Alright, I am back with another chapter! I did get drawn in a bit for my new "Viewing the Multiverse' story, but honestly, I just needed to think about how this chapter would unfold. Plus, lots of extra work hours for Christmas. Working 40 hours in a span of three days is not enjoyable. Hah!

Anyway, aside from that, I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 24: Approaching Storm


Omega. 22nd of Bloom, 427 A.E.

Cold space enshrouded the sprawling space station, the construct literally carved into the large asteroid that had seen abundant mining of element zero in years past.

Obviously, those days were over as the dark sister to the citadel supported illicit trade, drugs, mercenaries, and other unlawful activities.

However, the winds were changing for Aria and her territory, the Asari crime lord pushing out the slavers and pirates. With the Coalition to the north, she had no illusions that if any sort of attack was linked to Omega, the Serans would drop the hammer on her…literally.

Standing at the top of her loft, she was wearing a white jacket that barely fell to her breasts. Overlaying a darker body suit, the outfit was recognizable to many as her favorite. Watching the flashing lights and thrumming music of her dance club, the patrons were gyrating and dancing, half no doubt having taken Red Sand or other narcotics.

A group of Batarians were at the bar, their ship on a short leave from the front lines as the Democratic System of Lorek continued its conquest of the smaller systems and planets that broke away from the Hegemony.

Aria did follow the news as Hegemony loyalists and the Star Belt Nation continued to fight each other, the civil war seeing no end in sight as both sides waged a constant war among the stars.

At least the D.S.L. left her alone, which is all she really cared about. Turning away, she sat down on her couch, the female quickly taking a glass of green liquid and gulping it down while the music continued to ebb and flow.

Ihaw Grior sat in the corner, his drink barely touched as dozens of dancers gyrated and cheered with mirth, all uncaring under the pulsing music and flaring rainbows of lights. Keeping the case next to him on the inside of the booth, the Salarian kept his hand on the sidearm attached to his hip as stress continued to build.

He was worried.

The contact was late, and he felt exposed despite the crowded dance floor and multitude of customers filling the booths and tables.

Taking a small gulp of the alcohol, it helped sooth his racing mind for a moment, letting the former assistant breathe.

A salarian appeared across from him barely a minute later, the male sliding into the booth seamlessly and with barely a sound.
By all measures, the contact across from him was…dull. A standard skin tone and build that could be found on a dozen Salarian worlds and colonies.

"Grior"

"Ah, finally. Was getting stressed that an unforeseen event occurred"

The agent frowned, his rust colored skin furrowing. "Any issues? Were you followed or worry about discovery?"

Frantically waving, Grior smiled in reassurance. "No. Leaving Sera was simple. If Coalition suspected something, they would have done something. Everything went according to plan. Now my payment?"

Quickly nodding, the agent slid across a credit chit, the electronic currency quickly grabbed by Ihaw. Plugging it into his omni-tool, the younger male grinned as his accounts grew by the moment.

"As you can see, your compensation for the risk is more than adequate. I trust the samples are secure?"

"Yes, yes! Of course!" Sliding the case under the table, the agent quickly popped it open, finding the locust samples secured.

Closing it and relocking it, the agent gave a small curt nod then left, leaving Ihaw Grior giddy beyond measure as he now had enough money to last three Salarian lifetimes.

"Wonderful! Just wonderful! I will enjoy a life of pleasure and ease!" Grinning as he briskly left Afterlife, the male was intent on reaching his ship and flying deep into the Salarian Union.

"Perhaps a villa on a small island? Yes, that would be excellent!"

Taking a left turn at the dock yard, Ihaw Grior didn't see the agent step out of a side alley, the narrow path dark and unseen. Raising the M-3 Predator, Agent Nino didn't hesitate to fire into the back of Grior's head. Brain matter exploded outward, the asset dead before he even hit the deck plating. Stooping down, Nino uploaded the funds into a fresh credit chit as a few random passerby's quickly hurried away, none inclined to get involved.

"I sincerely hope you enjoyed your wealth, Grior" Stepping over the corpse, Agent Nino made his way to his ship, the mission complete.

After all, Ihaw Grior was a loose end, and the STG could not risk the Seran's finding out about their plans.

Annos Basin, Rothila System, Planet Dagnes 29th of Bloom, 427 A.E.

Yellow, pulsing starlight poured from Rothila, the star warming the four planet system and its two outlaying asteroids that circled at the far outer edges of the system. Mostly devoid of development due to poor mineral deposits, the planets of Friga, Tinoth and Jikkart were largely uninhabited aside from a few minor settlements.

Obviously, that didn't mean the entire system was devoid of settlement or industry. The moon of Dagnes, Dorrin was moderately rich in nickel, cobalt, and gold, allowing several subterranean mining colonies to grow beneath the thin, trace atmosphere of ammonia.

Hanging in orbit was a trade station and dual naval dockyard, its bulbous surface interrupted by several space docks and jutting arms. Several vessels, primarily personnel or goods transports burned their engines to the moon, or in the case of most, toward the main center of industry and commerce of the star system.

Dagnes itself was a viable, living world home to nearly fifteen million Salarians. Relatively humid, thirty five percent of the surface was swampland or marsh, which was perfect for the amphibian race as numerous cities had been developed among the wetlands.

Of course, there were grasslands, mountains, forests and jungles, the world filled with diverse life as those regions were populated by smaller towns and cities.

In terms of military defenses, the colony was a backwater with a few battalions primarily used for natural disaster relief. There was a small contingent of warships, primarily a dozen destroyers and a lone cruiser that patrolled the surrounding region, but their continued patrols were quite uneventful deep within the interior of Salarian space.

Those facts didn't matter to Doctor Nalu or his staff, the Salarian scientists having moved their operation deep within a network of old mines far below the surface. In fact, the STG had simply established a new, larger operation, leaving a fresh group to overtake the asteroid in SU-483.

Located two miles below the surface, the centuries old aluminum mine had failed long ago, the mineral veins fully exploited and extracted. Any interest in them had faded, the industrial sectors of the surface having found new veins across the planet before moving to offworld imports.

Now abandoned and forgotten, the old mining chamber saw new life and activity while drips of moisture gathered along the stalactites hanging from the craggy, and uneven ceiling above.

Looking around the mile long, subterranean chamber filled with a few abandoned mining machines, the doctor was pleased as his staff had redoubled their efforts to further their goals. Fabricated laboratories lined the far right wall, the sterile white walls unfamiliar against the dull rock. Numerous tunnels led deeper into the planet's crust, their entwining paths cut by generations of the past.

Blinking rapidly as he walked briskly, Repan took an assessment of the growth chambers, finding them all working in nominal order. Several hundred lined the far left side of the cavernous chamber, each giving off a light blue glow form the nutrient fluid that filled each. While most were currently empty, there were a few with the budding growth of cells. Stopping before one, the scientist read the current biological data displayed on a screen. Allowing himself a small, pleased smile, Repan updated his personal data pad with the information.

Stepping further along the wall of growth vats, some were larger at the end of the line, meant for infantile Corpsers, Maulers, and Kantus.

"Unfortunate we were unable to procure further samples of Brumaks and Reavers, but current biological data should be sufficient" Stepping away, Doctor Nalu turned toward his private lab, the prefabricated structure erected upon supporting stilts, showing his importance to the project. Passing a few other geneticists and researchers, he climbed the short steps before entering.

Sealing the door, Repan tinted the windows, the Salarian preferring his privacy. Taking one last look at the sprawling chamber filled with growth vats, several generators and the group of researchers following their own tasks, the scientist gave a curt nod of approval.

While he did not enjoy the weeks lost during relocation, he had to admit the efficiency was well within acceptable parameters.

"No time for contemplating government resources. Must continue the work" Humming to himself, he walked across his lab past a lone vat, the half grown drone within showing great promise.

Computers and other apparatus hummed, the genetic sampler finally giving a small warning as a light flashed blue. Taking a seat at the terminal, Repan hummed with pleasure.

"Excellent. Corpser is already viable for growth. Just needed ample room afforded by planetary space. However, must wait until drone viability is established, along with control. Development useless if renewed locust can't listen to commands" Striking several keys, Repan ran several scans of the lone drone growing in the vat of his lab.

So far, everything was working out as the cells continued to multiply on schedule with no mutations or deficiencies.

"Yes. Very promising. Very promising indeed" Smiling to himself, the scientist continued to work.

Dagnes, 8th of Bounty, 427 A.E.

"Wonderful! Simply wonderful!" Clearly excited, Repan Nalu studied the bio sensors attached to the vat, each displaying a status well within acceptable parameters. Heart rate, brain wave activity, muscle mass…everything was nearly perfect.

Looking into the bluish liquid of the growth chamber, the glass seemed to sheen as the locust within slept, the machine pumping historical data and knowledge into the brain of the lone drone.

Of course, he had implemented controlling measures into the creature. A failsafe to ensure compliance. The STG had been insistent and the doctor was no fool. He understood the ferocity of this species, and if the Serans continued to be a threat to the Council, the locust would be a very terrible surprise.

A green light slowly blinked to the left side of the tank, the silent alarm showing that the process was complete.

"After nearly two years of development, you are ready" Moving to the control console as the equipment of his laboratory beeped and hummed, Nalu input the commands to wake the creature.

The nutrient solution drained quickly, the sloshing liquid disappearing into a collection tank at the far end of the research camp. Once drained, he stepped back as the cylinder of glass rose, revealing the drone in all its horrible glory.

Gray, pallid hide was thick, the musculature showing great strength. The legs rippled with taught lines of sinew while the groin was covered by a simple article of medical clothing. Hardened pectoral muscles twitched, the nerves giving light spasms as the bare head glistened with remnants of blue fluids.

Slowly opening its eyes, they were yellow and harsh as the mouth slowly opened, revealing sharpened, deadly teeth for ripping flesh.

"Incredible! You..can you understand my words?"

Carn slowly turned his head to the left and right, the surroundings strange and alien to him. Hearing a voice, the drone looked downward, finding a rather slender creature standing half a dozen feet away. The words were jumbled…but slowly began to clear as he stepped down, his first footfall heavy.

"Can you hear me?"

Carn looked at the creature, then slowly nodded. "Yes" His words were a rasp, harsh and rough. Taking another step, he slowly assessed.

"Excellent! With you as a template, we can begin to grow more of your brethren once the Berserker female is ready for breeding. We need a large army to balance the scales against the Serans"

"Serans…" Memories flashed, filling his mind as fire, war and slaughter replayed. Curling his fist, the locust gave a low growl as he quickly approached the slender alien, his eyes burning hate. "Serans…"

"Good. Speech patterns are showing development" Typing rapidly as he recorded his observations, Doctor Repan assessed the drone further. "You will need a designation. Since you are the first, Alp-"

"Carn…I….I am Carn"

Repan bubbled with excitement, the Salarian opening up a recording for his omni-tool. "This is most fascinating. The subject has already shown displays of memory for his name and the previous conflict. This might indicate genetic memories which will no doubt be useful in times of war. More tests and assessments must be conducted to determine collective memories, or a simple anomaly" Halting the recording, Doctor Nalu studied the revived drone once more. "I must inform my superiors of my intellect and success!" Stepping toward a terminal, the slender alien waved the locust drone forward. "I must leave for a moment. Please, if your capable of comprehension, learn of galactic events!" Setting up the simple education program, Doctor Nalu left his laboratory, the Salarian bursting with excitement at his achievement.

Carn felt complied to follow the tiny creature's orders, but he didn't like it. Taking a seat, he stared at the screen as the moving pictures started to unravel the history of the galaxy.

Fallen empires…faster than light travel.

Weapons.

Technologies.

The advancement of the Coalition.

Carn absorbed the knowledge like a sponge, his yellow gaze narrowing the more he learned about the rebuilt Sera and the repopulation of their species.

