This is the final chapter of the First Contact War. While some may be disappointed by this know that its purpose was to set the tone of the story. Also remember that when I said this story was going to be different, I meant it. Now I hope you enjoy and know that next chapter is where the real story begins. Remember to post any thought you have about it or you can PM me if you want. Unless something horrible happens the next chapter will be up in a week or less.

Enjoy.

Chapter 4

Diplomacy? What Diplomacy?

The information the Council was receiving was astounding. Earlier in the day an official ambassador of the Council made contact with the new race that called themselves the Union. The ambassador was instructed to trade all possible information with the new race in order to build a solid beginning to diplomatic talks. While both the Council and the Union were wary of sharing information regarding any technology, cultural information was traded freely.

"These humans are like the Krogan," said the Turian Councilor Ravek while overlooking some reports. "They committed nuclear genocide on their planet and still managed to hang on. They even managed to build themselves back up and spread into the stars."

"Well at least they are better looking than the Krogan," stated Councilor Tevos in a joking fashion. "But they are resilient. For them to have not only managed to survive but to rebuild their civilization shows extreme resolve. Usually when a species faces that level of destruction they are usually done, unless someone else uplifts them."

"We can also confirm that this is not a coalition of species as some have rumored," said Councilor Kinron bringing up to images. One was of a normal human while the other was similar but looked to be in a constant state of rot. "They say that their pre-war governments were working on projects that caused massive mutation throughout the planet over time once they were released into the atmosphere due to damage from the war. Our reports also state that there is another form of human, what they call a meta-human. These humans would provide interesting information under examination. As would the cause of whatever created these mutations." His mind began to wonder, like most Salarians, on the possible findings such studies could provide.

"Well these humans certainly need no 'lifting up' as you put it Tevos. If anything they need to be put back down," said Ravek. Him like other Turians held no love for these new humans after they tore apart their fleet and attacked a Turian planet.

"I agree with you but I don't see them just giving up their technology," said Kinron. "If anything they won't even join the Council after how your government treated them. I also don't see them bending for our will and the good of the galaxy."

"Yes," said Tevos, "Even this 'Union' is only a military alliance. Each of these three nations governs themselves solely. It doesn't even allow the Union to form a governmental body to oversee matters for the good of all three. It is a very loose bond, but it has proven to be a strong bond."

"And that is the danger," said Ravek. "These humans won't even listen to one another and each are vastly different, yet still they thrive. What chance is there that they will work with us. I doubt very much that they will hand over their weapons technology, it's the only advantage they have. But what about ten, twenty or even fifty years from now? What happens if they refuse us access to this technology and continue to expand and advance and grow. Will we even be able to stop them if we need to. It just might be true to say that the Primarch was right in attacking these humans while they offered little threat, even if he was wrong." He received disappointed looks from Tevos as he went on. "If they don't want to contribute to the greater good of all the galaxy, then should they be allowed to go on?"

"I don't think..." started Tevos only to be interrupted by Kinron.

"You have to agree with the Turians on this issue Tevos," started Kinron. "Look at our technology. All three of our races as well as all other known races have developed based upon Prothean paleo-tech that has been recovered. Any real deviation from this technological route is nonexistent within the known galaxy. The only exception is this human species. Not only are they an exception but they had access to Prothean technology for a while. They merely incorporated it into their own technological advancements instead of using it as a base for advancements like we did. And by these reports they feared encountering the Protheans or some offshoot so they figured out a way to fight them. That is why they rely so heavily on these energy weapons. This is also why if we go without access to this technology while these humans further spread then, even if we outnumber them, we will be outmatched."

"Most importantly these is a species that is ready for war," said Ravek. "They are no pacifists. They come from warriors, beings that know what it means to go to war and sacrifice if it means the betterment of their own. They already don't like us. What do we do if they don't give up their secrets? What other options do we have by doing everything we can to stay in their good graces so they don't one day decide to wipe us out or enslave us. You also have to take into consideration their life span. They say they usually only live more than a couple of hundred cycles. That means that their views leaderships will be changing. Even if this current generation of them are our best friends, what of their successors? Are we willing to take this risk?" The turian was very adamant and persistent on this stance. His race already suffered deaths in the millions due to this species. This new species also destroyed two of their fleets without sustaining any losses. If nothing else, him and his people were afraid and seeking revenge, never a good combination.

