Chapter 7: A New Age

To say that Kathryn was uncomfortable would be the understatement of the millennium. She was a SPARTAN, she had a certain disdain for dress uniforms. Sadly, due to the nature of her current location, it wasn't her decision to wear it. The GC Embassy on Coruscant was completed within a few days, and was now the site of a small gathering of diplomats and military officials as a gesture of good faith to the Republic, and Fireteam Gamma was attending, thanks to their instrumental role in making first contact.

People of all species were standing about the Embassy's main hall, with the GC personnel standing out like sore thumbs amidst the Andromeda natives. Many of the natives wore a set of formal robes, while the GC favored more simplistic clothing, mostly in a silver or grey color.

The small hum of casual conversation reverberated throughout the Forerunner Alloy building, giving the room a sense of liveliness. A few GC diplomats casually conversed with Senators, and a few GC Marines were standing guard at the entrances, their armor almost blending in with the silverite walls.

Kathryn had decided to wallflower this one, hoping to avoid unnecessary conversation with diplomats. Sadly, it would appear that some of the locals had other ideas. Within an hour, she was bombarded with questions about GC technology, the Milky Way, the SPARTANs, and even a few requests to dance. Thankfully, with the exception of a select few questions, she was able to respond with a simple word. "Classified."

The only welcome interaction came from her Fireteam, who seemed to quickly tire of walking around an embassy with little to do other than play politics. After a few minutes of casual, friendly conversation between the SPARTAN Fireteam, they found themselves joined by a trio of Jedi, being Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka. "Enjoying the company of the politicians?" Obi-Wan asked, a small smirk on his face.

"Absolutely…" Alice deadpanned in response. "I so enjoy having the same questions asked of me every two minutes. Reminds me of why I joined the military."

"They're just curious." Anakin dismissed. "You did kinda show up with technology and ships that completely outclass most of what we have."

Alice shrugged. "I mean… that Malevolence ship I've heard your men talking about seemed like it would be able to do some damage."

"It was one of a kind, nothing else like it." Obi-Wan nodded. "I'm just glad that it's gone."

"Your galaxy is quite strange." Willow commented. "There's so much life here, hundreds and hundreds of spacefaring species, all managing to live in peace… for the most part. The Milky Way isn't anywhere near as diverse. There's only eight spacefaring species in the Milky Way, with a few non-spacefaring species that are under our watch."

"Under your watch?" Ahsoka asked.

"We just have surveillance equipment in their systems to monitor them. We only ever intervene when there's a major threat to their existence, like a planetary extinction event or a global nuclear war." Alice responded, nodding.

"Does that happen often?" Anakin asked.

"We've only ever intervened twice. We prevented one asteroid impact, and made actual first contact to help a species recover from a nuclear war. The first species was barely in their industrial age, while the second had just entered the atomic age." Alice explained.

"Is that a part of your Mantle?" Anakin asked.

"Indeed." Alice said, giving a nod. "The Mantle stands true for all life, sentient or otherwise. That's why our soldiers fight as we do, our military intervenes as it does, and our society functions like it does. It's all in the name of preserving life and ensuring the protection of those unable to protect themselves."

"Reminds me of the Jedi Code." Ahsoka said, smiling.

"It's similar in a few ways." Alice admitted. "It's changed quite drastically over the millennia, so our definition of the Mantle is quite different than the definition of the last Bearer Species, the Forerunners."

"What was their definition?" Anakin asked.

"Preservation of peace through force." Alice explained, not doing much to hide her personal distaste. "You either followed the Mantle, or the Forerunners reduced your species to the Stone Age. Humanity was one of the many victims of their practices."

"Wait… how long ago was this?" Anakin asked, not understanding.

"Humanity waged a war against the Forerunners some 160,000 years ago, a war which we narrowly lost. In response, the Forerunners devolved us as a species, reduced us to Tier 7 Civilization, and monitored us. Our resurgence came about after the Forerunners were wiped out."

"What could wipe out a species like that?" Ahsoka asked. "It sounds like they dominated your galaxy."

"They did… and something far worse than you have ever encountered was responsible for wiping out the Forerunners. It is a threat that could still be present, but we have learned to fight it."

"What is it?" Anakin asked, his attention caught.

"Are we cleared to share something like this?" Kathryn asked, looking to her CO.

"It's common knowledge throughout the GC, it's bound to come about eventually." Alice explained, shrugging. "This threat is a parasitic organism known as The Flood. A collective hivemind, hell-bent on consuming all life of sufficient biomass."

"How… How do you fight something like that?" Ahsoka wondered.

"Making sacrifices." Alice responded. "An entire continent of the Human Homeworld was quarantined for nearly 50 years after a small outbreak occurred. We were forced to destroy an entire system to prevent the spread of the Infection. Standard procedure for Flood-Infested worlds is complete orbital bombardment."

"That sounds… rather terrifying." Kenobi admitted.