"Old Enemy…" Rasping out the words with a snarl, Carn continued to learn.

Ironically, Carn's rebirth happened to fall on the anniversary of E-day, the greatest sorrow that had befallen the Seran species.

Three days later…

Carn was led along some rock lined tunnels, the drone escorted by no less than eight of the Salarians, the species responsible for his resurrection, and soon, more of his kind.

He was restrained, his hands cuffed with a pair of energy cuffs as he was led into a new tunnel, the path illuminated with several fixed lights that hung from the rock ceiling. Coming to a low structure, the building was similar in shape and design to the laboratory where he had been learning history over the last three days.

Escorted inside, he was led to a room, the square space completely empty aside from a lone table with two chairs.

A Salarian sat at the one closest to the rear wall, his coloration a dull brown while his neck had several lines of white that traveled downward toward a rather drab and dull suit of gray.

"I am Agent Laji. Please sit, Carn" Speaking pleasantly, he didn't smile, but didn't display hostility as the locust drone sat, his hulking mass filling the room.

Four of the guards took station in each corner of the room, their rifles gripped tight as they watched with unwavering focus. The rest were outside, the precaution evident to Carn who stared at the alien with his harsh, yellow eyes.

"I understand you have been reading about galactic history since the extinction of your species?"

"Yes. I have been learning much" Voice rasping, Carn decided to rest his secured hands on the table top, the locust fully realizing he was unarmed, and outgunned.

"Then you realize how much of a threat the Seran's are to the security and stability of the galaxy. Illegal artificial intelligence. Genetic manipulation. Weapons and warships that can devastate our fleets. Feeding the Batarian Civil war. Illegal bombardment of garden worlds along with the refusal to share vital technologies with the Citadel Council" Clasping his longer fingers, Laji stared at the drone, the Salarian almost feeling the sheer…menace coming from the lifeform. "War is inevitable, yet our allies do not see the threat the Coalition poses. Your species…the Locust Horde have been revived to be our army when conflict does arise. You will destroy them, wage war against them, and bring them to heel before the might of the Council"

"Serans…" Practically hissing the words, Carn remembered. He remembered the war against the groundwalkers.

"Once we have grown a proper army of drones, we will use you against the COG. Casualties will be extreme, but an extinct race has no rights. Our military will use you all as we see fit, do you understand, locust?"

"Yess…"

"Excellent. It appears Doctor Nalu has finally achieved a proper shock troop" Waving with a slender hand, the soldiers escorted Carn into the old mining tunnels, the large drone taking his time to walk.

Entering the main chamber, he saw hundreds of fresh drones being grown in the rows vats, along with the beginnings of a Corpser along with a near completed Berserker and several Kantus. Narrowing his eyes, Carn broke his gaze as several Salarian scientists hurried out of the way, their slender forms like brittle twigs before the hardened musculature of the drone.

Doctor Repan Nalu was walking briskly, nearly colliding with Carn. "Ah yes, done with Agent Laji? Excellent. Return him to my laboratory for further tests and study. We must ensure that all locust follow our directives. His intelligence is low, but fighting ability will be on par with Serans and Krogan. Mental servitude cannot be ignored" Rushing away to several of the monitoring stations along the row of bio-vats, Nalu blended in with a half dozen technicians as they talked with rapidity among themselves before turning their attention toward several computers and humming pieces of scientific equipment.

Carn was led into the laboratory by the guards, then quickly left alone as they locked the door behind them.

Growling in a low ebb, Carn marched across the lab, bypassing several machines and bio scanners that blinked with several lights, the soft glow a pleasant blue. Standing at the terminal that displayed his vitals, along with mental state, the locust drone gave another growl.

"I will not be enslaved by such…weaklings…" Hissing the words, Carn gave a small grin that showed off his sharpened teeth.

The doctor had forgotten to close the files on his physical and mental status, the files opened.

Scrolling through his own physical parameters, Carn gave a low snarl as he came upon what he desired.

Servitude Directive

Opening the file, the information unfolded, showing in great detail how Carn, and all the other currently growing locust drones had been implanted with a bio-engineered code.

Apparently, it was active in his mind, but Carn hadn't felt any mental anguish nor forced servitude to the Salarians.

All he felt was disgust toward such a physically weak species that planned on using them as cannon fodder.

Continuing to read with narrowed, yellow eyes, Carn concluded that despite its implementation, the Servitude Directive…Did not work.

The little aliens thought it did, that Carn was under their complete control, that the rest of the drones would be under their directives.

Some could call it arrogance, others a failure to properly understand a sentient being. But trying to force the complete enslavement of the mind was extremely difficult, and the scientists here had failed spectacularly in that regard.

Carn knew they had implemented the program into the entire growth vat system, the growing drones floating in nutrient solution beyond these walls being fed the failed directive.

He had discovered that in the first twelve hours of his new life. When he had failed to comply over a simple command, they talked about destroying him and regrowing a fresh drone, but the solution was abundantly clear when they asked a second or third time.

He played into the Salarian's delusion of scientific supremacy.

But he had to be careful…to control his emotions. One error and he could doom the revival of his race.

Stepping back, Carn would wait…and bide his time to strike.

After all, he had been a sub-commander during the Locust War and knew how to plan a proper strike against the enemies of the Locust Horde.

Dagnes, 29th of Bounty, 427 A.E.

Two dozen STG agents were standing at the ready, each wearing combat armor while they held their rifles tightly against their chests. Spaced out in a wide semi circle, the guards had taken positions among several of the growth vats, the containers now empty as two hundred of the freshly released drones stood silently with Carn in the center of the cavernous chamber.

All were unarmed, each lined up in neat, even rows with their hands clasped behind their backs in a waiting posture. Each had been issued heavy boots, pants and equipment harnesses as the growing army would be taking on training drills in the next few hours. Several shifted their stance, the bright lights flowing from several stands that lined the central pathway between the laboratories and bubbling vats.

Carn idly turned, looking at the other combat drones, each having similar appearance, but enough variation to establish some individuality.

A few gave him reassuring twitches of their eyes or facial muscles, understanding what was about to happen.

After all, the Salarians had given Carn the chance to greet the newly grown, thinking that it would ease transition into their new roles.

It was a mistake, as these fresh soldiers quickly pledged loyalty to Carn, their words silent, but gazes and body language understanding.

"Eyes front, drone. You're only purpose is to stand there and watch" Talking with high arrogance, one of the Salarian guards made a motion with his rifle, showing force would be used next time.

Carn returned his gaze forward, his hard gaze studying the collection of scientists standing around four of the vats at the end of the line, the last row located right near the aperture of a side tunnel that led further into the abandoned mine and the planet depths.

"I apologize. I thought I heard something"

"We have sensors lining every tunnel entrance. The only thing down here is rock, dried up mineral veins, and ourselves. Don't make me remind you again" Talking down to the drone, the guard waited for a twitch of aggression…anything to warrant violence.

Carn and the other locust maintained their position, none moving as the agent snorted. "Looks like the Servitude Directive works. Just mindless creatures" Giving a light laugh, the guard resumed his task as the scientists gathered excitedly around the four vats.

Agent Laji leaned forward, the young Salarian agent studying the Berserker held within the bubbling nutrient fluid. Tapping the glass, he watched a few bubbles rise, the air pockets floating past the powerful legs nearly the width of himself. Trailing his gaze upward, the torso was a horrendous mass of violence and strength, the locust female ugly and threatening.

The size alone could probably break through the walls of most structures, and the Berserkers fists no doubt could rip Laji in half without breaking a sweat.

Stepping back, he walked to the next vat, the large tank holding a young Corpser. Obviously still in the young stages of life, its size was only about three meters in length while one meter high. The legs were still short, but all viable while the eyes remained closed. The rear thorax was bulbous, the hide still rather thin as more bubbles rose in a rapid ascent.

Turning to Doctor Repan Nalu, Laji spoke. "You are positive the Servitude Directive is working? That there are no issues with control? I have watched the Seran historical files about the Berserkers. They are extremely vicious"

Nalu smiled, his compatriots giving several nods in agreement.

"All parameters have been nominal. The only issue was in the first twelve hours with the first drone, but I believe that was simply a small anomaly due to recent revival. I have ran extensive tests, and all other drones have complied with all our directives and commands. The same mental programming has been engineered into the Corpser, Mauler, and Berserker variants, along with the Kantus" Waving a hand to indicate several of the variants growing in vats further down the line, the Kantus would be ready in another two weeks.

Doctor Hartin spoke up, the younger scientist bubbling with excitement as he checked his data tablet, his fingers dancing across the keys with hyper focus. "Drones will be under complete control. No discernable issues have been encountered. Numerous tests have confirmed our complete authority"

"Excellent" Speaking rapidly, Agent Laji stepped back, then gave the scientist a quick nod of approval to proceed.

Hitting several keys of a nearby monitoring station, the technician was swift and efficient. Gurgling nutrient liquid was pumped away, the level within the vats rapidly lowering, leaving the forms of the two Berserkers and Corpsers dripping with the remnants.

A lifting arm pumped, the apparatus slowly hissing with decompression as it lifted the glass enclosure. Rising from the base while liquid dripped, the four additions to the tiny horde stirred.

Stepping forward, Agent Laji lifted his arm, the STG operative bringing up the Servitude Program downloaded into his omni tool as the narrow eyes of the locust female slowly opened.

"Step forward toward your superior, locust" Pursing his narrow lips, Laji double checked that the program was running at full efficiency.

It was.

"RRRARRGHHH!" Bellowing in full rage at the source of the sound, the duo of females leapt from the elevated bases of the vats, neither complying as their fury took over.

"WHAT'S WRONG!? THE PRO—AHHHHH!" Agent Laji was grabbed by one of the females, the creature simply lifting him upward above its head…then ripping him in half with a horrific pull of his upper torso and legs. Entrails of greenish gore poured outward as several guards opened fire, the accelerated rounds peppering the hide as the Berserker flung the pieces of Laji, bowling over another agent with the ravaged half-body.

"NOW MY BROTHERS! NOW WE FIGHT FOR OUR FUTURE!" Snarling, Carn rushed toward the condescending guard, bowling the slender alien over. Pressing a large foot into the amphibian's back, Carn reached down and grasped a flailing arm. Pulling upward, it came away with a tearing of flesh and greenish gore as the creature screamed in dying torment. Picking up the rifle, Carn aimed at several of the fleeing scientists, gunning them down without mercy.

"No! NO!" AAUUUGHH!" Another STG agent screamed, the alien firing into the chest of a locust, the half dozen bolts of energy burning through the hide just as two more dragged him down to bludgeon him into a pulp.

"Destroy our enemies!" Taking cover behind a console with two more of his brethren, Carn popped up, firing a long stream of rounds at several guards who were trying to fall back.

One moved under fire, the agent maintaining composure as the slender amphibian reached a collection of consoles. About to return fire, the agent was crushed by one of the tiny Corpsers, the beast dragging the male down in a horror of screams.

The others didn't see the Berserkers charging from their flank, the beasts enraged by the cacophony of sounds. Crashing into the three soldiers, the Salarians didn't stand a chance as they were ripped limb from limb, their green blood flying along with pieces of their bodies. Gore coated the mesh flooring and the glass of several vats, the splatter fresh and vile.

More drones picked up the weapons, firing into the backs of the fleeing scientists as they tried to reach the cavern entrance in a desperate bid to escape.

More agents were providing cover, trying to safe guard those that fled, but all they did was draw more fire upon themselves as dozens of drones surged forward to bring death and dismemberment to the arrogant aliens.

Carn saw movement to his right, a slender alien trying to hide among the bodies and dying screams of soldiers and scientists. Approaching with two drones at his flanks, Carn saw that it was Doctor Repan Nalu, the salarian looking up with a calm, curious gaze.

"How? Calculations and readings showed no abnormalities. Directive should have made you servile to our orders"

Leaning down, Carn breathed heavily, his smile slowly pulling back to reveal his sharpened teeth.

