The Armory, Celestian Inquisition's Keep of Falcon Heights, Near Victoria…
Irene sharpened her war blade and checked it by swinging it around, Her fury burned brighter with each passing minute.
"My Lady, All forces have been Assembled, Lady Teony's fleets have been engaging the Rebels across several star sectors." Irene heard Oliver reported kneeling before his Monarch.
"Good, Tell Teony to expand our forces across the Empire, Take back Rebel-held worlds and make sure to keep Civilian Casualties down." Irene said her voice was melodic and soft.
"Yes, Lady Irene." Oliver acknowledged his lady's orders as he walked off, Irene donned her armor and contemplated putting her helmet on, Even through the sun-yellow visor she can see her auburn eyes and black hair clearly and it reminded her that She was the sole Heir to the Throne, Teony having refused to be the Empress and instead nominated Irene to be chosen.
'Time for this war to end, One way or another I will kill shadow…' Irene thought to herself as she put her helmet on and grabbed the M-94 Pulse Rifle off her gun rack as well as her Sword and two Pistols and left, but not before grabbing her Father's war-mace…
Meanwhile on The Herald of Irene, Teony's office.
Teony sat at her desk, Reading over reports. So far the situation is shockingly advantageous even save for one or two Colonies in different sectors being contested, about 600 of the 900 worlds remaining loyal to Irene.
"Lady Teony, Our fleet is approaching Seidar Shipyards." Teony heard her boyfriend Thane Maxwell reported to her, She looked up, His neatly trimmed Brown hair and blue eyes is a match for Teony's Ginger hair and her green eyes.
"Excellent, Prepare our troops for deployment." She ordered as she stood up, Getting her White Armor on and grabbing her Pulse Pistol and her warblade "Echos of sins" as she leaves her office, she took a final look at a picture of her family, When they were happy and full of love towards one another, The Conversations, The laughter of herself and her sisters, the Stern voice of her father whenever Teony or her siblings got into trouble…
"It's all in the past…" Teony muttered to herself as she leaves her office a tear streaks down her face…
Meanwhile on Terra, Near the Bandit's camp…
Arcanus and some city guards approached the bandit's encampment, The bandits were rowdy and had over 120 prisoners mostly men, women, and children tied up.
"Orders my Lord?" A guardsman asked as the soldiers were accompanied by Imperial Knights, Arcanus stood to inherit a vast Empire and yet…
"Envelop them, make sure none escapes our wrath." Arcanus ordered as his Troops nodded, Obeying their Lord Arcanus and his troops crept up, he could see someone with strange armor and a sword on their hip, The stranger obviously looked female.
"Make sure that they get aboard my ship." The woman said coldly to a bandit as he nodded and chuckled.
"The Empire of Sundar is unable to respond to us an-" He got cut off by a arrow entering his head, killing him instantly as The Imperials charged out of the trees shocking the bandits who were used to having free reign, Arcanus clashed with the female leader as their blades sparked, the Bandits were also fighting the Imperials Troops sent in, Now Arcanus deployed his Trump card: A Cavalry Charge.
The Bandits turned around and saw Horsemen from the 3rd Imperial Light Cavalry Brigade charging in, Their lances shined in the sun, Some even had experimental Pistols that fired Minie Balls.
"We surrender!" The Bandit's true leader shouted, Throwing down his weapons even as the Cavalry closed in for the kill.
The woman growled and broke off her duel with Arcanus, fleeing from the Wrath of the Cavalry in-time to get aboard a strange ship which took off. The horses didn't like the loud noise of the Engines and bolted the opposite way. Nearly trampling their erstwhile comrades and the Freed Slaves…
Meanwhile On Celestia, Near the Capital City of Dainos Ryse.
Irene and a small Battalion of soldiers stayed low, Her Marines were nervous but ready to die for their monarch, The moonlight was aiding them in finding their way, At the same time Irene could see brief flashes of lights from the stars, The Celestians Loyalist Navy had 3 Fleets Loyal to Irene present against Shadow's 4, Another Loyalist warfleet only recently arrived in-system, Bringing fresh reinforcements to the 1st, Second and third Fleets, She watched as some Marine PATHFINDERs, Who were trained to detect any traps or ambushes stops and the team leader put his fists up indicating halt, Irene Copies the Mover and kneels down, Her palms holding her M-94 Pulse Rifle.
