Rising from the Embers of Sera

by thehappy

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

28. Chapter 27: Subterranean

Hey everybody! I'm back with another chapter for Rising! Sorry it's been a bit, but busy with life, was sick, and updating other stuff. Not much else to talk about at the moment so I'll just commence with the story!

I also want to say for ease of writing, I'm just standardizing most military designations for most species. So companies, battalions, squads etc. They'll be about the same size and have the same officers across species. Besides, by this point, changing it would be a major problem. Also, I do my best to find the proper unit uses online, but I'm no expert. I hope you can understand.

Chapter 27: Subterranean

Rothila System, Dagnes, 1st of Gale, 428 A.E.

Warm, hard rain fell upon the ravaged ruins of Porthea, the former Salarian city a mere shell of its former self. Skeletal buildings leaned, gutted by orbital fire and the locust invasion that saw horrific casualties.

Frozen, flash burned corpses of locust drones, Salarian citizens stood among the rainfall, a harsh reminder of the horror unleashed by the Union. Among several buildings gutted by explosive fire, several companies of Gears and Turians kept a vigil over the Prothea Pit, a moniker rapidly adopted by the infantry to describe the wide tunnel dug straight into the locust caverns.

Heavy footfalls of boots thudding agianst broken concrete echoed among the falling rain as several thousand Gears marched down the incline, the rainwater creating rivulets from the shattered roadway as several flashes of lightning cracked across the diminishing sky.

The 19th Sarfuthan Rifles were leading the point of the spear, the division spreading outward into numerous connected tunnels beneath the city of Prothea after securing the dig site for the Rock Cutters.

Rumbles of battle vibrated the subterranean landscape, distant and close at the same time as the 1st Battalion pushed into a side cavern, it's turns tight as the elevation lowered.

Specialist Anthony Wallace trudged along the winding tunnel, the veteran of the Seran Contact Wars and now, the Storm War as some were calling it. Currently wearing his helmet for the visual assistance provided by the internal electronics, he felt it stifling, but down in the depths of Dagnes, sunlight was in short supply. Cradling the Scorcher wand and nozzle closer to his chestplate marred with a few dings and locust blood spatters, Wallace had taken the opportunity to at least paint Grub Toaster across his armor.

Sergeant Andrade thought it was funny, and a little more original than Grub Burner which was fine with him as 3rd Company continued into the darkness.

"Fucking Salarians. Dumb-ass shit slime-backs bringing back the horde. Now we gotta exterminate the bastards again" Private Nincolm groused, the Gear now earning the chance to gripe after his first combat with the drones on the surface.

"At least we're not fighting them on Sera this time" Another Gear added, this one slightly shorter.

"Grubs are too scared to attack Sera this time, the assholes" Nincolm boasted, the Gear keeping in step as a few other soldiers chuckled to hide their nervousness.

"More like they'd get blasted into the void by the fleet or H.O.D. platforms around Sera, Private. Don't think for a second they're scared of waging war against any world" Sergeant Andrade lightly lectured as the pathway started to narrow, its width falling to just twenty feet wide. Blocks of stone, natural outcroppings and pillars of weathered stalactites pointed upward from the cavern floor, many of them with traces of gold veins and crystals. The tunnel cavern then lowered in an incline before rising across what could only be described as a kill zone nearly fifty yards long.

Movement stirred across from them from behind stone pillars, sandbags, and natural formations.

"Contact!" Wallace shouted out first, the flamethrower man rushing to the left as the first burning hisses of crimson laser fire erupted from the locust machine gun nest. Sliding into cover just as the first deadly shafts of heated light flew above his head, Wallace heard a scream erupt from the throats of two nearby Gears, the men too slow to reach cover as the company sought temporary safety from the onslaught. Writhing on the ground with terrible howls, Wallace moved, reaching one of them and pulling Private Histrov along the ground under heavy fire.

It was a miracle Wallace wasn't hit as the Gears returned fire, the noise a thunderclap of spent munitions. About to return and retrieve the other wounded comrade as he howled in agony, it became futile as the locust fired into the wounded man in the open, finishing the job as burning laser bolts sundered the ruined armor and flesh.

"Fuck! Fucking assholes!" Looking down at Histrov as laser blasts filled the air or smashed into the low stone block of cover, Wallace bellowed. "Medic!"