"We lied"

"I see. So, in our arrogance, I failed to see the truth" Slowly standing, Doctor Repan flicked off a piece of errant gore from Laji, the ichor falling to the mesh platting of the cavern floor. Taking in the sudden change of events, Nalu found himself surrounded by nearly half of the drones armed with rifles and shotguns, the agents and guards dead or ripped to pieces.

"Carn. We have captured three of the scientists" Rasping fresh words, four of the drones pushed three Salarians in white uniforms forward, the aliens clearly terrified as the two Berserkers continued to kill and hunt survivors that had fled down the tunnel.

Their howls of rage and anger was usually met with fresh rifle fire and screams, most rapidly cut off.

Leaning forward, Carn breathed heavily, his maw slightly open as he stared at the doctor. "You will assist us"

"Obviously. Didn't kill me immediately, which means my intellect and skills are valuable to your continued growth. Morality is secondary concern to advancement of knowledge and understanding. Simply trading leadership of STG with locust. However, I will need those three as assistants" Pointing toward the trembling trio, the doctor was quite clear as he brought up his omni-tool, the scientist linking with his computer. "Berserkers will be a concern now that failure of Servitude Directive now known. Rage and violence around vital equipment risky. They will need to be secured or separated"

"Leave females to us. However…you will be watched and we will continue to learn"

"Relocation will be needed. STG will investigate with military assistance" Hitting a few more keys, Repan looked up at Carn. "Very exciting to continue research instead of dying. Would be wasteful of my intellect. Will be interesting to witness your growth"

Carn turned away, his harsh gaze falling on several locust drones. "Let's secure the breeding stock, then we begin our journey deeper into the planet. We cannot stay here…the Locust Horde…must grow"

Pandora, 13th of Frost, 427 A.E.

New Haven brimmed with ongoing construction as several new apartment towers stretched toward the rain soaked sky, the skeletal outlines bearing the tropical storm as several smaller space craft approached from the East.

Lowering toward the space sport, the engines hummed with power, the noise a constant reminder of the rapidly growing colony while more rain sluiced across the surfaces of several larger ships. Humidity rose from the sprawling tarmac, the air heated and moist under the cooling bombardment of rainwater.

Rows of mid sized buildings flashed with neon lights, the darkened sky enhancing the blinking red, green, and burning yellows of advertisements and businesses.

Traffic toward the city of Thessa cut through the jungle, the long and snaking roadway a ribbon of life and commerce between the primary Asari settlement and New Haven. Now populated with numerous villages and towns, the route had seen an explosion of growth and settlement.

Along the streets, half a dozen species seemed to mix under the storm, each just bearing with the tropical environment in their own way. From larger Krogan and Serans to the slender suited Quarians, the mixture of races seemed to have found a balance as the storm continued to pour.

Watching from the large apartment, Stephan Halquist stared downward at the passing civilians from the fourth floor, mainly the Serans as they went about their business.

The storm had made his mood sour, but the large billboard advertisement across the street practically screamed at him every day.

Painted thirty feet above the street, it showed a healthy, smiling family of Serans, a man and woman surrounded by several children as a home stood in the background. Below, a symbol of a gear painted a light blue was on the left hand side, the medical symbol having been repurposed by the COG centuries before.

"Women grow the future. Join the effort to repopulate today and ensure all children will be healthy for the survival of our species!"

"Disgusting. How many have they killed with genetic reprogramming?" Cursing, Stephan stepped back from the window and returned to his bedroom. Stepping in, the shades were drawn, leaving the room to be illuminated by interior lights. "How's it coming along?"

Calvin Benson grunted, the dark skinned New Yorker hunched over a work bench. Tools and spare wires were scattered, along with housings for several home made bombs.

"Slowly. One mistake and I could ruin our mission before it even begins" Going silent, Calvin went back to work on the explosives, the box of heavy mining charges having been stolen by Jeoffrey a few weeks before from some mining encampment over two hours away deep in the jungles of Pandora.

There hadn't even been a criminal report or notice due to the sheer amount of wildlife that ran rampant.

Stephan was positive they thought these explosives had simply been eaten by something out there and wrote it off.

Leaving the bomb maker to his work, Stephan left Calvin before returning to the living room. Rain pelted the windows as the air conditioning hummed, leaving the spacious apartment comfortable. Taking a seat on the large couch that ran along the wall, he picked up several pieces of paper.

It was a list of names of like minded Terrans, men and women who were willing to take to the streets in a protest. Unfortunately, that's all they were willing to do, and he wasn't going to risk exposure of their main task.

"I'll need to find more" Frowning as he stroked his thick beard, the terrorist simply couldn't understand why so many of the Terran immigrants were content living under the boot heels of a fascist, criminal government that practiced genocide.

For the man raised in the middle class, he didn't understand that for thousands upon thousands of immigrants, this world provided a chance for employment, for a future away from the crumbling slums of the mega cities.

To him, they were just as guilty. And the aliens? He held no sympathy for them either.


Nestled in the middle of the burgeoning planetary capital, The New Haven Medical Center might have been small compared to other facilities across the Coalition, but it was well staffed, efficient and used the same state of the art equipment as any other. Due to the unique status of the colony, there were several Turian, Salarian and Asari physicians…even a lone Krogan doctor with an extremely crabby bed side manner, but the skills to treat his kind.

Standing only six stories tall, the building was blatantly modern with white washed walls, Seran functionality and a rooftop landing pad for airlifted emergencies. Both aircraft were stationary, none needed for the time being as an ambulance blared with lights, paving the way through light traffic before coming to a stop at the emergency bay located at the rear.

Located in the rear wing of the center across the height of three floors, the fertility center was seemingly always busy as dozens of Seran women came in to check on the status of their growing children inside the womb. A nursery with the freshly born was half filled, the young life mostly content to just sleep as nurses and attendants kept a careful watch while the newly fresh mothers rested and recovered in nearby rooms from the labor.

There were even two Asari employed, the nurse assistants fascinated by the process as they smiled at the infants sleeping with adorable innocence.

And while there weren't as many, a few Terran women had come in, curious about the technologies employed to ensure a healthy birth.

Pushing the mop across the tiled white floors, Wilma kept her head down, her custodial job simple, but necessary.

In the months since she gained employment, Wilma had witnessed the horrors of genetic manipulation…of the twisted mindset these parents allowed to be visited on their unborn children.

She could already count a dozen times were the parents had destroyed the future lives of those infants, forcing genetic and mental conditioning to remove any homosexual traits.

The fact a few Terrans had taken up the very affordable medical care to cure genetic ailments was an affront to her beliefs.

"Disgusting. They would've destroyed me without a second thought" Keeping her face blank as she mopped a small section of the sterile, white floor at the end of one of the halls, Wilma completely omitted the fact that due to genetic manipulation, two infants had been cured of blindness, one of heart palpitations, and a fifth that would have been born with partial paralysis.

She would have to talk to Nancy about it again, but her girlfriend and lover seemed to be off recently, her employment as a food market delivery driver low risk, but hardly helpful to the cause. At least nobody would think twice about using the vehicle as a bomb.

Watching as a young, Seran woman with a wide belly come out of a doctor's office with a man in tow, Wilma turned away, her scowl deepening as she hid her emotions at the pleasant display.

The traditional values of these people made her sick. They committed genocide on a daily basis and nobody batted an eye.

"Soon. We will be ready soon"

Dagnes System, 2nd of Sorrow, 427 A.E.

The approaches to the ancient mine in the Hetor Sector of the planet were overgrown, the vehicle trail barely seen through the thick foliage of low slung trees. The thick fronds were a light orange, a rather strange turn of evolution for the Jarnin tree.

Humming aircraft flew overhead, startling wildlife that scattered into the thick undergrowth. Swept back and sleek, the six craft began to slow near the mine entrance, finding the area still relatively overgrown.

Dekor Brin had been briefed, the STG Agent silent as the pilot circled slowly, identifying the landing zone.

"Agent Brin. Several ships are in the way" Speaking crisply, the pilot pointed downward, identifying three aircraft that were starting to become overgrown with plant life.

"Land to the left, that area is clear" Voice calm and level, the agent didn't say another word as the pilot circled, then leveled off to land among some tall grass. The engines cut off, allowing Brin to hit the door release. Sliding open, he stepped out into the humidity, the air soaked with the coming promise of rain.

His skin tone was a dull red, the coloration traveling along the sides of his face while gray colored the middle. Wearing a somber, dark piece of armor, the flexible suit was light and durable, a preferred piece of equipment for most military actions. Some colorations of yellow were at the joints, but the agent found them pleasing as he checked his kinetic barrier, the shield powered up. Retrieving his Venom, the shotgun could fire micro-grenades, making it a devastating close range weapon.

Watching as the regular ground troops began to assemble, Brin hoped that the company of infantry had just been called up because of a communication error.

Lining up among the swaying stalks of grass and the abandoned ships, Dekor stepped forward, the story rehearsed numerous times. "The mission is simple. We are to descend into the old Jarkin mine and assist in the recovery of the stranded scientists, agents and all pertaining intel. From the briefing given by my superiors, they were conducting a survey of subterranean life when a tremor caused a cave in. Communication has not been possible, but it is confirmed that the group below had enough supplies to last for several months. It is believed that most of their equipment was damaged, hence this relief operation"

Rows of infantry stood silent, their training keeping them in line as Agent Brin turned and began his walk toward the yawning cavern of the mine entrance.

"They were working on locust. By the old gods, please let it be a simple communications issue" Thinking to himself as the troops passed under the overhanging entrance, Brin couldn't help but feel the ominous weight of dread.

He may have been an older agent and witnessed some questionable tactics employed by his government, but this was…dangerous.

Passing numerous crates, the supplies had been left alone, the small amount of dust covering the surfaces as the infantry company finally reached the large lift elevator. Square, dull and rust colored, the machinery was surprisingly sound considering the age.

The groans of settling metals made a few of the soldiers nervous, but none stepped out of line as one operated the controls, allowing the mining elevator to begin its descent into darkness.

Minutes passed, the odd comment of a trooper drowned out by the squeals of machinery far past its prime.

Finally reaching the bottom of the shaft two miles below, Agent Dekor Brin stepped off, the agent unslinging his rifle. Troops filed past, creating a twin column that advanced.

"Remember! This is a cave in, our priority is to find the survivors. Keep aware of your surroundings" Speaking rapidly, Captain Durn kept his rifle attached to his back plate, most of the soldiers following the example.

"Agent, you don't need your weapon down here. Dagnes wildlife is nonthreatening" Speaking calmly, the captain strode forward, passing several broken floodlights long since defunct.

"Unless it's something new" Rapidly talking, Brin kept his shotgun ready, the red skinned alien staying well within the center of the soldiers as they continued to advance into the subterranean tunnel.

Walking slowly past abandoned mining machinery centuries old, the rampant rust and discoloration faded into obscurity as the surrounding gloom began to gather around them.

"Lights. We don't want to cause another cave in by accident" Captain Durn ordered as the old mining tunnel became nearly pitch black.

Suddenly illuminating, several cones of yellow light cut through the gloom, the particles of dust lingering in the air.

"Captain? I don't understand? There is no indication of collapse" One of the soldiers asked quickly, the Salarian male tilting his rifle upward to the carved roof. While craggy and plain, nothing was out of the ordinary.

"Indeed" Narrowing his gaze, Durn glanced at the very nervous agent, Brin walking slowly as a few loose rocks tumbled. "Care to enlighten ninth company as to why there is no cave in, agent Brin?"

"It's classified. Just make sure to have your weapons ready" Voice tight, the male tried his hardest to cover his growing dread and stress the further they advanced.

"Captain! I see a structure!" Voice loud and echoing, the soldier pointed his rifle, the cone of light falling upon a prefabricated dwelling located along the right hand side of the tunnel.

