Review Acknowledgement- Wow, there was a really good analysis of carriers and the logical reasons behind various races' cultures and technological paths. gave me a lot to think about in regards to the faction I'm working on building... so thank you, Guest!

Chapter 3

Demaris Schahl

Ethertons Retribution Bridge

July 12, 2278

Demeris schahl looked at each of his generals, his closest friends. Memories of their time at the Merlin Emrys Academy of Magic flash through his mind eliciting a smile. Cyril ostreicher, Clark Skyverson, Myung Oh, Adah Agares, Jason Knight, Amber Schahl, and Rashelle Schahl.

"We have found ourselves in a strange situation," Demaris begins briefing his generals, "Sorceress please bring up the display."

A small ten-inch A.I. figure appears on the holo table between demaris and his generals. The A.I. avatar has a striking resemblance to Rashelle despite being a pure coincidence. Both have long hair and a sharp nose below blue calculating eyes, but Sorceress has flaming red hair as opposed to Rachelle's black hair. When Demaris programmed her, he had never seen Rashelle, he was instead trying to make her look like his wife in a past life. Rashelle was understandably freaked out by this.

The holo table is a rectangular prism three feet tall and six feet long by three feet wide. Materials used in its construction give it a shiny obsidian look. Across the top surface is a large crystal screen powered by the ship and enchanted to project data as a hologram.

"As I arrived on Ethertons Retribution, I experienced what you must've, the whole of reality shaking," Demaris begins, "when it stopped the entire Schahl Empire, every planet, every ship, and every citizen arrived in a separate universe. We have determined it to be a new universe to the variance in magic signatures. It's as though no one in this universe has ever used magic."

The blue light from the holo table illuminates everyone's face. Images of star systems show that where one planet in its orbit now had two identical planets. Fleets of other civilizations hover over their planets. One of the two has a fleet of hundred and dozens of Orbital Defense Platforms.

Cyril speaks up and the blue light contours his face slightly with each syllable, "Have any of the unknown ships attempted contact."

Demaris smiles warmly, Cyril was always quick on the draw. After all, gunslingers needed to be fast. The duster covering the general is dark brown like his hair and eyes, Looking like he walked straight out of a western movie. He even still uses gunpowder-based revolvers.

"Indeed, the defense fleets over Elysium reacted when a battle was occurring in their star system. Pirates were attacking one of the new factions and enslaving the colonists, human and Xeno alike," Demaris watches as Cyril's jaw tightens, "another fleet from the third 'Elysium' also reacted and the situation was resolved thirty minutes ago."

"What kind of species are they?" Myung speaks up, her long elven ears twitching slightly, "do we have to fear another Xeno war?" They had just survived a war with a galaxy that refused to accept them, something Myung knew all too well. Earth was invaded and many perished, even Myung's homeland of the elven forests was set ablaze.

Demaris stifles a sigh. He knew this would be brought up. "I don't think there is a worry there, seeing as the two new factions are human. The pirates however are Xenos. The factions themselves have yet to reach out and are likely studying the situation and suppressing panic like w.."

Sorceress cuts off Demaris, "Emperor Schahl, the other two factions have sent a communication request."

"Very well open the connection," Demaris straightens his posture even more and lets his face relax into a passive expression, "Let's see what these new factions bring."

The Generals around the holo table take a step back to allow Demaris to be the main focus. Two people pop up on the Holotable.

The man on the left has an imposing aura that demands respect. He is wearing a crisp white uniform, gold accents on the shoulders with a gold rope crossing from his right shoulder to sternum. Several awards and campaign ribbons adorn the left side of his uniform. "I am Fleet Admiral Lord Terrence Hood, the de facto leader of the United Earth Government for the duration of the human-covenant war."

The man on the right is also wearing white clothing but is clearly civilian, being that they look similar to robes rather than a uniform, "My name is Amul Shastri. I am the current Prime Minister of the Systems Alliance." The man has darker skin and hair, and a face bearing a gentle expression.

Demaris can feel their scrutinizing gaze, he is far younger than they appear to be. Demaris has just turned thirty-three physically, but was in fact nearly one hundred mentally, while the two leaders before him appear to be sixty or older. "I am Demeris Schahl, first Emperor of the Schahl Empire."

Lord Hood nods, "It seems we have all become…neighbors quite recently, but it couldn't have been better timing for us. So I will ask this, what are your intentions going forward from here? Do we need to fear hostilities?"

Demaris decides to be upfront, "We were about to go to war, which is why you can see our twenty war fleets from the surface of your earth's. That being said, We have no desire to cause outright conflict, even if our fleets outclass both of yours by tech, size, and numbers." Demaris hopes that knowing their imperial forces outclass the rest, hostilities will be less likely to occur, "I think we have appeared in the universe of the systems alliance and Prime minister Amul can enlighten us as to our standing in this new universe as strangers. My basis is that the Batarians, as they seem to be called, are not one of the Xenos we have in our home Galaxy."