"Watch the ground! Those bastards can dig anywhere!" Captain Vintralli shouted, the officer standing behind a very large stalactite that connected with the ceiling near the right side of the tunnel. Returning fire with his lancer, bullets ripped across the subterranean valley toward the strongpoint, the attempt ineffective.

"Slaughter the Serans!" A kantus shouted from the strongpoint, the taller drone then firing a Salarian rifle that spat accelerated mass in searing blue. Earning several laughs, one of the drones threw a grenade, but it fell short of the Gears as the explosive burst harmlessly among some low laying rocks near the bottom of the subterranean valley.

"Learn to throw you ugly fucks!" Sergeant Andrade taunted as she popped up from cover and fired, her stream of rounds winging the Kantus in the arm as the monster fell back into cover, his howls heard.

"Hiltrop! Ishikawa! Get a lance on that fucking nest!" Captain Vintralli ordered as another Gear let out a gurgled scream, the cover not up to task as burning light found him exposed and maimed, his life blood pumping from a ragged throat wound.

Two Gears moved in a hunched run, coming into cover next to Wallace, a medic and the wounded Histrov. Laser fire and blue shafts of light flared above their heads, a deadly lightshow that would kill or maim with ease. Sure, the kinetic barriers and armor would save you from one or two heavy hits, but after that? Chances are you'll be wounded.

Hoisting the launcher upon the lip of the rock outcrop, Ishikawa started to laser paint the nest of grubs while Hiltrop loaded. Laser fire snapped and popped, one of the harsh blasts of light winging Ishikawa's helmet along the side. Tumbling down, the soldier groaned in shock.

"Ishikawa!"

"I'm…shit, I'm alright. Grubs rang my bell is all" Struggling to reorient, the helmeted Gear groaned once more as heavy incoming fire burned through the dingy air.

"Fuck it!" Hiltrop yelled as he moved, taking the weapon and propping it on his shoulder in haste. The range was short, far shorter than normal, but that was a blessing in disguise as the Gear fired among the hellish exchange of bullets, laser fire, and the harsh crack of munitions mixed with reptilian and Seran wounded.

In a flash of burning light several thousand degrees, the thermic lance round bore into the locust strongpoint, melting three drones before exploding in a horrific burst of melted metals and shards. Five more of the drones were wounded, their cries from mangled and burnt flesh echoing along the tunnel while chunks of debris and fortification shook the walls.

"Let's go, Gears!" Sergeant Andrade yelled as she broke cover, the woman rushing into the open.

"Cover them!" a random soldier shouted as she leaned out from behind a slender stalactite, unleashing a fresh fusillade of cracking munitions. Dropping back to reload, more Gears pushed forward to kill their ancient enemy.

Anthony Wallace followed, running low with heavy breathing. Joined by nearly a dozen of his fellow soldiers, they rushed up the opposite incline while the locust recovered. Hot lead filled the air, mixing with the hanging dust before fresh snaps of blue bolts crashed into the chestplate of Private Gimball. Struck at least six times center mass, the woman collapsed with barely a sound.

"Kill the Seran's, brothers!" The Kantus yelled over the cacophony of battle between the two species as he fired frantically with the remnants of his broken position. Snarling as his mandibles flared, the subterranean fired as two surviving locust tried to reset the laser machine gun. Others were already firing, a mixture of Lancer rifles, Salarian weapons, or heavy pistols. One threw a fragmentation grenade outward, the orb tumbling to land among the charging Gears.

It burst in a flailing hell of shrapnel, the burning shards ripping through the armor of Private Bedltram. Howling with female agony as her body was sundered, the warrior was pulled behind a large block by another Gear as cries of 'medic' echoed among battle.

"Frag out!" A gear shouted, the man joined by two others as they threw the orbs in an arching throw. Falling among the ravaged strongpoint, two went long, but the third burst among the previously wounded, ripping them to bloody chunks that spattered red across rock and ripped sandbags.

Wallace dropped into cover behind a fresh block of natural stone, the object barely five feet from the locust nest.

"Wallace! You know what to do!" Andrade yelled as she leaned out and fired, her lancer rounds ripping through the air as more Gears moved up, the men and woman firing a hell storm.

