Chapter 1.
Quick note for new people if you have not read For Terra in Excelsior dont start here. You will miss out on so much. Please read the first book. With that said. Here is the first chapter.
Glory to the Emperor of Mankind. Glory to him on Earth. Long may he reign.
Common Unification Day toast at bars across the Imperium. M 3 onwards.
"You're asking a lot of me. I want the end."
"You can have it if you want that. But can you really leave them who need this badly knowing now we have found a path for them?"
Conversation between siblings M 3.
Another parasite faith has fallen against the Senate of the Gods's forces leaving only two left. We will be free of them soon.
Human news anchor M 3.
Mom! Can I learn magic please!
Magnus Hyoudou M 3.
Seven years later.
Terra Sol System Imperial Palace.
It was a bright day in the palace courtyard. Alpharius was running from his brother Rouboute. Following after them was a gaggle of siblings, laughing in the chase. The chase ended abruptly as Alpharius was caught by his brother, being enveloped by the rest seconds later.
"Come on Rob, you know I was teasing. Let me up!" Alpharius gasped, an elbow pressed firmly into his diaphragm.
Rouboute simply continued to prod his brother, a smile plastered on his face. The giggles of the other children filled his heart with warmth.
"I know, but you're mean sometimes!"
He began pushing the other children off of the pile.
"Get off! We don't want mom and dad to be angry."
The other children relented, fully aware that their mother would be coming to find them soon. They each pulled themselves up. The twins, Celestine and Horus, don't try to contain their giggles. Lorgar looked up at his older brother with a toothy grin. Corvus, is being happy that he and his brother got to join in the playing he however gets ready to be sneaky, he spotted his brother in Fulgrim and prepares to sneak up on him. Fulgrim and Angronius are poking one another with Fulgrim in his black hair saying something about how Angronius was just silly over a small issue earlier today. Lion is busy nearby under a tree reading a book about strategy. He was weird in being solitary most of the time like his cousin Naruto. His black hair short unlike Fulgrim and Corvus.
Leman and Magnus are having a small spat but that's not new, it's over a tale that Leman had been trying to get right.
The din suddenly became silent when a voice rang clearly through the courtyard.
"Where are my little nephews and niece!"
"Aunt Eve!"
The children shouted in unison.
The children of Issei Hyoudou and his wives ran to their Aunt and slammed into her. The Asari laughed and hugged them without hesitation. She had the same, sharp golden eyes as their father. Next to her was Sona. Rouboute and Lorgar saw their mother and waved quickly, without loosening their hold on Eve. A warm smile graced Sona's face. The one only family saw.
"Alright, everyone inside. We have friends coming over. Go clean up. And put on something nice!"
The children grumbled and as they peeled themselves off their aunt and made their way begrudgingly inside. Lorgar locked eyes with his mother, eyes growing wide and lip quivering into a pout. Sona quirked an eyebrow in response. Lorgar bounded off behind the others, giggling. It was all a part of the secret ritual he and his mother shared.
Eve picked herself up off of the ground.
"Sona. It's been far too long. I'm sorry I've missed them growing to be so strong."
Sona wrapped her arms tenderly around Eve, embracing her like no time had passed at all.
"I understand as does Ise. You do a lot of work, setting up the intelligence networks in Citadel space. We are grateful for your efforts."
"It's not a problem. Bro helped me with the gene. He can have almost anything he wants from me. I know that I'm helping everybody with it. Besides, I love the inside jokes about Alpharius. They make my cell mad and they are sick of it."
Eve was a very special person. An Ardat Yakshi who had committed suicide in despair of her condition. Before she could pass on totally she had meet her future brother there in the warp. And then had been asked to come back. To be the Guinea pig. She hated her new mom. Her parents were Athame and Neoth. She had not wanted to come back. But Issei had asked her to do so for the others. He and his gene smiths had found in seven years five different cure options for the condition. But needed the half that would prove the cures were permanent.
Upon her cure Eve had been directionless for a while because of the new vast galaxy she knew now. Before she had been approached by the Inquisition. She had joined and had become an acolyte for Gasper who was the head of the hydra in Citadel Space. The Imperium was still unknown to the Council species except for a very small group. Even the other members of Eve's cell didn't know of the Imperium despite her activity there for five years. The picture was not pretty there.
