(updated 04-19-2021)
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Housewarming
"Held up as a prime example of realpolitik in action, it still surprises some experts that The First Evil agreed to 'The Sunnydale Accords' much less abided by its terms. While there are rumors about 'secret protocols' included in the accords, there has been no evidence to substantiate any of these rumors. The crux of the agreement was this… The First Evil, all demons, vampires, servants, slaves, and anyone wanting to go would receive safe passage and resettlement on Kepler-22. They would have full rein over the planet and system to do as they wish with no interference from the Alliance. For those remaining on Earth, strict laws and regulations would govern them with the Alliance overseeing enforcement and punishment (including summary execution). Overall, the resettlement went smoothly with only a few minor incidents {see Madagascar Event} that were quickly—and ruthlessly—dealt with. What nobody expected was the level of the Regent's hate for The First Evil…"
— Excerpt from "Light vs. Darkness: War in the Shadows"
"I don't know what the hell you are, but I swear I will make it my mission in life to find a way to kill you. I will personally end you."
— Paul Coleiro to The First Evil
oOoOo
The council chambers were in an uproar, with Alliance representatives at the main conference table shouting over each other. Meanwhile, huddled in the corners were Alliance military officials and bureaucrats, the worry and fear on their faces betraying the seriousness of their conversations.
The focus of the uproar was Ambassador Tashe. Despite the chaos engulfing the room, she only showed an outwardly calm sense of purpose.
"Everyone, I need calm! Please, everyone take their seats, so we can get back to discussing the issue at hand!"
All eyes turned to the Perytonian ambassador, who was chairing this meeting. It took a moment, but a small measure of calm returned. Finally, everyone took their seats, but with all eyes now focused on the Invid ambassador.
Despite the tense situation, the Perytonian exhibited a controlled and calm demeanor, "Ambassador Tashe, the events taking place on Earth are of extreme concern to the Alliance. The council is asking for the Regess to order the Regent to follow the Alliance's orders and withdraw the Grand Fleet from Earth. I think I speak for every other Alliance member in expressing our alarm and concern over the Regent's failure to follow the Alliance's command authority!"
What wasn't being said and was even more troubling, adding to the seriousness of the situation, were the non-Invid contingents of the Grand Fleet deciding to follow the Regent.
The Grand Fleet's loyalty to the Regent had come as a rude surprise. One theory to explain this was the Regent's appearance being like Admiral Coleiro. Those well-acquainted with the Grand Fleet's operations against the Haydonites realized this wasn't the only reason to explain the fleet's actions.
Admiral Coleiro had always cast an enormous shadow over the Alliance. There wasn't a single person in the Alliance Navy or Marines that wouldn't have followed him to hell and back. With the Regent's personality and behavior mirroring the Admiral's, he quickly earned the loyalty of everyone in the Grand Fleet. While it was an asset when fighting the Haydonites, the situation was now different and more dangerous to the Alliance.
What made matters worse, that despite the Alliance's attempts to control the news of the Grand Fleet's insubordination, the news was leaking out across the Alliance. Even now, disturbing reports were coming of unrest spreading through the rest of the Alliance fleet and other military units. These units were splintering into two sides… uphold and enforce the council's orders or join the Grand Fleet. The specter of the Alliance fragmenting into factions with the real possibility of civil war was frighteningly real.
All this weighed on the Perytonian Ambassador as he studied Ambassador Tashe.
We have to keep this from spreading and getting worse…
The Perytonian understood that if the Alliance was to survive and thrive, each race had to work together, which meant they all had to follow the chain of command. The Alliance's chances for long-term survival were bleak if commanders were deciding which orders they would or wouldn't follow. Except for a terse communique announcing the Regent's decision to go to Earth, there had been no other communications with the Grand Fleet.
This lack of communications only generated more fear and uncertainty. Even now, rumors were floating around about how the Regent was planning to move against the council after dealing with Earth.
While only rumors, the council recognized with the strength of the Invid, backed by the rest of the fleet, the Regent could dispose of the council. With the power at his command, the Regent could install himself to a supreme position of power over all the planets in the Alliance.
