Hello all and welcome to another chapter to Radioactive Dawn. As always I hope you enjoy and feel free to give follow or like if you want to see more. Let the battle for Sol begin!

John Walker sat on the edge of his bed as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. His cabin onboard the Dawn was small, though larger than the few other private cabins onboard. It was furnished comfortably, something which he was grateful for. Across from him hovering above the room's table was a rotating display of the Dawn, Baker's battlecruiser the VS Beam as well as the small space station simply called the Outpost that both ships were docked to. The station was in the far outer limits of the Sol system, its small size adding to various stealth system in place to shield it from being detected.

While thankful for the few hours of sleep he and his crew were able to snatch as the Dawn underwent repairs by at the Outpost from her previous engagement, John knew it was time to begin his day and prepare for what it would bring. The meeting with Captain Baker onboard the Beam was inching closer and the operation to liberate the Sol system would not be too far behind. He went about cleaning himself up and dressing, not at all eager to have to speak with Baker.

As he went about his way, his mind reflected back to the conversation he had with the prisoner that they had both rescued and been saved by back on the Enclave station. The prisoner had revealed himself as High Elder Jason Brandy along what he had been through under the care of the Enclave for the past twenty years since the Fall and his capture. His identity had been confirmed by Aria and while to John the revelation meant little to him as he had only recently learned of the man in the first place, he knew that to the people on Mars his return would have serious consequences. Jason had requested John keep his identity to himself, something John agreed with. He did not imagine that it would go well with the leaders of the Coalition who would probably not be to keen on seeing the return of someone that could adequately challenge them and their power they held currently. Unfortunately, John saw more violence of the political kind brewing to a front in the future. But if it was necessary, then he would do what had to be done.

"Aria," he said as he finished dressing. "What is the status on the Dawn's repairs?"

A blue sphere took the place of the station hologram. "Repairs are nearing completion," answered the AI as the sphere glowed slighting in the middle corresponding with each sound uttered by the AI.

"Good. Any updates on Brandy?"

"Over the past few hours he has been examining the events that transpired in his absence. More interestingly, he has placed a few inquires about a theoretical ship repair system that was in development during the war with the Citadel."

"Anything special about it?" asked John.

"Indeed, Courier. The theoretical system was being designed with the hope that so long as the core of a ship survived, the ship could repair itself back to function using nano-machines to collect necessary materials from the surroundings or broken pieces of the ships. Unfortunately, it was never amounted to anything more than a theory as research stopped when Earth fell.

"The why is he interested in it?

"It was the Brotherhood who mainly pursued this technology, with help provided by Vegas, and at the time it was something the High Elder was very interested in."

"And what specifically did he inquire about?"

"If the system could, provided that it was operational, repair a ship that had a certain amount of damage he suggested if it found itself under an ocean in such a state."

"Are you sure nothing came of the system then? It seems a tad specific for something that was never applied."

"I do not know of any system being completed. However, that does come with the understanding that I did not know everything that happened within or between the three nations and the Union during its time. It could very be possible that the system was successfully designed and integrated into a ship."

"Well I suppose that we will have to ask him about it later." John looked at his pipboy and checked the time. With a sigh he moved towards the door of his cabin. He would meet Liara and George Allimer and head to the Beam for the meeting. He hoped that it would go well.

-)(-

The meeting was held in the captain's conference room located just behind the Beam's bridge. In the center of the room was a table, large enough to easily fit the twelve seats that surrounded it, though the only persons currently at it were John, Liara and George along with a few pitchers of water with corresponding glasses. It irked John that they were being kept waiting by Baker, and he knew it was intentional.

To pass the time as they waited, the three watched in silence as various news feeds were displayed around the room. It showed riots throughout the cities on Mars as men and women filled the streets and rushed citadel friendly locations in response to the bombardment of the Follower's Memorial Hospital the previous day. John watched with a grimace as one of the feeds displayed a row of asari and salarians laying dead in the middle of a street. Their bodies had been mutilated and the men and women around them cheered in primal fashion as their hands dripped with blood.