The Asari have continued their stagnation, just like everyone else in the Citadel space. Eve had a fast ship provided to her by the Inquisition. Bought off a company in Citadel space by proxy then moved to a location where it had been picked before it had been modified with a warp drive: The Eisenstein was a wonderful ship. Eve was an accomplished driver and mechanic in it having spent time on Mars. Her work had begun to build the hydra up everywhere but the Citadel. It is how news was reaching their small group of allies there.
Eve was filled with happiness seeing her brother again in the great hall speaking with multiple imperial nobles from Terra and its colonies. Three Custodians were in the room: including Anthony and his second in command Kitten. The nekomata had risen fast in the ranks of the Ten Thousand by being the winner of three blood games. The highest number of them. He enjoyed the recognition received from his brothers and was adored by the kids of the imperial royal family. He taught them many games and could keep them occupied for hours.
Eve caught out of the corner of her eyes Ravel who was talking with her mother and Ruval, they were discussing family and a new villa the pillar had gotten. Ingvild was in a stunning gold dress next to her husband Issei as was Kuroka in cat form on his head sleeping despite the noise which amused the nobles. Le Fay was busy talking with several members of the Golden Order about several new experiments they wished to try. Asia was happy talking to her mom and step dad who was holding their son named Aaron. The little boy was looking around the room with wide eyes.
The Imperium was incredibly prosperous. Life was good and trade kept the Imperium from suffering shortages. Terra had become the administrative hub of the Imperium: Its oceans crystal blue with no hint of trash, its forested regions healthy and impressive, the ozone layer fixed completely. Terra was a world of beauty unrivaled in the galaxy with no hint of the damage from before.
Issei hugged his sister, and she returned the embrace with affection. Many nobles stared at her, their eyes roving over the curves of her body. A growl from Issei caused them to all look away awkwardly. Eve patted her brother's back. Eve didn't see it, but several nobles paled seeing the famed/feared Red Angel.
"Can't protect me forever Seei."
Issei kept his eyes on a very persistent nobleman who prepared to faint. When he finally averted his eyes The Emperor of Mankind replied to his sister.
"They need to be respectful. Not hard to ask."
Kuroka, upon seeing her best friend, yowled and jumped off her mate's head, transforming back to her normal state.
"Eve! Your back, Nya. I missed you!"
"Missed you too bad cat."
They clung to each other as Issei chuckled before turning to Representative Garhusa.
"Apologies. You were saying about the shipyards in the system?"
Garhusa smiled, unbothered by the intrusion.
"Just that we have four more cruisers coming off the line. My people are happy that two of them are to be used in the new system defense fleet, and two more for the Navy. We want to help our Imperium too. We never want to stop helping."
The Natuolan had joined the Imperium two years ago. As a full species. They were the harbinger of many to come. Their people had become great voidsmen and were rising fast in the Imperial Navy. There was another species who was thinking about joining. The Valner. An ape species that was a steady trade partner with the Imperium.
The Natuolan had put it to a vote amongst their republic. The vote had passed overwhelmingly because humanity had been honest to them from the beginning. The Imperium had been happy to have them. And their new brothers' culture was protected.
"Happy to hear that, Garhusa. How's your wife?"
Garhusa was always happy to talk about his wife.
"She's great. Made friends with several water Nymphs. Our home here is close to a colony of them, and my wife loves the singing."
"I can understand that. My personal favorite Opera singer is a nymph. Wish she toured more. But her group love using her singing to make their Thrones."
"It must be better than what I hear. Empress Ingvild, I heard you're a singer too."
Ingvild blushed, the corners of her mouth raising slightly.
"Not for anyone but my Sol. My son has inherited my voice and plans to become a skald for the Remembrancers. My other son plans to join the Order of Soothers. But given our golden age I am hoping they surpass me."
Garhusa smiled seeing the love between them. His wife had that same look. He excused himself to speak to a Mechcanicus member who was pontificating to a small crowd of people about something in regard to how a new terraforming device was going to make a new world discovered green faster.
Issei told his personal secretary to take care of any more questions presented that night. The angel nodded and began to do as instructed. Eve follows her brother as do his wives up the grand staircase towards the second floor. The group split with Issei and Eve heading down another hallway before they stopped at a door.