"Yes ma'am!" Popping up, Anthony was almost face to face with the Kantus leader, the snarling beast's rifle overheated from too much use. Raising the weapon as a club, the snake tongue beast tried to close the distance in time to beat Wallace to death.

"Time for a grub barbeque!" Snarling with a shout behind his helmet, the war veteran felt no compassion to these inhuman monsters. Squeezing the trigger of his nozzle, a jet of napalm burned outward, washing over the Kantus as the jet stream of flame and fire extended nearly thirty yards, not that Wallace needed that range now. Weaving it to the right, then left, horrific screams of torment mixed with locust howls as flesh burned and crackled. Embers of ash and floating charred ash rose upward as Wallace ended the onslaught, leaving the burned corpses of his enemies where they lay.

Walking forward as momentarily silence took over the ravaged position, Wallace crushed the Kantus head absentmindedly, the action barely noticeable as gore splashed his boots.

"Good work, Wallace" Sergeant Andrade supported, the female cautiously walking forward to the rear of the position with more of the company.

"Just killing grubs, Sarge" Shrugging, Anthony took a few steps before a cracking, blue round of accelerated mass sliced the air mere inches from his head. Nearly losing his bowels from the close call, Wallace ducked low and sprinted toward the nearest cover he could find.

"Party's not done yet, Gears! We got more to dig out!" Captain Vintralli shouted as the company moved forward to the next firefight.

A low wall of carved stone ran along the north edge of the minor subterranean hill, separated by a pathway right in the middle that led along the curving tunnel that started to widen to nearly forty feet wide.

One hundred yards away, the locust had dug a bunker into an elevated ridge fifteen feet upward, the rockface chipped and blasted away to establish yet another strongpoint. Ravaging red light poured from the bunker, signature of another laser machine gun as it traversed the whole width of the tunnel, forcing the Gears to keep their heads down.

"Die Groundwalkers!" A drone taunted from the bunker between bursts, the insidious words like pure hell as he resumed firing.

A fresh Gear rose near Wallace, his lancer gripped tightly.

Blue light entered the man's helmet through the central face piece, the kinetic barriers unable to halt the accelerated round as the head burst a brief moment later.

"Stay down, dammit! Sniper!" Wallace screamed out as laser blasts filled the air, some striking the slumped corpse now draped over the low slung wall of stone.

Drones laughed at the desecration of the corpse, the beasts firing into the body for the pure joy.

"Smoke! Pop some smoke!" the captain yelled before following his own advice. Tossing the orb over the wall as far as he could, his actions were followed as another four were thrown. Hissing and spewing gray smoke, it soon filled the area before the locust bunker.

"Low and fast, Gears! We gotta hit those fuckers hard!" Heaving herself over the stone wall, Sergeant Andrade led by example as several dozen Gears followed, the men and women hunched and sprinting.

Of course, the locust didn't halt firing just because they couldn't see the Serans. Red shafts of deadly light found soldiers, often cutting through shields and armor with deadly consequences.

Howls of agony came from the left, a bloodcurdling sound of torment while Wallace ran as fast as he could. Moving to the right hand side of the tunnel in a hard, exhausting sprint across one hundred yards of death and dismemberment, Wallace and several Gears pressed themselves along the right side of the tunnel wall while thick smoke billowed and flowed around them.

Almost tripping over a fellow Gear whom had taken six heated laser blasts to the chest, Anthony found himself in a small vertical crater along the right wall with a dozen Gears. Craggy with numerous crystals jabbing outward, it wasn't perfect, but did the job as searing crimson bolts sizzled past their momentary place of safety.

Turns out, the locust couldn't angle their laser machine gun to this small depression, giving the Serans a chance as more deadly shafts of light blew past them. Cutting down two rushing female Gears that failed to make cover, the rest of the company took shelter where they could as the smoke started to dissipate, giving the snipers and machine gunners a fresh field of vision.

"Private Fuller! Use that Boomshot and give those grubs a fucking headache!" the Sergeant shouted among the terrible wave of bullets, wounded and battle. Peeking her head around the uneven edge of the wall depression, Andrade found the bunker now at a high angle, the drones inside either unaware they were here, or simply preoccupied with the rest of their company as they laid down a constant staccato of rifle fire.

Unslinging the barreled weapon from his back, a rather large Gear grunted, probably with pleasure as he aimed at an angle, the weapon loaded with standard frag rounds.