"Ma'am, There's a small force of Dark Celestians, Orders?" The Team leader asked over the comms, Irene mused over her options and looks behind her, She's currently leading Omega Company on a small raid to take out an Dark Celestian Supply depot, Supplying most if not all of Shadow's forces with the arms and equipment used to fight her loyalists on Celestia.
"Take them out, Quietly and quickly, Don't give them the satisfaction of knowing where we are." Irene ordered over the radio as the pathfinder's Sergeant nodded and snuck up on them
Before the Dark Celestians knew it, The pathfinders fell upon them, Knives and bayonets entered throats and hearts, before the bodies even hit the ground, The Pathfinders hid the bodies allowing their Comrades to move up, Irene knew they were making good time, The Loyalists planned to launch an Assault in the Morning which will follow up the Raider's progress.
"Milady, The Supply Depot is nearby, Plus an added Bonus, It seems that those bastards captured some of the Royal Guard Orders?" Another Pathfinder sergeant reported, His squad was sent ahead earlier during the day at around 9:30 PM? Irene didn't bother to record how long they were out there but from the looks of it, It was well-worth it, though it has the added risk of them being detected.
"Let's move in." Irene said as her men nodded, each of the Marines and Pathfinders knew what they're getting into…
Inside the Supply Depot's Main building, Jail Cell 01B.
Royal Guard Captain Ryan Orion sat in the Cell with 50 out of 10,000 Guardsmen who survived the attack on the Imperial Palace.
"DAMN IT! CELESTIAN LOYALISTS ARE-" An enemy guard shouted outside the cell before the sound of rapid gunfire and bodies hitting the floor was heard, As the cell doors opened, The 50 Royal Guardsmen were shocked as Lady Irene entered, Her pistol in hand with her sword.
"Guard Captain Ryan, Now is the time to take back the Palace. More and more of our people are rising up against Shadow, Militias have been organized under Loyalist Command." Irene said to her guards who were being handed back their Armor and weapons.
"We're ready to go, Milady." Ryan said as his voice was filled with determination, Irene nodded and took the Guardsmen outside…
Meanwhile, Back on Terra, Capital City of Nerva's Reach.
Arcanus walked through the halls leading to the Throne Room, Arcanus was deeply concerned but he had a secret: He uncovered a Cache of Lost Technology, a Major cache of it too, Containing blueprints for powerful weapons, Armor, Warships and other articles of war and advancements.
As Arcanus entered the throne room, Raven and his Parents sat on the throne, As Arcanus knelt before his parents, His father spoke in High Terran.
"My Son, What have you discovered upon your raid?" Arcanus looks up, His eyes locked onto his father.
"It seems they were being led by a Visitor among the Stars, according to them, She planned to hand them over to a woman named Shadow who recently rebelled against her family." Arcanus reported as he stood up, His parents and Sibling were alarmed but Arcanus looked at his best friend Jacob who was a Scientist and part of his Faction to modernize the Imperial Military.
"Father, me and Jacob have been researching some… Lost Technology." Arcanus said after seeing Jacob nod his approval towards his best friend, This announcement stunned the Royal Court as well as the Nobility present.
"Say that again, Brother." Raven asked, clearly stunned as Arcanus grins.
"Lost Technology, Dear brother." He said calmly as Jacob walked over pushing a Cart that contained some crates, As Arcanus walked over, He popped the lid off of one and grabs a Weapon, it was unlike anything they have ever seen, It had a Metallic stock with many different things, But Arcanus held it with both hands, one with his shoulder resting on the stock and the other on the handguard.
"This everyone is a Pulse Rifle, It's official designation is the M-94/95A Pulse Rifle from the translations we picked up from the Civilization that had left the Cache here." Arcanus explained as his Parents walked down from the throne to look at it.
"What does it fire?" His mother asked curiously as he looked at his Mother.
"8.72 Millimeter rounds, Hits hard too." Arcanus said as everyone followed him to a firing range, some Targets were already set up, Jacob and Arcanus's Research staff handed special mufflers to handle the Gunshots.
"We're ready my lord." Jacob said as Arcanus nodded and took aim.
BAM, BAM! The gun fired in two burst rounds after one of the targets hit Arcanus switches targets and hit another one with Full Auto, Tearing the target apart with ease.
The people present were shocked and so were several Military Officers as Arcanus lowered the weapon, He shouldered the Weapon and then slung it over his Left shoulder.
"That was…" An Officer said he had no words as Arcanus looked over and then spoke.
