Well, I am back with another chapter for you all to enjoy!
Don't really have any major announcements aside from updates will slow down due to the weather getting nicer. Sorry, but if it's a warm summer day and I'm off from work, I'm not going to sit in front of a computer. So please keep that in mind.
Aside from that…ENJOY!
Chapter Nineteen: Advancing Civilization
Eagle Nebula. System BH-652 18th of Bloom, 425 A.E.
The Batarian Civil war continued to rage across the southern galaxy, plunging dozens of worlds and systems into conflict and suffering. Hegemony forces had taken several Star Belt systems, often with oppressive, brutal tactics sanctioned by the newly minted Grand Shan, Plebrin.
Many had thought he would push for a cease fire with the warring factions, considering the politician's greed, but he wanted to bring the entire species under his bootheel.
Something easier said than done.
Not even accounting the rapidly fortifying warlords and the ferocity of the Adekkan Free States, Hegemony forces simply could not wage war on two fronts. Sure, they fought against the far Eastern fringes of the old territories, but any meaningful skirmishes or battles were rapidly overturned by the rabble of systems sick of the corruption that came from Khar'shan.
That, or the local warlords just wanted to control their territories themselves.
Still, that didn't halt the Star Belters in their bid for independence…despite the fact that both political bodies were nearly identical in terms of beliefs and ideals.
Captain Cas'gark didn't really have time to think about the politics of the whole mess as The Vile shuddered from several hits among the asteroid field that circled the dim star.
"RETURN FIRE! I want those bastards dead!" Braying the order with harsh ferocity, the officer felt another rumble as more incoming shells smashed against his warship. Shields flared with damage, the impacts blooming outward as the warship seemed to stagger among the void.
Escorting light frigates and destroyers met fire with fire, each ship pummeling each other with high velocity slugs that seemed to dance and flare across the two opposing forces.
Returning fire to the closest of three destroyers, the enemy vessel reeled as the battleship sized shell ripped past the lighter barriers. Skimming off the upper hull and armor, the streaking mass accelerated munition slew off into the dark while leaving a furrow of damage. Trying to escape and reorient among the tumbling asteroid field, the B.H. destroyer took on a rapid fire collection of heavy impacts that ripped further armor and hull away.
Streaming air and vapor, the destroyer took another titanic hit from The Vile, the craft finally disintegrating into a tumbling flotsam of bodies and twisted metalworks.
"Captain! The Hegemony ships are making way toward the refinery!" tactical screamed as the male worked under the low lights of battle flooding the bridge.
"Stop them" Snarling the words, Cas'gark had no intention of letting the Hegemony destroy the small mining colony of this system. The main gun fired at another of the raiding enemy, the heavy shell streaking across the expanse to flare against the shields. Already heavily damaged from the skirmish, the destroyer staggered as it tried to maintain position with the others, each ship enacting sublight to reach the collection of inhabited asteroids.
It was a death sentence as B.S.B.N. vessels fired into the exposed rears of those warships, the slugs breaking down the protective shields to rip into the engines of several vessels. Four of the craft simply broke apart, joining the debris field as the five survivors broke off the attack and started to flee to escape the belt of rock and ice.
"They've fled, Captain" an officer informed, not that Cas'gark didn't know.
"I can tell" Voice laced with a harsh snarl, the Batarian officer knew the escaping craft would regroup and link up with other forces to attack the Star Belt Nation. "Losses?"
"Gren'tal is under rescue. Half the crew is estimated to be dead or wounded"
Cas'gark gave an assenting nod with an accompanying growl. While not a perfect victory, the Hegemony failed to destroy the refinery of this system and lost five ships, which meant a victory for the Star Belt. "Have the ship towed to the refinery for repairs. We will continue to patrol" Clutching his armrest, Cas'gark felt a deep fury starting to build within his mind and soul.
He had expected a cease fire by now, especially with how many troubles the Hegemony had. But they were determined to bring them to heel despite another loss. "We should be consolidating and replacing ships, conducting raids and finding new slaves! The Alliance shares our entire Western border and here I am, protecting a refinery from the damned politicians of Khar'Shan!"
Keeping his temper and greed under control, the Captain eased his breathing as The Vile maneuvered out of the belt, the dead and nearly lifeless system one of dozens his people had to fight for.
System SA-93 23rd of Bloom, 425 A.E.
A trio of mining craft fell from FTL, the newly constructed civilian ships employing the latest technologies to safely reach their destination. Flaring sublight engines, the trio of craft were bombarded with traffic comms as they immediately angled themselves for the mineral rich second planet and the nearby asteroid belt.
Wedged between Erdor and the B.S.B.N, SA-93 was a border territory of the Alliance and Earth that had been seized during the war with the Hegemony. Comprising of a dim sun and five lifeless planets with the last a purple gas giant with light rings, the system was known just to be a buffer zone between the two species.
But, with the discovery of several element zero deposits and worlds rich in raw materials to feed the hungry industries of the Alliance had rapidly turned it into a viable outpost with several orbital instillations, mining stations and numerous ground based settlements that had been dug deeply into the crust of the rich worlds.
Obviously, with the nearest alien neighbor a hostile species embroiled in a civil war, the Alliance military had established several deep space radar stations, an appropriate sized garrison on the second planet, and a naval defense force of twenty warships to protect the burgeoning population now reaching sixty thousand.
Rockhead One drifted slowly through the asteroid belt, the mining ship a boxy looking construct nearly the size of a destroyer as it constantly scanned for valuable targets among the tumbling fields of floating asteroids.
Lisa Torrentti piloted with expert assurance while keeping an eye on the proximity alarms, the thirty year old taking the job seriously. Slewing the ship past several miniscule asteroids barely the size of a ground car, she knew that they would have yielded nothing of importance.
"Keep it steady" Derek Blumburg warned, the civilian captain showing unease while several smaller asteroids collided, the impacts shattering their miniscule masses.
"Got it" Rapidly typing keys as the ship slid closer, the target loomed with size upon approach. Appearing as an oblong mess of craters and rounded edges, the asteroid rotated among the field with serenity as sensors splayed across its surface.
"Three miles long and about a one wide. Primarily water-ice, cobalt and nickel with some element zero" Bernard Monet informed rapidly, the Frenchman and surveyor finishing with his minimal accent.
"Good enough for me. Let's tow her out of the belt and start ripping her apart" Derek added with a minor upbeat of expression, the miner excited for the coming payday. Standing up, the Jewish man from New York City left the bridge to oversee the next step of their job.
Lisa barely noticed he left, the dark haired pilot simply waiting at her station for the tethers to be attached. After all, mining in the middle of a belt could be extremely hazardous, especially for a ship their size. Fiddling with her omni-tool, she decided to check up on the latest news as the disembodied voice of a woman filtered from the device.
"Construction continues on Arcturus Station around the clock as Prime Minister Molotov pushes for further development of colonies and infrastructure across the Alliance. Nearing seventy percent completion, the future seat of our government is expected to be completed by next summer"
"In military news, naval construction is nearing full replacement of losses suffered during the war with an emphasis on expansion of several hundred warships to protect Alliance borders and colonist's"
"Meanwhile, the Unification Party attempted to convince the Alliance government of forcing the Coalition to join Earth. Due to their minimal voice and size, they were ignored as simple 'warmongers' and 'idiots' However, a recently formed group identifying as Cerberus has voiced interest in working with the Seran's to advance human knowledge and superiority, but any further attempts at communication with the organization was met with silence leaving many to speculate if they even exist"
"Finally, the newly formed Terran Coalition Party has come to blows with police forces in a dozen South American cities, claiming that the Alliance Government is trying to limit their political ideals for a stronger, united Earth. Obviously, these fascist ideals have no business in today's affairs as many compare them to the dictators of the twentieth century"
The news report ended, prompting Lisa to switch her omni-tool to her personal playlist of ancient Earth music.
