Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my Halo/MechWarrior-BattleTech crossover redux.

Thank you all for your wonderful feedback and support. I deeply appreciate it.

I apologize if I took a while getting this chapter out. Part of the difficulty was getting the politics in this chapter right, while the other was due to ongoing matters in my life. Needless to say, I should have another chapter out sooner rather than later.

As always, leave a review, and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Halo or MechWarrior-BattleTech franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of Microsoft Studios, 343 Industries, Bungie, FASA Corporation, FASA Interactive, Catalyst Game Labs, WizKids, Piranha Games Studios Inc., etc. Any material original to the franchises belongs to their respective developers and publishers. Any material not original to the franchises is of my own invention. I do not own any music listed in each chapter. Any music listed belongs to it's original composers and/or artists.

SDS William Adams

L4 Lagrange Point, Madrigal

December 24th, 2785, 0830 Hrs (August 29th, 2525, 0830 Hrs)

"Scans have returned as negative, sir," Compton said. "No sign of any Slipspace Ruptures."

Richard nodded. Been two weeks since we followed Admiral Belleau's orders to remain here, he thought. At least we're serving as a HPG relay between Madrigal and home. "Understood. Continue monitoring passive sensors and inform me if anything changes."

"Yes sir," Compton said.

"At least it hasn't been boring," Klaus, the Comms Officer, said. "Admiral Castenada's been watching us like a hawk. Understandable though. This is UEG territory."

"Which is why we are on our best behavior at all times," Eric said. He yawned, then leaned back in his seat. "Still, you'd think they'd be a little less paranoid."

"We did basically butt into their their space to fight the insurrectionists," Klaus said. "I'd say their concern is justified."

"You know, he's got a point," Compton quipped. "We did appear out of nowhere."

"Talked to the Marines, didn't you?" Richard asked.

Compton nodded. "Yep. A few of 'em rotated here. According to them, the weapons the Innies used simply bounced off their armor. Our boy's weapons? They tore through the Innies like a vibroblade through butter."

"Same goes for their ships too," Eric said. "Do they even have armor on those things?"

"If they do, it's pretty shitty compared to ours, at least in the energy department."

"Tone it down," Richard said. "Compton, focus on your task, not on hearsay."

"I'd love to have some of their gravity control systems onboard."

"That I would too," Eric agreed.

At that moment, everything changed.

"Captain, we have a Slipspace Rupture on sensors," Compton said.

Richard glanced up. About time they arrived, he thought. I nearly thought they were snubbing us. "Where?" he asked.

"Roughly two million klicks from our position. Bearing 2-5-0 mark 1-0-4 ."

"Understood." Compton glanced at Eric. "Reorient the ship. We've got guests. Time to see if the UEG's going to hear us out."

"Yes sir," Eric said. "Coming about on new heading." He adjusted the controls on his console. The ship slowly rotated, then turned towards the emerging ship. "Reorientation complete, sir."

"Very good.", Compton said.

"Incoming message from Dawn Under Heaven.", Klaus said.

"Put it through." The screen on Richard's chair flickered, then displayed Castenada's face. "Admiral Castenada.", he greeted.

"Admiral Richard", Castenada said. "The UEG wishes to meet with your ambassadors. The Senate will host a meeting whenever your leaders are ready."

Richard smiled. "I'll inform my superiors. Thank you for informing us. Anymore details?"

"Earth is the location."

"Very well," Richard said. "Richard out."

"Understood.", Castenada replied as Richard closed the comm channel.

Richard turned to Klaus. "Open a link back to Soell."

"Yes sir," Klaus said. He pressed a few buttons. "Link is open, sir."

Richard adjusted another computer, then pulled out the folding keyboard. "Cptn Richard to SLDF HIGHCOM."

A response quickly came back. "SitRep?"

Richard typed a response in. "UEG proposed meeting. Awaiting arrival of our Ambassadors. Jump Home?"

"Permission Granted. Division Ready. Ambassadors Ready."

Richard smiled. "Understood." Putting the keyboard away, he said, "Eric, begin jump operations. We're going home."

"Yes, sir," Eric said. "Sir, permission to speak freely?"

"Granted."

"It's good to be going home," Eric said.

Richard smiled. "I agree." He leaned back in his seat, issuing orders as needed.

. . .

A couple dozen light years away, General Kerensky sat in his command chair, eyes fixed on the crew. Today is the day, he thought. We will meet the UEG, and find out if peace is possible, or if things will turn out as usual.

"Not the first time I've been on the business end of politics, or business for that matter," Torrance said from behind him. "Let's hope that all goes as well as it did back at Halo."

"So do I," Kerensky agreed. "Are you ready for this?"

Torrance nodded. "I've been ready for two weeks now. I say it's time we get the show on the road."

