Adama was aboard the Waystation today, surprised to see how much those two Batarian vessels and the subsequent scouting forces had lit a fire under the asses of their allies. As he marched from the Hangar, the latest part of the station to be built, onto a monorail tram built by the UNSC in an armored transparisteel tube, he watched Clones, UNSC and their Marines mix together for training operations. Alliance military staff watched as the troops played a BLUFOR-v-OPFOR game in the rear section of the Hangar, with the Clones acting as OPFOR.

Sergeant-Major Johnson was escorting him to the meet. The two men gave each-other respectful nods and Adama noticed the man was wearing his Dress Blues, cap under his arm and a pistol stowed in a leather holster attached to his belt. They saluted each-other next and Adama commented, "Glad to have you as my guard today, Sergeant-Major. How goes training my boys and girls?"

"They're fast learners, sir," Johnson smirked, "Kinda like I'd expect any good Marine who went out into space to be. Give'em the gear to break a Tin Can in half and you've got the finest damn fighting force protecting your vessels and away teams," then he scratched his chin. The Star Road appeared on their right and the two men watched quietly as another UNSC vessel came through, a four kilometer long carrier. Johnson said, "Looks like the Admiral's serious about us kickin' ass."

"What's the plan?" Adama inquired, crossing his arms to his chest.

"If we get approval or help from everyone else, a small task force goes into Batarian territory," Johnson quipped, then turned to face the Commander. He continued, "Hit'em nice and fast with a few fighter-launched nukes, disable a shipyard and save some slaves. Nothing big," and shrugged while rifling his pockets for one of his trademark cigars, "Nobody wants to start a War just yet, but they fired first."

"Those ships were registered under Hegemony flags," The Commander nodded approvingly, "A tap back should show them we mean business. Same for the Citadel Council we keep hearing about from the Alliance Staff on the station," then he turned around, watching the Carrier float above them, its fusion drives glowing, a quiet reverb filling the rigid tube as she passed by with her escorts.

It was rather terrifying to watch a vessel of that size come out. Word of mouth was also that the UNSC had bigger ships than it available, but said ships were currently busy dealing with enemies on the 'home front', their own Galaxy. The Tram stopped at a midway point, near one of the other sections being built, only for a Clone to come aboard. Clad in a blue-white armor with a helmet that seemed welded in places, as well as that strange 'skirt' and the shoulder pauldron and with an added rangefinder on the right side of the helmet, a Clone Commander stood face-to-face with them. He saluted, "Commander Adama, Sergeant-Major Johnson. I'm Commander Rex."

"Welcome aboard, Commander," The two men spoke in unison. Yet another series of exchanged salutes later, the Tram started its route back across the Waystation and toward the meeting point. Adama looked to Rex as the older Clone trooper took his helmet off, revealing dyed, platinum-blonde hair that was buzzcut almost to the skin and the calm, yet somewhat wrinkled face of one of the War's veterans. He slid his helmet under his arm and looked at the two Intergalactic counterparts, noting professionalism.

Adama inquired, "When did you arrive, Commander?"

"Just two hours ago, with the 332nd Division and the Tribunal," the man replied, jabbing a thumb back toward the latest-arrived Republic vessel, a Venator. He said, "Discussions are underway in the Senate in regards to the Batarians' aggression toward the Combined Fleets and the Waystation, so they want me and the boys on tap if the situation does devolve into border raids."

"Sounds like your guys are ready to go, sir," Johnson quipped, then watched as a trio of Clones floated above them, carrying extra tools for the engineers that were encasing the Waystation's Star Road into a corridor of armor to ensure its safety. All three men snapped greeting salutes to the Officers, their helmet face plates oddly painted orange and white in the pattern on General Tano's face.

Rex nodded, "Boys heard the bantha herders we're going to face are Slavers. We have a bit of a thing against Slavers."

"Understandable," Adama replied curtly, "They're disgusting creatures," all while he eyed the Tribunal. She was a fine ship, much like most of the Republic Navy's vessels, though she was also obviously more of a carrier than a battleship. Some of the files they'd gotten about the early war between the Republic and the CIS hinted that the Jedi didn't really know how to use these ships. Lost them often, too.

Upon arriving at the central section of the Station, the Tram's doors opened, allowing the trio of soldiers to exit unto the platform. Surprisingly, this section of the Station seemed to be just about finished. Not bad for something basically built out like a Prefab in the span of a few days. It was still being built, a fact obvious to anyone paying attention. Panels were missing, loose wires hanged in places where workers were still building and so on, but it was operational enough to be considered a good meeting spot.

As they entered through the corridors, to the sight of joint patrols from all four parties involved in the matter, the three men were surprised to see Alliance Marines simply keeping their distance, their strangely form-fitting armors being an immediate tell of the operators' genders. Male and female Marines alike stood guard beside UNSC ones, Clones and even a couple of Adama's own Marines, now re-armed with some UNSC weapons like MA5s.