Issei and Eve entered his office, the rest of the family falling away to prepare for their guests. Once inside, Issei raised his privacy wards. They sat facing each other.
"How bad are the Republics Eve?"
He said, clasping his hands in front of him.
"Extremely bad. The Reapers are everywhere in the society. They control a thought camp called Quidith. It's the massive majority. The other camps are unable to fight it very well. Their military has Quidith ideology in every facet. As does the administration and the media. The only institution they don't have power in is the Yakshi monasteries. The Athame front runs that."
That was what Issei expected.
"And what other things do the Adaptive need?"
"Everything. They make up ten percent of the population. But Quidith discredits every attempt they make in the online forums. I did get them the first bit of help. There has been an influx of new people recently. Four matriarchs. Prominent ones too."
"So, I've heard from our Jeanne from Liara. That should help them start the landslide that is the plan. Tell Benezia she has our support. We will keep making the shells for you to use. I know you hate our stepmother, but she appreciates what you're doing."
"Oh, fuck her on a chainsword. Dad's fine most of the time. But she didn't do shit for us in the monasteries. Don't try defending her. I love you Ssei, you're the best thing in my galaxy. The others can worship her all they want. But I'm science like you."
"I get it. But don't hold the hate in you. I was told that by Ing seven years ago. You can like dad all you want. But he pissed me off recently, asking me to get into the War In Heaven. They are getting ready to gut Zeus. He wants me to do it. My war mask is rusty, and I don't want to possibly go mad, yes killing gods has long been something I wanted to do, but family and more is what is important now."
Eve frowned and knew how hard that would be for him. She tried to make it a bit better.
"Understandable. I'll keep helping the Adaptive. And I have a present from Falere for you."
Even enjoyed the look of surprise on her brother's face there. Foresight was his gift and curse. But he had not seen this.
"Oh?"
Eve pulled a package out from a pocket spell.
"She wanted you to have this. Asked when we establish First Contact. Because it's getting lonely for her, the others are truly eager, but you know Fal's depression is still there repressed for now."
Issei took the package.
"Soon very soon. We have to help the Gaimian first. I have ordered a muster of ten regiments on Medcora and Diego to prepare the sisters. Hopefully we are able to free them within two months. The Race have not spotted our drones. After that, we will open the door and meet with the Quarians. Zaria has a plan that will get them closer to the system we have built Phenex station in."
"I get that it needs to follow the lines we do well in, but Falere is desperate to see you. And for Mortarian. You know that."
"I do. I'll step up a few things. But we have a more pressing issue in the west. More of the skellys."
"Oh fuck."
"Yeah. We can discuss it later. Serafall is coming, as is Aunt Cleria. Rob favors Sera over you, sadly. Thankfully. he won't become a magic boy though."
They both have relived faces there. Eve however smirked
"Wonderful. She still pissed at me for the last time I made a joke about her wand?"
Issei bit back a laugh and his face grew happier.
"No. But she is still trying to get back at you for outshining her during Rob's third birthday."
The rivalry between Serafall and Eve amused Issei. Rob was Serafall's pride and joy. Lorgar was extremely loved too but Rob was the one smothered by Sera the most. Eve was actually not trying to start anything but had given Rob a Calculator that was excellent for him. Serafall took that as a challenge. They were never cruel to one another but did partake in snarky banter when they met.
Eve enjoyed their bickering. Being stuck in a monastery for five centuries hadn't been her idea of fun, but this was. Eve knew exactly how to push Serafall's buttons. She had been trained by Akio, after all when she was here on Terra, because Eve was stranger still by being a first for the Asari. A perpetual. Neoth had been the strongest one in the Tree of Decay.
Eve had new material planned for tonight. Especially with the source of it. New material especially about the most recent tv show season Serafall had done. Eve privately loved it. But will tease her rival. Eva stood up and prepared for the war.
Issei opened his package to reveal a picture of the family. All of them. Falere was ready to be loved. To have so many firsts. He set the picture down on the desk before going to watch the barbs. He has thrones on this with Sona, who enjoys the snark fights too. Her hate for magic girls was still strong.
Thessia.