Deciding on some AC/DC, Lisa enjoyed the opening notes as the first suited figure in a hard vacuum suit floated by the main window of the bridge. Joined by five others, they would attach the anchors, allowing her to drag this rock out to be picked apart over the coming weeks at one of the mining outposts that dotted the nearby belt.
It may be slow and cumbersome, but simply firing grappling anchors had proven to be ineffective. More often than not, the target would break apart, leaving a mining crew with hundreds of smaller pieces of their wealth floating away into the void.
"Hey Lisa"
"Hmm?" Looking backward at Bernard, the man was equally bored as the sensor specialist really had nothing to do for the moment.
"What do you think of the Seran's seizing Ter'sha? I mean, they grabbed Pandora, took nearly half of Toad territory and have committed genocide"
Lisa shrugged, the low ballad of Highway To Hell flowing around the tiny bridge. "I don't see a problem with it. From what I understand, the Batarian's broke the treaty and the COG responded by taking what they were owed. After all, the four eyes killed nearly thirty million Serans during first contact"
"You can't be serious. They act like fascists. Hitler. Stalin. Mao Zedong. They're basically the same" Bernard waved in disgust, the Frenchman obviously set in his opinion. "And don't forget their hostility toward Terrans in general. If they had the chance, the COG would run over Earth and enslave us"
Lisa cocked an eyebrow, her face scrunched up with an incredulous look. "Where the hell did you hear that the Seran's would enslave Earth? The Seran's loathe any type of slavery. Yes, they are fascist, but they also have achieved a very stable government and society built on respect, strength and hard work that has lasted for centuries. Plus, I find their laws protecting the rights of women quite wonderful" Turning to check the proximity radar, Lisa found a few minor rocks approaching, but they were unthreatening to the ship as defensive batteries tracked the objects on automatic.
They would fire if needed.
Bernard shook his head. "The Alliance have those some rights. Every Terran is equal, yet the Seran's imprison and persecute homosexuals and any opposing ideology"
Lisa had to disagree as she fully turned, the brunette pilot raising a pointed finger. "First of all, Seran women have been able to vote, hold office, serve in the military and enjoy every conceivable place in society for centuries. They served in the Pendulum Wars while on Earth, some places had it illegal for women to even read, let alone hold office. Second, they don't actually persecute. They just use genetic tailoring to prevent that before birth. They see it the same as blindness, mental deficiencies, cancer, or any other abnormality. Do I agree with that? Of course not, but considering how horrific their population losses have been, they do need every available child to be born healthy with no physical abnormalities"
"You sound like one of those Coalition bastards" Bernhard added with additional harshness.
"The Terran Coalition Party? They only want their own totalitarian government on Earth. They claim to follow the COG, but in reality, they just want to control" Waving in dismissal at the statement, Lisa continued. "I may have some admiration for the COG, but I prefer being in the Alliance thank you very much. Here I wouldn't be forced to birth children for the government like our galactic cousins" The thought made Lisa shiver. She had nothing against kids, but being required by law to get pregnant didn't sit right with her at all. "But then, Earth didn't face the Locust Horde and billions of war dead a few centuries ago"
Just thinking of those abominations made Lisa's skin crawl. "No wonder the Krogan and Turians like them. Probably will beat each other with rocks to decide which one is the strongest" Saying the words to herself in a light whisper, the pilot almost jumped out of her seat as a priority message blared.
"I got it" Bernard replied, the Frenchman still cross, but relenting to the difference of opinion. Sliding over to a nearby console, he allowed the message to play.
"This is a general alert. Five Batarian ships were detected at the extreme edges of Alliance space, but retreated when several of our ships enclosed to firing range. Maintain a safe vigil against potential slavers. That is all"
Bernard gave a huff, the Frenchman sliding back over to his console. "I may not like the COG, but I will admit that the Batarians won't mess with them like they do with us. That's what? The third probe in two months?"
"Four. But I doubt they'll do anything with them killing each other in their civil war. Probably a few deserters trying to find a weak spot. As long as the navy keeps up a proper defense, the four eyes won't try anything. Even they aren't stupid enough to risk engaging in a lopsided fight for no gain"
"I guess" Leaning back in his chair, Bernard kept an eye on sensors just in case.
The only thing he saw were the icons of three Alliance ships, the vessels a few million miles away as they continued their patrol.
The Citadel 8th of Reap, 425 A.E.
Tevos read the latest report in her office, the Asari Councilor frowning at the data on her computer. While not bad by any means, the fact her people were building up for a military campaign against Boto-shik meant that in the future, war and conflict would once again be taking lives.
She knew it was justified. The whole Council knew it was justified. Not only would this be a proper reparation for her species, but it would open the door to bringing some semblance of civilization to the Terminus Systems and the vastly unexplored territory it represented.
Both the Salarians and Turians were eager to secure territory, especially away from the main relays.
Of course, it would no doubt be costly and bloody. Boto-shik might be taken easily if the inhabitants surrendered, but Tevos knew they wouldn't. At least, not while the local warlords were in charge.
The idea that her people might have to kill the entire population made her sick.
"Goddess. Please let them see reason and surrender before that happens" Whispering the words to herself, Tevos was fully aware she was taking a page from the Seran's for this military campaign.
They had wiped out the pirate den on Ter'sha while claiming several hundred light years beyond their current borders. All information spoke of it being harsh and bloody, but the Seran's simply didn't care about the Batarians. Or at least, not enough to wipe out thousands of pirates.
Or hundreds of millions during the war.
But the Asari needed to show resolve. Especially against a species that had brutalized and enslaved countless thousands of her fellow sisters.
"If only there was still a stable government, I could try to renegotiate. But the entire Hegemony is up in flames. Warlords are making plays, the Adekkan Free States are fighting against their former masters. A government in exile on Lorek. Reported piracy along the Alliance Border. Land battles between the Hegemony and B.S.B.N. on half a dozen worlds…" Rubbing her blue tinted temples, Tevos made a very human motion to fight the headache it all represented.
The Council would not get involved in the civil war, but she had to admit now was an excellent time to take what they were owed. If she waited too long as her species preferred, the Batarians would find peace then the opportunity to seize Boto-shik could be lost forever.
"At least the military build up is proceeding on schedule" Tevos admitted to herself despite knowing that she could be throwing lives into the fire once more.
Giving a weary sigh, she turned to face the window, letting the glow of stars and nebula light pour over her and the office. Reaching for a glass, the Asari drank the pink alcohol, its fruity taste quite pleasant. "Should the Citadel get involved? I know Lorek is adopting a democratic government in exile. They could use support. But flooding weapons and ships into that maelstrom could come back and bite us. If that government falls, then all we would've done is arm a warlord with a significant base" Abruptly shaking her head, Tevos knew that the other Councilors wouldn't support any aid. "But then, the Serans might just so the Batarian's keep on killing each other. Or maybe the Klor'vians? They're rapidly downsizing their military, but that doesn't mean they couldn't sell ships or munition's"
"I really hope that doesn't happen. We don't need those types of warships in the hands of the Hegemony…or anybody else for that matter. The COG is bad enough with their capital ships and their paranoia" Draining the glass, Tevos reached for the nearby bottle, but thought better of it. One drink was fine, but she was the Councilor.
Thinking of those monstrous Monitors and Dreadnaughts, Tevos had to assume her own people were working on something to level the playing field. Yes, they acquired the plasma beam weapon from the Toads, but the fact remained there was a significant power along the Eastern arm of the galaxy that could potentially defeat the Citadel Council.
Still, she wouldn't press or dig. She was positive everybody was working on the Slip drive, or building new super dreadnaughts in secret.