"Getting really close, are you?" Rex asked as they walked forth into the deeper portions of the stations, past maintenance rooms and working crews, past Astromechs and building drones and into the wider central area of the Waystation, where the massive dome and meeting area were. In the middle of the room they'd just walked into stood a single table with maybe a dozen seats. Four seats were occupied, with Senator Amidala sitting face-to-face with President Roslin, while doctor Halsey exchanged small-talk with the Alliance rep.

The troops guarding the door clicked their heels together and Roslin said, "There's our three soldiers. Welcome aboard the Waystation, Commanders, Sergeant-Major," with a smile. Adama nodded in greeting, while Johnson and Rex snapped salutes. Rex walked over to Senator Amidala's side, while the others positioned themselves next to their respective wards, too. The only one without a figure shadowing him was the Alliance Representative.

"Back to business, then," Padmé voiced, interlacing her fingers onto the wood table itself. She said, "The Batarian incursion into this little system in the Attican Traverse is a potential prelude for a greater assault. The Senate has already begun their debate, as I'm sure Commander Rex has let your veterans know, doctor Halsey, President Roslin. And mister Ambassador Tuft," she turned to face the dark-skinned man clad in a white dignitary outfit, before speaking, "You have to understand, those Batarian Slaver ships engaged us. They've been presumably tipped off by someone about the presence of a small 'colony' being created here and didn't count on a military force of our combined strength being here to halt them."

"While I agree that the Batarians started this whole mess and that someone told them you're here," The man replied as calmly as he could, "I don't think having your people debating open war over a small raiding party is a good idea. Especially with the Citadel Council breathing down our necks. They might be unwilling to do anything for human-controlled worlds in the Traverse and Terminus, but that doesn't mean they don't have a say in greater galactic affairs such as engaging in open conflict against the Hegemony. They've already put forth bills to limit their Slave trade-"

"But will not do more than that, because of their multi-species purview and Humanity's relatively recently-gained standing and youth among the Galactic Community," Halsey put it about as bluntly as a hammer. She looked to the others present and stated, "I have a full carte blanche as the Admiral in charge of the Office of Naval Intelligence to pursue whatever actions necessary to defend human interests and the Republic is willing enough to at least debate sending the Batarians a message about crossing us."

"Should help keep our people safe," Roslin mumbled, "Though I'm not sure we can back you up with the Galactica..."

"As I said, you're suggesting what will be open war in the Traverse!" Tuft shot back, stunned at how casually three human factions are willing to go out and fight an entire other alien empire. He told them, "And we might be blamed for it! The Citadel Council's still talking and they're not convinced you're another of Commander Shepard's insane tirades about extragalactic aliens and machines!"

"... We'll ask about that later," Sighed Halsey, "As of right now, however, this is a matter of pre-empting an enemy attack."

"Proportionate Response," Roslin offered.

Senator Amidala quipped next, "Well-put, honestly."

The Doctor nodded, "Indeed. As for the Galactica's involvement, unless the Commander deems it necessary or is just wishing to follow up on destroying their two raiding ships," She motioned to Adama, who paused, then continued, "It is optional. We understand wanting to keep your sole active warship close by the Civilian Fleet, President Roslin. It is up to you to decide on it internally. We can, however, provide security for both if you so wish."

"People, please!" Tuft requested, almost in a panic, "Can we at least consider not engaging until you have all chatted with the Council?" before noticing all three were staring at him like he was crazy. Rubbing his face, he mumbled, "I can't openly stop you, can I?" before sighing deeply. He leaned against the table and told them, "I'll give a call to the Alliance. Let them know what's going on."

"The Batarians need to learn that there are people who will respond to their aggression," Roslin told him, "As much as I would have liked every alien species we met so far to be friendly, welcoming and kind, neither I, nor the rest of my people are naive enough to think that it'd be the case... And, sadly, the last few months have proven to me a necessity to be swift and decisive with our actions."

"You've only known us all for a few days, madam President," The Ambassador spoke, "We've only had a diplomatic presence here for the better part of those few days, courtesy of commander Shepard's actions... Do you trust your newfound allies so much? Enough to have them go to what might possibly be a war against the Batarians without preparations, or...?"

Halsey sighed and said, "Did you miss the start of our discussion, Ambassador? I know the Commanders and Sergeant-Major did, but did you?" only to hit a button on the table. A holographic, three-dimensional display appeared, showing a Batarian planet nearby. She told him, "This data was taken from one of the SPYSATs we deployed near this system. A small Batarian fleet has already gathered here," and she pulled the relevant images from orbit, "A Dreadnought, four Frigates and two Cruisers, per data. Enough of a show of force for us to call for a First Strike policy here."

