Rising from the Embers of Sera

by thehappy

The people of Sera rebuild, spreading to the stars. Wars will be waged. Peace will be sought. The Coalition has risen from the ashes to take their right to exist in the galaxy. They will survive...no matter the cost.

14. Chapter Thirteen: Downfall

Hey everybody, I'm back with another chapter for you all to enjoy. I do apologize for taking so long. Work is getting busy and my computer monitor really started to go to the point I could barely read anything on the screen. But aside from that, this chapter will see the war end.

So read, review, and enjoy!

Chapter 13: Downfall

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Tenvor'ti System. 424 A.E. 27th of Storm

Ha'voc floated restlessly near the bustling fleetyard of the fifth planet in the system, the dead world an obvious choice due to its high concentrations of metals and resources. Dotted with subterranean mining operations and domed cities, the church's manic preservation laws had no sway here. After all, a dead world had no place to be protected like the humid laden jewel of Tenvor'ti.

Supply ships flitted to and fro, laden with raw materials and finished components for the rampant ship building industry. Orbital berths sparked with construction, suited Klor'vians in harsh vacuum welding and working with the omnipresent drive of the holy church.

One of the largest berths held a monolith of a war vessel, the hull still only half plated and scrambling with hasty crews. Still un-named, the ship was a response to the Seran Monitors and would be a truly devastating warship once finished. But that was only one of many as missile frigates, destroyers and the effective plasma cruisers were being worked on with a desperate haste.

In total, The Caliphate could muster approximately four thousand warships and another thousand corvettes, not including those taken by the church for the foolish assault against the planet of Glortha and its defeated survivors now living in prison camps. But only the 3rd and 4th fleet were in system as the other two were protecting the vital world of Be'srah, the very first colony of their people and the most populous aside from the home world herself.

None of this really mattered to fleetmaster Bo'klar however as the officer seethed and raged in his personal quarters.

"THAT FOOL! WE"RE LOSING THIS WAR AND HE ORDERS AN ATTACK WITH NEARLY TWO THIRDS OF OUR REMAINING CORVETTES! DOES HE WANT OUR SPECIES TO GO EXTINCT!?" Throwing the datapad across the room, the device cracked upon the wall, the emerald tinted screen flickering with damage.

Trying to wrest his rage as his throat sac burned a harsh crimson, Bo'klar flexed his fingers and fists, his mind and breathing a harsh rasp. Cursing his child-like demeanor and attitude, he stomped across his quarters and picked up the pad.

It was thoroughly broken, not that it was important. Dropping it in a recycle bin, Bo'klar marched to the expansive window of his quarters, his reptilian eyes falling upon the bustling fleetyard.

"We've lost Bo'link, Le'hak, and Glortha. Vio'shelek is nothing but a shell of its former glory. Our losses now total nearly two billion war dead and Y'larv…" He cursed the name like burning vitriol, his hatred for the church and this damned war filling his mind. "He wants to punish a few thousand of our citizens for surrendering even while all hope is lost…like the Coalition won't destroy all those ships the moment they emerge in system. Assuming the priest in charge makes it to Glortha at all" Pursing his large lips in scowl, the officer knew time was up.

"Even with the few months of time the Coalition gave us during their invasion campaigns, we cannot defeat them. Not anymore. Even if by some miracle I did achieve a naval victory, there is still the unified might of the Citadel Council fleets. Which by now will have had more than enough time to replenish losses, repair their ships, and formulate a new offensive. If they join the Serans, there is nothing to stop them from burning our civilization to ashes…there is no time left"

Bo'klar sighed heavily, knowing that his path was the right one, but many of his people would no doubt be caught in the crossfire.

While he had been careful making contacts with infantry officers, local officials and naval personnel he could trust to see the ruinous war of the church, the rebuilt fleets had presented another problem. Y'larv had appointed the First and Second fleets with new fleetmasters. While Bo'klar could trust the now promoted Fleetmaster Tre'mak and commanders Jae'rill and Gril'va, any other high ranking officers could either side with him or the Caliphate.

It would have to do.

Walking over to his desk, he pushed a button near the console, his voice a rasp. "Summon Fleetmaster Tre'mak, Jae'rill and Gril'va to the Ha'voc. We must discuss the upcoming operations against the Serans"

"Of course, Fleetmaster. Right away"

Ending the short call, the male reptilian sighed, taking a small moment to try and enjoy the humidity and calmness of his quarters among the churning sea of stars beyond.

Fleetmaster Tre'mak sat at the left side of the table, his chair comfortable. Across from him were the two commanders, each speculating on the purpose of this meeting.

After all, there really wasn't much to plan. It boiled down to fight and die.

Gril'va turned in his seat, his reptilian eye blinking while the figure of Bo'klar sat at the front of the table. A simple construct of glass and metal, it had a minor green tint while a central holographic display console sat in the center.

"Fleetmaster? Why have you summoned us? We could have easily communicated from our own vessels"

Interlocking his fingers, Bo'klar remained silent for a full minute, humid moisture dripping down his scales as the other officers waited. Casting his gaze upon them all in turn, he finally spoke. "Gril'va. Tell me in your honest opinion. How well is this war going? Is the church leading us to victory? Please be honest and fear no repercussions"

Gril'va eyed the hero of Vio'shelek, then turned his gaze upon his fellow officers. Darting his eyes back toward Bo'klar, his voice was steady. "We are losing, badly. Half our worlds are gone and the church sends us to our deaths by the thousands for no gain. Even if we were to retake our territory, we are simply outnumbered and outgunned with the entire galaxy pushing for our destruction"

Bo'klar nodded, then pushed a few keys, bringing up a holographic representation of Caliphate space. Nearly half burned red, the world of Tarn now bordering Seran occupied space. "I have ran the simulations over and over…hundreds of times. If we maintain our current course…continue to follow the madness of corrupt priests that started a war for no other reason than to take the rightful worlds of others…we will be exterminated within half a year" Pushing another button, a small video began to play, showing a unified force of Council and Coalition ships advancing nearly unopposed. The remaining fleets of the Caliphate died in fire, the worlds turned to ash and by the time stamp, less than a year passed before the last desperate holdouts died under orbital fire by the Seran onslaught.

"Is this accurate? Surely our rebuilt fleets can do something?" Tre'mak inquired with a growing sense of dread and desperate hopelessness.

"If Y'larv hadn't sent two of our corvette fleets on a brain addled suicide run to punish a few thousand surrendered soldiers, we might have had a chance to buy time. But now? We have lost"

"Is there nothing we can do?" Commander Jae'rill rasped out, his voice a gnarled twist of gravel.

Bo'klar slowly nodded, his yellow eyes filled with commitment. "We topple the church, install a new government and sue for peace, whatever it is. It is either that, or our species will be exterminated" Standing up, he braced his palms against the table, his command sash and bare scales ripe with moisture. "The real question is…will you betray me and the future of our people? Or will you fight for a peace and end to this dreadfully pointless war?"

The three officers went silent, knowing that going against the church was the highest treason. But to do nothing…

Gril'va scoffed, folding his broad arms across his breezy tunic, the sash of his rank rustling with the motion. "We're already dead in a year anyway. Would like to see my hatchlings grow up even if it's a harsh peace. Assuming the Coalition stops their war anyway"

"I believe they will with pressure from the Council. If I can install a moderate government we have a chance! But only with your help can I succeed!" Slamming a fist down, the table lightly shook.

Tre'mak gave a curling grin, his large lips almost impish in nature. "We've fought through some nasty battles and I've always hated the arrogance of those priests anyway"

"What's your plan? Bombard the capital and destroy the church in one blow?" Jae'rill quickly inquired, the officer eager to know.

Bo'klar scoffed, his throat tickling with amusement and relief that he didn't have to kill any of these experienced officers. Keeping the sidearm hidden under the table, he answered. "Unfortunately Klortha is a holy city and destroying it would kill our efforts long before our enemies could. Every citizen and solider would want our heads for destroying such an ancient and powerful site. No, we'll have to take control of essential government centers, arrest or kill the leadership, and fight off loyalist fleets. Fortunately for us, we're already in the home system"

"The first and second are still raw and rebuilt with a small core of veteran ships and crews. I've had the chance to talk with the newly appointed fleetmasters" Barking the word in derision, Tre'mak was not impressed by the appointed church officers.

In his humble opinion, they were incapable or running a cargo barge, let alone hundreds of warships.

"That doesn't dismiss the fact that they do control about half our remaining naval forces. Speaking of, what do we do about those recently departed corvette fleets?" Gril'va asked with obvious worry.

"Striking now would only have the church order them to turn around and strike us while we support our infantry brothers in arms. We wait until they've been destroyed by the Serans, thus weakening the churches forces even further. But we must move quickly to destroy or seize the opposing naval forces once that happens" Lowering his gaze, Bo'klar studied each Klor'vian in the room. "We cannot fail. The fate of our people hangs in the balance. Now, let us start formulating proper battle plans"

With that, the four naval officers continued to conspire as the Ha'voc hung in the desolate void among nearly two thousand ships, its crew unknowing of the coming insurrection.