"A single Flood Spore can destroy a species. For every soldier you lose, the Flood gains one. The dead are reanimated to serve the Gravemind, locked within the torturous confines of their mind, aware of the horrors they inflict with no means to stop themselves. They are the single greatest threat to life in the known universe, hence why the GC is devoted to snuffing the Parasite out."

"No arguments from me." Anakin said, feeling a slight chill run up his spine from the SPARTAN's description of the Parasite.

"Can we switch topics to something a bit more… I don't know, cheerful?" Jane asked, doing very little to mask her snarky tone.

"This embassy building is rather impressive." Obi-Wan commented, earning a small smile from Kathryn. It was true, the fact that a several hundred story tall building was constructed in under two weeks was impressive, as was the aesthetic design of the structure, but the attempt at awkward small talk almost made the SPARTAN laugh.

"On a related note, is there anywhere we're needed?" Alice asked, looking to the Generals.

"It all seems quiet right now. The Separatists are holding their ground." Anakin responded. "When's your fleet arriving, by the way?"

"They'll be arriving in a few hours." Alice responded. "They'll link up with Infinity and the expeditionary fleet over Coruscant and work from there."

The small gathering continued well into the night, Kathryn's idea of wallflowering it quickly giving way to a rather enjoyable experience with the SPARTANs and the Jedi. Most of the time was spent in casual conversation, friendly banter, and the occasional bit of information exchanged. Palpatine himself attended a bit later, being caught up in a Senate hearing, but almost immediately made his way over to Lasky to have a discussion with him.

Much to Kathryn's surprise, the Chancellor made his way over to the small collection of Jedi and SPARTANs after a conversation with Lasky. "Ah, the SPARTANs that Admiral Lasky has spoken so highly of. It is an honor to finally make your acquaintance." The Chancellor gave a genuine smile and a slight, yet still formal, bow.

The SPARTANs returned the gesture. "A pleasure to meet you as well, Chancellor Palpatine." Alice responded.

"I cannot thank you enough for your heroism on that backwater garden world." Palpatine said, smiling. "I have you to thank for saving Masters Kenobi and Skywalker, and for that, I am eternally grateful."

"I have no doubt they would have done the same." Alice said, giving a small smirk to the Jedi.

"Of course, but heroism should be celebrated wherever it can be found. From what I understand, there's no shortage of it in the GC's SPARTAN Program." Palpatine said, giving the SPARTAN an appreciative smile. "Now that your fleet has arrived, we can begin working to end this war."

All of the SPARTANs were updated by their Neural Lance once the GC's Battlegroup jumped into the system. The fleet was nothing short of stunning. It featured 15 Singularity-Class Cruisers, 25 Constellation-Class Light Cruisers, 10 Nebula-Class Battlecruisers, 30 Orion-Class Frigates, 2 Pulsar-Class Carriers, 2 Unity-Class Dreadnoughts, 1 Infinity-Class Dreadnought, and 6 Prowlers. The sight in orbit was one to behold, with the massive dreadnoughts completely dwarfing the Republic vessels, with the Unity-Class coming in at 15 kilometers. The Constellation-Class was a bit more in-line with Andromeda ship sizes, only coming in at 1200 meters. The Orion-Class Frigates were small even by Republic standards, coming in at 400 meters in length. The carriers were certainly an interesting sight, coming in at 9 kilometers and almost completely unarmed with the exception of close-in weapons systems. Each one carried a veritable swarm of strike fighters. The GC fleet was hilariously small numerically-speaking when compared to the Republic fleet, but they had the advantage of sheer size and firepower.

"This fleet can certainly turn the tide of a few battles." Kenobi said, nodding. "Is there anywhere in specific we plan on hitting next?"

"I'm discussing with Admiral Lasky, we should have a rough plan for the fleets drafted up by tomorrow." Palatine said. "Until then, the best option is to gather our strength."

"A sound strategy." Obi-Wan agreed.

"There is one thing that's come up, however." Palpatine said, catching everyone's attention. "It's a matter that doesn't require a fleet, but a bit more… finesse. Finesse like the Jedi and SPARTANs are quite capable of."

"What do you have in mind?" Alice asked.

"Recently, Senator Amidala has returned to Naboo due to a few droids being spotted in the moon's plains." Palpatine explained, earning a concerned look from Anakin. "Apparently, there is a risk of a Separatist invasion of Naboo… along with a slightly more… sinister threat."

"Sinister?" Obi-Wan asked.

"According to a captured Tactical Droid, there is a Separatist laboratory on the moon of Naboo… something about a virus, but that was all they could retrieve from the droid's memory."

"Bioengineering a virus?" Alice asked, disgust seeping through her words. "Does Admiral Lasky know about this?"

"He does, and I am hoping that the four of you could join the Jedi to the moon tomorrow." Palpatine explained. "Senator Amidala has personally requested General Skywalker and General Kenobi, due to rather strained relations with the Gungan."

"We'd be glad to assist." Alice said, nodding.

