CH: 9 Preparations


June 11th 11:24, Earth, Tokyo:


There was something special about watching one's child waddle towards them, chubby arms outstretched with a bright-eyed smile. Especially when they were saying, "Dada, dada." Over and over. At a little over one year and ten months old Ken Kaneki was a lively and energetic boy and was the treasure of his parents.

Smiling at his son Hidaki Kaneki pick the little toddler up, and twirled around. The boy released a cry of excitement as his body held firmly in his father's strong hands flew in the air and was suddenly caught in a tight embrace. Father's and son's faces nuzzled together in love.

Hidaki loved his son, he was one of the greatest things to have happened in his twenty-seven years of life. Between him and his lovely wife, he was a blessed man. It would be hard for him to them leave now.

"Fatherhood does suit you, you know." Said a familiar voice. Looking at his wife leaning on the doorframe that leads to the kitchen, and content smile on her face. Her kakugan looking at them with fondness.

Smiling back his wife the half-ghoul said. "It's been a joy seeing him grow up." He had been fortunate, while he was a Marine in the Federation, his unit being attached to the Sol fleet meant he was able to stay close to his family on Earth. But with the coming war against the Dragon Orphans, an enemy his family was all too familiar with, his unit was being reassigned to the forces that would bolster the Citadel forces. In all likelihood, he would not be able to see wife and child for months or even years, if ever. Being a part of a family that was known for its service to the Federation in the military or as politicians, he was used to seeing family members, his parents, in particular, coming and going for long periods of time. But even still it hurt to know that he was leaving and that there was a possibility that he never return.

"A joy?" She scoffed out with a laugh. "Your face practically lit up like a child's on Christmas day when little Ken said "dada". I say that's more than just a joy." But if it meant that his family would live on, he would make that sacrifice.

"Oh really?" He said a teasing tone in his voice. "I seem to remember a similar reaction when he said "mama" for the first time. If I remember correctly you almost dropped a very expensive piece of equipment in shock." The crimson blush he got was all he needed for him laugh.

It didn't help that at that moment little Ken reached his stubby arms out towards his mother saying, "Mama." A starry-eyed expression on his face, bringing a warm smile to the woman's face. She walked up to Hidaki and carefully the two parents transferred the young half-ghoul child into her arms, where she cradled the child. The child let a content sigh and began to snuggle into his mother's embrace.

"Case and point," Hidaki said with a smile seeing the way his wife was gazing at their child.

"Alright, I'll give you that." She said after a few moments. "I never thought that parenthood would suit me so well."

"Funny, from the moment I met you I thought you would make for a good mother."

"Oh really?' She began, shooting him a light-hearted glare. "Was this before or after my rosy personality came out?"

Hidaki chuckled at that memory.


Eight years ago:


"We are now docking with the freighter." Said the shuttle pilot.

Hidaki gulped nervously, this would be his first real firefight since coming out of boot camp over a month ago. The ship he was attached to the TFV. Thunder Child a Rhode Island class light Cruiser, had received a distress signal from a nearby freighter that was under attack by pirates. Following protocol, the cruiser and the rest of its escort intercepted and engaged the pirate forces. The pirate ships stood no chance against them and were wiped out in less than five minutes. Unfortunately, the pirates had managed to get several boarding parties on the freighter and refused to surrender to Federation forces.

In response his team and two others were being sent to neutralize them and if possible capture them. They estimated there were twenty enemy combatants to contend with, they believed it would be an easy assignment, but we're ready if things went south.

Looking over his gear, he felt the shuttle shudder as it docks with the freighter. "Alright, people this is it." His commanding officer began to speak. "The plan is simple. We go in and secure the main cargo hold, shooting any pirate that gets in our way. But be warned that the pirates may attempt to use the crew as hostages, so check your aim. Understood?"

"Sir, yes sir!"

"Good, then let's get going."

The moment shuttle doors opened and they stepped out into a small corridor, Hidaki could hear the sounds of gunfire echo through the ship. As he and his team made their way to the freighter's main cargo hold the sounds got louder and clearer. Next to him, a member of his squad commented. "Sounds some of the crew are putting up a fight."

Hidaki nodded in agreement, the other teams had been assigned with securing the command module and the engine room. None of them should be near the main cargo hold. "What should we do if we come across crewmen fighting the pirates, sir?" He questions his commanding officer.

He never got his answer, as the moment they rounded the corner they were met with a rain of bullets. Instinct taking over the four marines dove into cover. The team splitting in two, taking positions on either side of the corridor. The commanding officer and another marine on the right side, and Hidaki and another on the left. After the gunfire died down, he poke his head out to the corridor to get a better view of their opposition, out of the corner of his eye he saw the CO do the same.