"Very well. DeChavilier, time to jump?"

"One minute, sir," DeChavilier said.

"K-F Drive spooled and ready!" Lieutenant Konrad reported. "Coordinates are locked in!"

"All systems green on my end," Chief Engineer Jones said over the 'com.

"Attention, Attention," the PA announced. "K-F Jump in T-Minus 30 Seconds." Before long, the PA announced, "K-F Jump In Five… Four… Three… Two… One…. Zero!"

Outside, the division ships glowed a brilliant blue white, then vanished in a flash. For a moment, Kerensky once again felt that odd crushing-stretching sensation, then it faded. He waited a full thirty seconds before speaking. "Status?"

"Acquiring navigation fix now," Konrad said. He typed in a few commands, then looked at his screen. "We've arrived at Mariposa's Zenith Point, sir."

"Very good," Kerensky said. "Engineering, status?"

"K-F Drive's cooling now, sir," Jones said. "Purring like a kitten so far. We'll wait one and a half days before we start Battery engagement."

"Very good," Kerensky said. "Gerald, open a channel to the rest of the fleet."

"Aye sir," Gerald said. He input a few commands at his station. "Comm channel's open, sir."

"Thank you." Clearing his throat, Kerensky keyed the fleet-wide channel. "All ships, this is General Kerensky speaking. In thirty six hours, the Eric Helmer will jump to the Sol System and provide us coordinates for Earth's L1 Lagrange Point. The UNSC will be expecting us. Once done, the McKenna's Pride will make the jump. Maintain your discipline and keep your cool. That is all."

He closed the 'com, then looked up at Torrance. "I suggest you head to your quarters for the time being, Director-General."

"I will," Torrance said. "If this goes to hell, might I say that it's been an honor working with you, sir."

"Likewise, DeChavilier." With a nod, DeChavilier stood and proceeded out of the bridge. Torrance followed him shortly after. With the two gone, Kerensky gazed outside the ship. Once more unto the breach…

. . .

Thirty Six Hours Later

Onboard the Eric Helmer, Captain Howard Faulkner was finalizing preparations for the jump to Earth. "And… done," he said, closing his noteputer. "Everything's in order. We're ready to jump once Engineering gives the go-ahead."

"And I've got good news there," Derek, the Chief Engineer, reported. "Drive is good. Connecting LF Battery now." He flicked a switch on his console.

Electricity stored in the battery rushed into the drive, energizing it once more. "Drive is ready for jump."

Navigation Officer Thompson looked up from his console. "Coordinates loaded. Let's hope recon didn't screw us."

"I'm sure they didn't" Faulkner said. "ETA to jump?"

"Thirty seconds!" Thomson added. Before long, he was counting down in tens. He flicked the PA on. "K-F Jump in five… four… three… two… one… now!"

The Bug-Eye class glowed blue-white, then vanished in a flash of light. Faulkner grit his teeth at the sensation of the jump, then relaxed when it vanished. "SitRep?"

"Wait thirty!" Knowles, the Sensors Officer, said. After the allotted time frame, he said, "Successful jump, sir. We've arrived at Earth-Sol L1. I've got a UNSC ship on approach, bearing 0-9-0 mark 3-5-0, five hundred klicks from our position. IFF identifies it as the Pillar of Autumn"

"Sir, incoming transmission," Yeats, the Comms Officer said.

"Put it through," Faulkner said.

There was a crackle, then a man's voice came in over the Comm. "This is Captain Howard Jones of the Pillar of Autumn to rouge ship. Identify yourself immediately."

"Open a Comm channel," Faulkner ordered. Once Yeats gave him a thumbs up, he keyed his end. "This is Captain Howard Faulkner of the SLS Eric Helmer to the Pillar of Autumn. We are here on the UEG's invite, to provide jump coordinates for our fleet."

There was a pause, then Captain Jones said, "Understood, Captain Faulkner. We're coming to within three thousand kilometers."

"Understood. Captain Faulkner out." Closing the Comm channel, Faulkner turned to Thompson. "Lieutenant?"

"Calculating jump coordinates now, sir," Thompson said. "Estimated time of completion: one hour."

"Very well," Faulkner said. "Inform me when the calculations are completed."

"Yes sir."

For the next hour, Faulkner spent much of his time reading a book he kept nearby. His reading was interrupted when Thompson said, "Coordinates calculated."

"Very good. Send them to McKenna's Pride."

"Yes sir," Yeats said. He looked at a readout, then made a few adjustments. "Coordinates sent, sir. McKenna's Pride will arrive in three minutes."

"Very good," Faulkner said. "Open a channel to the Pillar of Autumn."

"Yes sir." Yeats worked at his console again. "Comm channel open, sir."

