The Citadel Council Chambers, 3 Hours After First Contact with the Empire by the Crew of the SSV Hawthorne
Valern was at his Podium analyzing the mood of his fellow Councilors, Sparatus was looking over the reports with fury and concern, He could tell the Turian wasn't happy one bit, Tevos was for the most part Neutral and intrigued as she reads over an Imperial Document sent to the Crew of the SSV Hawthorne by the Crown Princess of the Empire, detailing their Society and the other Races inhabiting her Galaxy.
"This could pose a Problem." Sparatus finally said after 4 hours of Silence, and there was shock and anger in his voice and a hint of Curiosity, Tevos looked at Sparatus before speaking.
"And yet, This off-shoot of Humanity seems to have a lot of things going for it, Much like ours does." She said and Valern suddenly got an odd feeling which caused him to speak.
"I get an odd feeling we're going to hear more out of those Humans shortly." He said just as an Aide ran in, Out of Breath.
"Councilors, Pardon for barging in, The Batarians sent their fleet to attack the New Humanity at their Colony, and not just that, They're sending an Ambassador to the Citadel." The aide said as they tried to gulp for air, Ambassador Anita Goyle was also present and was surprised by the news.
"Well, then… Time to see what My counterpart has to say about this fiasco." Goyle said as she got a nod from the Councilors just as they hear multiple loud Wooshes indicating their guests had arrived…
TSF Palaven, The Bridge…
Sipius Aberion watched his crew worked, It was a rather boring day just like every other day, However recent events have sparked some Excitement among the Citadel Races and indeed the Citadel Fleet, A new off-shoot of Humanity from another Galaxy was sending an Ambassadorial party to the Citadel under heavy Military Escort, The turian cannot fathom the sight before him just as he was about to go grab some food and work on Reports when Alarms started to blare and in-front of the TSF Palaven was 3 Warships dropping out of FTL, Their hulls were Jet black and their running lights were red, Thankfully Images Circulated the Newcomer's Emblem which is an Eagle against a Red and Black Backdrop, The Eagle was Golden.
"Sir, we're getting an Incoming Transmission from the head of the 3 ships, Orders?" A Crew member reported leaving Sipius in deep thought before he spoke.
"Patch it through." He ordered and the Crew member responded with an "Aye, Sir." and the image that Materialized was surprising:
It was a person that had Horns on his head, fur on his head and body. His name tag could clearly be seen: 'Captain Winston Aerszat' The Creature then spoke.
"I am Captain Winston Aerszat, of the ISS Undying Valor, to whom I am speaking to?" The Bull'vari asked as Sipius responded after getting over his shock.
"I am Captain Sipius Aberion, Of the TSF Palaven, Welcome to the Citadel, I trust you're escorting your Ambassador?" He asked, causing Captain Aerzat to nod before speaking.
"Aye, I am, Ambassador James Young is being Escorted by 5 Royal Guardsmen and 5 Grenadiers to the Citadel, They'll be in-bound to the Station shortly." Winston reported as he saluted and the call ended, Leaving Sipius to be surprised by how professional he was.
"Send word to the Council and to C-Sec the Diplomat has arrived, And they're bringing Bodyguards." He ordered his crew as his eyes were still glued to the Massive hull of the Terran Battle-ship that was flanked by 2 Cruiser Analogues. This is about to turn into an Interesting day for him…
Within the Hangar Bays of the Undying Valour, Harbin-Class Dropship Echo 1-1.
Ambassador James Young boarding the Dropship meant to take him to the Citadel, A Squadron of Exodus Class Starfighters Call-sign "Hells' Angels" were already prepared, Accompanying him are his Retinue of Imperial Data Clerks, Officials, 5 Royal Guardsmen, 5 Grenadiers as well as a Small group of Terran Imperial Security Bureau Operatives, Made up from the Various races within the Empire.
"Ambassador, We're ready to go." He heard a Grenadier said as he looked off to his left seeing the Grenadier Sergeant standing there, His M-94 Pulse Rifle held in his hands close to his chest.
"Very Well, Sergeant, Let's be on our way." The Ambassador said as the party boards the Dropship, The Pilot gets into touch with Citadel Control.
"This is Echo 1-1 to Citadel Traffic Control, Requesting Permission to have a landing Zone for the Ambassador, Over." The Female Elven Pilot said as she gently lifted the craft up before exiting the Hanger followed by the Hells' Angel Squadron.
"Roger that Echo 1-1, This is Citadel Traffic Control follow One of our Fighters to your designated Landing Zone, Out." The pilot affirms the request and soon the Mass Effect Galaxy will see the First shots fired in the Opening Days of the Imperial-Batarian War…
Meanwhile, Aboard the Pride of Terra, The Bridge.