The history of the Arcadia's and Admiral Coleiro's original universe was something the Perytonian Ambassador was well aware of. He prayed their history would not repeat in this universe, yet a worrying name kept repeating in his thoughts.
T.R. Edwards… Robotech Master…
The Perytonian Ambassador had received a briefing on the hospital attack and the people involved. At a basic level he understood and even sympathized with the Regent.
Maybe if he had come to us first, we might have been able to find another way to deal with this threat…
They were way past that point now. Whatever the Regent's reasons or whatever threat he believed was on Earth, his decisions were now dragging the Alliance to a disastrous precipice. Shouts from the human ambassador interrupted the Perytonian's thoughts.
"We demand the immediate removal of the Regent from command of the Grand Fleet and the fleet's recall!"
The Perytonian ambassador sighed as he acknowledged the human, "Ambassador… we are trying to find a solution—"
"That… That… alien has fired on our planet and destroyed an entire island!" the human ambassador angrily spat out while glaring at the Invid ambassador.
The Perytonian took a deep breath to relax. Since Earth's liberation, she'd increased her participation in the Alliance and its functions. This had resulted in enormous changes to the human diplomatic staff in both quantity and quality, and not necessarily always for the good.
Some humans were having a troublesome time adjusting to negotiating as a single planetary entity on a galactic scale. For the new human ambassador, his problems ran a little deeper. He was having problems dealing with the other races of the Alliance, making inappropriate comments or taking the wrong tone at inopportune times.
While everyone had been giving the human ambassador a chance to find his feet in his new role, this xenophobic outburst came at the wrong time.
"MR. AMBASSADOR!" the Perytonian roared, causing everyone in the council chamber to stop what they were doing.
Silence and shock descended on the council chambers. None of the gathered diplomats, military and civilian officials had ever seen the Perytonian Ambassador lose his composure like that before. The ambassador had always been an example of cool and measured calmness in the face of adversity. His anger made him look more demon-like, which caused several humans to flinch out of reflex.
The Perytonian paused, noting the looks of shock from everyone in the council chambers. He took a deep breath, composing himself as he gathered his thoughts. His primary focus was to keep the situation from getting worse.
"Mr. Ambassador, the council is fully aware of the damage inflicted on your planet by the Regent and the Grand Fleet. From the reports we have received that other than the island and its local flora and fauna, they safely evacuated all inhabitants before the island's destruction. Is that not correct?"
The human ambassador scowled slightly, "Well, yes. That is true, but—," he admitted grudgingly.
The Perytonian cut off the human, "I would like to hear from Ambassador Tashe on this matter," he said, turning toward the Invid representative.
All attention now focused on Tashe. Her expression was unreadable as she stood up to address the council.
"Thank you, Ambassador Madrelan," Tashe said, nodding to the Perytonian in acknowledgement.
"The Regess has asked me to pass along several important messages to the council. First, the Regess sends her regrets for the action taken by the Regent. She wishes she could explain to the council why this action was necessary. All we can say is that what is happening on Earth is of vital importance to the Invid."
Tashe's words barely left her mouth before rumblings occurred among the council, staff and onlookers.
The Perytonian held his hand up to restore some order before addressing the Invid, "Ambassador Tashe, maybe if you could tell us… explain to us why? Maybe we can assist and defuse this situation from getting worse?"
Tashe noted the fear and confusion gripping everyone in the chamber. She wished she had more to say, but the Regess hadn't shared the reasons it was so important for the Regent to go to Earth. The Regess only communicated to her the message she had to deliver to the council and its importance. Despite any doubts she may have, it was her duty to deliver the Regess's message.
"This brings us to the other message the Regess wanted me to deliver here. She has expressed her full support for the Regent and his actions in this matter. If the Alliance tries to interfere or stop the Regent, then the Invid will have no choice but to withdraw from the Alliance…"
Tashe paused, letting her words sink in, "We will consider any hostile action taken against the Regent as an act of war against all Invid… and we will respond."
oOoOo
Giles read the expressions on the faces of General Coulson and James when they entered the conference room and immediately knew it was bad news.
