April 9th 2158. Empire city. 06:19. Terran standard time. The imperial palace.
Walking through the palace garden, Augustus could not help but feel content for the first time in days. Since the burial of his father the plans for his coronation had been drawn, redrawn and then scraped half a dozen times. He knew that the committee would make it and extraordinarily pompous affair, compared to his father's burial. In accordance with the wishes of the late emperor his funeral had been a quiet, dignified event. In contrast his coronation would be an enormous parade with legions of men, fleets of frigates and armies of musicians. It was all a ridiculous farce, but it was out of his hands. The people needed something, a party or such, something to lift their moods after all these days of mourning.
Picking up a delicate white rose, he noticed the armor of a praetorian guard through the thick bushes of genetically modified flowers. Despite them hiding out of sight he knew that they were around, and in numbers, to protect their emperor from harm. Despite the serene look of the garden, with its trees, bushes and fruit trees, many of them already carrying ripe fruits despite the early season, he knew that the garden was cunningly designed to also be a defensible position, in case of an attack. Build in several tiers and with towers overlooking the garden, giving a three-sixty degree overlook of the walkways and paths leading to and from the garden, it was a cleverly designed easily defendable kill-zone.
Looking up from his flowers he could see Kurt Von Kiel, the leader of the moderate party, striding down the path towards him. Flanked on either side by praetorian guardsmen the man looked very small. But Augustus new that at this moment senator Kiel was perhaps the most important man to have walked up that path in the last couple of days. He potentially held the future of humanity in his palm.
"Senator Kiel! I am delighted that you would meet me at this early hour."
The senator had a big smile on his face as he walked up to Augustus. The two guardsmen disappeared between the bushes and trees, but he had no doubt that they were close by and would step in if need be.
"Your majesty I am honored that you would request my presence. I am ever your Leal servant."
Augustus had only been emperor a few days, but he was already growing sick and tired of how people addressed him. If they want to talk they should talk. Not hide behind their 'respect' and 'love' of me. It is getting tiresome.
"Yes I must admit that I find myself in need of your assistance."
Augustus hated to play this game. But he needed the help of the senator. After his coronation he was expected to propose a royal edict at the senate, one that would decide the future of humanity. What he had in mind was risqué, dangerous and, if he failed, would stall humanity's progress for decades to come.
"Well I am always happy to assist the crown in any way I can."
The senator, as the leader of the moderates, was a very influential man. Augustus' sources had told him that the senator kept his people on a tight leash. As the smallest party the moderates had to use their votes wisely. In matters where simple majority was needed the moderates could often tip the scales in the senate. Especially now that the conservatives only had a small majority of senators. And now that the progresionists were catching up every vote counted. But the shifting loyalties of the moderates meant that they were often regarded as being unpredictable, or untrustworthy.
"As you are well aware I am expected to hold a speech at the senate latter today. I intend to use the occasion to suggest certain changes to the royal edicts."
Now all the cards were out. Senator Kiel was, by no account, a stupid man. After the speech he had held at the funeral there could be little doubt as to what he was speaking of. He knew that the senator had supported his father in the past. But he had certainly gained some profit by doing so. So now he only needed to know one thing. His price.
"I would be very disappointed if the senate was unsupportive of my proposition. However I would be very grateful towards any senator who would show his support."
He smiled at the senator who was idly wandering about the nearby flowerbeds. His face was a neutral mask and if he had heard anything Augustus had said, he did not show it. He plucked a green apple from a nearby tree, studying it intensely as he finally answered the young Augustus. He made sure not to sound as if he knew what Augustus was suggesting.
"It must be quite the proposition if you need the support of a lowly senator like me sire. May I enquire as to the nature of these changes to the royal edicts? And more importantly I would like to know how the gratitude of the palace, compares to the gratitude of the senate?"
So that was the score. Connors had made him an offer, and now he had to outbid him. Well, good thing I didn't come unprepared. Knowing what Kiel was really interested in, Augustus chose to skip the long explanation of the changes he had in mind and go right to the rewards.
"As you probably know, the honorable consul has made some political errors lately. The senate, indeed his own party members, are turning on him. With elections coming soon it is certain that the chair of the consul will be lacking an occupant. While I as emperor am not partial to any member of the exalted assembly I would, nevertheless, be very grateful to those who would support me. Indeed I believe I would even go so far as to support a candidate for the office of consul."