He did so just in time to a beautiful young woman with short kept black hair, slide out from a corridor in front of them and shoot a pistol at a pair of pirates who quickly took cover, saying. "Die you ass fuckers." For the briefest moment, he was mesmerized and all he could think was 'beautiful.' Then reality reasserted itself and he pulled his head back to cover. Looking back to his CO he reported. "Two enemy contacts two corridors down from us, they look to be armed with civilian grade rifles, and a civ armed with an older pistol in the corridor in between. She is fighting the pirates."

"Safe to assume she's the one we heard fighting." The CO commented.

"What should we do?" The Marine next to him said.

"Simple we help her, and then continue our way to the main cargo hold." The man pulled out a small object. "Once this flash-bang goes off, I want you," he points to Hidaki than to the marine behind him (the CO), "and Belton to move in on the pirates and take cover where the civ is. Jackson and I will cover you. Questions" No reply. The CO pulls the pin on the flashbang and proceeds to toss it down the corridor.

Hidaki heard the object the floor with a loud clang and the noise of it rolling down the corridor. A second later he heard a loud bang followed by yelps of surprise. Not wasting time Hidaki sprung into the corridor and next to him he saw his squad-mate run beside him. To their surprise, one of the pirates had stumbled out into the corridor in a daze. The man never stood a chance as both marines gunned him down with their weapons, and he fell to the floor lifelessly. One down, one to go. Half a second later the Marines took cover in the same corridor as the woman was in. Catching a quick breath Hidaki turned to look at the woman. "Behind you!" He shouted at her.

"Huh? Ahh!" The woman's grunt of confusion quickly turned into a yelp. In a span of three seconds, Hidaki concludes two things. One the woman was around his age, and two the pirate was a dead man.

"Got you, bit-" The man's slur was cut short as a light blue Bikaku tore through him, spraying the wall and ceiling with his blood. With a loud gurgle, he went limb, and a moment later his body slumps to the floor as the woman retracted her kagune. Her Kakugan still flashing with anger the woman kicks the corpse into the opposite wall.

"That's what you get asshole." She shouted. If it were possible a fly could have flown into Hidaki's gaping mouth. This woman had just killed a man without batting an eye. She turned her attention to the Marines a glare still present on her face. For a second Hidaki flinched at the intensity of the glare before he regained control of himself. A flash of recognition appears on her expression as she looked over the Marines. Her glare lessened but was still present. "What are you asswipes looking at? Don't you have a job to do?" She spat out.

As if on cue the last remaining pirate decides to fire his rifle down the corridor, likely in a desperate bid to stay alive. Hidaki quickly poked out from cover, aimed, and fired and a moment later the pirate dropped dead next to his partner. Three down and about seventeen to ago.

The woman looked rather pleased with the display. "Not bad, one-eye." She said off-handedly. "Who knows, if you keep this up, maybe I'll treat you to a drink." That seemed like good motivation for him. She hoister her pistol. "Now then, I assume you marines are heading for the main cargo hold?" She received a nod. "In that case, I know a good short cut you can use to surprise those fuckers. Follow me." Then she walked off.

Behind him, he heard his teammate say. "Damn that woman is fine."

Hidaki couldn't help but agree.


Present


Following the success of their operation, his squad-mates took a sadistic pleasure in teasing him over his newfound crush. His squad leader, in particular, reveled as he explained the "birds and the bees" to him. He did, however, get that drink from her, and the rest, as they say, is history. Eight years later they were married and had a child.

"Okay, maybe those weren't my thoughts at the time. But I did think you were the most beautiful woman I ever saw." He said gaining a grin from his beloved.

"Even when I was covered in that man's blood?" She said in a coy tone.

Hidaki blushed. "Yes even then, you were hot." Then he felt her lips press against his, a few seconds later they parted.

"You always know what to say to make me love you." She said softly. Then a dark express marred her face. She stepped away from Hidaki and walked out to where some bay toys were. She gently placed the toddler in her arms down, letting him land on his feet. With a happy gurgle, the young boy waddled to his toys and began to play with them.

Seeing that their child was now occupied the woman turned back to him and began to walk up to him. "Olivia?" He said her name before he felt her embrace him tightly and place her head on his shoulder. Surprised Hidaki wrapped his arms protectively around her, he knew something was bothering her.

"Hidaki promise me this." She said a tremble in her voice. "You will come back." He knew what she was referring to. "I don't want our little boy to grow without a father as I did. I don't want our bed to be empty." Tears were streaming down her eyes.

