Chapter 8

= place: Amare native system, November 20, 2179 =

After passing through the Zemi system, connecting with the Yoruba Union convoy, and reaching the Amare home system, they met a huge sight of almost 2,000 warships and hundreds of other ships, and many defense platforms, merchant stations, shipyards. Ships from every Amare allied country were visible. Alongside the Amare cruisers, there were frigates and corvettes from the Piresji Technocracy. Then they saw the Galmanian destroyers, which were very similar to the SDF ships, mostly those before first contact. Then another squadron of cruisers from Ethos, escorted by frigates from the Mazan States, began leading Coalition ships to the largest shipyard, where the main command center was also located.

After undergoing the standard procedure, they made their way to the main operating room. The hall itself was a huge room with numerous screens, communication spaces, and other similar equipment. But what stood out most was the huge table in the center where the leaders of the alliance stood. The table displayed a map of the entire combat space they explored, with all fleets, bases, supply lines, ongoing battles and many other things related to the military status of all factions marked on it. After all the greetings and introductions, a strategic meeting began.

"As most know, our and our enemy's situation is very shaky." - said the commander from Ethos, who was also the commander-in-chief of the allied forces - "Both sides lost great amounts of ships, personnel and equipment, not to mention civilians. All our ships are already on the front lines and we no longer have any spare reserves, so is the Interstellar Alliance. But our economies are in better shape than theirs, thanks largely to the Rebels and the actions of the Technocracy Piresia ships. Normally it would have been enough to wait and we would have gained an advantage at the front with time, but there were two problems."

Then he projected a holographic image of a huge insect firing acid over the table. - "As you know, those creatures that have been used as a kind of slave infantry or biological weapon since the beginning of last month. Our new allies have identified them as Rachnii. An intelligent species of insectoids that attacked their races in the past. We know that they are extremely resistant to all conditions, and their attacks on our bases always ended with our retreat and bombing by ships. However, the situation has changed."

Again, the display changed to show the planet. It showed three main landmasses(continents) and two huge archipelagos of islands. One landmass was between two archipelagos, and the other two masses were close to each other, even touching at one point, accounting for a kind of isthmus of about 26 km long and 121 km wide, if the translator had counted the units correctly.

"This is the planet Axanar. A colony of Ethos focusing on tourism and agriculture, serving as the main place from which we export food to all nearby worlds. And this-" - Suddenly, on one of the continents, connected by an isthmus, a large red stain appeared, which occupied about 3/4 of the entire continent. - "-is an area the Rachni have taken over. We only hold the southern part of the continent and the isthmus, but all the rest is in their hands. At the same time, in orbit, the full SUS fleet and the Beldel fleet attacked and succeeded in taking an orbital advantage over the area. Before we could get an answer, they had multiple rocket launchers capable of attacking space targets set on the planet. Our own guns to attack orbital targets are ready for any approach. In addition, large numbers of civilians were not evacuated from these areas. Each approach to the position for orbital bombardment results in great losses. It is obvious that a great number of ships and troops will be needed to regain the colony. But we don't have that option."

Then they nodded, and the Piresia Technocracy commander walked over and changed the image to pictures showing the enormous fleet of ships and the great base that is the main stronghold of the Interstellar Alliance.

"Recently, our intelligence has acquired information about the upcoming Interstellar Alliance strike fleet. The main operational base is their main fortress, which will most certainly participate in the battle. The estimated number of ships is 3,000 different warships in total, and another 3,000 patrol ships and some 2,000 transport ships. As you know, the total number of ships they currently have is estimated at 35,000 to 40,000, and they deploy 8,000 for this offensive. That is at least 20% of all their ships. Their target is Amare."