The senator raised a brow at this. Otherwise he gave no indication whether or not he was interested in the proposal. It wasn't something that Augustus was used to. He wondered if he had crossed some invisible line, said or done something wrong. Kiel was a hard man to read, and an even harder politician. He had personally led the moderates from a small unknown party of no importance at all, to becoming a large group of seasoned politicians who, more often than not, set the political order. He had made many friends on both sides of the senate and was, perhaps, the only man who could help Augustus realize his plan. Most of the progresionists already supported him, the rest had been forced to do so. Especially their leader, Raul Antonio, had been a hard nut to crack. Assured that the next election would see his party become the biggest in the senate, he had set his eyes on the office of consul. It had taken all of Augustus political prowess, and some incriminating picts and recordings, to persuade him to support a candidate of his choosing.
Finally senator Kiel took a big bite of the apple, and smiled at the emperor as he chewed. He spoke through the mouthful of genetically modified apple.
"My lord, you can always count on the support and the loyalty of your senators. I will strive to assist you in any matter that you may need and will advise my honorable colleagues to do the same."
Augustus felt a silent sigh escape him. As the senator took his leave he couldn't help but feel glad that the man would depart from him so quickly, and not stay to take up more of his diminishing time in the garden. It had only been about fifteen minutes after the senator left, time that he had used to relax in the garden, before Michael found him.
"Augustus, it is time."
Augustus sighed loudly. He knew that this would be an important and tiring day. Perhaps it would be the longest day of his life. He followed Michael out of the garden, towards the chamber where he would change forever from a young boy, into the Emperor of mankind.
April 9th 2158. Empire city. 09:32. Terran standard time. The imperial palace Northern side, facing the Grand plaza.
It was quite the display. The young emperor was holding his coronation speech in front of more than two hundred thousand legionnaires and an uncountable number of citizens. The parade had been grand. Regiments of men, legions of red armored legionaries and tanks and APCs by the thousands filling passed the awed populace and the young emperor. Squadrons of frigates with whole wings of bombers and fighters had flown low over the city to give the citizens a great spectacle. Fireworks sprouted from the roofs of nearby buildings, banners hung from every building, no expenses had been spared from making this a day that the populace would remember.
The northern side of the palace was perhaps the most grandiose and decorated side. Facing the grand plaza, through which crossed the gargantuan Arthur Boulevard, the white and golden façade with the hundreds of grand white steps leading up to the enormous gates, with a red and golden banner on every step, made a dazzling sight .The plaza was the largest in the world, easily twice the size of the Tiberius plaza ten kilometers to the north. The boulevard alone was more than a thousand feet wide and ran the entire fifty kilometer length of the island. Designed for military parades, and of course, coronations, the place could hold many millions of soldiers and citizens. No less would suffice at such an auspicious event.
Leo Nemak however, wasn't interested in any of this. Although it was grand, and a magnificent show, he had a lot on his mind. This was all just a façade, and a good one at that, but a façade none the less. The real games would begin soon after the emperor's coronation. His sources had told him that Augustus had made a deal with Senator Kiel. He had, of course, already been told by his foreman that he was expected to support a legislation that the emperor would propose before the senate this afternoon. It was obvious that Antonio was scared, as his source had said the emperor had some dirt on him, and Antonio needed his help in making sure that the party all voted in favor of the proposal. Leo had made sure that his prize wasn't too high, he had simply demanded to be made party foreman by the next election. Antonio had been ready to explode with rage, but had agreed in the end. Whatever young Augustus had got on him, it must have been interesting stuff. He smiled despite himself. Never before had a man as young as him been made party foreman. He had risen through the ranks, and he had become one of the most powerful men in the empire. Of course, it all depended on the emperor succeeding.
Augustus finished his speech and the crowd roared their approval. What followed was a long row of more boring speeches from first the consul, on behalf of the senate, then the prime minister, on behalf of the different ministries, then the Grand marshal followed by the Grand admiral and finally the First cleric of the assembled temples of earth could place the crown, recently refitted, on the young man's brow, declaring him sole emperor and monarch of the Empire of Man.
Nemak roused himself from his half slumber as the coronation came to an end. The members of the senate started filling out, heading towards the senate. It was difficult, the streets were packed with people and skycars filled the sky, making it impossible to reach the senate no matter what transport they used. The praetorian guard did their best to clear a way for them, armored shuttles transporting the esteemed senators through the air, and APCs on the ground. Still it took more than two hours before they were all assembled in the senate.