AS-55-HLL1 424 A.E. 12th of Gale

Beacon of Justice emerged from the Mass Relay, a snapping surge of bluish light and cascading energies bringing the flagship of the 2nd Republic fleet into the dead system. Commanded by Rana B'sayle, the Asari Admiral sat silently and patiently among the stirring motions of her bridge crew.

"New upgrades. Fully tested and integrated after reverse engineering by our scientist and Salarian technicians. It's an honor I suppose despite being immediately thrown into the cauldron of war"

Thirty three point six light years per day. Her ship and the accompanying fleet could now travel to systems outside the relay network without sacrificing weeks or months in transit. Not only that, but their use of the relay network was unhindered, the engine upgrades easily integrated with element zero fuel.

"Admiral. The Terran 3rd Fleet and the Turian 5th, 7th, and 10th fleets are already holding position near the third planet. No sign of the Salarians"

Rana cursed in her mind. The Salarians were even worse at large scale engagements than her own people. Of the big three, they had the smallest navy. While she had no doubt they managed to repair and replenish their losses by now, they were more likely to strike at a critical time or simply try to gain intelligence.

"No matter" Gazing out of the hardened glass of her cross shaped dreadnaught, Rana always marveled at the beauty of her people's ships aesthetics. While the distances were far too great for Asari eyes, she could appreciate the streamlined look of Terran designs or the nearly avian streamlined construction of Turian warships.

"Humorous in a slight way. The Turians are somewhat jealous of the utilitarian rifle look of Seran warships. Sharp edges, no beauty and simple blocky construction led to a warship of high survivability and firepower. No doubt new classes in the coming years will try to copy such aesthetics"

A younger officer at tactical stirred, her fingers punching several light keys at her station. "Ma'am. The Terrans are transmitting sensor data from Vio'shelek from several probes. No enemy assets detected nor defenses. For all intents and purposes, the system is undefended"

B'Sayle felt a heaviness from that news. So much death and suffering had occurred there, and now they would walk right back in like nothing happened. "So many friends and comrades I've known for decades…most likely still floating among the void among shattered hulls and broken lives"

"Thank you. Initiate Battle stations" Studying a screen that linked to an external camera as the bridge dipped a deep red, the Turian's were the first to transit, the Relay flashing as hundreds of ships eagerly took to retake the system that was no doubt a sore spot for the proud race. Especially Admiral Malmus.

The overall plan was simple really. Transit to Vio'shelek and push South toward the Tarn system. Also known as Toad Five. There, they would link up with the Coalition fleets and begin to push Eastward in a massed offensive to end this war once and for all.

Assuming nothing went wrong, their new engine capabilities would have them at Tarn in ten days.

Within the hour, the 2nd Republic fleet transited through the relay, leaving a dead system of corpses and lifeless worlds behind.

Tarn System (Toad Five) 424 A.E. 21st of Gale

Admiral Trescu sat on the bridge of Epyhra, the monitor class warship in orbit of the local gas giant with the rest of the 5th fleet. Surrounding the sprawling fleetyard of this system, transports laden with Gears burned toward the massive piece of habitation.

A staging area for resupply and repair would be needed, and this enemy shipyard was well suited for the task.

The fact that the Toads wished to keep the construction yards, orbital ore processors and foundries was no concern for him.

Odds are they would fight to the death anyway.

Paired with the 3rd fleet under Admiral Akari, she led the bombardment of Tarn itself. At this point it was merely to break the spirit of the enemy and their will. Aside from Gears taking the fleetyards, no infantry actions would be taken against the planet itself.

Their armies needed time to rest and reinforce, which considering the bloody, hard fighting across Le'hak and Glortha was understandable.

"Even with C.A.G. forces, throwing them at Tarn would just be a waste of lives and effort at this stage of the war" Once again thanking his younger self for joining the navy, Adrian could only image the horrid conditions of ground combat.

Still, naval actions were often deadly as well, considering how badly his fleet suffered during the last major engagement against the Toads.

Even if such an event repeated itself, the 4th and 2nd fleets in the surrounding systems were on station, ready to jump in and support anybody under fire.

Of course, the 1st and newly minted 6th fleet were stationed in Coalition space, safeguarding the worlds of their people from the unknown.

"Admiral. The Gears have breeched several sectors of the fleetyard and are pushing toward the smelting foundries and have already taken engineering control"

"Good" Not offering any other words, the veteran of numerous battles simply waited for the arrival of Council forces and the inevitable Caliphate attempt to retake this system.

Hammer of Dawn fire pulsed through the atmosphere of Tarn, striking a subtropical city nestled between two lush mountains and a churning river. Burning a harsh light or orangish red, the built up urban center of the metropolis ceased to be as the firestorms washed through the streets. Glass blew outward as structures toppled, their interior supports melting under the devasting wave of heat and fire. Ground vehicles were tossed about, taken among the pressure wave as flames rushed through the valleys of neighborhoods.

But the one and half million citizens of Jung'ra didn't die or beg for mercy. Instead, they had evacuated to expansive subterranean bunkers beneath the nearby mountains, the housing more than enough for the local populace.

They would be considered the fortunate ones.

More lances of fire and MAC rounds tore at the cities across the planet, a harsh and brutal bombardment that saw sprawling urban centers, outlaying townships and the land burn.

Still, only about a fourth of the planet could safely reach the bunkers in time. The rest…took their chances fleeing the wrath of the Serans, only to die among traffic clogged hiways or stuck in the cities as fire washed over them, turning millions into charred ash frozen in horror.

"Bombardment is seventy eight percent complete, ma'am"

Watching as four pulses of HOD fire erupted from her flagship, Aspho Fields, Akari digested the news as the planet burned below.

"It's effectiveness is questionable. This world has had time to prepare bunkers and defenses for ground invasion" While she wasn't sure about the total numbers of Klor'vians that had escaped death, she knew it was in the tens of millions. An invasion now would be extremely bloody and costly.

Which is why the navy decided to simply employ a 'scorched earth' policy against every enemy system. If they continued to fight after all their worlds were reduced to cinders, then invasions and ground operations would continue.

"Unless that Bo'klar achieves his goals soon, this species will be exterminated. Not that many would be saddened by such a passing. They deserve every horror and death for their crimes against sentience"

Yellow beams of Thermic rounds sliced through the void, stabbing downward as the 3rd fleet maintained high orbit of this unfortunate world.

The young communications officer stirred, the blonde woman turning halfway in her seat. "Admiral. Pickets in the systems to galactic East are detecting FTL drives matching Toad signatures. Rough estimates place them between sixteen hundred to two thousand ships"

"ETA?"

"Two hours, ma'am"

"Cease bombardment and establish a defensive posture. Inform Admiral Trescu along with the 4th and 2nd fleets that we have enemy warships incoming. Aza? The moment those bastards drop into this system, I want them dying"

The tiny, blue star pulsed, rippling with code. "May I suggest a crossfire from above the planetary elliptical?" Highlighting the local stellar map, Aza circled a zone at the eastern edge of the system that encompassed several million miles. Devoid of planets or asteroids, the area was simple vacuum. "Unless the enemy employs a course change, this will be the estimated arrival point based on the recent telemetry of our pickets. The other fleets will take station at different stellar positions, ensuring total destruction"

"You do know I'm an Admiral, right Aza? I fully considered such a deployment"

"I am merely trying to suggest the best possible course of action to minimize Coalition casualties" the star pulsed, the tone almost defensive.

Allowing herself a small smile, Chiaki Akari simply sat back as her fleet left orbit, their sublight engines burning a harsh blue among the void.

Climbing above the planetary plane, the 3rd fleet took position over the next hour. Far below, Trescu and the 5th pointed upwards, their guns primed and ready.

Spatial ruptures soon saw the deployment of the 4th and 2nd fleets on the flanks, creating, hopefully, a deadly killzone.

"Now we wait" crossing her legs, Akari waited in the deep crimson of battle stations as the men and women of nearly four thousand warships waited to enact death and destruction upon their hated enemy.

High Priest Gre'jan felt a bursting pride flood his body as they approached Tarn. Sitting in the command chair of an older light cruiser, the holy leader still couldn't believe the faith Y'larv had placed in him.

"Two thousand vessels under my command! I'll have the respect of Bo'klar after this stunning victory against the traitors and the hated Serans!" Already imagining the accolades, rewards and wealth to come his way, he barely heard one of the lowly officers.

"High Priest?"