Smiling down at his wife, Hidaki tightens his embrace around her. "You don't have to worry about me, Olivia." He tilted his head in towards her. "I promise no matter what I'll always come back for you and our son." Their lips locked. It was a light and gentle kiss, but it spoke volumes of how much they cared for each other.

A few seconds later they parted. "Keep this up, and Ken might end up with a little brother or sister." Olivia purred.


June 22nd 12:00, Reach Dry-Docks, TFV. Anteiku


"Dry-Dock clamps have been released, airlocks have been secured and we have been given clearance to leave the dock."

"Good. Thrusters one-quarter power, ahead forward." Vice Admiral Grayson said. "Once we are five thousand Kilometers from the docks, switch to main engines and join up with the rest of the fleet."

"Aye, sir."

Grayson laid back into his chair, with an audible sigh. This would be the maiden voyage of his new command ship the TFV. Anteiku one of the Federation's new Kaneki class dreadnoughts, and named after the famous café where a new half-ghoul Ken Kaneki had first learned about ghoul society. Originally she had been slated to be completed a month from now, but with the war coming her production time had been cut down, so she could be ready in time for Federation's entrance. The same thing was happening everywhere.

The Anteiku was a magnificent ship, and far-out striped his old command, it was stronger, faster, and more durable than the old Grissom dreadnought. With new the D.I.M.E.C. system (Dual Interlocked Mass Effect Core), it was outfitted with two spinal mounted cannons, giving it unrivaled firepower. It was a ship of pride, and he was glad to be given command of such a beast. But the more nostalgic side wished he was still back aboard the Victory, she may have been an old and outdated ship, but she was his first command as a captain and later as an admiral.

"Quite the ship, isn't she?" He heard a voice say. Turning his head he saw a familiar face. The ensign that had helped him out of the CC of the Victory before it went down. His left eye had been replaced with a new one. He was also a Lieutenant (Junior Grade) now, the majority of the original crew; the ones that survived had been assigned to his new ship. Most of them receiving promotions so they could fill out the different command positions needed to run the ship.

"That she is Lieutenant Keelson." He responded. "She'll make a fine addition to the Federation Navy, don't you agree Helen?"

A small blue orb appeared on the armrest of his chair. "She is, Vice Admiral. Her data cores are easier on my processors. I have noted an eleven point three percent increase in my processing power." She explained calmly.

"So, in other words, you'll be able to do more now," Grayson said.

"Affirmative."

"Still I do miss our old ship. As outclassed as she was by our new vessel, I would give almost anything to be back on the Victory." Grayson said with a sad smile, his mind wandering back to the old dreadnought.

"I must admit," Helen began slowly as though she was trying to find the right words to say. "I too had a certain attachment to the Victory. As a Synth, it is hard to put into words how I feel about it."

"To you, it's kind of like having to leaving your childhood's home and move into a stranger's home." Said the Lieutenant, his voice uncertain.

"A crude way of putting it, but accurate. It'd be more accurate to say it's like having to put on a second skin after the old as deteriorated. Though none of you would know what that feels like." Both men shook their heads. "Additional as you would put it the Victory contained a lot of memories, both good and bad. It will not be easy to forget her, impossible for me."

"That much we can understand," Grayson responded. "But there's more to that, isn't there?" He had caught the tone of Helen's voice, it was almost like uncertainty. No, more like a deep sorrow.

"Yes," Helen responded, with no emotion. "The destruction of the Victory and the subsequent death of most of its crew has forced me to face a reality that all Synths must face one day. You, Lieutenant Keelson, and everyone else will die one day, and I will remain." Grayson stiffened in his chair and saw Keelson do the same momentarily stopping his work. An eerie silence fell over the CC, everyone was now listening to their conversation.

In the years following their creation and integration into Terran society, the Synths began to face a dilemma and had become more prominent with each passing decade. What would they do when their organic friends and family began to pass away? Synths by all accounts were immortal, so as long as they could download their consciousness into other data cores, or their code did not become corrupted somehow, they would live for eternity. At first, no one thought much about it, it even seemed like a massive advantage for the Synths. A thousand years from now they would still be around, and still serve the Federation. But there was one thing most didn't take into account until years later, could the Synths bear to live for so long. Synths were beings of logic, they were born from it, but they were also beings of emotion. Granted they had far better control over their emotions then their organic counterparts did, but they were creatures of emotion. They were based on the minds of emotional beings after all. But there laid the problem, the Synths throughout their lives would create many relations, just as their creators would. Those relations could range from being simple acquaintances, to close friends, and sometimes becoming like family to each other. So what were they to do when those same acquaintances, close friends, and family members began to die? Could they bear the burden knowing that they would far outlive their organic friends and family? Could they endure the grief that comes with seeing those close to them dying over and over again for the centuries to come? Millennia? It was not an easy question to answer. Grayson had heard that some Synths would rather self-terminate that go through that hell.

