Solar Expanse. Alpha Centaury System. 30 minutes before the Skyfall Attack

Alpha Centaury is a trinary star system, situated just 4 light years away from Sol System, and once regarded as the first place that Humanity would venture out and colonize, and in 2075 first attempt was made by one Victor Manswell, one of the richest men at the time. Taking along with him 300 volunteers and putting them into a cryosleep, they departed for Alpha Centaury and soon all contact was completely lost with them. Fast forward 88 years, and in the very late year 2162, Mars Exploratory, a relatively civilian exploration company based off Mars, was bought over by then a relatively unknown, but expanding Angelus Industries, bringing in funding and new blood into the decrepit company.

Less than half a year later, it launched a new expedition towards Alpha Centaury, utilizing modern technologies and as a test run for the new Angelus Industries' new FTL drive systems and cores. The expedition set off from Mars and had reached the system's edge in under 7 hours, which was a considered a massive success. What was even more surprising is the discovery of the colony ship orbiting Proxima Centaury seemingly having been caught in the gravity well of the star. After rescuing and bringing it back to the Earth, everyone's attention was turned to the people from the past, yet none had known that Mars Exploratory had completed their primary goals.

None, safe for Alex Drake, who then transferred the needed data to The Illusive Man, who immediately put it to use, and the two covertly had managed to establish their presence in the Alpha Centaury. Initial 21st Century's readings of the system were only scratching the surface, as the star system had not just a habitable planet with Earth-like atmosphere, but it was also rich in all needed resources, both on the planet and off. In time since then, the system had been colonized and developed into a secret base of Cerberus, a clandestine organization which most never heard off, while the Alliance Strategic Command regards as their counterpart to the STG, only even more secret.

Yet The Illusive Man, or Jack Harper, as he was once known, viewed Cerberus as more than just a Black Ops Unit for the Alliance, but a defender of Humanity, the force dedicated to protecting and advancing it's status by any means necessary. After the First Contact War and the encounter with Desolas Arterius, he knew that the Galaxy was not as safe as some may thought it to be, and that Humanity would need a shield, or a guardian to protect it. Hence why he founded Cerberus, and why in 2160 attempted to personally recruit Alex Drake, believing him to be someone who shared his views, yet instead of finding a supporter, he found an ally and equal.

From their very first meeting Drake proven to be someone that The Illusive Man respect and even consider a friend, so they formed a partnership. While Alex never officially joined Cerberus, his contributions to it were paramount to Cerberus' current state and power it had. While it posed as a secret special branch of Alliance Strategic Command, with only the highest ranking members afforded any knowledge towards it, Cerberus was largely autonomous and self-sufficient. Thanks to their partnership with Angelus Corporation, they had advance technology and materials to build up their own power.

Though Cerberus remained in the shadows, limiting their activities to intelligence gathering, espionage, pirate and government monitoring, it was only the tip of the iceberg. Alpha Centaury was one of the centers of Cerberus' growth and power building, which was all located on the Olympus Station, a planetoid-based base, much like Skyfall, only fully dedicated to Cerberus and growth of their forces, outside of the Alliance's registers. The Illusive Man himself was currently on the Station, observing the progress and inspecting it, finding all in order, and as he read another of the reports, a person entered his office, one of the few who was permitted to knowing his real identity.

"Jack, we have a problem." Eva Core, The Illusive Man's right hand woman and second in command, stated to him directly. "We've just lost all of our comm lines, every single one safe for ones within Solar Expanse." She stated, with The Illusive Man setting aside his reports and standing up.

"How?" He asked of her, with Eva tapping her Omni-tool and transmitting to him the data. "The self-termination protocols were activated in them?"

"Yes, on every comm buoy through which we transmitted our data and facilitated all comms, which is nearly the entirety of the Alliance Space, and all went silent, but not before sending us this memo." Eva explained to him. "At first I thought it was just a glitch in the system, so I ordered to run a diagnostic, but it wasn't. We've lost all eyes and ears in the Alliance Space."

"And the Alliance?" The Illusive Man asked of her.

"We've checked, it appears to be all is running normal with them, but there was another blackout in comms in the Arcturus System, before it all returned to normal." Eva responded, while Harper pondered the situation. "So what could've happened? Could there have been a malfunction?"

"No, those protocols were made by Drake personally, and he is not a man to make mistakes like that… No, this is something else entirely." Jack stated, before he decided to call someone on the Arcturus, and gotten static. "Now this is truly troubling."

"Who did you try to call?" Eva asked of him.

"Our supposed superior from the Alliance. I have a direct line and link to him outside of the normal channels, which ran through those same comms. And if they are also down, but the Alliance's comms are supposedly working, then that could only mean two things: either our own network was compromised and taken down in one fell swoop, or something has just launched an attack on the Alliance, and has taken control of our comms." Jack stated, before he tried to get a call out to Skyfall Station via normal channels, but not before running a voice ID program.

"Skyfall Station, Angelus Spire, how can we…" Before Harper could even the rest of the message, he gotten a notification from the voice ID program, making him close the call.

"What was it, Jack?" Eva asked of him, with him looking grimmer than before.

"It said that the voice was a modulated one to mimic human speech." The Illusive Man responded, before beginning to piece things together. "Taking over Alliance's comms, subtly without anyone's alert, yet also caused our own comm lines go off and erased from logs would result in Alliance not knowing anything… It's a prerequisite for an effective first strike. No warning, nothing to rouse suspicion… This is textbook Salarian approach to warfare, and if they wanted to strike… Then this is their best chance to do so."

"Because of the Economic Summit on Arcturus Station?" Eva asked of Jack. "If I remember correctly, it will involve the entirety of the Alliance's leadership, nearly all of Earth's nations delegates and representatives from all major colonies, all gathered to discuss issues of economical misbalance between the Earth, Alliance and the Colonies… Oh God…" Eva realized what Jack had moments before.

"Eva, mobilize all of our assets on Earth and in the Sol System, put them on high alert, and begin deployment of our fleet into the Sol as well." Harper ordered. "If what I suspect is happening, then Humanity will need all the strength it can get right now."

"Already sending out orders." Eva stated to him, before she remembered something. "What about Drake?"

"He has been STGs prime target since before we entered into our agreement… I suspect his already aware of something being afoot, or soon will be, and then he will do everything to set it right." Jack stated to Eva. "And if the Salarians, or rather, the Council is launching an attack on Humanity, then Drake and Skyfall Station are bound to one of their priority targets. Focus our efforts on Sol System and Earth most prominently, and pass on the note to the polices to watch out for terrorist and anti-government actions."

"Understood, Eva confirmed, before leaving to make the needed arrangements.

"Damn it." The Illusive Man cursed under his breath while alone, for having allowed such thing to take place.


Arcturus Stream. Arcturus System. 10 minutes before attack on Skyfall Station. SSV Washington-A.

"Approaching Mass Relay Delta, sir. Heat signatures detect nothing, EM have nothing sir." Sensors officer reported to Commander Steven Hackett, as he observed the map. "We will be within range of the sensors within a three minutes sir."

"Good. Maintain vigilance, and inform of any unusual readings or anomalies." Hackett commanded, before adding. "The last thing Command and Parliament would want is to catch the Navy slacking, especially today."

"If I may, sir, are you referring to that inspection on Skyfall Station, or to the bigwig conference on Arcturus Station tomorrow?" Lieutenant-Commander Hikaru Kahoku, 2nd Officer and current XO of Hackett, asked openly of Steven Hackett.

"Both, but Captain pointed to the inspection on Skyfall, when he passed the command." Hackett answered. "Captain Ramirez didn't want any more incidents that may implicate the Navy in any way, while he is away due to medical issues. And since those comms and sensors went offline in our sector, we are here to investigate."