"I'm sure that prized Klor'vian ship the Turian's seized is already being refit and pushed into service" Tevos had no disillusions that they would want the Seran's to know as well when the time was right. Picking up the data pad and report once more, she knew that in another month, the Council would be ready to move against Boto-Shik.
The thought of another military campaign made Tevos decide that she did deserve a second drink after all.
Boto Shik System 14th of Harvest, 425 A.E.
Council naval forces had surged across the border a week before, launching a three prong attack that stretched from Venroe to Nueva Thessa. Comprising of four main fleets and a half a million troops for ground action, their overwhelming might against the scattered Batartian warlords and pirate dens had been a sweeping success.
Dozens of systems and planets were claimed by the main species of the Council, each advancing along preplanned paths.
Now, the Asari invasion fleet had entered the Boto-shik system with overwhelming forces, the main fleet safeguarding the troop transports as the few scattered defenders fled to the inner system.
Lead by Beacon of Justice, Admiral Rana B'sayle sat primly, her ships spreading outward in a standard assault pattern from the Mass Relay that floated near the system's edge.
"Report" Minimally stern, she knew that the entire campaign had been woefully easy so far. With the exception of three pirate dens that needed cleansing, most of the invasion had been bloodless and easy…something none were complaining about.
The crewwoman at sensors stirred, her pale blue skin matched by her uniform as the flagship and her escorts slid silently through the void toward the garden world. Rapidly typing as exterior cameras fed information, the lower officer turned to her superior. "A dozen enemy warships, all destroyer class have taken station over Boto-shik. The fleet has detected numerous debris fields and ruins on several of the outer moons. Most likely destroyed when the Coalition attacked during the war"
Rana uttered a single, mirthful laugh. "We all know how the Seran's conducted the war against the Batarians. I doubt we will find any meaningful defenses left in this system after they bombed this place into ruin"
There was an uneasy ripple of laughter from several crew at their stations.
All knew that the Seran's had returned their losses ten fold, burning a swath of destruction into the Hegemony. Their brutality was still shocking to many Asari, the civilian population matching them to bloodthirsty brutes.
Some even compared them to the Rachni.
Rana did not share that sentiment. As far as she was concerned, the Batarians had committed atrocities and war crimes for years without punishment. Now the Asari were taking what they were owed.
Standing up, she strode over the holo-table, her gaze falling upon the floating display of the system as her fleet crossed the desolate darkness.
Six planets slid slowly around a standard red dwarf star, the two inner worlds rocky and dead. Tapping the image of Boto-shik, the image blew up, showing a temperate world of high mountains, snow covered forests and equatorial swamplands that sprawled across three large continents.
A single moon orbited the planet, the surface showing desolate ruins of former domed cities that had been mercilessly attacked. Orbiting ruins of several space instillations still floated, their husks devoid of any habitation.
There were still several cities that glowed with civilization across the planet, but they were few and far between. The vast majority of the former urban centers were bombarded, silent tombs of scorched earth and heavy orbital strikes that scarred the surface.
"I'm still surprised the Seran's left this world inhabited. They aren't exactly known for mercy. But then, they didn't see it as a valuable target to invade at the time. A waste of resources considering how badly they were fighting the Caliphate"
"Admiral. The Batarian destroyers have fled the system"
Waving her hand to dispel the floating holographic projection, Rana B'sayle returned to her command chair, the Asari officer waiting out the minutes as her forces approached Boto-Shik.
It was an uneventful affair as hundreds of warships surrounded the planet, each taking a firing position.
"Admiral. Communication from the planet"
Giving a stern nod, Rana waited as the image of a Batarian appeared on several screens, his four eyes blinking in unison as rage creased his yellow tinted features.
"YOU THINK I'LL SURRENDER THIS PLANET! I AM WARLORD JAL'TOP! MY WORD IS LAW! ALL WILL FIGHT AND DIE FOR ME! FUCK THE COUNCIL!"
"I will ask you to peacefully surrender this world. If you do not, we will be taking it by force to compensate for reparation's"
Jal'top sneered, the warlord obviously not intimidated. "Come and take it you blue bitch" ending the transmission, the bridge fell into silence.
"Very well. Prepare for the invasion. Target any significant military instillation's and troop concentrations. The easier it is for our soldiers, the better" Rana B'Sayle simply ordered. Leaning back as several destroyers and heavy cruisers moved into orbit, they silently floated as several troop transport's slid into position above the few remaining cities. Copies of the Tai Kaliso's, they would deposit orbital troops en masse to pave a way for general infantry.
"I still can't believe the Seran's developed such a means of entering battle. Insanity" A nearby crewman uttered as the first transports started to disgorge thousands of drop pods. They looked like specks of diamond dust from this distance, but everybody knew what they were.
"But effective for rapid deployment" Rana replied easily.
Miniscule pinpoints of light spread across the diamond dust, signaling the firing of the pods to begin their descent toward the war ravaged surface of Boto-shik.
Sera, 16th of Harvest, 425 A.E.
Doctor Maria Mueller and her compatriot, Doctor Shyla Patel were in silent awe, each basking in the blue glow of the Sorana Ocean beyond the bubble window of the submarine. Joining them was half of the research team, a mixture of species from four different worlds.
Schools of fish swam past, their size and abundance dwarfing anything on Earth. Darting back and forth among the ruins of old Jacinto, the two Terrans still remained silent.
Watching several dozen yellow hinted fish swim through the gaping window of a sunken building a hundred feet away, Shyla gasped as a Leviathan swam in the distance, the massive creature darting past several leaning buildings covered in algae, coral, and seaweed.
"Spirits. The size of that creature…" Doctor Guntavius said in awe, his silver eyes tracing the mammoth sample aquatic life.
The Leviathan began to swim their way, the gargantuan species eyeing the submarine like a new morsel.
Fortunately, the pilot activated the sonic repulsor, pushing the beast away without harm as the discomfort grew for the Leviathan.
It decided to look for food elsewhere.
"It's beautiful…and so tragic" Maria finally commented as the craft angled slightly downward, the high beamed lights illuminating the cracked and uneven streets below. A few rusting wrecks of vehicles could still be identified, but after so long under the ocean, most had rusted away into nothing.
"It would be like exploring the sunken ruins of London, New Delhi or New York" Sayla added softly, the ocean light tracing across her Indian features as the submarine continued through the fallen city.
Beams of illumination fell upon the ruins of Octus Tower, the structure now glassless and leaning precariously to the left. Oceanic life darted through the floors, passing the half covered symbol of the Coalition hidden by seaweed and algae.
Maria could feel the sadness of this place while her mind tried to connect the dots with famous landmarks of Earth. But she really couldn't fathom the Eiffel Tower in such a state. Or the Brandenburg Gate…the Empire State Building.
Turning her gaze to the pilot, the Seran male was silent, his task of piloting taking most of his attention. She wanted to try a conversation with him, but how do you express the sorrow she felt?
"It really is horrific what they have suffered"
A tint of a golden eagle reflected under the beams of filtered sunlight from the surface, the Allfather's Library having settled in a half broken tilt against the ocean bottom.
"So much lost knowledge. A tragedy for history" Doctor Lalorne observed, the Salarian's words rapid and crisp.
"Indeed, but it's truly remarkable. Such hardship and loss. War and conflict. As a Turian, I cannot help but feel the hardships of this species. Truly resilient against such a terrible foe" Approaching the bubble window, Guntavius watched as several more fish swam past, darting into a nearby parking structure that miraculously still stood near the library despite being covered in centuries worth of oceanic life.
The fact made Maria depressed, the entire research party having come to Sera to learn about the people…how they came to be. But seeing a building that held such knowledge to be sitting here on the bottom of the ocean, its contents lost to time was terrible to think about.