The Ethos commander stepped in again. - "As you know, Amare is the homeworld of Amare Monarch as well as our main base from which we route all deliveries to the front. Additionally, it has one of the largest shipbuilding industries in the alliance and is the only place where Amare Battleship can be manufactured. Therefore, knowing the enemy's plans, we decided to set a trap for them here and gradually expand our defense capabilities. But it requires abandoning Axanar, which is suspicious, especially since the report of our new allies has certainly reached Interstellar Alliance headquarters by now, and the abandonment of Axanar will trigger waves of hunger in many neighboring systems. We, therefore, propose to send half of the current Geth fleet, along with all the land forces, to Axanar. Our analysts recognize that there should be enough units to contain Rachnii while keeping a large number of our forces in the system."

"This is a logical solution but leaves a problem with the number of ships in the system. There are not enough of them to successfully fight such an advantage of the enemy. " - said the Geth Platform.

"Reinforcements keep pouring in and the spies keep us informed of our position. In addition, we know more or less the date of arrival of the enemy armada." - the Mazan States commander said calmly.

"But that still leaves the question of getting to gather the enough amount of ships to fight them." - Kodai said.

"Unfortunately, all estimates are clear." - said the commander from Amare - "Even with your help, we will be able to assemble a maximum of 2,400 warships and 2,800 patrol ships. Even counting our defense platforms, they will still have an advantage. Especially with this Super Fortress. But we have the element of surprise, the strong defensive position, and time to prepare. The chances are even."

"So you're betting everything on one card." - Quarian officer said.

"This war has been going on too long." - the Mazan States commander said, -"I don't know what your last conflict was, but our economies are already on the verge of collapse."

"We understand." - Kodai said - "But we and the Quarians are only observers, and we can only help you with the ships we have, and only if it is a direct threat to the ower nations. It all depends on the Geths."

"Given your current situation, we agree to this plan." - Geth said - "Our ships will go to Axanar within 3 hours."

= place: Interstellar Alliance Super Fortress =

Two admirals, one from Beldel, the other from the Furides, were strolling through the corridor, discussing current events.

"What do you think about this new offensive?" - Admiral form Beldel asked.

"You know like me, Barik, that it's put everything on one card." - Admiral form Furide replied.

"Furlin, I'm not asking for reality, I'm asking for your opinion." - Barik said.

"We have no other options." - Furlin said - "Our combined fleet is about 20% to 25% greater in total ships, and likewise for only warships, excluding Rebels. But the attacks of masked Pires ships and Rebels make their shipbuilding and repair capabilities better than ours, and we have to stretch our fleet much more. In addition, many planets are on the verge of open rebellion, especially the races conquered by the Boral and SUS. Add in the technological advantage in a large number of areas and the enemy is gaining an advantage over us. That's why we have to win some victory and a big one. Taking over the home planet of one of the members of the enemy alliance, additionally being the main supply base, and taking over his huge shipyards may even ensure their capitulation. Especially after the demonstration of the power of our mobile fortress."

Suddenly, a young officer from Beldel ran up, saluted, handed Barik a tablet-like device and walked away.

"Shit." - Barik said under his breath, after moving.

"What this time?" - Furlin asked.

"Our facility in system S67 was destroyed by an attack by Piersian ships."

"Unfortunately, it isn't first, and not last."

"Review the report carefully and you will find out how bad it is." - Barik said, handing the tablet to Furlin. There was a video in the report that showed a standard attack by Technocracy Piresi ships. First, a group of 3 corvettes de-cloak and fired 2 fusion torpedoes each, which destroyed 2 ships. They then began to withdraw from the battlefield, still not activating their cloaking devices, and 5 of the 12 remaining Baldel ships start chasing them, along with the compliment of the outpost's fighters. The fighters managed to catch up with the Piresian corvettes and damaged them. But at almost the same time, de-cloak 2 frigates that attacked the pursuing fighters with fusion torpedoes that exploded not after being hit, but after approaching a certain distance from the fighters, eliminating them from the fight, allowing the corvettes to escape via FTL. After that, the battle seemed to be over.

But another camera image showed another 3 corvettes and a new ship, judging by the design, also Piresian, which attacked the facility. The most surprising moment was when the new ship fired a beam of plasma, at least he assumed it was plasma,

that dealt massive damage to the facility, destroying its outer shell. Another torpedo salvo completely wiped out the outpost, and the Piresian ships quickly retreated. Then the movie ended.