"We should've just dispatched another report to Arcturus and asked for a repair crew. Most probably it's just another malfunction due Mass Relay's interference, those comms and sensors break every other week, and besides, they did come back online." Kahoku commented, with Hackett silently agreeing, but not voicing it. "And Captain Ramirez is way too focused on what the Citadel and Parliament thinks, if you ask me. I know he and Admiral Drake have some history, but even he has to agree that Admiral did everything right, yet all he did was readily criticize and disparage upon him, the moment Council voiced their disapproval."

"The Captain is entitled to his own opinion." Hackett reminded his Second Officer.

"As is everyone else, but not voicing it like he did before everyone." Kahoku noted. "He was positively gloating and sneering at Admiral's expense… Wish I could have seen Nelson Group when it pulverized those pirates, though. I've seen the vids, but nothing beats real life."

"That's true." Hackett agreed, as he sighed. "I've received a call from Anderson, said that Hojo and Drake are looking for new officers to man their ships. I've filed a transfer report to the 4th. If all goes well, I'll be transferred there after this summit is over."

"Well congrats, Commander." Kahoku genuinely was happy for Steven, as they've approached the area where their comms and sensors were supposed to be. "Okay, looks like we are in the area. Are we picking up any signals?"

"No, sir, we are not." Sensor officer reported.

"The electronics must've fried in those things for good." Kahoku commented. "Those things were on their last legs for months, and should've been replaced by those new AngelCorp models, like all other colonies and even Earth have done. Damn misers…"

"Send out a probe to the area, I need visual confirmation." Hackett commanded, and the probe was dispatched, before arriving in the area in a minute's time, before transmitting the image around itself. "Sensors, confirm the positions of the array and the probe."

"Identical, sir. The probe is in exact position where the array should be." Officer reported, with Kahoku and Hackett exchanging looks. "Wait, we now have a visual on the array. It had shifted from its original position, it is now 102 kilometers off it's mark, sir."

"Those arrays don't usually move like that." Hackett noted, with Kahoku nodding. "Unless someone had moved it, but operation like that would first need to be cleared with HQ and Fleet made aware of it."

"Agreed, otherwise it would raise all kinds of hell. I recommend going to yellow alert, sir." Kahoku spoke up, with Hackett giving his agreement. "Yellow alert, all hands to battlestations! Weapons systems check, send a signal of a possible hostile situation back to HQ."

"Right away sir…" Comms officer did so, before reporting. "Sir, signal is sent and received, but… There's something odd."

"Clarify." Hackett ordered.

"Response signals at such distance do not come back so fast, sir. There is a small, 1.2 second's delay when it is automated, but this came literally next moment." Comms officer reported.

"Try to raise Arcturus Station directly." Hackett ordered.

"Arcturus Control, this is SSV Washington-A, please respond." Officer transmitted, before a channel opened up.

"This is Arcturus Control, responding. We've received your signal, please elaborate on the situation." Came the response, before Hackett quickly pushed a mute button on the comms.

"Run a voice ID program and modulation analysis." Hackett commanded quickly, before he answered. "Arcturus Control, this is Commander Steven Hackett. We may be dealing Zulu-1-5, here. Request authority to act and investigate it further."

"Granted, proceed at your discretion. Arcturus Control out." At that moment comms closed, with officer reporting.

"Voice ID checked out, but there was something off on modulation analysis, sir." Comms reported. "Seems authentic, but it reads some discrepancies with normal voices. Miniature ones, sir, but they are there."

"What do you make of it, Lieutenant?" Kahoku asked of him.

"Well… I've only seen these readings when running a voice modulation program back in the Academy. When changing one voice to another, there are always similar discrepancies, sir, though not so small. This one is almost authentic in every way, safe for a few things. I'd almost mistaken it for a lag issue." Comms reported to the two officers.

"Your call, Commander." Kahoku told Steven.

"Red alert." Hackett commanded, before he turned to sensors. "Give a wide range gravimetric pulse around us, now." Hackett ordered, with Kahoku turning to him.

"What are you thinking, Steven?" He asked of his friend.

"I'm thinking that whoever it is, they've got stealth tech on them that conceals them from heat signatures." Steven said, with Kahoku raising a brow at that. "Two years ago, Drake's Carrier Group encountered an Eclipse frigate that was evading heat sensors. Drake ordered a gravimetric scan, and that's how he found them."

"Sir, reading a massive anomaly on the scans!" Sensors officer reported, and all turned to see it, with all recognizing it as a shape of ship.

"Helm, maneuver us in range of this thing. Weapons systems, prepare to fire." Steven commanded as SSV Washington-A moved to engagement range. "Fire disruptor missiles."

"Yes, sir." Officer reported, and at that moment a volley of six missiles was quickly fired off of SSV Washington-A.

The volley traveled quickly to their intended target, before the bridge noticed some strange readings near them, which forced the missiles to explode that second, saturating the area with electromagnetic pulses. It was then that the enemy ship finally came to view on other sensors, and the Alliance officers recognized the sleek, sloping long and seemingly chromed hull, which was distinct only one race- Salarians. And it seemed that the moment Alliance found it is when the intruder also came to life and activated it's engines, moving to a more favorable position for firing, it's weapons coming online.

The Salarian ship was clearly a cruiser type, yet moved almost like a frigate, quickly maneuvering and taking position for firing above Washington-A, opening up with a volley of kinetic weapons, with Washington-A's ships flaring up and withstanding the attack. Hackett thanked whatever god was there for the fact that this was a Moscow-class instead of the old Washington-class, which wouldn't be able to withstand this attack. Hackett and his crew were among the very few to still operate those venerable ships that saw the First Contact War, and SSV Washington was bound for mothball or scrapyard since Geneva-class was introduced. Initially, they were to receive that class, but Ramirez, thanks to his political connections, he received brand new Moscow-class, which was christened SSV Washington-A.

Now this successor to good old Washington was about to bar her teeth at it's prey, when her Perseus Accelerator Cannons moved on it's dorsal hull, acquiring solution on target, before firing. Four precise hits, and the enemy hull was set ablaze, before blowing up before the eyes of the Alliance officers, yet before anyone could celebrate, the bridge was deafened by multiple signals coming in.

"Sir, restoring proper control to the comms! Comms restored and… multiple distress signals from around Arcturus Station! First Fleet is engaging an enemy, sustaining very heavy casualties casualties and… Sir, Arcturus Station… It's gone!" Comms officer reported, with the Alliance officers looking around, unable to understand what was going on. "Sir, r-receiving also report of an attack on Skyfall Station. Enemy there… Is confirmed to be Citadel Council… Sir, wh-what do we do?"

"Status on other Fleets!" Hackett commanded, and officer complied, as the comms from other Fleets came online, and all of the bridge listened to them.

"This is SSV Yamamoto of the Second Fleet, can anyone hear us?! We are engaging a Salarian Fleet near Stheno, requesting immediate reinforcements. Shanxi defense is compromised, I repeat…" Came the call from the flagship of the Second Fleet.

"I repeat, this is SSV Olympus, repelling a Salarian invasion force over Eden Prime! I repeat…" Such was the call from one of the Third Fleet's forces

"This is SSV Tianmen of Third Carrier Group to any Alliance forces, do you copy? Please respond, we are close to Noveria…" From the chatter coming from there, it became clear that they were not yet attacked.

"To any Alliance force, this is SSV Spee of Carrier Group Spee, we were attacked and battling a Salarian fleet over Elysium! Enemy suffered heavy casualties and attempting a retreat, requesting…" This was a call from one of Fourth Fleet's main forces.

"This is Carrier Group Veneto of SSV Veneto, we are under heavy attack from a Salarian fleet! Lost a quarter of our forces, trying to hold them away from New Rheinland, but several ships got through…" Another call from the Fourth Fleet came, and there were close to a dozen and a half like that, some informing about an attack, others about trying to raise anyone and figure out what is going on.