Scowling at the disturbance, Gre'jan cast hateful, judgmental eyes on the communications officer. "What? What is it that you dare to disturb my thoughts"

"I have been unable to raise Tarn. Nobody is answering and the last transmissions stated Coalition warships had entered the system"

"What nonsense. The vermin hordes are still spoiling the surfaces of our sacred worlds they have stolen. But with this attack, we will retake the initiative and make them scramble to their borders like cowardly sub-creatures"

"But High Priest! If they've taken Tarn we cou—"

Gre'jan turned his gaze, his reptilian eyes promising horror and death. "One more word of defeatism from you, sub-officer and I'll have you thrown out of an airlock for treason. The Seran's have not taken Tarn and to say otherwise is blasphemy to our god and creed"

Lowering his head, the communications officer's throat sac went a deep blue with fear, then huddled over his console, trying to become invisible to the two armed guards that flanked Gre'jan.

"Sir. We arrive at Tarn in two minutes" the pilot informed, his reptilian features reflecting the streaking stars outside as the combined fleet speared toward the friendly system.

"Excellent. We will drop out of FTL and reassert our course to bring punishment to the traitors of Glortha" Preening while brushing some flecks of dust from his fine robes, the priest simply waited, assured of his coming victory against the non-believers.

Dropping out of FTL near the systems edge, the first thing he noticed was six of the nearby corvettes exploding into fireballs.

"WHAT'S GOING ON!? WHO DARES FIRE UPON THIS SACRED FLEET!" Filled with sudden rage, the priest turned as the officer at tactical turned his way.

"The…the Seran's! They were waiting for us! It's a trap!"

"Fire! Fire ev—"

Four beams of Hammer of Dawn fire burned through the shields and armor of the impromptu flagship, killing Gre'jan and the bridge crew in a flash of fire. Pushing through the ship at a steep diagonal, the lances of laser fire broke through the bottom decks, splitting the warship in half as bodies and vapor began to spill.

Corvettes and obsolete destroyers immediately fired their plasma torpedoes in haste…to do something to turn the tide, but the massed volleys of fusion warheads, MAC fire, thermic lances and Hammer of Dawn fire from no less than twenty eight capital ships made sure that the cross-fire enacted a terrible toll.

Whole swaths of warships broke and bled, their tiny masses simply unable to withstand the hell of Seran firepower. Hulls broke and cracked, spilling destroyer crews into the void as fusion detonations burned against the plasma laden holds of the suicide craft, creating a mixture of sickly green and burning yellow orbs of heat that dusted the void.

Of course, the fanatical crews of the Corvettes tried to charge…to unleash plasma torpedoes in a desperate attempt to destroy the hated enemy undeserving of life.

Despite the horrifically terrible ambush, nearly twelve hundred burned across the void in a feeble attempt to reach the Seran vessels. Counter-battery and defensive sentinel lasers sprung to life the stabbing lights of blue burning across the silent vacuum. Warheads were sliced from existence, a rippling fire that was achieved through interlocking fire and the efforts of numerous A.I.

A mere eighty three warheads reached the defensive envelope of the assembled fleets, and even then the vessels continued to fire with a professional disposition as more plasma torpedoes flayed and burned.

Still, even with their collective efforts, the law of averages allowed some to reach their targets.

Eighteen destroyers bled and slagged under bursting, roiling emerald suns along with four battlecruisers that took two hits each, the shields and armor doing enough to save the ships, but barely.

Night Embers, a cruiser took heavy damage to the port side hull as the final plasma warhead slammed against the barriers and armor, melting the metalwork in a hellish scream of ruin. Air and vapor streamed out like a wound, along with unfortunate souls that had no chance. Glowing inner workings of bulkheads pulsed as emergency shields and bulkheads came into play.

Yet Night Embers fought on, firing rapid thermic lances at enemy corvettes desperately trying to close the gap between the fleets.

The Klor'vian losses were catastrophic as withering fire from four spatial points and four thousand warships continued, none pausing to show any mercy.

A hasty collection of desperate officers, crewing a few frigates and battle damaged destroyers managed to turn and jump to FTL, leaving the ever shrinking mass of corvettes to try and find some way to win an already lost battle.

Rippling suns of fusion fire erupted across the systems edge, hundreds of blinking orbs of heat and fire consuming more of the dying craft, leaving bare scraps of flotsam and twisted husks in their wake.

In a mere twenty minutes, the battle space fell silent as the mass of tiny craft ceased to exist. Stragglers were hunted down by strike fighters, burned from the sky without mercy as an expanding field of flotsam began to drift among the dead and frozen corpses of the defeated.

"Admiral. Nineteen enemy vessels managed to escape through FTL. Should we pursue?"

"Negative. Our marines are still taking the fleetyard and the Council Fleets should be here tomorrow. Besides, a handful of broken and bleeding ships is little to be concerned about. Rushing into unknown territory could still spell disaster for us" Scowling, Trescu could feel the war ending, but his people were not the only ones to suffer. "The Asari have a right to vengeance as well. Also, the Turians want to reclaim their tarnished honor after the retreat. Waiting a mere day will not change the course of this war at this stage"

High Orbit of Tarn, 22nd of Gale

Beacon of Justice hung above the burning world below, the Seran bombardment causing massive firestorms, destruction and ash to flood the atmosphere. While not surprising to Rana, she still found it deeply disturbing to visit such ruination upon a garden world. But then, this species had started a holy war against the galaxy.

"What do the Terrans say? You reap what you sow?" Whispering the words, they were lost among the bridge crew.

"Admiral. We're receiving the battle plan from the Serans"

Approaching the tactical holo-table, Rana B'sayle could almost admire its simplicity as a multitude of arrows and fleet formations pointed Eastward toward the core of the Caliphate. "So, a broad front employing a total war policy against all enemy assets, infrastructure and worlds. Spread out across the assumed width of the Caliphate"

There really wasn't anything to question. It was the simplest of military campaigns. Go and destroy.

"Prepare for immediate departure. We'll flank the Systems Alliance fleet along the northern route of advancement while the Turians take the center with the Coalition. Standard advancement"

"Ma'am!"

With that, Rana retook her seat as nearly nine thousand warships made the final preparations to end this war once and for all.

Tenvor'ti System 618 ly East of Tarn

Hav'oc and the rest of Bo'klar's fleet took position near the systems edge, minus Gril'va's squadron of warships who was now in orbit of the homeworld.

Sitting in his command chair, the stale humidity of the dreadnaught was welcome in a way as he tried to think of anything that could hamper his goals.

"Fleetmaster. Supreme Priest Y'larv is sending a priority communication"

"Ignore it and patch me into the comm net, visual and audio. I want every world, ship and Klor'vian to hear these words"

The officer paused, then hastily complied. A curt blink of his yellow eyes gave Bo'klar the signal as he stood, his sash resplendent with awards and medals. Interlocking his hands behind his back, the war hero knew this was it.

"My fellow Klor'vians. This war is lost. Not only lost, but pointless as well. Driven by the greed, corruption and incompetence of a theocratic government, they are well aware that the Serans along with the allied races of the council have in fact, followed the teachings of Klorta! The Coalition sets aside a full third of every settled war for conservation! To preserve the balance of life! Yet this church has dragged us into a genocidal war against a species that has more than proven their efforts at preservation!" Snarling a bit as his lips curled, Bo'klar tried to keep his emotions controlled.

"I have no love for the Serans or Council. Our losses far exceed theirs by all measures, but! If we are to survive as a species, we must make peace! So rise my fellow Klor'vians! Rise and bring Y'larv and his corrupt government to ruin for all their crimes! Rise and bring forth the Klorvan Star Republic!"

Making a chopping motion, the visual representation ended, leaving the bridge in silence. Retaking his command chair, Bo'klar was silent as he uploaded one final data file to the communication network. Giving a full account of the lies, injustices and blatant corruption prevalent in the Caliphate, he hoped the average citizen will find the information enough to justify their efforts and join the rebellion.

Silence enveloped the bridge, none daring to move or speak.

Only the soft humming of the recycled air from vents stirred, the silence deafening for nearly two full minutes.

The pilot finally stirred, a Klor'vian with dirty, brown scales splotched with a dank green. Turning, his gaze fell upon the Fleetmaster. "What are your orders?" The voice was low, but somehow, filled with a sense of relief as the assembled bridge crew turned to the officer that would finally end this madness. And hopefully…allow their families to survive the onslaught of their enemies.

A low grunt of approval escaped Bo'klar, the rough sound adjoined with a lightening of the mood. "The 1st fleet is stationed in the Re'trill system still undergoing training. We will go there and either destroy or capture those ships with our brothers among the 4th fleet. We cannot allow the church to rally and combine forces!"

Quickly plotting the course, the pilot and co-pilot checked and double checked, finding the path optimal. "Estimated time of arrival will be eight days and seven hours"

"Then take us to our enemies" Leaning back in his chair, Bo'klar felt more relief as his crew went about their normal tasks, many filled with admiration for the officer that continued to lead them with dedication.