"But how?" - Furlin asked, shocked - "It was a Plasma Beam Projector. The power it takes to make it work is immense. How could it be mounted on the ship."

"Initial scans show that this new ship is about 2 times longer and about 60% wider than previous models." - Barik said - "As far as firepower is concerned, it is probably greater than any other ship currently owned by any known race. But we are lacking accurate data. However, the report says that having 4, instead of two, wings are needed for the ship to use its cloaking device."

"It doesn't really comfort me." - Furlin said.

"Me too." - Barik said - "This gives another advantage to the enemy's arsenal. We'll probably see dozens of these ships at the front soon."

"So the war must be ended as soon as possible." - Furlin said - "This operation is really our last chance."

= place: Citadel =

"You are crazy if you think we can accept these peace terms!" - the Batarian ambassador has shouted. The next day when the Citadel Council tried to negotiate peace negotiations between humans and batarians was the same as it has always been.

"How many times do I have to repeat." - Ambassador Goyle said, increasingly irritated - "I warned you that if you don't agree to the first list of conditions, the next one will be even tougher."

"Even for the previous ones, Hegemony would never agree." - Batarian Ambassador replied.

"You can surely find a compromise." - Tevos said.

"No chance." - both ambassadors replied simultaneously.

"Give up, Tevos." - Sparatus said - "Their governments are too conflicted with each other, to reach any compromise."

"Maybe you weren't looking at the death toll, but it was over half a million. In two weeks." - Tevos replied.

"You can't stop them, Tevos." - Sparatus replied - "Unless you want to extend the conflict to the entire Citadel as well, in defense of the slavers who have invaded our colonies many times."

More and more information was constantly pouring into the council space about the batarian atrocities. This information significantly discouraged the public from giving any help to the Hegemony, and there was even a group that felt that support should be sent to the Humans. One thing was for sure. Humans information campaign to keep the Citadel off from getting involved, and was working very well.

"You've been lucky in this campaign, but you can't win in the war." - said the confident Batarian ambassador.

"And this is saying the ambassador of the country, which is one step away from the revolution." - Goyle replied.

"It's just a bunch of terrorists." - Ambassador Batarian replied.

"Is it terrorism, fight against a corrupt government for your freedom." - Goyle replied - "According to intelligence, this group consists of many different species that have been kidnapped by pirates hired by the Hegemons, and are therefore fighting against you. In other words, it's a problem you have made for yourselves."

Even Tevos had to admit that there was no way to end this conflict other than to completely obliterate one side's government. At least regardless of the outcome, the System Alliance will weaken, which will also weaken the Arcturus Coalition, so whatever the outcome, the Council wins. Or at least in the short term. After taking over the Hegemony's territory, resources and infrastructure, the Arcturus Coalition could even gain an advantage over the Citadel Council. The prospect was more terrible for Tevos than the Krogan Rebellions and the Rachni Wars combined. But now her hands were tied. All she could do was wait for some reason to intervene.

Of course, there was a chance that the Hegemony would defeat the System Alliance, but that was very small. And even if the Batarians had managed to gain the upper hand, the Geths and the Quarians would certainly have helped the Humans at the last minute.

= place: Kustodian System, Gamilas Second Expeditionary Base =

The second base was a simple space station pulled through a gate and transported to the Kustodian system, which found a new element that the inhabitants of this galaxy called Element Zero, or Ezzo. Scientists began experimenting, but most of it was discovered by the scouting forces of the local species information network. At first, General Domel was amazed that any civilian and potential enemy had access to such important information. But upon further examination, he understood the reason. This information, although new to them, to local species has been known for over 2,000 years. In addition, all species here had either a powerful fleet or were in an alliance. Attempting to conquer them seemed impossible with his present strength. The most dangerous information for him was the size of their navies and the size of their ships. Suddenly the Gamilas Empire has become much smaller. In addition, this war between the 'terrons' and 'Khar'shons' has shown the true power of their ships. It is true that after the war with the Jirel Republic, which was now a vassal of the Gamilas Empire, technology improved, 'terrons' were able to reverse-engineer ancient Protheans and most likely Jireli.