"Do we have comms with them?" Hackett asked, with officer nodding. "Good, transmit to all available Alliance vessels following: To all Alliance Forces, this is Code Alpha Station is destroyed, status of Alliance Strat Com, Parliament and Prime Minister is unknown, Mass Relay Alpha Prime is in danger, First Fleet is ambushed. All available Alliance Ships, please respond and assist immediately." Officer transmitted, and within seconds a reply came.

"SSV Washington, this is Skyfall Station, Rear Admiral Arthur Drake, responding to Alpha Red-01." Hackett recognized Rear Admiral Arthur Drake's voice. "We can't raise any of the any Fleet safe for Carrier Group Nelson. You are the only one available aside from them. Come in, Washington, do you read me?"

"We are reading you, Admiral Drake. The enemy fleet appears to have means of EW and are blocking comms with the First. Confirming that the enemy are Salarian Navy. Sending you over data on all other fleets." Hackett responded. "Sir, what's going on your end?"

"Citadel delegation was a Trojan horse to get their forces here, we've got at least a several hundred of Citadel Spec Ops forces here, plus five thousand AI controlled robots and a swarm living Rachni wreaking chaos in here. A preemptive strike with no warning, Salarian 101… Are you certain that the enemy attacking the Navy are Salarians?" Drake demanded, with Hackett transmitting signatures they caught. "No Asari or Turians, only Salarians… Captain Hackett, your orders are remain outside of the engagement zone and maintain comms with us and reach out to all you can. Can you reach other Fleets from your position and do you the information about the Fifth Fleet?"

"Aye, sir." Hackett confirmed. "We can reach them all, and the Fifth Fleet is still near Saturn."

"Good, this gives us a fighting chance now. Alright, then you are now our relay station, Washington." Drake informed them. "Begin transmitting orders to respective Fleets, start sending them ASAP. Our strongest Carrier Groups are engaging Salarians near Elysium, New Rheinland, but we'll send whatever we have the to Second and Third, have the Fifth move to engage the enemy at Arcturus. By all costs, maintain your distance and comms, understood? You are now our lifeline to saving the Alliance Navy and the Alliance."

"Yes sir." Hackett confirmed, before he turned to his men. "I need independent comm links to all of the fleets set up ASAP! Move it. Helm, maintain our distance away from all of the enemies. Everyone… We are now at war, and this ship is the only line of communication between the Fleets, and it's our duty to maintain it." And at that moment SSV Washington-A became a life line for the Alliance Navy.


Exodus Cluster. Asgard System. Skyfall Station. Angelus Spire.

"It's not just here, but all over the Alliance… Arcturus Station is gone, and all our primary forces are being engaged." Hojo surmised the situation, as he and Drake looked at it on the holo map from the Spire's command center, where Ishtar, Ereshkigal and others tried to get the station under control. "Everywhere Alliance had it's strongest military assets are under attack, and the First Fleet is being bloody decimated out there. How the hell did the Arcturus Station did not see it coming while others were able to pin them coming?"

"Everywhere outside of Arcturus Station and Sol, AngelCorp had deployed a new versions of comms and sensor arrays, as per Alliance's order." Ishtar responded to that question. "New sensors included a gravitonic pulse emitter, which could counter modern stealth technologies, with those sensors being put online five days ago. This level of coordination from the Salarians suggests extensive preparations and intelligence on Alliance's operations, from fleet dispositions…"

"Down to the routines on patrols, which they could've gotten if they've had their ships in systems literally taking notes of those for months, if not years." Drake finished for Ishtar. "What's the status on the attack?"

"We've already ordered deployments of the SSF and garrisoned Marines to affected areas and engagement zones were blockaded and sealed off from the enemies completely. Medical services already informed and dispatched with shuttles, civilian populace is informed of the emergency and are ordered to return and stay at home." Ereshkigal reported without even turning away from her work. "Angelus Cybernetics Division is already being deployed en force, vanguard forces are mounting evacuation as we speak in the affected areas. Enemy dreadnaught is locked in place and unable to move, and we are forming a boarding party to take it."

"And Alex?" Arthur asked with a bit of fear in his voice, with Ereshkigal bringing him, Hojo, Quentius and Goyle the image of him literally devastating a platoon worth of Turians, leaving them speechless.

"Spirits… I-Is he even human?" Quentius Asked a loud, his mandibles parted from his teeth in shock, as he watched Alex Drake bisect twenty five Turians in a span of half a minute, before taking off. "H-How is he even able to move like that with this armor on… It's like he is not even wearing anything and just… dances." Then they all saw him dodge three biotic attacks in a blink of an eye and strafe those Asari biotics, without losing speed.

"Guards, arrest this bastard!" Goyle suddenly commanded, with the SSF men in sight not moving. "What the hell are you waiting for? As Alliance's top official on this station…"

"They will not move, because they are members of Angelus Corporation, and therefore do not answer to you." Ishtar reminded her, while also formulating plans for the units. "Besides, Alex has verified that he is not enemy. Though I imagine how it may not have been made clear, when he was taken hostage alongside you and held at gunpoint by an Asari Huntress and Spectre."

"And how the hell do you explain all of those forces? There are Turians in there as well! Are you saying he didn't know anything about it?" Goyle demanded to know, with Quentius answering.

"Of course I bloody well didn't know anything about that! And if I did know what was going to happen, I would've warned you, the Alliance and Primarch Fedorian about it without a second's hesitation." Quentius defended himself, with Hojo and Drake giving him a surprised look. "Those Turian troops that were deployed, I recognize those markings. They belong to Citadel's Defense Forces, part of the peacekeeping forced around the colonies and Relays, under nominal control of Turian High Strategic Command, but in more direct command of Citadel Fleet Command. Only they could order such a redeployment, and they answer to Council… Sparatus, you bastard!" Quentius exclaimed."

"He has had it for the Alliance since the day he took the office." Drake noted, while also sending out orders with Hojo to the fleets. "But how can we be sure that your Primarch is not on it?"

"Because Primarch Fedorian had dispatched me here with explicit orders to ensure that this inspection went in favor of you and the Quarians here." Quentius revealed to them. "I know how the Alliance views us, but not everyone is like Tarsis and Raganis, and Fedorian was their primary opponent and their ambitions. Fedorian wants to bridge the gap between our two races, and he had hoped that this gesture would serve as a sign of our good intentions."

"If he had wanted to facilitate such an improvement in relations, then why did he have Sparatus undermine our position at every turn?" Goyle demanded to know.

"Because he and Fedorian are not, what you Humans say, on the same page. Tarsis had many supporters, and while he was ousted, they remained and Fedorian had to make some compromises, if only to avoid a potential civil war." Quentius answered. "Tarsis and his militarist party wanted to expand the Hierarchy through military might and aggressive expansion, hence why Raganis acted the way he did. His failure allowed Fedorian and his supports to seize power, and reverse that course, focusing on our own internal problems, which have been piling up for centuries now. Fedorian put up with Sparatus only because it kept the militarists at bay… But after today, you can expect heads will roll for good."

"Right now I will settle on saving our Navy and colonies." Hojo commented, finally done with his orders, wiping away sweat off his brow. "But if Turians strike now… We are done for."

"Highly unlikely that they will, since they haven't already. Fedorian is probably observing the situation, trying to determine which way the wind will blow." Ishtar commented, before sensors flared up. "And now we have a Salarian Fleet coming to us as well. Reading 91 signal, 7 dreadnaughts and 59 cruisers, rest frigates, all headed straight towards Skyfall Station and Carrier Group Nelson. It looks like Salarians have disregarded the Farixen Treaty as well, because that's 21 dreadnaught of theirs I'm counting in battle with us. Move Carrier Group to these coordinates immediately." Ishtar sent the coordinates, with Hojo transmitting the coordinates.