Keying the comm channel, Faulkner said, "Captain Jones, this is Captain Faulker. The McKenna's Pride will arrive in two minutes. Please stand by."

"Understood," Captain Jones said. "Moving to ten-k kilometers."

"T-Minus 1 minute!" Yeats reported…

Onboard the Pillar of Autumn, Captain Jones watched his sensor screens carefully. "Julia, all sensors to high fidelity."

"Yes, sir," Julia, the ship's AI reported. "Detecting an exotic particle burst. They're arriving."

Jones looked up from his console. As soon as he did, he spotted it: a brilliant white flash of light off in the distance. At the same time, various sensor readings alarmed for a split second. When they settled down, Julia said, "IFF identifies it as the McKenna's Pride."

"Talk about a light show," Jones said. Keying the COM, he said, "SLS McKenna's Pride, this is Captain Jones of the UNSC Pillar of Autumn. Please respond." For thirty seconds, there was no response.

Then a faint crackle came in. "UNSC Pillar of Autumn, this is General Kerensky speaking. We read you. I assume you're here to await our arrival?"

"Yes. I've been informed of the situation. We're here to escort you." Jones answered.

"We appreciate the gesture. We will be ready to depart within two hours."

"Understood. Sending flight plan now."

"Received. Thank you for the guidance". Kerensky said as he cut the link.

Once done, Jones had his COM Officer open a new comm line. "Captain Jones to Fleet Admiral."

The COM crackled, then the voice of the Home Fleet's Admiral, and current line to HIGHCOM, came in. "Go ahead Jones."

"General Kerensky has arrived and will head to surface in two hours." Jones reported.

"Good," Admiral Seng said. "You'll continue babysitting till talks are done. Seng out."

Onboard the McKenna's Pride, Kerensky and his entourage drifted through the docking tube leadingto the Icarus, one of six DropShips docked to the ship. "Everything's ready for showtime, sir," the thin, reedy captain Ushana, said. "Just buckle in, and we'll undock." Everyone did so.

Sitting down in his seat, Ushana said, "McKenna's Pride Flight Ops, this is Icarus. Requesting permission to disembark."

Flight Ops to Icarus. You're free to undock. Flight plan uploaded."

"Roger that," Ushana said. "Beginning procedures." He flicked a series of switches while the other members of the crew worked at their stations. There was a pause as the airlocks sealed, then a muted jolt as the docking clamps released the DropShip. "Undocking successful. Beginning maneuvers."

The Icarus slowly turned, maneuvering thrusters gently pushing it away from the McKenna's Pride. Once far enough away, the main engines fired up. Kerensky felt a gentle push as the DropShip accelerated. "And we're off!" Ushana said. "One g cruise. ETA to Terra: twenty six hours."

"Good," Kerensky said. "I'll retire to quarters. Inform me when we enter atmo."

"Same here," Torrance added. Both men left the bridge to settle in for the long flight.

. . .

Earth

Sydney Spaceport, Downtown Sydney

December 27th, 2785, 1100 Hrs (September 1st, 2515, 1100 Hrs)

President Holt stood outside, the summer heat beating down on his head.

"Lovely weather today," Chairman Edwards said. He stood in full dress uniform.

"That it is," Edwards said. I'm surprised he isn't sweating himself to death in that uniform. How's he do it? He turned to his secretary, Janice Stane. "How long till they arrive?"

"Twenty one minutes, Mr. President," Janice said.

Holt smiled, then directed his gaze towards the landing pad before them.

At first, he saw a tiny dot of light. Before it swelled into a large plume of plasma, resulting winds felt 100m away, where he currently stood. The ungainly craft landed with a grace that belied it's size.

"Space efficiency, mmh" General James, head of the UNSC Army, mused.

"It does look that way," General Corey, his Marine Corps counterpart, agreed. He pointed at one of the weapon mounts of the ship. "See the weapons?"

James scrutinized the ship. "Yeah. Even distribution. Everything conforms to space".

Holt was about to add his own piece when a door on the DropShip opened. Holt and the others watched as two mechs marched out, while a pair of tanks advanced behind them. Sandwiched in the middle was a smaller vehicle that had a single turret on it.

The vehicle advanced, and came to a stop before them. The doors then opened, with several soldiers marching out in parade formation. Some wore blue with red highlights, with a ceremonial saber on the left hip.

Following them were two people. First was a fairly old man with kind, brown eyes. He wore an olive drab jacket with a sash on one side, and an eight-point star on the other. His pants were also olive drab. He wore light brown boots that rose to just below his knees, gloves the same color as his jacket, and a cap.

The other was a much younger man with brown hair and hazel eyes. He wore a three piece suit with silver trimming that neatly accentuated the black fabric. His black shoes gleamed in the sunlight.