A Sorano shark swam nearby, swallowing several fish in a bid to eat and survive. Darting away from the submarine past the dome of the library, the shark disappeared into the murky distance as the academic's continued to gaze upon the oceanic ruins of old Jacinto.
The following day near the ruins of Old Jilane
Sayla Patel leaned back in her chair, the Indian woman idly listening to the radio as she looked at an ancient repeater rifle from the Age of Armageddon…which began nearly seven hundred years ago. It had been found in a collapsed bunker of Jilane, which was a remarkable find considering the devastation this world had suffered.
"They were building steamships and waging global war when the Spanish barely discovered the America's…unbelievable" Talking to herself, she was still shocked that the dig had wielded such a find.
But then, all of Sera had been fought over at some point.
"Still doesn't answer how or why there are two humanities" Glancing out the window of her prefab laboratory module, Sayla watched a few Asari and Salarians talking in the center of the camp, their words unknown.
Turning her attention to the simple radio on her desk, the words spilling forth were obviously from a nearby Seran station.
"In Galactic news, Councilor Tevos has announced that the invasion of Boto-shik will be won despite the slow progress in dislodging the pirate lords. The Salarian Union has fully annexed Venroe and the surrounding dozen systems while the Turian navy eliminated a pirate den threatening stability and peace. Meanwhile, Terran naval forces continue to reinforce their border from Batarian pirates" Pausing for a brief moment, the man on the radio then promptly continued to speak.
"Today marks the first colonization effort of civilian Terrans on Pandora. With many rejoining family members that fought in the war, it will be a step forward to bridge the many differences between our two people. Meanwhile, Chairman Diaz has approved the terraforming of Ter'sha into a temperate world. With a substantial ice world in the system, the development is believed to only take a mere century. Of course, representatives of the Green Party have protested, saying Ter'sha should remain a desert world to protect its natural habitats and native life"
"That's right. They leave a third of all garden planet's free of any development to ensure balance" Idly listening for more, Sayla found herself ignoring her work for the moment.
"In sports news, the Hanover Cougars defeated the Anvengad Anvils thirty five to twenty eight, marking the third victory for the Cougars as the Thrashball season goes into full swing across the Coalition. Meanwhile, the Ghato City Ironheads defeated the Andius Jaguars in overtime with a final score of thirty one to twenty eight. Now, here's some music for the next hour"
A somber tune began to play from the radio, something that reminded Sayla of ancient Jazz music as she went back to work on the ancient weapon of war laying upon her table.
A gunshot rang out suddenly, making the doctor drop the cleaning tools in a sudden gasp. Rushing toward the doorway, the Indian woman picked up the longshot leaning in the corner. Making sure it was loaded, she ran into the clearing of the encampment, her heart beating fast.
"What's wrong!?"
Guntavius pointed with his clawed hand toward the camp defenses, the barrier a crackling shield that surrounded the area for several hundred feet. "I believe it was a Grizzle. Or what you Terrans would call a Black Bear. Very large, but I think I scared it off from the energy fence" Turning to Patel as more wildlife cawed and hooted among the nearby ruins of old Jilane, the Turian worked the bolt of the rifle as the spent cartridge flung away in tinkle of brass. "The wildlife here is very large. Sera is vastly unsettled compared to most of our homeworld's. Most of it has forgotten to fear hunters. That's why they gave us the means to defend our camp"
"I've noticed" Sayla replied dryly as she walked toward the energy barrier, its coloration a serene blue. Staring beyond, she could see the Grizzle, the beast sitting near the broken entrance of an overgrown store nearly unrecognizable due to foliage and tree growth.
It stared at Doctor Patel, a mass of fur, muscle and animal instincts that made her feel extremely small.
Standing on its hind legs, it let out a roar, the beast standing nearly twelve feet tall before falling back on its front paws. Licking the chops of its maw, the Grizzle sauntered away down the overgrown ruins of a street, the forest lining the span of concrete as birds chirped among the branches and sunken windows of buildings long forgotten.
Another roar came from the sagging ruins of an apartment complex, drawing the gaze of Patel to the north.
The face of a feline was in the open gap of the fourth floor, something similar to a mountain lion of Earth…but bigger. The animal walked among the open gap, then disappeared into the bowels of the structure.
"Amazing! The life here is…is just amazing! The Serans may be brutes, but they know how to preserve environments for all life!" Doctor Tula T'hale exclaimed as the biology expert clasped her hands nearby. Smiling, the blue hued Asari spread her hands in awe. "Just think! Every Seran world sets aside a full third of the surface for wild life. No industry, no habitation or development! Just wilderness! Truly a marvel and example of conservation the galaxy can follow!" Remembering where she was, Tula watched as several birds flew over the ten foot defensive fence and landed on the water pump. Chirping in song, the avians simply flittered and fluttered without a care.
Sayla had to admit the Asari was correct. The Seran homeworld…along with the rest of their settled planets did implement a strict environmental policy for development, settlements and industry. There were even population caps, although none of those were even close to being met yet.
"All of India could move to Sera and it would only bring the global population to two and half billion. Let alone Risea or Azura Prime. They have so much room to grow and expand" Smelling the air, Sayla could just feel the cleanliness around her.
But she had work to do. Lowering the rifle toward the ground, she began walking back to her module as more cries of wildlife cawed and hooted around the encampment located among the ruins of ancient Jilane.
Pandora System, 19th of Harvest 425 A.E.
New Haven bustled with activity as mid-day rain doused the city in humidity and moisture. Advertisements and billboards showed off their latest wares or potential products in the hopes of attracting customers. Surrounded by jungle on three sides, the capital had been almost carved into the land along the river, its churning flow carrying silt and minerals to the coast.
But the Terrans disembarking the transport had no time to stare or study the assortment of signage from the nearby capital city of this raw, new colony.
Maya Garcia pushed forward with her mother, two younger brother's, and her young sister Maria who held the pet carrier holding her two adopted kittens. Luckily, pets were allowed so long as they were crated for transport. Pulling a few bags filled with their families meager belongings, the Hondurans simply tried to find a way toward the rows of check in stations that lined the far wall.
Basking in the crisp coolness of the spaceport building disrupted by nearly fifteen thousand arrivals from Earth. The talking and jouncing of bodies seemed to swell among the concourse. Not only that, but it was like every nation and region was here. A true slice of Terran life…and most of them appeared poor judging by many of them clutching simple bags and packs.
Koreans.
Egyptians and Indians.
Germans and Dutch.
North Americans and Latinos.
All of them had family members that fought for the COG during the war. That was the only reason they were allowed to immigrate early. After all, the Serans wouldn't be allowing Pandora to open to general immigration for another full year at least.
For Maya, it was because of her older brother Ricardo that had joined up for the fight. Not only that, but he had fought in some of the hardest battles of the war.
Looking around some more, she saw several Gears providing security, the heavily armed men and women like monoliths that watched for any emerging issues. Some were interspaced near the crowds, others near hallways and checkpoints. Then even more were behind the line of space port employees, all of them helmeted with tinted blue lenses that bore into the crowd of Terrans.
One stared at Maya, the female Gear stationed near a supporting pillar of the concourse.
Maya Garcia waved softly, trying not to appear threatening.
"Next"
The voice was gruff, belonging to a Krogan behind the desk. Pitted with old scars and burns along his face and neck, it was obvious he had fought some harsh battles from centuries past. Flanking him were Asari on both sides, then further down Serans and a few Turians that were doing their best to process the incoming influx of humans.
Next week would see an influx of Turians, all rejoining their family members that had fought as well.
Stepping forward under a scanning station, the wave of light flowed over the five, cataloguing each and their images for the government.
"Name of your family member that served" Sounding bored, the Krogan waited.