Sarah stood on the Bridge wearing her Battle-dress uniform equipped with a Cape, Standing next to her is Grand Admiral Micheal who was coordinating the Fleet into a Defensive Posture, The Systems Alliance alerted The Empire about the possibility of a Batarian assault upon the Star System of Rederan, In response Sarah quickly ordered for the planetary militia to be trained and mobilized, She also deployed her Entire Ground Force Compliment onto the Surface, She's currently waiting to see where the first blow would fall.
"Your Highness, Contacts coming out from the Mass Relay!" An Ensign shouted and sure enough 150 Batarian Warships entered the System, Sarah is aware that she has the numbers advantage, However, She had to divide up her fleet to protect the rest of the Sub-sector, Leaving her with her Flagship, 20 Battle-ships, 20 Battle-cruisers, 15 Cruisers, 20 Destroyers and frigates plus any Sector Defense Force ships, As well as 2 Cyrus Class Carriers.
"Contact General Lewellin, Inform him that the enemy has arrived, prepare for any Ground Assault." Sarah ordered as she darted off the ship, Everyone knew she wants to be on the ground to ensure the Enemy doesn't try to capture any slaves, It will be a ten day long battle…
Meanwhile on BRV "Pillager of Worlds", The Bridge…
Dramak Fem'bork smiled sadistically seeing the Humans were outnumbered quite a bit, and so he was confident of a quick victory.
"All Ships, Forward! Today we'll get slaves and Plunder from these Arragont Humans!" He roared and his Crew cheered as well as his Captains, However he missed some very crucial information, Unlike the Systems Alliance, The Empire has fortified it's positions on the ground heavily and it would be almost Akin to fighting from a Human Point of view in the Systems Alliance space in World War 1.
The second crucial fact is that Imperial Reinforcements are currently mustering 2 Par-secs away and will arrive on the Ninth day of the battle.
The final and last piece of Information that he didn't read up on is that the Empire will treat this as a Declaration of War upon it and will muster not just it's own Armies and Fleets, But also those of the Terran Alliance, It's members were swiftly made aware of the wider galaxy and when word came of the Terrans' sudden increase in Defcon number to full scale war Mobilization, It came as a surprise when Johnathan the Emperor and Father of Sarah and her Siblings announced to the Alliance that the Alliance Charter is temporarily being revoked, Due to War-time preparations being under-way and many member nations swiftly answered the Call to Arms, notably among them is the Rigellian Empire, Who are the Darker Cousins of the Terrans but in recent years the two Empires made amends and are now the duel policers of Intergalactic Politics in the Hellas Galaxy.
"Sir, we're almost within range, Orders?" The Gunnery officer asked as Fem'Bork grinned in anticipation and then spoke his voice harshly and full of lust for the plunder and glory.
"Open fire once we're in range, Deploy our Forces to seize any Slaves and Plunder." He ordered and soon The Two sides began firing, The Imperials were firing furiously, With Captains and Naval Officers barking out orders to the Crew, Meanwhile Terran Fighters began Dueling with the Batarians' Shes'lek Multi-role, Which acts as both Fighters, Bombers and Dropships, The Terran Starfighter Pilots were brave and cunning but were ultimately unable to prevent the Batarians from breaking through to the Planet, Every Pilot knew each Enemy dropship shot down though will weaken the attackers…
On the Batarians' Dropships, "Mantle of Slavery."
Cam Bacpastar sat down, He was the Officer in-charge of this Assault, He looked down at his M7 Lancer that lies in his hand, He feels a sense of grim satisfaction in punishing the Up-start humans, No matter which Humanity they're from.
He felt the Dropship shudder as they entered orbit and felt it rock from AA fire, Which surprised the Batarian Pilots who weren't anticipating any sort of Anti-Air Guns.
"Heh, They're going to be heavily outnumbered, It'll be easy." A batarian said as his mates shared his Enthusiasm, After the Shudder of Re-entry subsided the Dropship's doors open and the Batarians got a breath-taking view of the beautiful landscape, Once they touched down the Batarians charged towards the Nearest Terran City, which is where the Continent's Civilians have taken Shelter…
Imperial Command Bunker, Within New Phoenix, on the Rederan Primaris Continent.
Sarah watched on the Holographic Map of the enemy's progress, as of right now, Harassing Parties made up of the 27th Ranger Division, The Rangers helmet Cameras allows her to keep track of the Enemy's movements and what they have.