While it made John uneasy to see such a thing, for he doubted those on display really deserved it, he knew that it made Liara feel even worse. Surprisingly though, the only thing the asari did was calmly, if coldly, watch the feed.

Other reports were coming in showing that human forces had pushed the Citadel out of many areas, gaining control. The aliens were finding themselves far outnumbered and with the humans utilizing hidden caches of weapons, mostly energy based, the Citadel was having a tough time exerting their influence around the planet and instead chose to focus on critical areas like the Administration District in Red Valley. The planet was descending into chaos and he wondered how much of it was being orchestrated by the Coalition. He knew they were active if and responsible for a large amount of chaos unfolding. This was their time.

Martial law had been declared hours ago soon after the riots began in earnest. But the few ships stationed in orbit had a tough time landing ground troops to protect their interests. Few troop transport ships made it down as small human ships provided wave after wave of suicide runs against the ships as they entered the atmosphere. A clip showing just such an event from the Citadel's last attempt an hour ago began to play showing debris and bodies raining down on the city below.

With a swoosh, the doors to the room opened and in strode Baker into the room along with few of her officers. She did not even acknowledge John and the others until she and her men had sat down.

"Alright, Walker," said Baker with a bit of contempt in her voice. "Everything ok with you and the plan."

John gave a nod. The plan was relatively simple. The Beam would begin engaging the Citadel ships over Mars while the Dawn jumped behind them to the Mass Gate, securing it and installing the Key. It was not anything too complicated.

"Good," said the captain. "What can you tell me about this… creature you encountered on the space station?"

The creature that they battled on the station still sent chills down his spine. "We don't know. But Aria managed to download all the information on it she could. It's heavily encrypted but she will eventually be able to access it all. So far she hasn't found out much. The Enclave referred to it as something of 'Reaper' origin, but we don't know what that means yet."

"Reaper?" asked the Captain. "Do you think it could be a new weapon?" She spoke to John with her best condescending voice as though talking to a lesser. It nagged at him, but he let it pass for the minute.

"I don't have a clue," he answered.

"Well I guess you don't know everything now do you," she quipped. "Now, tell me about this jump drive you have on your ship."

"I think Aria would do a better job at that," he said.

"Very well," said Baker.

Aria's blue sphere appeared in the center of the table. "The secondary jump drive was developed between the Nation of Vegas and the Brotherhood Federation."

"You're report said something interesting about its origins." said Baker before Aria could say anything further. The report she reference was one Aria had prepared for the Coalition after the Dawn had secured the Key. While John was initially hesitant with disclosing information relating to the FTL engine, he gave the go-ahead knowing that such a tool could come of use in what was to come.

"Correct. An alien ship was recovered by the Federation some time ago. The ship possessed the drive the Dawn's is based on and while initially many of its functions were unable to be accessed, with time they revealed their secrets. A few years before the Fall, High Elder Brandy revealed the technology to Vegas' leaders and a joint venture began to utilize the technology."

"And this technology is not Prothean?" asked Baker.

"No," said Aria. "Upon examination and comparison of the discovery of the Prothean ruins on Mars, it was made clear that the two technologies shared no similarities. From what information was gathered, it seems as thought the unknown aliens had no contact with the Protheans or the technology after the fall of their civilization."

"I find it interesting what secrets those at the top held from us," said Baker. "Anything you care to add to this, Walker?"

"No. Not really," he said as he stared down a vicious glare she gave him. It bothered him how much the captain despised him.

"That's a shame. So why was your ship the only one that was given such a tool?"
"It wasn't," said John. "Three other ships were equipped with the jump drive."

"And where are these three other ships? Do you know how much we could use power such as that. Do you understand what an asset they could have been for us?" She talked as though it were his fault they did not have them. He had to hold back a small laugh.

"Why don't you tell me, Captain," said Jakson as he leaned forward in his seat, a smile slowly spreading on his face. "You were among those that were the last ones to see those ships."

"What the hell do you mean, Walker?" He had made her angry. Caught her off guard with is accusation that she felt was his stupidity. He took a bit of satisfaction in it.

"Aria, if you would continue," ordered John of the AI.