He, along with Rachel, had gone with the General to Lampasas. The General had taken over an office building to use as a temporary command post. Buffy and James were already at the command post when they arrived.
Giles glanced over at Rachel, noting the unrepentant expression still lurking on her face. Despite the seriousness of the situation, he had to admit that if he'd been in Rachel's shoes, he would have probably done the same thing. Giles recalled discussing the Hellmouth and The First Evil with Paul just after the Arcadia's arrival. Back then, Paul wanted to drop Reflex warheads on the Hellmouth. Now, the Regent had just destroyed a Hellmouth—along with an entire island—using the firepower of one ship.
"How bad is it, General?" Giles breathed, not sure if he wanted to hear the answer.
An exhausted Coulson slumped into a chair at the conference table. James took a seat next to Buffy, looking not much better.
The General's heavy sigh wasn't a good sign, "The Invid have drawn a line. They've threatened to go to war if anyone gets in their way."
"Oh, dear…" muttered Giles, getting strange looks from the others at the table.
Coulson shook his head, fighting hard not to laugh at the other man's response.
Typical British understatement when facing a potential apocalypse…
Coulson sighed again, "Well, it gets even worse. Word of the Regent's 'crusade' against The First Evil has gotten out. Rumors are flying around that other fleet units are thinking of joining him… against orders!"
"You're joking? Isn't that called… um?" Buffy muttered, shaking her head in disbelief.
"Mutiny… that's the word you're looking for," James added, also shaking his head.
"If this was somewhere else… a different planet. Hell, I would be right beside him, cheering him on, but this is Earth!" Coulson paused, taking a deep breath.
"I've got Washington and the UN Security Council screaming at me. Some are demanding we open fire on the SDF-4 to take out the Regent before he destroys something else!"
Rachel stared at Coulson incredulously, "You did remind them about all those Invid carriers and mecha that would descend like the wrath of God if they did something that stupid?"
"So far, saner heads are prevailing, but if the Regent attacks again…" Coulson replied, eyeing Giles, "You're the expert. How many Hellmouths are we dealing with and where are they?"
Giles was ready for the question. After Easter Island's destruction, he'd gone through the information he had on the Hellmouths to get back up to speed. What he'd found would not go over well.
"Well, there is the Hellmouth in Sunnydale. The last information I have is that it has been quiet," Giles said.
"From the reports I have, they report only some minimal activity around it when Kinsey was in power, but like you said… quiet," Coulson added.
Giles nodded, continuing, "There was the Hellmouth in Cleveland…"
Buffy jumped in, "We destroyed that one!" she said, the satisfaction obvious in her voice.
"Yes, quite," Giles added, trying to figure out how to break the bad news to the General.
Coulson could read that Giles was trying to cushion the blow, "Just rip the band-aid off… it ain't going to change the result!"
Giles sighed deeply, "From my sources, there are five Hellmouths that we know about…"
He noted the surprise on the General's face as he continued, "There are the three aforementioned ones, plus one in Los Angeles and another one in Providence, Rhode Island."
"Sweet Jesus…" Coulson muttered, imagining the White House's reaction when he told them that Los Angeles was now at risk.
Giles held back about telling the General about the Deeper Well. This wasn't the time to try explaining about a place that ran straight through the planet and was the burial ground for the Old Ones—ancient and powerful demons.
The Hellmouths being attacked was bad enough. Giles tried not to think what would happen if the Regent attacked the Deeper Well.
"I need everyone to clear the room… except for Chief Larson. I need to speak to her alone," Coulson said, catching everyone by surprise.
Giles glanced at Rachel, trying to get some hint of why the General wanted to talk to her. Her perfect poker-face gave nothing away as he and the others exited the conference room.
"Okay, Chief," Coulson said, making direct eye contact with Rachel.
"I'm no longer in the military."