"Two hundred years from now you will have long since have passed, and yet I will remain." Helen continued her voice seeming to crack. "What am I to do then?"

No one knew what to say.

"Helen," Grayson said softly.

"It is alright Vice Admiral." She said. "This is something for me to figure out, and I have much to think about." They all did.

"Helen." Grayson began. "We're all here for you. If you need anything don't be afraid to ask."

"I know Grayson, and think you. We have now taken up a position with the fleet."

Greyson nodded, this conversation would have to go on later. For now, he had a fleet to command. "Order the fleet to set a course for Shanxi." Moments later more than a hundred ships disappeared into the darkness of space.


July 10th 16:12, New Rannoch, Station, Ju'rile:


Shala looked out the viewport. Down below her was the new home of the Quarian people, New Rannoch. Home, it was such a feign concept to her, for her whole life home had been the tight confines of a ship on the verge of flying apart. Not the open pristine plains of the world below her. New Rannoch was a dextro amino world that had a similar environment to Rannoch and was located in a resource-rich system, and it was all theirs.

The Terrans had helped them find it, allowing the Quarian people to look over their star charts. As it turns out the Terrans had encountered several dextro worlds, which gave her people plenty of choices to choose from. They settled for a world located in a system that the Terrans designated as system NRJ-2398-07. It was chosen for two chief reasons, the first being its similarity to Rannoch, and the second was it was located on the far side of Federation space. Far away from any Relays that lead to Citadel space, meaning that if the Citadel want to evict them from their new home; they had done that several times before, they would have to fight through Federation space. An endeavor that would cost them greatly. It was a good world, one that would finally allow the Quarian people to grow beyond a population of a few million. A world where her people could finally begin to rebuild in peace.

With a new world to live on many changes had occurred in their society. Firstly was the restructuring of their government. The conclave and the Admiralty board both had been restructured into a new system and was modeled after the old Quarian Republic, though with some minor changes to better suit their current circumstances. Several members of the conclave had been chosen to fill had the first assembly, the primary law-making arm of the New Quarian Republic, Shala herself chosen to be the Assembly Voice. The remaining captains would either take up other important positions or remain in command of the few ships that weren`t being converted into makeshift homes.

She heard the door open behind and a set of footsteps enter. "Ah, Shala I've been looking for you." She turned to face Gerrel. Out of all the members of the board, he was the only one who was still considered an admiral being in charge of the New Quarian Navy.

"Yes, Gerrel what is it?" She asked him. He hands her a small datapad, which she looked over. Behind her mask, her eyes widen. "Is this accurate." She said.

"Doubled and tripled checked," Gerrel responded evenly.

"It's more than we thought."

"But less than I would like."

Now that they had a world to call their own, it had been decided that the Migrant Fleet would undergo massive refits. The first was determining which ships were capable of being fitted as combat vessels or as trade ships, the rest would have to be scraped for raw materials. According to the report that Gerrel hands her, less than fourteen thousand ships would remain intact. Around a fourth of what they use to have, but if meant that they had better quality ships to defend their new home than it would be worth it. Besides the material provided by the scrapped ships, they start building new ones.

"It is better than nothing." She said, turning back to look the world below them. She sensed Gerrel stand beside her, looking at the same sight. His body language was unreadable to her. "Our new home is beautiful isn't it?" She said quietly.

"This world isn't our home, Rannoch is. No matter what everyone thinks, this world is only a staging point for retaking it." He said coldly, eliciting a tired sigh from Shala. Gerrel was stubborn about it, it wasn't enough that they had a whole world to call their own, he wanted Rannoch, and he wasn't the only one.

Shala could understand, she did grow being taught that everything they had should be devoted to two things. The survival of the fleet, and the reclaiming of Rannoch. Apart of her still wanted to reclaim her people's cradle. But the more sensible part of her knew that such a goal was still a long way off if it was even possible. Ancestors knew what kind of defenses that the Geth had constructed in their home system since their exile. Right now to her, it wasn't worth the resources and lives in trying to take their old home back, when they had a new one right here. A place where they didn't have to restrict their birth rates. A home where they didn't have to scrape by just to live. New Rannoch was an opportunity for the Quarian to grow and prosper once more as a species. To throw it all away just on the offhand chance they could have their ancestral home back, was a mistake that could cost them greatly in the long run.