Benezia was tired. So very tired. She couldn't quit. Not after seeing what would become of her should, she stop now. She had been shot three years ago by a strange Asari in a dream with Liara. The Reapers scared her to the edge of the abyss. She had withdrawn from politics for two years. Investigations were launched by her personally for three years and everything was just as Liara had said.
They were everywhere in Asari society. Like a well-hidden tumor. It disgusted her that she had helped them. She had been a Quidith. Had shot down several bills proposed that would have weakened them that now she sees would have weakened them. She had so many regrets now. She had been lost for a year. Liara had tried to help, but Benezia saw now that she had failed them all.
Then the strange Asari had petitioned a meeting. She was real. As were her gold eyes. She said one thing to Benezia.
"Know no fear."
Liara had said that many times before in the years since, but this time it was different. Benezia had sat in silence for three days after the meeting. She had reached out to the Adaptive. To her. Her biggest regret besides being a failure. Athetya. Despite the fear and the pain, Benezia would have to do this; for Liara.
Athetya had been surprised to receive a message from Benezia. They had parted on bad terms sixty years ago due to a difference in opinion on politics and public image. Athetya was regretful for the hateful words that had passed between them. Most of all she regrets not knowing Liara, her daughter.
Benezia had sent her a voicemail saying she was sorry for everything and that she wanted to meet for dinner. Aethyta had reluctantly accepted. That was what led her to the front doors of the mansion. Benezia's guards looked afraid to meet her eyes, ashamed for having thrown their friend out of the mansion previously. Athetya had reassured them she understood. They were only following orders.
The purple Asari knocks. She is surprised to find that Benezia isn't the one who answers. Instead, she is greeted by Liara. Atheyta's whole body went rigid, her eyes wide open. Her child beams up at her before throwing her full weight into Aethyta, causing her to stumble backwards onto the landing. Aethyta hesitate a moment before wrapping her arms around her child's frame.
It had taken Liara a lot of courage to hug her estranged father like that. Liara had thanked Athame and the ones she wants for giving her the courage to do that, but she was glad that she had. She wept into her dad's shoulder.
"I've been waiting a long time to meet you, dad."
Aethyta tensed up at that, looking past Liara to see Benezia softly smiling with tears in her eyes.
Liara spoke softly into her father's shoulder.
"Mom's missed you. Please be nice tonight. She's had a rough She's had a rough seven years. She wants to try desperately for redemption. But she doesn't understand that we were all fooled. Help her."
Aethyta could see the deep circles under Benezia's eyes and the gauntness of her face. She can feel some of the bitterness start to seep out of her. She nodded to her former bondmate, their eyes locking in understanding.
Pulling away from the embrace, Liara led her father through the doors into the house. The three of them sit on a single yellow couch, their knees pressed together. The adults refused to make eye contact, staring into separate corners of the room. Liara grabbed her mother in the ribs.
Benezia sighed before saying,
"I'm so very sorry, Theta. For everything. I caused so much pain for us both, and I denied the thing we made together that is better than I ever will be: our daughter."
Aethyta wanted to be smug, to lord over Benezia. She had suffered ostracism and pain after their last parting. She had turned to the drink to numb the pain. Whatever she had suffered, it seemed that Benezia had suffered as well. Yet, here was Benezia, reaching out with an olive branch, using that same soft voice that was reserved only for Aethyta. Caught staring, she only replied when Liara gave her a matching poke to the side.
"Apology accepted. Nezi, I want to hit you for being a bitch. for the sneers I have gotten from them. That will solve nothing But what good would that do? I'm sorry too."
"Then hit me. I am a horrible excuse for an Asari. I recognize what I've done. I've sown the salt here on Thessia. I've destroyed our people. Nothing I do will redeem me. Athame will punish me in when I pass and go on to Faldenah."
Liara grabbed her mother's hand in both of hers.
"No, you won't mom. They fooled everyone. You're not lost. Tell dad the whole story."
The way Benezia was talking scared Aethyta, but she was curious to hear the rest. Benezia shook a bit before saying,
"I would like to join the Adaptive. I'm done with Quidith. Your thought camp is the correct one, Theyta. I will bring three other matriarchs. And several matrons who are protégés, my money is your camp's."
Aethyta gapes. Was this all for that. Politics! She got mad there.