"Ricardo Garcia. I'm his younger sister with the rest of his family"
The Krogan grunted, then typed the glowing keys of his computer while looking at the screen. Squinting, the alien grunted as he compared the data with the group of five standing before his station. "Damn old eyes…" typing some more, the large alien gave another grunt then grinned in satisfaction. Swiveling in his chair as several blue tinted plastic cards printed from a machine, he took all five then set them on the counter. "Show these at processing. Don't worry, its only to get an identification card for residency"
"We're approved? Just like that?"
"Yeah. Your brother did most of the work filling out the data for your immigration" Swinging the console screen toward Maya and her siblings, the woman was faced with a screen of information that showed age, place of birth, names and their images next to her own brother. "If you had been lying about being related to him or any that served, I would've known pretty quickly"
An alarm blared ten stations to the left, the klaxons hooting as a bearded man screamed. "MY SISTER DID SERVE! LOOK UP THE NAME CAPTIAN SARAH GREENWICH!"
"The only Sarah Greenwich we have on file was a Corporal in the C.A.G. and she had no brothers, only two sisters which have already passed through immigration! You have falsified your identification! Board the transport you came on and return to Terra!" The Seran worker shouted, the woman with flowing pink hair standing up to shout at the man.
"The hell with this!" Pulling a Carnifex pistol from beneath his shirt that had been hidden in his waistband, the ragged looking male began to raise it toward the spaceport employee as desperation crossed his visage. "Let me through! I demand a plot of land for free!"
"Weapon!" The nearby female Gear shouted, the helmeted soldier raising her lancer and firing at the hostile.
The shots rang out, causing a fresh roil of screams from terrified civilians as the man was knocked over. Blood had sprayed from his left side, the five bullets ripping through him as the Carnifex clattered to the floor.
Rushing over, the female Gear covered the man while stepping on the weapon.
But he was dead, the breathing silent while more security rushed forward to secure the area.
"Damn fool" Shaking his head, the Krogan pointed to the left. "Processing is past the last station on your left. Present your cards and welcome to Pandora. Try not to get eaten"
Maya gulped, then swiftly nodded while dragging her siblings and mother away for the next step of processing.
Ricardo drove the heavy ground truck through the small town of five hundred, passing a few stores, a bar and some homes. Smiling at Maya next to him, the man turned down another hastily paved road that held a local school and clinic, along with a small security station. Driving straight past the communal service centers, Ricardo looked backward at his mother.
"I know Lima Town isn't much to look at right now, mama, but our land is only a mile from the school. Just imagine! Maria, Hector and Felix will be able to get an education! Better than the slums of San Pedro" Giving a pained look, their former home on Earth had been an overcrowded, polluted mess where access to clean drinking water, food and the basics had been nearly impossible for them to achieve.
It was a miracle Ricardo hadn't been swallowed up by the gangs that still inhabited that part of the world. Or that Maya didn't fall into prostitution simply to put food on the table.
"I will give a prayer to god to protect Izabel Diaz for helping our family" Crossing her hand in the sign of the cross, Angela Garcia made a mental note to build a proper shrine in their new home.
Ricardo turned left, then slowed to a crawl as the land vehicle approached the protective barrier fence. Most of it hummed a light blue, but the main entrance was still a metal gate. Swinging open after receiving the signal from his omni-tool, the elder son drove forward past rows of budding sugar cane.
Finally coming under a vehicle awning, Ricardo stepped out as a sudden shower poured downward. Moving to the back, he grabbed the meager belongings of his family from the truck bed, then hurried toward the front door. Hitting the keypad, he stepped into the air conditioned home that nearly sparkled with cleanliness and care.
"Well?"
The three younger siblings nearly shrieked with excitement, running toward the nearby kitchen first. Opening the faucet of the sink, Felix was amazed at the sight of clean water.
"Look…water…"
It was amazing to the eight year old.
"Yes. Clean water. Clean air. No crime and one hundred sixty acres of land to farm. I decided on sugar cane as you can see. There is room for all of you"
"I knew I raised a good son" Angela praised as she explored the home.
Ricardo smiled, then walked to the refrigerator to help himself to a local beer. Handing one to Maya, the twenty four year old sat at the table as the rest explored.
Of course, little Maria unleashed her kittens, letting the felines escape to explore this new environment.
"It is a good home. Far better than where we were" Maya observed before taking a small sip of the bottled beer.
"Yes, it is. But Pandora is dangerous in its own ways. I'll explain to our siblings and mama later, but some of the wildlife here is very vicious. We are still close to town and have the repulsor fence, but exploring or entering the jungle is dangerous. While nothing has happened here, I've heard of Krogan being eaten by plants. Of some Serans being mauled by vociraptors" Leaning back, Ricardo shrugged. "Still, less dangerous than the slums"
Maya gave another slow nod, the natural Hispanic beauty drinking some more. "We saw a man get gunned down at the spaceport. He smuggled a weapon and tried to shoot one of the workers. Violence is here too"
Ricardo gave a simple shrug of his shoulders. "Then he was a damn fool. The thing to know about the COG is they don't really mess around. They see a threat and usually destroy it. Not to say every single Seran is some bloodthirsty, lancer wielding super soldier. There are plenty that have normal jobs like every other species in the galaxy. Still, their laws and punishments are very strict"
"How strict?"
"If a man had forced you back in San Pedro, odds are, nothing would've come of it. The local police were better than back in the twenty first century, but not by much. Here? They'd find the brute and execute him. Trials are short and usually take less than a month. Trafficking, slavery and the crime we're used to seeing back in Honduras? It's not tolerated here. The Coalition may be fascists in many ways, but they've achieved great stability with the lowest crime rate among the major powers of the galaxy. Some of the guys in town say its because they have a low population, but I think its how they are raised"
"That is good then. I'm sick of looking over my shoulder, just waiting to be mugged for a few credits…or worse" Looking out the kitchen window at the fields of sugar, Maya watched more rain fall…something she was quite used to.
"I don't know how to farm"
Ricardo laughed. "Don't worry about that. I've done fine planting and sowing the fields thanks to the colonial information guides. Near idiot proof so if I can do it, you'll have no problem. Or if you want, you can try to find a job in town when you're ready" Standing up, the man of the house enjoyed the sight of his siblings rush toward him, excitedly shouting about their new rooms.
"There is no shrine to our lord and savior. I will build one" Huffing at her son for his flimsy beliefs, the mother moved to the kitchen, opening the refrigerator. "I will make lunch. Maya, please keep an eye on the young ones"
Maya rolled her eyes, but knew better than to argue.
"Brother! Can you tell us about the war!?" Hector was thirteen, nearly entering manhood, but still a child as he shouted the question, clearly excited that his older brother fought aliens.
"Yeah! Did you kill those aliens!?" Felix added in, the two boys eager for details.
Ricardo's face suddenly darkened, his jovial mood at reuniting his family after nearly three years souring. Breathing deeply, he lowered himself toward Hector's height as the images flashed like gunfire in his mind. "I'm sorry, but you're too young for that. Maybe when your older" Standing up, he tried to smile and forget that horror.
"How about some cartoons?" Maya swooped in, rapidly activating the wall screen. Giving an understanding look to Ricardo, she had followed the news during the war and knew it had been vicious. Especially among the CAG units and the Serans.
The children rapidly settled down, watching some ancient Looney Tunes as Bugs Bunny thwarted Daffy Duck. They laughed, rapidly forgetting the question as Ricardo stepped out into falling rain pummeling the land.
The humidity was a sweating hell of heat, thick enough to cut after the wonderful air conditioning.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Maya asked her older brother, the sister concerned as he stood there, watching the sugar cane sway.
"No. I really don't. The gangs and violence of San Pedro were bad. But the Toads? They were insane. Completely loco. I just want to forget and build a good life here" Going silent with his sister at his side, the former soldier simply watched the sugar cane sway as the rain fell.