"First squad, advance and secure" Ordering a dozen soldiers forward, the troopers trotted briskly, their weapons ready while the remainder of the company halted, taking position in a light defensive perimeter among the dust and darkness.

Two of the troopers walked through the entrance, the door mangled and ripped.

"Captain! Agent Brin!" A shout came from inside, spurning the two forward. Entering a mere minute later, the two passed the soldiers, both of them visibly disturbed by the mangled bodies within.

"What…what happened to them?" Crouching down by one of the corpses, the head had been smashed in, leaving nothing but paste and rotting gore. Studying the other three bodies, each were in worse condition, one even ripped in half by some incredible force. Gulping deeply, Captain Durn stood, his gaze soon tracking toward the agent. Visibly shaken, Brin started to leave.

"What's going on down here, agent Brin? This is far more than some minor research project"

"It's classified need to know. All your men need to do is secure any and all assets" Voice obviously full of fresh fear, Brin left, the crimson tinted Salarian reentering the gloom.

Displeasure and hints of anger crossed the captain's face, but orders were to rescue and retrieve. Obviously, the Salarians here were long dead.

"We keep on mission. Spread out and all weapons ready. I don't like how my senses are twitching" Following his own advice, Captain Durn rejoined his troopers, the column of soldiers splitting to both sides of the abandoned tunnel.

It wasn't too long until they reached the main chamber, the cavernous area silent…with the stench of death.

Bodies were strewn about among the steel walking plates covering the mine floor, the greenish blood spatter long dried.

Agent Brin looked around at the vacant site, the vats…the generators and fabricated laboratories…the piping and infrastructure…all was gone.

The only things left were the plates along the dusty ground, their value minimal. "No…NO! This cannot be!" Lifting up his Venom, the agent started to swivel, his eyes full of fear while he seemed to jump at every shadow.

"Captain! We….we found something!" Several troopers hollered loudly, their voices filling with fresh dread.

Hurrying over, Captain Durn approached the pointed light beams, the illumination casting fresh light on the horrifically recognizable creature.

"That…that's impossible" Crouching down, he reached out a tentative hand, touching the dead locust drone that was showing the signs of degradation. But Durn was no fool, he had studied the historical archives of the Serans, their brutal, nightmarish war against the locust galactic knowledge at this point.

"Sir? What is a locust doing here on Dagnes? I thought they were wiped out centuries ago"

The Captain ignored the trooper, the slender male sprinting across the cavern to grasp the visibly terrified agent by his armor. "WHAT ARE THE LOCUST DOING HERE, AGENT!?"

Tremors started to rumble, gravel and loosened rocks starting to bounce and shift as more and more worried troopers started to steady weapons, many of them huddling together as the vibrations worsened.

Brin faltered, the agent normally tasked with interpreting seditious data…not field work. Eyes brimming with terror, he was shaken once more by the furious captain.

"The Special Tasks Group…we brought the locust back to fight the Serans…to make them heel before the might of the Council"

"And you brought them to one of our colonies!?" Nearly enraged, Durn released the trembling agent as the ground continued to shift and jounce. "FALL BACK! IMMEDIATELY! WE MUST WA—"

The ground burst at the cavern entrance, showing rock and debris outward that crushed a few hapless troops. Limbs began to emerge, towering tree trunks of mass stabbing upward…then thudding down with another bone shaking tremor.

More of the creature emerged, the large limbs pulling up the main body and head. Rows of deadly, razor sharp teeth…a dozen, blackened eyes that reflected the low light while its darkened, gray hide seemed to swallow the minimal light. Emerging to its full height, the Corpser stomped forward, its sheer size a menacing nightmare.

Captain Durn was in awe, his mind simply taking a few seconds to accept the fact that his people…his government had brought this creature back to life.

"DIE!" Firing his Venom, the shotgun barked a flash of light, shooting the micro grenades at the massive arachnid, only for the munition to cause no damage against the armored plates of the beast.

"C…Corpser! Everybody fire!" Bellowing out the command, the soldiers opened fire, the flashes of blues and yellows filling the cavern as the Corpser stomped forward on its eight, massive legs. Crushign two more soldiers, it opened its mouth.

"RRRROOOOOOOOAAAARRRRR!"

Screams of terror and alarm rose from the soldiers as more tremors vibrated the ground, the cause moments behind as the cavern floor bowed upward…then fell inward.

Emergence holes appeared, disgorging dozens of locust, several Kantus in long, black robes, and a pair of Boomer and Maulers.

"Slaughter…." The drones fired into the flanks of the Salarian company, cutting down nearly a dozen with captured rifles. Gunshots and bullets snapped, the strike force of locust having already built enough of their signature hammerbursts to kill their enemies. Kinetic barriers flared, but none would stand against that kind of punishment…especially with a rampaging Corpser stomping and crushing with impunity.

"Drones!" Turning to try and meet the new threat, Captain Durn was satisfied that he managed to cut down one of the beasts with his rifle, the six shot burst of burning blue light cutting through the gray muscle and flesh.

But it was short lived.

"Hehehe…BOOM!"

Of course the newly liberated locust horde had started building weapons and munitions, equipping the larger class with a vastly upgraded boomshot that could fire thermic heat rounds.

The bomb burst at Captain Durn's feet, the shards of superheated metals exploding in a hail of slivers and splinters. Turned into a green stain, Durn's command was being cut down left and right with no escape, no options and no way out.

"I wont die here! I wont di—" Agent Brin shouted with terrified defiance, his shotgun cutting down another drone, the munition bursting against the shoulder and ripping the arm away. Racking another charge, he was crushed underfoot in the next second, the Corpser turning the agent into a splatter of green paste and gore.

"No…survivors…" Hissing out the command, the Kantus sprayed down a heavy arc of fire, the machine pistol a thunder of noise among the dying Salarian troops. More of the aliens screamed and died, falling every moment as the horde killed and killed with impunity.

Some of the drones charged forward, closing with the physically weaker Salarians to meet them in hand to hand. Gunshots and screams erupted from both sides, the brave troopers falling into a tighter circle as more and more of them fell to the horde.

One of them fell, his wounds allowing him to momentarily live…until a drone crushed his head in a brutal execution that splattered bone fragments and gore.

In another two minutes, the killing was over, leaving a full company of Salarians dead or dying while the locust lost a dozen.

The physical advantage in strength and hardiness was horrifically apparent.

"No…please no…" Trying to crawl, the last survivor left a trail of green blood, the young soldier desperate to live. Feeling a heavy boot on his back, the Kantus simply shot the alien in the head, spraying fresh brain matter across the dirt while silence took over the mining cavern once more.

"Secure all…technology…cave in chamber…" Hissing out his new commands in a sinister tone, the Kantus was satisfied by the outcome. Looking at the field of bodies, the war priest found these foes…weak.

Bending down, he picked the white and blue tinted rifle up, its short barrel strange to the Kantus. Taking it as a personal souvenir, he knew it would take several trips to secure the spoils of victory…

61 Ursae Majoris System, Sirona, 10th of Sorrow, 427 A.E.

Alarms blared from emergency klaxons among the streets and towering spires of Traveri City, the emergency drills hammered into the colonists as another tremor rocked the region.

One of the magma pockets was at risk of release, the sudden waves of tremors catching seismologists and the local government completely off guard. Obviously, they had issued an evacuation warning, but with how rapidly it was building, it was only a matter of time before something gave way.

Ashely Williams ran with dozens of her classmates, the young woman of fifteen years scared out of her mind as another rocking tremor shook the ground, causing a fresh cracking of the street and nearby buildings to buckle under stress.

They had been on a small field trip to the science center, the complex located in the built up area of several clean industries and businesses that populated the center of the city. Surrounded by the cleanliness of the sterile white apartment structures, it was a beautiful neighborhood of parks, markets and tree lined boulevards.

Now? Now ash was beginning to fall like dirty snow, the material coating the streets, the grass…everything in a sea of gray.

Some of it had already gotten in Ashley's dark hair, turning it a dirty gray along with so many of her classmates.

"Stay together, class! We must reach the shelter!" Shouting over another rumble, Miss Clark looked terrified as another hard tremor threw the young adults and the teacher to the ground, the shaking unbearable.

Having scraped her knees and chin against the pavement, Ashley knew this wasn't a time to cry or wail from a few cuts. Picking herself up as the wounds seeped red, she turned her head as another horrible crack came from the outskirts of the city.

"UP! UP!" Forcing the young adults upward, Miss Clark kept her responsibility moving toward the sprawling shelter two blocks away.

It was a shopping center, the square structure flaring with elegant curves at the corners, a mainstay of current architectural tastes in the Alliance. Three stories tall, it was a natural focal point in case of emergencies. Realizing this, government officials had stocked it with food, water, cots and every possible need for thousands of potential refugees along with sealed blast doors in case of armed conflict…or in this more likely scenario, volcanic eruption.

The roadways were clogged with traffic, ground vehicles trying to find a way forward among the throngs of civilians rushing with only the clothes on their backs.

A thunderclap of noise suddenly erupted several miles away to the west, the farms and sparsely populated area taking the full brunt of the sudden eruption as the pressure wave flattened trees like a hot iron.

Screams of alarm erupted from those around her, terror of impending doom and death as younger children cried, some carrying the family pet in tiny arms as their fathers simply scooped them up, forgetting personal belongings as their wives started to run faster.

Pumping her legs as fast as she could, Ashley sprinted toward the shelter of the mall, its awning front doors like a beacon of hope. Several Alliance soldiers stood at the entrance, waving in civilians en masse. Lungs burning with exertion as the ash fell like terrible snow from hell, Williams risked a look behind her as the fresh wave of super heated ash and fire started to roll across the land from the volcanic eruption.

She saw Ben and a few of his friends lagging behind, but Ashley knew if she stopped, she would die. So the girl kept running, reaching the shelter with the majority of her class as the toxic cloud continued to roil and pour onto the main streets of Traveri City.

"THE OTHER CHILDREN! WE HAVE TO-!" Miss Clark tried to push past a few soldiers, to reason with the men and women who wrestled her away as the deadly cloud swallowing up dozens who had failed to reach safety.

"Close it Sergeant, NOW!" A captain roared, the timing down to seconds as Ben and his few friends tried to reach the bunker in time.

They failed.

Slamming shut with bare seconds to spare, the ashcloud rolled over the mall, engulfing those outside in a choking death of heat and toxic gases.

Miss Clark cried, the slim, blonde teacher wracked with guilt as she slumped against the wall, her sobs of failure mixing with the other cries of loss and anguish.

Ashley just breathed, the young woman's lungs burning with relief to be alive as an alliance medic crouched down before her, the young man dabbing her bleeding chin and knees with a salve. Wiping away some of the soot and grime collected during the maddening sprint toward the shelter, he started his task.

"You're pretty fast. Glad you made it in time young lady" trying to smile, the medic's words were forced as Ashley gulped. "My house was out that way. What about my parents?"

For a brief moment, the medic looked sorrowful, but hid it with a fresh smile. "I'm sure they're fine. Now let's get these cuts cleaned up. Don't need you getting an infection"

Hearing those words, Ashley knew the solider was lying as her world started to crumble.

Arcturus Stream, Arcturus Station, 11th of Sorrow, 427 A.E.

Located at the doorstep of the Sol system, Arcturus was now completed and fully functional as the military and administrative center of the Alliance. Home to the rapidly expanding fourth fleet and the relocated government from Earth, its central location along with its natural choke point of Mass Relays made its location ideal.

Constructed around a central hub, the attached pylons extended outward by several kilometers, giving more than ample room for warship construction, repair, and numerous zero gravity industries. Now home to nearly forty five thousand inhabitants, the station would promise to be a focal point of Alliance strength and prestige.