"Carrier Group Nelson, assume defensive positions on that line. Launch all fighters and prepare to open fire at the enemy on my signal." Drake commanded.

"What is the status of our ships? Can any join?" Rael finally spoke up, with Ereshkigal shaking her head. "That's too much of a firepower against you, Admiral Drake. They'll take Skyfall."

"I would not be so certain." Ereshkigal smirked, before she opened up comms to Alex. "Alex, are you receiving this?"

"Yes, I'm seeing it all. Good call moving those ships to those coordinates." Alex said without losing track of the battle. "Activate Phalanx Protocol. Authorization: Alex Drake." At that point, Noosphere recorded the command, and then everyone saw what it meant.

Within a span of a minute, Skyfall Station's outer hall suddenly transformed, as out of the hidden sites on it's rocky surface came out turrets and batteries of cannons and multiple missile launchers made themselves known, all of them state of the art. Each of the turrets held four cannons, double the numbers that capital ships of the Alliance carried in their turrets, yet it was them that came to live first. First came to live not Macro-Accelerators or missiles, but something unseen before in the Galaxy, as six twin barreled turrets came up, their design and construction unknown to any of the present, safe for Ishtar and Ereshkigal. They all turned and choose their targets, all dreadnaughts, still outside of line of fire… By others, as those cannons opened fire.

The next moment space seemed to have frozen still, as beams of light pierced the void faster than anything could see them, each and everyone finding their targets, and then all saw as six out of seven dreadnaughts were pierced right through, and then their drive cores exploded. The sheer magnitude and power of the explosions caught many other ships in their radius, disintegrating the order of battle that the Salarians had prepared, and where once was they center now was a gaping hole, filled with scrap and death. The first strike was so fast and devastating, that it annihilated more than just 21 ships, but any chance for the Salarians to get out of there, as the rest of the Skyfall armaments opened fire.

Ishtar's coordinates had placed Alliance ships in such a way to allow Salarians to get close enough to Skyfall, without giving them any chance of escaping it, as Noosphere coordinated targeting systems and now all armaments of this fortress unleashed hell. Perseus turrets blasted in one shot frigates, while Heracles tore in half cruisers, with rockets of unleashing hellfire, yet it was the new cannons that were proving the most devastating. Every shot they made was like lightning strike, yet hundreds of times more devastating, as they didn't even leave wreaks, burning away all that stood in their path, and even when they attempted to retreat, no quarter was given to them, and those cannons ceased their fire only after the space was finally cleared of the enemies. In just under 6 minutes, entire Salarian fleet was completely and utterly destroyed, with the Alliance's ships not even making a single shot.

"Dear God…" Hojo uttered in absolute shock. "What… What was that?"

"Future, Admiral Hojo." Ishtar responded. "Confirming all hostile vessels are destroyed. Recommend you deploy your forces to more pressing theaters now, Admiral. Skyfall Station can and will defend itself and Terra Nova quite competently."


John Connor was not having a good day, and probably he had the worst one yet, as he ducked away behind a desk from the volley of rounds from the mech, before he pointed his rifle and shot a burst at him, blasting at his head, yet only making it's barriers flare up. Next second, the robot kicked the desk and knocked Connor onto the floor, releasing his hold on the rifle, as he heard metallic steps come behind him, more than one robot could make. At that moment Connor realized that his life was most likely forfeit, and out of nowhere for himself, he reminiscence if he had remained with the Alliance Marines, would things be different.

Born and raised on Earth, John finished up his technical college with good marks, which brought the attention of the Alliance, who offered him scholarship and training in engineering, which he took without a second's thought. After finishing his education and basic training, John Connor first served in garrison of Shanxi, where he found himself married to a beautiful girl and even planned on settling with her, before being transferred to the Third Fleet, where he saw plenty of action in his time. Having demonstrated good results in the field, John Connor was recommended for Interplanetary Combat Training, the infamous ICT, where he had managed to earn himself an N6 designation. He could have made N7, had it not been for stray shot in a fuel tank during a rescue op in the colonies, which cost him an arm and much of skin being burned to a crisp.

After that, he was lucky to have been alive, but his career in the Alliance was over, and he could've spent rest of his life on life support, if not for the AngelCorp and their medical geniuses, as well as his wife Catherin, who sold out all they had and pulled all of their savings for him. Miracle workers in the AngelCorp did their job, and soon he was outfitted with a state-of-the-art bio implant for a new arm, which was like a new one, and his skin was regenerated fully. Soon after he was released from a military hospital and he received an offer to work on Angelus Security, with a place on Skyfall Station itself.

The offer itself seemed too good to be true, with all they could ask for, and despite Connor never liking corporations, he gave it a shot after his wife persuaded him, and it turned out that it was even better than expected. Good working hours, insurances, social benefits, good paychecks, access to best gear possible- Angelus Security had it all, but they also expected their people to perform their duties well. Personally, Connor didn't mind the discipline, which was near level of Marines, but not as severe with some hard-asses he heard off, and he settled into his new life quite well, with Catheryn finding herself a job at the local hospital. He only hoped that she had gotten out alive before whatever hell broke loose.

Opening his eyes, he saw four of those robots surround him, each looking like some strange mechanic version of an Asari, with polished almost chromed hulls and blue sensors. They then raised their guns and prepared to fire at him, before he heard a sound of a barrage outside the office. At once, all four turned, and then Connor had to cover his face, as a precise fire took out all four of the drones, making them fall onto the ground. Next moment Connor moved his arms away from his face, he looked up and saw another humanoid robot, only this one resembled more human, covered in steel plates, that resembled skin or armor, with a heavy assault rifle in his left hand. Standing at near 2 meters It's optical sensors were red in color, and his head imitated a full blown human skull, making for a distinctly scary image, and Connor was ready to say his prayers, when he heard the robot speak in a modulated human voice.

"Commander John Connor, Skyfall Security Force, 4th District." Robot said… before offering him a hand to rise up. "Come with me, if you want to live." And at that moment Connor trusted the robot, and took his hand.

"Th-thanks." He said, before wincing from pain in his side. "Shit…"

"You have two broken ribs and a bullet wound in your lower torso. Applying Medi-gel." At that moment, robot immediately applied it his right arm, easing pain for Connor. "Medi-gel application complete, bleeding stopped, your status is optimal. Requesting status update on your assigned unit."

"A-All gone. Got hit by Asari forces out of the blue, managed to shoot our way out, but then ran into those mechs… What the hell are you?" Connor demanded to know, with the robot turning to him and answered.

"Angelus Cybernetics Division. Model designation: T-60M Myrmidon. Individual number- T-101." Robot answered, before continuing. "Your injuries and trauma severely limit your combat effectiveness. You must proceed to the nearest evacuation point with this me immediately."

"I can still hold a gun, tin can." Connor said, before he winced and groaned from pain when he tried to reach for his gun, before he heard more mechs coming.

Faster than he could've reacted, Myrmidon robot put himself between the new enemy mechs and Connor, absorbing a burst of fire, before firing his own rifle with precision that a normal human could not. Fourteen shots, all landed into the three mechs and put them down, before it walked to the last one, and simply stomped it's head, destroying it for good, before turning to Connor.

"This area is not secure. Immediate withdrawal is paramount for your survival. Additional enemy forces in bound for our location, other buildings in the vicinity are evacuated. We must withdraw immediately." Myrmidon informed him, with Connor deciding to follow him out into the streets.

Out in the streets of Skyfall, at least where Connor could see, there was utter chaos, as it turned into a veritable warzone, with shouts, fires, smock and more heard, smelled and seen from around them. Robot moved ahead of Connor at a fast past, yet not so fast as to leave him alone, easily traversing the streets, showing an almost supernatural knowledge of the terrain, which Connor couldn't help but wonder about. Several times he stopped and ordered him to duck away, before taking out additional mechs, and then resuming their path.