Boto-Shik 24th of Harvest, 425 A.E.
"EVERYBODY WILL FIGHT! IF YOU DO NOT FIGHT AND DIE FOR JAL'TOP, YOU ARE AN ENEMY AND WILL BE EXECUTED!"
Echoing through the ruins of the war torn planetary capital, the words seemed to float over numerous fires and the sprawling corpses of Batarians and Asari scattered among the ruins. Flashes of rifle fire pulsed a street over, the sharp blue lights pummeling some unseen target.
Going on repeat, the announcement continued like a shriek of annoyance to the Asari troops huddled in the ruins of a store, the squad of commandoes simply waiting as summer heat filtered through the gaping hole of the front wall.
"I really wish somebody would shut that thing up. It's been playing for days" One of the soldiers uttered, the female crouched low near a booth covered in debris and brick dust.
An explosion wracked the city to the East, a vibration felt through the air as the annoying voice of Jal'top finally ceased with a hiss and pop of finality.
"Thank the goddess! I was going insane listening to that" Another mentioned, the relief short lived as more pulses of gunfire wracked the destroyed city.
"Enough of that" Captain Ki'vol said with authority. Spreading out a rolling electronic map for the commando unit, it showed the local area, friendly units, and presumed enemy locations in real time. "We're here, on the fringes of the slums and low caste housing district" Pointing, Ki'vol dragged a line with a pointer pen, highlighting the route to a sewage maintenance entrance five blocks away near several industries. "We need to get here and find a way to enter Jal'top's bunker beneath the city. It's assumed to be heavily defended, but with the losses his forces have suffered, it might be easier, but I doubt it" Glancing toward the dust strewn street and several Batarians rotting in the sun, Ki'vol thought she had heard something, but with another crackle of rifle fire, she dismissed it. "We bypass and ignore any strongpoints or clusters of enemies. We can't afford to be bogged down, we let the regular troops take care of that"
Three of the commandoes immediately swiveled toward the hole in the wall, each raising their Raptor rifles in a mere blink of the eye.
A dirty, grime covered Batarian child stood there, the four eyes of the alien blinking slowly. Before the soldiers could do anything, the parent swooped in, a haggard male holding a simple pistol. Grabbing his daughter, the former janitor gulped and contemplated raising the weapon.
"Don't. Just walk away and find another unit. We've set up refugee centers to the south of the city and across the planet. Food, water and medical care" One of the Asari warned, the female on one knee and aiming very carefully.
"S…stop Jal'top. He's a monster…a butcher" Running away with his daughter in one arm, the Batarian disappeared into the rubble, not inclined to stay near the invading Asari.
"Should we pursue, Captain?"
"No. We stay on mission. Move out" Unslinging her own Raptor rifle, Ki'vol stepped into the street and scurried past the rotting corpses to the next building. It was pulverized, missing the roof and several walls. Pushing through as more rifle fire came from the North-East, the unit slinked further into the ruins, bypassing two strongpoints that anchored down a few roads.
Moving in a low crouch against a half broken wall twenty minutes later, Ki'vol stopped at the end, avoiding fallen materials as thunder rumbled above.
The roof of the factory was gone, simply sheered away as the first droplets of rain began to fall. Wrecked machinery and tools were scattered about, along with skeletal remains of workers that had been inside during the Seran onslaught.
By now, they had been picked nearly clean, the flesh mostly gone as the unit swerved and moved through the labyrinth of work station's and machines. Several rodents scurried away from the Asari, frightened by the arrival.
A thunder of explosions wracked and vibrated the walls, the main Asari force pushing in a line further to the north as they brought war to Jal'top and his men.
"Goddess…" A commando whispered as she looked upward, the female new to the unit.
A dozen Batarians hung from several intact rafters, their bodies lifeless and bloated from rot. Several birds picked at them, one pulling out one of the eyes then gobbling it up in grisly haste.
"Traitors to the warlord most likely" Captain Ki'vol answered, the commando keeping an eye out for trouble as the unit left the hanging corpses behind. Leaving the main factory floor, the unit filtered into the lobby, the wreckage and ruin dripping with rainwater as the storm unleashed on the area. Moving to the entrance, Ki'vol took cover at the doorway and glanced toward the Sewage Access Station across the cratered boulevard that stretched nearly forty feet wide.
Nothing moved among the piles of rubble and growing puddles, not even the few rotting bodies that hadn't been removed after all this time.
Jal'top seemed to be the type to not care about sanitation. Just power, slaves, and drugs.
Watching the target structure, it seemed to be in decent condition. Well, with all four walls and roof still standing it was already doing better than most structures in this city.
The battered door of the station opened as two Batarians sauntered out. They were instantly drawn to the sounds of battle to the north, but dismissed it as they started to move around, checking for disturbances in a lazy walk.
Ki'vol didn't dare to speak as she sent hand signals to the Bel'rae and F'tona, the two snipers of the squad.
Moving slowly forward to places among the ruined lobby, both unslung their scoped rifles and took their time, waiting for the next rumble of thunder. Once it happened, both fired, dropping the targets with professionalism.
If anybody was inside, they didn't hear a thing as lightning cracked, unleashing more rain on the miserable city.
Commandoes rushed across the boulevard, avoiding the wrecks of vehicles and bodies. Reaching the station, they breached in moments.
"What the he—"
The Batarian guard was shot dead at the table, along with the two others who had been playing some sort of card game. Moving toward the access room, no others were present.
There had been only the five to guard this building from intruders.
"You four secure this exit. The rest of us will proceed as planned" Ki'vol rapidly ordered as the first commando's descended the stairs to the sewer door. Rapidly following, it opened into the darkness, the stench a dank hell of sewage and refuse.
"Gross. Are we sure we even want this planet?" F'tona lightly groused as the vile stench wafted upward from the river running through the middle.
"Don't forget what the Hegemony did. Not only to the Serans, but our own people as well. Tens of thousand enslaved. Some for centuries or born into it. This world will lessen that suffering. Or at least make the Hegemony pay for their crimes. Nothing hurts more than taking a garden world. And frankly, they didn't deserve getting a world like this in the first place" Ki'vol finished before pointing forward. Following the raised walking platform, the commandoes moved silently and confidently through the subterranean labyrinth.
Buckets of rainwater poured down from above, the gaping hole from an explosion having ripped through the street above. Several bodies of Batarians had fallen through the gap…or at least, pieces of them as the bobbing corpses floated in the river of waste.
Raising their rifles to the source as snapping pulses of light flew above and the screams of dying aliens, the Asari commando's slunk past toward their target destination as their sisters waged war above.
Coming to an intersection that churned with grotesque spoilage, Ki'vol stepped back to check her omni-tool while her troops shielded the azure light. "According to intel, we proceed left then forward another two hundred meters" Whispering in near dead silence, the Captain retook her place.
The bunker entrance was easy to spot. But the problem was the heavy security door was already partially opened while a four man team of Batarians lay scattered about, dead.
Nudging one of the aliens with a boot, Ki'vol studied the shredded flesh and rendered armor of each. Their equipment was well maintained and expensive, probably very loyal to the warlord in charge. But that loyalty didn't save them from death.
"Clear" F'tona whispered, the commando checking the doorway for hostiles.
"Proceed to target" Captain Ki'vol reminded as several took point and began to descend the concrete steps to the main bunker.
Descending the steps rapidly and silently, the soldiers entered through another security door that had been partially destroyed by explosives. Warped and rendered, pieces of the metal had blown inwards, killing two more guards.
Separating along both walls of the corridor, they advanced slowly past several more bodies. Many of them were interlocked in a death struggle or shot from point blank range, leaving a horrid decoration.
