"The reason why I became pilot was for the dreams of seeing the galaxy and taking the fight to the feet of the enemy...It's what my sister would've wanted. For both of us"
-Lieutenant Junior Grade Kelly McPherson, 45th Heavy Orbital Insertion Group, Class of 2177"
Act 1: First Contact
Chapter 3: To War
Citadel
Presidium Commons
Apartment of Asari Councilor Tevos
Seventeenth Day of the third month
The Galactic Standard year 2387
Within the heart of civilized spaced laid the Citadel. A shining beacon of what unity and progression can achieve through the means of cooperation. Even if the Citadel wasn't built by the current races that inhabited the Milky way, that doesn't mean that those who were part of the galactic community had reaped the benefits that had come with it.
With the technological advancement brought on by the discovery of the Mass Relays to the exclusive material known as Element Zero, life within the galactic community had become easier than it was before the formation of Citadel Council and all who fall under its domain. But not all means of peace doesn't come with its save disasters and tragedies.
Conflicts such as the Krogan Rebellions and The Rachni War are specific reasons why the Council exists. To maintain Peace, Cooperation, and Unity. A Slogan that many within Citadel Space had agreed to represent the Citadel, the Council, and its people.
Now that the settings have been laid, the role of importance shines down on the current Asari Councilor, Elyria Tevos. Tevos slept quietly in her queen-sized bed, subtly tossing and turning until her alarm had suddenly come to life, blaring sounds that no intelligent beings would want to keep going.
Waking up with a grudge, hit the off button on her alarm, moving rather irritable out of her bed. Sitting on the edge, Tevos grabbed her personal datapad from the nightstand. Checking to see if there any important news and updates had come her way while she slept.
After quickly scrolling through her email, the Tevos strolled towards her personal shower, attempting to wash away any source of fatigue from her body. Although it did take a while, Tevos finished washing up and had begun her daily routine.
She first took a frozen Thessian fish from her fridge, along with various edible plants and spices that originated from known parts of civilized space. After what seemed like half an hour of cooking and prepping, Tevos sat down on her sofa with her breakfast in hand and turned on the Extranet Viewer located within her living room.
She began to watch the Citadel NewsNet, listening to the live feed about the current events that have transpired within the last standard day. There were stories about Batarian problems, Terminus Incursions, rises and falls within the economic stock market. As stated before, A daily routine for the current Asari Councilor. As she continued to eat her breakfast, her omni-tool began to ring. Not wanting to keep whoever was calling waiting, she answered the call.
"This is Councilor Tevos, whom may I be speaking to?" She asked
"Tevos. I'm glad to see you're awake." It was Valern, the current Salarian Councilor of the Citadel Council. If words could describe how this Salarian works, it would be cunning and manipulative. A male that would do anything to further his own goals. Thoughts aside, Tevos swallowed the bight of her breakfast and began conversing with her colleague.
"Valern? What causes you to call me at such an early notice?" Truly there was something important if he was calling her at this hour.
"It is a matter of utmost importance Tevos. I urge you to come to the Council Chambers as soon as possible." With that, the call ended. Tevos merely sighed as finished what remained of her morning meal and started to dress in her formal attire. Once finished, she contacted her assistant to bring her a skycar to her apartment. Unbeknownst to the Asari Councilor, this meeting would open a new door to the world of new possibilities.
And old enemies.
-XXXXX-
Council Chambers
"Are you sure of this, Primarch? This seems too reckless of them. We've tracked them ever since the raid on the Minbar system, and yet we've always come up short." Current Turian Councilor Dectius Sparatus inquired to the current Turian Primarch of the Turian Hierarchy: Tivus Fedeorian.
"Reports from the 7th Recon flotilla say otherwise, Sparatus. The species they encountered within the 314 system matches the same ones that raided Prudence. Same structural evolution, same weapons tech. The only difference was their fighting style. Reports have them more organized from reports taken a decade earlier.
Sparatus exhaled deeply. "You mentioned the 314 system. An educated guess would be that they had activated it?" The Turian Councilor inquired
"The lead ship of the Flotilla, The Oberon had detected a substantial amount of traffic head through relay 314. Once they made contact with what appeared to be a mining station, hostilities ensued."