While not overly muscular, Jacob Ackelson could be considered healthy and fit for his age. The man was in his early fifties with graying hair at his temples, salting his naturally dark hair. However, his cheekbones were high, a remnant of his youth and very desirable physique that had gotten him in quite the situations with women. Of course, that was before he met Henrietta, his wonderful wife and life partner.

A political moderate from North America, he had won simply on the premise to increase the size of the navy and to ensure that the Alliance kept a respected place among the galaxy powers…a legacy he had inherited from Prime Minister Molotov.

That, and to increase relations with the Coalition. As two separate humanities, he firmly believed that both sides could come to a greater understanding. Or at the very least, increase trade and innovation to further advancement among a dangerous galaxy.

So far for the first six months of his tenure, everything had been calm. The only concern was the fledgling Batarian Civil war, but even that seemed to be finding its own equilibrium as the opposing forces seemed to be dying down to lick their metaphorical wounds.

But now? Now he didn't have the time to enjoy the spiraling view of the cosmos from his office, nor enjoy his planned evening with his wife, whom had been quite annoyed with him for skipping dinner.

Instead, he was listening to Governor Dubois, a Frenchman and the top politician for the Ursae Majoris system and her colony of Sirona.

"It's just awful, Prime Minister. The eruption near Traveri City devastated half the region. Ash is falling three hundred miles away and the city itself is basically non-functional. Reported deaths are in the thousands and don't get me started on food shortages. Nearly fifty thousand refugees and—"

"Help is on the way. I've already ordered a squadron of the third fleet to assist with supplies and medical care. They'll arrive in two days"

"That's a…thank you. Our emergency services are still trying to shift through the rubble to find the bodies, but the after shocks and ash make it difficult"

"I understand. Keep me appraised of the situation" Cutting the communication, he eased back in his leather chair, the cushion soft and comfortable in his large office. His desk was a clear glass, the surface smooth and new while several potted plants lined the walls. Numerous paintings hung, all of them of stellar vistas or Alliance ships.

The door to his office chimed, the sound light and pleasant.

"Come in"

Sliding open a moment later, the Deputy Prime Minister entered, Amul Shastri taking long strides into the pleasant office.

Hailing from India, his complexion was dark, matching his brushed back hair. With a slight pudge to his cheeks and lips, one could easily discern that he wasn't exactly trim and athletic like Jacob. But while he hadn't been blessed with abundant looks and attractiveness, his goals for bettering the Alliance, of pursuing social programs to lift millions out of poverty on Earth were noteworthy.

If something were to befall Jacob Ackelson, Amul Shastri could take the helm of the Alliance with no issues.

"I just heard the news. Is it really that bad on Sirona?" Settling into a seat located at the front of the desk, Amul was visibly disturbed by the events transpiring on the colony.

"I'm afraid so. I have no doubt casualties will continue to mount as rescue and recovery get underway" Holding up a hand to halt any interruption, Ackelson continued. "I've already ordered a portion of the third fleet to deliver aid and to assist local authorities"

"That's a relief. But will the Batarians sense weakness if you move some of our ships off patrols?"

Jacob shook his head in disagreement. "Admiral Hood assured me that our navy is more than up to the task of protecting the borders from those rabble. Besides, they're still killing each other. They can't afford to launch even a minor raid against the Alliance. But aside from this disaster, I want to go over something with you" Standing up, he came around his desk, taking another seat at the low slung coffee table. Facing Amul, his face became serious. "I want to invite the Seran's to Arcturus. Namely, Chairman Diaz. I know how they are, they can be damn pig headed and stubborn as hell, not to mention the overall differences in culture and government. But wouldn't it benefit both our species to increase our relations?"

Amul Shastri sat for a minute, the seconds ticking away in silence as the blanket of stars rotated beyond the thick, reinforced window of the station. Finally entwining his fingers, the Indian born man leaned forward, his face passive.

"That will be difficult even from a security standpoint. I hardly believe the COG will entrust us to protect their Chairman. I would fully expect a small flotilla to park outside while Onyx Gears would march through Arcturus" Stroking his chin, the browned skin was bare of any sort of beard, not that Amul could ever grow something substantial. "I will say it could be beneficial. After all, Diaz and the Coalition for that matter are quite popular among Latin America. However, there is the fact that they view us as children. That many in the COG see Earth as nothing more than some polluted, overpopulated planet"

"That's precisely why we should have a summit. A way to finally get our outdated opinions in the open, for both sides"

"It would take some serious planning and that's assuming they accept. The Coalition has made no attempt nor shown any interest in visiting the Alliance"

"Then lets change that" Jacob smiled, the Prime Minister continuing. "Let's invite them, let's show them that Terrans are more than some upstarts in the galaxy. That we are worthy of their respect"

Slowly nodding, Amul relented. "Alright. But setting this up will take time. After all, they are across the galaxy and knowing their stubbornness, they won't travel through the Relay's"

"Excellent. In the meantime, I have a speech to make about the current situation on Sirona" Shaking his head, Ackelson knew it was a nasty bit of business, but what could he do aside from promising aid and relief? After all, Sirona was known for seismic and volcanic activity.

Prime Minister Ackelson fervently hoped that would be the worst disaster of his tenure.

Sera, New Ephyra 27th of Sorrow, 427 A.E.

Once again, Izabel Diaz was in the secured bunker far below the streets of New Ephyra, the Chairman at the head of the oval table while several officers occupied the seats. Several were simply holographic representations, the Fleet Admirals simply too far away as they carried out the patrols around the vast Coalition.

Admiral Trescu and Admiral Carmine of the fifth and fourth fleets were conducting patrols near the northern border, sharing the responsibility behind the expansive Border Sensor Array. They were fully upgraded and equipped, the crews battled hardened and trained for war.

Not to say the other four fleets weren't. After all, the upgrades of Slip Space engines and the new Strand class Destroyers had taken priority in case of a situation just as this.

Studying each man and woman present, Diaz gave a subtle nod to Fleet Lord Stratton, the dark skinned man imputing several commands into the floating hologram above the table. With his black uniform with gold trim pressed neatly, the man displayed professionalism as always.

Waiting for the tiny galaxy to spring into existence, Coalition Space became highlighted in blue, Asari Green, and Salarians became a burning, crimson red along the northern curvature past the central maw of the galactic hole.

"As you have all been briefed, war is looking more and more likely between the Salarian Union and ourselves. Currently, we have several of our A.I.'s tasked with scanning communications among the relays and within Council Space, but so far, nothing of note has been identified"

General Anthony Fenix spoke up, the craggy and dour officer's image rippling with movement. "These assholes don't know they're messing with fire. All our ancestors spilled untold blood putting these monsters down and now these Salarians are bringing them back? They deserve what happens to them" Glancing at something offscreen, he returned his attention to the meeting. "I haven't given the orders yet, but my Gears are ready to pacify any uprising from the Salarians when war breaks out"

Izabel assented, her gaze still falling on all the officers. "We do have to remember that this war won't be like the last one. The Salarians will be our enemy, but they are secondary. Wiping out the Locust is our priority. Just to be clear, what is our current battle plan?"

Stratton used several keys to zoom in on the galaxy, namely the northern border of the Coalition. Stretching along the Asari Republics and the now weakened Klor'vian Star Republic, three prongs of assault arrows appeared.

"Currently, our best course of action is to bypass Asari territory by traveling northward along the galactic arm, then turning our forces Westward to the Salarian border. Once there, we cross with the combined forces of the fourth and fifth fleet. The Second will be escorting our infantry forces, so they will remain on standby. I fully expect the Union Navy to fight, but based on their naval strength, we will prevail. Unfortunately, until we have a target zone designated, the operation will be pointless"

"What about infantry forces?"

General Halgrave cleared his throat, the officer's beard of midnight black falling to his tunic collar. His mustache was thick, matching the tone of his beard. His skin tone was average and easily discerned from his bald head while his muscles strained against the sleeves of his uniform. Flitting his green eyes toward Diaz, his voice rumbled. "We believe a full invasion force will be necessary to eliminate this scourge. No less than five hundred thousand including armor and air support" Slamming his fist down, the Seran warrior expelled his anger. "WE SHOULD ATTACK NOW! These arrogant, slimy Salarian's have the Audacity to revive our greatest enemy! Breaking their will is the only path to retribution for this crime!"

Several of the other soldiers rumbled in agreement, the men and women showing distaste.

"I have to agree with General Halgrave. We should strike now" General Armicore uttered, the forty five year old female scowling. Falling blue hair draped the shoulders of her gold trimmed uniform, framing a rather attractive face that hid years of professionalism. Obviously a veteran of the Contact War, she now oversaw the 30th Army on Gulan, the smaller colony along the southern border keeping a high vigilance with training.

It just happened she was on Sera visiting family that allowed her to take part in this meeting.

"Chairman. We have the evidence to destroy Salarian credibility. Despite being their allies, even the Asari and Turians will not be able to ignore these crimes. Striking now will lower the risk of our people suffering at the hands of those…those beasts once more" Emphasizing with a closed fist, Hera Armicore struck the expansive table, the sound reverberating in the underground chamber.

Izabel clasped her hands together, the glow of the floating galaxy illuminating all around as her frown deepened. "It is the best course of action. I have gone over this with the Ministers and several agents of the D.N.I. Attacking now only draws the entire Council into war against us. But when the locust escape, and they will. The Salarians will suffer. Wherever they are hiding their laboratories and factories, the horde will bring war and slaughter. Once that happens, the galaxy will know…THEY WILL KNOW OF SALARIAN CRIMES AGAINST THE COALITION!" Slamming her own open palm against the table, Diaz rose to her feet, her gaze like steel and burning embers. "And once that happens, they are done. The Asari…the Turians and Terrans? They will have no choice but to side with us…or with the horde and the fools that brought them back. If we plan this right, we can see the Council fracture, to be less of a threat to every Seran. Because I have no doubt that if the chance arose, they would pounce on any weakness we displayed. We will slowly build up the needed supplies for invasion. Our Gears and Naval forces will be kept to the highest standards of training for the day. And trust me when I say that day is coming"

Retaking her seat under the bathing light of the tiny galaxy, Chairman Diaz could sense the subtle shift of tones with her officers, the men and women understanding her restraint against the Salarian Union.


Sitting behind her large desk as light snow fell on the city beyond the curving windows of her office, Chairman Diaz could at least enjoy the fact her lunch had been filling and delicious.

But dealing with the approaching conflict with another galactic power sickened her…and all because of the locust horde.

"Disgusting…damn fools must think they're so clever" Picking up a glass of water, she drank, knowing that having booze on her breath for her next meeting would be ill advised.

And while the reasoning for the Salarians and their duplicity was still unknown, Agent Keli had come up with a few theories, notably, using the locust as some sort of shock troops against the Coalition. In a twisted way it made sense, using their most hated and ancient enemy against them, but why? It's not like the Coalition cared what the Salarians did or developed.

"Can't just leave us alone, can they? Slimy worms" Scowling, she brushed a few of her brunette bangs away from her cheek, her tanned skin tone still youthful even after so many years in office.

Maybe in another decade she would actually start looking like a forty year old woman, but even then she was only seventy four. Plenty of time for a few more children if the species required it.

But if she were honest with herself, she would probably leave that to her daughter Valentina. After all, she had far more youthful years ahead.

Getting lost in thought, the door chimed, causing the very attractive Izabel to glance at the clock, the small unit sitting on her desk showing it to be two in the afternoon.

"Damn, already?" Unleashing a weary sigh, she hit the comm button, giving her security beyond the door the all clear.

Entering with purposeful strides, Ambassador Enrico Salvador strode with a smile, his pleasant demeanor always a force to be reckoned with. Wearing a beige suit with a blue tie, the outfit may have been outdated in these modern times, but with the traditions of Serans around him and the embassy staff, it was perfect among the more conservative ideals of the Coalition.