She could voice her thoughts to the Admiral next to her, but she knew he would not listen. Besides, it would be pointless, since he left the room in a silent huff. Paying no mind to the sound of the doors closing behind her, she continued to look at the world below as its silent span.


August 8th 14:15, Shanxi, Military Base


"Keep your head low private." Maria Sanders said, shooting out her right arm at her opponent. The poor boy was, unfortunately, wasn't fast enough and took the hit directly to his face, causing him to stagger back, blood dripping from his nose. He was lucky that she didn't use her full strength as the human male would be a head short now. Taking advantage of the young man's staggered state, she quickly dropped down and swept out her leg tripping him. In the instant, it took for him go from standing to falling Sanders in a fluid motion shot back up and grabbed one of his arms and twisted it around behind him. With a loud thump, she pinned him the matted floor her boot firmly placed on his head.

Face first in the floor with his opponent's boot ready to reduce his head to a badly made pancake, all the poor private could say was. "Uncle." His voice muffled by the mats.

Content with her victory she released the young man's arm and removed her boot from his head. She watched the private turn to his back with a groan and then sit up. As he got up to his feet, Sanders reached out her hand and helped him up. "All right private we're done here. Get to the Med-bay and get that nose of yours checked." She ordered.

She heard a groan from the private followed by a few snickers as he got up, he saluted her. "Yes, ma'am." He said before walking away.

Sanders watched for a few seconds as the private left before turning her attention to the people under her command. Now that her re-entry into the armed forces of the Federation had been formally acknowledged, she had been placed in command a full battalion, and the squad she commanded during the battle Shanxi had been absorbed into the battalion with it being her personal squad. At the moment most of its members were undergoing hand to hand combat drills. With a little less than a month away from the Federation being ready to join the war against the Dragon Orphans thing were looking pretty good for them. Billions of soldiers were ready to be shipped out to front lines with all the supplies they, and millions of recruits coming in every week. The Navy was fully mobilized and ready to jump into action, with each of the main fleets receiving several ships to swell their numbers, and numerous small fleets created to bring the might of the Federation to all corners of the war. Their economy had fully switched to a full wartime mentality and was producing ships and other war materials at a frightening pace. All across the Federation preparations for war had been made, and Sanders was confident that they would win. Yes, she knew that it was going to be a long bloody slog, and they would lose a lot of good people but deep in her heart she knew that they would win. Especially with the fact that they would be joining forces with a powerful coalition of races. Granted they were getting their asses handed to them by the D-Orphans, but that was only because they were facing an enemy that they had been unprepared to face. Even now based on the reports she had received the Turians were starting to show signs slowing the D-Orphan invasion and in some areas halting it, but they were paying a bloody toll for it and had almost no room to breath. Soon enough though the Federation would be giving them all the breathing room they needed to wage an effective war.

"That was quite the display, Commander." She looked to the source of the vice. Seeing David Anderson standing behind her, following his display of ability during the Battle for Shanxi he had been promoted to Lieutenant Commander and now commanded his own platoon under Sanders. The two had gotten to know each following the battle and found that they got along well. Sanders found the young man to be an intelligent and quick-witted individual who cared for the men under his command greatly. He had a natural talent for command and was the type of person that Sanders could count on to carry out important tasks should the need arise, and had been invaluable in helping her re-acclimate to the military life.

"Just a bit of sparing with my men. Helps them to stay in tiptop condition and to remember whose top dog here." She boasted.

She saw Anderson shack his head in amusement, no doubt still a bit surprised that the former governor could be so aggressive in her methods. It didn't help that he had only been on Shanxi for about a week and a half before the battle and didn't have the time to learn what she was like as the Governor of the new colony. Even then both her allies and opponents would claim she had a certain fire about her demeanor, bold and forward in her policies yet at the same time calm and patient she had gained quite the reputation. One she carried from her service in the army and was now bringing back into.

"So what brings you down here Anderson? I doubt it's to watch me put my subordinates in the med-bay." She asks her tone of voice taking a more formal sound.

She saw the Lieutenant Commander stiffen into a rigid posture more appropriate for one who was about to give a dry report. "I here to pass along news from General Williams, who in turn received it from high command. Our Battalion the 1043 Assault Force is being reassigned to the 63rd Corps and the command of Lieutenant General Oswald. In two weeks time transport ships carrying the 63rd well arrive, wherein we are expected to join up with them, and be ready be deployed to whatever fronts High Command deems we need to be at." He finished his report, his voice never wavering.