Soon enough Connor saw more people, civilians, injured, Marines and others, all being escorted by Myrmidon robots like he was. At first a few dozens, then hundreds and a few thousand, with more coming their way, all lead by Marines and Myrmidon robots. Connor understood that this was a dedicate rescue and evacuation, so followed with them. They moved for a while, before they came to a halt when they reached a crossroads with a sealed door into different section, when crowd saw a large hoard of insectoids, followed by a platoon of war mechs behind them. People were about to run and disperse, before Myrmidon robots stopped them.

"Remain still. Accessible routes are blocked by enemy." Robot informed him. "Reinforcements are en route. Recommend covering your sound receptors in 8.2 seconds." Connors didn't understand what his companion meant, before the doors finally opened behind them, and then Connors nearly went deaf.

Out from the opened gate came a volley of fire, sounding like a continuous thunder at close range, as Connor saw what he could only assume were large bullets fly out past him, deafening out the shouts and screams of the civilians. The stream of bullets targeted the incoming hoard of insects, and when they reached their targets, they each seemed to detonate like a grenade, clearing the entire road in continuous burst of fire. Then the barrage stopped, and a moment later, Myrmidon lowered Connor's head, to face ground, before he felt like a heatwave passed him with a hissing sound, before he was finally allowed to raise his head and look at the road, and see only melted and charred husks, melting away rapidly.

Turning his head towards the entrance, Connor froze in shock, as he saw a 4.5 meter high mech, covered in metal armor, similar to Myrmidon, yet looking far bulkier, with the torso resembling a metal box, with it's head situated in the upper part of it's torso, resembling a helmet of a knight. It moved on two armored legs with surprising limb, while each of it's arms was a distinct weapon, with it's left arm being what Connor could only assume was a rotary cannon with 6 barrels, while his right was a twin barreled cannon of some sort. It moved out of the entrance with uncanny speed, followed by nine more mechs like him, and then a hundred more Myrmidon units, and then Marines, as they spread out and moved throughout the city. Following them were medics and evacuation units, which immediately began to take in people, with the escorts rejoining other robots.

"Area is secure. You may proceed into the safe area, John Connor. You will be treated upon entry." Myrmidon told him, before turning to march with other robots out, leaving Connor to limp to the medics, who quickly got to him.

"Hey, guys. What's going on?" Connor asked of them, before he was led into the medical shuttle. "What's with the sudden machine uprising?"

"Don't know much details, Commander, but I do know they are for us, and that our boss is currently out there kicking some serious alien ass with them." Connor heard the medic from SSF say.

"Wait, boss?" He asked. "You mean like head of SSF."

"No, like head of all AngelCorp, Alex Drake." Medic stated to him, with Connor looking at him with confusion. "Yeah, turns out our boss is not just Captain America, but a full blown Tony Stark."

"Who?" Connor asked of the man, before he was administered pain killers and the shuttle took off to the skies, and out in the distance, Connor could've swore he saw a crimson winged angel diving into battle with swords blazing.

Diving at blinding speed and crushing a quadrupedal robot under his feet, Sanguinius moved his arms and unleashed hell fire upon the mechs, with his armor piercing bolts taking them out with ease, simply ignoring their kinetic barriers. Through his neural connectors and Noosphere, he could even sense how the artificial intelligence within those units was furious, unable to even understand how something could take out what she perceived as perfections. At first Sanguinius found it odd that an AI could sense such emotions, but then, as he observed the movements and actions of these mechs, he realized that this was not a simple AI, but a neural imprint of a person, who had transferred her conscience and mind into artificial intelligence form, as a way of achieving immortality.

In the days of the Great Crusade, he and his Legion did run into former Adepts of Mars, who did the same during the Long Night, losing last vestiges of humanity. After first two engagements, Emperor personally censured all data and information regarding it, with Sanguinius being ordered to perform an Exterminatus on the planet. Now Sanguinius was dealing with an intelligence much like the one he had faced back then, only this one was of Xenos origin, and it was assaulting his home and people. Finishing the assailing drones, Sanguinius then slightly winced when he sensed through the Warp encroaching hoards of Rachni, their chittering like sounds resonating through the Warp.

Several seconds later they appeared, all attacking forms, with the ones who were clearly augmented and changed leading the unaltered ones, serving their variants of commanders, as Sanguinius sensed it through the Warp. Raising his arms, he flew up right before they swarmed him, and then he unleashed his bolters at the command species, blowing their heads out, which sent out ripples of dying signals through the psychic connections of all other Rachni. Each death of the augment was agonizing for the rest of the warriors, and with the last finding it's death, the pure-strain ones at last suffered from sensory overload, either dying in agony, or being disabled by it.

Before Sanguinius could finish them off, he sensed several snipers aiming at him, and before they took their shots, he dived down and then flew to their location, before landing on their position, finding a Turian Black Ops unit. Wasting no time, Sanguinius simply cut them all down without missing a beat, moving like a blur among them, with only one managing to fire at him, using a grenade launcher. The explosion was so close that it caught the last Turian and the ammo near them, exploding it and all of the roof, yet Sanguinius was complete unharmed and not even fazed, as his Adamantium-ceramite armor did not even budge or get singed, without even need to turn on his kinetic barriers for it.

While in his past life, Sanguinius wasn't an artificer or scientist like Ferrus, Vulkan or Perturabo were, he did find fulfillment and enjoyment in the pursuit of sciences and achievement of success in fields he worked in. Discovering methods of producing Adamantium, plasteel and ceramite Sanguinius considered to be among his most satisfying ones, alongside creation of the new neural interface system, which he had installed into his body. Remembering the Black Carapace of his sons, he managed to first recreate the technology, and then miniaturize it into form of small implant receptors, which provided the same result. This is what allowed Sanguinius to control his Armor of Seraph as it were his own body, and privately he had to admit, that he had missed having wings and flying, even in this form.

Before the smock cleared, he heard a call for help through the Noosphere and rushed towards it through the air, finding about a platoon worth of Marines and several hundred civilians barricaded in a building, while four times their numbers assaulted them. Landing with enough force to knock away a full squad of Salarians, Alex swung his blades so fast that non survived before hitting the ground and then moved at the next set of enemies, a squad of Asari commandoes, which tried to attack him with biotics. A single psychic pulse and their efforts were in vain, before eliminated them without any mercy, either by ramming or bisecting them. Next on the list was a Turian fire team, setting up with heavy weapons, which Sanguinius hacked with his own mind and caused their overloads, killing them all. At the same time he physically cut down another squad of Turian Black Ops, before finishing things up with the remaining ragtag Asari, Turians and Salarians, ending them with a swiftness of unseen before. The entire affair took 20 seconds, which Sanguinius personally considered somewhat embarrassing for him, but a quick reminder that he was not in his original body did sooth his ego.

"It is clear outside, you may…" And then a single high-caliber slug was fired into Sanguinius' faceplate from the inside, before he could finish. "…Come out." And then he removed his helmet, with a few Marines finally coming out, with one familiar face speaking to him.

"Mr. Drake?" Commander David Anderson asked, as he looked at the man. "Um, sorry for friendly fire. We thought you were…"

"Understandable, Commander Anderson." Drake responded, before immediately closing his helm and placing himself between the incoming rockets, taking the brunt of them, before firing back and taking out Turians.

"Holy shit…" One of the Marines called out, with Sanguinius turning back to them, without even a scratch on him. "He don't even have a scratch on him! What the hell is this thing made out of and where can I buy one?"

"He's like a goddamned Iron Man, or one of those Space Marines." Another commented.

"Can it, troopers." Anderson called out to them, before turning to Sanguinius. "Thank you for the save, sir. Didn't think we were going to make it out alive, but I guess jury is still out on that. If I may ask, any idea on what's going on?"