"Everything that you both have said is valid, but we cannot let the possibility of war dilute our need for peace. Just because an outcome is likely does not mean it is certain. We must let diplomacy run its course. Show these humans we don't mean them harm and they will come around. We cannot condemn them based on their potential." The passion in Tevo's voice was sincere and true as she said this. She truly wanted to work out the differences and try for peace.

"You are right," said Kinron. "We must try our hand at diplomacy. It has worked well for us for many years. But, if humanity is not willing to contribute to the greater good of our galaxy, if they are not willing to take up the responsibility of ensuring peace, are we, as a whole, willing to do what needs to be done for our own preservation?"

Both Kinron and Ravek stared at Tevos. They already had chosen their side in the event worse came to worse.

"It is necessary for us to be as one in whatever course of action we take. Can we count on your support Tevos?" asked Ravek.

Tevos sighed and looked down to the floor. "If worse comes to worse than yes, the Council will act as one."

And so the Council informed the ambassador who then informed the Union that the Council would meet with them in three days. To the suggestion of Tevos, they even offered to come to humanity's territory for formal negotiations. After this was done the Council then started organizing its assets over the next three days to best handle the Union.

Admiral Robinson stood on the bridge overlooking the planet Ellen which was being shown on the main view screen. He thought of how much it had come through over the past few days and was hopeful that soon the trouble would pass. It had been surprising for everyone of the three nations to learn of the extensive variety of their new galactic neighbors. So many different civilizations and cultures were merely a few jumps away. The potential gain of simply knowledge about the universe was staggering to the Admiral. There was so much that humanity could learn from these aliens in the coming years and he was happy to be part of it as it started.

Although he was ready and willing for the opportunity of peace, he still prepared for the worst. Using his pipboy he reviewed the new defensives that were being installed. This was considered to be the front line for the Union in case things went south with the aliens. Defenses galore were being placed everywhere possible. Robinson thought that it would have been nice if many of these defenses had been placed when the colony was founded, but he knew they had learned their lesson. These new defenses, while costly, would most likely become the norm for setting up new colonies, at least with the Brotherhood and Vegas anyway. He did not know if the NCR could afford such defenses, but that is what the Union was for.

He heard a talking from behind him and turned to look at the source. He was one Asari, as they were called, and two salarians. While the Asari was quite the looker, the salarians were some of the ugliest things he had ever seen, and he had at one time encountered two ghouls being more than just friends. But this was how things were. He also knew that there were far stranger races out among the stars that he had yet personally encountered. Closing the distance between the aliens he saw they were talking to Captain Sarath.

"Are you through here then?" Sarath asked.

"Yes, Captain. Now your representatives will be able to communicate with the Council on the ship. Now if you do not mind, we will take our leave," said the Asari and with a nod and a few kind words from the Captain they departed.

Robinson viewed into the room where they just were which was on the opposite side of his office on the bridge. It was the VS Courier Six's Board Room. Not only was this a space where fleet captains could meet up to discuss events or hold meetings, but it also hosted, as the fleet's flagship, the ability for the Board to take part in the discussions or give orders. The room was fairly large and the central table seated ten, four of which were reserved for the Board. Many other chairs were spread around along the wall allowing other members of the fleet or necessary personnel to take part in the discussion. Each chair itself was a projector for whosever image needed to be present. On one end of the rectangular table there sat a new device. The Council was wary, which was understandable, and requested that one of their holographic transmitters be installed in the room allowing them to speak, but from a safe distance. The Admiral made sure that this device was in no way connected to the ship's systems or even power supply as to ensure as much security as possible. The machine was now installed and running on its own power and all that was left was for the negotiations to begin. When they did Robinson would be taking the Fleet Admiral's seat at the head of the table as he was invited to join the negotiations, although as merely an observer. General Ralph Golunks would also be joining the scene, also to make observations as well as Captain Sarath. The Admiral left the room and went to preparing for the meeting.

The next few hours passed quickly by and soon all of the chairs were filled. Representatives and military leaders throughout the three nations were in attendance. The most important one sat at the table while the others sat around the room. The last of those to join was Admiral James Belmont and each leader of the nations. Now all waited for the arrival of the Citadel Council. Robinson was speaking with Captain Sarath a few seats down when the Councilor's machine began to activate. Within another second the three leaders of the Citadel Council appeared before them. For a few moments no one said anything but just observed the other side.