"Spirits." Sparatus quipped. "What then?"
"The 7th Recon Flotilla barely made a scratch in their defenses due to the enemy's level of technology. it was evident that Flotilla didn't have the necessary capabilities in order to take on this station. So they called in for assistance. Lucky enough for them, a 12th Citadel Fleet was close enough to spare a few ships in assistance." Fedeorian added.
Before the two colleagues could continue, the sounds of doors opening had brought their conversation to halt. Fedeorian said his goodbyes, announcing that he will send the rest info he needed and would continue their conversation in a more private setting. When the call closed, the Turian Councilor turned towards his colleagues as they approached Sparatus.
"Councilors." Sparatus. "I'm glad to see that you could make it."
"Yes," Tevos added. "Councilor Valern addressed me on the important notice but he didn't explain to me what was fully going. Said he wanted to wait until all three of us are present." The slightly agitated Asari then turned to her Salarian counterpart. "Apologies for the delay. Wanted explanation to be cohesive. All side must be present for it to work."
Tevos made a slight eye-roll once the Salarian turned his attention to Sparatus. "Shall we begin?" He announced. Not wanting to waste any more precious time, all three councilors sat down and began to discuss the matter at hand.
"Councilors. I bring you here today to discuss an event that is considered dire within the galactic community. News at this height would be paramount to any recent events. So, I'm just going to give the news straight away." The Turian Councilor gave a brief pause. "We've found those responsible for that Tragedy of Haran."
Upon hearing this, Tevos had nearly fallen out her seat. The news of this discovery had gained different reactions from each of Councilors. Sparatus' primarily showed emotions of animosity when the Primarch had relayed the news. Valern, as any Salarian would be, was surprised to hear to about the reemergence of this old threat. Tevos? It was already apparent what hear initial reaction was.
"H-How did we find them." Tevos managed to say, the masked rage becoming evident. Deciding that this was a great time to add to the conversation, the Salarian Councilor decided to answer this time.
"7th Recon Flotilla detected rapid movement through relay 314. They decided to investigate. Discovered mining station in orbit of one of the gas giants. Per Citadel law, they decided to make the First Contact and apprehend those responsible for its activations. First Contact went sour. Hostilities then ensued.
"As the fighting went on, 7th Recon called for assistance. 12th Citadel Fleet engaged the enemy and forced them back through 314. Further details are pending." Sparatus continued. "We also have taken control of the mining station we came across."
"Any signs of resistance?" The Salarian inquired.
"Save for a few automated security, no formal signs of resistance. We have prisoners are their way back to the citadel as we speak." Sparatus informed. The 12th then followed them through the relay, eventually cornering them to a garden world. A heavily defended garden world."
"A garden world that's heavily defended?" Tevos thought. If that's so then it must be possible that…"
"Is it possible that we've located their homeworld?" Valern finished what Sparatus was thinking.
"That is a possibility Councilor. No colony world would have an immense orbital defense grid save for a species Homeworld.
"And what if it isn't?" Valern added.
"There's a possibility that it isn't, that's why Hierarchical Congregation has decided To detached the Tenth Fleet to assist the subjugation of the Planet and spearhead the journey towards their Homeworld and any other planets that have under their control. Judging by their set course, they'll arrive shortly to assist the 12th."
"Tenth Fleet? Read reports about them. Large, efficient, deadly. Possible overkill?" Valern quipped. Sparatus shook his head at his colleague's comment.
"Overkill is a fool's term when it comes to protecting civilized space from those who wish to harm it. The Tenth Fleet played a great role during the Krogan Rebellions, especially during the Battle of Digeris."
"It would also be appropriate to send them since the reports that states the 12th Fleet took moderate causalities when facing their Orbital grid."
"How many were lost?" Valern asked.
"In cumulative total 15 ships from the 24th Fleet were considered lost with all hands. As of now, only 24 remain combat active." Sparatus informed his colleagues, signs of dread clear in his voice.
He continued "Primarch Fedeorian has informed me that Admiral Titus is currently landing troops on the planet as we speak. As of now, there is a planetary invasion going on. Further updates will be forwarded to me when they become available."