"Nothing concrete, but I know that the Alliance Navy is currently engaging Salarian Fleets at Arcturus, Shanxi, Eden Prime and Elysium and everywhere with strong Alliance presence. It was a coordinated decapitation strike, with Skyfall Station just one part of it, intended to knock us out in the first opening volley." Sanguinius informed Anderson, who stiffened a little. "They've took out much of comms network and caught the First Fleet completely off guard, from what I can tell, but others had more of a warning, so they are giving Salarians hell. They just tried to take out our fleet as well, but they were dealt with."

"Does that mean that the Council has officially betrayed us?" Anderson asked him. "Or is it just the Salarians? And what do those lizards have against us?"

"We'll learn when we finish this up for good." Alex responded, before he turning his head and saw his robot cohort coming to them. "These forces are under my command, and will escort your injured and the civilians out of the engagement zone."

"Good, those people could use it." Anderson said, before recalling something. "Mr. Drake, one more thing. Before we were besieged out there, we've managed to hit a diplomatic shuttle on it's way to the port. It veered off course and landed somewhere there." Anderson pointed the way, and Sanguinius nodded to him, as his wings moved and he flew straight into the air.

Bringing up through the neural link an update on the fighting on his station, Sanguinius observed how his Cybernetics Division units were eliminating the enemies, already liberating and clearing out 70 percent of the living area, while in the docking area an assault team was already formed to take the Dreadnaught, whose docking clamps and tethering remained locked. Knowing that literally every member of that dreadnaught are biotics and that their air ventilation and oxygen tanks were connected to Skyfall, Sanguinius decided to use it to his advantage, as he sent a mental command to connect those pipes to tanks with special gas, designed to render biotics inert. This will make thing considerably easier for them, while the Marines from the ships were already landing and joining the main effort.

Seeing as the last remains of the organic forces have pulled towards the crash site of the Citadel inspectors, Sanguinius proceeded there, while one hundred thirty five Myrmidons and eleven Argonauts were already on them, decimating the last remnants of the AI and Rachni forces, before surrounding the area and prepared for an attack. Sanguinius observed the place that the ambassadors crashed into, which was Skyfall Academy complex, which acted as both a school and a biotics academy, which trained and learned in.

And now Citadel forces took over the main building fortifying it, seeing as their escape routes were cut off. Through his psychic abilities, Sanguinius learned that a large group of civilians, pupils and just small children had barricaded in the gym, with some of the kids managing to hack the doors and seal them, meaning that only Xenos were inside, with the delegates deep inside the building. Or so he thought at first, for a moment, until his senses picked up one person he did not expect there- Rhea. And what was worse, she was captured… For the first time since the beginning for this entire mess, Sanguinius felt panic, as he feared for his friend's life far more than for his own.

And it was at this moment that those delegates made their call on an open channel.

"To all Alliance forces, this is Ambassador Irissa, head of the Citadel delegation and highest ranking official of Citadel Space in area. I request surrender for me and my fellow delegates, under the rules of engagement." Irissa called out, as Sanguinius landed right before the building, looking up at the place. "We are prepared to surrender ourselves, if we will be guaranteed all amenities and rights of political prisoners and…"

"To the guy in red armor, we have your friend, so I suggest you behave and let us go." Sanguinius heard on his private channel voice of Saren Arterius. "You've put on a good show, I will admit, human, but still…" With every word Sanguinius' fear was replaced with fury, especially when he heard Rhea sob through the comm out of pain, and that was the tipping point

"They are prepared to surrender. It is our duty to comply and…" Without even listening to that woman, Sanguinius spoke up, using Noosphere to link up to the building's stereo system so he was also heard there.

"To all Xenos, you have come into my home, spilled blood of my people, betrayed our trust and now hold my dearest companion hostage, and you even dare to expect mercy?! If so, then I shall grant you one mercy you all deserve- mercy of death!" Sanguinius answered in the coldest tone, and then ordered the Cybernetics to ensure that none escaped from the place, as Sanguinius flew straight into the building, smashing through the barricades, while focusing his power through the Warp in creating a protective barrier around Rhea.

At that moment, Sanguinius had finally allowed anger out, as he channeled his powers out, producing ethereal clones of his own being, all armed with swords and spears, before they charged at the enemies. If before Sanguinius was akin to a hurricane, then now he was death incarnate with time seemingly freezing for all, as he and his clones claimed reaped their harvest of lives, moving and striking unlike anything ever seen in this universe. Faster than those Xenos could even witness, 118 of Citadel's best were reduced to but 3 Spectres in a span less than half a minute, before Sanguinius found himself before the conference room, where the delegates and Spectres were. Dispelling his clones, Drake simply broke through the doors inside, where he saw Saren literally pointing his gun at Rhea, ready to kill her, unknowing that this was the moment when his life was forfeit.

"That's far enough, Drake. One more move, and I…" Before Saren could even finish, he found himself impaled on a power sword, as Sanguinius was right in front of him without even noticing it. "Sh-shoot…"

Saren Arterius expired without even realizing what just happened, and before others could even react, Drake's bolters finished another Turian and he knocked out a Salarian Spectre with a back hand. He turned his attention to the delegates, Asari and Salarian, before just ending them with one shot into through their chests. He holstered his swords and gently picked up Rhea, badly beaten and barely conscious, carrying her outside, where he saw the large group of the young biotics and their Asari instructors, employees of Angelus Biotics, escorted by his Cybernetics, as he removed his helmet with a single command.

"Mr. Drake, we… I don't know what to even say." One of the Asari instructors said with clearest shock in her voice. "W-we…"

"I know, Ms. Lumea. You and your colleagues are as much victims as anyone else here." Alex said, as he looked towards several dead Asari in uniform of instructors. "You have done more than most could've asked you."

"Only what was expected of us, Mr. Drake. Teachers' first duty is to their students, and protecting them is paramount." Lumea assured him, before she turned to the young biotics. "And… It wasn't us who first saved them, sir. Miss Grissom was the one who locked us out in the gym, saving us from those things, and it was this young brave girl who organized and led the children and civilians here, knowing it had better defenses than anywhere else in the vicinity." She motioned for the girl come forward, with Sanguinius seeing a redheaded 12 year old girl come forth, dressed in biotic school uniform.

"What is your name?" Alex asked of her with respect.

"Jane, Jane Shepard, Mr. Drake." She answered, with Alex recalled that name.

"Your parents, Richard and Hannah Shepard, Commander of Alliance Marines currently on Mindoir and SSV Nelson's helmswoman?" Alex asked, with the girl nodding. "Your parents must be immensely proud, to have such a brave and selfless daughter. Thank you, for doing this."

"It was the right thing to do, just what Ms. Grissom taught us in her classes." She said, as she looked her unconscious form. "Is… Is she going to be okay?"

"She will be, I promise." He assured her, before he turned to his robots. "Escort the civilians out of here, and pick up the bodies and an unconscious Salarian." And with this he moved he moved his helm back on, and soared through the air, when he heard Rhea's voice.

"S…Sanguine…" Was the sole word she continued to utter until he gotten her into his lab and a regeneration chamber.


Apien Crest. Trebia System. Palaven. Primarch's office. Sometime later.

"Have all of you gone completely insane?!" Primarch Avitus Fedorian roared at the holograms of Councilors Sparatus, Saru and Tevos. "You… You have attacked the Systems Alliance, struck their every Fleet, destroyed their de-facto capital, all within just these five hours, all because of they defended their colony?!"

"Four hours and…" Saru was about to correct him, but Fedorian wasn't about to listen to them.

"I don't fucking care how long it has been! You've attacked without any pretense Humanity, and now want me to commit the Hierarchy to this madness as well!" Fedorian raged at them, before he turned to Tevos specifically. "Tevos, out all of the three, I was expecting you to cut this damn madness in the bud, so what in Spirits' name compelled you not to do it?! You Asari were the ones who all but propelled the Alliance to be accepted as an Associate Member, and now you want them gone entirely?!"