"Looks like some Tanks scattered among the Infantry, Huh…. and an Assortment of Weapons, they haven't run into our First Defensive line yet." Sarah said as she brought up the Area where they were at.
The Imperials picked their Cities' locations well, New Phoenix which is the Planetary Capitol sat on a slightly elevated hill with plains below the City that is home to Trenches, Bunkers, Dugouts and underground Armories, In-front of that lies Barbed wire and Anti-tank obstacles which were put accordingly by Imperial Military Engineering Corps, Another feature was the Thick forest that serves as another Natural barrier, Disrupting enemy Tanks and Infantry formations.
Soon Sarah noticed the Blips of returning Imperial Rangers, The rangers did well, Stuck to Cover and took no losses while inflicting Casualties on the enemy, The entire frontline was ready to welcome the Invaders, Sarah grinned inwardly as she Grabbed her Sword and Pistol, Dragos following not too far behind his Commander and Princess, The Royal Peregrine emblazoned on the Banner alongside Sarah's name could easily be tell-tale, Accompanying her was another Color Sergeant this time Bearing The Standard of the 145th Marine Division, legends told of the banner being kissed by the Ancient Celestian Gods and Goddesses that existed during the time of Irene, Instilling their blessing into the Banner which stands as the most holiest relic the Empire possess and many a Marine Color Sergeant made an oath to never let the Banner hit the ground and often many Marines would gladly give their lives to prevent the divisional banner from falling into the hands of its foes…
Meanwhile, On the Frontlines.
Cam Bacpastar couldn't believe the ingenuity of these Humans, They were well-prepared laying carefully and well-executed ambushes and feigned retreats, It was damn near insulting to him which drove he and his men on, Soon they exited the tree-line and right into the full view of the Defenders, Dug in and well-prepared, He could see Tanks dug in, Machine Guns and to his shock Bunkers and Mortar Pits.
"It's an entire fucking defensive line." One of the Batarians said and Cam growled under his breath cursing the Humans.
"Doesn't matter, All forces attack!" He bellowed just as he heard the Deep boom of… Artillery?
'The hell?' He thought just as Shells began dropping onto their positions, The Batarians were shocked but launched their attack anyway, The Terrans began firing, Their bullets and Shells finding Batarians every so often, And the Batarians moved up behind their tanks only for a tank to be blown to bits by The Imperials' Tanks and Anti-Tank guns.
"Sir, There's no way we can fight these guys in Cover like this!" One of his Subordinates said and Cam had to agree, He was taking heavy Casualties, He checked in on the Comms and sure enough other Forces were having the same trouble as he was: The humans were entrenched deeply, It was apparent they weren't going to be so easy to defeat as predicted.
"Fall back and Dig in! If they want to play this game, so will we!" He said as he eyed a Woman being accompanied by two Standard Bearers and soldiers wearing Golden Armor, Their Capes were purple and using…. Spears? He shoved this thought to the back of his mind for now, He growled and popped off a few shots and the Woman sent a few Bullets in his General direction, The War has begun and the Batarians have no idea what they have unleashed…
Meanwhile on the Citadel, 2 Minutes before the Assault on New Phoenix.
Ambassador Young felt the Dropship land at the indicated drop-zone, As the Doors opened up, The grenadiers and Royal Guardsmen quickly got out, Forming 1 Row flanking each side of the Dropship, As he stepped out, C-Sec Officers walked up, Clearly nervous by the arrival of a wholly different humanity and the Tensions between the Empire and The Batarian Hegemony.
"Welcome to the Citadel Ambassador, Please follow us to the Council, We'll give you a Tour along the way." One of the C-Sec Officers said and the Ambassador nodded at the Asari.
"Very well, You are a Credit to your uniform, Each and every Law Enforcement Officer, Regardless of their Race." Young said stunning the C-Sec Officers who appreciated the Compliment.
"Sergeant, Leave 3 of your men here, Guard Lieutenant Schneck, You leave 3 here as well to Guard the Shuttle." The Ambassador ordered causing the two men to nod, After leaving 3 of Each behind, The party walked on, The Sights of the Citadel awed the Imperials, Yet pales in Comparison to some of their Mega-structures, That they've built, The Imperials were talking about this as they walked along, Making Small talk with the Locals and the their C-Sec escorts.