Sparatus could only look into his colleague's eyes. Eyes filled with pain and anguish. Sparatus noticed how Tevos was tensed up, tears brimming in the corner of her eyes. The word pity wasn't good enough to represent how he felt for his colleague.
"Tevos. If you feel the need to say something. You have the option to speak freely." There was an empty silence in the room. Tevos then stood up from her seat and proceeded to exit their Private Chambers. The door closed as soon as it opened. Leaving the two remaining councilors behind in silence.
Hierarchy Warship Pride of Taetrus
High Orbit Above Shanxi
"Helmsman! Status report." Spoke a Turian Captain that was known as Decius Remidros. A fine naval officer that has seen his fair share of combat ever since he graduated from Palaven's Naval Academy.
"Invasion is underway, Captain. General Desolas' forces have made landfall but not without heavy casualties. Orbital Guns have been picking away at landing craft, easily cutting the initial landing force to three-quarters of its strength."
"Damn it all." Decius cursed. "what's the progress of the invasion?"
"Slow progress, Captain. Reports form Titus' ship have stated the enemy has put up fierce resistance. Reports have also pointed out that the 30th Assault Legion is making ground towards one of their Orbital Defense cannons.
Decius nodded on that note. At least something good was coming from these reports.
"We also have confirmation that the Tenth fleet will be providing reinforcements and help us secure the planet. As well as leading the effort to find their homeworld." The Helmsman added. "Knowing their reputation and skill, there's no doubt that this conflict will be over before the month's end."
Decius slightly reacted to this news. "Isn't that a tad bit overkill?"
The Helmsman scoffed. "Overkill is an understatement to these primitives. These are the same ones that sacked Haran.
"The same one from 10 years ago?" Decius asked, skepticism starting to rise in his conscience once again. The first time this happened was when Admiral Titus had announced the news on the Fleet's frequency. "That doesn't make sense. The ships that attacked Prudence were different in both design and color schemes. How do we even know that they're the same ones that did it?"
"If you don't mind me saying sir, a lot can happen in a decade. It mainly happens when species makes the first contact with another space faring race."
"But it makes no sense. Why would they change…"
"Captain! The Tenth Fleet will be arriving shortly." The ship's Navigator announced.
Decius sighed. The facts were there but none of them connected. This was a topic he would have to inform the Hierarchs about. But for now, he must focus on his duties.
"The Tenth Fleet is exiting the relay in five…four…three…two…"
Without a second wasted, the Tenth Fleet had appeared on their radar. A task force of nearly 300 ships and infantry force that five times larger than the defense force that was garrisoned on the world below them.
"Captain! There's a call being transmitted to the Communications Terminal."
"Status?"
"Fleetwide sir."
"Put it on then. I'd rather not miss out on this call. Whoever's broadcasting this message has something important to say."
"Aye, sir!"
The comms officer opened the signal, giving whoever was broadcasting a platform to speak the Taetrus' crew. The Turian speaking was Admiral Equdia Viccus, acting commander of the Tenth Fleet.
"This is Admiral Viccus of Turian Tenth Fleet. We've come to assist in the pacification of the hostile race that is located within the system. Hold your position and wait for our arrival."
Decius made the Turian-equivalent of a smirk. Admiral Viccus, a descendant of the famous Admiral Decibius Viccus. A veteran of the Krogan Rebellions and the Hero of Digeris. Coming from a long military family, her tactics and way of thinking were complimented by many within the Hierarchy. Many considered it a blessing from the spirits to have a reputable ancestry like Equida's, but to Decius' point of view, luck was the majority rule in her entire career. If she was born into a lesser known bloodline, she would've been another Naval Captain led by some Admiral that made his name in his academy.
"Helmsman Atticus, I'm heading back to my quarters for a moment. Alert me immediately If anything occurs."
"Understood Sir."