"As usual, he knows how to enter with a pleasant demeanor"

"Chairman! Always a pleasure!" Shaking her hand, Enrico had a firm grip, but Diaz met it with an equal firmness.

"Enrico. Still here?" Earning a light laugh, the man took a seat on the left couch, waiting for Izabel to do the same as she sat across, the smooth table of glass separating them.

"What can I say, Prime Minister Ackelson enjoys my work" Grinning wide, the man from Earth leaned forward, his eyes impish. "He actually has a proposal for you"

"Oh? Something not too extreme I hope" Speaking calmly, Diaz waited despite having an inkling of what the man wanted. After all, the D.N.I didn't just keep an eye on Salarians. The Terrans could easily infiltrate if the COG wasn't careful.

As far as she knew, the D.N.I. didn't interfere with the embassies. The last thing she wanted was some diplomatic incident because some overeager agent tried to steal some files pertaining to a scientific supply drop or some nonsense.

But when they were out in the New Ephyra, visiting historical sites, eating at restaurants, or enjoying the vast, unspoiled wilderness of the homeworld…conversations could be overheard.

Frankly, Diaz wasn't too concerned unless it developed into something greater…like the Salarian issue.

Keeping a pleasant smile, Izabel waited in false anticipation.

"No, nothing so drastic. Ackelson was hoping to initiate a visit to Arcturus Station. Namely by yourself and several key members of your government" Quickly moving on with a wave of his hand, he continued. "Of course, we will accommodate your security needs. My government isn't foolish enough to assume you would simply arrive without your Gears and Navy…within reason of course"

"Not surprising. At least its more pleasant than that other matter"

Voice calm and level, Izabel stared at the ambassador, studying the latin American man. "And what would be the goal of this…trip to Terran space?" Lightly adjusting her dark dress, the slimming garment only seemed to enhance her natural beauty.

"To try and improve relations. The Prime Minister and several in his administration want to show your species that we can build great works. That we are capable of standing tall along the other great races of the galaxy. That we can innovate and build…and that despite our differences, we are so very alike"

"I was under the impression that our relations have improved. After all, I do recall making an idle threat to conquer the Systems Alliance years ago. My personal opinion of Terra has improved since then, after all, tens of thousands fought for the Coalition and even more have emigrated to Pandora seeking a new life"

"All that is true. And while there are numerous groups seeking greater understanding with your people, others are still…disturbed by your genetic policies toward the unborn. Civil rights groups hate you for your destruction of homosexuals and other gender identities"

"I really don't care about the opinions of fools. My species is still recovering from the Locust war, and the last conflict is well known. Repopulation is essential" Voice going firm, Diaz would never accommodate a few disillusioned mental patients from Terra.

Enrico waved in dismissal. "I know that, so does the current administration along with countless Terrans. But that's besides the point. This meeting at Arcturus…I truly think it would benefit the COG and Alliance. Even if it just builds friendlier attitudes, or leads to more trade…maybe even joint industrial or scientific ventures?"

Izabel leaned lightly forward, her hands clasped as her gaze studied the man. "I will admit peace is preferrable to war or mistrust" Thinking for a moment, Diaz weighed the pro's and cons before deciding. "I will travel with a full battle squadron. I don't expect trouble, but I will be prepared for it. Onyx Gears will escort myself and any other officials. If that is acceptable, I will consider a visit to Terran space this coming spring assuming no fresh disaster befalls the Coalition"

"Excellent" Giving another beaming smile, Enrico stood with his hand extended. "I'll inform my government of your answer then begin working on the logistics and timing. I truly believe this will be a great opportunity for the two humanities"

Shaking it with a firm grip, Diaz had to admit the proposal wasn't a terrible one. "We shall see, Ambassador"

Leaving after a few more pleasantries and well wishes, Enrico Salvador left the office just as a howling wind of swirling snow passed the panning windows beyond. Turning her gaze to the increasing storm, Izabel walked over to her mini bar and poured herself a dark liquor. Approaching the window, her gaze panned the Ephyran skyline, the mixture of sleek, modern towers mixed among the gothic architecture of centuries past. Air transports flitted through the air while ground travel slogged through the increasingly snow-clogged roads.

"Yes…we shall see"

Sipping lightly, the snow continued to swirl as Sera entered another winter.

Dagnes, 19th of Thaw, 427 A.E.

The Locust Horde had grown…flourished in the sprawling subterranean caverns beneath the humid surface of Dagnes.

Relocating hundreds of miles away from the initial site established by the STG, the locust horde, along with Doctor Repan Nalu and his few assistants had worked feverishly on their new city in the depths of the planetary crust. Structures had been carved out of the rock, the narrow windows and labyrinth of pathways, roads and stairs intersecting as the sprawl continued downward toward the glowing pools of several subterranean lakes. The glow wasn't artificial, but a deep crust ecosystem of marine and fungal life with natural bioluminescence.

Aside from the water source, none of the locust had any interest in the scientific curiosity as several deep fissures belched heat and gas a mile away. This in turn allowed the harnessing of geothermal heat, a near limitless power source. This obviously allowed the use of machinery, lathes, and the development of minor industries, primarily for the development of weapons and munitions.

Workers crafted the familiar Hammerburst, the weapon blueprints easily found through computer searches. Diggers…boomshots…and of course, the Lancer. All were quite easy to redevelop, the machining lathes of several abandoned mining operations acquired during their long march into the depths.

But it wasn't just weapons being crafted, there were new drones as well…in the thousands. Rapid vat growth dispensed hundreds of fresh troops every few weeks, the large, brutish drones falling under the command of Carn.

More Berserkers had been grown, the females used as breeding stock to further increase the numbers, each pregnancy unleashing dozens of the creatures to rapidly grow into full adults.

The Corpsers had grown exponentially fast, the initial two now full sized as they laid dozens of eggs apiece, growing their numbers before they continued the tasks of digging fresh tunnels through the crust of Dagnes.

Kantus breeding with Berserkers had produced renewed Boomers, the hulking behemoths towering over the drones by at least two feet. Still slow and with low intelligence, they would be critical for wielding heavy weapons along side Maulers and Grinders.

One may wonder what the locust ate, but as luck would have it, the crust of Dagnes was populated by a rather large, mole like creature that was entirely edible for the drones. Breeding food pens had been established in the growing city, the rapidly birthing creatures more than enough to feed the horde.

Luck had once again smiled on the Locust, the area rich in copper, zinc, sulfur, nitrammite and other veins of minerals critical for their industry.

Carn walked briskly past several machine shops, the drones inside working at near frantic speeds to craft weapons, hand explosives, and ammunition for their army. He was now adorned in combat gear, some of it refitted from a dead Salarian. It was a patchwork fit, but then, he only cared about the magnetized back plate that could hold two weapons and allow him to keep his hands free.

Passing more rock carved housing, the locust leader was extremely pleased with the progress of the horde, the numbers rising into the thousands. Taking the main staircase, the steps curled around the central shaft housing hundreds of drones, armories, and workshops. They were wide and ugly, some unevenly cut from the stone, but Carn didn't care about the aesthetics. No, he only cared about progress and increasing their military strength.

Arriving at the bottom, a chamber had been dug into the wall, the opening bare for all to see as one of the lakes glowed a light green nearby. Several cords and pipes snaked along the floor, leading to several more vats and rows of computers, scientific equipment, and apparatus.

A dozen drones stood guard around the area, mainly guarding the large pulley elevator located to the right. All were ugly and armed, their eyes watching the four Salarians work along side several drones with the proper levels of intelligence.

Approaching Doctor Repan who was checking the status of a tumorous growth floating in the bluish nutrient fluid of a vat, Carn halted.

"Doctor. You have something to report" Words sinisterly cold, the large drone leveled his gaze at the Salarian who quickly smiled.

"Ah yes! Will be pleased that splicing the DNA of Rock Moles with Corpser will result in something…quite large. Believe it will be replacement for Brumak variation once fully grown. Aggression will be high, but controllable with pilot. I trust you will mount weapons to…I do not have a viable designation. However, rampant use of genetic engineering has increased my efficiency. Many growth problems have been streamlined and—Ah, started to ramble again" Hitting several keys, Repan flipped his datapad around, showing an image to the commanding drone.

The graphical representation was scaled to the screen, but the creature was estimated to grow at least forty feet long with a height of twenty to twenty five. Six, large legs supported the thick trunk of the torso while large, flat crushing teeth filled the mouth. The eyes were black, a mainstay from the base Rock Mole as Carn studied the creature.

"Excellent work. My drones will be able to mount heavy weaponry to this beast once we take war to the surface" Glancing at the doctor, he had retaken the datapad, the Salarian humming lightly. "Does it disturb you, Doctor? My plans to take this planet?"

"My opinion is unimportant. What is important is advancing my personal knowledge of genetic engineering. Dagnes is backwater planet, hardly critical to survival of Salarian Union. Species will survive due to our sprawling galactic civilization" Looking up in surprise, a thought occurred to him. "Will be very interesting to watch how your species forges a path. Potential allies few, enemies many. Locust will need to secure warships, star systems and numerous industries in order to survive long term. Serans will wage genocidal war once you reveal yourself. Understandable hatred for Locust"

Carn snarled, hating to agree with the scientist. The Coalition had become unbelievably strong now. "They control vast fleets, thousands of light years and are spread across dozens of worlds. War against them will be…difficult" Speaking slowly, the locust cast his gaze to the other three scientists, all of them keeping a low profile.

They feared him, what would befall them if they displeased the horde. But not Doctor Nalu. He simply did not care as long as he could pursue his endeavors.

A very valuable asset void of morality.

"Keep me informed of your progress doctor, the newest drones will be hatched soon and I must oversee their training"

"Yes yes. Work will continue" Waving in dismissal, the doctor went quickly walked over to another vat, the same bulbous mass of a Rock Mole growing within. Checking the data feed, Repan input a few commands, ensuring viability.

In the coming months that carried into the next year, the Horde would continue to grow exponentially.

Dagnes, City of Heloni, 1st of Storm, 428 A.E.

Home to over a million Salarians, Heloni was the largest city on the planet of Dagnes. Settled at the joining fork of two large rivers, the waterway fed into the Volkan Sea further downstream. Towering monoliths of steel and glass basked under the sunlight, the skyscrapers a testament to the species ingenuity. Ebbing outward from the city center, the towers diminished into apartment blocks, business and industrial sectors, then finally, suburban sprawl of individual homes. Past the city outskirts, low laying wetlands decorated the landscape until the land rose once more into a stretching view of hills along the horizon.

The spaceport was bustling for a colony of this size, a collection of trader vessels, transports, and interplanetary barges standing tall and serene along the sprawling tarmacs of the landing zones. One ship lifted off, its passengers taking the transport to Rennia, the smaller city located eight hundred miles away across the vast waters of the Volkan Sea.

Tremors struck the area again, the vibrations concerning to the average citizen going about their business.

Shops and stores hummed with business and transactions, the rapidly moving citizens and shoppers rapidly assessing their needs or desires among the towering commercial district.

Traffic had slowed to a crawl as another tremor shook the ground, visibly stumbling several dozen as they braced against nearby benches, lamp posts or buildings with cries of alarm.

"Another tremor? What is going on? Heloni isn't near any fault lines?" One male asked his friend. The tremor subsided for a moment, leaving the nearby intersection a snarl of vehicles that had came to a panicked stop.

"I heard that they were trying to reopen some of the old mines to the West"

"Why? They're all dried up" Finding the effort useless, the two males continued to walk, then fall as another violent tremor shook the pavement to the point several vehicles collided and storefronts cracked from the shaking.

"An earthquake? We should get to co—"

The center of the intersection bowed downward like a sinkhole, swallowing up several trucks and private vehicles that disappeared in a violent cracking of pavement and panicked screams.

Large limbs jutted skyward, the thick, armored appendages pulling up the first Corpser.

"RRRRROOOOOAAARRGHHH!"