"I don't care about any of that, Nezi. This isn't about politics. This is about us! Or are you truly that lost there that."
"It's both. Theyta, I have fucked up horrendously and I must help your faction. We face extinction if we continue to follow Quidith. I must not fail Little Wing anymore. Everything I do now is to redeem myself. I must do this!"
Liara implored them to stop fighting and look. She pulled a thin needle out of her pocket and gently poked Aethyta. The purple Asari saw something exit her body: a small, disgusting Asari with a billion eyes. It blared a horn only for the three of them to hear before disappearing. This is all the evidence they need. The things are everywhere.
Aethyta barked.
"What in Athame's tits was that!"
Liara slipped the needle away back into its place. She wrapped her arm around her father and mother. Benezia weeps while Liara explains.
"It's called a memetic hazard. It cuts us off from the gods. From hope. Dad, I'm Athame's champion. She's real. They all are."
Aethyta scratched at her crest. She'd never heard of a memetic hazard. The gods being real sounded like bullshit to her. She felt something deep inside of her stir. It felt as though she was being held by her own long dead mother. Athame whispered to her, telling her it was true. She knows then that Liara was telling the truth.
"Shit. We will take the help. Nezi."
"I am. I failed us all. I never questioned like you. I just accepted the evil. Spoke its gospel. And now I will never be redeemed."
"Varren shit. Just stop being a moping bitch and do something besides being a coward."
Benezia felt a laugh tear itself out of her throat. She had missed Aethyta and her foul mouth.
Liara moved from the middle seat and Aethyta embarrassed her former mate fully. Liara grinned at the sight before saying,
"Dad, I have people who want to bond with me. They are great. They will be coming soon. I hope you like them. They accept me as I am. Even the shyness and lack of bravery. And I will happily take the stigma they will bring at first."
"Took bravery to slap me down whelp. And poke me with the needle. The one who gets you needs to headbutt me to get the right. Wait... People?"
"Yes. Two people. And one said she will headbutt you as soon as you meet them. The other said just this second that she will headbutt you too."
Benezia laughed again. Benezia didn't trust humans in general but was trying to find common ground with her daughter's suitors, the two that vied for her daughter's heart. Tsubaki was her mood kindred in duty. Jeanne was a massive pervert but had an incredibly good heart. Humans were trying to help despite the cultural differences and issues. The strange Asari had made more questions than answers. Her name was said with a smile.
"I am Alpharius. We who are legion."
Terra Sol System Imperial Palace.
Alpharius was startled awake from a dream. In the dream, he had been fighting someone tall in yellow armor. He had a vague recollection of a difference in ideals, but it was hazy.
Alpharius stumbled out of bed and grabbed his favorite toy: a grumpy cat lion. The toy was slightly worn due to his constant use of it despite his parents efforts to keep it in pristine condition. He softly snuck out of his room and crept past the door's of his siblings' rooms.
His destination was clear in his mind as he padded gently on the hard floor. He walks softly. Like he had always been able to do. It came naturally to him, the sneaking and creeping.
To his surprise, there was light shining out from under the door of the office. He gently opened the door and peered in to find his father with uncle Akio and Aunt Akeno. Alpharius bolted into the room and made Akeno giggle before lifting her godson high into the air.
"Auntie Keno!"
"Hey little man. What are you doing up so late? It's past your bedtime."
"I had a strange dream with a banana man in it."
Issei sees the dreams had started. He gestured for Akeno to hand Alpharius over. The woman smooched her godson before handing him over to his father.
Akio ruffles the boy's hair.
"I see you still hate me Al. Oh the misery."
He made a deep swooning gesture, with one hand to his forehead and the other clutching the front of his tunic.
"No! I just missed Auntie. She's always gone."
The boy gave an exaggerated frown.
Akeno smiled and gave the boy a pat on the head.
"I've got a very important job, Al. Best job in the galaxy! Met your Uncle through it. I protect people, just like your dad does every single day."
"I know. I just miss you when you're gone."
"We can finish this tomorrow Akio. I know you two have plans tonight. Enjoy yourselves."
Issei stood, taking his son with him.
"Al, we need to talk."
"Yes dad. I'm sorry."
The boy looks down at the floor, expecting a scolding for being out of bed so late.