"Enough of the bull crap, Chief! Being a General gives me all sorts of privileges. If I wanted too, I could have you back in uniform and court martial your ass so fast it would make your head spin! Do you hear me?"
Rachel let out a deep sigh, "Crystal, sir."
Coulson sat back in his chair, a look of satisfaction on his face, "Now, the strange thing is when I told Faith about the Regent, she didn't appear surprised. I figured that's because you probably told her. Then I started thinking and wondering why she hasn't asked about or made any attempt to see him…"
"You shouldn't think too much… Sir," Rachel interjected, struggling to maintain her poker-face.
Coulson ignored the barb. The subtle changes in Rachel's body language and the growing anxiety in her voice told him he was on the right track.
"So, I had my people do some digging… You'll never guess what they found," Coulson said, leaning forward in his chair.
A chill filled Rachel, and she struggled to keep from squirming in her chair, "I have no idea what you're fishing for, sir," she muttered.
"Funny thing, Chief… I've got a nice clear picture of you and Faith from a ground side surveillance camera heading for a shuttle going up to the Arcadia…"
Alarm and panic gripped Rachel as Coulson continued on.
"Yet, all the shuttle logs only have you arriving on the Arcadia with equipment. Then there's another equipment transfer… authorized by you, going back down to the planet a few hours later. Now, tell me what the hell is going on?"
Rachel let out a defeated sigh, knowing she'd promised Faith to keep her secret. All she could do now was to minimize the damage, "You know the dates when all this took place?" she whispered.
A glimmer of a satisfied smile flashed on Coulson's face from having gotten Rachel to confess. Yet, he was a little confused by her statement, "Yeah, I saw the dates. That was just over nine months ago. What does that—?"
The implications suddenly hit home like a thunderbolt, wiping away the tiredness hanging over Coulson, "My God! You mean…?" he murmured.
Rachel nodded, afraid to say the words aloud. They both sat there staring at each other for what seemed like an eternity.
Coulson muttered, finally breaking the silence, "Does he know?"
Rachel snorted, rolling her eyes, "Hell, no…! And if you don't want things to get worse, you won't say a word of this to anyone else!"
She saw Coulson's confusion, "You were friends with Paul. Let's not kid ourselves about the Regent. Imagine how Paul would have reacted with The First going after Faith and…" she trailed off.
Coulson shuddered at the thought of how Paul would have reacted to this attack. This was absolutely restrained compared to what the Regent could be doing.
Coulson slumped back in his chair, exhaling deeply, meeting Rachel's eyes, "Okay, this information never leaves this room. That still leaves us with an angry Invid in orbit with a helluva lot of firepower at his disposal. So, what do we do now?"
Rachel shrugged, "We find a way to get rid of The First Evil, before this gets worse. If we can't, then we talk to him and try to get him to see reason. If that doesn't work, we get Faith to talk to him."
"And if all that fails?" Coulson said, shaking his head.
Rachel eyed Coulson grimly, "Well, hopefully the fortunes of war will favor us, General."
oOoOo
Giles took the break as an opportunity to get some fresh air. Yet, the pleasant weather was the last thing on his mind as he paced nervously around on the small green space next to the building being used by General Coulson.
His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, bouncing back and forth between Hellmouths, Rachel, Faith and Alex, The First Evil and the Regent. He suspected Rachel was holding back some crucial piece of information, but he had no clue what it could be. Even though he loved Rachel, he hoped that whatever she was hiding wouldn't break their relationship.
"Hello, Rupert."
Giles's blood froze at the woman's voice. The familiar voice belonged to someone who hadn't been alive for years. He took a deep breath before turning to face the woman behind him.
His heart raced as he stared at Jenny Calendar. She appeared exactly as Giles remembered her just before Angelus murdered her. For a moment, long buried feeling and desires came rushing back. A part of Giles longed to believe it was actually her, but his training asserted itself as he quickly realized who this was.
"What do you want?" Giles growled.
A cruel smirk flashed on Jenny's face, "Is that any way to greet an old girlfriend? I mean, not even a hug or a kiss on the cheek. I would've thought I would at least rate a simple hello?"
