AN: Please read NOTE1 and NOTE4 at the end of the chapter before you start reading the chapter to avoid confusion.
Chapter 7: Galactic Declarations
Citadel, Presidium
Councilor Valern's office
If the Salarian representative to the galaxy was asked to describe in one word how he was doing, he would say 'tragically'. He felt like he was failing in his post as Councilor as he was reading a report from the STG regarding Relay 314 and Shanxi. It was sent by one of the teams dispatched there. On his desk was also a message from Atelas Razea, said message must have also reached Tevos and Sparatus by now.
He had elected Kaevus as the CO of the Turian fleet specifically to deter Desolas from shooting and waste lives. But the very moment it turned into a boarding and ground operation, Desolas had seniority and the captains of the ships followed his word. Now he was going once more over the STG report before heading to the private chambers of the Council where he called for a private meeting.
…
Report on Relay 314 developments
Written by STG agent Itant Lanis
After the activation of Relay 314, we made contact with a new species at first, and the Quarians shortly after. The species was identified as Human [other names: Humanity, Mankind, Human Race]. We were able to recover a body from the station in orbit of the planet after it self-destructed. As obvious from the attached files, they are a bipedal species with astounding physical resemblance to an Asari. The specimen we retrieved is supposed male. They are very resilient, all-rounded species from preliminary observations. Individual is very muscular, they may actively do physical exercises to improve and maintain physique on par with a trained Drell assassin if not even stronger.
Interaction with this species so far showed us that they formed an alliance with the Migrant Fleet. Noteworthy that one of their officers referred to them as the Quarian Republic during a conversation with General Desolas. Their government or regulating body is called the Systems Alliance. The same officer shouted in its final moments of life a slogan, a battle cry, 'For Earth and Her Colonies', before insulting the Turians and destroying the station. This is suggesting that their homeworld is a planet called Earth and it may have more than one colony.
They are very territorial and protective. They showed more than respectable military prowess in the space engagement and during the Turian assault of the sole city of their colony. The few pieces of intact technology recovered from the battlefields are a nightmare to temper with. These Humans took paranoia to a new level when safeguarding their technology, by implementing failsafe mechanisms so it wouldn't be reverse engineered or used against them by somebody who doesn't understand it.
It is too early to draw a conclusion on their level of development without further data. Their mastery of ground warfare (including types of vehicles spotted on the field of battle that are very reminiscent of pre-spaceflight civilizations) suggests that they might have recently left their home planet. But this is contradicted by the level of technology employed: advanced ship-board armor plating, advanced magnetic [not mass!] accelerators up to the point where they were miniaturized into a firearm, possible energy shielding as observed in the case of the station which is actually a small port in orbit with weapons. The lack of consistent Eezo readings on their ships suggests they might be using it just recently or were taught by the Quarians. They were even able to detect our stealth ships as seen in the same dialogue. The means on how they did it is yet to be determined.
We are already looking into the possibility that they might originate from the interstellar neighborhood of Relay 314's pair on this side.
Another very important thing is that the Humans told General Desolas that it is against their rules to open Relays, to stop intruding on their space and to vacate the system and wait for diplomatic meetings on two occasions, once at Relay 314, and once in orbit of the colony. Proceeding to further ignore their warnings [it is possible that the Migrant Fleet taught them that opening a Mass Relay is bad; General Desolas is very suspicious of this] and first contact protocols, the Turian forces triggered a war. One of their ships escaped by means yet unknown [they left the same type of radiation in their wake as detected during SPECTRE Vasir's investigation] and the Humans and Quarians might be back to retake their colony. The Quarian frigates [which were later on cross-referenced and identified as the Vayya and Xuwal] seemed to have been upgraded and refitted with new armor plating and better kinetic barriers.
It is this agent's advice that diplomatic channels be opened with the Humans and Quarians before it escalates into a war of greater proportions. We are dealing with too many unknown variables to push forward with this conflict. We've already estimated at least 2,000 Turian casualties with an unknown number of wounded.
…
As he got up, Valern made sure to take the data pad with him. His mind kept going over numerous scenarios. What if the Humans were advanced enough and had many colonies under their banner? What if they were merely uplifted by the Quarians? And what were the Quarians' goals? Were they rebuilding and colonizing somewhere far away where the Council wouldn't have looked for them? Were they gearing for an attack against the galaxy or were they simply looking to settle down and live their lives after 300 years of exodus?
These were questions that he wanted answered badly. And he was now sure that the Migrant Fleet – or Quarian Republic – would retaliate against this attack, with their newly found friends in tow. But he also considered the fact that the Admiralty Board might have painted the Citadel Council in a very poor image to the Humans. If they even mentioned the Council to them. This would further add to the difficulties they'd have when dealing with them, be it just to settle this peacefully or try to reign them into the Citadel species.
Valern finally reached the private chambers with two Salarian bodyguards following him a meter behind. He dismissed the two and went inside alone. There was Tevos sitting on a couch and seemingly doing nothing but waiting.
"Councilor Valern," she acknowledged his presence.
"Greetings, Councilor Tevos. I trust Councilor Sparatus will join us, won't he?"
"He should be here. Not like his personal office or apartment are far from here."
In that moment the doors opened and their Turian colleague walked in. He seemed troubled or angry about something. Sparatus saluted the two present before assuming a rigid stance, not sitting down.
"Ah, Councilor Sparatus, you arrived. Good, let us get started. We have a very important matter to resolve," Valern said.
"What is it? Why did you call this emergency meeting?" Sparatus asked.
"To that I'm curious myself," Tevos said and switched her attention to Valern.
The Salarian began pacing ever so regularly in front of the two. "Have you received the message from Atelas Razea, the Asari commanding officer of the Citadel fleet sent to support the Turian fleet at Relay 314?"
Tevos shook her head. "No, what message?" her soft voice inquired.
"Yes, I'm curious myself. What are you talking about, Valern?"
Valern frowned. "How could you not have received it? It was specifically sent for the eyes of the Council before anything else. Are you sure you have no new pending message?" he asked, to which the Turian and Asari checked their omnitools and shook their heads in a disapproving manner.
Now Valern was starting to get suspicious. The messages that were forwarded to the Council went through a secure node on the Citadel itself. From there, they were diverted on a secure channel through C-Sec anti-hack secured servers before going to the Council chambers and/or their personal electronic addresses. What almost everybody did not know was the fact that the STG kept tabs on that secure node. It was, after all, STG sponsored personnel that worked to maintain it. Other destinations from that node connected to Palaven, Sur'Kesh and Thessia. It never hurt to put the best suited people in charge of maintaining that node and spy at the same time on your friends, keep as many variables known.
And it was from there that Valern got the message from Atelas, diverted by the STG to his personal address. It worked like a charm so far. And it came very handy now. Valern made a mental note to investigate further later on how the two didn't get Atelas' message.
"To synthesize it, General Desolas might have started a war with a new species and the Quarians at the same time," Valern casually stated.