Passing an open doorway to a kitchen, the entrance held a face down worker, the corpse riddled with shredder rounds as more bodies were splayed across the floor. Blood spatters covered the partially prepared meal, contaminating the food as a kettle began to shriek on a stove.
"Did they turn on each other? Or a power grab?" F'tona asked, the Asari looking down at a soldier that had died from close range combat. Nearby was the likely murderer missing an arm, the stains of gore covering the floor.
"Just makes our job easier" Waving her troops forward, the Asari proceeded to the door at the end of the tunnel.
It was another security door, the heavy metal partially opened as low mumblings came from within.
"I won…me…I won…they can't take my power…my planet…my planet…"
Ki'vol swiftly entered the war room with eight others, each raising their rifles toward the lone Batarian at the far end.
The scene was a nightmare of splattered blood and gore, along with nearly a dozen bodies that had been shot, burned or in a few instances, hacked to death with knives.
Grinning from behind his desk, Jal'top held a meat cleaver in one hand and a Carnifex pistol in the other. Slowly standing, his eyes were awash with madness as slipping gore dripped down his arm.
"I won…I won…I WON! ALL INVADERS WILL DIE!" Rushing forward as he fired the heavy pistol, the alien was a fury of screams and madness from losing his empire.
The Asari cut him down with ease, a dozen accelerated gravity rounds ripping into his unarmored flesh. Dropping with a sigh of relief, two troopers approached and kicked the weapons away, none moving from the body.
"Target is eliminated, Captain"
"Then our mission is complete" Turning slowly, Ki'vol slowly shook her head. They had come in expecting a full on fire fight, but the Batarians beat them to it. Sure, it had been an easy operation, but it still felt like a waste of time.
"Gather all pertinent intel. Once that's done we return to the surface" An array of affirmatives came from the Asari as they began to download everything from financial reports, known smuggling contacts and anything they could use as the battles above them began to ebb and fade with the advancement of Asari arms.
System CG-823 25th of Harvest 425 A.E. (214 light years North-East of Anvengad)
A dim, red sun burned at the center of this lifeless, dead system. With only three mineral poor planets and a heavy asteroid belt along the fringes, this system was deemed unprofitable years before.
But that didn't mean it didn't have value.
With the discovery of the galactic community and the possible threats from all, the Coalition had established several research stations and outposts in the system, including some subterranean laboratories on the dusty, airless second planet.
Protected by anonymity, none outside the highest levels of government knew that there was even a presence in this system.
After all, this is where the latest naval research was conducted. Weapons, shields and most notably, slip space research.
It was here that any breakthrough's in drive efficiency was worked on, far away from any snooping eyes.
Of course, the Coalition had several official research stations well documented and manned by civilian researchers from all across Seran space. And for the most part, they were legitimate in their endeavors to advance knowledge with the assistance of several A.I's
But that didn't stop the government from hiding things as well.
Station Three hung in the vast gap between the second and third worlds, an ugly, utilitarian research laboratory that would never win any sort of recognition for aesthetics. Built with the same armor and shielding as a Battleship, Station Three also sported numerous defensive arrays to defend against any interlopers.
Assuming they could find their way past the numerous surveillance buoys that covered the entire star system like a blanket.
Obviously, in the event of potential hostile takeover, self destruction was fully authorized.
Unfortunately, the only artificial intelligence used in the system was groundside on the second planet, used in weapons testing that covered rocketry, naval weapons, and if the rumors were true, bio weapons to use against hostile populations in the event of another war of extermination.
They may break every law of the Council, but the COG had no reason to care about that when potential survival was at stake.
Doctor Sylvia Dannielle Baird stood at the glasslike electronic board showing the mathematical equations for establishing a viable slipspace rupture, quickly writing in a slew of additional equations into the formula to increase efficiency. Wearing a perpetual scowl, she didn't do it on purpose, just part of who she was.
At fifty three years of age, she was still very robust and youthful thanks to the gene treatments, giving her nearly another century of life at least. And while she could be considered plain in appearance, Sylvia didn't really give a damn.
She was smart. No, she was a damn genius just like her famous ancestor who unlocked the equations for such a technology in the first place.
Leaving the wall of equations, she walked across the room to another holographic projection floating above a pedastal, this one showing a Slip Drive. Several of her team were around it, some moving pieces of technology around in a slew of floating light.
"Are you trying to blow up our ships?" Pushing the young researcher out of the way, Sylvia realigned the Particle Accelerator to its proper place. "Or do you just not understand that this is what we use to open a tear in space time?" Taking on a rather bitchy tone, Sylvia blocked the man's words as she began to implement the latest generation of technology to the holographic engine. Switching out several slip space capacitors with newly designed upgrades, the woman worked silently as a few other doctors simply stepped aside to watch.
"I was just trying to…" Doctor Freely tried to explain, only to be interrupted.
"Just be quiet. Doctor Fawkisha, switch out those particle sensors with the upgrades or the engine will fail to establish a viable event horizon"
The other scientist quickly did as told, the younger woman just glad to be helping.
Doctor Baird was satisfied after nearly an hour, the floating projection a glow of blue light. Scrutinizing her work, Sylvia knew that numerous failures in the past had been a result of using war time technology mixed with a few random upgrades that overloaded the drive. Yes, they still made major breakthroughs, but she knew that all the other races of the galaxy were working toward this.
It was only a matter of time before the Salarians or the Terrans unlocked the means of the Slip Space drive, and that could be a potential threat.
The Coalition had to keep a viable edge over the rest of the galaxy.
"Run the simulation, Freely" Tone devoid of any warmth, Doctor Sylvia waited as the man gave a small sigh, but complied. Walking over to the controlling console, he ran the ninety-third simulation in the last three months.
Light began to hum, the representation of the starship drive glowing in the laboratory as the latest holographic upgrades worked in sync.
"Efficiency is holding. No detectable instabilities" Freely stated, the scientist watching the data before unleashing a light gasp.
"What?"
"Efficiency is higher than previously projected. At maximum speeds, our ships could potentially reach one hundred and fifteen light years per day"
"Excellent. But it is too early to celebrate. We must continue testing. Monitor the simulation for the next twenty six hours. If no problems arise, we will run it again. In the meantime, I'll inform Director Grenvopov of this potential breakthrough"
Turning swiftly on her heel, Sylvia knew she couldn't take all the credit despite her genius. Even Doctor Freely had been assistance in some capacity….somewhat.
"It's a shame I'm not as egotistical as Damon. But then, I'm not a full blown asshole like he was"
Leaving the laboratory, Doctor Baird was confident in her steps toward the center of the station, the latest breakthrough no doubt beneficial to the Coalition.
Sera. New Ephyra 2nd of Bounty 425. A.E.
Rain fell heavily on the capital, the full force of fall weather wracking the region as lightning crackled across the sky.
Sky vehicles and transport's seemed to scurry, as with the few citizens still outside in the terrible weather.
But none of that mattered to Chairman Diaz and the ministers gathered in the bunker below the streets of New Ephyra.
Entwining her slender fingers, the elected ruler of the Coalition waited as a floating representation of Coalition space…and the galaxy came to be above the table.
"What's the current situation with the Asari?" Rapidly asking, she expected an answer quickly.
Stratton pointed, highlighting several hundred light years that became marked in blue along the Seran border. "They've seized several hundred light years in a near parallel path with our own military campaign for Ter'sha while the Turians and Salarian's launched their own campaigns for expansion. Nearly ninety five percent of this territory is vastly un-surveyed and was claimed by the Hegemony in name only. They hope to expand Council influence in the area, especially militarily considering the rampant civil war among the Batarian's"
"What about Boto-shik?" Ghevov inquired, the economic minister sitting halfway down the table as his Gorasnayan accent filled the room with its heaviness.