"Excellent, I'll have the Naboo Defense Force notified that you'll be arriving." Palpatine said. "I pray that this is merely a Separatist distraction, but we cannot be too careful."

"Agreed." Alice responded, nodding. "We'll get this done."

XXXXX

The skyline of Coruscant was beautiful, dotted with passing speeders and cargo carriers. The incandescent walls of skyscrapers covered the skyline of the upper levels, giving the planet a ghastly appearance. Through the thinner upper atmosphere of Coruscant, the GC's fleet could be vaguely seen as small flecks of light against the cosmic backdrop. It was humbling.

Kathryn sighed as she leaned against the small metal rail of the lonely balcony on the side of the Embassy, watching the night life pass beneath her. Were it not for her numerous genetic augments, she would've been so lost in thought that the footsteps behind her would've gone unnoticed. "Tired of the party?" Ahsoka asked, walking over.

"Not really my thing." Kathryn responded, shrugging.

"Same… Skyguy's the one who likes spending time with the politicians." Ahsoka asked, surprised to hear Kathryn's laugh. "What?"

"I'm sorry. But… Skyguy?" Kathryn asked, giving a wry smile.

Ahsoka shrugged, offering a smile. "A little nickname I gave him when I was first assigned to him last year."

"I like it." Kathryn responded, the smile still on her face.

Ahsoka leaned against the railing next to the SPARTAN, who well and truly towered over the Togrutan. They stood in amicable silence for a few minutes, Ahsoka finally speaking up again. "What's it like?"

"Hmm?"

"What's your galaxy like?" Ahsoka asked, a bit of excitement making its way into her tone. "You're from a completely different galaxy! I didn't think I'd ever see anything like this!"

Kathryn smiled. "Well… it's peaceful. There hasn't been a major war in the Milky Way since the founding of the GC, five hundred years ago. Life is… well, easy. It's almost utopian, actually."

"It must be weird, coming here and seeing a divided galaxy." Ahsoka lamented.

"Not really…" Kathryn shrugged. "The Old Wars are hardly forgotten, many people still remember what happened when our galaxy's races were at each other's' throats. Helps remind us of what we can accomplish when we work together."

"I wish more people shared your ideas…" Ahsoka commented, sighing.

"As do I…" Kathryn agreed, letting the balcony fall into another pleasant bout of silence.

XXXXX

President Lockhart sat behind her desk, overlooking one of the New Ark's six arms. The view of innately human landscape, covered in thin forests and rolling rivers, brought a strange feeling of nostalgia, a feeling that was all-too-familiar to the Earth native. The Human cradle world had changed so greatly. Almost all 'wildlife' existed in preserves, with its natural resources almost completely tapped dry. The arms of the Ark reminded her of her origins, how the GC that she presided over had come to be, and what they were fighting to preserve. Life.

She closed down the Hard-Light display that she was tapping her fingers against, typing up another response to another report from Andromeda. The fleet had arrived, diplomacy had begun, and the Clone Wars had officially seen its newest entry. The more information she read about this galaxy, the more wary she became.

Lockhart ran a hand through her ivory hair, letting out a tired sigh as another message popped up on her display, brute-forcing its way through her system's hibernation setting. She tapped it twice, already knowing who the sender was.

President Lockhart,

With the arrival of the GC Fleet in Andromeda, we are fully prepared to mount our first major offensive against the Confederacy of Independent Systems. I am currently discussing plans with Chancellor Palpatine, with the current situation appearing to point towards the liberation of a homeworld known as Ryloth, homeworld of the Twi'leks.

Strangely enough, this world is not the thriving utopia that a homeworld should be, rather it is an impoverished, backwater world with very little in the way of technological amenities. The people live in dirt huts outside of the cities, and much of the economy remains focused on agriculture.

Many of the Twi'leks flee this backwater world by any means they can feasibly accomplish. Many sell themselves into slavery and indentured servitude, many sign contracts with brothels on the Civilized Worlds, and many become mercenaries. Much to my disdain, slavery remains a very real issue in this galaxy, despite the Republic's best attempts to curb it. The outer rim of this galaxy is controlled by roving cartels of drug-running scum known as the Hutts. Worlds under their control openly practice slavery, and exist in a perpetual state of anarchy, held together by the nuclear family bond and warlords like the Hutts.

Pirates plague this galaxy, plagues are being manufactured, forces that I can only describe as otherworldly and unnatural are utilized by galactic peacekeepers, and billions are caught in the crossfires of war. It is for these reasons, that I reassert my request to manufacture an Ark on the edge of Andromeda.

Please consider my request,

Admiral Thomas J. Lasky

A/N:

Okay… I fucked up. I haven't updated this in over 3 months, and for that, I am so sorry. More and more ideas for Humanity's Rebirth and Roses Born of Dust keep flooding into my head, and I just kinda have to write them.

This will be one of the last arcs from the Clone Wars show that happens somewhat similarly to Star Wars canon. These two arcs, being Christophsis and Naboo, will serve as the foundation for how the GC thinks of Andromeda, so stay tuned.