-XXXXX-
Financial District
Within the downtown financial district, the 37th Turian Expeditionary Force had dug in deep within the city center. Creating their own version of a Forward Operating Base. Sentries manned the inner and outer perimeters, Medics were doing the best they can help stabilize the injured, and the command staff was relaying orders to the troops that were currently out on the field. The constant flow of information had kept the 37th on its toes since they were in a land that was unfamiliar to them. While most within Council space was familiar with the concept of Metropolises, the 37th had no layout of the land before them. Though Urban Warfare wasn't new to races like the Hierarchy, there have been unforeseen incidents that have led to several interruptions of the Turian Occupation.
Saren Arterius witnessed some of these incidents. He remembered what happened. His team was tasked with investigating why a Scout Patrol hadn't reported back to command. After traversing for seemed to be almost an hour, Saren and his team had discovered the location of the missing recon team. To put it simply, it was the sight that Saren was used to.
The sight of broken bodies and burnt weapons had littered room they recon team had set up in. Burn marks and bullet holes had covered the walls, while blood stains and gray matter painted the room in a more dreadful color. They were beyond recognizable.
Another sight was when his and a few other companies were subjected to constant waves of bombardments that littered a city block. All companies that were present in the attack suffered heavy casualties. Saren ended up with a few injuries himself, but none were considered life-threatening. Ever since then, he's been licking his wounds at a nearby FOB.
"How many survived?" An Officer asked the resident medic. The Medic gave out a long sigh. "Not many sir, the damage that was done these fine men had left them either unfit to fight or mortally wounded. I believe it's best to send this headcount back to command. Manpower at this outpost has been significantly reduced, the last thing we need is the enemy to find a hole in our defenses."
The officer nodded. "Right…Make sure you get a proper head count before you send your report back to command. I don't want any errors being made."
"Of course, sir!" The medic saluted and proceed to continue with his work. The officer remained where he stood, taking in the reality of what was happening. As he scanned the room, he noticed a certain Turian that stood out from the rest. The silver-colored Turian, sat on the edge of the bed, hands clasped around each other, his line of sight facing the opening of the medical tent. The officer hesitated for a moment before walking towards his subordinate. Saren didn't notice him until he gave nudged him on the shoulder.
Saren broke from the trance he was stuck in and diverted his attention to the Turian standing before him.
"Sergeant Brevican. I didn't hear you come in." Saren exclaimed. Brevican shook his head. "You need not worry about that, son. What you need to worry about is your state of mind. How are you holding up?" Saren was hesitant in his answer. Showing signs of weakness was a common occurrence among those who were just starting their inductions into the military. Saren was afraid of being singled out because of this. If his fears were to be discovered, it will most likely tarnish his career. What could make things worse is that it would draw attention Desolas on how his younger brother would choke and cower in the line of duty.
"I'm fine, sir. I'm just trying to keep myself level headed. That's all." He replied. Brevican narrowed his eyes at this response.
"You don't have to lie, son. I know you've been having problems these last couple days." Saren tensed up when he heard this. Since landfall, you've been choking up and hesitant when it comes to engagements with the enemy. What's going on?" he inquired.
Saren tensed up at this sort of questions. For someone to doubt his affectability in battle, it was something he wanted to avoid. Saren choked up a bit, a sign of failure in his eyes as there was nothing to say. Brevican then moved closer and then proceeded to sit next to the young Turian.
Brevican took a glance at Saren, his sad and ashamed expressions. Titus could now see what's wrong. "There's no need to talk, boy. I know what's wrong." Saren said nothing "I was the same when I was your age. Just fresh out of the academy, being shipped out to the frontlines in some irrelevant war against the Vorcha. I remember the fear that came over me when the blood of my brothers and sisters had stained the dirt below my feet. It showed me how the horrors of what war can do to a young soul." He explained to the young Turian. "It made me crawl into the deepest hole i could find and wait until the fighting stopped." Titus took a pause in his story. Saren remained silent, his movements subtle but showing that his tensed form was slowly degrading.
"After the fighting had stopped." Titus continued. "I had crawled out of the bombed-out crater, only to see what remained of my comrades. Only of few lucky souls remained. Four thousand out of fifty thousand. They ended up calling us the Blood walkers. Those who walked in the fire of battle and who have walked in fields of blood. In the beginning, I never wanted that title. But that didn't stop me from earning it." Titus placed his hand on Saren shoulder. "Despite what they told you in the academy. Fear is natural. Everyone has it. There's no need to hide your emotions, Saren." Brevican then got up and began to walk towards the entrance of the tent.