The Asari, Councilor Tevos, began. "Thank you all for meeting us here on what will assuredly be an important day in this galaxy's history. Let me begin by once again apologizing for the way our first contact with you transpired. We personally accept all blame for this action and we will do everything in our power to make it up to you." She took a pause and looked around the room before continuing. "Now have you had time to go over our proposal for your integration into the Council?" This was the meat of the discussion. The Council had sent to the Union during the first day regarding the rules and regulations required by those in Citadel Space. The information was not warmly regarded.

"To the brass tax is it?" responded House who was clearly eager for some serious negotiations. "Not only I, but my counterparts here all have issue with what you propose. And..."

"Such as what?" interrupted the Turian Councilor, Ravek with hostility. "If anything we have been more generous in our proposition to you than we have to any other race. We have even offered you an embassy upon the Citadel, an allowance that requires at least decades to earn. And now you insult us as we just began?"

House began to respond but Jason Brandy, High Elder of the Brotherhood, motioned. House acknowledged him and let him speak instead. "Such as many things Councilor. One of which is you only allow us one embassy."

"And what is wrong with that? You are one species therefore you have one embassy which will fall under the flag of the Union," said Ravek with a moderate mocking tone as if the Brandy was to simple to understand.

"The Union is simply a military alliance between the our three nations," responded Brandy. "It is not even the bulk of our military force." The Councilors were clearly surprised by this. "We set up the Union simply as a way to work together, but it was never intended to represent us or have any governing power at all. For us to only accept the embassy for the Union it would begin to undermined our independent sovereignty. If you want to deal with the Brotherhood you don't go through the Union, you come to us. It is the same with the NCR and Vegas."

"But is the Union not run by you three?" said the salarian Kinron for the first time while gesturing to the leaders of the three nations. "So wouldn't any decision made be made by you three alone? How would there be any false representation among you? I myself am from the Salarian Union which is composed of multiple groups. Tevos here is from a people who are divided into a multitude of republics. Even the turians are made up of different groups. But all unite under one banner for the greater good of their people, as does every other race. Why should you be any different."

"Allow me to explain, Councilors," said House sitting forward in his seat. "I was around before our world committed nuclear holocaust upon ourselves. You see all of us here are decedents of the same nation. In some ways each of us represent what made that nation great before it began to fall. To give you a little history lesson our nation was a union itself comprised of many different states. On the onset of its foundation the majority of the power resided within the states and there was a balance between the states and the central government. However as time went on the central government seized more and more power from the states causing strife around our nation. Eventually the central government decided that the states should change to ease the growing stress, and because they had already taken the power of the states there was nothing the states could do to stop them. Eventually these states became commonwealths which were just a bunch of states bunched together but with one voice. Instead of fifty voices to keep the central government in check, there were only twelve. As time progressed even these voices were silent as the central government became more and more controlling. By the end, the notion of privacy was nonexistent unless you were rich and well connected. The government had complete control over our lives and if you defied them and did not have the resources to protect yourselves, you were either executed on the street or sent to a prison to have experiments enacted upon you.

If we did as you wanted and set up the Union with the power to be our representative, we would also give it a form of government in order to manage the laws and regulations that come from the Council. And while this in the beginning would be small and inconsequential, eventually it would grow. We are each sovereign and we will do nothing that hinders that independence. We may work together and help each other but we will never let one tell the other how to live their lives. We will not unite under on banner for we are each our own. If you want us to have an embassy or to take part in your system then you have to recognize each of us. But I don't think that will be a problem seeing as we won't be joining your organization."

"You won't," asked Tevos with a small hint of fear in her voice. "But why, we have so much to offer you. If will be for the good of us all."

"Correction Councilor," said President Deborah Manning. "If you didn't already know, we deal with many things that you have made illegal to those in your organization. Genetic modification being one as well as the development of artificial intelligences. Just about everyone of us has been genetically augmented to the harshness of our world, not only those with extreme examples such as necro and meta humans. Every person in our three nations technically are illegal to exist in by your rules. And we use AI programs extensively throughout our nations. Those by your laws are also illegal and are subject for termination, which is wholly unacceptable. And if you decide to let us break these laws would you then let the other nations do that as well. Would you then help the, ah, Quarians in finding a new planet instead of spending another three hundred years slowly dying in space."