Most analysts agreed on the situation. Hitting any of these weapons will most likely end up destroying the ship immediately. Especially the Thanix and Shock Cannons, but even the regular MassEffect cannons could penetrate the entire ship from the front to the engines with almost no problem. The long time in space meant that despite the relatively smaller territory, they had a greater economy.

However, there are a few pluses that can give Gamilas a significant advantage, such as their FTL or dimensional submarine drive. The best choice, for now, was to observe and expand the bridgehead, and the creation of kinetic barriers, or energy shields, became one of the most important points of their development here. But the most important thing was the use of Ezzo in metallurgy.

Preliminary studies and information have shown that by using this element in the formation of metal alloys, they can make the alloy several times more durable without increasing its weight or volume, which would be a huge advantage for the Gamilas Navy. The ability to strengthen the armor of their ships would greatly increase the survivability of their ship crews after taking a hit, which, combined with more advanced alloys than the species in this galaxy, would give them a significant advantage, at least in this area.

Leader Desler liked the preliminary results very much. He even agreed to send 600 supplies vessels with a full research team, instead of the initial 400, just to speed up the mining and research of these new technologies.
But bad news also came with the new ships. Gatlantis' raids intensified and widened. It seems that the base from which they launch their attacks is slowly moving towards the Milky Way galaxy, widening the front. Planners are trying to predict where the first Gatlantius ships may arrive, and it fell to the Elcor territories. He knew that, according to the latest information, they had significantly increased their navy like the rest of the galaxy, and their ships had received the reputation of the toughest in the galaxy, but against such an advantage of Gatlantis they simply had no chance. However, this will probably not be their main goal, they will not go straight to the Citadel and take it, conquering the local Species, stealing their technologies. Or at least that's what their plan probably is. Whether they succeed, or not, is another matter.

= place: Batarian Rebelion main base, November 21, 2179 =

"So the Hegemony is gearing up to attack System Alliance by Travers in 2 days?" - the Rebel leader asked from his office.

"Yes, they plan to take a large number of independent colonies along the way that trade with the Humans." - the intelligence officer replied - "We predict that they will reach Coalition territory some 5 days after the operation begins if they are in a hurry. 15 days if they methodically take over each colony."

"Good." - the leader said - "Offer the System Alliance this information in exchange for their VI. They are much better than ours and it is not their most important technology, which gives them the best chance that they will agree."

The Batarian leader calmly scanned the new report, displaying it on his Omni-tool, and continued - "Send a message to all cells in sectors bordering Travers and at least 3 relays from the front line to begin preparations for a full uprising. I want to send back as many ships as possible there without informing the Hegemony about it."

"And on what date should they prepare?" - the officer asked.

"As soon as System Alliance Mothball Fleet defeats the Hegemony fleet on Travers." - the leader replied.

"They really have Mothball fleet?!" - the shocked officer asked.

"And not a small one." - the leader replied - "Another intelligence unit passed this information on to us, along with some other interesting projects. Where did you think we got our energy weapons from? It's just a project rejected by them, and store somewhere in their database, as it's simply tactically worse than their current energy weapon. Could you please deliver over my orders now?"

"No, sir." - the officer replied and left.

The Rebel leader looked at his Omni-tool once more, scrolling through the reports. Of course, as soon as the SA declared war on the Hegemony, he ordered an increase in the number of raids on Hegemony targets. Different cells have had different successes, but new designs and technologies have proved to be extremely successful. All thanks to the manipulation of the higher castes, conveying information to the right people who have become allies. It was enough to obtain evidence against the Hegemony, show it to a person who lost a loved one in the attack, preferably an important or wealthy person, and you immediately have a few pieces of weapons, credits, ships, sometimes even access to a shipyard, or interesting technology. And now he was watching the fruits of his work and that of many of his subordinates, smiling.