"You just have to embrace them." Titus exited the tent, leaving Saren alone with his wisdom and his thought.
Saren swore he heard rain start to fall.
-XXXXX-
Shanxi, Khuvi City
Administrative District
Colonial Administrations Building, Sub-Level 8
May 5, 2169
"What about the AATIS Defense Array?".
"The Array is still operational. For how long? That's the question"
"Is there a time estimate?"
"There is one. But it ain't pretty. The AATIS Defensive line had been on the receiving end of a full-frontal assault on their position. Company Commanders have reported a 14 percent casualty rate."
Agent Holton took a drag from the cigarette that he was smoking occasionally. The man didn't say anything. Only listening to what his companion had to say.
"Data from CCTV networks have given me pinpoint the location on the enemy encampment." The holographic table before her changed from detailed recreation of the AATIS Defense Line to a simplified representation to Khuvi City as a whole. While not extremely detailed, Holton could see the outlines the Khuvi's separate districts. Each was outlined with a distinctive color, representing importance to the city's infrastructure. The Green districts represented the city's Agricultural, Residential, Commercial Districts. The Financial Districts were outlined in yellow. Administrative and Military Districts were highlighted in Blue. Each sector had its own color, a representation of order within the city. As of now, all Holton's could see was red and the flashing signs of ERROR over several districts. As far as he could see, the Central Administrative District was the only fortified Sector left unoccupied.
"The AATIS Network is the only thing keeping the enemy from overrunning Central. Northern and the Eastern Branches haven't been able to report in due to extensive damage to the city. Colonial Administration has assumed the worse."
Hearing this news, Holton could only sit and watch the projection before him as he assessed the situation at hand.
"What's the game plan now?" The Companion asked. Holton took another drag from his cigarette before setting out in the ashtray beside him.
"The plan remains the same as before. If Central falls, there's no way I can let you fall into the hands of the unknown." As Holton declared what their objective was, the holographic table changed from the representation of a doomed city to the artificial representation of a young Female wearing the uniform of an Old Earth Security Organization, her light pink hair covered all but one purple eye that was seen clearly from the glasses she obviously wore."You always knew how to take care of me. Don't you know tiger?" the Artificial Intelligence spoke with a smirk.
Shanxi, Khuvi City
Civilian Emergency Bunker #5
Residential District
Haley couldn't sleep.
Not with all this noise.
Even under 700 feet of solid rock and metal, she could still hear the subtle vibrations of the battles occurring on the surface.
Haley laid on one of the many cots that occupied the bunker along with many other civilians the fled from the invasion. Many were convinced that the fighting would be over before the first day's end as everyone thought that an SDF splinter group sporting outdated ships had managed to slip through the orbital defense grid and were planning to make landfall. Ships like that stood no chance against modern weaponry the Alliance sports now. But things started to change when the all clear didn't go through and the Danger-level rose
Some started to speculate that whatever remained of the SDF had gathered whatever ships they can muster into Hive Fleet, going from planet to planet, stripping away it's resources to rebuild what they lost decades ago. Other believed that the SDF had come back in full force in attacking outer Alliance worlds and once again planned to push their way back to Sol and claim the Earth as their own. And there were a few that said the one mankind was most likely destined to encounter when they left the Sol System.
Aliens.
Before the invasion, the thought of the first contact this early was doubtful among most of the population. By the 41st Interstellar Consensus was finished and Archived, 2 planets have been colonized and mankind had a population of 36 billion. 40 plus years of interstellar colonization, several of those being small internal conflicts that led to a war of interstellar secession, and not one of intelligent life. Unless you counted local fauna that existed the colonies beforehand.
But now, skepticism was flailing, and insignificant amounts of panic were ensuing. Some civilians that were encased in this 400-foot bunker had approached the assigned personnel that were encased with them as well- a measure to ensure that the population was kept calm and orderly with a sense of protection and began asking questions. Questions that weren't getting the answers that they needed.