The duo advanced with their guards, stopping a few feet from the UEG delegation. Holt took that as his cue and began. "Welcome to Earth. I'm President Jared Holt of the United Earth Government. With me is my Secretary of State Janice, as well as the Chairman of the UNSC."

The younger man smiled. "Well met," he said. "I am Director-General William Torrance of the Star League-in-Exile. With me is Commanding General Aleksandr Kerensky of the SLDF. We are honored to make your acquaintance."

"The honor is all ours," Holt said. "We've arranged for you to stay at the Park Hyatt Hotel in the city for the duration of our talks. Our ambassadors stay there often and security is at an all time high. We'll inform you of preliminary discussions in two days."

"That being said, we have a transport ready for you."

"Thank you," Torrance said. "Shall we?"

"Of course." The delegation turned, then made their way towards the building's parking lot. The honor guard remained with Torrance and Kerensky, while the other soldiers returned to the APC, which followed the vehicles down a ramp. The BattleMechs returned to their position. Reaching the limousine, the delegation went inside. "Park Hyatt Hotel," Holt said to the driver. The driver nodded, then began to drive, with several vehicles serving as their escorts.

Both Torrance and Kerensky looked through the limousine doors. Torrance leaned in close to Kerensky. "Their Sydney looks cleaner than ours."

Kerensky nodded. One can always get an idea of a society's efficiency by looking at how they conduct their daily affairs. "Your city looks beautiful," he said.

"Thank you," Holt said. "Automation allows us to maximize the efficiency of service delivery."

Throughout the drive, much of Torrance and Kerensky's time was spent looking outside. Eventually, they came to a tall skyscraper near the edge of one of the city's peninsulas. "Here we are," Holt said. "The Park Hyatt Hotel. We'll send for you once the senate is ready. I'd encourage you to get comfortable in the meantime."

"That we will," Torrance said. A valet opened the door to the limousine, permitting Torrance and Kerensky to step out. Torrance looked up towards the top, then at Kerensky. "Well, we've been invited. It'd be rude not to accept."

"Indeed," Kerensky said. The two walked inside, their honor guards following closely.

The lobby had marble pillars and comfortable-looking chairs. A female hologram stood by the reception desk. She looked up at the two and smiled. "Welcome to the Park Hyatt," said the dumb AI receptionist. "How may I help you?"

"We have arrangements made for us," Torrance said.

"What are your names?"

"William Torrance and Aleksandr Kerensky," Torrance said.

"One moment," the receptionist said, then smiled. "Yes. You have the Presidential Suite, top floor, room 505. An attendant has been assigned and is awaiting you by the elevators."

"Thank you," Torrance said. The two men proceeded to the marked elevators, spotting their aide, a young man in crisp hotel uniform.

. . .

Torrance glanced around their assigned room, noting the expensive décor elements. "Not bad."

"Indeed," Kerensky said, as he observed their guards conducting standard sweeps.

With potential bugs dealt with, Torrance relaxed, sitting down on a couch. "Their extensive use of AI is surprising."

"It is," Kerensky agreed. "Their data package records their colonies at roughly a thousand But Belleau's report suggested that they don't have low lag FTL comm. How do they manage?"

"That'd definitely a problem." Torrance said. "Without FTL Communications, any government larger than just a few worlds will struggle with logistics, as well as timing and adaptations to change."

"You intend to discuss that with them?"

Torrance nodded. "That's one card."

"Any more?"

"Yes, a few," Torrance said. "Let's get the picture first, don't want to assume too much."

"Agreed," Kerensky said.

Both men turned towards the window, each one lost in their own thoughts. "This may be a good time to tour the city."

"Yes," Kerensky said. "There's not much that's different so far, but it'll be interesting to see how far that goes."

. . .

Two days later, both Kerensky and Torrance were off to the UEG Senate Building.

"I must admit, it was quite interesting," Kerensky said. "It was good to see Terra again, even if it isn't our Terra.

"It was," Torrance said.

The car came to a halt. As they stepped out, Torrance looked at the building. He frowned, then shrugged.

He and Kerensky advanced up the steps and to the entrance. Scanners built into the frames checked them over for any concealed weaponry. When the guards gave them a thumbs up, Torrance smiled. "Thank you," he said. The two men proceeded inside, honor guards following them. The interior reminded the two of some of the places the nobility had owned in the Star League. How interesting, that we travel to another universe, only to find ourselves in a familiar place. He quietly smiled at the similarities.

Eventually, they reached a pair of double doors flanked by a pair of guards. Torrance paused, his eyes fixed on the handles. Kerensky looked at him. "You ready?"