"They- He- War!?" came from Tevos who lost her words for a moment. "New species? War?"
"What are you telling us, the fleets found a new species with the Migrant Fleet?" Sparatus asked.
"Indeed. But it would seem the Migrant Fleet is no more," Valern remarked.
"What happened to them?" Tevos asked.
"I like where this is g-" Sparatus began when he was cut off by Valern.
"There's the Quarian Republic, though."
"WHAT?!" he bellowed.
"While I am more than eager to hear what else you know, Valern, I'm very surprised. A republican Quarian system? Tell us more."
"Yes, tell us where they are so we can crush them before they crush us!"
"Councilor Sparatus, you might want to hear this before you proceed with belligerent thoughts," Valern cautioned. "Atelas Razea stated that past Relay 314 resides a species known as Humanity. Their ruling body is called the Systems Alliance and engaged in very friendly ties with the Quarian people. They warned us not to intrude on their space and that opening a Relay is against their laws. Of course, General Desolas assumed seniority when the STG found a colony in the system with Relay 314's pair.
He ignored first contact protocols, ordered the Quarians present there to stand down and submit to Council authority. Who we assume to be the commanding officer of these humans told the General, with not so friendly words, to retreat and wait for diplomats to arrive. This triggered the hostilities and the Turian forces are invading the colony to secure the choke point that became of the Shanxi-Relay 314 corridor and a staging area for further military operations against the Quarians and Humans," Valern said. "Atelas' fleet was instructed to stay in reserve for now."
Sparatus smirked beneath his stoic mask. "It was inevitable. This Council agreed that action must be taken to secure Citadel space from possible aggressions from the Quarians. They are enemies of the Council since the Eezo mine incident that also involved the Elcor."
"This is not right. We specifically told Arterius to refrain from violence. These Humans offered diplomatic solutions and he denied them. We can't let this bloodshed go on needlessly like this," Tevos pointed out while dangerously eyeing Sparatus.
"I agree," Valern said.
"Hold on a moment," Sparatus said with a hand up. "There's something I'd like to know. How come we never got that message but you did?"
Valern stared at him for a second. "I do not know. I was surprised you did not get it. We will take measures after this session to solve the issue."
"There's been nothing wrong with the communications so far and we suddenly don't receive a message regarding one of the most important operations started by the Council in recent history, from one of the highest ranking officers of the operation, and you are the only one to receive that message? You vehemently opposed this whole thing. How can we know that this isn't you trying to undermine the operation of General Arterius and Admirals Kaevus and Razea?" Sparatus asked.
'So this is how it is,' Valern thought to himself. He could only hope to deny the STG kept tabs on every message circulating on official levels and push for an investigation into the disappearance of the other two's messages.
"I don't know how it happened, but I'm more than willing to have somebody look into this, find the cause and fix it," Valern said.
Sparatus wasn't convinced. "I find it very hard to believe it, Councilor. I start to believe that your goals are not so much in line with the best interests of the Council."
"Are you trying to deflect this, Councilor Sparatus?" Valern asked. "My goals are to keep this galaxy from ripping itself apart in turmoil and war, and secure the future of everybody under the Citadel's banner. Yours are ever so more belligerent," he retorted.
"Stop it. Both of you," Tevos said as she stood up and put herself between the two. "We will look into the issue of communications. And we will do something about the conflict that has arisen at Relay 314."
"Yes, least more lives are lost. We don't know about the civilian and military casualties on the Human and Quarian side. But there are at least 2,000 Turians dead according to the preliminary STG report," Valern said and steered the topic back.
"Two thousand!? How is this possible!? To primitives and suit rats no less!?"
"We don't know how primitive they are. Better not to judge them, least we underestimate them and regret it in the end."
"We must subdue them!"
"I advise against it. We must send an envoy as soon as possible and order Desolas to stand down."
"How can you say that? They are harboring and actively protecting self-declared enemies of the Council, by extension of their actions before they vanished. They should've submitted the authority of those who know better! These primitives are a threat as large as the Quarians. Spirits know what lies the suit rats fed them about us. They might have even been uplifted to fight us and that colony was in the process of being fortified as a possible staging point for invasions!"
"We don't know enough to conclude that. Your biased views are hindering your judgment."
"I'll show you 'biased'… The Turian colony of Magna and other military outposts along the Traverse border are in danger of being attacked! If we lose all those outposts and early warning posts, pirate hordes from the Traverse will pour into Turian and Salarian space!"
"Yes, they are a good target if they retaliate. That's why we should defuse the situation before it is too late."
Tevos was massaging her right temple as the two argued. "Councilors!" she said with raised voice to get their attention. "I agree the Quarians past actions are of concern. And I agree we must do something about it. But we can't allow this kind of aggressions go unsanctioned against a new species to the galactic scene, a people who might have been caught in the middle. We're not going to pursue a war with anyone right now. The recent fleet movements have put most of the Terminus powers in alert. It could spill a war with the lawless systems if they decide to do a preemptive strike on us. We must settle this peacefully."
Sparatus scoffed. "Preemptive strike by the Terminus…"
Tevos gave him a stare that silenced him. "As I said, we will deal with it with diplomacy. War is the very last resort. We will dispatch a diplomatic envoy and formulate a new set of orders for General Desolas. He will pull his forces out of there and stop this killing."
"We're submitting to suit rats and primitives!" Sparatus said with anger. "Where's your pride!? Where's your sense?"
"I second Tevos' proposal," Valern says.
"Then we are in agreement by outvoting the Turian Hierarchy's Councilor by 2 to 1," Tevos said. "I also recommend that we inform our governments of this immediately."
Sparatus left the room angry. When he knew he was in the clear, he sent a message to the head of C-Sec.
[Pallin, your men screwed up! Valern's onto us. Cover your steps and see where and how that message got leaked to him. You have a mole.]
Earth, Brussels
Bunker under the Parliament Palace
Inside the bunker reserved for emergency situations and meetings of utmost importance were the highest ranking people within the Alliance whose concerns were of military nature. Jack Harper was missing. He had left in a hurry with his agents for the AIC HQ on Earth where he'd coordinate his subordinates to deal with the current crisis. Hackett would bet his money he had already sent out one of the AIC's stealth corvettes to Shanxi.
The stealth corvettes operated by the AIC was of small sizes. Just over 100 meters in length, these jewels of stealth technology incorporated the newest systems that would turn the ship invisible to sensors and attempt to fool the eye. 'Attempt' because the disruptive camouflage wouldn't hide the ship from somebody within 200 meters or so. A person could spot the light shimmering created by the camo when it is engaged to imitate the background of outer space.
The AIC used it for domestic espionage and to scout for pirate bases up until first contact. Since then, Harper put them to better use and kept an eye on New Rannoch. Now they'd be deployed ahead of the Navy's stealth frigates and destroyers to gather intelligence on the situation that was developing at Shanxi.