"She does make a good point, doesn't she Councilors," said Brandy. "Would you allow the same rights to others as you did for us, or would you treat us as a special case. To me, either way land you in trouble."

"We act for the good of all, human," said Ravek angrily. "Just as we are doing here with these peace talks. Whatever decision we make it will be the right one and the other races know that. They will follow along accordingly."

"What about the group you call SPECTREs?" asked Manning. "Would they be able to operate in our nations without adhering to our laws and regulations. According to the information we have they answer only to the Council. They may kill or take all they please with pure immunity from and retaliation. We call people like that outlaws, Councilor, and we kill them." Both sides were beginning to get riled up as the conversation went on for some more minutes of back and forth. Finally Tevos stepped in.

"Please let us calm ourselves," said Tevos. "There is no reason why we have to have this hostility. No one is forcing you to join the Citadel, it is merely one of your choices. There is no reason why we cannot have peace and still go about our own ways." She was sincere in what she said and she looked around to all the leaders with compassion in her eyes.

"Indeed there is not, but we are only explaining why we cannot join your organization," said Brandy. "We are all more than willing to have peace but not at the cost of our independence. We have no problem being your neighbors. Now I believe that we have this issue settled, is there anything else so that we may formally declare peace with you?" He was clearly tired with the talks already. He simply wanted for them to move on and end this conflict.

"Just one," responded Ravek.

"And that is?" asked Manning, her head cocking to the side as she spoke.

"It is the issue of technology," said Kinron. Your nations posses technological feats that have been deemed as impossible by our own people. Furthermore your weapons technology now represents our greatest threat. In the spirit of what is best, we would like to perform an exchange of our technologies. We will give you any technology we possess and you will agree to give us access to study your technology. All in the spirit of peace."

"We cannot agree to that agreement Councilors," said House after a few seconds of shock and with nods from both Manning and Brandy as well form others around the room. "It seems that while we are not nearly your size, our technology allows us hope of surviving against you. Basically it is our only defense, not only against you but any other race. Why would we hand this over when you yourselves have nothing equal or greater to exchange. All of your technology come from the advances of the long dead Prothean civilization. There is little if any deviation to the route from we have seen. More importantly you are not even as advanced as the Protheans. We do have access to Prothean ruins and we do know the potential of their technology. You offer us nothing that we cannot attain only after a few more years of study."

"You three must understand our situation," said Tevos. "You all know how effective this technology is against us. We do not ask you this so that we may overcome you. We simply want to defend ourselves from this technology if it were to fall into the wrong hands. We all know that as time goes on this technology will find its way around the galaxy. That is the natural course of events. All we ask is that you allow us access to this technology now so that we might prepare ourselves from those that would do us harm with it."

"I am sorry Councilors," said Brandy, "but we will not give up our secrets. Yes, eventually elements of our tech will spread but we don't even share our top stuff between ourselves. And you also must understand that while we are ready and willing to fight when we need to, we do not seek conflict. We only wish to go about our own way."

"There must be some other way to handle this crisis," said Manning.

"There is another way," said Kinron. The Councilors looked around to one another making eye contact and each giving a nod. The turian and salarian then disappeared as their images ceased transmitting.

The only one that was left was Tevos. "What is it then?" asked Manning in confusion.

Tevos looked at the ground upon hearing the question then raised her head and made eye contact with each of the leaders. Her eyes were full of sorrow but also of necessary determination. "You must die," she said to the shock of those in the room. Then she too ended her transmission. Talking immediately started among those left as they sought the answer to their confusion.

"Wait," yelled Robinson holding up his handing quieting the crowed. He heard a whine unnatural to this room and worried. "Do y'all hear..." His question was cut off as an explosion ripped him off of his seat and felt himself slamming into the wall behind. He was blinded and nearly deaf but he heard numerous voices speaking in a mumble. Within a few seconds his vision became to come back to him in bits and pieces along with his hearing. He immediately noticed the Council communicator was the cause of the blast. It was on fire and pieces were scattered around the room. He could also feel some pieces in his body and felt blood pooling under his shirt. It was clearly a pre-thought attack but they did not detect any explosives in the device when it was brought on board.