"Father it may be high time that I take the reins and Modernize as well as pass a lot more reforms in order to prepare us for any threat from outside our world." Arcanus said as his parents agreed alongside Raven.
"Very Well, Son, what do you Propose?" Arcanus took a deep breath before speaking.
"I want Women in the Armed Forces, I also want to set up a True and Proper Military, I also want to set up a Military Academy AND." Arcanus glared at some of the Corrupt nobles who were now nervous.
"I want to have the power to have all three Echelons of our Society integrate not just all 3 but us Royals." Arcanus said as he clearly had it out for the Corrupt and blind Nobles who were decadent but also wanting to reduce their power over the Common Folk.
"That is progressive, Son." Arcanus heard his father warned as Arcanus nodded.
"Doesn't matter we need this, Plus my Researchers will begin to help us gain more in-sight into the other things we've acquired." Arcanus said as everyone nodded and walked off, a few Nobles who respected Arcanus walked over and knelt down.
"Where do we sign up?" The leader, a Noblewoman Clarie Eisennborn asked as he Grinned at his long-time best friend and helped her stand up.
"First, Call me Arcanus, none of that 'Your Lordship' Crap, And Second: You will be the first among the Newly Formed Royal Army." They nodded and already the foundations have been laid for an Armed Force unlike the world had ever seen, When word reached many Nations about the Empire of Sundari's rapid militarization and formation of an Army, Navy and Marine Corps as well as whispers of new technologies being researched, Many nations formed the Anti- Sundari Pact with some nations who viewed Sundari as a Good trading partner and friend, Warned them, This caused Arcanus the first Lord Commander of the Imperial Military to form an Alliance known as the "Alliance of Unity" and soon the stage was set for another war between Light and Dark…
Meanwhile on Celestia, Irene's Command Post, Dawn.
As the morning rays of sunshine peeked over the Horizon revealing a Battle being waged in the city, as Loyalists and Rebels fought each other in the streets, Irene herself was watching her lines advancing across the Holo-screen, Guarded by the 50 Royal Guardsmen who survived, Guard Captain Ryan was currently training new recruits and Several Celestian Inquisitors and their retinues were also fighting on the frontlines, From all reports The Loyalist Navy have not only destroyed Shadow's warfleets in the Celest System, But also word from Teony on the capture of the Sedeir Shipyards.
It meant Irene now has Orbital Supremacy and the ability to have Air support as well as Naval Fire support.
"My Lady! Another Rebel planet has surrendered!" A ensign called out as she smiled, Shadow's rebels had finally lost the Element of Surprise across the Empire, Many Loyalist Forces upon learning the Truth that she was alive and fighting against Shadow's Rebellion, Thousands of people signed up for the Military, and many other fleets who were unsure who is a Rebel or Loyalist now became part of Irene's Loyalist Navy, However Irene knows there a few fleets who turned traitor and were quickly boarded and captured by their Loyalist kin.
Irene noticed a breach in the Traitors line, that was held by some Reluctant Soldiers, Mostly teenagers and old men forcibly conscripted for the battle.
"I will personally take the field here." Irene said as she looked at her officers who nodded.
"Very well, Milady." Suddenly Oliver entered and looked at Irene.
"Lady Irene." He said loudly and everyone turned to look at him.
"Yes, Oliver?" She asked curious as to why he yelled her name, He came over and surprised her by speaking.
"The Celestian Inquisition after a 2-day debate is now changing its name… From henceforth we'll be Called The 'Blades of Irene' in your honor, Milady." He said as he knelt down, and some soldiers entered, wearing Medieval looking armor but carried The M-94 Pulse Rifle however the Armors' colors were Purple and White, the Same color as Irene's Dress.
Irene was speechless to say the least but she squares her shoulders and smiles at her comrades, What should've been a 5 month long siege was suddenly changed to a 1 day battle As Irene left her Command Post Escorted by Celestian Marines from her 145th, Blade Knights and Paladins, 20 Royal Guardsmen and Militiamen who joined the Celestian Royal Army.
Point Alpha, Garrison 01.
As Male and female teenagers milled about holding onto Captured Military kit, The leader was Ellen Loveheart, the 15 years old and her mates have been conscripted to fight against Irene.
"Uh… Ellen, Look." one of her classmates said pointing towards the street which was covered in Smoke, As she tries to squint through the smoke filled streets, She hears the sound of Bootfalls and the Roar of Engines and squeal of Tank Tracks, She widened her eyes when Loyalist troops led by Lady Irene came out of the Smoke with some Argus Main Battle Tanks behind them, Needless to say Ellen surrenders her Garrison and is relieved to see her mates reuniting with their parents, Ellen too saw her Mother and Father coming over to her and She with tears in her eyes ran and hugged them.