It took another hour before the emperor arrived. Driving all the way in an open-toped car so the people could get a glance of their new emperor. The assembly was getting restless when he marched into the senate and assumed his place in front of the throne. He held up his arms to call for silence as the senators sat down and impatiently waited for the man to speak. Augustus then held up his left hand, palm forward, and held his right hand over his heart.
"Honored senators, members of this exalted assembly! I stand before you now as your new emperor and monarch. I swear that I will uphold the ideals of the empire, and always adhere to the decisions of this assembly. Do you accept me as the singular leader of humanity?"
There was a chorus of affirmations before the emperor resumed a more neutral pose. Now with the formalities dispensed with, they could get to what they had all waited to hear.
"Senators, I stand before you not only as the leader of humanity, but also as a concerned citizen. None of us wants to admit it, but Earth is failing."
There were murmurs amongst the senators. They had little doubt as to what the Emperor would propose, but this was a new angle. Usually his father would mention how much humanity had accomplished, and how much they could gain from leaving Earth.
"The planet is overpopulated, our mines are running empty, the dockyards are struggling to build ships with the resources available and the economic development is decreasing. Our development as a nation is stalling. Gentlemen, action is required. Under my father we could choose to travel to the stars. Back then we had the resources, the economy and the infrastructure to support the growing populace. Now, we need to travel to the stars. We no longer have the luxury of choice. And therefore honored senators I propose the cancelation of the royal edict enacted under my predecessor, my great grandfather Arthur Tiberius, and that we commence the colonization of foreign system."
He sat down and numerous senators clapped, albeit reluctantly, before the Speaker called for silence. Leo had known that he would use this more aggressive scare tactic. It was highly exaggerated, but it was the truth. The Sol-system was no longer enough to sustain the human populace. It wasn't as bad as the Emperor had said, but most of the senators didn't know that.
"His exalted majesty Emperor Augustus Tiberius had put the motion to the floor. Does anyone second the motion?"
Leo Nemak stood up to second it. The Speaker acknowledged him and said aloud.
"Leo Nemak, senator of the second parish of Luna has seconded the motion. Does anyone speak against it?"
Without missing a heartbeat the consul stood up and said in a dramatic voice.
"I Consul Norman Connors speak against the motion and request the floor!"
No one was the least bit surprised at that. Indeed he was expected to be against it. Now what will that old snake have up his sleeve. Leo thought that he must have something, anything to trump the emperor. The consul was not a stupid man, and he had most likely learned not to underestimate the Emperor or the progresionists. So now they all had to wait and see what he had in store for them.
"My fellow senators, it grieves me that his majesty seems so ill informed. Indeed one would think that he was trying to deceive us."
He walked down to the floor and started pacing along the rows of men and women.
"I have it from the highest authority that or beloved home, or Earth, can easily hold many billions more. Or fleets have never been bigger, or weapons have never been deadlier and or factories have never produced more."
Leo was thoroughly disappointed. It seemed that the consul didn't have an ace up his sleeve after all.
"We have never been richer or more powerful. Yet still it seems that some people would jeopardize it all. Just to get even more rich and to receive even more power."
He shook his head at the gathered assembly.
"It saddens me that in this day and age, greedy men and narcissists seem to rule. That ancient edict was set in place to ensure our protection. To protect our home, our families. And you would risk it all for the sake of profit! I wish that I could use my consular veto. But alas, as it is our beloved emperor who have presented the proposition I am unable to do so. I can only hope that my esteemed colleagues will make the right choice."
Leo noticed the half hidden smile on the consul's face. Surely he would know that his speech would not persuade many of the senators. So why was he smiling? Leo started feeling as if the situation was getting out of hand. Something was up. After resuming his seat the Speaker banged his staff against the hard floor.
"The honorable consul has spoken against the motion. Does anyone else request the floor?"
No one stood to request the floor. The entire chamber was silent. They had had this vote many times, but it seemed that everyone present felt like this time would be different. Perhaps it was the young emperor sitting in his father's chair, perhaps it was the resent failures of the once so influential consul.
"Then let us vote. As this is a royal edict, a two thirds majority is needed to cancel it, with the emperors approval of course. All those in favor!"
