Super Carriers might have been gone, but the Super Laser technology was still in their hands.

That's why Hadadrian Super Battleships guarding the border were so easily taken care of.

Chandugwo sat in his captain's chair, watching the holograms of the system and Hadadrian space. It was clear, that enemy already knew that they were coming and will try to stop them. Who knew, maybe they will also receive help from the allies?
"Let them try."Chandugwo whispered.
"What was that, admiral?"his First Officer asked.
"Nothing."he replied."How is the situation in the fleet?"
"Everything according to plan. No unrest and men are itching for battle."
"Didn't they like what we did with these border guard forces?"
"They thought it was too fast."
"No wonder. They did not expect that to happen."
"True."

Right then, several red dots popped out on the hologram of the system. They were placed near the orbit of the third planet of the system. Admiral knew what this meant.

"Speak of the griz."he said.
"Enemy fleet detected."radar officer declared."Eighteen enemy vessels. The data indicates on five Hadadria-class Super Battleships. Seven Morion the Great-class Super Battleships. Seven Porolia-class Super Battleships. Wedge formation. There are also some military space stations in their vicinity."

Chundugwo quickly searched for the said classes of ships in the databank. Soon, three holograms appeared to his side, presenting said vessels. As it turned out, it was true, that in Hadadria, all military ships were classified as Super Battleships, no matter the size. Porolia-class was the smallest, Frigate sized. Next was Morion the Great-class, similar in size to a Destroyer. Only the Hadadria-class seemed to fit the term of Super Battleship. But while the previous two ship classes were relatively new, the last one was ancient in current era. Possibly these were some quickly gathered, provincial forces.
"It's just a rag tag force."FO said."What are your orders, admiral?"

Admiral just snorted.
"You said the crews are waiting for a fight? So I guess, that we should give them some fighting, if they want it so much."
FO nodded.

"Direct us towards the planet."he said to the navigator."We have a tougher battle ahead of us."
"Aye, aye, sir."the navigator replied.

The order was then relayed tot he rest of the fleet, which immediately entered the coordinates to their computers. Soon, the whole fleet jumped towards the Hadadrian fleet gathering over the planet.

Two hours later, they left the system, leaving behind massacred Hadadrian ships, stations and a large part of the planet below.

July 2

01:32

Golden Harbor, asteroid BX-97-34, former Viricon sphere of influence

BX-97-34 was one of many asteroids circling in the Viricon space. But there was one thing that made her stand out. Specifically, it was a place, where Golden Harbor, one of the biggest and well guarded Viricon Empire's fleet bases were located. Doubling as a harbor and a listening post, it was a place used by Viricons to listen on their vassal states and make sure that they aren't conspiring against their overlords. And if some kind of rebellious activity was detected, a fleet could be immediately dispatched to eliminate it. The name of the outpost came from the fact, that the material used to build it, was some kind of gold-colored metal that could be found in one of Viricon's vassal states.

But the time when Golden Harbor was in the hands of Viricon Empire ended with the end of Great Galactic War. More precisely, when a super advanced computer virus designed by greatest computer specialists and hackers of the time was introduced to the Viricon systems and reached the de facto leader of the Empire, Main Unit. Unprepared for something so powerful Main Unit and it's code were annihilated overnight, as well as thousands of years of Viricon history. This meant, that the true origin of the machine specie, one of the greatest mysteries of Milky Way, would forever stay a mystery.

Following that, Viricons not only stopped being influenced by the Main Unit, but turned from machines with a hive mind into sentient machines. Shocked and trying to figure out their new situation, Viricons were unable to stop what happened next. Hearing about what happened, vassal states of Viricon Empire saw their chance. Turning on surprised Viricons, they started slaughtering the newly sentient machines and slowly, they fought a freedom for themselves. Ring Independence War, called like that because Viricon vassals surrounded the empire like a ring, ended with a treaty that allowed the vassals to decide for themselves.

Since then, the Viricon Empire, now renamed to Viricon Republic, started trying to reastablish diplomatic ties with the rest of the galaxy, with mixed results. Many races still remembered atrocities committed by Viricon forces during numerous wars and the explanation that it was all fault of the Main Unit didn't help them.