A million thoughts ran through Torrance's mind. He took a breath, then glanced at Kerensky. "I don't know, but I guess we'll find out."

Kerensky smiled. "As good an answer as any. Let's go." Torrance nodded, then advanced to the door and opened it.

The chamber beyond was large, large enough that it housed all members of the UEG Senate with room to spare. Brown wood benches curbed around the podiums in the back, interrupted only by aisles for people to walk down. The amphitheater-like chamber led to a series of podiums at the back of the room. Behind that was the white globe and gold olive leaves that was the UEG's flag.

Sitting at the chairs was the Senate Speaker, as well as the heads of each of the UEG's political parties. Everyone in the room was dressed in black or dark gray suits, with ties and dress shoes of varying shades of black and gray. Near the back of the room, Torrance could see video camera crews recording the entire event. He nearly chuckled. You'd find more cheer in a graveyard.

Once the two entered, a pair of men led them to a part of the podiums in the back. Once they were seated, the Senate Speaker stood and struck a gavel. "The UEG Senate is now in session. The topics of discussion for today, and the hearings over the course of the next two weeks, are the negotiations with the Star League-in-Exile. To that end, we would like to introduce to the Speaker's podium, the Director-General of the Star League-in-Exile, William Torrance."

There was clapping as Torrance stood and sauntered to the podium. "Thank you," Torrance said.

"You're welcome," The Congressional Speaker said. Torrance nodded, then advanced to the podium.

"Salutations," he said. "I am William Torrance, Director-General of the Star League-in-Exile. We are a star nation from another universe, as the rumors have likely been saying. With me is Aleksandr Kerensky, the Commanding General of our military, the Star League Defense Force. While it must come as a shock to all of you to meet a faction that's just popped up out of nowhere, I would have you know that we do not wish for warfare or conflict of any kind. All we wish to do is live in peace with our fellow human beings, as equals and comrades. If anyone here has any questions, you may ask them now."

A hand amongst the gathered politicians was raised. "Yes?"

"Where is the Star League-in-Exile located at, and why is it in exile?" the man in question asked.

"I'll start with the first question. I cannot give any specifics until the closed meeting later. However, I can say that we live around fifty light year galactic southwest, assuming your galactic directions are the same as ours.

"As for why is called the Star League-in-Exile? For those of you attending the closed doors meeting later, you will find out very soon. Once we release the public record before we leave, you will learn the specifics."

A few politicians nodded, while some grumbled. Oh well, Torrance thought. Might as well know who my enemies are. Another Congressman raised his hand. "Yes?"

"What's your society like?"

"A fair question," Torrance said. "We are an advanced society. In basic terms, we are structured much like a feudal society, with nobility and the like. We are a constitutional monarchy, with myself as the leader, while the SLiE Council runs the day-to-day matters of the SLiE."

"Wouldn't a democracy suit your government better?"

Torrance nodded. "Yes, such a system might work out nicely. However, most of the civilian population in our care are used enough to the idea of a neo-feudal society that they're reluctant to change."

"I suppose it's because you resist that sort of change?"

Torrance chuckled. "No, it's more a case of historical precedent. If every person in the SLiE wanted a democracy, we would love to give them what they want. As it stands, there's no such call for a government change right now, so we aren't changing it."

"How large is your population?" another man asked.

"Around five million people if I recall correctly," Torrance said. "The rest is composed of the SLDF."

"How old is your society in terms of government?"

"As in our previous government, or right now?" Torrance asked.

"Both."

Torrance shrugged. "Fair enough. The society we were a part of was well over five hundred years old, with the Star League being around two hundred. As for the SLiE, we've only recently formed in the past year or so. More details on the circumstances of our formation will come later."

As the questions came and went, Torrance glanced periodically at the clock. Just a little longer, he thought, and then the closed meeting can begin. "Any more questions?" he asked. When no one said anything, he said, "Thank you for your time." He stepped back, then motioned for the Speaker of the Congress to step up.

"Well met, Torrance," the Senate Speaker said. "We will have a recess for those in need of refreshments. At one o'clock, the closed meeting will begin." With a bang of his gavel, everyone stood, then moved to the exits.

Kerensky smiled at Torrance. "You'd have made a fine officer in the SLDF."

"Thanks," Torrance said. "I did what anyone in my position would do: survive."

"And survive you did. Now however, comes the more grueling part. This will either make our relationship with the UEG, or end it before it begins."

"Yeah," Torrance said. He wiped his forehead with a handkerchief. "I think I need those refreshments. I'll be back at three fifteen."

Kerensky nodded.

At exactly one o'clock, everyone was back in the Senate Chambers, save for the camera crews. The Senate Speaker tapped his stand with his gavel. "This meeting of the UEG Senate," he said. "Topics of discussion for this meeting will include faction intentions, trade agreements, and historical reviews."