Sanders let out a tired sigh. She knew that the reassigning orders would come eventually. With the war on their heads, they needed as many experienced hands as they could get on the front lines. With their recent battle against the Dragon Orphans resulting in a hard-fought victory, she had no doubt that most of the Shanxi Garrison would be reassigned to the units that were expected to fight on the front lines. A lot of them already had been, she was curious why it took so long for them to get around to her unit. 'Most likely some kind of political bullshit going on behind closed doors.' She thought to herself. "Let me guess the 63rd is one of the front-liners isn't it Lieutenant Commander?"

The man nodded saying. "That it is sir. It is attached to the 3rd Sector Army which is being sent to where the fighting heaviest along-side the 4th SA."

"What of Naval support?" She asked. Any planet side campaign would be costly without first securing control of the space above the planet. Especially when you were dealing with a force like the D-Orphans.

Anderson smiled. "We'll be getting support from the 5th fleet, along with the 3rd, 5th, and 6th Reaction fleets. They'll also be bringing in their accompanying Marine forces."

Sanders whistled at the forces that would be backing up the 3rd and 4th Sector Armies. The 5th was almost as famous as the 1st Fleet, as the area it operated in had to contend pirate forces regularly and as a result, had more combat experience than the other main fleets including the 1st. Further, the Marine units attached to the 5th were among the most hardened of all the Marines, the most infamous was the 501st Corps under the command of Major General Linden. Overall it sounded like that she and her unit was going thrown into where ever the fighting is thickest when the Federation finally joined the war. "Very well, be sure to inform the general that the message has been passed on. I'll be making a note of it in my log for the record, alongside any concerns and comments I have on my new orders. Dismissed." She said with a salute.

Anderson returned the Salute. "Yes, sir." Then he left.

Sanders turned her attention back to the men and women under her command, getting a good look at their faces. Remembering every detail she could, for soon enough some of those faces would be absent from the room.


September 1st 07:19, Unknown Location


Harper took another puff of his cigar.

A blue sphere appeared on the armrest of his chair. "Sir, the preparations have been made." Came a deep voice.

"Well done Tartarus, we can now finally begin working towards our goal." That goal was a rather easy one but at the same time the hardest thing he would ever have to do. Ensuring the survival of the Terran people and eventual supremacy of the Galaxy. It was a noble goal and one that had to be done. A task that could not be entrusted to the politicians and the military leaders, at least not fully.

They had their uses, diplomacy was good and all, alongside intelligent use of the military, about ninety-nine percent of all threats to the Federation could be dealt with. The shadow operations that the Federation used; or did not pending on who you asked, also solved several problems that would impair the survival of the Terran people. But there was still that one percent that could threaten them, threats that the leaders of the Federation both political and military did not have the power nor the will to deal with. That's were Cerberus would come in. Like the mythic creature that guarded the gates to the underworld, they would protect the Terran people from the threats that they could not handle. They would what was necessary without being held back by notions of morality and ethics, the common people held to such high regard.

Harper believed in the inherent superiority of the Terran people, he truly did. One look the progress his people made in the past four hundred years and compared it to the collective histories of the citadel races in the last two millennia showed that. In four hundred years the Federation was the near equal to any of the three council races who had been in space for thousands of years. In that time they had rebuilt their war-torn home-world, reach out to the stars made more than just a home there but an expansive and thriving empire. In that time they had created and mastered the use of AI, a valuable asset that the Citadel had so foolishly denied itself of. Had they had another century or two they have likely surpassed the citadel races and had been in a position to assert their dominance as they rightfully deserved. But fate had different plans, the Quarians had arrived at their doorstep bring news of a wider galaxy under siege by an age-old enemy, the Dragon Orphans. Now the Terran Federation found itself in a precarious position whether it knew it or not. Harper or as he liked to call himself now the Illusive Man, believed in the supremacy of the Terran people but he was no fool.

While the equal to any one of the Council races, the Federation could not stand against their combined might. While many would think him paranoid for believing that the citadel races would eventually turn against the Terrans, he knew the truth. At first, they would welcome the Terran people with open arms, who wouldn't want to have an ally who was able to fight any enemy that had been beating you back for the better part of two years. An ally who could turn the war to your favor and ensure the survival of your people. But then as time would go on they would see the advancements of the Federation, read through its collective history, and learn more about their culture. A people who used AI, a people that had monsters in their ranks, a people who had an intimate relationship with war, a people to be feared. From there on then they would everything in power to undermine the Federation and its people. Perhaps not openly, but definitely in subtle ways, ways that no one would be able to see or counter. No one except him and Tartarus and others like them.