"The Dawn's date of completion is three years after the Fall. It was done by what systems were left behind in the Big Mountain complex where the ship was found. The break though for the new jump drive came days before the war with the Citadel broke out. With the massive numbers that the Citadel held, the Union authorized the production of a fourth fleet which was made up of only three ships. Two of these ships were designed to be of the dreadnought class with tremendous capabilities offensive and defensive. Unfortunately as the Citadel numbers swelled and the NCR rebellion became a reality and as the virus rained havoc on humanity's systems, one of these ships was converted to an evacuation ship with their not being enough materials to properly arm it. The third ship was designed as a new dreadnought class, one's who's purpose was not to wage war but support it. It was capable of serving as a mobile station that could handle all repairs for ships and also had the production capacity to build the necessary infrastructure in the event humanity had to evacuate the Sol system and start anew somewhere else."

"And what does all that have to do with me?"

"Captain Baker," said the AI. "It was reported that you and your crew were the only Vegas ship that aligned itself with General Wright and the rebellion of the NCR he orchestrated. Correct?"

"What of it," she asked. John knew what Aria was talking about. It was one of the things he had been briefed on. Just another reason to not like the dear captain.

"After the NCR successfully pushed Union forces off of Mars and secured the planet for itself, within two months the planet had fallen to Citadel forces. Reports indicate that your ship was part of the fleet that escaped the Citadel assault under the command of General Wright who commanded the fleeing NCR forces. You then moved for Earth and began an attack on Union forces protecting the planet when they refused you access. During this attack, Vegas station was destroyed. Do you remember?"
"I do," said Baker quietly. She did not seem to fond of the memory.

"As you well know," continued Aria," that station served as one of the primary shipyards for both Vegas and the Union. It was here that the fourth fleet was being constructed. At the time of its destruction, the ships cores were being brought online. In three days the ships were estimated to have been operational and one was already loaded with civilians for evacuation."

"It seems that your rebellion rendered those ships to nothing more than part of the debris that currently orbits Earth," said John. "Aria has reported that your ship was one of the one's that fired on the station and helped destroy the station, so I suppose we have you to partially thank for the loss of such valuable assets. I agree with you, they could have been quite handy in helping us. Those three ships with their capabilities to strike out without using the gates may have even changed the tide of the war."

Baker sat in her seat at a loss for words. Her officers at her sides were equally silent and partially shocked.

"Furthermore," continued John, "I would like for you to get out whatever stick you have up your ass. I am tired of your attitude and if this is how you are going to continue to behave then I will have you relieved of you command over the vessel."

"What the hell are you talking about," asked Baker with a laugh as her mechanical arm formed a fist. "I would like to see you try such a thing."

"Clyde," said John beckoning the Beam's AI. A green sphere appeared next to Aria's blue one.

"Yes," said the Beam's AI. John was glad he remembered the name right. It would have been a bit silly if he had forgotten such a simply thing that Aria had told him.

"Until I say otherwise," began John. "Captain Baker is relieved of her command of this ship. I want the lockdown procedures to be initiated."

"Very well, sir," said the AI. Red lights in the room came to life as the other lights glowed. The door display in the room glowed equally red signaling that the door was locked. John knew similar activities were transpiring throughout the ship. "Captain Baker," said Clyde to the captain. "You have been relieved of your command by order of the Vegas High Command."

"What kind of shit is this?" shouted Baker as she leapt to her feet. Her officers followed suit. "I don't know what type of trick this is but-"

"Sit down, Captain," roared John as he cut her off as he himself stood to his feet. "You forget yourself! Before you were as much as an annoyance in your father's pants, I founded the nation that you claim to have served. Without House, I am in charge of Vegas and everything that belongs to it including this ship and if I am not mistaken, this outpost as well. You are a traitor, Baker. By siding with the NCR as well as everything you did after during the rebellion I have every right to put a bullet in your head. I tell you now that few other things would give me as much pleasure so if I were you I would count your blessings that I have not done so yet."

"Then why don't you go ahead and do it?" asked Baker though her teeth as she sat down.

"Because you have a debt to pay," answered John. "Now I will give you a choice right now. Either you come to an understanding here and now that you answer to me and to me first so long as you are in command of this ship or you resign and I do the honors of putting a bullet between your eyes."