Torrance raised a hand. "All who wish to hear from Director-General Torrance, please vote now." Almost every hand in the room was raised. "Those against?" None raised. "Abdicating?" A few were raised. "The motion is granted."

"Thank you," Torrance said. Standing up, he faced the crowd. Here we go, he thought. "Thank you for this wonderful opportunity, ladies and gentlemen. Many of you have questions as to who we, the Star League-in-Exile are, and our intentions. For those of you that are curious, I would like to share our history with you."

When the others nodded, Torrance smiled. "Then we may begin. Should any of you have questions, I will answer them to the best of my ability

"Is it true that you're from another universe?" one Senator asked. "Forgive me if I seem doubtful, but you must understand that we've never had this sort of thing happen before."

"There's nothing to forgive," Torrance said. "To be frank, I often have trouble believing it as well. That being said, what you hear is true: we are from another universe, one that is similar to your own, yet very different."

"If that is the case, how did your society achieve FTL flight in your home universe?"

"That I can explain," Torrance said. "The foundation for our method of FTL flight began in the year 2018 of our universe, when scientists Thomas Kearny and Takayoshi Fuchida, after a series of experiments, published the article 'What Happened To The Universe When Einstein Wasn't Looking." It detailed the existence of string theory, and how it might be possible for our society to achieve FTL flight by using a fifth dimension to cross vast distances."

"I take it they were celebrated for their discovery?" President Holt, who sat in a chair near the floor of the podium, asked.

Torrance frowned. "Unfortunately, no. Most scientists of the time mocked and ridiculed them, then forced them to turn in their licenses for scientific research." A quiet murmur ran through the crowd. "I take it that's different from what happened with your society?"

"Yes," one Senator said. "Our method of FTL flight was invented in the 2290s by Tobias Shaw and Wallace Fujikawa. For their efforts, they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics and Engineering. Judging by the circumstances, I can say that it was societal perspective and world population that might account for the differences in reaction."

"How so?" Torrance asked.

"The Sol System in the 2200s was overpopulated," President Holt said. "That being said, Mars and numerous intrasystem colonies had been founded to relieve the population burden on Earth."

"I see," Torrance said. "I can see where such differences would form. Earth wasn't desperate, so that's understandable."

"When did you achieve space faring status?" one Senator, Alfred Jones, asked.

"2107," Torrance said. "On that year, scientists and engineers confirmed Drs. Kearny and Fuchida's theories, resulting in the designing and construction of the first FTL capable ship, or JumpShip, the TAS Pathfinder. The first test involved jumping from Sol's Zenith Point to it's Nadir Point. Reportedly, one of the scientists said, 'A little off target, but intact... Kearny and Fuchida should have lived to see the day.' Following that test, construction of colony ships began, leading to the settlement of Humanity's first colony in 2135 at Tau Ceti."

The Senate members nodded and glanced at each other. "Very impressive," Janice, another member, said. "I take it that it didn't take long for your civilization to grow after that."

" Following the development of the KF Drive, Humanity's population growth increased dramatically. Within a few hundred years, we went from around twenty billion people to nearly five hundred billion. The early years were quite difficult, with the Terran Alliance eventually signing the Demarcation Declaration in 2250 to avoid an impending governmental collapse. From there, due to the lack of FTL communications, the Great Houses, and the Inner Sphere as we know it, began to form."

A holographic image winked to life, displaying an interactive map of the Inner Sphere. The Senate members watched as the Terran Alliance swelled, then broke apart into the Terran Hegemony, and the other Great Houses. The timeline went up to 2398, showing all of the Great Houses once they fully formed.

"Quite impressive," UNSC Chairman Edwards said. "How large is the Inner Sphere?"

"Around 950-1100 light years in diameter, give or take a few,"Torrance said. "Much of the expansion was spent gobbling up worlds and territory in order to support the burgeoning population. Each of the Great Houses formed by annexing each system or cluster of systems peacefully, like the Federated Suns and Free Worlds League, or by force like the Draconis Combine and Capellan Confederation. By 2398, as you can see, the Great Houses had formed."

"Can you name them for us?" Edwards asked.

"Certainly. Yellow for the Federated Suns, purple for the Free Worlds League, green for the Capellan Confederation, blue for the Lyran Commonwealth, red for the Draconis Combine and gray for the Terran Hegemony. There are also the periphery nations, with yellow-orange for the Taurian Concordat, cyan for the Magistracy of Canopus, golden yellow for the Outworlds Alliance, and midnight blue for the Rim Worlds Republic. Beyond that, there were a number of minor governments."

"And these were all neo-feudal governments?" Janice asked.