Within minutes, the combined might of the third and fourth fleets entered FTL, leaving behind an afterglow of green wisps and a single squadron of ships to maintain a semblance of control in the home system.

Capital City of Klortha, Cavin'tril University. 424 A.E. 28th of Gale

Bo'klar's final transmission had been far more successful than anticipated with the common citizens than even he could have expected. The lies and theft…the crimes against fellow Klor'vians for the slightest offenses. The true motivations for the extermination of four primitive races in the past. Even examples of democracy, basic rights and voting was shared. But the worst was how their beliefs had been twisted and gnarled…infected by the deceit of Y'larv and his ancestors for centuries.

By all means, the rebellion had exploded in nearly every city and major urban center not only across the homeworld, but all the remaining territories of the Caliphate as well.

Fires burned across the cityscape, many of the conflagrations burning through whole neighborhoods and business sectors that filled the air with dirty ash. Humidity choked the atmosphere, the moisture doing little to stop the inferno.

Gunfire, explosions and rampant yells, terror and screams of the dying filled the city, a symphony of misery. A larger blast ripped through part of the prestigious university set near the central river, spilling ruin and material into the churning waterway as gunfire ripped along the nearby boulevard.

"FIRE! FIRE AT THE TRAITORS!" Can'fodor screamed out to his fellow soldiers trying to defend the university. A minor commander, he would be ranked major in other militaries as the five companies under his command continued the bloody fight. Leaning out of the second floor window as machine gun fire chattered, he aimed at several charging civilians, many armed with obsolete rifles or simple clubs and blades. Firing, he grimaced a pleased smile as four crumpled in the open between some burning ground vehicles.

Ducking down as rebel troops fired at his position, Can'fodor reloaded his lancer as another explosion burst against the main hall of this place of learning. Screams erupted from his left, a pulsing flare of plasma that created a hell of howls.

Grinning at the fact one of his troops no doubt just cleansed more lives, his moment of jovialness was destroyed as the soldier near him popped up…only to have his helmeted head destroyed by an errant round. Brain matter and greenish gore splattered against his armor and some of his facial features which only resulted in more rage at the audacity of Bo'klar and his rebellion.

"REMEMBER MY FELLOW BELIEVERS! THEY ARE NO LONGER KLOR'VIAN! ONLY DESECRATORS FOR THE WRATH OF KLORTA!" Retaking his position, the officer fired at a group of rebels rushing to the outer perimeter wall.

One collapsed with a scream, a female by the shrill sound as her old rifle clattered to the cratered pavement. Dragged to safety by a different enemy, Can'fodor snorted. "Females belong in the home, as decreed by the church" Finding the mere fact that a female would dare to rise above her station, the officer let out a long burst of fire, his lancer a harsh chatter.

Gunfire filled the air along with more screams, a terrible symphony of carnage that consumed the university grounds…and the connecting avenue to the main temple.

"Fire! Fire and kill those that defile the church and our glory!" Shouting the words as he fired, Can'fodor was enthralled by taking lives of the common rabble as they tried to make progress across fifty yards of open landscape already littered with the dead.

He never heard the plasma rocket slamming into the room he occupied, fired from regular infantry as a battalion pushed forward. His body nearly vaporized by the blast along with four others, rubble and ruin blew outward as the rebel attack intensified.

"Forward! The Supreme Priest has led us to destruction!" Ha'rik shouted, the armor clad soldier firing at the second floor still filled with loyalist troops. Rushing forward in a sprint, the Klor'vian hunched up as machine gun and rifle rounds filled the air, snatching lives and wounding others without care.

Reaching a gaping wound in the university wall with ten others, the male breathed as dust and soot covered the green tinted lens of his helmet. Popping the pin of a plasma grenade, he tossed it through, the flash of green heat causing fresh screams inside.

"Kill them all! No mercy! The church has betrayed all of us!" Pouring into the gap, Ha'rik rushed toward a wounded believer, the wounded male clutching the melted ruin of his leg with horrid moans and. Plunging his lancer into the Toad's abdominal armor, a ripping of blades, sparks and organs sprayed as Ha'rik performed the execution. Yanking his rifle free, the soldier took cover behind a support column as loyalist troops tried to hold them back. Shooting one dead that broke cover for too long, Ha'rik waved more of his fellow soldiers and impromptu militia forward.

"YYYYYAAHHH! THIS IS FOR MY MURDRED BOND-MATE!" A female screamed over the hellish battlespace of the hall lobby. Bullets flew and pitted against walls…or bodies, but this female was determined. Running forward, she skewered a loyalist right through the belly, lifting the large male off the ground with another yell of pent up rage. Flinging him to the side, she rolled behind another supporting pillar. Puffs of bullet impacts ate at the material, but she was safe for the moment.

"Grenades! NOW!" Ha'rik yelled out as he flung another emerald tinted orb toward the reception office along the far wall. Held by nearly a full squad, the fire was heavy.

Three grenades flew true, tumbling through the broken window before exploding in a wave of vile heat and shards.

Klor'vians howled, five of them unable to escape the blast as the material ate at their armor and flesh without a care. Ha'rik rushed forward, the incoming fire greatly diminished for the moment. Followed by nearly a dozen males and females, they broke into the office as the remains of the squad retreated into administrative offices.

Executing the wounded, Republican forces were not inclined to take any prisoners from the oppressor's side.

"Don't let them find sanctuary!" Rushing low and fast into the office hallway, Ha'rik ducked into the first room on the left with the crazed female. More of his troops tried to advance, but the enemy was already firing from the end, a T-intersection leading further into the back of the building.

Taking a knee at the doorway, he fired at the traitors of his people, vowing to either kill them all or die trying. Ducking back as bullets ripped past, the walls and plain molding shattered around him.

"Move out of the way! Uh…sir!" Going prone at the door on her stomach, the furious female went immediately calm, the bolt action rifle pressed firmly to her shoulder.

A church supporter appeared at the hallway's end, leaning half way out to throw a grenade.

His head exploded into a green paste, the heavy round doing its job. The activated grenade fell, quickly brewing into a cone of energy that maimed and killed.

"Good shot" Moving forward in a rush, Ha'rik and his troops overwhelmed the squad, killing them without mercy.

Finding the splitting hallway deserted for the moment, Ha'rik bent down to relive one of the dead of ammunition. "Take some while you can"

Quickly stripping the dead of anything useful, the republican forces proceeded to the next firefight, all knowing that victory or death were the only options as the noose tightened around Y'larv and his loyalist troops.

Re'trill System. 30th of Gale, 424 A.E. (252 ly East of Tenvor'ti)

Fleetmaster Frun'tal sneered at the line of officers in the supply bay, all bound while kneeling on the cold, metallic floor. Many were still beaten…bleeding seeping strands of emerald blood from untreated wounds. Half of them had fresh scars carved into their scales, the deepness cutting into the softer flesh. One of them sobbed, his throat sac a virulent blue in fear and depression.

Walking before them all in his pressed and freshly cleaned uniform, including his command sash giving him the authority of the church and fleet, the Klor'vian from a noble bloodline of emerald scales approached one of the prisoners. Spitting on the traitor, his lips curled into a sadistic smile of cruelty.

"Your crimes have been stated, yet you do not repent? Why do you insult the word of Klorta and the church?"

"We have done nothing wrong! We have served loyally and fought bravely!" One of the prisoners shouted, the former commanding officer of a plasma cruiser that now had a new bridge crew…all loyal to the church and Frun'tal.

"You claim innocence despite the fact you have all served with the traitor, Bo'klar?"

"We fought at Vio'shelek! Turning back the Council forces and stopping their invasion! Everything we did was for the church and our people!"

Frun'tal scowled, his mind already made up. "More lies from vermin filth. Guards? Execute them then dump their bodies into the void" Leaving quickly, the sounds of gunfire and screams filled the cargo bay as his command was carried out.

Marching toward the bridge, his mood reached a pleasant level. Taking his rightful place in the command chair, he made sure his uniform was devoid of any wrinkles. Lightly smiling, he turned his gaze to a grayish scaled officer who spoke with a respectful bow.

"Have you purged the traitors from our ranks, Fleetmaster?"

"I have. They denied it of course as vermin tend to do, but the first fleet is now once more pure in the eyes of Y'larv and the church. Now tell me of the current situation"

"We have destroyed several of the asteroid colonies around the sixth planet along with the corvette yard. They were taken by the rebels so fire was the only way to cleanse their sins"

"Excellent"

Clearing his throat, the officer approached the tactical table, bringing up an image of the seven planet system.

"The fourth mining planet, Ra'tral, has been secured from the rebels. While a dead world, its subterranean cities and few surface instillations are vital for our war industry. The former rebels will be used as slave labor to repent and find forgiveness under the eyes of our god"

"Another victory for the church. They will regret their loss of faith once Bo'klar is in chains facing execution"

"Indeed, Fleetmaster" Pushing a few hard light buttons, the view shifted to the third planet with a single moon. Temperate and mild, four continents and one island sub-continent covered in all the necessary biomes made this world a pleasant home.