Golden Harbor was abandoned early into Ring Independence War. Viricons decided it would be no use for them anymore, so there was no reason to leave a garrison there. And of course, other people used that to their advantage.

Pirates and mercenaries.

They took the base almost immediately after it was abandoned. Numerous pirate and mercenary vessels came and anchored in the harbor, while pirate listening crews listened to the news about merchant ships and freighters passing by and giving them to the guests, which then proceeded to, or at least try, rob them. It was a known fact and many international missions aimed to destroy the outpost were sent. With no results, because as it turned out, that when their bases are in danger, pirates can really support each other.

And this was the place in which general Zack Lioni, head of Laconian Intelligence Service, found himself. He walked through the gold-colored corridors, passing by various bars and other tabernacles. All around him, pirates and mercenaries were living their best lives, singing, drinking, eating and beating each other half to death. Like in classic pirate stories his mother read him when he was young.

"Scum of the earth."he thought."But useful. At least for now."

Normally, he would not lower himself to coming to places like these. But this time, he was supposed to meet someone. At least he wasn't alone. He took several Marines with himself, who were undercover, just like him, and were walking several meters behind him with weapons hidden. So if something went South, he had a way to get out of here.

He continued his way, until he reached a side corridor. He stopped and looked around, making sure that his Marines are close. They were. He noticed several in the crowd. They all nodded towards him.

Lioni turned into the side corridor and approached the door at it's end. He knocked on the metal and waited for something to happen.

After a short second, a plate was moved away, revealing a hole from which a single, blue, glowing, robotic eye was looking.

"Who goes there?"robotic voice asked.
"A friend."Lioni replied with a smile.
"I don't recognize you."
"I was supposed to meet with your boss. Ask her."

The hole closed and he heard mechanical sounds behind the door. He stood there for a few seconds, until he heard the mechanical sounds again. The hole opened again and the blue eye looked at him.
"You can enter."he said.
"Thank you for your cooperation."general said, blinking.

Machine closed the hole and soon, sound of scraping was heard, when the door was unlocked. Next, the metal door was opened and Lioni saw the Viricon Der-Type Command Platform, one of many types of bodies used by the Viricons. It was pretty skinny and certainly not designed for combat.

Unlike two bulky, but still normally sized, for human standards, Pol-Type Combat Platforms, with plasma riffles instead of right arms, which stood on both sides of the door. They looked at him with single eyes glowing yellow, what was a way they said that they will keep an eye on him.

"Don't worry guys, I won't stay for long."Lioni said.

"We will see."one of Pol-Types said.

General just turned and looked at the Der-Type.

"Admiral awaits."Command Platform said.
"Lead then."

Machine nodded it's single-eyes head and turned around. Next, it went deeper into corridor. As he walked, Lioni looked around. The corridor had numerous doors, each probably leading to a room full of Viricon crewmates. And if something went wrong, he was sure, that all of them will make sure he won't make it out alive.

"Well, Marines won't help me now. Let's hope everything goes as planned."

Command Platform led him down the corridor, until they entered another big room, identical to the one behind the door he came in through, with another pair of Pol-Types guarding another door. They also looked at him with yellow eyes.

Der-Type stood in front of the door.

"Admiral is behind these door."he said.

"Thanks."Lioni said shortly.

He made his way towards the door and grabbed the handle. It was at this point that he started wondering, why a civilization full of machines would need door handles? Everything should be automatic.
"Who am I to judge?"he thought.

He opened the door and entered the room, while the door behind him closed. He looked around. The only source of light was a small lamp on the ceiling and for some reason, everything seemed to be covered by cigarette smoke, although machines didn't smoke.
"Didn't expect to see you personally come here."a feminine sounding, robotic voice said.

General looked towards the owner of the voice, who sat at the desk, which was the only piece of furniture in the room. A yellow eye narrowed, as it's shutters moved. Lioni didn't even flinch. In contacts with Viricons, it was best to not show fear. For some reason, they enjoyed seeing it.

"It wasn't easy."Lioni said."I had to pull some strings."
"Knowing your occupation, it doesn't surprise me. But I expected you to send someone in your place. Knowing that you're so important and shit."
"I just want to make sure that everything goes as planned on my own."

Mechanical hand emerged from the darkness and pointed at a chair on the other side of the desk.
"Take a sit."It sounded more like an order than a proposition.