"Yes," Torrance said. "A necessity given the lack of FTL communications at the time. The Draconis Combine, for instance, was structured very much like medieval Japan from our past, with shoguns and the like. Their leader was also named the 'Coordinator' or as he's known internally, the 'Dragon' and his realm, the 'Dragon's Domain.'"

Richard, another Senate member, stared at the map. "How very… appropriate," he remarked.

"Indeed," Jones agreed. "I take it this wasn't always peaceful."

"No," Torrance said. "In 2398, a border dispute began in the Andurien system, with the Confederation and League fighting over who had ownership of the system. This led to a 152 year long period of war Star League historians call the 'Age of War.' Every Great House saw it as a way to settle old grudges and claim new territory. Unfortunately, the stalemate and lack of FTL communications meant the conflict spiraled out of control for the first twelve years of the Age of War."

Edwards frowned. "How bad was it?"

Torrance sighed. "It was bad enough to where nukes were used. Asteroids were typically used against entrenched ground forces."

Another murmur ran through Congress. President Holt looked calm, but his face had paled considerably. "That bad?"

"Yes. Following the Tintavel Massacre, which saw the destruction of the planet's biosphere via nuclear bombardment, Chancellor Aleisha Liao of the Confederation called for ratification of policies against their use near a biosphere. This led to the Ares Conventions, which laid down the ground rules for 'civilized warfare.'"

The articles of the Ares Conventions appeared in the hologram, allowing everyone to read them. "Seems reasonable," one Congressman said. "Without rules for war, the Age of War must've been like another Rainforest War."

"Quite so," Torrance said.

"What brought the Age of War to an end?" Chairman Edwards asked.

"Ian Cameron."

"Who?" Holt asked.

"The thirteenth Director-General of the Terran Hegemony," Torrance said. "He sought to end the Age of War by creating a multinational alliance known as the 'Star League.' This came after his own experiences in defeating a military coup that nearly toppled his government. It took around twenty years, but in 2571, he succeeded in having everyone sign the Star League Accords, which brought the Age of War to a final, and welcomed, end."

"How long did this peace last?" Gerald, another Senate member, asked.

"Around two hundred years," Torrance said. "The Star League's rule was a time of peace, prosperity and technological progress. However, as we all know from history, with a great rise, comes a great fall."

"Indeed," Jones said. "What caused the Star League's fall?"

"A series of rebellions against the Star League's rule, followed by a coup d'etat," Torrance said. "During the beginning of Richard Cameron II's reign, a series of edicts resulted in the Taurian Concordat and the other Periphery Nations leading a series of rebellions known collectively as the 'Periphery Uprising.' However, this was a smokescreen created by the real instigator of the conflict: Stefan Amaris, the leader of the Rim Worlds Republic. He murdered Richard Cameron II, then usurped the throne for himself.

"As for why he took the throne is anyone's guess. From what I heard at the time, it was for political power and glory," Torrance said. "He tried to persuade my colleague here, General Kerensky, to 'impress upon the others the might of his words and wisdom.'"

"And Kerensky's response?"

Kerensky stood and advanced to the podium. "I refused. Stefan Amaris was not the rightful ruler of the Star League, nor was he in the line of succession. Given his crime, I saw it as my duty to liberate the Star League."

Torrance nodded. "What followed was the Amaris Civil War, a decade long conflict that saw the destruction of the Rim Worlds Republic, and the liberation of Terra from Amaris' rule. Having lived during that conflict, I can say that it was a horrible time to be alive." The tone of his voice told the UEG Senate everything they needed to know.

"And after the war?"

Aleksandr stepped forwards. "After I slew the Usurper, I tried to meet with the House Lords to discuss a successor. Unfortunately, their greed had taken root, and they desired the Star League Throne for themselves, and were willing to wage war to get it. Rather than conquer the Star League myself, or back any of them, I followed the advice of one of my subordinates, General DeChavilier."

"And that would be?" Edwards asked.

"To leave the Inner Sphere behind forever, and to take the destructive potential of the SLDF with me, while leaving behind the centers of industry for them to use."

"Couldn't you have gone back, if the Great Houses reconsidered?" Jones asked.

Kerensky shook his head. "Return to the Inner Sphere was impossible for us. Our heritage and our convictions were different from those we left behind. The greed of the five Great Houses and the Council Lords was a disease that could only be burned away by the passing of decades, even centuries. And though the fighting might seem to slow, or even cease, it would erupt again as long as there were powerful men to covet one another's wealth and power. I, and those that came with me, chose to live apart from them, conserving all the good of the Star League and ridding ourselves of the bad, so that when we return, and return we shall some day, our shining moral character will be as much our shield as our BattleMechs and fighters."

Members of the Senate began to nod. "A noble ideal," Janice said. "That being said, it doesn't explain how you arrived here."