Taken from the disgusting Voro and their rampant bronze age pollution two hundred years ago, Re'trill was now home to nearly seven hundred million Klor'vians.

An overlay of red and green highlighted the continents and cities, the borders a broken line that made little sense to the Fleetmaster.

"As you can see, the rebels have taken nearly a fourth of the planet, polluting the surface with their ideals of a..a..Republic" Cursing the last word, the officer turned to Frun'tal. "I suggest a few limited strikes with standard M.A.C rounds. Most notably the cities of Toro, Ven'tal, and Ber'ut"

Frun'tal idly scratched his throat sac, thinking it over. "Firing on our own worlds is a high sacrilege. But they won't be plasma strikes and the damage to the planet will be minimal. Plus, they are enemy held cities now polluted with traitors and unbelievers"

"Very well. Target those cites and cleanse them from the universe" Sitting back, the church appointed officer was pleased with his efforts to secure the Re'trill system. While he knew an engagement with Bo'klar and his…republican forces was coming in the next few days, Frun'tal was confident in the capabilities of his officers and himself to destroy and cripple the enemy.

"Perhaps I'll be given the chance to wage war against the Seran hordes. They have visited too many crimes against us" Lips curling at the thought of their enemies, Frun'tal believed they all deserved to die. After all, their mere existence was an affront to their god.

An alarm blared, a shrilling pitch from sensors as the seated Klor'vian almost fell out of his seat. "F..F..FLEETMASTER! THE REBEL FLEET HAS ENTERED THE SYSTEM! A million miles outside the orbit of Re'trill's moon!"

"What!? Already!? How did he get so close!?" Frun'tal screamed, his pondering thoughts forgotten as more alarms blared across the bridge.

"No pickets were employed during the fleet purges! He's heading straight for our fleet!"

"BATTLE STATIONS! EVERY SHIP WILL FIGHT TO THE DEATH! ORDER EVERY CORVETTE TO DESTROY THE INFEDELS!" Frothing at the mouth, his throat sac was a burning crimson of rage as klaxons blared and his officers scrambled to bring the fleet about, already forgetting about the planned bombardment.

Ha'voc's engines burned a harsh green under maximum sublight, joined by a central cluster of Battleships and heavy cruisers. Expanded outward in a curved moon formation with combined efforts of the 4th fleet, nearly eighteen hundred vessels slipped through the darkness toward the trapped foe.

"Weapons range in thirty seconds. Plasma batteries are primed and ready to fire. All ships are at full readiness"

Hearing the update, Bo'klar merely nodded as a sense of sorrow befell him. He regretted all those brave warriors and officers about to die, but he must press forward if he were to end this war.

"Target the lead flagship and command vessels. Destroyers will engage the corvette force then bombard from distance" A calm order, he merely blinked as twin beams of pulsing green energy shot from his flagship half a minute later, joined by the efforts of six heavy cruisers and two of his battleships. Lancing across the void, the enemy flagship took ten of the beams full force along the flank. Still in mid turn, the Bale'for, a newly constructed dreadnaught staggered from the mortal damage. Rips and gaps burned among open hull and rendered armor, bleeding air, gases and lives. Another salvo of plasma broke the vessel in half as the searing beams sliced into the inner workings like a knife. Air and crew spilled from the stricken ship, the ragged wounds in the hall tearing and ripping like glowing embers.

A trio of M.A.C. rounds smashed into the forward section seconds later, reducing the already broken half into a mangled wreck, no doubt killing or trapping hundreds.

Newly constructed missile destroyers employed a stop at the forward edges of the Republican fleet, the upgraded class of ships far superior to their brothers at the wars start. Disgorging half their rapid sprint payload of plasma missiles, the warheads shot en masse toward the charging corvette squadron.

Not to be outdone, the fanatical crews unleashed their own warheads in retribution while driving toward the traitorous forces at maximum velocities.

Pulsing laser defenses of green light stabbed out from Bo'klar's destroyers, joined by supporting frigates as the defensive fire sprang to life. Jinking and speeding munitions died on both sides, a scythe of destruction that quickly gave way to exploding warheads against the charging corvette craft.

Blooming suns of roiling plasma dusted the battle space, claiming dozens of fanatical craft as the larger battle roiled and flared nearby.

Thirty three of the desperate believers made it through the massed fire of exploding, emerald suns to slam into their targets, creating a fresh wave of losses and death. Broken and twisted hulls sparked and bleed, others simply reduced to an expanding field of debris and corpses.

But the corvette squadron was gone, reduced to ash and gnarled pieces of hull. Rapidly moving into a flanking position above the planetary plane, the remnants of the 3rd squadron unleased fresh warheads into the roiling maelstrom of battle.

The loss of Frun'tal's flagship in the opening salvo had been devastating to the first fleet. Not only with that ship, but others as well.

Heavy cruisers Ja'nov and Gre'lintal had been opened along the hull like a can, the interior sections exposed to the harshness of space. Having taken nearly a dozen M.A.C strikes each, the desperate crews still fought, firing a burning salvo of plasma fire toward Bo'klar's rebels.

The light cruiser Un'villrin took the massed strike across the upper decks, her main gun ripped away along with twelve upper sections. Bleeding air, the warship was quickly brought under protection from a frigate squadron, the lighter warships picking the wounded H.C's apart with earnest, continuous fire.

Tre'mak advanced, his full fleet taking advantage of the rampant confusion, loss of command vessels and sheer ineptitude of poorly trained officers more concerned with appeasing the church than proper battle sense. Expanding his fleet into an advancing wall, he struck the 1st from the flank, diving between the orbit of the moon and Re'trill itself.

Lances of plasma fire ripped through the void, slicing through a hastily erected screen of frigates and destroyers. Joined by a fresh wave of plasma warheads and standard munitions, the losses were steadily climbing as loyalist warships burned and died.

Fel'link, another freshly minted battleship burned at the stern, her engines a mass of ruin. Quickly losing power as she started to drift and roll, the warship took a full spread of warheads to the flank. Shields dying in a last spasm, the super heated material ate through the heavy armor, adding to the hell inside. Grabbed by the gravity field of the planet, Fel'link was doomed to crash into the steaming jungles of the south-eastern continent.

The shrinking pocket of warships continued to fight and die, firing a desperate battle to take as many traitors as possible. Frigates and missile destroyers took the heaviest losses, along with nearly half a dozen light cruisers.

But, the fate of the 1st fleet was sealed, none giving or asking for mercy as wounded, burning ships died under the massed firepower of two full fleets.

Within half an hour, a mere hundred vessels remained, all crippled beyond measure. Bleeding air, vapor and with rampant plasma still eating at the fresh wounds in their hulls, most found they couldn't even flee if they wanted to. With engines destroyed or venting drive fuels, they fought and fired whatever weapons they could.

Bo'klar watched with a dispassion as his fleet fired upon the remnant ships, their hulls ripping apart or completely losing power. Some broke in half, falling to the planet in uncontrolled burns, others simply floated, joined by the dead crews sucked into the void.

"All enemy ships have been destroyed, Fleetmaster. Republican losses total two hundred thirteen ships lost, another fifty three damaged"

"If only they could have seen reason, but they were blinded to the truth until the end" His voice carried the sorrow of fighting his own people, but it was a victory none the less. Pushing away the morbid facts, he knew more would die. "Have the damaged ships under go repairs and take position around the planet. Standard bombardment protocol. Target Caliphate held cities and military instillations"

"You plan on firing upon one of our worlds, Fleetmaster?"

"It will save more lives in the long run, Fli'tik. Now find loyalist strongholds, preferably without heavy civilian populations"

The tactical officer quickly got to work, scanning the surface as others assessed the current situation between the two forces.

"Targets identified, Fleetmaster. Priority target is the Kelon'til supply yard and its supporting military instillations. With its destruction, the loyalist forces on the Western continent of Kello will collapse within days"

"Then fire"

A low nod, then the swift typing of commands soon saw several of the nearby frigates firing at the target. M.A.C. rounds slew through the atmosphere, striking the marshalling yard and massive supply dump with the same force as several atomic bombs. A cone of energy raced through the yard, a wave of killing and death that slew all of those still fighting for the church. Thousands of stored tons of food, ammunition, medical supplies and every essential needed for a military campaign went up in fire, dooming those at the front lines in the coming days.

No matter how dedicated, fanatical, or brave a warrior of any species was, the same fact held true for any species.

A starving army cannot fight.

The Kello front would end up collapsing in less than a week, the loss a massive defeat and stroke of luck for Republican forces.