"Get the fuck out of here Suit rat!" A voice shouted and the Imperials looked towards the Source of the yelling: An person wearing a Suit was on their ass, afraid as the Turian was about to attack the Individual, The Grenadier Sergeant walked over and grabbed the Turians' wrist, Shocked looked at the man and saw a mixture of Green and Red staring back at him, His Helmet was on his belt right now, The sergeant's Bionic red left eye, The man was a Human Definitely and he wasn't an Alliance human, as was obvious by the Mans' armor, weapons and his emblem which is a Shovel with a Gun crossed together, The words "262nd Grenadiers Division" were emblazoned on the Shoulder patch.
"I wouldn't do that If I were you." The man growled, It was obvious he was pissed off.
"And why shouldn't I?" The Turian asked before the man suddenly pinned the Turian against the wall, The Turian screamed in pain and in surprise as the C-Sec officers were getting ready to intervene, Schenck stopped them shaking his head.
"The Turian will be fine, The Sergeant is making a statement via his own Strength." The Lieutenant said causing the C-Sec officers to stop and being surprised it was clear they have law and order as well as Discipline, The Grenadier seems to be utterly protective of the weak and helpless.
"W-who are you?" The turian asked and the sergeant replied his words were like ice and steel. Years of warfare had made this man fearless and yet stubborn son of a bitch.
"I am Sergeant Victor J. Young, My brother is the Diplomat sent here by Her most Royal Highness, Crown Princess Sarah Beatrice Smith, If I were you… Don't fuck with us Grenadiers, We're a crazy batch of fuckers." Victor said as he released his hold on the turian causing the Avian to run away much to the amusement of the Terrans, Victor then walked over and helped the individual up.
"T-thank you." The person now identified as a female spoke and Victor smiled softly after helping her up.
"Don't mention it, My name is Victor, What's yours?" The man asked and the woman spoke after a minute of silence.
"Jamma'Gemma vas Harah, I'm on my Pilgrimage." Jamma said as the Sergeant was surprised a bit and then asked a question that's on his mind.
"How old are you?" He asked and Jamma replied back rather nervously.
"Sixteen, why?" She asked and the man was…. Surprised, Angry? She can't tell, and the man looked over at his Brother who nodded in response to his unspoken question.
"Come with us, kid, we're going to meet the Council. Once we're done we wish to speak to you more about where you came from and if there's anything we can do to help." He offered and Jamma was in stunned shock as was the crowd.
"I- thank you, I'll feel much safer traveling with you guys." She said as Victor nodded and walked back into formation, Now it was time to get to the Council after that little, Trouble, No doubt that Sarah wouldn't be happy but she'll accept the Man's judgement…
Citadel Tower, 1 Minute before the Batarians attack New Phoenix, And the Start of the Imperial-Batarian War.
Ambassador Young and his party entered the doors to the Council Chambers, The Imperials were doubtlessly in awe at the beauty of the Chambers and as they came up to the Podium, The Councilors could see that once again, The diversity of the Empire's subjects From Humans to Elves and Dwarves to Bulls, Apes, Avians and Fox people.
"Welcome, Terrans, I see you met the Quarians already." The Asari Councilor opened up the conversation first to which Ambassador Young was glad for.
"We have, My brother was the one who helped her from being Discriminated against." The Tone he used shows he wasn't exactly happy about what he saw to which Sprataus non-chantly responded with.
"And You think you aren't any different in regards to the Batarians you've captured?" This accusation would've been an insult had it not been for The Ambassador getting pegged and he spoke in a Hushed voice, The Councilors were concerned and by the tone he was using, he was shocked.
"Under-stood, I'll inform the Council and show the Troops' Helmet footage, Milady." The Ambassador said as he took out a Drone and after stepping back, It flew towards the Councilors while the Ambassador pulled up a Holo screen.
"What's going on?" Valern asked and the words out of James Young's Mouth filled them with Fear:
"The Batarians just launched a full-scale invasion of the Rederan Sub-sector… The Empire is now at war with the Batarian Hegemony." The Ambassador said just as the Helmet footage of the Imperial 27th Ranger Division flickered on…
Within the Teryan Forest, Omega Company.
Captain Charles Griswald stayed low and in-cover in front of them was Batarian Scouts.
"Easy guys, easy… Wait for them to get closer." Charles said over the comms, The Rangers held onto their Variant of the Pulse Carbine, The M-37 Ranger Pulse Carbine, The Rangers preferred the Carbine and swears by the weapons' Reliability, Ease of Maintenance and above all, a Folding Stock allowing it to be used as a Pulse Rifle.