A simmering anger boiled in Giles, "You're not her, so say what you came here to say and leave!"
Suddenly a smirk filled Giles's face.
The First Evil eyed the Watcher curiously, "What's so funny?"
Giles's smirk grew into a full out smile, "Oh, I'm just imagining when the Regent destroys the next Hellmouth."
Giles saw his joke didn't go over well as Jenny's face took on a much harder appearance. The look seemed out of place for the Jenny he remembered.
"I'm here because of him. We have a problem," Jenny snapped.
Giles eyed the creature in disbelief. This was the last thing he expected to hear, "I think you're the one with the problem," he noted, reveling in the creature's obvious discomfort.
The First Evil shook its head grimly, "No… We both have a major problem…"
oOoOo
Coulson was squeezing the bridge of his nose with his eyes closed while listening to Giles repeat his conversation with The First Evil.
When it rains, it freaking pours!
Coulson's growing headache distracted him from realizing that Giles had finished. He opened his eyes to find the people gathered at the conference table studying him.
Coulson took a deep breath, trying to process everything said, "So, what you're telling me is The First Evil wants to stop fighting if the Regent stops destroying the Hellmouths?"
"Yes… I found it hard to believe it myself," Giles replied.
Coulson shook his head in disbelief, "And you believe… it… and what it told you about this Deeper Well?"
It upset Coulson to find out Giles had been holding back information about the Deeper Well, but that paled compared to what The First Evil was asking for. He didn't know which was crazier… The First Evil asking for a truce or there was a hole running through the planet and it was the cemetery for ancient demons.
A grim expression filled Giles's face, "The magic and power that emanates from the Hellmouths are powerful. If they are all destroyed, the magic holding the Old Ones in place will weaken. Some of them may wake and rise to the surface. The results for the planet and humanity would be calamitous."
"So, what you're saying is that The First Evil wants to have a ceasefire?" James scoffed incredulously.
Before Giles could reply, Rachel jumped in, "Bullshit! How can you trust that bastard to abide by any agreement?"
Coulson sighed, "I'm going to have to agree with the Chief on this one. There's no way to go back to the status quo. I don't see the Regent going for this idea either."
Giles understood the delicate situation they faced, but they needed to find a solution otherwise it would be a disaster for everyone. As his mind contemplated the problem, a sudden burst of inspiration stuck him, causing his expression to change.
"I've seen that look before… you've got an idea, don't you?" Buffy said, studying Giles.
Giles took off his glasses to clean them as he gave more thought to his idea, "I might have the beginnings of one, but we need time. First, we need to stop the Regent from destroying anymore Hellmouths."
oOoOo
Coulson was thankful to have grabbed a quick nap on the shuttle ride up to the SDF-4. He'd spent the last few hours in frantic meetings and conference calls with an array of diplomats, government and military officials. The timing and urgency resulted from the Regent demanding the evacuation of Los Angeles.
The Regent had set a forty-eight hour deadline to evacuate the city so he could destroy the Hellmouth there. This escalation was causing events to spiral out of control… disaster loomed on the horizon.
Plans were in the works to launch a surprise first strike at the SDF-4 timed to begin as the deadline to evacuate Los Angeles expired. This plan reeked of desperation with limited chances of success, but there were no other options available to avoid unleashing devastation on Los Angeles. It was at this moment Coulson presented Giles's idea as an alternate plan to defuse and resolve the situation.
To say the proposal met with disbelief and surprise was an understatement. Even Coulson thought the entire plan was crazy when Giles outlined it to him, but as he considered the plan, it made a sort of crazy sense.
After a lot of prodding—with the threat of an apocalyptic war waged across the planet, killing billions—did the White House and UN Security Council finally give their support. There were still a lot of details with the plan that needed to be resolved, but now the problem was getting the Regent to halt his attacks.
They were betting everything now on this plan. It was a one-shot deal with no fallback if the Regent didn't accept the proposal. Coulson would be the one to deliver the proposal, and he spent hours on how he would frame and present the plan to the Regent.