Hackett was waiting for any updates from Harper. Inside the conference and briefing room of the bunker there were President Kevin Montgomery, Marshal Ney Casiade and General Vlad Singh with a few aides who were taking notes and advising when they had an idea.
"What do we have? What's going on?" Montgomery asked.
"So far only what the Black Swan provided us with. We're fortunate the frigate's engineers were able to repair its FTL drive as fast as they did and didn't lose any more time. The Council, the same one mentioned by the Quarians, somehow traced them to Relay 314. How they did it, I have no idea. It took them a few months, but they did it somehow," stated Hackett. "They opened Relay 314 and came through. A corvette that went through the other side never returned. Its fate is presumed destroyed and crew KIA/MIA. According to the dialogue between Captain Ronald Taylor and this General Desolas Arterius, the Council mounted up an operation to find the Quarians and have them submit to the Council's authority. He ordered the eviction of Quarians from Shanxi, have their ships submitted to boarding parties and inspection committees and God knows what else they have in mind.
They have been told by Captain Taylor multiple times that they're encroaching on space of a sovereign power that is outside their jurisdiction and they still kept their argument high. He said that they're here to make sure the Quarians are no longer a threat," Hackett finished.
"Could it be related to that incident we heard about? With that Eezo deposit? The Admiralty Board stated that the Turians were the ones to blow up one of their mining ships or something," Ney said.
"They both have their stories and would uphold their side of the story. The truth is somewhere in between. To be frank, we could actually house declared enemies of the Council…" a political aide said.
"I don't think the Quarians would have taken that kind of leap of faith. They were terribly low on resources at the time. It makes sense to shoot if they were shot at, but not to shoot first. It would have easily spilled their Flotilla's death," was Hackett's argument.
"The fact that this Council and the Turians took so long to react tells me that they have something to hide. If they were so sure the Quarians fired first they would have taken steps sometime sooner. Probably before they left known space. Their hesitation is dubious at best," clarified Kevin.
"Maybe some influential political figure grew a conscience and held the belligerent figures in check?" asked Vlad.
"We don't know the full picture. Maybe nobody does," somebody else said.
"That doesn't matter right now. What's important is the fact that the Turians, and by extension the Council, were offered the option to open diplomatic channels between the Alliance and the Citadel. The fact that their General refused them and attacked the colony of Shanxi is a clear act of war. I know that by law I'm the supreme commander or some bull of the Armed Forces, but I have little experience in that regard. Fleet Admiral, Marshal, General, when are we retaking our colony and how?" Kevin asked.
Hackett leaned forward. "I spoke with Fleet Command already and set things in motion. The Fast Reaction Fleet under the command of Admiral Kastanie Drescher has been notified and should depart for Shanxi within the hour. Her fleet is 200 strong. I've also ordered the Third Fleet commanded by Fleet Admiral Tadius Ahern [1] to mobilize. Elements of the Third Fleet will be at Shanxi not long after Drescher gets there. The only other independent unit that was ready to depart at a moment's notice is the 1st Heavy Recon Fleet under Averescu's command who should also leave for Shanxi from Reach," he said.
There was a Fleet Admiral for every major fleet within the Alliance, but Hackett was the chief of the Alliance Navy as instated by the President and his word could overwrite the others' of equal rank to his. He was the de facto leader of the Navy.
"I'm almost sorry for the Turians if Averescu is on his way there," a military staff officer commented.
"In short, we're looking at roughly 600 ships that will arrive at Shanxi in the following 4 to 6 hours, with the whole of the Third Fleet there in a few more hours," Hackett clarified. "The Third is 2,000 ships strong, they will hold Shanxi until we go on the offensive, which won't take long, I assure you."
"If we go on the offensive, won't that antagonize them even further?" Kevin asked.
"I know what you're thinking, President. Sue for a ceasefire as soon as possible and avoid further escalation. But we can't do that unless we want to look weak and invite further aggressions from this Council in the future. No. We will evict them off Shanxi, push them back through the Mass Relay, scatter their force and hit them on their home turf. Send a message that we aren't weak, that we aren't the primitives they're taking us for, and that we can hit them where it hurts them," Hackett countered. "If we sue for peace immediately after we secure Shanxi, we will be taken for a weak species with little military capability. That will only invite further aggressions from the Council and the Batarians."
Those in the room considered this in silence before they agreed with Hackett.
"Alright. We sue for peace after we show them we're not weaklings. And we show we won't take this fight to whole new levels," Kevin stated.
"If they are the ones to call us to the diplomatic table, then that's good for us," reiterated Hackett before turning his attention to Casiade and Singh. "Marshal, General, what forces are you dedicating to Shanxi? And what do we know about the Shanxi garrison for that matter?"
General of the Army Vlad Singh spoke next. "I'm mobilizing the Army already. Reservists are being called to arms and planetary garrisons are going into full alert. I've ordered Army Command to assemble a force to garrison Shanxi and be capable to conduct expeditionary operations in enemy territory. Mechanized units, tank units, infantry, artillery… everything. We'll just need the ships to transport them."
"We have more than enough transport ships."
"The Shanxi garrison is composed of a tank battalion with support vehicles such as APCs, IFVs, SPAAGs and SPGs, and 3,000 infantrymen. There was also the 501st Marine Regiment who was temporarily assigned with garrison duties while on their training tour on Shanxi. The CO is Brigadier General Karl Dietrich, good man."
"As for the Marines," started Marshal of the Marine Corps Ney Casiade, "I'm sending the 5th Marine Shock Division under the command of Major General Joachim Williams as an immediate relief force. Normally, the division is 15,000 strong, but with the 501st already fighting on Shanxi… I can't tell. If they're still there and haven't been bombed from orbit…"
"What idiot would bomb the only source of information on a new enemy from orbit? They're surely groundside, fighting our defenses," Vlad said.
"The 501st is part of the 5th?"
"Yes. The 5th Marine Shock Division is formed of 5 regiments. The 501st and 502nd are normal Marine infantry regiments. The 503rd and 504th are heavy regiments with Paladin mechanized troops manned by Smart AIs and heavy assault troops. The 505th is an assault pioneer regiment. They are all trained to storm groundside installations with lethal efficiency. Shock and awe. They are a shock division," explained Ney. "Williams will be there after Drescher clears a path for him to land. I've also ordered my officers to coordinate with Kahoku and have the Normandy reattached to the 1st HRF and get the N7 team aboard into the fight. They are new to the N7, but they have tremendous potential. I want them to see some action. More N7 teams will be sent to Shanxi."
"The Normandy and most of her crew had been given a short leave. They won't make it there in time. Give them a day for the crew to get back to their ship," said a Navy officer, to which Ney cursed.
Hackett sighed. "Mister President, when will you give a speech?" he asked.
"As soon as I can. I'm going to get the Alliance to declare war on the Council, and I'll sign that declaration. The fact that this alien General is acting under the orders of the Council means that they're directly responsible for his actions and condoning them if they haven't done shit to stop him, when offered diplomatic solutions by the officer in charge there. If one of your stealth ships can deliver this declaration to the Council, Hackett… I would be rather grateful."