"Steady…. Steady…. NOW!" He shouted as Grenades flew followed up by Gunfire from the Carbines and their A-49 Light Machine Gun, The Batarians were caught off guard and took severe Casualties by the time they could return fire, Charles and his men Vanished, Only to reappear two hours later once again repeating the same process but differently, This time using Logs that rolled down the hills that were cleared just for this purpose, Some Batarians tried to flank around the Enemy only to find A Imperial Ranger squad awaiting them, Their Bayonets and Knives killed any fool-hardy Batarian who tried to melee the Rangers.
The Rangers at the prearranged signal retreated back to Friendly lines, Charles grinned inwardly, The enemy has no idea the Hell that they're about to be drawn into…
Defense Line Alpha, Ice's Position.
Ice was in cover with Irene Battalion, He and his Battalion were the only Members of the 145th on this Front, The rest of the Division is spread out across the planet defending other Cities, The same could be said for the 45th "Iron" Tank Division whose Hammer Company is the only one Present on this Frontline, They were supplemented by Imperial Army Planetary Defense Troops and the Local 439th Militia Division.
"Sir, The rangers are coming in, Looks like they're out of the frying pan!" An Marine Corporal shouted and the Entire Imperial line was manning their defensive positions, Captain Charles slid into cover next to Ice, the two Men nodded in respect to one another.
"How many?" Ice asked his friend Jokingly as the man looked at his best friend and then said.
"20 kills to my name Brother, Try to keep up." Charles said just as the Batarians started their attack, The Terrans opened up with Furious resolve, Machine Guns were fired in short but accurate bursts, The Mortars recieved fire coordinates from the Troopers on the front, Their Shells contained High Explosive and when it landed left little Craters in the other wise green soil, Artillery Batteries dug in behind the 3rd Defensive line had Artillery Observers posted near the front, It was a dangerous job as such they were paid twice as much, Their Shells contained High Explosives and contained enough force to send men flying in the air.
"Ice! What's your Status?" The Familiar angelic voice of Sarah could be heard as she slammed into cover next to her, She had her Helmet on, her Sword and Pistol in hand, Dragos and Color Sergeant Benjamin York were also in cover Firing their Pistols at the enemy.
"We're good, Your Highness! The enemy is pinned! Remember that Song you liked?! What was it?" He yelled over the din of Battle and Sarah ducked down, A bullet narrowly hitting her.
"Price of a Mile, Why?" She yelled and Ice leaned out to fire, He aimed and Squeeze the trigger, Sending a Hail of lead towards the Batarians, Killing One of them, two bullets striking him in the head.
"You know why…" He said softly after popping back into cover, Sarah stopped and looked at him, Behind that Visor, He could tell she was shocked and she was biting her lips, He reached over and put one hand on her shoulder as if Apologizing to her for bringing this up before hearing the Cheers of the Soldiers, The duo looked over to see the Enemy retreating, But not before the Enemy's Commander fired some shots at Sarah, the rounds hitting her Shields and she returned the shots with her Pistol, Missing him and growling under her breath, The Imperials held the line, And suffered 10 dead and 20 wounded, The 10 Dead was from an Constain Medium tank being destroyed, and a Squad of Marines taking cover were killed from the blast, It will be a long and bloody year, Even as Sarah despatched medics to try and save the Enemy wounded…
Back on the Citadel.
The Councilors were shocked to say the least, The Imperials fought cunningly and defensively, Running ambushes and feints, It was clear that it would be a siege, The Imperials were dug in and Reconnaissance Drones shows the Batarians were digging Trenches and bringing up more Reinforcements and other War Materiel.
"The Slaughter… It's almost akin to the First World War." Anita said as she tried to get out of her head the Chatter between Sarah and Ice about Sarah's favorite song being the cold, Harsh truth.
"It's everyday life for us, Ambassador, Councilors, We're war-like sure but one must not look at us as an Incapable entity of governing itself, We can govern ourselves and Fight to defend our Borders, We'll discuss terms once everyone takes this in, Is there someplace where we can stay?" Ambassador Young asked and Tevos Nodded speaking on behalf of her Colleagues.
"You can, There is a Diplomatic Quarters for you and your staff to Temporarily reside in until our next meeting, Have a good day." Tevos said as the Meeting was Adjourned, and the Council were now worried about the Batarians fighting a Super-power, and to quote something Anita said before everyone left.
"There's no price for a mile…" There will be indeed no price for a mile, Both sides will commit their forces to die on Foreign Worlds, Alien and potentially inhospitable to both sides… And War? War never changes…
Hello Guys, So this Chapter is really packed with a lot of lore about my Empire and You can see I am trying to be descriptive with my words and show Emotions and different sides of All characters.
And yes I highly recommend listening to Price of a Mile by SABATON for the best experience while reading this battle, As Always please read and Review - Jack Smith