"The Asari are mopping up the local military forces as we speak. They already have subdued nearly eighty percent of the colony. Will say they have offered amnesty and aid to the civilian Batarian population. Most were serfs and low level laborers. Probably see the Asari as liberators considering the brutality of that warlord"
"We should've taken that planet when we had the chance" Muttering, Ghevov knew that it was a missed opportunity to expand markets and territory.
"With a full fledged war at the time? The Batarians were a side show. We took Ter'sha from them for reparation's but any further expansion would stretch our resources too thin. We've secured enough territory and potential colonies for decades to come. Something my political opponents will no doubt use during my re-election campaign" Smiling lightly, Izabel knew that some in this room followed the Green Party, others were part of Colonial-Economist Party. Both were a counter balance to the Naval-Industrialists, but all three major parties did have the same goal at their core.
To ensure the survival of the Seran species.
All part of the balance of government for centuries of stability.
"How are repopulation efforts progressing?" Izabel asked in a change of subject.
"Very well considering our losses. Add in returning military forces to civilian life, and they'll be eager to start their own families. Colonial incentives for multiple birth's offworld are still holding steady. Still, it will take several years to see any meaningful gains toward our overall population and replacing recent war losses" Geena Junta informed, the Minister of Health slowly adjusting her glasses as she locked gazes with the Chairman.
"Very good. Unfortunately, repopulation takes time and years of nurturing. We simply will have to endure. Anything else?"
Naval Secretary Kentrelli was nearly bursting with excitement, the pudgy man holding up a data pad as he rapidly downloaded the data into the holo projector to show a floating representation of a Slip Space drive.
"Our scientists and engineers have made an early breakthrough. Previously, we anticipated an upgraded drive early next year, perhaps near spring. But Doctor Sylvia D. Baird and her team made a breakthrough in efficiency. One hundred and fifteen light years per day" Emphasizing the last sentence, Kentrelli was grinning like a boy in a candy shop.
That drew immediate attention from the assembled ministers and the Chairman.
"Are you sure? Last time you told me we would barely hit over a hundred. But this clearly surpasses that" Izabel asked with a cool demeanor despite the excellent information.
"Yes. They've been running simulations non-stop. There have been no issues in the holo-projections. I believe construction of a full engine is already concurring. But with our mastery of slipspace, that should only take a few weeks to find and identify any potential physical problems" Folding his hands over his belly, the man was very pleased.
"We can use this. To let the galaxy and potential enemies know that we will keep advancing. That our ships will be mere days away to bring war to anybody that raises a hand to the COG. It could also assure your victory for re-election" Daryn Javen proclaimed, the Minister of Infrastructure and Utilities giving his own grin.
Izabel rapidly shook her head in disagreement, her face brooding as she planted her elbows on the table, her hands clasped together. "No. that will simply give the galaxy free information of our abilities. We may be on decent terms right now, but that can easily change. This will be kept silent for as long as possible and all ships will be upgraded with the new drives at our major yards. Also, with this recent development, construction of the Strand class destroyer will commence"
"What about the obsolete Baird's? We're talking a few thousand of them. Do we begin scrapping them?" Kentrelli asked once more, the man hating to see so many warships ripped apart for materials. Especially considering that many were constructed a few short years ago during the war.
"No. We place them in reserve and retirement in several of our systems. They may be replaced in the coming future, but they are still usable as warships in the event we need them"
Many nodded in agreement. It would be a waste to simply scrap so many warships, especially if a future conflict rose.
"Anything else I should know?"
A somber man in a black suit raised his hand, the C.N.I. agent keeping silent until now. Getting permission to speak, the plain looking man spoke simply.
"First Consul Bo'klar and his government have expressed interest in selling weapons to the Batarians. Notably the Democratic System of Lorek. Surplus ships and infantry gear mostly"
Leaning back in her chair, Izabel knew that in terms of potential threats, both species were soundly outclassed by the Coalition. Not only that, but the K.S.R. was basically living under the guns of four different species just waiting for them to try anything.
"Well, at least they asked like they were supposed to. What's your opinion, agent?"
"I don't like them trading weapons, but trade will help bolster their economy, especially if they begin manufacturing again. They're in dire straight's and the last thing we need is the Toads falling into their old ways even if they stand no chance this time. We take control of the negotiations, make sure it's only the D.S.L. seeking weapons, and ensure that its standard munitions and ships" The agent shrugged as an after thought. "Plus, the more the Batarians kill each other, the better for future expansion. We might even be able to bring in Omega as a COG state if it gets bad enough"
Izabel tapped her finger against the surface of the table, clearly thinking of the risks and benefits. She hated both species, but Bo'klar was far more reasonable than the former leader who was rotting in some hole somewhere. Plus, a democratic form of Batarian government was vastly preferable over the rampant slavery and piracy of the Hegemony and B.S.B.N.
"Approve a minor sale of arms between the two. A full comprehensive list of everything with visual inspection. If your agents don't like something, kill it immediately. Now is that it?"
A slew of nods came from the assembled men and women, ending the meeting, leaving Izabel to return to her office and her next appointment.
Settling at her desk while rain pounded the windows of her office ten minutes later, she barely had a spare moment before the intercom buzzed from her secretary situated in the hallway outside.
"Chairman. Ambassador Dalben has been waiting for forty minutes. May I send him in?"
Izabel wanted to eat lunch, but hopefully it would be something short. "Go ahead"
Easing back as thunder rumbled across the cityscape, she put on her political smile as the slender alien walked in, his reddish tan skin hidden by a suit of mostly white and blues.
"I am sorry for the delay. Needs of the office. Now, what prompted this visit?" Staying seated behind her desk, the Salarian gave a small smile.
"As you are aware, your government agreed to allow research to be conducted on your homeworld, specifically archeology and the potential origins of Seran life"
"Of course. As far as I'm aware, there have been no issues"
"No. But several of my colleagues have expressed interest in exploring the locust tunnels that still entwine the crust of your planet. Not only to discover the origin of that species, but to perhaps locate a link between Protheans, Earth, and Sera. I will also remind you that this falls well within the limits of the Onyx Accords"
"True"
The thought of the locust tunnels made Izabel sick. Just the thought of exploring that vile, hellish place was a horror to a native Seran.
But, the Salarian was correct. There was no limitation preventing the group of archeologists and researchers from exploring below the surface.
"My government won't stop you. But we will not be held responsible if anything happens down there. Explore at your own risk" standing up, she suddenly needed a drink.
Just the thought of the hollow was enough to ruin her day.
Pouring a dark whiskey, she poured a second glass for her guest before approaching the window as the storm howled and pelted rain.
"I am well aware how your people view the locust tunnels, but the potential for discovery is too great to ignore. I sincerely hope this will not dampen relations between our respective government's" Dalben added rapidly, his words nearly a blur.
"Like I said, my government won't stop you. But I strongly suggest that research group take every precaution. There is life down there, denizens of the hollow" Taking a deep drink, Izabel turned to the Salarian who sipped his own beverage. "You won't find anything except rock worms, glowing plants, bones and death"
"Still, they are very insistent"
Diaz remained stoic and emotionless as lightning cracked across the sky, a snap that reflected among the towers of glass and steel.
Rain continued to pour, dousing the city of New Ephyra as the galaxy continued to move forward in this new era of peace.
Well, I think that wraps of this chapter!
Sorry it took so long, but I've been working so damn much and other crap I barely had time to write anything. Six day work weeks suck. And this one just seemed to give me trouble, but now that it's done, I don't know why. Probably because it's a more low-key chapter with scattered plot points.
Also, I have decided for sure that Lea Kaliso will be joining Shepards Team during the actual game timelines. Not sure how yet, but with her and Wrex war buddies, they could tear some shit up against the Geth and Reapers.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy.
Thehappy