The Ambassador stared at the sight of enemy ships present within the system, next to the planet, close to the Mass Relay, all the information. It coalesced for a moment into the full picture and allowed him to come up with a quick plan so he could say he at least tried to stop a Galactic War from breaking out. He breathed into his hands, trying to calm down, then said, "... At least call over the Com and tell them to strike their colors first. That way, if they fire, you'll have some sort of alibi, lee-way, to talk with the Council before they bear down on this Station, looking for answers as to why an Alliance representative was unable to talk down three massive groups of humans from turning the Hegemony to a memory..."

The three groups exchanged looks, then nodded. The man felt his knees grow a little weak as relief washed over him. Rubbing his face, he mumbled, "Thank you all..." before jabbing a thumb back and stating, "I'll go give the call now, if I am excused," and he got another set of nods. Stepping off, the man started mumbling to himself about their insanity and all.

Roslin quipped, "The humans here must be living easy lives."

"Agreed," The rest of the table chorused. An understandable fact, going by the designs of their vessels and all. The Alliance had provided their three human-led counterparts data on the other major powers, including those that formed the Citadel Council. The Asari Republics, Turian Hierarchy and Salarian Union were the three other major constituents and the only three other spacefaring nations with Councilors.

And possibly were going to be the biggest headaches here...

Normandy

The tank drained. The nutrient-filled liquid that contained the Krogan within its lukewarm embrace slowly pooled down at the base, then vanished past grating at the bottom of the tank. The Krogan's skin, scales and armor remained covered by a thin film of paste as the door hissed open and swung up. He fell to his knees, bowing his head, before spitting out the thicker nutrient liquid that'd gotten into this throat and mouth.

He looked up, past Okeer, past Frederic and at Shepard. The blonde woman smiled a little at the sight of the young alien, but it wasn't long before that smile turned into a frown. With the roar of a mighty warrior, the Krogan pushed past both its 'father' and the armored guardian that was to protect the Commander, before grabbing her by the throat and slamming her against a container in the bay hard enough for it to partially dent. To everyone's surprise, all it did was seemingly cause the Commander to grunt a little.

Fred was quick to recover, pointing his DMR at the side of the Krogan's head as the Krogan himself spoke with a smooth, yet focused voice, "Human. Female. Before you die," and he seemed to be staring right into Shepard's soul as he requested, "I need a name..." all while Shepard waved both Okeer and Fred off. Fred kept his gun trained on the Krogan still, but Shepard glared at him, causing him to pause... Then lower his weapon. It was still off safe and the Spartan was tense.

Okeer, meanwhile, watched with great interest, not saying anything. Shepard grunted, then looked back at the Purebred Krogan, "Sure... I'm Commander Shepard, from the SSV Normandy. Relax, it'll be alright-"

"Not your name," the Krogan replied, "Mine. I am trained and I know things..." then he cast a sideways glance at his 'Father', stating, "You could not implant connections. Your words ring hollow," and that seemed to have slightly angered the Warlord. Fred put a hand ahead of the elder Krogan as if to try and stop him, while the tankbred looked back at Shepard. He told her, "Warlord, legacy... 'Grunt'. Grunt was among the last. No meaning. It'll do," then he looked upon Shepard again, "I am Grunt. If you think yourself worthy to command me, then prove it and destroy me."

"Guessing he doesn't like you much, Warlord," Joked Shepard as she looked at Okeer.

Grunt spoke, "I feel nothing for his clan, nor his enemies or battles. I will do what I've been bred to do, fight and destroy the enemies of that who commands me, but his imprint has failed," yet again disregarding the big man who made him. Grunt then added, "And without a reason, one fight is as good as the other. May as well start with you..." and he pressed his arm against Shepard's trachea, causing the Spartan to tense again, while Okeer prepared to intervene, stop him from shooting.

For a moment, Shepard considered letting it happen. She didn't, however, looking into the eyes of the confused young Grunt and telling him, "I have a great ship and a strong crew," While tilting her head toward Fred. She then gave a nod Grunt's way and said, "You can make it stronger," all while smirking. She had a small trick up her sleeve if Grunt decided to not play ball. Okeer saw it now, too, and growled.

Grunt seemed to pause, think for a second, then replied, "If you're weak and choose weak enemies, I'll have to kill you."

"Our enemies are formidable. You can be sure of it," Shepard reassured the big man. He took a minute to consider it, while Okeer mumbled something, surprised to see just how quickly Shepard's charms had gotten to the young Grunt. Fred, meanwhile, was just waiting for something to go wrong so they could space both aliens. He nominally didn't dislike any alien, but sour experiences with the Covenant made him wary of them targeting humans. Though he'd noticed Shepard's Ace in the Hole earlier than Okeer.

Grunt hummed to himself, then looked at Shepard, "That's... Acceptable," before grunting and nodding his head, "Very well. I'll fight for you."