Haley could hear the downbeat conversation roar over the various chatter that took place within the bunker.
Haley shifted her vision towards the commotion that was going on. Her eyes landed on a trio of men, one middle-aged, another seemed to be in his late 30's, and the last-what seemed to the youngest of the group- seemed to be in his early 30's. in front was one CDF Officer. The chevrons his shoulder signifying that he's currently a sergeant but to her knowledge he just another CDF soldier.
"We demand to know what's going on! We've been down here for almost four days. People are starting to wonder why we haven't been able to return home." The middle-aged man explained to the officer.
The officer sighed with a tired expression. "Sir, everything will be explained when we have viable information."
"Are the SDF attacking us?" one of the younger men asked with a slightly worried tone.
"That's something I can't say. Command doesn't want unverified info being released into the civilian populace." He replied, typing onto the data pad he held in his hand.
The middle-aged man piped up again "So you don't know who's attacking?" The officer could notice the accusatory tone.
"With all due respect sir, I'm not technically allowed to answer any questions without an all-clear from Command, so I'd advise you three to sit your asses down before I get someone to do it for you. Is that clear?"
They both stared at each other for a few moments, the tension was radiating from the current argument. That's what it felt like until the middle-aged man broke off the engagement and took the two younger men along with him. The Officer went back to what he was doing before the three had begun to bother him.
Like the rest, Haley returned to what was doing originally, Waiting to this to all end. Going back to lay in her cot, her sudden movements had awoken a small child that was laying beside her. He slowly opened and rubbed his eyes.
"Mom? Is everything alright? Are the bad people gone?"
Haley looked to her son. The boy so young couldn't understand what was going on.
"Everything's fine sweetie go back to sleep." She replied in a soothing tone.
"When are we going home?" He asked her. Haley could only look at her son. Innocent and bright minded as can be, she knew she had to choose her word carefully.
"Soon Steven. Not now, but soon. Now get some sleep. I don't want you to be all tired when we have to get ready to leave ok?"
Steven yawned, before saying "Ok mommy." And going back whatever dreams that filled his mind.
Haley wrapped her arms around her only child as another subtle hint of war vibrated into the bunker.
A reminder that for them. This was far from over.
-XXXXX-
CMV Armageddon's Edge
Second Heavy Orbital Insertion Group, First Division
Battlegroup Westray, Second Fleet
On-route to Shanxi
Sometime after the Fall of the ATTIS Defense Line
Pilot Specialist 1st Class Alex Morrison followed the line of Soldiers that made their way the armory and their assigned weapons locker, almost acting like a machine, remaining in step with his fellow pilots that was gearing up for this new offensive.
"Did you see the press conference the President gave?" A Recon Pilot asked as they began to check their R-101C Rifles and R-92 SMGs.
Alex merely grunted in reply.
Alex, a now 27 years old man from an outer colony world of Ellandun, had originally joined the Marines in order protect the ones he cared about from roaming terror cells and for the benefits of paying for college. It was also worth mentioning the deep sense of nationalism those if his generation had within them. Willing to lay down their lives to protect Earth, Her Colonies, and specifically their own native colonial homeworlds.
After five years of taking down terror cells and shutting riots that threaten this Era of Expansion that swelled within the Federation. He and 400,000 other marines were handpicked, due to their various amounts of adaptive skills, to be a part of a new fighting force that would quote "Finally stomp out the idea of rebellion."
The Heavy Orbital Insertion Group were an experimental fighting force that would be dropped from orbit within a drop pod, forged out of Titanium-A and lead foil, with extreme accuracy. After the protective cover had penetrated the atmosphere, at an altitude of fewer than 200 meters, the pod will burst open, letting the Titan land on its feet and deploy a 15 to 25-second dome shield for protection against any ground-based targets.
As all 400,000 candidates went through the Combat Certification taking 4 years of training in both the operation of Titans and refinement of the skills of shooting, parkour and combat within MK-V Simulation Pod, only 20,000 had passed certification. 20,000 newly designated troopers were now an experiment the upper echelons of STRATCOM were watching.