"Indeed Harper." Came Tartarus's cold response. "While we are small now, in time we will be the ones to ensure the survival and dominance of the Terran people over the galaxy. Human, Ghoul, and Synth alike. The children of Earth will claim their birthright." Harper smiled, he had known Tartarus for a long time. He saw the same threat that the rest of the Galaxy posed to the Federation and like him discard his old name and moved to the shadows from where they would protect their people.

"You do realize that includes the Dragon Orphans," TIM said, certain that the Synth was shooting him an unamused look. "But then again, they lost that right the moment they stroked at us. How goes the war preparations?"

"The Federation has finished its wartime preparations. We are now ready for war against the Dragon Orphans. The President will be giving a speech at Arcturus on the seventh of this month at twelve hundred hours standard time, which signal all forces to mobilize into Citadel space. A small contingent of ships carrying a diplomatic party will be sent to the Citadel to introduce ourselves to the galaxy and began negotiations of an alliance."

"Very." Harper took another puff. "Have our agents be ready to infiltrate Citadel space when the time comes."

"It will be done." The projection disappeared leaving the man alone with his thoughts.

Soon the Terran people would be put to the test, and Cerberus would see to it that they would pass with flying colors.


September 7th 12:00, Arcturus Station, Federation Council Chambers:


President Nijah Nader took a deep breath. In and out. In and out. In and out. In a few seconds, she would set in motion a set of events that would change the galaxy of preparations, and waiting for the right moment to strike would soon come to an end. No longer would her people watch as a galaxy burned and the might of an old enemy. Inaction would give way to action. But in that action, she knew that many brave men and women would lose their lives.

It pained her to know that under her administration millions of brave men and women would die defending alien worlds. There were still those who opposed the idea of sending armed forces in the defense of foreign nations citing that Terran lives were worth more. Thankfully they were a minority in the Federation and many more support the war, if only for the fact that they fighting their hated enemy the Dragon Orphans. Billions if not trillions of lives would be saved through the sacrifice of millions, and a dangerous enemy beaten back to the dark depths of space. The people that served in the armed forces from the lowest boot on the ground to the most skilled veteran, from the technicians and engineers that saw to it that the machines of war worked as they should to the doctors and nurses that kept the soldiers in good condition, they all knew that their dedication and sacrifice would be worth it. Yet still it was small comfort to her, each life that was lost hundreds more would affect, like ripples in water. For each soldier that was killed in action, the price would be more than just their own life, but the lives of all those around them. Somewhere out there a parent would lose a child, a child would lose a parent. Siblings would lose siblings, people would look around their circle of friends and find that someone was missing. Lovers would find their beds empty. Every life lost would have a profound effect on hundreds more, sometimes snowballing in ways that the human mind could not imagine. Perhaps it was for this reason that war was so terrible.

Nijah did not doubt that a great many people would come to blame or even resent her for a war that took so much from them, and all for the defense of strangers. More than once she had strongly considered the possibility of not running for a second term and let some else more cable then she take charge, someone who could handle the realities of war. She was still very much on the fence about her decision. But that was still a few years away from now, and right she had to be the leader that the Federation needed right. She would do everything in her power to guide her people through the dark time ahead. Wither it be through the tribulations of war, or through the rapid tides that were interstellar politics, she would see to it that the Terran People would not just survive but thrive as well.

In and out. She took another breath, pushing aside all of her doubts and worry, becoming the person she needed to be at this very moment. She stepped out to the podium as her name was called out. She looked all around the Council chambers seeing the faces of the gathered council, and the news teams that would be broadcasting her face to hundreds of billions of views. This was it, this was the moment that history would be made.

"My fellow Terrans. Today I come to you as the leader of a people who are about to take a great leap."

All across the Federation Hundreds of billions watched as their president gave yet another historic speech.

"Five months ago our people made first contact with an alien civilization. These strangers of another world came through the Relay to find refugee from a foe that threatens the wider Galaxy. In instead they found us.

Far from the safety of Arcturus, gathered near a Relay that would take them into the wider galaxy and into a war on a scale that few could imagine, the largest gathering of Federation Military might stood ready. Tens of thousands of ships hung in the darkness of space only illuminated by the light of the local star and the stars that shined from the far reaches of space, all held in neat formations. Their crews diligently going over the final calculations that would take them to worlds never seen before by terran eyes, worlds that were under siege by an old enemy. There was little thought put into what the coming conflict would entail, only what needed to be down.

"They found a people who had been hardened by battle against the same foe that threatens galactic civilization as they knew it. They found a people that have beaten back this enemy with all the might that they could muster, and are more than willing to do so again. They found a kind and compassionate people who offered them a hand of friendship when all others drove them out for the sins of their ancestors. What they found was the United Terran Federation, and we are ready."