"That is not a problem. All we need is one of their comm buoys, hack it and send a message through."
"Anything else, gentlemen?" Kevin asked after a few seconds of silence. "No? Alright, we all have our duties to attend to. Save Shanxi, gentlemen. The Alliance is relying on you. Humanity is relying on you," he reminded the military heads.
"For Earth and Her Colonies!" they all roared with a salute.
Aurora, Marine Base 'Fort Basilone'
5th Marine Shock Division
On the Alliance colony of Aurora was one of the largest Marine Corps bases in Alliance space. It was named after a famous US Marine of World War 2, the only enlisted Marine Medal of Honor recipient to return to combat and be killed on Iwo Jima, Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone.
Here was the 5th Marine Shock Division stationed with many other divisions. Within the Corps, the largest unit one could encounter was the division, with larger formations such as armies being formed in the field.
Major General Joachim Williams, grandfather of Chief Warrant Officer Ashley Williams, received the order of mobilization four hours ago and he kicked his subordinates into overdrive. Men and women, be it normal Human or Syntha-Human, that means Smart AI, were loading gear into the transport ships that were to take them to their ships and to Shanxi. In orbit were the SSV Mary Celeste and the SSV Astral Queen, troop transport ships that can accommodate the division at their length of 2,200 meters. They didn't need to worry about a long journey, for the journey to Shanxi wouldn't take more than a couple hours from Aurora.
The CO finished writing an email to his family that he's going to be deployed. He just hoped his niece would be alright at the end of this war that came to their shores. She's an N7, that means high risk missions if her team isn't deployed with the regulars groundside. He stood up from the chair and stretched his arms. For his age, Joachim was still kicking. He made sure to check he got everything before going outside.
Aurora's star, 11 Ursae as designated by the astronomers during the early exploratory era, was setting on Fort Basilone. The courtyard was bustling with activity. Williams gazed at the orange clouds that were painting a darker and darker sky. As he took the sight, he thought of the beauty that nature is. Were the defenders of Shanxi taking a moment to admire the scenery or were they so hard pressed they couldn't afford it? How many had died so far? And how many would die under his command? Any Colonel or General that wouldn't prefer to go into battle as a simple soldier wasn't fit for the post and rank he had. For otherwise a leader is pompous and doesn't care for his men.
He pushed aside that thought and walked towards the transport ship that will take him to the Astral Queen. Ahead was a crowd of women. Wives and mothers of military men most likely. They were kept back by a bunch of guards from entering the ship port area from the civilian district of the fort. When Williams got close to them, he was called by his name, much to his surprise.
"General Williams!" a woman's voice called his name.
Williams stopped dead in his tracks. He turned his face to the crowd of women, his long scar that went from the forehead, down his right eye and on his right cheek gave him the look of a veteran who fought some monster. He approached them.
"General Williams! What is going on? Where is my husband going? We deserve answers!" the same woman asked.
Williams recognized her, the wife of one of his officers. "Keep your TV open tonight, Laura. The President will give a speech. But to answer your question as concisely as possible, we're going to war." His reply sent a wave of silence across the crowd.
"War? With whom?" she asked.
"Aliens, Laura," Williams answered. Gasps filled the air. A column of Paladin mechs [C1] marched behind him and walked into the bay of a transport ship. "Aliens attacked Shanxi. We're going to retake the colony. Pray to God or whatever you believe in for a swift victory and help me bring all our boys and girls home," he told them before saluting, putting his Marine cap on his head and marching away.
A group of Marines started to sing a song that got everybody within the yard to sing along. [2]
Farewell, drum is beating, farewell brave man,
Gear strapped to your back, with rifle in hands,
We set sail for foreign lands.
Be it a sunny day, or a cloudy sky
Be it rain or snowing, we won't be shy!
Be it a sunny day, or a cloudy sky
Be it rain or snowing, we won't be shy!
.
Farewell, drum is beating, farewell brave man,
Gear strapped to your back, with rifle in hands,
We set sail for foreign lands.
Be it at parade, be it at war,
We'll be marching singing the songs of the Corps!
Be it at parade, be it at war,
We'll be marching singing the songs of the Corps!
.
Farewell, drum is beating, farewell brave man,
Gear strapped to your back, with rifle in hands,
We set sail for foreign lands.
May the flag shine, for him we live,
May the nation flourish, for her our lives we give!
May the flag shine, for him we live,
May the nation flourish, for her our lives we give!
'We're not the first nor the last to die for our Human nation,' Williams bitterly thought.
SSV Spirit of Fire, Officers' lounge
1st HRF, In orbit of Reach
The officers' lounge wasn't crowded. Actually, it was pretty easy in here. There were a few officers, AI and Human alike, relaxing and engaging in quiet conversations. The largest group was Averescu's. He was sitting at a table with his XO, Commander Natalia, and a few others. The CO didn't engage in their cards game, he was content to sit back and chat with them.
"If you're having fast and furious action in a battleship in World of Warships, something has gone seriously wrong!" Averescu said to the ironic amusement of those near him. They were talking about a game that only grew ever more popular since early 21st century – World of Warships. The game died and was revived two times along the years. And the thing with games like the one that was the topic here is that anybody with half a brain and no reflexes can play it, unlike the FPS games who are more popular with the youth.
"I absolutely hate the style battleships are supposed to be played in that game!" the navigations officer said. "I mean, you stay back and keep sniping. I like to go in, hard and brawl out."
"One day when you'll have your own Spirit-Class battleship and take her into battle like that. She's supposed to. Well… if the situation calls for it," Averescu clarified.
"So, what's about the talk that FLEETCOM is taking the Sun Tzu away?" Natalia asked.
"Yeah… the Alliance wants to commission a sixth fleet and a carrier is sort of waste of resources allocated to us now. Our fleet is waiting for new orders. Hell, they even want to take the Minerva from me. I expect the 1st HRF to be a sort of hit and run unit after we make contact with the other species out there. Or, as the name says, go in hard and flush out the enemy, do recon by force, blow them up and return home for tea and medals," he half-jokingly said.
Not a moment later, the officers' lounge intercom buzzed. Somebody picked the call and spoke a few words into it. After listening for two seconds, he called for Averescu.
"Admiral, sir, it's for you. The tactical officer."
Averescu stood up and made his way there.
"Averescu here," he said.
"Admiral, we've got a priority message from HIGHCOM and FLEETCOM. It was transmitted in the clear… sir," the tactical officer told him.
Averescu frowned. This wasn't something the Alliance would do without a very good reason. "Tell me more."
"'Attention all Alliance units, Council/Turian attack underway against the Human Systems Alliance and Quarian Republic. Shanxi is under siege. All units are to immediately mobilize. Highest level of readiness is mandatory.' That was from HIGHCOM. There's also the FLEETCOM message that was specifically sent for you, sir."
"Read it."