Marine security personnel were already coming through the door, having to forcibly open it as it took some damage."Are you alright Admiral," asked one of them. He was Brotherhood and only wearing combat armor, but he was a welcome sight for the Admiral.

"The Captain didn't make it," someone else shouted. Robinson looking over to where the voice came from saw Captain Sarath. She the closest corporeal one to the communication device and she was there at Robinson's request. She was the fleets second in command should anything happen to him. Now she was mostly ripped in two at her stomach with a small amount of flesh holding her together. Her skin was burned badly and pieces of shrapnel covered her body as though she was a pin cushion. Her inside were no longer contained and spilled out onto the floor along with her blood. He knew there was no way to save her now, and the loss of her was already beginning to pain him deeply.

He then noticed that while most have already left, the three leaders as well as Admiral Belmont was still present and watching him, their eyes filled with sympathy. Before he could address them one of the marines alerted him that they detected enemy fleet movement on the edge of the solar system after he was alerted to it by his pipboy. Robinson looked at his own pipboy and noticed a long piece of shrapnel was sticking out of its main band. He felt fortunate that the band had stopped the metal from slicing through his wrist.

"Do whatever you have to Robinson," said Admiral Belmont with the other three standing behind him. "We will get you reinforcements as soon as possible." Then he as well as Manning and Brandy disappeared as they cut their transmission. All that left was House.

"God be with you, son. You'll need it need it if this turns to a full scale war. Just make sure you give those bastards hell." He said and after a responsive nod from Robinson he left as well.

Robinson immediately made his way out of the room and onto the Bridge followed by two medics who were trying to patch him up as he made his way. He knew his injuries were fairly serious but he had to do what he could. He alerted the Courier's executive officer that he was now acting captain until further notice and asked for a status on the enemy fleet.

"We are only counting ten of them so far," responded the navigation officer.

"If that is all they have then I don't know why they even showed," said the new Captain, Commander Dauntly.

"They have to have some reason for what they did. I'm sure we will..." Robinson started before being interrupted by an alert from navigation.

"More incoming," said the officer. After a few more seconds went by. "Oh my Lord." Her eyes as well as the eyes of everyone else went wide as saucers.

Robinson watched in horror as ship after ship jumped into the system. A terminal in front of him kept a number of how many enemy ships were detected. Several seconds went by before the number stopped, it rested as 1335 total ships. The Union only had 64 ships total with mainly First fleet not in the ship yard as well as some Second Fleet ships as reinforcements. His ships were outnumbered over fifteen to one and while they had many defenses already set up, many were not. Robinson feared the outcome of this battle, especially when he saw what must be their flag ship. It was easily three times larger than anything any side hide. Its cross shape and its main front gun made it look like a whale. He saw the front light up as it let loose.

"They are firing!" said the combat officer as thousands upon thousands of slugs left the ships headed for them. "There are some heading for Ellen as well."

"Order all ships to move into defensive formation and fire at will when able," ordered Robinson. He felt a sting as a medic injected him with something. "That better not put me down, son," he said to the young medic with a threat of warning.

"No sir, it's to keep you going," the medic responded.

"Good man," said Robinson. He felt renewed strength course though his body. He also began to feel the discharges of weapons being fired from his ship. "Can Insignia withstand those attacks?" he asked.

"I don't know, sir," responded the combat officer. "They have their shield towers up but the force of those slugs will be immense. They might not make it." She said this with pain in her voice. If Robinson remembered correctly she had a brother stationed on Ellen. He was glad to note it did not interfere with her duties as she kept strong at her station.

He watched as the first of his fleet's rounds hit the enemy. Their laser weapons were much faster than the alien's kinetic weapons so they hit first. While the damage was great to the ships struck, compared to the size of the fleet, it was insignificant.

John Kernell, a Knight of the Brotherhood, sat watching the afternoon sky in one of more remote and untouched parts of Insignia. Beside him sat Senior Initiate Gage as well as Scribe Lockney. All three were still on R and R orders as well as in line for promotion. They were spending time together today as they had done nearly every day following the attack. The bond they formed during the fighting was proving to be a permanent one.