Onboard his new Flagship the TFV. Anteiku Vice Admiral Tyler Grayson watched as the President gave her speech, waiting for the signal that would send Federation forces into war. Each Fleet had their own front that they were assigned to and mission objectives to carry out. His fleet the newly created 3rd Reactions Fleet was assigned with escorting a diplomatic party to the Citadel to make official contact with the Races of the Citadel. Once negotiations conclude his fleet would join the Rest of the Federation Navy on the frontlines. He knew as many others that the war would be a long and bloody affair that cost them greatly. But he was certain that his people would prevail, and that he would see to it that as many of the people under his command would live to see the end of the conflict.

"Five months we have prepared ourselves for a long war against the Dragon Orphans who now threaten the other races of the Galaxy. These monsters were born from the mistakes and hatred of our past and we have continued to pay the price in blood for our past sins. But now an entire galaxy is paying that same price, this is a shame that will forever mare people. But will not let it drag us down."

On countless transport ships, the men and women of the Federation Army and Marine Corp. stood ready to face the old enemy. They came from all backgrounds, young and old, rich and poor, Colony worlds and core worlds, humans, ghouls, and synths, but all had one thing in common. They were ready to give their lives in the defense of the Federation, to protect those they loved. Many of them were nervous for they knew there was a chance that they would never return from beyond the relay. Some crack jokes to break the tension, others prayed to deities and ancestors for protection and guidance. Yet others thought of their loved ones, thinking only of their safety, ironing their resolve.

On one transport ship, Commander Maria Sanders thought of her husband and son, of how she would miss them dearly. On another transport ship, Hidaki Kaneki held similar thoughts as he looks at a picture of his wife and son, a week ago he had received word that his wife was pregnant with their second child. A single tear streaming down his face as he prayed to whatever deity that was listening, that he would be able to see his family again.

"A trail as been set before us my fellow Terrans. A trail that will put us as a people to the test, to prove we are ready to takeout place in this universe. Will we be found wanting, and become yet another race lost to the sands of time. I say no."

Across hundreds of worlds, billions of people watched in anticipation, hanging on to every word of the president. Many prayed for a quick end to the war, though they knew it would not come. Others silently wished for their loved ones to return home safely, be they parents, children, siblings, spouses, lovers, friends, acquaintances and all other manner of relations. All across the Federation factories worked 24/7 to turn out the materials needed to wage the war to come, farms worked overtime to provide food to the billions of soldiers in the armed forces. On dozens of world prepared themselves for the flood of refugees that what doubtless come. War had come to the Federation, and its enemy would find it ready.

"We will prevail. We will show to the universe the light of our cause and the might of our steel. We will show what it means to be Terran, and stand proud as a people. We will reach out our hand to the races of the galaxy in friendship and together we shall do great things. We will drive the demons of our past from the soil of every world they have tainted with their presence. We will pursue them to the farthest and darkest reaches of space and smite them where they stand. For they have shown no mercy to those they have attacked, and in return, we will show them none. We will help a war-torn galaxy rebuild itself and reach heights that none of us could have imagined possible.

In an unknown location, the Illusive Man watched. It was a rousing speech that would gather much support for the war. They would need that support in the months and years to come as the casualties mounted. Nijah Nader in his opinion was a good woman and would have made for a fine leader during a time of peace. If first contact with an alien race was their only concern she would have handled it exceedingly well. But the war had come to their shores, and it would remain to be seen if she was as well suited to war as she was to peace. Thus far she had done a good job of letting the military do what they needed to. Even if she wasn't he would see to it that some who was be elected to the office in the next elections.

"As a people untied we will prevail. With all of our hearts and souls, with all the strength that our bodies we will fight this war, and we will win. So I say this all of the citizens of the United Terran Federation support this war in what way you can. To our brave soldiers I give this order, go forth and wage war against our old enemy the Dragon Orphans and bring us victory. Drive them to the deepest pits of hell where they belong."

Far from Arcturus tens of thousands of warships and their accompanying transports fired up their engines and began to pour through the Relay. Their goal clear as day, to wage war.

"We do this for we must. We do this for it is our duty and responsibility to make amends for our sins. We do this for we are Terran!"


Sorry if this took a while, I had a few slow weeks where I wasn't in much of a mood to write. It didn't help that this chapter was a little hard to write in regards in what I wanted to do with it. Still not completely proud of it, but it will do well enough to advance the story.

I hope you enjoy it and look forward to the next one.