"My crew would never allow that," warned Baker.

"They don't have a choice. If I gave the order to vent the ship's atmosphere it would be done and they would all be dead in a few moments. But that won't happen, do you know why?"
"Why?" seethed Baker.

"Because Aria has done me the liberty of pulling up all the information on your crew. I think that it is interesting how most aren't from your original crew and mostly made up of those from the Brotherhood and Vegas. They probably are not too happy with what you have done in the past so I doubt that there will be much of complaint, especially as unpopular as you seem to be with them. Those loyal to you will have to be purged, but they will be easy to replace. So, what is your decision?"
Baker just glared at him. He knew that she was aware she was beaten. In truth, he needed her to go along with it. She knew the ship and the crew, even if most of the crew despised her. There were come a time for retribution, but as long as she understood the status quo, it would not have to be today.

"Then I suppose we have an understanding," said Baker grudgingly. "But I warn you, there will be consequences over this. The Coalition won't like it at all."
"Let me worry about the Coalition. Now about our mission."

"We are scheduled to commence in just under to hours," she said after a moment and with the air of resignation in her voice.

"Very well," said John. "Clyde, you have my permission to reinstall Baker as Captain of the Beam and lift the lockdown."

"Very well, sir," said the Beam's AI as the lights came back to normal.

"Oh, and Clyde," said John. "You are to activate the Baker Protocol."

"It is done, sir," said Clyde.

"And what is that?" asked a nervous Baker.

"Why, Captain, it is a program designed by House himself in honor of you. You see, after your little betrayal he investigated how you could bypass the protocols already in place that should prevent such a thing. The new protocol was named as you heard it yourself. If you do anything, no matter how small or large, that is deemed to be a threat to the loyalty of this ship, then the ship will take adequate measure to prevent it. And I do mean anything Captain. You are being watched. You don't have the right to be treated otherwise."
"And what will happen if someone tries," asked the Captain.

"Well, I suppose whoever does will find out, though I wouldn't recommend it. Now, I think this meeting is over so we will take our leave. I feel it has been a productive one. I hope you all feel the same."

With that he and the others from the Dawn stood and left the conference room.

-)(-

"That was a risky move you made," said George as the three entered into the Dawn's own conference room. "This won't go over well."

"I agree, John," said Liara. "Are you sure you did not push her to far?"

"I hope not, though there isn't a lot she can do about it," said John. "Not right now anyway. We can worry about whatever trouble this has caused when we come to it, but her crap has to end. I assume you both have read the reports from Earth."

They both nodded. The reports were not a joy to read. In the riots people were striking out against everyone, human and alien. It was a bloodbath. Much of it was being fueled and even encouraged by the Coalition. If this was the caliber of their leadership, John was unsure of how great they would be at the helm of humanity.

"Do you really think there was something nefarious on the Coalition's side with the bombardment against the hospital?" asked George.

"I don't know," responded John. "It doesn't make sense for the Citadel to do something like that. They would know the chaos it could cause. I really hope that the Coalition had nothing to do with it, but its not something I can be certain of. Aria has expressed similar doubts."

"If they did have something to do with it," started Liara, "it could seriously undermine their authority. It could even start another civil war among your people."

"Which is why we hold these cards close to our chest," said John as he turned to the center of the table where Aria's sphere currently floated. "Aria, tell me of your idea."

"It is possible for me to seed myself throughout the Coalition's systems by exploiting the links we have with it," said the AI. "I should be able to find out anything they keep in their systems regardless of how much security they have on it."

"Won't that strain your duties here," asked Liara.

"Negative. I will be able to use clones for this. I should be embedded enough within the next twenty-four hours to gain complete control of Coalition systems if you so desire, Courier."

"If they find out, it could mean a war of our own against the Coalition," warned George. "They will see this as treason."

"If it comes to war, then we will make sure we are prepared," stated John firmly. "What we have to make sure of now is that we can get as much under our control as possible. We already have control over the Dawn and the Beam, two of humanity's only ships capable of waging war. If Aria can follow through with her infiltration, an attempt that should go undetected, then we will be in a good position."