Amul seems to sigh before speaking, "Honestly both of your fleets have terrified our populace and will likely terrify the rest of the galaxy. Ships from the UEG are up to four times greater than anything we could build. Then there are the twenty massive constructs larger than earth's moon. All of your ships by our own scientific standards should be impossible."

Demaris lets some of his inner scholar out, "Indeed. Initial scans say your ships are able to reduce their mass, likely enabling you to move faster than light. As for the UEG, we have a recording of their ships tearing holes in space to travel. Then there is my empire, which uses magic to teleport our fleets, but I digress. What I want to know the most is, what are the Xenos like in this galaxy? We just finished a war and it sounds like the UNSC was in the midst of the war."

"Indeed, our first contact with an alien species has resulted in worlds glassed, civilians slaughtered, and our fleet could only win if we had three times the amount our enemy did," Lord Hood adds, "it would be best for the UNSC to cease fighting and rebuild."

"Our Systems Alliance is a part of the Citadel, a collection of several Xeno species. We have been a vassal race to the Turians since we lost the First Contact War." Amul tries to explain as simply as possible, "the Citadel council governs citadel space and is comprised of the three big races, Salerian, Turian, and the Asari. The rest are Client races to the citadel or are vassals."

Lord Hood raises an eyebrow, "a vassal? And how was this first contact war started?"

"The First Contact War began when we activated a dormant relay, devices left by the Protheans to travel the galaxy, breaking citadel law. As a result, the Turians came through the relay and conquered all human worlds." Amul sighs more deeply than before, "it was a bitter war, many still hate the Turians for it. Then as vassals, we have to supply soldiers and materials when necessary."

Demaris scowls and doesn't notice his clipped tone, "Were you aware of these citadel laws beforehand?"

"No, we did not," Amul answers.

A scowl can be seen on Lord Hoods Face mirroring Demaris's own, "very well as of this moment the systems Alliance is officially under the protection of the Schahl Empire. No one bullies Humanity while we stand strong."

Lord Hood nods, "The UNSC Likewise extends its protection. We faced a foe for decades now that sought our very destruction, our extinction. The UNSC has been the sword and shield for humanity, and that won't stop just because we are in a new galaxy."

"Well said Fleet Admiral Hood," Demaris Acknowledges the Human commander.

The prime minister of the Systems Alliance seems to be taken by surprise, "That….That is good and all, but what's the catch?"

Demaris smiles warmly now, "There is no catch, but I think it will help in our current situation. Therefore I think we should now move to the biggest matter at hand. Our civilizations have all suddenly overlapped borders and in light of this citadel council, I suggest we come to some sort of agreement or team up if you will. Should there be war between us, it will only weaken us."

Lord Hood looks confused for a moment before reclaiming his stoic face, "Are you that quick to go to war Emperor Schahl?"

"Nothing of the sort," Demaris defends himself, "Rather I can imagine that this Turian race will not like that we have appeared. Just as the Prime minister said, our ships alone terrify the inhabitants of this galaxy. Therefore I seek to at least ally with both of your governments, but I will protect you should the need arise. To be honest, we were sending our fleets to fight a literal manifestation of Darkness, the whisper in all living minds to do heinous acts. If such an enemy exists here then we even more certainly cannot afford to act on our own."

"I see," Lord Hood places a hand to his chin in thought, "There have been to that wish to reinstate the UEG since the covenant threat has vanished. They could very well approve or overturn an alliance I make. Nonetheless, I will for now ally officially with the systems alliance and the Schahl Empire."

"That's a similar situation for me, but for now I will declare us allies." the Prime minister adds in his piece. "Now for the next matter, We have always known it's the Batarian hegemony sponsoring slave raids but we can't actually do anything about it," Prime Minister Amul explains, "the Batarians work through terrorists and pirates. They also hid behind the citadel by stating that slavery is a part of their cultural heritage, thus the council turns a blind eye while increasing patrol fleets."

"Then we will deliver an ultimatum to the Batarian hegemony through the Systems Alliance," Lord Hood lays out a plan, "when they don't comply we declare war and destroy this Batarian Hegemony. Bombard them from orbit if necessary. When shown no quarter you fight to the last man, showing no mercy for you will receive none. We will not allow a single UEG citizen to be enslaved."

Amul shakes his head, "That won't work because we are vassals of the Turians, meaning we can't officially declare wars. Our petitions to the Turian Hierarchy have been ignored."