Even as he made his way to the SDF-4's observation deck, he still wasn't sure how he was going to sell the Regent on the merits of this plan.
The Regent's back was to him as he entered the observation deck. This time, though, the Regent was standing as he gazed out at the planet.
"What is it you want to talk about, General?" the Regent said, his back still turned to Coulson.
Coulson took a deep breath, "Sir, I'm here to ask you to not destroy the Hellmouth in Los Angeles… or any more Hellmouths."
Out of reflex, Coulson took a step back as the Regent spun angrily to face him, "General, you're only here as a courtesy! I'm aware of the plans to attack the SDF-4. Do you think you can stop me? With one thought, I can summon thousands of more carriers here! I will purge the planet of this evil!"
"Sir… please! If you'll just listen. We have an idea that will bring peace," Coulson pleaded.
"PEACE? YOU WANT TO HAVE PEACE WITH THAT-THAT THING AND WHAT IT REPRESENTS!" the Regent shouted.
"Sir…" Coulson pleaded again.
"THERE WILL BE NO PEACE! I DIDN'T SACRIFICE EVERYTHING JUST TO LEAVE FA—EARTH IN DANGER!"
Coulson blinked, picking up on the Regent's slip of the tongue. He saw the opening he could exploit, but he had to tread carefully. If he said the wrong thing or let what he knew slip out, that would be the end of everyone and everything on the planet.
Coulson's voice was firm, but quiet as he spoke, "Sir, if you continue destroying the Hellmouths you will put the entire planet at risk. Billions will die, including Faith… and her child."
The General saw his words register as shock gripped the Regent's face and he staggered slightly.
"C-Child? You said Faith has a c-child?" the Regent stammered.
Coulson took a deep breath, keeping his best poker-face in place, "Yes, sir. Faith and her husband have a child. The hospital attacked was the one she gave birth in."
Coulson hated himself that he couldn't tell the Regent the truth. Unfortunately, the reality required that the Regent not know the truth about Faith and her child if this plan was going to have any chance of success. He watched as the Regent's shock turned into defeat as the pain of this news sank in.
Coulson's news about Faith and her child was a staggering blow. A torrent of sorrow and regret consumed the Regent at having lost Faith and all the sacrifices he'd made to keep her safe. Dormant memories exploded, taunting him with 'what ifs' as the anger that brought him to Earth drained away.
Despite his festering hate for The First Evil, the thought he could hurt or harm Faith's child filled him with revulsion. As his anger drained away, the Regess's thoughts touched his mind.
Listen to what he has to say…
The Regent didn't meet the General's eyes as he let out a defeated sigh, "Go ahead, General. You may present your proposal," he whispered, in an anguished-filled voice.
oOoOo
The Regent stood on the observation deck of the SDF-4 looking at Kepler-22, hanging in the distance against the blackness of space. Even from this distance, the blue-green world looked similar to Earth in size and it too supported life.
It's almost over…
The pressure and stress from the last few months of hard negotiations had taken its toll on him. But in the end both sides had come to an agreement that was now being referred to as 'The Sunnydale Accords'.
With negotiations completed, the SDF-4 was overseeing the last wave of transport ships arriving in the system. Only an hour earlier, he'd received confirmation the transports had unloaded their passengers and supplies on the planet's surface.
"That's a really pretty world," a voice said from behind him, catching him by surprise.
The Regent tensed up as he recognized the voice. He turned to find the image of T.R. Edwards smiling at him. The Regent recognized The First was trying to goad him by this choice of person.
"You couldn't pick a better person to use," the Regent growled, not bothering to hide his hate and disgust.
The First smiled, "I thought this would be appropriate, now that I'm going to have my own world to do with as I want."
"Yes, you got what you wanted."