Filling the air, the beast fully emerged, the massive arachnid stomping toward the nearest building. Driving into the corner, its mass made quick work of the outer surfaces and glass, the falling debris crushing several to death.

"Wh…THOSE ARE LOCUST!" Screaming in horror, Dorrfin tried to pick himself up, his friend scrambling in terror as the Emergence hole burst with drones.

"ATTACK!" Voice raw and sinister, the Kantus priest aimed his Venom into the screaming crowds and fired, the cluster munition bursting at the feet of several males and a female alien. Ripping apart, the nearby store front burst inward from the blast as green gore splattered the sidewalk.

Gunfire ripped and slew, cutting down the citizens as panic and fear took over, none equipped mentally or physically to deal with this sudden nightmare.

Crawling upward out of the massive hole, several larger, armored Grinders and Boomers appeared, their heads covered by a dark helmet while each wore heavier, thicker armor. Fused with kinetic barriers, this would ensure greater survivability as the beasts marched forward, joining their brethren in the attack on the surface.

Holding a long, silver weapon with six long barrels along with a large box attached, the energy core would feed the weapon with thousands of burning light rounds.

"Hehehe…Grind…" Squeezing the trigger, one of the grinders aimed at the backs of fleeing Salarians, the massed crowd flooding the wide boulevard. Taking a moment to 'spin up', the aperture erupted with red, sinister light, cutting down a swath of innocents. Limbs were severed…torsos cut in half while others lost legs to the burning, hellish barrage of laser light. Flesh burned, the stink of slaughter filling the humid air as more screamed.

"Boom!"

Explosive ordinance impacted a store front, the thermic rounds slicing through several hiding shoppers inside as the destructive blast sundered flesh and glass.

Hundreds of drones burst from the earth inside the lobby of a commercial building, the Salarians inside helpless as they tried to flee toward emergency exits. The locust didn't care, their goal of war and slaughter just beginning. Killing with impunity, they spread out, gunning down all in their path as green blood was spilled.

"RUN! RUN!" Overcome with absolute terror, Dorrfin had lost his friend, Herk gunned down just minutes before. Knowing nothing could be done, Dorrfin fled, flowing into the mass of citizens fleeing for their lives.

Trying to escape the crowded, clogged canyons of the commerce sector, traffic was snarling to a halt as more screams and explosions came from the South, West and North.

Pushing, panicking Salarians went almost feral, the flight or fight response in their brain overriding logic as the locust quickly spread onto side streets and alleyways, or in the case of some, exterminating the workers of several larger buildings.

Approaching a few security officers, the uniformed police tried to keep order, shifting the fleeing crowd toward several side streets.

The ground trembled, shaking with violence, causing Dorrfin to stumble. Falling to the pavement, he was crushed to death under the stampede…not that it mattered.

Another, massive Emergence hole appeared in the center of the boulevard, the intersection collapsing as dozens of Salarians and the few officers were swallowed by the planet.

Emerging with rage, more drones, Kantus, Boomer and Grinders climbed out, their merciless assault a nightmare to behold as they fired into the masses, cutting down countless lives. Advancing outward in a wide circle, the assault troops cleared the sprawling hole as a new beast appeared.

Supported by six legs, the thick trunks were heavily armored, the hide more than enough to shrug off normal gunfire. Colored a dirty brown with splotches of black, the creature's neck was short, leading upward a rounded head filled with flat, plant crushing teeth. The lower jaw was affixed with stirrups, connecting to a pilot seat secured to the neck. Fixed on the forward shoulders to either side of the pilot were two, large cannons, the coloration dull and ugly with terrible intent. Behind the pilot was another fixed seat, the second locust the primary gunner as he controlled not only the shoulder cannons, but the anti air weapon capable of aerial interception.

'RRROOOARG!'

Bellowing in a thunderclap of noise, the Behemoth stomped forward as the gunner snarled with glee and fired, the twin cannons barking out a dual flare of light and noise. Impacting the façade of a twenty story structure, the blast rippled across half a dozen floors, killing dozens inside. Stomping down the street behind hundreds of supporting drones, the Behemoth's anti-air flared with light, the stabbing shafts cutting down several aircraft in mindless slaughter.

Obviously, the spaceport was one of the first targets, personally led by Carn and several hundred drones with mixing heavy support.

Bursting from the middle of the main tarmac, the locust spilled outward like a rotten pustule, the soldiers cutting down dockworkers with extreme violence.

"Secure the ships…take to the stars…" Approaching a large vessel, Carn shot into the fleeing backs of several slender aliens, the Lancer rifle a sharp crack compared to the mixed use of Salarians rifles, laser light, and gunpowder. Approaching one of the wounded aliens, Carn revved up the chainsaw blade, then plunged it into the back of the wounded Salarian dock worker. Green blood and gore sprayed among the screaming, splattering Carn's boots with ichor. Ripping the spinning blades free, Carn kept up the assault.

A drone stepped into the opened hatch of the large, sleek transport, its hull a dull blue. Having been in the middle of resupply and unloading shipments of goods, the locust stormed inside, killing the remainder of the crew.

Carn grinned, his sharpened teeth hidden as more vessels quickly fell to the horde, the specially trained drones falling into their tasks to pilot the vessels upward into the surrounding system.

Wind billowed, carrying the stench of burning flesh and fear. Turning, the war leader of the new horde watched in anticipation as the first ship lifted off, its bays loaded with several dozen while the engines hummed with power.

Incoming fire flared, furrowing the tarmac near his feet. Crouching on instinct, Carn took cover behind a low wall with a full company of locust, the force firing at the spaceport and its stretching control tower toward the right hand side.

"Continue the attack. Kill all inside!" Roaring out his orders, Carn fired at the building, covering several groups of attacking locust as they charged toward the low slung rows of windows and doors.

Retaking cover as more fire came from the control tower, he didn't have to wait long as a Behemoth emerged from the large E-hole, the pilot and gunner immediately turning toward the annoying Salarians embedded in the tower.

Unleashing two heavy cannon rounds at the upper floor, the explosives burst, taking the entire control room in a single blast as steel and glass rained down in an epic flow of ruin. Pieces of bodies landed nearby, the flesh cooked and burnt as rubble fell.

"Forward!" Jumping up, Carn rushed across the remaining open ground to the spaceport, his black armor painted with the yellow cross of the locust army. Thick, heavy and fixed with kinetic barriers, it was befitting of the new leader as he charged into the maw of battle, killing all those he saw as enemies.

Across the planet of Dagnes, the locust burst from their caverns, bringing war and destruction to Porthea, the capital city. Rennia, Heloni, Volkanna…all of them burned under the onslaught as the first hour saw nearly half a million die under the locust bootheel.

Military and civilian authority was completely overwhelmed, the backwater colony having nowhere near the means or weapons to fight against such a devastating and terrible enemy.

Within half a day, the death toll had climbed to over a million, the amphibian species dying by the thousands every hour.


Varn floated in the sterile void over Dagnes, the Salarian cruiser watching the cities burn below. Currently floating near the minor space station and naval dockyard, all the ships basked under the steady glow of the local star…not that the serene pulsating of light did anything to lift the current nightmare.

Sitting in the central command chair of his bridge, Captain Kirarle tried to remain dispassionate…detached to the suffering engulfing the colony. But the sheer shock…the…horror made him question anything.

Looking around at the bridge crew, they were silent, all monitoring the situation as they huddled at their stations, the hard light keyboards an orange glow among the soft blues of the bridge.

Watching the latest news report coming from the surface on the sprawling screens around the bridge, he grimaced as the reporter was killed brutally as the roar of a Berserker sent survivors screaming in all directions.

Curling his fist in growing anger, Kirarle cut off the video feed, the images sickening in the mindless slaughter of his fellow Salarians.

"Does anybody have any theories on how the locust reached Dagnes!? They are extinct, and I highly doubt the Serans would allow them to travel across the galaxy to hide below the crust of the colony!"

"Deep space spore similar to Thresher Maws? Perhaps they have some unknown ability and escaped Sera before extinction? Landed on Dagnes, burrowed and only became active recently?"

"Sera is thousands of light years away, if the locust had some deep space spore ability, they would still be in Coalition space, traveling at sub light through the darkness. No, this is something else"

"Sir. I'm picking up dozens of civilian ships on approach. Many are damaged and are claiming they are filled with refugees. Claiming numerous wounded and that they barely escaped the locust attack"

"Establish communications" Ordering crisply and rapidly, Captain Kirarle would take no chances. He didn't think the locust could pilot ships, but he would not make the assumption.

Reorienting his gaze to the main screen, the communication was opened, showing a Salarian with green blood trickling down his face from a large gash above his left eye. His skin tone was a light brown while the upper portions of a blue suit could be seen, the material flecked with more of his blood.

"Please help! Locust…LOCUST EVERYWHERE! Killed so many. Barely escaped Porthea on my cargo ship! Dozens wounded! Need food and water, medical care! The…the slaughter…" The trader's eyes brimmed with fresh horrors, hiding sights and sounds within his mind. "Several ships damaged, many have no communications! Locust…locust were trying to reach spaceport…I…I did my best to save lives…" Voice hollow, the trader was on the verge of panic, his short breaths carrying across the gulf of space.

"We will assist with medical care and supplies" Giving a slightly relaxed sigh, Captain Kirarle at least knew the civilian vessels were carrying actual civilians. "Identify those that need the most assistance and direct them toward the Dorrin Space Dock. We will assist our people" Standing up, the Captain of the Varn turned toward the bridge door, the heavy partition sliding open on his approach. "Have medical technicians standing by. I will gather more intel if possible"

Leaving the bridge, Kirarle was tragically unaware of the death he just had invited on board his ship.

Ravv waited patiently for the air to cycle, the large locust drone fully engulfed in armor. His helmet was thick and sealed, giving the specially trained Vessel Assault Drone all the security he needed to survive the harshness of vacuum in case of hull breech. Holding a Venom shotgun toward his chest, he waited in a stack with dozens of other drones in similar assault attire, most equipped with rifles, pistols, or in the case of one towering beast, a heavy butcher blade.

Still in disbelief that the squirmy, little aliens had allowed them through, the attachment with the Varn had been disturbingly easy.

Half a minute later, the airlock was done as the hatch opened, giving the locust access to the Varn.

Stepping out, Ravv shot at the closest Salarian, presumably a medic. The microbomblets of the Venom burst, turning the crewman into a green smeared paste along the floor as the locust stormed the hallway.

"Take the ship! Let none escape!" Words of sinister intent traveled among the drones as Ravv shot again, unknowingly killing Captain Kirarle who had arrived to greet the refugees. Spreading to the first intersection of the ship, Ravv turned right with half the Assault Drones as the other half turned left. "Secure engines. I will take the bridge…" Snarling with a hideous smile behind his helmet, Ravv moved with the locust, killing with brutal efficiency as most of the crew were unarmed.

Alarms blared after a minute, dousing the clean hallways in a deep magenta. "ATTENTION CREW! LOCUST HAVE BREECHED THE SHIP! ARM YOURSELVES!"

Ravv shot down a side hallway, the bursting fragments of his Venom shotgun ripping into the soft flesh of two crewmen who were sprinting in haste.

"Hurry to the bridge my brothers!" Pushing the phalanx of troops forward, they soon came under fire as the Varn's crew set up hasty barricades, the Salarians hiding behind desks, tables, and any object that could block the passageway. Searing, stabbing light came from their weapons, filling the recycled air as the alarms kept blaring with the low pulse of the emergency lights.

Taking cover in several recessed doorways and alcoves, the drones assaulted the position. Flashes of red, sinister light flared, the pulses burning through one of the Salairan's head in a fresh stink of charring.

One of the drones threw a grenade, the bomblet arching above the staccato of fire before landing among a small cluster of the naval crew. Screams of alarm were replaced with screams of pain and agony as it burst, flinging thermic shards in a super heated burst that ripped four aliens to shreds.