"And what about the Key?" asked Liara. "If they are pushed to far, they could threaten to disable it and allow the Citadel to retake the system, providing we are successful in securing it in the first place. And I imagine they will put into place protocols to make sure they retain control over it, especially after what you just did with Baker."

"I'm counting on it," said John. "Aria…"

"At the request of Captain Baker," started the AI, "they Key was transported to the Beam so that a Coalition AI could be installed, most likely with the same protocols you speak of Liara. However, before it did so I placed a copy of myself onto it, undetectable to their systems. They will think that they retain control when in reality they will not."

"Exactly," said John. "I don't think the Coalition understands how powerful Aria's abilities are, especially against their systems that haven't been properly updated in twenty years. She was the height of research into Artificial Intelligence before the Fall. They won't know what she is doing and that's why they will think they have most of the cards in their hands. I don't see any reason to dissuade them from thinking this. In the end it will make them weaker."

"But after all your people have been through, do you really want to bring war to them?" asked Aria.

"If it is necessary. We don't know exactly who the people that run the Coalition are at their core, what they are willing to do. But if they try anything or have done something like order the attack on the hospital, then we will put them down. Since I have woken up I have been yanked around by my neck. I am tired of it. I will not allow humanity to fall underneath the leadership of those that would abuse their position."

"And if war comes, who leads our side both during and if we come out on top?" asked George. "We don't exactly have a lot of people."

"If the Coalition turns out to be a monster, then I don't think we will have a problem with recruitment," said John. "And if I have to then I will lead it."

"Some might see that as nothing but a thirst for power," said George.

"That's how it will certainly be portrayed if it comes about. We just have to make sure we don't lose ourselves. But enough of this. We have a battle to ready ourselves for. Hopefully everything will work out and this will be nothing but talk."

"One more thing, though," said George. "I just got word from Mars. Hammond's sister has been confirmed a casualty of the bombardment."

"Damn," said John. "I know he had hope."

"Many of us did," said George. "I don't know how he will take this. He seems to have been able to keep himself busy tending to Jenkins, but once that done with, well, I don't really know how the doc will be able to hold up."

"He's one of us," said John. "We have to be there for him, all of us. There's nothing tougher than losing family. I know all of us can relate to the experience." Silence hung in the air. A few more words were shared and then they departed the room.

-)(-

The next hour and a half flew by for the crew of the Dawn. Eventually the time approached. The Beam and the Dawn undocked and readied themselves to begin. John sat in the captain's chair, his rightful place onboard his ship. Through various displays, the whole solar system was before him. Their plan was outlined before him as was the position of every target.

An alert came to life indicating that the Beam was about to enter hyperspace. After the ship began, it would arrive centerfold a few seconds later in-between the Citadel ships orbiting Mars. He watched as the Beam popped into faster than light travel. Now all there was to do was to wait.

"The Beam has engaged hostile ships," reported George moments later. "Jump drive is ready for go."

"Very well," said John. He leaned back into his chair, readying himself. "Jump!"

To the men and women that manned the Outpost watching though the station's windows, they simply saw the Dawn vanish in a flash of light. The war for humanity's liberation of the Sol system had begun.

-)(-

Weapon's fire and explosion rained around John Kernell Jr. as he held a Batarian by his head with a firm grasp. With the strength only afforded to him by the power armor he was wearing, he squeezed and a sickening sound cracked with blood and brains lashing out around his protected fingers. He raised his plasma canon up and fired six rounds in quick succession at a group of salarians held up behind a makeshift barricade. The plasma disposed of them easily. Around him seventeen other men and women decked out in power armor brought hell to those defending the Colonial Administration Building, the last Citadel stronghold left in Red Valley.

Adrenaline pounded through his body as he leapt five meters into the air and slammed down onto a batarian taking cover behind a fountain. He and the others kept pounded away, merciless in their intention. Plasma and laser ripped through the air only to be met in return by the inferior kinetic fire of the Citadel forces.

Enemy fire began to escalate and Kernell moved quickly behind cover to avoid the any unnecessary hits. Even the the enemies' weapons were inferior, they could make a dent with enough of them, especially the explosives. As explosions rippled around him he thought back onto how he had gotten into such a predicament.