"We suffered from a misjump," Torrance said, Kerensky having stepped back. "KF Drives are known to misjump due to navigational errors, poor maintenance, etc. Most of the time, they're minor. Some are pretty bad, and others are quite disastrous. In our case, we ended up misjumping into another universe."

"How does that happen?" Gerald asked.

"I don't know. You would have to ask an Astronautical Engineer specializing in KF Drives. That being said, the misjump resulted in us arriving in the Iota Horologii system, around fifty light years from Terra. It's there that we found shelter in the form of a Bishop Ring created by an ancient species called the 'Forerunners.'"

"The Forerunners?" President Holt asked. "Do you know more about them?"

Torrance shook his head. "Not much, unfortunately. According to the Bishop Ring's custodian, an AI by the name 343 Guilty Spark, the Forerunners were a hyper-advanced civilization that existed for millions of years. Around a hundred thousand or so years ago, they were nearly destroyed by a species calling itself the 'Flood.' That led them to create the Bishop Ring, and many others like it, as a galaxy cleansing superweapon."

"As for why he welcomed us? He assumed that we were what the Forerunners called 'Reclaimers.' Apparently, our species existed alongside the Forerunners, and was held in high regard by them, as they've left behind their technology for us to study and use. Beyond that, I know very little about them."

One member of the Senate snorted. "An alien species that granted us the use of their technology? A fabrication for certain."

Torrance's eyes flashed. His somewhat casual expression quickly hardened. "If there is one thing I detest, it is speaking falsehoods. Deny the truth all you want, but do not call me a liar."

Holt stood from his chair. "Gentlemen, we are not here to argue. We are here to deliberate and debate. Are Torrance's claims grandiose? Yes. However, we will not insult a foreign dignitary by calling him and his people liars." Sitting down, he said, "Proceed, Torrance."

"That is all I had to tell of our history," Torrance said. "The rest of it is likely well known by all in attendance."

"Very well," Holt said. "Thank you for sharing your history with us. It certainly clears things up considerably. That being said, what are your plans for the future?"

Torrance frowned. "At the moment, we're content to exist alongside the UEG. That being said, we do not wish for any trouble; in fact, should this meeting go well, we might become friends."

"Do you have any plans to expand outside of your territory?" Gerald asked.

"Not at this time, no. That being said, since we are likely staying here for decades, if not centuries, I am willing to discuss the possibility of opening trade with the UEG. Our society is small, and while our economy is growing in strength, there are things we cannot acquire on our own for the moment."

"I see," Jones said. "That being said, what are you willing to trade?"

"For the most part, civilian goods," Torrance said. "That being said, there is one that I am willing to tell you of right now. Do you have FTL communications?"

Jones frowned. "In a way. The current method we use relies on courier ships, and that can take anywhere from a week to a few months. Why do you ask?"

"Because we can share with you Hyperpulse Generators."

That got Torrance a lot of confused looks. "I'm sorry, but what's a 'Hyperpulse Generator?'" Chairman Edwards asked.

"I don't know the specifics, but I can have one of my staff explain." At that, a middle aged man in a white business suit came to the podium. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce Dr. Howard Kline. He is our foremost expert on KF Drives and Hyperpulse Generators."

"Greetings," Dr. Kline said, his hoarse, but strong voice, echoing in the chambers. "It is an honor to be here today."

"The honor is all ours," President Holt said. "Now, would you care to explain?"

"Of course," Kline said. "It's an instantaneous means of information transmission through a higher dimensional version of space-time known as 'Hyperspace.' Hyperpulse Generators are built to create artificial Jump Points. The power needed to create one sufficient for a JumpShip or WarShip is too great for our current reactors. However, they are more than sufficient to send electromagnetic signals to any planet with a receiving HPG."

That had a few people nodding. "Impressive," Chairman Edwards said, "I take it your means of FTL flight works in the same manner?"

"Close, but not quite," Kline said. "K-F Drives work by generating a powerful EM burst to create a hyperspace field that allows a ship to 'rotate' as it were from one point in space-time to another. With just one jump, we can travel a distance of thirty light years, with the travel time taking between fifteen and three hundred and seventy five seconds."

The room fell silent. Edwards nodded. "Impressive. How long does it take to recharge the drive?"

"With the current technological limitations? Around seven to six days if you wish to do so safely; thirty six hours if you 'hot-feed' the drive, though this damages it greatly."

Edwards frowned. So, they're twice as fast as our own drives, even with their limitations.

"Very impressive," the Senate Speaker said. "We will hold a recess of thirty minutes before resuming this meeting." He tapped the podium with his gavel.

Torrance smiled. So far so good. Let us hope that this is a sign that things will turn out well.