Nemak and all of his party members raised their hands. He looked over expectantly at the moderates and felt a cold hand close around his stomach as he saw none of the hands of the moderates being raised. That two timing bastard! He sold us out! He felt uncomfortable, he felt confused, he felt angered, and he felt betrayed. Looking at the emperor he could see the same expression of betrayal on the young man's face. The consul on the other hand had to hide his grin behind his fist. Trying desperately not to smile at this 'unfortunate' turn of events. Leo searched his mind. There must be something, ANYTHING I can do. Think Leo Think! He needed time, but there wasn't time. What can I do what can I do? This is going all wrong. The snake was supposed to help us! How could he stab us in the back like that? Leo was sweating. His whole career was at stake. If he lost then…
"All those opposed to the…"
"HONORED SPEAKER!"
The entire senate whipped around to stare up at the young emperor, now standing, mouth wide open. Never had anyone ever interrupted a vote in such a way. It was unheard of! Augustus mouth worked to form words that wouldn't come out. He needed an excuse, he needed to save face.
"I… I believe that… that considering the severity of the proposal and… and with the tiresome activities the honorable senators has endured during the day it… it uhmm… it would be only right and proper to give the honored assembly time to deliberate their votes. After all, this is the future of all of humanity we are speaking of."
The entire assembly, most of all the poor speaker, looked baffled. Never in almost a century of imperial and senatorial rule had this happened. The speaker didn't know what to do.
"I speak only out of concern for the honorable servants of the people. In such a matter, deliberation is required."
The speakers nodded, apparently buying it, he then proceeded to bash the quarterstaff hard into the floor.
"His exalted imperial majesty has requested a short respite on behalf of the senate. The assembly will reconvene in exactly one hour!"
He hit the staff against the floor again, and then headed towards the doors. As if a magic spell had been broken, all the senators stood up and slowly filled out, many of them still with a look of unbelief all over their face. Leo immediately headed towards senator Kiel who was talking with some other senator near the back of the room.
"What the hell do you think you are doing?"
Kiel immediately dismissed the man with whom he was talking before he turned to Leo, a large white-toothed smile on his face,
"I am sure I have not the least idea of what you are speaking."
Leo wanted to punch the man. But he restrained himself. He knew that it was a simple question of 'how much'.
"We had a deal!"
Kiel simply smiled. Looking as if he was having a pleasant discussion with a close friend.
"Deals change. Sometimes something better comes along. A good businessman knows when a deal turns sour."
Leo fumed. So that was the game. Someone had overbid them. Couldn't be the Consul. He didn't have much to offer that Augustus hadn't already given him.
"Look lets cut the bull Kiel. How much? What? When? Give me something here."
Immediately his smile vanished, replaced with a serious expression that Leo knew well. It was the same face his father had used when he and his partners had arrived at the finale stage of negotiations. Pricing.
"I want my brother to have a seat in the senate at the next election."
"Easy. What else?"
He knew that this wasn't what he was after. It was only a small improvement to his current price, but one he could get himself.
"And I want my uncle appointed to the inner council".
So, that was the catch.
"I am not familiar with the current position of your uncle. Who might he be?"
Senator Kiel shrugged.
"He is an employee within the department of economy. He has previously been employed directly under the minister, he currently leads the under-department of construction of infrastructure in the lower Asian peninsula He has a very fine track record. I imagine he would make a good minister of Colonization."
Leo couldn't believe the nerve. To ask, no demand a place within the inner council! He couldn't do that.
"You ask too much senator."
Kiel shrugged again and turned to leave. Before he had walked too far Leo grabbed his shoulder.
"Maybe I can negotiate him to be appointed governor of a colony."
Kiel lifted an eyebrow. It wasn't a place within the council. But it was influential. And very lucrative. Kiel stuck out his hand and Leo gratefully shook it.
"It seems I have a few senators to talk to." Kiel said before he took his leave. Leo quickly contacted Augustus. With a quick message he informed him that he had negotiated with Senator Kiel. He didn't dare write anymore, in case the message was read by prying eyes. He could only hope the emperor would understand.
As the senate was reconvening Leo saw the Consul, still with a smile on his face, and had to hold back a grin of his own. We haven't won yet. The snake might still double-cross us. When all the senators were finally back in chamber the speaker slapped his wooden staff against the worn floor.
"The senate is back in session. We will again vote on the abolishment of the midnight protocol enacted under Emperor Arthur Tiberius. Two thirds majority is needed to abolish this royal edict. All those in favor!"