It was only a few hours ago that Diane Nelson had called him into her office within Coalition Command. He was quickly informed that he was being transferred to the Coalition's only power armored unit. When he inquired as to why, he was directed to the fact that when he initially joined the Coalition, he opted to go through the power armor training to be a standby for the unit. Though he was eventually pulled out when his other abilities more suited for intelligence came to light, he was still one of the only ones available that could use power armor. Furthermore, of those available he was the only officer. With the unit needing another officer for second in command under Colonel David, Kernell was lined up for transfer. It was unusual, and Kernell thought there might be more behind it than a simple need. But it had been no time to inquire. That would have to come later.

After a quick refresher course, he was thrust towards the enemy. He was not surprised that there were others. Few volunteered to learn how to join the unit because it never saw much action. But when it did, there was a good chance it would be the last time many of them saw anything. Most of the unit was made up of veteran Brotherhood soldiers. They wore the units like comfortable clothes.

Kernell did not, not yet anyway. The heavy fire ceased. The colonel shouted through the comms and he jumped to action. He did not have the hang of someone that had seen engagement after engagement in the armor, but he pulled his weight.

They pushed closer to the defensive line of the Citadel forces. The power armored soldiers fired relentless into the defenders. It had been twenty years since the Citadel had battled against such a force. The panic in the eyes of the defending forces showed it.

Kernell and the rest pushed through and the line fell to Coalition forces.

"Alright boys and girls," shouted Colonel David's voice over the unit's comms. "Let's show these bastards a little more!"

The unit roared and rushed forward to the next point. The fire coming at them easily bounced off their armor. Kernell gave a laugh at how easy it was. The invulnerability felt good.

That mood changed when a blast went off in front of him sending him flying back onto his back. He felt dazed, but as he looked up as the dust settled he saw one of the Citadel's energy canons on the roof of the Administration building. Those cannons were one of the few things capable of taking out a power armored soldier and he cursed as he tried to scramble for cover. They were reported to have been taken out already by the Coalition before the assault started on the building. He guessed the strike teams had not done their job as well as they had claimed.

He knew he did not have long as he moved to his feet.

"Move, Lieutenant," yelled the colonel to him as another cannon blast impacted the ground next to him, where he was before he just moved, and sent Kernell off to the side.

Warning lights began flashing on his display. Minor damage on the left side of the suit. Kernell looked up. He saw the weapon flash as it discharge. He did not close his eyes. Did not cower away as he faced his doom. He did everything he could to move, to live. But he simply was not fast enough. And Colonel David knew the same.

The cannon bolt slammed into power armor, but it was not the armor worn by Kernell. His eyes went wide as he watched the colonel dive over him as the bolt made contact throwing the colonel through the air and over Kernell's head. Kernell moved as fast as he could, another bolt slammed near him and tested his balance. He grabbed the colonel and jumping through a wall and into a building, shielding them from sight of the cannon.

His eyes and sensors told him the same thing as he looked down. The colonel was dead. He had not given any last words, nothing to remember his sacrifice. He just did it and his reward was having a cannon nearly rip him in half.

In anger Kernell slammed hard into the ground, creating a small crater. The man died to save him. He would not let his sacrifice be in vain.

"Colonel David is down," he said through comms to the others. "I repeat, the colonel is down. He is gone." The colonel was well respected, well loved by the men and women under his command.

"What are your orders, sir," responded a voice through the comms. Kernell was now in charge. The weight of the new responsibility felt like getting shot. He pushed his doubts aside. Now was not the time.

"Take down that fucking cannon," he ordered. He would make the bastards pay or die trying. One was as likely as the other. Good odds.

-)(-

The rubble of the few defense ships that protected the Sol Mass Gate floated freely through space as rubble. The Dawn had made quick work of them when it jumped in. Now it was only a matter of securing the structure.

"Advance," yelled John Walker as they received a moment of silence from enemy fire. He, Liara, Sergeant Leeway and Silva and all the Marines they had pushed forward, passing over the bodies of those they had just killed. They skidded around a corner to be me with more fire.