While Alex had the confidence and trust of his comrades, what really bothered him is the lack of intel that was being delivered. Sure, everyone within Federation space now new that Aliens were besieging a fledgling planet somewhere in the Outer colonies and now STRATCOM was mobilizing a massive relief fleet to take it back, but where were the details on the enemy? What ships do they have? What're their weapons like? Tactics? Can we bone them... Marine talk that was.
Regrettable these questions weren't given any answers since the Battalion Commander keeps on Telling us that "We don't get paid to ask questions. We get paid to kill." Alex sighed at that memory.
Now making their way into the Armor fitting room, Alex and his squamates transitioned into their gear. Even though it may look light to the naked eye, the T-24 Multi-Purpose Agility suit was a mix of synthetic material and Carbon Nano-Fiber, forming and contorting to each Pilots form, enhancing their strength and endurance. The Agility part came separately-so to speak- as the Jump kit; a small jetpack that is worn around the waist. Jump Kits provide a brief burst of thrust that is used to leap to higher locations. They also have a function that adjusts the deceleration on potentially fatal descents to safe levels, allowing Pilots to fall from great heights without injury. The Jump Kit enables sustained wall running, improving Pilot maneuverability in combat situations, and fall from great heights. The T-24 Multi-Purpose Agility Suit also allows different sets of armor to synchronize with its interface. Allowing those who prefer to customize their armor, than having the default, to do freely so.
"How long do you think this war is going to last?" Another of his squadmates, A heavy weapons Pilot asked as he the belt feed on his AT-ARL aka The Sidewinder and his M1A3 Hemlok BF-R.
Alex gave silent sigh as he grabbed his assigned R-101C, his ammunition, nine ammunition strips in total. Five on his chest, four on his hip belt and one in his rifle. He then let his helmet slip on, it's HUD coming to life, displaying his Radar, Motion Tracker, IFF system, Smart Targeting Synchronization, and the live video feed of the world around him.
Finally, he made his way towards the expanded armory to grab his assigned Charge Rifle and B3 Wingman. As he finally gathered his gear, the ships Intercom system came to life.
"Attention all hands! We're reaching the end of our Fast Travel. T-Minus 20 minutes until normal reentry into real space." The intercom ended.
Albeit that Alex did look like a trained warrior, he still was nervous about this entire operation. As he and the rest of his squad walked over towards a larger group of pilots that were assembled near the center of the room
Standing in the middle was the leader, Pilot Lieutenant Tia Akimoto, a fiery yet compassionate woman of East Asian descent that hailed from the inner colonies.
After what Alex could describe of speech to boost Morale that indeed left many pilots yelling with encouragement, the Pilots then dispersed from the center and made their way towards their assigned Titans.
Alex assigned Titan was an Atlas-Class. Considered a Jack-of-All-Trades among the three Titan classes since It was a perfect balance of power and mobility' is an excellent Titan for all engagements and situations. More mobile than her brother Titan, The Ogre, and more durable than its sister Titan, the Stryder.
What he did next was test the synchronization of his Titan. Running simulations of his arms, Ordnances, his shields, and his X0-16 Chain Gun.
"Three minutes until reentry." The intercom said.
Alex took a deep breath and said a quick prayer. "EH-2356, Begin sequence."
"Affirmative Pilot. Beginning Initiation Sequence."
Almost instantly, The Atlas Titan had set itself within its assigned parameters and stood still within the Metal Pod that enclosed itself around the 28-ton robot.
All Alex could see in through the Chassis live feed was darkness. Each moment was tense for the Pilot.
"Attention all Personnel. We're about to reenter real space. Brace for aftershock." The Intercom cracked once again.
It wasn't even three seconds after the announcement, that Alex felt a slight tug and pull on his body. Realizing that they were most likely in the Shanxi Theta System, it wasn't long before the calm ride began to get rough. The soft rumbling sounds of flak could be heard through the thick walls of Uranium Depleted Titanium-A.
Alex kept praying to whatever gods Humanity had left out there.
He kept praying until the voice boomed into his headset.
"Standby for shock insertion!"
And all he felt next was the weight of his world disappear in an instant.