Shepard smiled at that, "Glad to see you chose reason."

"What?" Grunt paused, then looked down as he felt the barrel of a gun pressed against his abdomen. Looking down, he grinned as he saw the woman's Carnifex pistol pointed right at his hearts and point-blank, where the Barriers probably couldn't stop it. He laughed and said, "Offer one hand, but arm the other," before backing off, "Wise, Shepard. If I find a Clan of my own, I will be honored to pit them against you."

Shepard rubbed her neck, then said, "Glad to hear it. Welcome aboard," before pausing as she saw Grunt turn toward and stare intensely at Fred. The Spartan stared back as he kept his rifle at the ready, to which Shepard looked at Okeer. Okeer grinned and, suddenly, the Commander felt a pit in her stomach. Looking at Grunt, she asked, "Any particular reason you're staring at my Lieutenant like he's a rack of ribs fresh off the grill?"

"He seems like a fine opponent," Grunt answered, "Spar me."

"Oh, this is gonna be a headache," Shepard pinched her brow, then said, "Grunt, I understand your desire to fight, but keep it for the enemy. The Lieutenant's going to have work to do for a while yet..." only to see the Krogan get tense. She winced and looked at Fred, stating, "Buuuut maybe you two can spar later, alright?" to which the Alien grinned. Shepard mouthed a 'please' to Fred, who sighed deeply, shoulders getting the tiniest amount of sag. He, however, nodded.

With Grunt seemingly satisfied and another pair of Marines being assigned to guard the door instead of Fred, the Commander and the Spartan walked out of the room and moved to the CIC. Fred spoke, "Permission to speak freely, ma'am?" all while making sure he had everything down in his mind. They were basically going to have him fight a War Machine hand-to-hand. Smart. He could handle it without killing the alien.

"Granted. Before you do, though, sorry," she winced, "He just seems like he needs an outlet for anger and I'd rather he not fight Okeer on board my ship," then she paused, "I'll have to separate them, though..." and let out a deep sigh. Turning to face the Spartan, she asked, "Anyways, do go on...?" all while her own mind realized that she'd just set the man up for a death match. She'd have to set up ground rules later.

Fred told her, "I'd like a little free time to contact Doctor Halsey and the others. Get the lay of the land and an update on how discussions between all four sides are going before we get deployed to our next mission," while sliding his rifle onto his back. She heard the hum of a magnetic strip activate and lock the gun into place almost perfectly against his back.

Well, she really saw no problem with that, telling him, "Sure thing. I'll get a message sent," before she opened up her Omni-Tool and accessed some data on it. As they arrived at the CIC. She dismissed Fred, walked up onto the podium near the Galaxy map and leaned against the railing, rubbing her face and mumbling, "I think Fred's gonna die..."

"I hope not," Fives quipped from behind her. Shepard jumped and swiveled about, to which Fives gave a wave and said, "Commander. The General wants to talk to you about an update we just received," before adding, "And your pilot, Joker, mentioned something about the Illusive Man contacting you via the Quantum com system in the back of the ship."

Shepard wanted to scream.

After having gone to talk to Ahsoka, she learned that the Republic, the UNSC and possibly the Colonials had been attacked by a pair of Batarian Hegemony warships and were now planning a little retaliatory 'no, fuck you', counterattack. A small border skirmish to tell the Batarians to not mess with the Waystation or anything in the Traverse that might be human while talks proceeded.

She had gotten back from talking with Anderson, Udina and the Council when they met these people several days ago. The Council wasn't particularly happy to do anything beside sit with their thumbs up their alien asses after reinstating her, at least when it came to the Collectors. Anderson had wanted to meet the three new parties personally, but was held back by Ambassador Udina. Now, apparently, they sent one of Udina's old friends, Tuft, to talk to these people and Tuft had tried to calm the trio of their newfound allies down. It was good to see them united, though.

Less good was the possibility of a genuine multi-galactic war on their hands, with three other Galaxies bearing down to kick their Galaxy's Slaver Empire's ass all the way to the curb. She prayed it never got to that, though she honestly didn't hold high hopes. Which was why the Illusive Man seemed to show the slightest bit of concern when Shepard appeared, haggard as she was, on the com screen. She said to him, "Finally got a new job for us?" rather surprisingly calm. He wanted to ask her what had gone awry, but chose not to.

The Illusive Man, in all his wisdom, simply nodded and said, "We have advance warning this time, Shepard. We know the next Colony that's about to be hit... Horizon. I'll forward the details now," before humming. He paused and decided that, against his better judgement, he was better off if he asked, "Pardon, Shepard, but I do have to ask, what's gotten you like this? You look like you've had one hell of a bad day..."

Shepard didn't really sugarcoat the explanation of upcoming Galactic Events...

Oh...