"As… regrettable and distasteful this may be, but the Asari Republics have determined, that in the light of recent actions perpetrated by the Alliance in violation of our set laws, a military intervention was necessary, in order to protect the interests of the Citadel Council and it's members." Tevos responded, with Fedorian completely not buying it. "The goal of this is not to exterminate, but to preserve status quo, and to also prevent Humanity from making the same mistake as the Krogans did. In a sense, this is for their own greater good, and so…"

"And so you want me to join you in your sudden damn crusade against Humans, all because of the AI research by one renegade scientist, and providing humanitarian help to nigh dead Quarians, while also wiping out Aria T'Loak's vicious bitch of a daughter and a large pack of rabid varrens?" Fedorian asked of her. "You should be giving the man who did this a medal, not try and destroy his people and colonies!"

"Fedorian, as misplaced your sympathies for those Humans are, you cannot deny that this is the opportunity our people craved for years now! Give the order, and we will finally wipe the shame of that defeat for good." Sparatus demanded of him. "We've already gotten reports that near all of their fleets have been caught off guard by the Salarian Navy. Skyfall Station is soon going to fall on Terra Nova. All that remains is for us to take the victory and…"

"A hollow and dishonorable victory, tainted by this complete disregard for every law that we have based our current society on and by which it exists! What do you think our people will think, when they learn that you have thrown every damn law out the window, just because you felt like Humans were becoming a threat to you?" Fedorian asked of them. "This would be the end of the Citadel Council… Fuck, I can't believe I have to explain this to you."

"Your concern is noted, Primarch, but not necessary. We have already taken all of the precautions to ensure complete information control regarding the situation, and we have units poised to neutralize all humans within Citadel Space." Saru reported. "We do, however… require assistance in subduing the remaining forces of Humanity outside of their Sol System. They are proving unexpectedly… resilient and completely unwilling to consider the option of surrender, which was issued to them. We've faced certain difficulties in both space and on land in our attempts to subdue them, which have thrown all our projections out the window."

"And I thought the Salarians were supposed to be the smart ones, when compared to us Turians." Fedorian said with a smirk, reveling in the fact that Humans bloodied the Salarians, with Saru clearly not enjoying it.

"Regardless of your snide remarks, Primarch, as a leader of your race, you have an obligation to this Council to respond to our demand and commit your forces to this immediately." Saru stated. "The Salarian Union has committed three fourths of our total naval and land assets to this, and we are sustaining considerable casualties. The Citadel Conventions compel you to…" And then at that moment Fedorian's door opened and in came one of his advisors.

"Primarch, sir, you… You need to see this." He immediately turned on the holographic screen, which ran a report from Alliance Space.

"…What you are seeing right now are the atrocities that were committed on Skyfall Station, and no, this is not a vid or a film, but live events of today's atrocity that took place there." Fedorian and others then watched as AI robots rampaged through the city, along with Rachni and Citadel forces, killing civilians, men, women and children without any consideration, in a mortifying and sickening display of barbarism. "There… There is no word that can describe the sheer horror that those people have experienced, to be attacked by… By AI controlled death robots and supposedly extinct Rachni, as well as Citadel forces, all while pretending to arrive under the flag of peace and diplomacy! This… This is not just a terrorist attack, but a direct and unprovoked act of betrayal and human slaughter! 1982 dead in this attack, with further 4571 injured, and those are just on Skyfall Station. People of Earth, colonies and Humanity as a whole… we have been attacked on all frontiers, by those who offered us peace and friendship, only to stab us in the back!" And then came the images of every colony and world hit, fleets battered and bloodied, entire graveyards of flesh and metal, in space and on planets, with Fedorian watching it all with expressionless look, while the Councilors were visibly disturbed and shocked, with Saru in particular looking as if in a stupor and unresponsive, a look of frozen fear, shock and bewilderment clear.

"We have confirmation that over twenty of our colonies were attacked, and the entirety of the Alliance Navy, Marine Corps and Colonial Defense Forces today have fought for its survival, and it is only thanks to incomprehensible bravery, sacrifice, will and determination that they have emerged from this living hell. But this did not come without a high price, and though we are still trying to count the fallen and wounded in this atrocity, yet what we do know is this- Arcturus Station was the first casualty of this atrocity. Heart of the Systems Alliance, seat of it's Parliament and Prime Minister, where tomorrow was supposed to take place the First Interplanetary Economic Summit, with heads of Earth's nations and representatives of all our colonies all present there today, was destroyed." The reporter continued. "More than 45 thousand souls lost, in the first volley of this massacre, with Earth leaderless, and we are receiving reports of rampant anti-government movement actions, terrorist acts and worse taking place in there. This… This is without a doubt, the darkest hour Humanity has faced since… Hold on, we are receiving a report that Ambassador Anita Goyle is making a statement." Fedorian watched as Anita Goyle took the stage, addressing the Alliance and Galaxy.

"My fellow citizens and colonists, I speak to you from Skyfall Station, and I wish to assure you, as the highest ranking and living member of the Alliance government, I shall do all I must to see this crisis resolved. It is my belief that this attack, though perpetrated by the elements of Citadel Races, had no consent of the Council, and we may count on them to deliver us justice and help to…" Yet before she could say anything more, her feed was cut, changing to the one with Alexander Drake, with his father, Admiral Hojo and many others behind him, as he addressed from his Angelus Spire.

"People… Men and women of Human race, all of you who name Humanity as your kin, be you of Earth or other origins, today we have suffered a catastrophic blow. I will not lie or hide the truth, for it is pointless- today, Humanity has been betrayed, attacked by those who invited us to join their community, their civilized society, based on principles of equality, mutual understanding and prosperity of all. Today, we have witnessed the hollowness of their ideals and falsehoods of their words, as they descended upon us, without a warning or any pretense, safe for the wishes of those few that rule Citadel Council and their people." Alexander Drake continued, with the Council stiffening in that moment. "We have uncovered irrefutable evidence, that the Matriarch Council of Asari Republics, in collaboration with the Salarian Union Dalatrasses, as well as help from Councilor Sparatus from Turian Hierarchy, orchestrated this atrocity. You may ask for what crime did we earn this betrayal, and I will tell you- we earned it for the crime of being humans! Not because of our race, but because of what makes us Humans, our enterprising will and determination to move forward, our desire to seek better life and never settle for what we have and seek better lot for ourselves, our loved ones and all of us."

"This was the crime for which they judged our species, and their judgement was rendered upon us all, akin to all mighty deities upon mortal upstarts, but these "gods," have misjudged us. They misjudged the will, the determination, bravery, focus and ingenuity of men and women that they tried to destroy. It is true, the Alliance and Earth's government are gone with Arcturus Station, our Navy suffered massive, shocking casualties, casualties and devastation are staggering, with no colony escaping unscathed …" Alexander took a moment, so as to let it sink in, before Fedorian saw as his features hardened and as if he spoke with a new resolve and power. "…But, despite every effort of these Xenos, we survived and we stand strong. The entire might of the Salarian Military, the horror that is the Rachni, an unbound AI, rogue Spectres, Asari Huntresses and traitorous Turian Forces, unchecked and unshackled by their own laws, treaties and edicts, struck us today, and they found death and our fury. Even as we count our dead, clear the rubble and tend to our wounded, we stand strong and fast, all across Human space, united not through ideology, politics or personal gain, but through what binds us all- we are Humanity, each and every one of us. Today, we suffered a terrible wound, but the hardest challenges lie ahead, for even before the smock has settled, those ruled by low cunning and ill begotten ambitions seek to exploit this terrible tragedy, as Earth's nations fall victim to these vermin."