"It's ok buddy. I'll get you back to your room. Say goodbye to your Aunt and Uncle."
"Bye Auntie! Bye Uncle Akio!"
The two reply in unison, waving to the young boy with twin grins.
"Good night Alpharius."
Alpharius nestled his face into his father's shirt, taking in the comforting smell that reminded him that he was safe. He always took time out of his days to be with them. He never made them feel stupid. He encouraged them to be who they were. Alpharius likes memes. He likes being stealthy. And he loves his family. Even Rob who is like Mom Sona. Serious too much.
They made their way down the hall and back to his room. Issei opened the door and moved to set Alpharius down on his small bed.
"Dad, I only came to find you because of my dream. It was so different. The banana man was big. I was big. We fought each other. I don't know why."
"Strange dreams are normal, son. I have them too. Like the one with a dragon and an extremely tall man fighting each other. That was very strange."
"But you have a dragon, dad."
"I do. But he is sleeping most of the time. He's only really awake when Mom Sona is around."
"But was your dream real?"
"In a way it was. You know how your mom and I can summon things?"
"Yeah, but what does that have to do with dreams?"
"It has everything to do with dreams. Perhaps we'd better continue this conversation when you're a bit older."
"Ok. I'm sorry for being out of bed."
"Al, you're my son. I'm always happy to see you. Just like all of your brothers and sister."
Alpharius loves all his moms. They never treated him differently. Mom Ingvild sung songs to them. Mom Kuroka was fun and let them chase after her in her cat form. Mom Fay taught them all simple magic. Mom Sona sat with them and taught them to count. Mom Asia taught them to be kind to others. And Mom Ravel his and Sans mom taught them how to be fun. Dad would get sad somedays. Said they were missing two others. Alpharius knows dad gets those days. He usually will not talk to anyone for a few hours. Needs Mom Ingvild or Mom Asia to hug him a lot. But after that he is back to normal happy dad. Alpharius wants to meet the last two. Mom Ravel said that one was like Aunt Eve. And that other was a strong princess like person. But he feels sleepy, and he gets a hug from dad.
"I love you Alpharius."
"I love you too, dada."
Alpharius curled up around his grumpy lion, returning to dreamland. Issei watched the boy drift back to sleep, his mouth pinched into a tight frown and his brow furrowed. It was the most common expression the Emperor of Mankind made that month. For one major reson.
The Imperium had discovered a Necron body in an old rusted research station twenty light years west of Terra. The Ordo Astra Porta led by Team O'Neil had found it while studying a stargate on world. That body had spooked the Ordos badly because it had different markings on it compared to the ones the Ordos know of. Why they had reported the incident to the Ordo Necropolis who were hunting for the tomb world. A less pressing issue was the Serpents of True Earth who were a mostly dead organization. They had only three cells remaining after seven years. But these last cells were still taking potshots at the shipyards. The bombs were weak ones but they made building ships slow down just enough to be a nuisance. They were a slowly dying breed, their sub leaders all dead or imprisoned. The Terrorist organization only fought on because the head honcho was still around. He tried desperately to keep his organization going. Bounties on him and his few followers unbranded doubled every week making them remain on the backfoot.
Despite the issues, life was better than ever for the majority of humanity. Eve would be here for three days more before she began her journey to Citadel space. The Imperium had a total of seventeen worlds settled fully while six more worlds are being settled this month. Three of which were in the same star system and were destined to be agriculture worlds. The other three were in a nearby set of systems. One was to become another forge world. The other two wanted to become planets specializing in mining the resource rich asteroid belts in the system. All in all, humanity was winning the crusade so far. War loomed on the horizon, however.
Medcora was nearly ready with preparations for the war. The ten regiments were mostly there and the sisters were eager to fufill the Oath of Beginning that their Grand Canoness had sworn nearly a decade ago. They were in charge of the still needed to formulate plan to get people on planet to contact the Resistance physically. The Imperium did not want the Gaimian to get nuked again.
That was slowing them down. It did however give time to Medcora to make more of the liberator mark one auto guns, flak vests and power halberds. That last one was for the Gaimian who had used the halberd extensively before the invasion. But things can always change. Because the Imperium was built off change. Unlike the Race and their empire.