Zack complied.

"It's really hard to reach you, you know that?"he said.

"Yes, I made sure of it."

"And I'm honored you wanted to meet with me."

His interlocutor leaned out of the shadows and into the light from the lamp over the desk. Now, except of a yellow eyes, Lioni saw the head of Uio-Type Leader Platform, a type of body reserved for higher echelons of Viricon military and political figures. It was used by both generals and other commanders in the field, as well as Viricon ambassadors in other countries. Lately, it was also being used by Presidents of Viricon Republic. It was probably the least numerical type of body used by Viricons.

"You're still using the Uio-Type body?"Lioni asked, smirking."Not something more suitable for your profession?"

"I was built with it. It's my legacy."

"I didn't know that the great admiral Shigir cared about something like that."He giggled.

Admiral Shigir, former commander in Viricon Empire's Navy and now a freelancer mercenary, narrowed her eye's veil even more. Lioni could swear, that he saw a glimpse of red in it, but the color quickly changed back to yellow.

"I didn't let you come for a chat, Lioni."Shigir hissed."What do you want, fleshling?"

Lioni smirked. It was a slur used by Viricons to describe organic creatures. It originated from the Main Unit, but it seemed that it just stayed and was still in use.

"You heard about the war?"he finally asked.
"Who didn't?"admiral replied with clear scorn."You've been tearing each other to shreds for over a month now. And from what I heard, you're not doing too good. Chakdrik counteroffensive, anyone?"
Zack couldn't deny it, she almost made him explode. But he held his temper.

"Minor inconvenience."he said."And speaking of the Chakdrik. That's why I came here, actually."
"Oh, really?"Admiral leaned back into the shadows."I'm all hearing receptors then."

General smiled.
"We would like to repay these giant bugs for this whole counteroffensive they made. And we want to make sure, that with that, they will be out of the war."he explained.
"But what does it have to do with me?"

"And for that, we want your ship to join us."

"What, you're trying to repeat Shakaya? Good luck."

"But aren't you in command of Morning Star? The biggest and most advanced Viricon vessel ever designed?"

Morning Star was a Viricon secret project, planned to one of many ships of it's class, rivaling the HO Super Carriers. It was over eight kilometers long, two kilometers high and had enough firepower to burn the surface of a middle-sized planet. If these ships went into service before the end of the war, God only knew how much damage would they make on the Resistance forces. But the luck would have it, that when Shigir was still under the influence of Main Unit, she was assigned as the commander of the ship.

When the Calamity Virus destroyed the Main Unit and after being held back for the entirety of the Ring Independence War due to the risk of being destroyed, Shigir resigned from the service in the new Viricon Republican Navy and took Morning Star with her and held her admiral rank. Of course, main military headquarters on Viria didn't know about it until two days after the ship left the port. Since then, Shigir and her crew served as mercenaries and pirates, working for the ones that paid the most. And considering her equipment, her services weren't cheap.

"Yes, I do. What about it?"Shigir asked.
"We want you to be in charge of a task force tasked with attacking Chakdria. We want you to 'deal' with this giant bug nest."general answered."So they know, that nobody can unlawfully attack Laconian forces liberating fascist infested galaxy."

Shigir processed these words. According to the data she possessed, it was Laconia and her allies who acted as the ones who use this 'fascism' ideology. But she wasn't gonna say it loudly. It was true, that she would never let an occasion for some carnage to go by. She loved seeing and hearing the suffering of fleshlings. They were weak due to being made out of some meat, so they deserved to die, unless they paid her well.

Speaking of which, there was one thing they needed to discuss, if Galactic Concordance wanted her help.

"Money."she said."How much are you willing to pay for our services?"
"A lot."Lioni replied.
"How much exactly?"
"The Transfer should already be on your account. Check for yourself."

Admiral went silent for a minute, as she searched through the cyberspace and tried to reach her bank account. Lioni waited silently. Truth be told, he was a bit unsure what will she say. If the payment was sufficient or not. If not, then all his time and money would be wasted. There was no way Shigir would give this money back.

But after some time, Shigir spoke again. This time, her eye, which was yellow through the whole conversation, changed to blue. He eye's veil also widened.
"When does the mission start?"she simply asked.

XXX

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