Kernell felt a hand land on his thigh and looked to see it belong to Gage. She smiled at him and he smiled back. They had developed a relationship after the attack and after they received orders that she was being transferred out of his unit to lead her own. "Wanna go find somewhere to have some fun," she asked with a playful smile on her face as she leaned closer to Kernell. She eventually got close enough and he stole a kiss only to the dismay of Lockney.

"Will you guys go get a room or something," groaned Lockney. "I don't want to see this."

"You offering yours," asked Gage "You scribes get quarters to yourselves and ours we have to share. What do you say, huh?

"Like I am going to get my ass chewed out because you to wanted to have some alone time," he said turning around and looking off towards a section of the city wall still standing. "What on Earth," he said as a blue energy field suddenly started spreading into the sky.

Kernell looked to the shield towers. While the original one were destroyed these were moved in quickly to provide a temporary solution to the defense of the city. "I guess they are just testing them," he said.

"Like hell they are," yelled Lockney pointing into the sky. They all looked to where he was pointing and saw a giant fireball descending form the sky. After another second it slammed into the shield. Not all the energy was absorbed as the fireball spread out over a mile in flame on the shield. Windows were heard breaking and the ground shook form the impact.

"Who's attacking us now?" asked Gage steadying herself.

"Like I have a clue. We have to get to command immediately though," said Kernell as his pipboy popped to life with orders for all forces to report in.

"There's more incoming," shouted Lockney as they noticed more fireballs appearing in the sky.

"Shit," said Kernell. He took a second to scan around and spotted a sewer line in the ground not yet finished where they could hide. While signaling to the line he shouted, "Quick, into the sewers. We don't know how long these shield might hold." They all began running. Lockney was in front of Kernell with Gage behind as they covered the fifty odd feet to the line. He watched Lockney jump in as another blast hit the shield tripping Lockney slightly. He heard a yelp as he landed and soon joined him by jumping down. He immediately saw the blood spilling and a piece of bone. Lockney had broken his leg in when he landed on a loose piece of stone. Noting his friends injury he turned around to look for Gage to jump down. Another second passed and another strike hit the shields. Nervous, Kernell stood up and pulled himself up to look at the surface. He saw Gage with her face on the ground and not moving fifteen feet away. "Stay here, I have to get Gage," he said to Lockney.

"Just hurry, Knight," responded Lockney in a very worried tone.

Kernell pulled himself out of the sewer and ran to Gage. He watch as fireballs rigned around the city. As he reached Gage one hit just outside of the city. Grabbing onto Gage and pulling her up he saw its effect. It did not strike the shield but just outside causing a massive wall of ground to roll like a wave. Much of the energy was absorbed by the shield but some was taken in by the ground. He saw as the wall buckled as ground pushed forward as the strike's energy gave it life bypassing the shield. It kept going until it reached on the shield towers while throwing rubble into the air. The shockwave did not destroy the tower but managed to knock it off sideways causing a malfunction. Immediately part of the shield above disappeared leaving them open. He saw one more strike heading where the last one hit. He ran as fast as he could with Gage as it descended. In a move of desperation and fear that he would not make it he used all his might to throw Gage forward. As he watch her disappear into the sewer he felt the impact of the strike throwing him off his feet. As he was in the air he passed over where Lockney and Gage were, Lockney's eyes meeting his before that area was covered in flames. As the flames caught up to him he could feel his body being melted away. His last thought was prayer that Lockney and Gage would make it. His body screamed in torment then felt no more.

Alerts flashed over his terminal as Robinson attempted to organize a fight that had been going on for over an hour.. Another cruiser was down. His fleet just could not take the continuous beating the enemy was putting out. They had already lost twenty five ships, a third of his fleet. Although these ships were not free. By last count the enemy had already suffered a loss of over three hundred ships, but the way it was going they would win simply because of numbers. A view of Ellen came up next, specifically Insignia, and it was on fire. The bombarding of the planet was over as the enemy fleet focused all efforts on the Union fleet. He had immediately ordered for the planet to evacuate but few ships had yet made it. The ship reverberated as another assault hit them. Another five ships already damaged ships went down over the next minute. Luckily all three battleships still remained but they were starting to wear.

Robinson wished they only had a few more days to set up a defense. The defenses, both operational and those not, had been targeting by the enemy in the beginning. While they had so far destroyed most, it was also with cost. Single fighters were proving to be a problem. They numbered in thousands and the fleet's defenses were not able to cope as well as it should have against them. While not particularly powerful, they were a nuisance and were taking a toll.