Demaris growls angrily and finds his voice is being raised with each word, "That itself is unjust. The Systems Alliance is the victim here, and the Citadel Council allows it. So answer this Amul Shastri, do you want to give the Systems Alliance Freedom or will you continue to live subjugated by the Citadel Council? I have already heard all I need to. I am not bound to this Citadel and will destroy anyone that dares enslave the people of my Empire! Humanity is strong and together we can be even stronger. What say you Amul Shastri?"

Amul takes on a contemplative look, "I want my people to be free, but will your help require that my people are absorbed into your empire? Would we be little more than a vassal to you?"

Lord Hood remains silent, likely assessing Demaris. Demaris simply begins to laugh, "A vassal? No, an ally and while I don't think your people could use magic, that doesn't mean all of our technology is useless to you. We have been given a golden opportunity to raise humankind to new heights, to become something the stars will remember, to be something that no one can ever subjugate." Demaris turns to the bridge crew, "What is the Empires Purpose?"

The whole crew shouts aloud, "to preserve life!"

"Why do we fight?"

"Because no one else will!"

"We Are Heroes!"

"Of the Empire!" the bridge crew roars and Demaris nods in approval.

"Do not think me some petty ruler, some warmonger, an evil empire expander," Demaris finishes with a bang, "We seek to do what the Citadel Council has failed to do, create a place for ideas, goods, belief, and peoples to mingle, prosper, and find joy."

Amul Shastri is on the edge of his seat and Lord Hood is nodding. Demaris smiles a charming smile, "shall we begin discussing terms for Alliance?"

"The UNSC and the UEG need food and medical supplies," Lord Hood requests, "could we get help in caring for refugees?"

Demaris nods, "it will be done."

Amul Shastri

Etherton's Revenge

July 25, 2176

Amul looked around the bridge of the massive supercarrier. All around the bridge crew was hard at work. He felt a swell of pride that humanity, even if not his own, had built this massive feat of technological prowess.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Amul focuses on his current task. In preparation for this day, all mass relays that lead to human space were closed. The rest of the galaxy was unaware of what was to come and the Turians were likely going to be the most surprised.

An announcement comes over comms by a male voice, "All hands prepare for long-distance Jump Gate."

Amul turns to Demaris and asks, "Remind me again how the Gate Jump works?"

Demaris takes a seat next to Amul, "Imagine two places in the universe separated by millions of miles. There seems to be no way to get there quickly, so you must force the universe to literally fold. The Jump Gate makes it so that those two points are nearly touching and then we just hop between the two points, shortening the distance from millions to dozens of miles."

Amul feels his head spin, "I think I get it."

"Don't worry too much," Demaris chuckles, "Magic is often weird and hard to understand."

The ship begins to shudder a small amount, then abruptly stops. "Was that it?" Amul looks around.

Demaris stands up and walks over to the hollow table, "indeed. We are now one hundred Kilometers from the citadel."

Getting up and quickly catching up, Amul stands next to Demaris at the holo table. Comms are suddenly patched through, "Unidentified vessel, you have entered citadel space, Identify yourself."

"This is Amul Shastri, Prime minister of the Systems Alliance," Amul states in a stately voice, "We need to urgently speak with the council."

"It's good to finally hear from the humans!" the voice quickly becomes more cheerful, "that's quite a ship you have there, but the council has authorized you to come aboard."

"Copy that Flight Control, we will be arriving by dropship in the Embassy Hanger," Amul informs the obviously Turian voice.

Amul follows Demaris and a squad of Six Spartans to the hangars. Each Marine is covered in black armor. A helmet shaped like the spartan helmets of old, where the face used to be revealed is now filled in with a visor. The chest, arms, back, and legs have a single large piece of armor. Smaller plates shaped like scales cover the rest allowing for movement. The symbol of the Schahl Empire is emblazoned across their chest and the ancient symbol of Sparta is on their shoulders. Each one carries a silver streamlined rifle with a clip on the bottom, and a digital screen on the side for selecting different spells. Demaris had called it a Directed Cating Device. On their hip is a Kopis sword of all things, what good would that do in this technological age?

It was hard to believe that these were descendants of the actual Spartans of Sparta. On the earth Demaris is from, Sparta stayed a strong city-state right through into the Schahl Empire, since the days of the Persian empire. They were unrelated to the UNSC Spartans who are behemoths compared to these Spartans.

After a few minutes, the dropship is underway. Demaris looks at the citadel and seems unimpressed. Amul can understand such thoughts after seeing the specs of the war stations the Empire uses. He himself on the other hand was amazed every time he saw the citadel.

The embassy docks quickly approach. The dropship enters through a large door that is opened and closed. Amul realizes that Etherton's Retribution just had an open hanger, space kept at bay by a blue barrier of some kind.