Leo couldn't help but feel a little fearful at this. If Kiel double-crossed them again then they wouldn't be able to stave off the inevitable defeat.
All the progresionists raised their hands. Looking over at the moderates his heart leaped when he saw them raise their hands. Indeed a good deal of the conservatives pointed their hands in the air as well. Apparently Kiel's influence was more widespread than he had initially thought.
Looking over at the Consul he couldn't help but feel a great sense of satisfaction at seeing the look of horror on his face. Checkmate.
"All those opposed!"
Relatively few held up their hands. The consul included.
"With four hundred and seventy-eight for, and one hundred and twenty-three against… The royal edict enacted under Arthur Tiberius, the first emperor of mankind, formally known as the midnight protocol, is retracted."
Leo felt a powerful rush. They had done it. By the gods they had done it! This was history in the making. Humanity would leave Earth, their home, their prison. Many of the senators began to shout in exaltation. This was the moment a hundred years of unity and shared progress had led to. Augustus stood up and received a cheer from almost every gathered senator. Even those opposed to the proposition began to cheer despite themselves. No matter what they had believed, the edict had been cancelled, and human colonization was a reality. It was only a matter of days before the first ships would leave earth. He could see a mixture of feelings on the face of every senator. Happiness, frustration, hope, fear, even terror. Well this is it. We did it. Galaxy here we come.
April 9th 2158. Empire city. 14:50. Terran standard time. Tiberius plaza.
He had to give it to him, he was good. The prime minister looked across the packed plaza for the second time in a week. The emperor had manage to force the retraction of the old edict, for which the minister was still baffled, he had even managed to win the dog, Senator Kiel, back on his side in the last minute. He had thought that the senator wouldn't be audacious enough to double-cross him as well. But that served him right for underestimating the ambition of some people he guessed.
"… with the senators of the esteemed assembly we have recently, through rigorous debate and negotiations, deemed it an appropriate time for the long standing edict, known to you as the midnight protocol… to be redacted…"
The roars of the crowd shook the street. It was deafening. He knew how to please the crowd. His father had never been a great speaker, as far as he was concerned, but the young Augustus was quite gifted in the field. Perhaps it was time to reevaluate his worth as the leader of the Empire. He had thus far proven to be a shrewd politician, his sources had informed him of his meetings with several senators prior to the meeting, and his young age meant that he could be manipulated in a certain direction over the course of the coming years.
"… to establish the new frontiers of the empire, and its colonies we will need several volunteers. We have already set up enrolment offices at every recruitment office throughout the empire. If you have any questions regarding your future as one of the frontrunners of the empire…"
The plans for the colonization had been taken out and dusted off. They had also needed to name it. Something appealing but dramatic. Something to give it a ring of urgency and importance. In the end they had settled on calling it "operation Exodus". They had coupled the name with colonization plan number XVII. The planned called for the colonization of seventy-eight planets in thirty-two systems. Most of them were simple class four or tree planets. Settled for the amount of resources they were suspected to contain. Few were class one or two, settled as population centers. Of course, it was all highly speculative. The few probes sent and the one or two research ships allowed to leave the system every year for testing and surveying had given only short glimpses and partial information about the planets. However the prime minister was hopeful. He might not have supported the legislation but now that it was a reality it was only sensible to go with it. He had already invested a sizable piece of his fortune in the colonization of a planet that looked promising.
"… and additional funds and resources allocated to the colonies with the possibility for all interested to buy shares in the respective colony. Any families who would travel to these planets will receive a starting packet with an additional amount of denarii proportionate to the number of family members…"
Of course, there was a great deal of military assigned to protect these colonies and convoys. Mostly as a show of strength and reassurance since they really didn't have a clue as to what was lurking in the deep darkness of empty space. A full twenty legions and one hundred regiments of imperial line infantry had been assigned as protection. Indeed almost half of the Terran defense fleet had been assigned as escort to the fleets of transports that would soon leave Earth.
"… operation Exodus will need the masses of Earth to stand together. We all have a part in this. From Lowly production line worker or miner, to the governor and the soldiers and legionnaires. All most work, hand in hand for this to be successful. I know that some of you are scared, and some of you do not agree with our decision. But it is nonetheless the reality we all must face…"
Indeed it all felt quite like an adventure. He had even had his eyes on the planet designated T1-IX. It was a class one garden world, remarkably similar to the landscapes in Florida. He had already bought the rights to keep a sizeable portion of land there, in hope of building a summer retreat. Yes. An adventure indeed. He smiled despite himself. This might work out well for him after all.