Robinson watched on as the enemy moved ever closer, increasing their weapon's performance. He watched as the VS Lucky Dawn, sister ship to the Courier Six, engaged the enemy directly alone. Its escorts were either down or limping away after taking too much damage. the Lucky Dawn was the front line for the Fleet's defenses and it fought valiantly. It was going against four dreadnought, one of which was the flag ship called the Destiny Ascension, as well as numerous smaller ships. He watched in anger as the Lucky Dawn brought down half of those ships and two dreadnaughts only to meet destroyed. The Destiny Ascension kept firing its gigantic cannon and he saw it break the shield and then burn though the armor. With a giant explosion the ship went out with a bang taking the other dreadnaught with it.

With it out of the way, the Destiny Ascension and the rest of the fleet moved on. They all fired as one again, with the Destiny targeting his ship along with every other dreadnought on scanner. He was thrown to the ground and systems went crazy and sparks flew. "Damage report," he shouted getting back on his feet.

"Our FTL capabilities are down and most of our guns," said the weapons officer. "Many of the decks are showing red and we only have the forward shields left."

"Do we still have sub light engines?, Robinson asked.

"We do," responded the weapons officer.

He thought over his options. Checking his terminal he knew they were down to half strength. The colony was lost as well as those who had not managed to evacuate. The systems defenses were nearly destroyed and they still had nearly a thousand enemy ships left to fight. If this war was to be won, it would not be here. The only two options were to continue fighting until there was nothing left or retreated and fall back to a more heavily defended colony. Unfortunately the choice was simple.

"Order a full retreat back to Arcturus Station," said the Admiral. That station was the next stop for this fleet when they continued onward after them. It was also one of the most heavenly defended places in the territories and was a central point to the other colonies. They would have to move there to go anywhere else. "Order all ships to start firing on our down ship to prevent capture by the enemy. Ensure that there is nothing to scavenge." He watched as the other ships began turning around and firing onto their own ships that could not make it out, all except his. He knew he was killing his own men but it had to be done. "Transfer command of the Fleet to the VS Blue Mountain. We won't be joining them."

"But sir, what about us? We can't surrender to these lizards," said the communication officer, her voice filled with fury. Another round of enemy fire ripped through the fleet downing more ships.

Robinson looked at the Destiny and the ships that surrounded it. It was by far the biggest threat. Five dreadnoughts now surrounded it along with over a two hundred other ships, all coming together for a final push. "We do not have the ability to jump out with the fleet nor do we have to the time to evacuate this ship and be picked up. But we can give them a serious blow." With a sigh a laid back into his chair. "Redline our reactors and divert as much as we can to forward shields. Engines to full." He felt the ship gaining speed, a sign of how damaged it was with the inertial dampeners usually removing that effect. They began moving forward toward the enemy gaining more and more speed. "Target the Destiny Ascension," he said.

"Target locked Admiral," said the Captain.

"Ram it! Let's show these pieces of shit why you don't mess with Vegas," roared Robinson. Grim determination possessed the crew with that order. All were quite as they went about their final duties, determined to kill as many as they could so others could live.

"Oh my God, look at that," said the XO of the frigate VS Beam. Her Captain looked as advised and she was amazed. She knew the Courier's FTL engines were downs and command had been transferred but she was awed in what she saw.

Enemy shots hammered into its shield and hold as it accelerated toward them. What was left of her guns fired continuously as if unaware of safety concerns. Small explosions dotted her hull and fires burned from the inside as the damage worsened. Seeing what the Courier was doing the enemy ships began to try to evade the suicide run. But they were to slow. In a storm of fire and energy the VS Courier Six rammed into the Destiny Ascension. Energy washed over all nearby ships causing them too to go up adding to the chaos. The Courier then broke into two, its bow splitting from the rest. She was astounded to see that the guns on the bow were still firing into the enemy as it went sailing through space colliding with another ship. She watched the beautiful destruction that was the scene, proud of the men and women who served on that ship and how they fought to the very end. Then she felt a rumble in her ship as it made its jump into mass space leaving the battle in preparation for the next.

Did I not say it was going to be different?