Docking clamps thunk onto the ship and a ramp aligns itself to the rear ramp of the dropship. Demaris and Amul stand at the end of the hanger. The ramp of the dropship lowers to reveal C-Sec officers, "The council is ready to meet you Prime Minister, but your security detail will need to remain here."

Demaris steps forward before Amul can answer, "They are not his guard, they are mine. They will go with me to speak to this council of yours."

A Turian with bluer skin and white accents looks shocked, responding in a typical no-nonsense fashion, "It is citadel law that only C-Sec or SPECTRES can carry weapons on the citadel."

"I am not beholden to the Citadel's laws," Demaris keeps a calm facade.

"Insolent human!" another Turian shouts.

Vakarien quickly mediates before anything happens, "You are humans, you are a part of the Citadel."

Amul speaks up now, "They are a new governing faction that has appeared, The Schahl Empire, and they are why the Humans went silent for a time. Now are you gonna stop us from talking to the council or will i contact them directly?"

The level-headed Turian seems unsure of what to do, but quickly decides it's safer to ask, "Council Chambers, this is Vakarien. We have the humans here but they are refusing to leave their security behind." His head bobs as he receives an answer, "Affirmative."

Vakarian turns and walks back down the ramp, "Let 'em through."

Amul walks side by side with Demaris, and the Six Spartans follow closely behind. Leading the party are C-Sec officers. Along the way Amul can see the disdain on several of the Turians' faces, and some Batarians mixed in too.

After a short elevator ride, Demaris and Amul walk onto a raised platform. Looking down at them are the three council members. To the left and right are viewing sections, behind them a crowd has formed.

"Prime minister Amul," Amul isn't surprised the Asari Councilor, Tevos is the first to greet them, "We have been worried about Human space for a while now, but with the relays suddenly closing.."

"That was intentional," Comes the gruff response from Demaris.

"Excuse me? That violates Citadel law. And who are you?" Amul watches the Dalatrass, the Salarien councilor, respond arrogantly.

"I am the Emperor of the Schahl Empire, Demaris Schahl and behind me are my Spartans," Demaris stands taller and has a proud expression on his face.

"I'm not familiar with a government such as that on earth," the Turian councilor, Sparatus, says in a haughty all-knowing voice. Everyone present can't help but feel intimidated by the six soldiers. Their helmets hid their expression, combined with zero body movement, to give a dangerous aura.

Amul tries to explain, "When the galaxy shook thirteen days ago. The human regions of space have tripled as not one, but two universes, merging into ours."

"What proof do you have that any of that is true? Are you rebelling against the Hierarchy? Trying to trick us!" Sparatus practically growls out.

Demaris ignores the angry Turian, "Now, the reason we have even met with this ridiculous council." Shocked expressions appear on the councilor's faces, "we are here to deliver an ultimatum."

Turning to look at the Batarian Ambassador, Demaris glares, "All Enslaved Humans are to be returned to the citadel for transfer back to human space within 24 earth hours. Failure to comply will result in the invasion of every single Batarian world, colony, and outpost."

"Blasphemy!" the Batarian Ambassador exclaims, "we have no human slaves!"

Demaris holds out his hand and a projection of pirate fleets engaging the Systems Alliance appears as a hologram, "Sorceress, tell them the number of losses the pirates suffered and how many slaves were taken."

Sorceress appears ten inches tall, "Greetings I am A.I. S-04534355, or Sorceress if you prefer."

Tevos shrieks and many spectators flinch away, "You dare bring an A.I. in here? They are dangerous!"

"I resent that, I am no more dangerous than a puppy," Sorceress makes a cute face, exhibiting true emotion, "Rather check out these stats! Over one hundred thousand humans were captured and enslaved. All pirates, numbering seven thousand, captured or executed."

Tevos's jaw drops, "did you say executed?"

Demaris grins and tells the truth, "all Batarians on the surface of Elysium were killed in fighting or executed by friendly ground forces upon capture. The UNSC and the Schahl empire do not tolerate slavery." Demaris looks at the Batarian Ambassador once again, "One hundred thousand humans do not just disappear. Will you comply with our demand?"

Sparatus interrupts and speaks for the Batarian, "Humanity has gone too far! You cannot tell the Batarians to end their culture, that…"

"Shut the hell up you hypocrite piece of crap!" Demaris bellows with rage, "You attacked the humans for far less. People ignorant of laws they didn't even know and were conquered to sate your sick lust for client races or shall i say 'Slaves'. You and this council sit around thinking the galaxy is perfect in your ivory tower, pretending that there is no suffering in this galaxy. When you do notice, heaven forbid, you tolerate it as 'cultural heritage'. Humanity will not stand for this. You have twenty-four hours!"

Before the council can retort, a glowing circle with runes appears, taking the humans back to their ship. Leaving confusion and anger in their wake.