"Hey, don't look so glum. Everyone got what they wanted. You got to save the Earth… again. From what I hear, they've sealed the Deeper Well and mined the hell… pardon the pun… out of it with Reflex warheads. No one will enter or leave if you don't them too. All the demons and I get to have our own world to turn into our own paradise. Hell, even Faith wins… well, her husband is the big winner. He doesn't have to worry about her being a Slayer anymore and gets to live a long, happy and healthy life with her. I'm sure with all that free time she'll be pushing out some more squealing bastards soon. She could never keep her legs closed, if you know what I mean," The First sneered, enjoying the chance to twist the knife deeper into the Regent.
The Regent tried to show no emotions at the mention of Faith, "So, you're satisfied with this planet and everything that's in place? You'll uphold and abide by the letter of the accords?"
The image of Edwards smirked again, "Of course… My negotiators and lawyers have gone over the accords with a fine-tooth comb. We're happy with it, though I'm still surprised that you agreed to those clauses?"
"I have no more reasons to set foot on Earth anymore, so it doesn't mean much that I swear never to return there."
The First gave the Regent a cruel smirk, "You know why I did that, don't you?"
"You just wanted to hurt me some more," the Regent whispered.
Edwards's image snorted, "You're pretty quick in the uptake. Well, I guess I should be heading down to the new homestead. I hear there are some pretty big celebrations planned to inaugurate the new home… you know cake, party hats and some human sacrifices."
"Before you leave, I want to show you something," the Regent said in a quiet voice.
The First snorted again, "Tell me you're not going to get all weepy now."
"No… I once swore that I would end you. You said you wanted to hurt me. Now, I want to return the favor," the Regent said, still talking in a quiet voice.
The smile on the image of T.R. Edwards faded, "Whoa, boy! You better watch what you say or do! We have a deal! You go breaking the accords there will be literally hell to pay!"
Now it was the turn for the Regent to smile, "Oh, your lawyers and negotiators were most efficient. The language they used to ensure the Alliance guarantee the resettlement and non-interference of all demons, vampires, servants, etcetera on Kepler-22 was quite specific."
"That's right! The Alliance signed the accords in good faith! You have to abide by the terms!"
"Oh, the Alliance will honor and maintain its part of the accords. On the other hand, I or more specifically I should say, we do not…"
The Regent enjoyed seeing the confusion spread across the image of Edwards, "What are you talking about?"
The Regent's smile took on a more sinister appearance, "Fifteen minutes ago, I stepped down as commander of the Grand Fleet. As of ten minutes ago… the Invid have formally withdrawn from the Alliance. The Invid are no longer bound by any agreements or accords signed by the Alliance…"
The shock crossing Edwards's face was deeply satisfying for the Regent, "Y-You can't! You can't do this!" The First shouted out, its voice becoming shrill in desperate panic.
"Unfortunately… for you, there was nothing in the accords that covered the withdrawal of any member of the Alliance and stopping them from what I am about to do…"
The First was about to reply, but the observation window caught its attention. Three enormous, strange-looking ships—looking like giant mushrooms—suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The First stared at the ships as they headed towards the planet, "W-What are those?" it asked.
The Regent's smile grew from seeing the demon's panic and in anticipation of what was to come, "Just some souvenirs we captured from the Haydonites. They're called Neutron-S missiles. Don't worry, we only kept these three and gave the others to the Alliance," the Regent replied, his voice filled with hate-filled glee.
The First watched helplessly as the enormous ships closed on the planet. Then the oversized fronts of the mushroom-shaped ships detached, beginning their death rides towards the planet. Within moments, a new sun flared into existence where the planet had been.
Satisfaction filled the Regent's face while he took in the scene. Shock waves from the missile detonations raced out across the system, but the SDF-4 easily rode them out.
A long moment passed before the Regent spoke, "I know I can't kill you. You've existed since the beginning of everything…"
He paused, savoring the moment, "I also know with the magic used to transfer your essence to this planet, you can't leave or project yourself outside this star system."
The Regent saw the hatred on Edwards's face, which made the moment even more satisfying. There was nothing left here for him to do and had no further interest in dealing with The First Evil.
"It looks like we've finished our business here," he sneered, turning to leave.
Before the observation deck door closed behind him, the Regent added, "Welcome to your new home…"