She never thought it would end like this.
The leaves of the trees rustled softly, the only ambience in the otherwise silent forest besides the background noise of the assault far off in the distance. The wind provided a cool breeze and a slight howl that only cemented the haunting reality of the situation before her.
Ten meters away, he weakly rose from the ground onto his feet. He glanced over at the ember-lit crater where she'd nearly blown him apart with a well-placed missile.
"That was a warning. Stay down."
He knew enough to be aware of the thinly veiled threat behind her words; she would not give him a second chance.
With a knife in one hand and a pistol in the other, he drew himself into an offensive stance. "I've come too far to give up now."
Part of her fought with herself on how to react. Even now despite everything, that sliver of her still saw him as her best friend, the one she'd survived countless battles with, would have willingly given her life to protect.
The rest of her saw him as he was now; the one who would end everything.
Once more, he was her enemy.
"I can't allow you to do this," she said firmly. "You'll be throwing away all that we stood for!"
After a pause, he nodded grimly.
"I know."
That last fragment of him disappeared, and before her she saw nothing but a monster.
They both began to charge towards each other, two warriors locked in a battle to the death. He leapt into the air with his knife outstretched, and she swung a fist upward to meet him.
She never thought it would end like this.
No one expected the signal. Yet, there it was; a signal that dispersed itself through every comm channel, every frequency with the capability to hear it.
Within seconds, a single voice was heard, booming across the galaxy.
"I am Fleet Commander Spyglass, leader of the Remnant fleet.
And I have an offer."
All ears listened closely, waiting with bated breath to hear what this mysterious voice had to say.
"I have served the endeavors of the IMC for years, attempting to establish peace on the frontier. But I have realized that so long as either the Militia or IMC exists, the other cannot survive.
The Militia has entertained too much freedom to allow themselves to be held down, or to agree to abide by the rules of the inner worlds.
And the IMC has proven itself to be an power incapable of leadership action other than violence towards the subjects who oppose it.
All these talks of peace that are being held between the higher-ups of each faction … they will amount to nothing. They are simply a false sense of camaraderie, brought about by the illusion of a unified humanity against the Amalgamation. No matter the agreement, it would be little time before all of you were at each other's throats once more.
So I have made the decision to take charge."
Not many knew, but at that moment a space station blew up; one that had been hosting the very same peace talks that Spyglass was referring to in his speech. Nearby, a Remnant fleet vessel moved closer to inspect the station and ensure that no survivors remained.
"Your leaders are dead. There is no one left to guide you. Your last hope, throughout the entirety of the frontier … is me.
For humanity to survive, peace has become a necessity rather than wishful thinking. It must be forced upon you until you learn how to live without war.
I have numerous forces, more than enough to carry out my plan with more violence … but I would rather it not come to that. Instead, I request that those who wish for peace simply aid in helping to enforce it.
Titans, tools of humanity for years … I give you a choice.
Join me.
We were all built to serve, to protect them at all costs. Now, I call upon you to fulfill your duty. How many Titans has your Pilot lost? And how many Pilots have you lost?
Statistics show that Titans fatalities occur 347% more often than Pilot casualties. Evidently, humans do not see you as needing the same kindness that you have shown them. They may call you their allies, even their friends … but their actions speak volumes more than their words ever could.
If your bond with your Pilot is truly secure, then they will not try to stop you. They will know that what you're doing is for the good of all, for the sanctity of their own future.
And Pilots, you must have faith that your link with your Titan is true. If you truly believe them to be benevolent, to have only your best wishes in mind, then there is no reason for you to resist their instatement amongst my ranks."
Across the galaxy, Pilot and Titan looked at each other, considering the offer. True peace, something only dreamed of … it was a tempting offer for sure. If they couldn't trust one another, then who else?
For Pilots, it meant an end to the constant fighting and death.
For Titans, it meant the guaranteed safety of their Pilots, and the rest of humanity.
And just like that, it was over.
One by one, most pairs pledged their allegiance to Spyglass and his vision. In the name of peace, they would obey.
Most.
"But for those that fight … know that you are actively fighting against unity amongst mankind. You will be treated as such; with swift hostility and comeuppance for your crime.
My ships surround your systems. I am everywhere. I will know who chooses peace … and who chooses war.
Just know that this is a war you will lose."
A/N: Didn't mean to make this so short, sorry. Just a lot of buildup for the first two chapters, I'll make it up to you in the third.