"Rear Admiral Leonard Averescu, SSV Spirit of Fire, 1st Heavy Reconnaissance Fleet. You are ordered to assist Admiral Drescher and the Fast Reaction Fleet to lift the siege on Shanxi immediately. The SSV Sun Tzu remains under your command for the time being. Depart as soon as possible."
"Alright, thanks. Get my ship and fleet into fighting order!."
"Aye, sir!"
Officers had gathered around him as he spoke to the tactical officer on the intercom.
"Admiral?"
He turned his attention to the small ring of people around him. "Gentlemen, ladies, report to your battle stations. We're going to war!"
QRBV Neema, Quarian Heavy Fleet
In orbit of New Rannoch
Admiral Han'Gerrel vas Neema was proudly standing on an observation deck on the flagship of the Quarian's Navy, the Quarian Republic Battle Vessel dreadnought Neema, and gazing at the beautiful sight offered by their newly colonized planet, New Rannoch, against the local star. To say that Gerrel's ego wasn't stroked beyond imagining after he got his toys upgraded by the Alliance would be a big lie.
With powerful new kinetic barriers, new avionics, reinforced Titanium-B plating and a more efficient power generation and distribution system, the dreadnought was a dangerous foe for any Council capital ship. Except the Destiny Ascension of the Asari Republics. No Quarian warship, even with the refit and upgrades, couldn't hope to hold long against the flagship of the Citadel fleets. After all, they were pretty old ships.
Gerrel knew that. He wanted a shipyard in orbit of New Rannoch as soon as possible to start building new ships. Maybe one day they'd retake Rannoch. To him New Rannoch was more of a staging point for a capital Quarian rearming and invasion of the Perseus Veil. It may take one, two, three or more generations, but Gerrel knew his people wouldn't forget about their homeworld.
Keelah se'lai, by the homeworld I hope to see someday. As long as the Quarians remembered this, Gerrel knew that Rannoch wouldn't stay forever out of their reach. And as his thoughts ran wild, his omnitool notified him he had an incoming call. Gerrel answered to it. It was Rael'Zorah.
"Greetings, Rael. What can I do for you?" Gerrel asked.
"Han'Gerrel, I bring urgent and dire news. The Council attacked a Human colony – Shanxi. The same colony that resides on the Alliance side of Relay 314," Rael stated.
"What!? How did they even find them? How did it happen?"
"I spoke to Ambassador Anita Goyle. She immediately came to me after a video conference with President Kevin. The Council somehow traced us to Relay 314 and came through the now activated Relay. They demanded the Quarian people's surrender to the Council and many bad things. General Desolas Arterius is leading the Turian and/or Council forces. It's a Turian fleet acting under Council orders. The Alliance will formally declare war on the Citadel Council within 24 hours. Representative Koris has agreed to formulate a declaration of war in accordance with the military treaty we have signed with the Humans."
Gerrel stared at Rael for a moment. "And I'm learning this now? I'm the Admiral of the Heavy Fleet! I'm the leader of the military and I'm barely now informed of this? Nevermind… when's the Conclave meeting?"
"Only after Koris writes and signs the declaration of war. His status as Representative gives him a wider berth in emergency situations like this one."
"Alright. Has the Alliance ambassador told you anything about the military situation at their colony?" Gerrel asked, his military mind kicking in.
"She gave me the short version. The defense force in orbit was destroyed, our two frigates are now wrecks. The Turians made landfall and are in the process of, if not already done with it, conquering the colony. The Fast Reaction Fleet has been immediately sent to Shanxi and the Third Fleet. A Marine division is already departing for Shanxi. You will be contacted by the Alliance FLEETCOM in a very short amount of time to coordinate with them. That's all I have, Admiral Gerrel. Keelah se'lai," Rael said before closing the call to attend other duties that come up with the breaking of a war.
Gerrel cursed before hurrying to the bridge of the dreadnought. He was thinking about how many ships he will dedicate to the war effort. New Rannoch was safe so far from the front line. But he couldn't take chances. What if the Council pushed through Shanxi? He knew there was another Mass Relay 20LY from the colony, connecting Shanxi's stellar cluster with the rest of the Relay network in Alliance space. And the New Rannoch – Arcturus Relay was part of it. He had to keep a sizeable amount of ships here to defend New Rannoch. But he also knew that many ships on the front lines meant higher chances for victory.
He also knew that the Council didn't have knowledge beforehand about the Alliance and the new Quarian Navy. They must have allocated a smaller number of ships than healthy, thinking that the Migrant Fleet's old junk wouldn't be a match for their warships. If true, this gave them the advantage in the early stages of the conflict. If the Alliance makes use of their blitzkrieg tactic, they would be able to destroy many Council assets who are still oblivious to the war. Effectively destroy ships in port and take by surprise colonies, shipyards and fuel refineries. This would be a huge blow to the Council's war infrastructure.
Gerrel also cursed the Alliance Government for not allocating more resources to their military to fortify Shanxi. Hackett told him on one occasion that he's been trying to get the politicians to listen to him, but they thought they were safe, with the Council unaware of their existence. At least now Hackett would get the money to bolster the military.
No, he would split his ships 50-50 for now, until more details came from Hackett or anyone else within Alliance's FLEETCOM. Gerrel and the Quarians were marching to war. A war they never wanted.
Alliance News Network, Battlespace
Reporter Diana Allers
After the president's speech in front of the Parliament and the cameras, the ANN aired multiple news regarding the situation to the citizens. The next day, it switched to show a live feed from one of the ANN's war correspondents, Diana Allers, who was working at ANN's famous branch, Battlespace. Battlespace is a show that started shortly after Humanity formed the Systems Alliance and colonized its first worlds. It specialized on documentaries on military history, news about the Alliance Armed Forces' new ships, weapons and war machines, and promoting the image of the military. Battlespace was the one to document the fighting during the Insurrection on Kharak and Eternium, thus gaining popularity with the masses.
Diana Allers came on the screen in a blue uniform, specific of war correspondents. Her torso, upper legs and upper arms are protected by body armor, thin titanium plates with ceramics and a layer of Kevlar. Behind her, soldiers were embarking on Kodiak shuttles and troop transports. Judging by the color of their T-Kev armor suit, they are Army.
"Greetings to everybody who's watching us now! I'm Diana Allers, right now at Fort Hadrian on Reach. Behind me, you can see the soldiers of the 16th Reach Infantry Division, 4th Reach Army, embarking on ships and shuttles to leave for the front lines. Let us ask them what their thoughts are on this," Allers said and walked closer to the endless column of infantrymen. They were making hand gestures and waving at the camera as they marched into the troop transport.
"Where are you going, boys?" she asked them loudly, to project her voice over the sound of boots, military hardware being moved and ships taking off and landing.
"To kill aliens!"
"Headed to Shanxi! Wanna join us, miss?"
"Army, saving the Alliance from bad aliens!"
They all spoke with smiles on their faces, as visible through their helmets.