Liara's hands glowed with power. With a tug she ripped paneling from the walls and hurled it at the defenders as John and the marines let loose with their laser rifles. The defenders fell again and the attackers moved further forward.

The Mass Gate was huge and held nearly a hundred person crew. Half of them were the gate's defenders though they were doing a poor job so far. John and his crew pushed through towards the control room where they could install the Key. Once installed they would have total control of the station as Aria would also be installed and allowed to do her real magic. Till then the AI kept the passages open, unable to do little else without integrating herself with the station.

But it was enough. The small amount of defenders depended on the physical defenses to hold off an attack until assistance could arrive if needed. But with reports coming in favorable for the Beam against the Citadel fleet, there would be no assistance. The Mass Gate would be his.

With a thunk the last defender protecting access to the control center fell as he screamed from the laser fire that had went through his stomach. His screams stopped a second later and with a twitch the defender went still. John moved forwards, wary of more enemies even though Aria had given the all clear.

They entered the control center. The room itself was large but the area it overlooked was even more so as one could easily see deep into the gate. It's power center grew brightly a distance away.

Opposite of the room where they entered was the crew that operated the gate. They were scientist and engineers, not security.

"So long as none of y'all attempt to do anything stupid, you will all be fine," said John to the scared personnel. Most of them were Salarians or Asari with a few Bavarians thrown into the lot. It was the latter he was most worried about. He hoped no more blood would have to be spilled on this station. There was enough being spilled around the system to last a lifetime. It seems those on the other side felt the same as they did as they were told as the marines rounded them and put them in restraints.

"Alright," said John. "Let's install the Key."

The marine holding the Key's case moved toward a center console along with Liara. She opened the case and took out the Key. She held it with one hand and with the other she keyed the console. A small beep chirped and the center opened up allowing a pedestal to extend out. With a firm click the Key was inserted into its place on the pedestal. It grew a bright green and displays around the control room began to flash as Aria wormed her way through the system. After a minute the AI had complete control.

"There is a problem, Courier," said the AI as the others congratulated each other on the job.

"What's wrong?" asked John as the jubilation receded from him and the others.

"There is a fleet already on route to the Sol System," warned the AI. "I cannot stop it as it has already commenced."

"How many ships?" asked John.

"Twenty-three," said Aria. "I am detecting a dreadnought as well as two battleship class ships. I do not estimate that the Beam will be able to survive if engaged."

"Damn it," cursed John. "Marines, you are to hold this station. Do what you have to. Liara, we need to get back to the Dawn." He and the asari broke into a run. They had not time to waste.

John and Liara arrived at the Dawn's bridge as the Citadel fleet arrived in the Sol system with a flash. "Are we ready?" he asked to George.

"Ready as we can be," said George moving from the captain's chair and into the one reserved for the XO.

"Alright then. Prepare to-." He cut himself off as the ships that had just arrived began activating their FTL engines and moved in the direction of Mars.

"They will be at Mars in under two minutes," warned George."

"Has the Beam finished up with the other ships?"
"Negative. Only the dreadnought left. But it will take longer than two minutes for it to be brought down by the Beam."

"Then prepare the ship to jump," ordered John as he sat down in his chair. "We have just under two minutes to destroy that other ship. We are going to have a tough enough fight without it."
"Courier," said Aria though his comm and no one else's. "The chances of us successfully fending off that fleet are slim."
"I know," he responded. "Jump!" The Dawn blinked. It moved to fight.

I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. Please feel free to leave a review or send me a PM if you have any thoughts, criticisms or ideas. Also I would like to announce that I have begun another story, this one based solely in the Elder Scrolls universe. I did so because I wanted to write one and because it offered me some variation in writing that I think will help with productivity and pushing chapters out.

This is the link here: s/11437388/1/From-Death-to-Glory and if the Elder Scrolls is something you are interested in, I would encourage you to check it out. The Prologue only what is up so far. I wanted to finish this chapter for this story before moving on with the next one. As it is so early in its writing and planning, I would like to hear any suggestions you folks may have.

Anyway, till next time. Thank you for all of your support for this story!