"You would think they would at least break up the staging grounds? Spread them out or hide some in some underground bunkers"

Bo'klar let out a snort of amusement, finding the statement slightly humorous. "They were winning this system before our arrival. I'm sure whoever the commander was never even considered the idea. Probably an oversight committed by another church appointed position. Now, replenish what munitions you can for the destroyers from the supply ships. We depart for the Senil system in six hours"

Leaving the bridge, he had the next battle to plan with Tre'mak and his commanders. After all, the second fleet was still at full strength to the south, holding Senil.

Haste would be essential. After all, the Serans and Council were burning every system they came across, eager to break or destroy his species.

Senil System (713 ly South-South East of Re'trill) 4th of Rise, 424 A.E.

Alarms blared, the halls and corridors bathed in the deep emerald of battlestations. Slick with humid air and the tinge of fear, Unn'till vibrated as a light MAC shell slammed into her shields. Flaring green, the Heavy Cruiser maintained position with the central core of two hundred and twelve rebel ships.

Hanging above the heavily oceanic world with two larger continents and strings of islands, the republican squadron fired in unison with the orbital defenses. Lances of plasma fired reached out, slashing through smaller vessels like butter.

"Commander! The loyalist forces are trying to evacuate from Senillan City!"

"I'm well aware of what the church and that fanatical fleetmaster are doing, tactical! But we have our hands full up here!" Yelling as a plasma warhead burst nearby, taking a heavily damaged frigate into the afterlife, Commander Len'trall continued to issue commands.

MAC shells streaked back and forth between the reduced 2nd fleet and his ships, a slugfest of flaring shields, laser defenses and exploding warheads. Searing plasma lances burned through armor and hull on both sides, killing and maiming indiscriminately.

Another heavy shell slammed against Unn'till, the rippling wave of energy barely holding from the heavy strike as sparks from blown relays burst nearby.

"The transports are leaving the surface! They're under heavy guard!"

"Just keep firing! We keep the fleet busy and it helps our comrades on the ground secure victory for our new republic! MAINTAIN FIRE!"

Another pulsing lance of plasma heat burned along side similar beams from the defensive satellites in orbit, reaching out to splash and burn through a handful of ships hanging above the planetary equator. One lost control, the bridge nothing more than a gutted, glowing hell of twisted steelwork. Plunging into the atmosphere, the Fel'cron would break up over the city of Heven'lil, killing thousands in the fighting on both sides.

Unn'till rocked from a burning emerald beam the sliced along her length, the energy eating through her already damaged shields. Armor sizzled and burned, melting through in five compartments as air and unfortunate crew were sucked into the harsh vacuum.

"Heavy damage along the port side! Sections seven through eleven along decks three and four are open to vacuum!"

"Evacuate nearby sections and seal them off!" Laser light stabbed outside the main window, blowing up a trio of warheads as they died in harmless fire. Firing again, Unn'till claimed an enemy frigate, its main weapon splitting the craft in half as its broke and cracked in high orbit.

"Commander! The Senil priesthood has reached the loyalist fleet!"

"Those traitors!" snarling with rage, Len'trall knew he had failed to deal the crushing blow against those that had polluted the word of Klorta, led their people to ruin, and subjugated their species for centuries through deplorable means.

His beaten and bleeding command still fired, using the orbital defenses as a support to try and cause more losses against Fleetmaster Vril'tak and his unwavering belief in fools.

Five hundred and ninety three loyalist vessels, including a dozen construction ships, ten transports full of loyalist males and females, supplies and all manner of needs quickly turned. Engines burning a vile green, they used the curvature of the planet to hide themselves before entering FTL, leaving the system in haste.

"Do you know where they went?" Voice heavy and weary, Len'trall flinched as a computer console burst, the circuitry burning with that hated electrical smell.

"Eastward Commander. They went Eastward, fleeing our space and the reach of the Seran's wrath"

Commander Len'trall scowled, knowing that those religious fanatics would be a problem in the future. Glancing out of the bridge window, a heavy frigate slid by, half its hull open to void as bleeding air and water crystals flowed. Its engines sputtered, barely clinging to life as more of his command lay in similar condition.

"Start repairs on our most heavily damaged ships. Those undamaged or still capable of fighting will maintain orbit and lend orbital fire to republic forces if needed. I'll be in my quarters, giving a report to Bo'klar. Hopefully he can think of something to bring the Coalition to a stop"

"Though I doubt it" Pushing aside the morose thoughts, Len'trall left the bridge, his brown-flecked scales mixing in with a pale blue. Another commoner according to the church, he arrived at his quarters.

Taking a seat behind his desk and computer, he knew how fortunate he was to avoid the purges of officers that quickly took place among the second fleet.

The few scattered transmissions from the few officers he knew in the first painted it as a horror show of executions, torture and killings of anybody that even talked to Fleetmaster Bo'klar in the last year.

Rather than laying down and dying by the churches hand for some crime of knowing the rebel leadership, Len'trall fought and declared his stance with the rebellion. It had been a great fortune as most of his squadron came with him along with dozens of somewhat competent officers. Most were from common or poor families, having worked hard to strive upward in the military.

Of course, the disaster this war had become probably helped, along with the data file Bo'klar unleashed among the Caliphate communications net that burned the fires of rebellion.

It was sickening what the church had committed over the centuries…the twisting of the truth and teachings…it made Len'trall sick to his stomach.

And angry. So very angry.

"We committed genocide…and the church told us they were a threat to Klorta. That they polluted the surface of worlds. All those species did was live…and our people…we butchered whole worlds all for the sake of expansion and a twisted creed"

He grasped a small bottle of flavored Senilian ale, pouring himself a glass. Gulping it down, the role he had helped to play in the butchery of the Serans was really starting to haunt him.

A weaker willed Klor'vian might take his own life, but Len'trall would not. He was no coward and would see this through to the end…no matter what it might be.

"We really are the monsters…" Saying the haunted words, he filled the glass once more before making contact with the leadership of the new Klorvan Star Republic.

System KC-23-B (83 ly from Trenvor'ti) 7th of Rise

Dead, airless worlds inhabited the system, the harsh light of the flaring star blasting their surfaces with radiation, heat and cosmic winds. A fourth planet, a gaseous monstrosity that glowed a bright orange orbited beyond the shattered rocks of an asteroid belt. Ringed by several Klor'vian instillations, the gas giant was home to a mining colony and ship yard that only built corvettes and the occasional destroyer.

Orbital facilities and foundries bled energy and transmissions, their location easily detected by Turian and Seran sensors.

Glowing orbs of plasma explosions ripped against the shields of a smaller facility on one of the larger asteroid's, the pilots of several armed corvettes rippling fire against any they decreed as hostile.

Aurus slid across the emptiness of the system, the combat frigate one vessel out of the combined might of the Turian 10th fleet and the accompanying COG 2nd fleet.

Having pushed along the front with their allies taking adjoining systems, many found that the offensive against the Caliphate had been rather…dull.

Only a few minor engagements had occurred, mainly with a scattered force of obsolete destroyers, corvettes…and the occasional frigate.

All were easily destroyed, leaving dozens of mining colonies, orbital yards, and asteroid settlements open to destruction.

For their part, the Seran's had instilled a brutal campaign against their foe, leaving nothing but debris, gutted facilities and dead Klor'vian's to float among the wreckage.

Lieutenant Commander Icinia Surdos sat in his command chair, the bridge crew performing seamlessly as required. Tapping a clawed finger against the arm-rest, he could feel the tenseness rising in his blood.

An alarm pinged at sensors, the crewman quickly assessing the data.

"Report" Snapping it a bit too hastily, Surdos was well aware that the lack of action had been…testing. Not only to his crew, but many of his fellow officers eager to prove themselves in battle.

"Plasma explosions, sir. Among several enemy held facilities. It appears they're fighting each other. A small contingent of Caliphate suicide craft are attacking several instillations"

"Finally. Prepare for battle!" Commanding a bit too eagerly or loudly, Surdos tried to reign in the small smile that decorated his mandibles.

At least most of his crew seemed to share the same mentality as the lighting became flooded in a dark blue, putting the bridge in a vibrant spectrum of colors.

Aurus burned forward across the void, the sublight engines more than capable of maintaining a proper speed. Joined by a heavy cruiser and an additional forty vessels, the crewed ships made extreme haste.

For their part, the Seran 2nd fleet and the 10th Turian simply maintained formation, neither of the admirals ordering a massed assault against a few mining colonies. Just pushing along the outer rim of the asteroid belt, both fleets maintained their formations with a wide berth, none particularly worried about the low level threat.

Aurus entered the local space of the large planet, passing a few gutted stations that still glowed with plasma burns. Bodies floated, serene in death as the reptilian dead joined debris among the pulsing flares of detonations in a quarter million miles away.

"Sir! The corvettes are charging! Eighteen in total!"

"Fire when ready!" Eagerly counting down the seconds, Aurus wasted no time in firing her main gun as the first corvette flashed into weapons range.