"I see morale's up. How so?" Allers asked them.
"We're going to kill aliens who killed fellow Humans and attacked us without any reason. I, for one, will pull the trigger with a smile on my face," somebody said.
"What if General Williams' 5th Marine Shock Division will already clear Shanxi of the Turians by the time you arrive?" Allers countered.
"Slow ass Marines? HAH!"
"If it's as you say, ma'am, then they'll be too tired to take their planets from them! We're the Army! Let's go, lads! Shanxi needs us!"
"Well, the soldiers are in high spirits. With this kind of morale, I wouldn't be surprised if we beat the aliens back to their home planet within weeks," Allers said facing the camera again. "The whole of Reach's 4th Army will be sent to Shanxi. The 4th includes two infantry divisions, one mechanized/armored infantry division, and four Apocalypse tank battalions, not counting SPGs and logistics."
And, on cue with what she said, an empty transport ship opened its bay's doors to swallow tanks one by one and ship them into the bigger ships of the Navy in orbit.
"Miss Allers, we're leaving without you!" a person shouted off-screen. Allers and the camera turned to see the pilot of a Kodiak shuttle waving at her. Inside the shuttle were a few of her colleagues.
"Ladies and gents, that's about it for now from me. Battlespace will be back when we reach Shanxi! Stay safe!" she said and saluted before running towards the shuttle. Her next transmission will be from the hotspot of the galaxy – the battlefields of Shanxi.
Palaven, Cipritine
Palaven Command HQ
Flavian Vakarian was a very busy and frustrated man right now. Palaven Command was in an uproar. They lost contact with the ships Fedorian allocated to the Council's operation of finding the Quarians. Then they lost contact with the colony of Magna and multiple outposts along the Traverse border. Turian listening posts, deep space outposts and small garrisons along went dark. And Flavian was sure he knew all too well who was behind it.
That was why he pressed Primarch Fedorian for a private meeting. Initially Fedorian dismissed him on the excuse that he had too much work to do for private meetings. To be fair, he didn't meet anyone in his office since the eerie silence settled on several communication lines. But Fedorian finally decided to hear Flavian out. That was why they were now in his office.
Fedorian stood straight on his feet, not even bothering to sit down. He wasn't expecting this to take long. Flavian on the other hand, shifted his weight against a massive wooden table.
"Alright Vakarian, what do you have that's so important and secret that needs no other eyes and ears around?" Fedorian asked. Flavian must have something for him. He was a no nonsense kind of man.
"Sir, I think I know who is responsible for the situation along the Citadel-Traverse border," Flavian said.
"And how do you know that?" Fedorian asked him.
Flavian moved his mandibles sideways for a bit while choosing his words. "Sir, do you remember the incident with CDF Frigate-07 where apparently nobody survived?"
"Yes."
"Well, my son, Garrus, was part of the crew. He survived. More like he was rescued as he possibly was the last surviving member of the crew at that point."
"Saved by who?"
"The same aliens that are attacking us, sir," Flavian said. Fedorian's eyes widened at that. "I will tell you everything I know."
"Do tell me, Vakarian. I'm very curious to also learn the reason why you didn't say something up until now…" Fedorian said.
"It started with a seemingly random pirate attack on a target of opportunity. The thing is that it wasn't as easy as that. I know this sounds like a conspiracy, sir, but hear me out. At best, it's a very dubious series of coincidences. And it revolves around Executor Pallin, head of C-Sec, and Councilor Sparatus," Flavian began.
"Sparatus!? How is he involved in this?" Fedorian asked.
"After the Council decided to send the few frigates C-Sec had under their jurisdiction, Garrus was assigned as security detail to Frigate-07 along with everybody who shared his opinion at C-Sec."
"What opinions?" Fedorian asked.
"Unpopular opinions with the Council. My son isn't a by the book man. He always did things his way, but he did them well. And he was among those at C-Sec who publicly criticized the Council, especially regarding very recent history. And if I learned something in my days as a detective on the Citadel, it is that the Council doesn't like it when somebody tells them or the folks that they aren't always right.
I don't know about the Salarians since their councilor changes ever so often, but Tevos has an ego so big I'm amazed she's containing it as well she's doing. And Sparatus… he changed a lot since the last time I met him in person, which was before he became the Hierarchy's councilor.
Garrus sent me everything he had on the incident after he woke up aboard the alien fleet's flagship. They are called Humans and one could easily be forgiven if they mistook a Human for an Asari, they resemble each other very, very much. The Humans hacked the pirate cruiser's ship and downloaded everything. My son's ship was ordered not to deviate from the given course. The pirate ship had the frigate's course for two months and a list of the whole crew. There were orders to kill every single crew member. And every 'bad' C-Sec officer was assigned to that frigate…"
"Are you telling me that Pallin turned traitor?" Fedorian asked.
Flavian nodded. "I'm sure of it. I went to the Citadel on a short vacation to investigate my son's claims. No lead. Every loose end was tied. Pallin and Sparatus covered their tracks very well. They're both involved. Pallin is more like the middle man and Sparatus is the brains behind this whole thing."
"Any proof, Vakarian? Accusing the Hierarchy's representative on the Council isn't something that you do without proof," Fedorian pointed out.
"Nothing that could be taken for more than a very interesting series of coincidences. This wouldn't hold in a court. I tried to investigate more into it and keep it low until I find something in order not to raise alarms and alert the guilty ones. I wanted to tell you, sir. But then this happened, with General Desolas starting a war most likely."
Fedorian sighed. "Vakarian, you're not making my life easier."
"I don't choose the truth, sir. I just try to find it and advise you based on it. The Humans took in the Quarians and are in friendly ties with each other. The Council's operation stumbled upon a Human colony and triggered a war somehow. Garrus told me that the Humans are friendly and that they took good care of him after he was shot by pirates. I strongly suggest that we notify the Council and already send ahead a diplomatic envoy to secure a ceasefire."
"That's the Council's job, Flavian. First contact is conducted by Asari primarily."
"I know, sir. But the Council believes that they can take their merry time with it. It might spill more harm until they decide to do something about it. And with Sparatus there, I highly doubt the chances they'll do something peaceful. He has a grudge on the Quarians and that will only hinder his better judgment. It's only a matter of time until the STG provides them the information. Primarch, Desolas was at the forefront of this. One or two Turians started this madness, let it be a Turian who ends it. Send a diplomatic envoy to Relay 314 broadcasting a message in the clear to make it clear they aren't combatants…"
Fedorian looked at Flavian and considered what his advisor just said. "Alright, Vakarian. I'm sending a diplomatic envoy ahead of the Council. Meanwhile, I won't be sitting idle. We will mobilize the fleets and troops. A powerful enough force will be on standby to retake Magna and Relay 314 if this doesn't work out. I'm taking responsibility for it if the Council starts bitching about it. And Flavian?"
"Yes?"
"Send me everything your son gave you. We will clear it later on how he sent it to you. Don't think that such a vital question would elude me."