April 11th 2158. New york. 16:32. Terran standard time. New York space transit station, shuttle pad Nr 23.
Erik Mocard was nervous. He clutched the few belongings he had been allowed to bring through the heavy security. He was sweating, he was scared. But he was also exhilarated. He was going to space! Even better he was going to a different planet! He couldn't even imagine it. He couldn't wrap his head around it. It was amazing, he was a frontier. Like the cowboys of old he would settle the unknown. He had received a brochure from the recruiter, and the money promised. He couldn't believe it when he was handed two thousand denarii. Teo thousand denarii! He had never had that much money before. It wasn't that he was poor. He just hadn't really done a lot of work in his life. With a relatively short education, and no skills to speak of, he had applied for the legionnaires. But he hadn't been good enough. He crested the top of the stairs and saw the ship that would take him to the stars.
At almost three kilometers in length, the colonization ships were in the medium range of human ships. Designed to land and serve as a hospital, military base, bureaucratic headquarters and communication station for the colony it would eventually reach, the ship was instrumental in the first wave of the colonization effort. It had been built in the late 2140s were the prospects of colonization had looked very real and was both tested extensively on the other planets in the system and had proven to be an admirably trustworthy ship. It was all in the brochure. Although it could only carry five hundred people more than two hundred of those places were reserved for 'normal people' like him. He was looking forward to the trip. He was going to go to space!
Lore: The armed forces of the Empire of Man.
The imperial legions.
Numbers: As of 2158 there are one thousand complete legions and one hundred and twenty grounded legions.
Total number of soldiers: 13.440.000 legionnaires. Not including logistics personnel.
Motto: Victory or death.
The idea of the legions was to provide the Empire with an armored fist that would smash through any opposition they would meet. They would be completely self-reliant, with their own tanks, transports, ships, artillery and aircrafts they would be able to take on any enemy they would come across. They are the core forces of the empire, having received superior implants, weapons, armor and training compared to the other armed forces and corps of the Empire of Man.
The soldiers enrolled in the imperial legions serve for a total of forty years. Receiving training the first five years and serving in the legions for the next thirty-five years. They will throughout their training receive different implants and improvements to their body. Such as superior eyes, hardened and strengthened muscle weave, thicker blood with more red blood cells, improved lung capacity etc. They are trained to fight in some of the most hostile environment known to man be it jungle, dessert, tundra or cityscape.
An Imperial Legion contains:
12.000 Fighting men.
The legions chain of command:
12.000 man legion led by Legate.
1.200 man Regiment led by a Tribune.
120 man company led by a centurion.
12 man squad led by an optio.
- The main weapon of the legionary is the "Gladius" assault rifle. Tube feed from a large backpack carried by the legionnaires the backpack also contains the weapons cooling system. The "Gladius" has an almost unlimited supply of ammunition unless it overheats. With more than 2.400 RPM and enough stopping power to stop a rhino dead in its tracks, the Gladius is truly a formidable weapon. Its barrel can be shortened and its stock folded in so that the length of 1,2 meter is reduced to a mere 0,6 meter. Much more proficient in close quarter fighting.
The side-arm of the legionnaire is their vibro-blade. A sixty centimeter long blade with a monomolecular edge. The blade in itself is extremely durable and sharp but when the blade is active, the sub-electrical pulses from the battery in the handle dances across the edge making the molecules moving at an incredible rate. The blade's edge turn almost blue as the ultra-sharp edge vibrates at a molecular level, enabling the legionnaire to cut through a bar of hardened steel.
Their mark V Exo-skeleton carapace armor, attached to the legionnaire by tubes and sockets, enables the legionnaire to run faster, jump higher and fight harder than he would otherwise be able to do. The armor adds a considerable bulk to the soldier, adding another two inches in height and one inch in width all the way around. It has a shield build in and comes with shock-absorbent hydraulics-system which also enhances the strength of the legionnaire by an average of 126,2% Furthermore it has built in glands containing adrenalin, morphine, and other chemicals to improve the soldiers combat abilities. The helmet has a VI assisted targeting system and objective and squad status HUD screen, which can also relay messages through a mouth-and-ear piece, or information regarding enemy positions and type through asses to the military network.