Having expended their main munitions against the hated traitors, the crews of these craft simply did what they always did.

They charged.

Needless to say, it was a one sided fight in the extreme. Supporting fire from the H.C. and her escorts created a mincemeat of the corvettes, none even getting close to the Turians as they died in a hellish fire of shells.

"Sir. We managed to destroy three. Our fellow ships claimed the rest"

Icinia let another small grin overtake him, the officer never really concerned. "Some excellent target practice"

Communications stirred, the female officer typing quickly as her console took in new data. "Sir, we're receiving a broadband transmission from the largest mining station. I believe every ship is receiving it"

"Place it on the view screen"

Leaning back in his chair, Icinia and his bridge crew were taken by the sudden appearance of a Klor'vian. Green blood seeped down the toad's shoulder, a nasty wound that seemed to hiss agony.

"PLEASE DO NOT FIRE! We are the Klorvan Star Republic! We support Fleetmaster Bo'klar and his drive to topple the church! We reject the Caliphate, their creed, and this war! Please do not fire!" Shouting emerged off screen, the rampant sounds of gunfire, yelling and dying aliens resounding through the open channel.

"KILL THE HERETICS!"

A manic looking toad pushed into view, the plain coveralls and suit suggesting a laborer. Struggling, the first alien managed to get the upper hand, stabbing the attacker in the eye with a long blade. Digging into the skull, the fanatic died as the other breathed deeply before yelling offscreen.

"Was that the last of them!?"

A soft, rumbling replay seemed to satisfy the alien. Turning back, the breathing slits of the nostrils seemed to widen as the throat sac took on an orange tint.

"Those fanatics have killed thousands. We've been killing ourselves as our enemies breech our gates" Hissing as another alien appeared with some medical supplies, the leader continued. "I'm no fool. The church has betrayed our god…our people for conquest, greed, and territory that never belonged to them… Centuries of lies" Letting out a sharp intake breath of pain, the medic wrapped the wound as bits of green blood seeped through the gauze.

"I freely surrender this system and its facilities to the Council and Coalition. Just don't destroy us. We will fully comply with your orders"

The communication ended at that moment, leaving the bridge in a momentary silence.

"All the suffering they've caused, and they're just surrendering like that? Doesn't seem right, Sir" Ensign Sullus stated, the Turian showing a look of disdain.

"I happen to agree. But the Council has laws and if we fire after a legitimate surrender, we'd be no better than Batarians"

A horrid thought came to him. "The Serans had to have seen that. They wouldn't…" Suddenly jumping up, he ran to the holo table. While smaller due to the size of his ship, it still did the job.

Breathing a small sigh of relief, it appeared the COG fleet hadn't suddenly went into a fury. By the updated scans, they were moving at standard speed along side the tenth, maintaining a proper battle formation.

"Thank the spirits. Its one thing during battle, but destroying a surrendering force would be viewed by many Turians as extremely dishonorable"

"Sir. We're receiving new orders. We are to prepare for light jump immediately. Advanced pickets have located the Klor'vian homeworld"

"Then enter the co-ordinates and prepare the ship!" Retaking his seat, Surdos knew the enemy was already beyond collapse. No foe would let any invading force so close to their homeworld without throwing everything they had first.

No…the Caliphate and their mad holy war was done.

Minutes later, the 10th fleet flashed to light jump, seconds before nine hundred eighty three spatial ruptures formed, a cascading torment of blues and purple that quickly consumed the Seran ships to transport them to the enemy homeworld in the next two days.

Tenvor'ti system. 10th of Rise, 424 A.E.

The central star of the system burned with life giving light, sending out waves of stellar dust, radiation and particles to the worlds ensnared by gravity.

Seven planets inhabited the home system of the Caliphate, the outer worlds obvious gas giants that spun lazily in far fetched orbits. An asteroid belt ringed the system between the fifth and sixth planet, creating a sort of break between the inner rocky worlds and the larger gaseous orbs.

Not that it mattered to the arriving fleets that were rapidly entering the system.

Fleetmaster Bo'klar had barely made it back to the homeworld, Hav'oc and his ships pushing the engines to the limit.

Barely numbering eighteen hundred vessels, some still sported battle damage as they held high orbit around the garden world. Spinning plasma satellites still hung, their targeting and powerful weapons under republican control from day one of this gamble.

"Those platforms won't be enough…nothing will be enough" Standing at the window of his bridge, he could see the conflagration dancing across Tenvor'ti. Cities burned…pinpoints of battles and war consuming lives across the planet as his people killed each other to maintain control.

From the reports he had received, it was horrific. Families killing loved ones over perceived disloyalty or dreams of freedom. The average citizen hunting down neighbors with rocks, spears, knives and stolen guns. Blood flowed in nearly every community as the churches forces enacted brutal punishments, often with mass executions.

It was a sorrowful moment for many, the bridge silent as a few of his frigates fired upon ground side targets. Blooms of fire erupted from a small city along the western coast, leaving Jallin a smoking crater after several hits. Having been declared a loyalist stronghold an hour before, those that opposed had been rounded up and killed en masse.

Destroying the urban center of eighty thousand was the only logical choice at this point.

"Fleetmaster…enemy ships have entered the system among the systems edge" Sensors voiced, his voice a depressed morose tone of loss.

Still clasping clawed hands behind his back, Bo'klar didn't turn to study the young crewman. "How many?"

"At least two thousand Coalition warships. Another full fleet registers as Asari with two full Turian fleets. Combined forces number almost five thousand"

"When will they arrive in orbit of Tenvor'ti?"

Bo'klar already knew, running the estimated speeds of his enemies. Hell, he knew the Serans could drop out of slipspace a few million miles away and open fire. They did it numerous times during the war, to great effect.

No, they were simply taking their time and being cautious.

"Orders, fleetmaster?"

Taking his seat, Bo'klar adjusted his command sash, his ribbons and medals showing awards for ranks and battles like a glimmer.

"Open a channel to them all. I want no miscommunications" trying to reign in the sorrow he felt, Bo'klar knew it was his responsibility to see this through to the end.

A small nod came from communications, showing he was now visible to his enemies closing in. A sharp intake of recycled air flitted through his breathing slits as his yellow eyes blinked.

"I am Fleetmaster Bo'klar. My forces have secured the majority of our remaining worlds with the exception of our homeworld. I.." He momentarily faltered, then pushed through his emotions. "I would like to discuss a cease-fire with your respective governments"

"Incoming transmission from the Serans, fleetmaster"

Nodding, the image of a female office appeared on his screen, her black uniform neat and pressed with gold trim. A naval cap with a gear symbol rested upon her head, partially hiding vibrant, burning orange hair. Her gaze was cold, almost clinical as she spoke crisply.

"All Klor'vian naval forces will immediately power down weapons and shields. You will maintain a position five million miles from your homeworld. Any deviation from even a single ship will be considered hostile and you will all be destroyed. Planetary defenses will be taken offline. Any attempts to flee will be considered hostile. Coalition and Council forces will secure the system. Interference will not be tolerated. You will comply immediately"

The image ended, the viewscreen going blank.

"Fleetmaster. Do they intend to burn our homeworld?"

"We cannot stop them either way. We are outnumbered three to one, our remaining navy is collected here. It would not take the combined might of our enemies long to destroy us if we resist. Then they would most likely bombard Tenvor'ti regardless" Sighing in a growing sense of depression as his throat sac turned a slight blue, Bo'klar thought he was prepared for surrender, but it was an awful feeling that made him feel dead inside.

"Pull back and comply"

Ha'voc floated in the void among the remnant navy, holding position far outside the orbit of the moon. Shields were powered down, his weapons offline as Turian and Coalition ships surrounded his forces.

They essentially put him in a kill zone, the expansive formation of the avian's watching and just waiting for the tiniest error.

Only life support and other supporting systems were running. Bo'klar was absolutely positive that if he even powered up the weapons of defenses batteries, that would doom them all.

"It appears the Serans are dropping troops into the capital, fleetmaster" Sensors reported, the young male trying to stay busy.

"There's nothing we can do anyway" voiced hollowed and cracked, the officer simply sat, wondering how brutal the occupation would be.

Klorta, The High Temple.

"Keep firing! We cannot let this sacred home of our god fall into the hands of unbelievers!" An officer screamed out, the male firing in earnest at the surging crowd of traitors. Unarmored civilians died under the chopping gunfire, the tracers shattering scales and flesh as his bloody and broken unit tried to kill as many as he could.

Mortars fell to the left, ripping screams of wounded howling among burning shards of green heat.

"DIE YOU VERMIN!" A machine gunner screamed out in defiance, his central position behind the property wall effective. Ripping rounds flayed more charging males and females, many equipped with nothing more than clubs or pipes.

A heavy gunshot rang out, blowing apart the gunners head in a spray of bone matter and gore.