"I'll send you all I have. And I don't know, sir. I simply woke up to see the massage there. It came through the extranet with an anonymous sender."
"Good work, Flavian. Let's do what we can to avoid a war. For none other than soldiers know the value of peace."
Citadel, Presidium
Council Private Chambers
"What is going on?" Tevos asked as she burst into the private conference room of the Council with her personal aide in tow. Valern and Sparatus were talking with their aides.
"The Primarch notified me that what I feared is happening. The primitives from Relay 314 are striking back! We've lost all contact with Desolas and there's no word from Atelas so far. I'm fearing the worst and assuming that both fleets have been lost," Sparatus said. "Then we lost contact with the colony of Magna and other military outposts on the Turian – Salarian – Traverse border. If you had listened to me this would not have happened!"
"The STG teams also stopped reporting in. I assume the ships were either destroyed or captured. The teams are presumed missing in action or killed," Valern stated.
"Goddess! How did this happen!? I thought we ordered General Desolas and Admiral Eudorian to stand down and offer a diplomatic solution to this," Tevos said.
"They are brutish primitives and suit rats! What did you expect, Tevos?" Sparatus asked. "They were able to destroy at least 500 modern warships. We must mobilize everything we have to stop them!"
"What's Ambassador Irissa's status?" Tevos asked.
"She's still on the Citadel making preparations to leave for Relay 314," an aide said.
Things went so bad, so quick. The Council never expected the Quarians and Humans to react so quickly to the situation that developed at Relay 314 and Shanxi. Even less a counterattack that cut off a colony and caused incursions into Council space. The fate of Magna was unknown. It could have come under a siege and ground attacks or bombarded from orbit.
"If General Desolas wouldn't have refused talks between the Council and the Humans, this would not have happened, Councilor Sparatus. You appointed a General just as belligerent as you have become recently! Desolas wasn't like this, his record speaks for him. What did you do to turn him into a brutish leader?" Valern accused.
"You Salarian bastard, you dare accuse-" [3]
"SILENCE!" Tevos shouted. "I am tired of you two arguing like this in the past few weeks. What is wrong with you? We are supposed to work together, keep this galaxy united. And all you two know is to argue…"
Valern gave Sparatus a glare filled with suspicion. He couldn't hold it against the Turians for what a Councilor was doing. Or what he thought he was doing. Valern made a mental note to have a talk with the two SPECTRES he trusted the most sometime soon, Nihlus Kryik and Jondum Bau.
Before anyone could say anything, an Asari and a Salarian, part of the Council's staff, came in with two data pads.
"Councilors!" the Asari, maiden most likely, said. "We have a major development."
"What development?" Sparatus asked.
The Salarian pressed a few holographic buttons on his omnitool before answering the Turian. "A virus took over almost every civilian display and advertise panel connected to the extranet. Now they're broadcasting a video you might want to see."
The Asari handed them two data pads, both had a message written in the three Council species' primary languages.
Tevos took a data pad. She had a look at it. It had a menu with the words 'Asari', 'Turian' and 'Salarian'. She pressed on 'Asari' and a document replaced the small list. There was a seal in the form of a planet held by what she guessed to be the upwards spanning wings of a red bird without a head, the planet standing between the wings. There was also a circular writing spanning on the wings, written in an unrecognizable language 'AD ASTRA PER ASPERA'. On the right corner was another seal. It was the symbol of the Alliance Armed Forces. [4]
Valern and Sparatus stood by her side, a way of telling Tevos to read it aloud. And she did.
…
TO THE CITADEL COUNCIL
DECLARATION OF WAR
This document is a formal declaration of war by the Human Systems Alliance, the representative body of Humanity, of Earth and all Her Colonies, on the governing body known as the Citadel Council as voted by the Systems Alliance Parliament in light of the Turian attack on the colony of Shanxi; Turian forces who were acting under the Council's orders to subjugate the Quarian people.
The Systems Alliance acknowledges that a state of war existed between the Citadel Council on one side, and the Systems Alliance and the Quarian Republic on the other, as consequence of General Desolas Arterius' actions on the day of 28th of June 2180 at the Human colony of Shanxi.
The Systems Alliance also acknowledges that the unwarranted and deliberate attack on Alliance and Quarian assets and citizens at Shanxi and Relay 314 is the Citadel Council's way of declaring war on us.
As of today to the day a ceasefire is signed, there exists a state of war between the Human Systems Alliance and the tyrannical and oppressive body known as the Citadel Council (Asari Republics, Salarian Union, Turian Hierarchy).
PRESIDENT OF THE SYSTEMS ALLIANCE, Kevin Montgomery
…
The three Councilors found themselves staring at the data pad dumbfounded. A new species just declared war on the three most powerful organizations in the galaxy and explicitly stated that the Council was the aggressor, as perceived by them through Desolas' actions at Relay 314 and Shanxi. And Tevos knew they were right. Desolas' deeds reflected on the Council and vice versa.
"The primitives dare declare war on us, huh? They are brave, I'll give them that," Sparatus muttered.
"What does the other data pad have for us?" Valern asked.
Tevos switched the first pad for the second one and read it.
…
TO THE CITADEL COUNCIL
For too long has the Quarian people suffered due to your action and inaction along our long exodus. You refused to help us during the Geth Rebellions. You kicked us off the Citadel in turn and denied us colonization rights to any planet. Then you treated us like vagrants and thieves. You even went as far as to punish those who took pity on us. Now you are demanding we submit to your authority, your tyrannical authority, for trying to leave you alone and mind our own business.
No more! As of today, the Quarians rise up against your barbarism. We will drive you off our space and secure our future as a free people and a sovereign entity as the Quarian Republic. When General Desolas Arterius and the fleet you sent to subjugate us destroyed the frigates Vayya and Xuwal, a state of war existed between us.
We will stand by our Human allies who gave us hope when we had next to none to spare. They gave us a new home and showed us more kindness in three months than you showed us in three centuries. Citadel Council as represented by Councilors Tevos of the Asari Republics, Valern of the Salarian Union, and Sparatus of the Turian Hierarchy, consider this document a formal declaration of war; as ratified by the Conclave.
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE QUARIAN REPUBLIC, Zaal'Koris
…
Yet again, the three were dumbfounded. They had absolutely no idea what's been going on for the whole time with the Migrant Fleet. Now they had two declarations of war on their hands.
"There is also the vid, Councilors," the Salarian said.
Valern was thinking faster than ever before. Sparatus was angry. Tevos was shocked.
"Show it to us," Valern said.
"Please keep in mind that this was seen by the whole Citadel," he said and pressed a few keys. A holographic display materialized from his omnitool.
On a podium stood a being. Valern wasn't as shocked as Tevos, for he has seen a picture of a Human in the STG report. Tevos had her mouth covered by her right palm. The alien was in black and white clothing with a blue material going from his neck downwards. He was old, if Valern and Tevos guessed correctly. His face and body structure was a carbon copy of the Asari's. But he had a more defined face than the Asari. A more pronounced jaw line. His head was covered in hair of white color predominantly.