The legion also employs various logistics personnel. Pilots, medics, officers of higher rank and other such personal. These are not counted towards the total numbers of men in a legion and does not receive standard legionary training.
Panzers of the legions
200 Mech-suit. The Mech-suitsare crewed by a single man who is crafted into the armor the same way as a legionnaire is crafted into his. But unlike the legionnaire the Mech-suit and the pilot becomes one. The suits outside armor becomes the pilots skin. While he can detached from the suit whenever he wishes the pilot has a very close relation with his armor. Used as heavy assault infantry, the Mech suits are equipped with an under slung Gatling gun under one arm, a flame thrower on the other and a rocket AT system on their backs. They are fast, durable and deadly. Mainly used in special ops or in frontline assaults as the storm troopers of the legion
600 "Viper" APCs. Carrying capacity 6 men. Equipped with a 70 mm semi-automatic assault-cannon and with a top speed across terrain of 80 mph the viper is an amphibious armored transport vehicle designed to keep up with the rest of the armored elements of the legion. Its cannon is ideal to provide covering fire or light artillery fire for the charging legionnaires. They also come equipped with a six-rocket hunter-killer anti-tank system. Making them deadly to any enemy they might face.
600 Tanks.
- 40 "Jackhammer" heavy tanks. With a 180 mm main canon and two 50 mm fully automatic support guns, the "Jackhammer" is literally used as a jackhammer. Designed to drive straight through buildings, be it civilian or military emplacements of armored steel, it is the spearhead of the Imperial legions. Its enormous heavy canon, and two side guns will make short work of any enemy emplacement.
- 400 "Broadsword" medium tanks. With a 120 mm main gun and a 50 mm support gun it is designed to form the bulk of the armored force of the legions. It is the main battle tank, amphibious and versatile. Capable in any situation. With a top speed of just under 70 mph, the Broadsword can just keep up with the Viper APCs and so also provides escort for the armored convoys.
- 160 "wasp" Light tanks. Designed to harass the enemy flanks and rear the Wasp has a relatively small cannon, only fielding a 90 mm gun, its high speed of 120 mph allows it to outrun most of the opposition it could come across.
300 artillery pieces.
- 10 "Titan wreckers" super pieces. Firing a sub-atomic 240 mm shell the "Titan Wrecker" is the biggest meanest gun not mounted on a spacecraft. Used if the legion has a particularly hard nut to crack. Slow to load it does makes up for in quality what it lacks in quantity.
- 150 "Demolisher" heavy guns. The 200 mm shells fired by this semi-automatic self-propellant gun comes in both airburst, incendiary, armor-piercing or biological cargo rounds. It is the main gun used by the legions with a 20 RPM. It can lay waste to any city or mountainside.
- 140 "Javelin" Medium guns. This four barreled 100 mm gun is mainly used as an AA gun. However they have successfully been used as light artillery and fielded as such.
Air and space capabilities. (Grounded legions do not posses these)
120 air/space planes.
- 40 "Superiority" fighters. The main air superiority fighter employed by the legions. Can be used in both space and in atmosphere.
- 80 "Katana" fighter-bombers. Highly precise planes used to bombard specific locations where artillery might not do the job. These fighter-bombers are often the first to arrive. Destroying AA emplacements, communications, infrastructure and command centers, the "Katana" is one of the most vital components of the Legion.
With fleet:
1 Destroyer. The main battleship of the legion. The destroyer is the smallest of the capitol ship classes.
2 carrier cruisers. Larger than average cruiser they contain the legions fighters and bombers.
6 cruisers. The backbone of the fleet. These versatile ships are used as transport, escort, bombers or space superiority ships.
20 frigates. Of different classes and makes, the frigates are used in much the same way as the cruisers, albeit less effectively.
50 Kalenvo transporters. The main transport vessel of imperial armed forces. Each ship has capacity to transport 240 legionnaires with 12 personal carriers, 8 tanks, 6 artillery pieces and their crew.
4 factory ships. These large ships produces ammunitions, spare parts, armor, rifles and anything else the legion may need. With large machines able to synthesize most resources from what they can scrounge these ships keep the legions in the field long after they would otherwise have to return home.
A/N
So the midnight protocol is history. Didn't think I would make it this far, but the interest in the story has been tremendous and kept me writing. Since the legions are mentioned a lot through the story I elected to write a little about their composition. The fleet will be explained in depth later. As always, reviews and constructive criticism is appreciated. Next stop: First contact.