"Hehehe…Chopper…" Reaching the line as several aliens tried to fall back, the largest drone swung his ugly, green tinted blade, bisecting a narrow Salarian head in two as emerald gore spattered his chest piece. Kicking the refuse away, Chopper strode forward as the locust advanced toward the bridge, each eager to take the warship from the slimy creatures.

Communications were flooding into the Dorrin Trade Station, the command center in a near panic as officers and crewmen tried to get a handle on the unfolding disaster.

Dagnes was burning…the few surviving military units trying to form some sort of plan to evacuate survivors from the major cities.

But that was already a secondary concern as fleeing civilian vessels had already docked with the station, opening the door to slaughter as some had contained drones. Not only that, but several frigates were currently docked, the ships undergoing resupply as the crews were spread all over the station.

They would no doubt prove easy pickings for the Locust Horde.

"Sir! I'm getting reports that Varn, Rooke, Toran, Bestile, Hervin, and Dornant are under direct assault from Locust ships! Grent, Nulle, and Jok are firing at all the refugee vessels!"

A minor explosion rocked the station, the blast reverberating through the decks from the dockyard and trade sector. Like fools, the station had accepted the ships, believing all to contain scared, terrified citizens. And for the most part, that's what they were. But some…some had held locust, the drones pouring out form their vessels the moment then docked to begin a fresh slaughter among the narrow alleys, passages and communities of the orbital colony hanging above the moon.

Commander Nuile tried to keep his mind level…his heart dispassionate, but deep down, he already knew they were all dead.

"We can't concern ourselves with the plight of the navy. Have all the citizens arm themselves and prepare to defend from the infestation of locust" Standing up, Nuile reached for his service pistol, the weapon light, but all he had. Face taking on a distinct sadness, he looked around at his command, the circular room blaring with flaring alarm lights as multiple screens showed the locust invasion of the surface. "Ensure a message reaches Sur'kesh. We cannot let this vermin spread" Knowing that this was his last day, Commander Nuile left, intent on leading the defense of the station from the front lines despite the coming death for them all as another explosion came from the deeper levels, vibrating the floors once again as the sounds of screams and gunfire grew closer.

Pranas System, Sur'kesh, Capital City of Talat

Rain fell on the humid world, the steaming jungles and humidity a secondary beauty to the glittering cities of the Salarian homeworld.

Talat had been settled long ago, the city of millions sprawling outward into the vast rainforests that covered most of the planet. Towering monoliths of blue, glittering steel mixed with vibrant green vegetation lined wide roadways, the crowded populace unaware of the crisis unfolding at the far edges of the Annos Basin that spanned hundreds of light years in all directions.

A sprawling complex that covered several city blocks, the Daltress House of Unions was a structure nearly two thousand years old. Standing ten stories tall, its edges and roof were rounded while exterior arches of support flared outward, guarding the main entrance way. Sprawling, curved windows lined the floors, each allowing the sights of the city to fall within.

Rain water sluiced across the exterior surfaces of the nearby window of the main chamber, the room inhabited by the dozen most powerful Daltress on Sur'kesh. All female, they remained silent at their respective seats while the unfiltered horror played above the circular table of hardwood. Represented in holographic three dimensions, the locust attack on Dagnes was visibly disturbing to all.

Daltress Multinn kept passively silent, the female not displaying any of the raging inner turmoil consuming her mind. Blinking rapidly, her dark eyes revealed nothing among the off-green skin pattern of her features. Wearing silver enshrouded robes that spoke of the power of her clan, Multinn maintained her silence. "How did this happen? Agents assured me that security protocols would be followed strictly! The STG will pay for their incompetence!"

Staying calm, Daltress Multinn had fully recognized the threat of the Serans, but instead of just talking about it like so many of the other clan leaders, she had done something about it.

Clearly, it had failed in the most terrible way.

"Are the Serans responsible for this?"

"Doubtful. They loathe the locust for their near extinction. If they wished war, they would attack, not revive their hated foe and plant it on a minor colony"

"I have heard rumors of the Special Tasks Group investigating the possibility of reviving the locust for military applications. Clan Vernal investigated, but it was a baseless rumor enshrouded in foolishness" Another Daltress admitted, her gaze narrowed at the vile images still unfolding.

"Clearly, your investigation was flawed. Clan Torg has greater influence than Vernal. We will investigate if the STG had a hand in this, and who approved it"

Another of the females frowned, her bright robes of red hiding most of her form. "We cannot allow this to spread. Naval assets and infantry forces must be used to secure Dagnes and eliminate threat"

"Communication suppression is required, Seran's cannot be allowed to discover revived locust. Could lead to war. Military forces must make preparations for first strike"

Several concurred, their rapid nods and shifting facial tones indicating agreement.

"If STG or one of the clans responsible, political ramifications will be severe. This must be kept secret. Clan Follill suggests a military blockage of the surrounding sector to ensure security"

"This will be done. Clans are in agreement in this regard" Finishing her words, Daltress Hunn watched the latest transmissions unfolding above the table as several Salarians were gunned down by locust drones in the rubble strewn street of Prothea.

Sera, New Ephyra, 3rd of Storm, 428 A.E.

The bunker below the streets of New Ephyra were somber and dark, the only illumination coming from the roiling images coming from the floating holo projection.

Violence and slaughter…loss and brutality…fear and blood. The images were a renewed nightmare for the Serans as the locust emerged from the depths, all heavily armed and equipped.

A Corpser bellowed as it came under fire from some aircraft, but it was ineffectual as the arachnid burrowed into a street, taking dozens of innocents with it.

"What planet?"

"Dagnes Chairman. In the home cluster of the Salarian Union. The images were uploaded by one of our A.I. monitoring communications through the Relay Network" Agent Kannorberg filled in before continuing. "They had a communications black out erected within the hour and current news reports describe a viral outbreak in attempts to hide their crimes"

"I assume our forces are ready?"

"Yes, Chairman"

"I'll summon an emergency session in the House of Sovereigns" Standing up, the officers followed, each with their final tasks of preparations.

Widow System, The Citadel. Five hours later.

Ambassador Almstead was in his office, the multitude of plants providing a pleasant smell as he sat across from the Terran Ambassador, Ichika Kojima, the Japanese woman still secure in her position despite the change of administration.

Wearing a modest red dress, her dark hair flowed to her shoulders, the bangs framing her face as transports rushed past the panning window, each vehicle humming in a rapid passing. Crossing her long legs, Kojima sat back, her posture relatively relaxed as she sipped on a light glass of wine.

"I must admit that when this proposal first arose, I thought it was a ruse. After all, Chairman Diaz is well known to be rather difficult when it comes to the Alliance. The fact that she is willing to travel into Alliance space is surprising, but well received among my government"

"The galaxy is relatively peaceful now, and the Coalition is slowly rebuilding and repopulating. Pandora is thriving, proving that we can all live together in relative peace. However, I must emphasize that security will be carried out by the COG, including escorting naval vessels"

Kojima set down the glass of wine, her smile small, but genuine. "While it may take longer with your government's refusal to use the Relays, the Alliance is more than prepared for the delegation to arrive at Arcturus at the start of summer"

Almstead was about to speak, but his computer chimed, the piece of technology checked daily for hacks or infesting codes. "Excuse me for a moment" Standing up, he sat down behind his desk, his government code unlocking the device moments later.

Ichika watched the color drain from Almstead's features, his skin tone going a deathly white as his eyes hardened. Plugging in a data drive, his jaw set, the normally kind and pleasant ambassador clearly angered by the news. Pulling the portable drive, Jonathan rapidly stood. "I'm sorry Ambassador, but the summit is cancelled"

Surprise took Ambassador Kojima, the attractive woman almost gulping like a fish out of water. "What? Why? Everything was accounted for"

"You will find out within the day. Now please, I must meet with the Council immediately" Barely waiting for several Onyx Gears to escort the Terran from the Seran Embassy, Jonathan Almstead made a beeline to the tower as the heavily armed Gears stomped behind him in a rare display of power.

Tevos sat behind her raised podium, slowly reading over the latest directive to expand the exploration fleets.

"Exploration away from the main trade lanes and Mass Relays will surely benefit all our species. Truly exciting" Valern commented, the Salarian Councilor reading over the estimated costs for such endeavors.

Sadly for him, he hadn't even been informed of the lies of propaganda coming from Dagnes, let alone the tragedy unfolding.

"I'm more hopeful of finding unknown garden worlds. Especially those fit for my own species" Councilor Procus added, the older male still two years from retirement.

"We all hope for that. We could be on the cusp of a new colonial age" Smiling hopefully, Tevos looked up as Ambassador Almstead strode in, the man looking like he could spit nails as fury seemed to crease his features.

"Ambassador? What brings you to the tower?" Tevos inquired with a bit of worry, the anger practically palpitating off his body.

Coming to a stop near the holographic pedestal in the corner, he plugged in the data stick, uploading the contents which began to play.

Images of Salarians stealing locust bones flowed on particles of light, the recorded crime time stamped and unwavering in its authenticity. A minute later, the images were rapidly replaced by the violence of war, slaughter and nightmare as drones fired into the scrambling hordes of Salarians, the screams of dying filling the chamber.

Letting it play, Ambassador Almstead turned his gaze to Valern, his eyes burning like coal. "As of this moment, The Coalition of Ordered Governments is at war with the Salarian Union. The crimes include illegal genetic research. Breaking Article Seven of the Onyx Accords. Unleashing a revived, Locust Horde upon the galaxy in an attempt to bring war against the COG. Your species will face the full brunt of the Coalition as we re-exterminate the monsters your people brought back"

His voice was like knives, cutting through the air before his gaze turned to Tevos…then Procus. "Your respective species are believed to be innocent in this…this unforgivable act of aggression. You will be considered neutral unless you fire upon our ships" Turning, he managed to take five steps before Valern shot up, the young Councilor clearly angry.

"This is madness! You declare war on the full might of the Council!?"

Jonathan Almstead turned, his gaze centering on Tevos who looked visibly shaken. Lingering for a moment, he addressed the Salarian. "What makes you think your allies will side with a species that unleashed the locust horde on the galaxy? As far as we see it, you're no better than the Quarians unleashing the Geth" Leaving, his shoes made a small 'click' with each step, the sound drowned out by the screaming images still unfolding via the holo table in the corner of the room.

Procus watched for a minute, the images of Drones…Berserkers and Corpsers…the historical nightmare once again alive for all to see. Sure, the images could be faked, but what possible reason would the Serans have for such duplicity? Turning, his silver gaze burned with fresh rage at the Salarian.

"Valern? What have your people done?" Tevos asked with a hollow voice, the Asari knowing deep down that this…this was no lie. Looking down at her hands, they were shaking…trembling with the realization of newfound horrors and conflict.

The hated enemies of the Serans were back, and it was the Salarians who had unleashed them.

Valern hurried from the chamber, the slender alien saying nothing.

"GET ME C-SEC! I WANT EVERY BYTE OF DATA ON THAT DRIVE ANALYZED LINE BY LINE!" Roaring in new found fury, Procus would have to inform the Primarch and his government of what had just transpired.

His words were heard, several Turians rushing in as they retrieved the data drive, the lingering images of locust fading in a falling of light particles.

Tevos sat still, her mind reeling. "Our allies…revived the Locust? This…this has to be a lie, a mistake…something…"

But her hands continued to shake, trembling with each heartbeat as the gears of war turned once more…

I believe that is a good place to end the chapter. Obviously, the next chapter will be full of combat, action and more as the Locust spread, the ships they've taken more than enough to transport fresh colonies into the void!

Hopefully everybody enjoys the chapter! I'll be working on Bisca's Journey next, then back to Viewing the Multiverse for possibly Resident Evil. Check it out if you want!

The Happy