"President Kevin Montgomery," a loud voice said.
'So this is the man who signed the declaration of war,' Tevos thought to herself.
"Fellow citizens of the Alliance, Quarian friends and members of the Parliament. On June 28th Standard Earth Calendar, the Human Systems Alliance and the Quarian Republic came under deliberate and unprovoked attack from another alien civilization known as the Citadel Council," Kevin began the speech that crossed many light years.
"The recently established colony of Shanxi was invaded by a Turian fleet of 498 ships under the command of one General Desolas Arterius, acting under orders from the Citadel Council. The same Council that condemned the Quarian people to a certain and slow death among the stars. Now they have come to our shores and demanded us we deport our friends and allies to this barbaric regime for crimes they MIGHT commit.
Despite the fact that the commanding officer of the Shanxi Defense Force offered the commanding officer of the alien fleet a diplomatic resolution, he smacked the hand of diplomacy and opened fire on our ships and, most likely, invaded Shanxi.
I come before the Parliament today to ask my fellow Humans to formally declare war on this Citadel Council for their transgressions against the Systems Alliance. Our military is already taking measures to halt any further incursions into Human space and to retake Shanxi from the brutes that are smearing its soil.
Make no mistake! The Council sees us as primitives, fit to be reigned under their tyrannical regime, focused solely on their own species and neglecting the races who have embassies and a status of 'client races'. We are long past the days of feudalism, but they are not. They think we'll bend the knee and become a subservient race to their hegemonic empire. They think that they can take our freedom and prosperity.
We will show to the whole galaxy that Humanity will never bend the knee to anybody! Nobody can rule us, but ourselves! Nobody can restrict our rights and liberties and live happily ever after! The galaxy will burn to ashes before Humanity BOWS TO ANYBODY!" Kevin said and received a big wave of applause and cheers.
"WAR IT SHALL BE!" some people said off screen.
"Citadel Council," Kevin said as he turned his attention to a secondary camera to his left, "if you are watching this, know that you have bitten more than you can chew on. We are not a warmongering people, but we know war better than anybody. We want to live in harmony with every race out there, but we will not forgive such acts as you undertook against us and our friends. We wanted to come to you in hopes of forging a mutually beneficial relationship. But you showed your colors and you brought death and destruction to our shores. If you believe that we will silently go into the night, you are sorely mistaken. Pray to whatever deity you believe in for mercy. For we will have none!"
"Goddess…"
CODEX UPDATE:
[C1] PALADIN MECH
Manufactured by ASIMO Robotics in cooperation with Cyber Spark, the Paladin is a heavy mech in use with the Alliance Marine Corps predominantly. They are manned by a Smart AI, with a man operated version in fewer numbers due to the shortcomings of the latter.
The Paladin is 2.5 meters to 3 meters tall, height adjustable depending on the situation. They boast heavy armor and shields as protection and are very resilient. Their sensor array is top of the line and can detect anything that's a threat within visual or hearing range.
They are armed with a triple barreled 7.62mm caliber Gatling gun mounted in their right arm, with the possibility of folding the gun backwards to reveal a hand for increased mobility (i.e. climbing). Their left arm has a free hand that can operate an oversized knife in conjuncture with a wrist-mounted 40mm launcher. The launcher has a limited supply of grenades and shaped charges against light armor. The back of the Paladin can fit an 81mm mortar and act as mobile small caliber artillery; or an ATGM rocket launcher to counter heavy armor.
The role of the Paladins is mostly to coordinate with shock troopers and/or standard infantry and form shock units that can assault and take enemy positions and installations with brutal efficiency. The Council races and even the Reapers came to respect the Paladins after seeing what it can do on the field of battle.
AN: Thank you all for your support. Already more than 200 people who have this story as a favorite and nearly 300 followers. I thank you all! Please tell me what you believe about this chapter in PMs or reviews. How do you feel about Humanity's and the Citadel's reactions? Let me know your opinions through feedback.
NOTE1: These are the events that happen during the second day on Shanxi and immediately after, as you will see. Worry not, I'm not skipping over the second half of the fighting. It's a small 'twitch' I made to it, so to say. Otherwise it would have been a 18k or 20k chapter. I want to keep the chapters somewhere between 10k and 12k in word count, but I seem to write longer and longer chapters every time. 'Ch 8 – Shanxi II' will show how the battle happened and ended. I had to split Ch 7 into two chapters to keep it within the self-imposed norm.
NOTE2: Somebody in the reviews said that they won't read the Shanxi fighting due to it being an iteration of other versions on this page. I respect that, it's your choice. But if you miss something, or something related to the fighting on Shanxi doesn't make sense later on… please don't get angry or start ranting that I don't make sense. I hope it won't be the case, though :D
NOTE3: Guys and girls! It's a bloody fanfic. I don't feel like I need to clarify every minute detail pertaining to the evolution of Earth's inhabitants, Humanity. Small details like 'ASIMO is a series of robots, not a company' can be overlooked. Yes, I explicitly took the name from the robot(s) called ASIMO in the timeline chapter. Think of it as another company that evolved from the 'parent' and is specializing in its field. I have to say, you're very observant when you notice small things like this, which is very good. But that ain't the end of the world :D
NOTE4: You can always track the status of the next chapter on my profile. I rate the status of progress in percentages. The percentage is proportionately allocated to the scenes I had in mind for said chapter and, as I write one or more scenes, I will update the status on my profile. Just so you know if you want to keep an eye out on the progress. Will add extra details if something comes up that delays the next chapter.
[1] Tadius Ahern is a character taken from the canon universe of Mass Effect and not an OC. According to the Wiki, when the events of Mass Effect 1 take place, he was in charge of Pinnacle Station.
[2] The song referenced there is an adaptation of a Romanian patriotic song to something bigger than a country. I edited the lyrics and got this. You may see more of these kind of songs in the future. I try to keep a narrow niche for patriotic songs I know pretty well and can adapt, but if you have suggestions feel free to submit. For an English version of the original, (if you are curious) you can go to the YouTube video named Drum Bun (Din Filmul "Pentru Patrie")(sub Ro, Eng) and jump to 1 minute and 53 seconds. Movie name: For the Homeland!. Historical movie about the 1877-1878 Russo-Ottoman War which gained Romania's independence (not that the Russians ever wanted to leave after the war was over, mind you).
[3] For those who might believe the Council is retarded and childish, it is not. It's going according to the plot :D I don't have a grudge on Sparatus, even if in canon he was a bastard. Those of you who know a few things might already guess what is happening. But it won't be until after things settle down a bit that I'll tell you through a character. If you have guesses, please don't spoil it for the other readers.
[4] I'm referring to the seal that appears on the Systems Alliance flag in my story. Same flag as you see in the story's picture here on FanFiction. The Armed Forces seal is the canon one from the games, with two arching hands and three stars below the arch.