"I am glad you decided to surrender ." Ellen heard Irene say as she turns around and curtises, She was still wearing her School Uniform, Ellen was and Irene smiled at this.
"Please, you don't need to Curtsy, Now…" Irene looked towards her home and stood on top of the Lead Tank, Her Forces stopped to hear Irene give a speech.
"Brothers and sisters! My Friends, My family!" Irene began as a Hush fell over the gathered Troops, The Soldiers and Civilians gathering in a Neat row, Rank upon Rank of men and women.
"You all have been betrayed by my sister Shadow, Some of you have been Forcibly conscripted against your will, Others may have voluntarily joined." She said as her eyes scanned the Crowd, This message was being broadcasted, throughout the Empire, as many soldiers, Loyalist or Rebel, stopped fighting to hear the words of Irene.
"But today, I, Lady Irene, will lead our people to greatness! If Shadow thinks she has won, She is sadly mistaken!" She roared amidst the cheers of her Soldiers, Even Rebels felt the power, awe and respect of Irene, quietly laid down their arms, and surrendered, Other planets were made Radioactive Hell-holes thanks to some Rebels doing a last-ditch 'Fuck you' by Nuking the planets.
"We will stop the Rebellion dead in its tracks, however, I offer full government pardons to those who fought against us and rejoin the Imperial Military!" She said as many Rebels who were told Irene would bring ruin were stunned by this and many actually considered this.
As Irene looks at her men, She then raises her Warblade and Pointed towards the Imperial Palace.
"All units… FORWARD FOR THE EMPIRE!" Irene Roared as everyone cheered and the Tanks rolled forward, Every Loyalist was re-invigorated by the speech shattered any remaining Cohesion Shadow's Armies had on Celestia, It wasn't before long Shadow's Elites joined the Fray, Somewhat stabilizing the situation before the Full might of the Celestian Loyalists finally took a toll on their numbers…
Inside the Celestian Imperial Palace.
Shadow sat on her throne as Her guards prepared for the Loyalists Attack, She grabbed her Waraxe that is now corrupted, Her Followers Skins were of a pale complexion as well as her skin, Many of them were ardent followers of the Dark Lady.
"Milady they have-!" A guard yelled out just as a Bullet ended his life, allowing the Loyalists to enter and engage her forces as Irene stalked forward the two sisters circled around each other, Anger, hate and fury were evident on each other's face as Irene stopped, She spoke.
"So… The temptations of power have overcome you, Sister." Irene said as she struck first, Sparks flew between the two Combatants weapons as Shadow had the longer reach then her sister, She growled at Irene's words.
"So what big sister, You're nothing but a blight!" Shadow roared as Irene side-stepped one of Shadows overhead swings and Irene stabbed her sister's shoulder causing her to yell in pain as blood oozed out of her wound as Shadow stumbled back, Irene charged at her sister and forced Shadow's War axe out of her hand, Sending it to Oliver who was currently dispatching a Corrupted Inquisitor.
"Surrender Little sis, It's over." Irene said as Shadow barked a harsh laughter as she grins at her sister.
"You… think it's over, Irene? It's not, this is just the beginning. Next time we meet, I will kill you." Shadow said as she summoned her weapon to her and before of the Loyalists could blink they were teleported away to safety by their foul Master causing Irene to be frustrated.
"That happened." A Celestian Marine said much to the chagrin of his Squad who fought well as Irene sighed and turned around looking at them.
"We've won; however, 100 Planets have been rendered Uninhabitable due to Nukes being used by the Rebels… We need to find another Planet, I have heard legends and rumors about a Second Humanity in our galaxy. We need to find them, In case Shadow tries to do something to them." Irene warned and everyone nodded. As the Celestian Civil War was over, Teony returned to Celestia with her fleet and attended Irene's Coronation as Empress of the Celestian Imperial Remnant… The stage was set for a new Chapter for everyone….
Hello Guys, yes your eyes aren't deceiving you, I am still-on break but I thought about it and I kinda wanted to get one more chapter out before I go on break for real, 2 weeks is how long my break'll be.
Also, I am kinda proud of this chapter as it's something I think will explain a few things I will talk about later on, For now… See ya later.
-Jack.