"Yes, we were struck and wounded, the Alliance decimated and our Navy devastated, but we endure, and together we will rebuild and avenge this atrocity. Every men, woman and child that have suffered on this dark day- they will be avenged and their pain and loss will never be forgotten, or forgiven. The Matriarchs and Dalatrasses believe that this low attack will crush our hopes and dreams, that it will force us to our knees, but I say NAY! And so say not just I, but all who stand, defiant and ready to fight for our lives and future!" And at that moment came the replies from all over the Alliance.

"This is SSV Zheng He of Arcturus. We've lost many, but we stand! Arcturus Stands!"

"This is Elysium! Let those bastards come here again! We will bury them! Elysium Stands!"

"This is New Rheinland! Our houses are ruins and fires consume our forests, but we'll die before we bow to these cold blooded lizards and their whoring queens! New Rheinland Stands!"

"This is Shanxi! Turians broke before Humanity, and so did Salarians today! Shanxi Stands!"

"This is SSV Olympus, our armor is black from all the soot and our guns are as hot as the Sun, but Eden Prime is safe and we are ready! Eden Prime Stands!" And then came in dozens more responses, all over Human Space, transmitted all over galaxy, with shouts of defiance, bravery and fire that Fedorian could not help but admire, with Alexander Drake soon continuing.

"You saw and heard them all, and with them stand we, all of us on Skyfall Station who fought to stop these invaders from dropping it on Terra Nova. And so we shall do, united in our hearts and minds together towards one goal- safety and prosperity of humanity! I send this call out to all of Humanity, in all corners of this galaxy- unite! Unite to stand firm against all adversity, to rebuild and heal from this tragedy, to never again suffer this atrocity! The time for us to at last end all our differences, to come together in full and embrace ourselves as not simply individuals, but as one people, one race and one species, for we are humanity, and all those that dare to exploit this tragedy are worse than those Xenos scum." The sheer power and passion seemed to reach even Fedorian, as he felt his hand tremble from that proclamation. "They seek to divide and break us, all for their own gains, but make no mistake- their promises and ideals are falsehoods and their actions only serve to breed strife in us. I make no promises, only that the road ahead for us will be dark, fraught with challenges and it will test our resolve… But I tell you this: the brightest dawn comes after the darkest night. And I pledge to you all, that I will do all I can and more to so we may see it, but I am but one man… I implore you, not to help me, but help us all in this time of greatest test and challenge! Rise up, sons and daughters of humanity, unite and stand together! Alliance, Arcturus, UNIN are gone- but Humanity lives, and we will endure and thrive together!" And at that moment the transmission ended, and those that saw it turned to each other.

"Wh-what… What was that?" Sparatus asked, with Fedorian speaking up in a hushed tone.

"This… This was the rallying call." Fedorian said. "Drake just told humanity what it needed to hear, exactly what it deserved to know… And now…" At that moment, the Extranet exploded from the information that flooded it.

"Th-This was translated all over galaxy… H-he released everything. Every name, battle, fight, e-every fact… Goddess, this is…" Tevos was floored. "H-he doesn't even intend to u-use it… Th-this is…"

"It's not too late! This is just a call of desperation! Fedorian, send the fleets now!" Sparatus implored him, before a new figure appeared before them all in holographic view. "Q-Quentius?!"

"Councilors, Primarch." Quentius spoke up. "I assume you've caught the performance. Let me tell, it's nothing like live version, with the gun to the face and all the betrayals. Speaking of which, Sparatus, I hope you like it on Citadel, because you know the penalty for what you did?"

"Primarch, I…" Before Sparatus could say another word, Fedorian interrupted him, as he watched the materials released.

"You can shoot yourself, because for what you did, I'll do you much worse, along with those damn Matriarchs and your Dalatrasses. Rachni and AI armies, breaking every law, just because of those pole dancing whores…" Fedorian said in a low tone, before he turned to Quentius. "Ambassador Quentius, I hope you are in good health, old friend."

"And better company, than some may think. Despite everything, Drake and his supporters are quite hospitable hosts, so I am quite well, staying in their best suite as a guest of honor." Quentius responded, before he turned to the Council. "I had hoped to relay certain news I just received, since Alexander Drake was generous enough to lend me this transmitter, but since the Council is here, I would also like them to hear this."

"Go ahead." Fedorian asked of him.

"Councilors, in light of most recent events, Humanity, through a universal referendum, voted on several things in the last hour. First, establishment of Provisional government of a yet to be christened successor state to Systems Alliance. Second, Alexander Drake has officially been granted the role of provisional leader of said state with emergency powers in response to the crisis, and his first order of business is to issue an official withdrawal from the Citadel as an Associate Member State and all associated with it treaties." Quentius informed them all. "Thirdly, as of four minutes ago, Humanity officially closes off it's space and borders to any and all alien races, safe for Quarians, and will treat any incursion of any form into their territories as an act of aggression, and will respond with force. And lastly, Alexander Drake wished to let you know, that from now on, Humanity declares war upon the Asari Matriarchs, Salarian Dalatrasses, Councilor Sparatus, and every single associate who has had any involvement in the recent events, and do note that it is only on them, and not entire races. However, Humanity is willing and will fight anyone, who wishes to stand with them. I believe you have the full list of those who are guilty of this atrocity, Primarch?"

"I do." Fedorian responded, as he brought up the list. "Quentius, how close are you currently to Alexander Drake?" At that moment Quentius stepped aside a little, and in stepped Alexander Drake, much to the sheer shock and horror of the Council.

"Primarch Fedorian, Councilors." Drake greeted them, though with much colder disposition towards the Council.

"Head of State Drake, or how would now be appropriate to call you?" Fedorian asked with respect.

"Official title is currently undecided, as is our state's new name, as we are currently forming it properly. Head of State will suffice, Primarch." Alex Drake responded. "You wished for my attention. Do you wish to inform humanity that it has one more enemy now?" Fedorian didn't know if it was sarcasm, or if Drake was serious, but he decided on the latter.

"The opposite, actually." Fedorian stated, enjoying the shock on Council's faces, before he turned on the transmission for all to see. "In light of the overwhelming evidence and proof, the Turian Hierarchy recognizes Humanity as a victim of unprovoked and unjust aggression by the members of Citadel Council Member States. We denounce and condemn their actions as acts of mass murder, aggression, terrorism and threat to the galactic peace. In light of these acts, which were perpetrated during Humanity's tenure as Citadel Associate Member state, Turian Hierarchy and it's military pledges to carry out its mandate to cleanse Citadel Space from these belligerent and dissident elements wherever they are. We also recognize Humanity's Provisional Government, with Alexander Drake at its Head, as a successor to Systems Alliance and request an opening of the diplomatic relations between our nations and races."

"As Head of Humanity's Provisional Government, I accept Turian Hierarchy's request and propose joining forces in combatting our common enemies." Alex Drake immediately stated.

"Accepted." Fedorian stated, with the Council looking at it all with horror and helplessness, as the Galaxy's face was forever changed.


First up, sorry about the Codex's appearance, it was a spur of a moment thing, and I just couldn't resist posting it, I promise to make those in better timings.

Second off, Humanity has just been punched in the gut and nose, but it swung back and now it's eyes are open, and in their hearts burns absolutely righteous fury. Cerberus finally comes out of shadows, and next chapter will see how it saves Earth from Humanity's worst, but most importantly, Sanguinius is now Humanity's leader… Oh and we now have lasers! Did you really think I was going to forget about them? Of course not! Expect a Codex to add to all of the goodies seen here today.

Now then, here is where I really need your help: how do I call this new Human state, and what form of government it must have, as well as what title Sanguinius will have. Write me your version, all of you, because I'm really at a bit of block here due to sheer volume of options.

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter and will give me your opinion in the review, as well as make suggestion about it, ask questions and so forth. You guys are all Amazing, as we of the moment of me finishing this note, have 710 favorites and 891 follows! Mind blown, I never expected it to do so well!

Next time: Aftermath; Revelations; Retaliation

See ya!