Republican troops were pushing forward with the mob of rioters, taking cover as trained professionals among the ruined vehicles and debris that littered the street beyond the churches borders.

More plasma mortars fell, ripping apart a few more loyalist troops as they desperately fired and fought.

Jinn'havil was reloading, hunkered down behind the wall as bullets flew and screamed above his head. Pitting into the ancient stone, he knew that the church would have never lied to the people. "All lies! All of it was lies delivered by the great devil, Bo'klar! I'll make sure he dies a gruesome death!"

An atmospheric boom screamed through the roiling clouds above, the darkened hue threatening another storm.

Streaks of fire burned through the air, dropping like tiny meteors toward the main temple behind them.

They landed across the massive complex of temples and holy structures, simple pods that dug into the lawns of healthy green. A few landed in some of the ponds, but Jinn'havil really had no time to do anything as a pod landed a few feet away. A loud bang erupted from the ejecting door, disgorging two heavily armored Serans.

Covered head to toe in black, dull armor, not even the normally blue power lights were visible. Only the central gear along the chest plate was seen, giving the impression of a demon.

Three gunshots put rounds through Jinn'havil's head, spilling brain matter as the closest Onyx Gear fired at the next closest enemy.

A full battalion of the Onyx Guards, notably the Twenty Sixth Royal Tyran Infantry had been rapidly redeployed from Le'hak. Upgraded with the first kinetic barriers and battle tested, the twelve hundred men and women had only one mission.

To secure this temple and capture the enemy leadership.

A few loyalist troops fired, their own lancers chattering as they suddenly found themselves between a rock and hard place. Flaring a light blue, the kinetic barriers would stop a few rounds before failing. And even then, the armor would still offer more protection.

Simply put, the low supplied, desperate and exhausted loyalist troops really had no chance against the sudden appearance of Serans among them.

A chainsaw screamed, the buzzing sound ripping through a low-level priest as a female gear cut through the enemy. Green gore spattered against her barriers, lightly flaring as the Klor'vian died in pieces, coating the ancient sandstone pathway.

"Move toward the temple! We don't want to get tangled in a fight with that mob!" Captiain Leonard Fenix roared, his helmet covering preventing a visual of his face. Still in command of first company, the descendant of the legendary solider moved fast with his company.

Running up the sandstone steps, the central temple was a massive complex, its construction ancient. Reaching the main doors, they were obviously locked.

"Somebody rip that door!" Taking cover at one of the pillars, Fenix stared down at the road. The Klor'vian mod was surging, pushing onto the grounds as the few remaining loyalists threw down their weapons and tried to surrender.

Most were hacked to pieces in seconds, none in the mob inclined to give mercy.

"Get going, Jack" A female onyx guard ordered, her black lenses hiding even the tiniest detail. Releasing the bot from a small housing attached to her back armor, it floated quickly toward the large door of polished metals and wood. Extending a protrusion, a flaring lance of heat quickly started to burn into the material. Powered by a small, fusion core, the hissing of melted metal stunk up the air, not that the helmeted gears could smell it.

Fenix kept an eye on the riot below, the Klor'vians still pushing forward across the grounds. He saw a company's worth of Toads take up the opposite side of the property wall, their armor and weapons declaring them as professionals.

They didn't fire, but they didn't lower their weapons either.

A heavy clang resounded behind 1st company, Jack already have ripped through the door in record time.

"Third Plattoon. Hold this entrance. Those Toads try to force their way in, fire" A quick nod came from the large, onyx guard as he started to establish a defensive perimeter among the elevated steps and columns of the temple.

Entering the building itself, the first thing Leonard and the rest of the company saw was the large statue of the presumed god. Carved from stone, it was well maintained and cared for despite the humidity of moisture covering the surfaces.

"So that's Klortha? Just looks like another toad to me"

"Who cares? We aren't here to sightsee" Splitting into two groups, they pushed along the left and right expanses of the cavernous chamber, moving from pillar to pillar.

No guards or enemy troops engaged…or even appeared. Leaving the gears to move quickly toward the back passages of the temple.

"VERMIN!"

A lone Klor'vian fired from a recessed doorway, the bullet flying high and smashing into the stone. Private Florez fired, killing the alien without much fanfare before the men and women moved onward.

The company split at a fork in the hallway, going left and right to find their targets.

Passed rooms were left open, some disheveled and ripped apart by panic. Others were simply locked, not that a locked door stopped the Onyx Guards. A few random guards tried to fight near a large bedroom at the end of the left hall, their screams of defiance quickly silenced.

They simply didn't have the numbers or training to make a difference.

Stepping into the growing puddle of green blood as the last toad died nearby, Captain Fenix looked around the spacious room. Gold inlays lined the stonework, mixing in with a pleasant glow. Tapestries of paintings, cloths, and other decorations lined the walls. A ring of potted plants lined along a raised shelf that took up every wall. High windows let in warmth and humid air while a large bed sat near the far wall.

"Fancy" Leonard stated, his eyes quickly falling upon a recessed hallway to the left. Moving quickly, it led to a restroom, closet and an additional office. A closed door in the office rested past the green glassed desk.

Swiftly kicking it open as others covered him, Fenix was treated to the cowering sight of Y'larv, the supreme priest. Hunched in a ball, the alien sneered but didn't move.

"You vermin dare to capture me! Just you wait until my fleets bur—" Fenix used the butt of his rifle to smash into the priest's head, silencing the being mid rant as he slumped backwards into the closet. Trickles of emerald blood dripped from the fresh wound, falling upon the elegant robes of the leader.

"Yeah, that's the bastard. Secure and bag him then reassemble in the main hall for extraction" Looking down at the pathetic religious leader, Fenix would love nothing more than to throw him to the mob outside.

But they had orders. Diaz wanted this bastard alive…at least for now. Frankly, Leonard didn't see the point. This guy was beyond guilty. Him and his whole group.

Turning, Fenix left the room as two Gears picked up the unconscious form of Y'larv, their efforts barely caring as a few mishaps caused them to drop the body or bang him into some rock surfaces.

Sera. New Ephyra. 11th of Gale, 424 A.E.

"By all accounts, chairman, the fighting is over. The 5th fleet under Trescu has taken Re'trill, Senil, and the Be'srah systems with support from the 3rd fleet and Turian 5th fleet under Admiral Malmus. Surrounding systems are quickly surrendering while the Terrans have taken several minor shipyards among other supporting systems. Tenvor'ti is under our control along with Citadel support. I would also like to add that Supreme Priest Y'larv was captured successfully along with five of his inner circle. Two killed themselves over capture"

"Where are they being held?"

"On the Anvil Gate. All separated, and under strict guard by the 26th RTI. The Turians and Asari were very clear that no accidents were to befall them. They want trials and war-crimes brought up against them"

"I support that as well. Why give those fanatics an easy death when they can suffer in a cell for the rest of their lives, knowing that their creed failed in all regards? It's a far more vicious fate than a mere bullet to the head" Pausing, Izabel studied the assembled ministers before placing her attention on Fleet Lord Stratton. "What about this Bo'klar?"

"He is complying fully along with his officers. He knows his people lost and has no desire to resume hostilities"

"We are aware he was the one that devasted Convel and Oceania, correct? His command is responsible for nearly forty million war dead"

"That will be brought up in the peace talks, Chairman"

Diaz scowled at that. She had no desire to talk with these beasts. But…this short civil war they fought did overthrow that vile church of theirs, bringing the war to an end. If she pushed for further military action, of cleansing the remaining worlds, it would be a disaster. The people were tired of this war and continuing despite an overwhelming victory would be costly in terms of military power, wealth and lives.

Not to mention a political disaster.

"I'm assuming the councilors will be there?"

"It's highly likely. The Asari will want their piece for the butchery of Valae and Asiyana. The Turians will no doubt have conditions as well. The Salarians and Terrans will be more of a minor presence. They contributed…some"

"At least the Terrans stuck with it to the end. Our assessments of their military was wrong to an extent"

"They're still far behind us in terms of military and civilian technologies, but that's a thought for another day. Ensuring a peace that will give us the advantage is paramount"

"That will be something discussed with Tevos and the councilors when I arrive at Tenvor'ti"

With that said, Izabel briefly wondered what the galaxy would look life after the peace. Who would be a foe? Who would be a friend?

It was something she would ponder in the coming weeks during her journey to the enemy homeworld and the final conclusion of this damned war.

Well, it took a bit, but the chapter is done! Next will be the peace talks and all that. I'm not great at all the diplomacy stuff, but I'll do my best to make it worthwhile for the COG and CC!

Also, sorry it took so long to post this. I've been working ten to 12 hour shifts nearly every day and it's exhausting. I think I had…sixteen hours of overtime this week? Maybe eighteen? Either way, I'll be working on Bisca's Journey next if anybody is interested in reading that.

Either way, read, review, and enjoy!