"Hehe…BOOM!"

Firing in rapid succession, three of the 40mm shells flew upward toward the bunker aperture. Two exploded against the exterior surface, no doubt ringing their ears and causing some headaches. But the third was on target, flying into the firing slit before exploding in a hail of shrapnel and noise.

Howls came from within, the locust receiving their medicine for the dead Gears they caused.

"Hit it again" Snarling the command, Sergeant Andrade soon became satisfied as the fourth round caused the screaming to halt within, no doubt killing the wounded.

Breathing heavily through his helmet, Private Nincolm showed several dings and abrasions to his full armor before he reloaded his lancer rifle, the man pocketing the empty mag on his left hip. "Shit, that sucked ass. Hope that's the last of them in this tunnel" Turning his gaze to the soft turn, it appeared empty as the tunnel started to descend once more before turning once more, the gloom and darkness swallowing the light.

"Ah man, why would you say that? That's just asking for bad luck" Wallace complained, his worry soon founded as rumbles started to shift the dirt barely twenty feet away. "Shit! See what happens!?" Rushing forward with several Gears, the flamethrower soldier waited as the floor bowed downward in a cracking depression. Bursting with a shower of loose dirt and gravel, several drones started to climb out, only to be shot by thunders of lancer fire, or in the case of Wallace, burned to death.

Not given a chance, the locust died in the emergence hole, their flesh stinking like charred pork as 3rd Company continued into the depths, taking the war to the grubs.

Dagnes, 10th of Gale, 428 A.E.

Rennia was nothing but ruins, a smoldering corpse of a once vibrant city as charred corpses, rotting bodies, and rampant destruction clogged the streets. Buildings had collapsed from the locust invasion, or more likely, the Seran bombardment in an attempt to kill the horde infecting this world.

Using the moderately damaged residential district as a staging area, General Antilus Tantrius had established his headquarters in a Salarian apartment complex. Located on the tenth floor, his staff and troops had established seismic sensors in the basement, along with the surrounding supply depot for the 78th Legion. To the West was the 33rd Legion, while their brothers in arms of the 12th were to the East.

Obviously, they had not been sitting on their asses while the Serans were taking the war to the grubs near Prothea and some of the other cities.

Within one standard day of landing and establishing planetside bases, the Turian's had already engaged in numerous firefights after using some loaned Rock Diggers from the Cog. They had been minimal, but that didn't mean the locust fought softly.

Those gray skinned beasts still fought with tenacity and skill, often just dying in place while brave Turians died in the darkness of the planets crust.

Still, while each legion kept a battalion in reserve, the majority of their troops were taking the war to the locust, and the incoming reports painted a grim picture.

Holding up a tablet of dull gray, General Antilus hated the lists of casualties that poured in every day…every hour that seemed to get worse and worse.

"Platoons wiped out…infantry fighting those Behemoths and Corpsers. Spirits, how did the Serans manage to win the first time?" Of course, he knew the answer.

Blood, sacrifice, and a needed brutality to commit heinous actions. To burn your own homeworld to ash in order to achieve victory.

"Their ancestors have earned great honor. Same with the current generation. The spirits will guide us all to victory"

He prided himself on honor. Turian troops prided themselves on it during war, yet these beasts had none. When he gave commands, he wanted to instill the maximum casualties on the enemy while his own troops were giving a good victory. But the nature of the subterranean battlefield made orbital and aerial superiority pointless. They were fighting in locust territory, and they would make the Hierarchy pay for every foot…every cave cleared.

"The Seran fleet no doubt killed thousands during the bombardment, along with countless Salarians, but I'm sure even more survived"

He looked around the room, the activity of lower officers relaying commands, information and assets to troops below the surface.

"2nd Battalion is facing heavy resistance in these caverns, move the 7th and 5th companies to assist" A major ordered nearby, his lightly green plates reflective under the sharp lights pouring downward from the ceiling that was miraculously intact.

"Sir! Ninth company of the Third Battalion is trapped by a tunnel collapse! Facing heavy locust concentrations in sector Three-four!" A female communication officer reported with a low shout, her alarm obvious.

"Tenth Company can divert and assist. Giving orders to move Eastward to relieve immediately" The same major ordered, the Turian staying calm as the general watched from the sidelines.

"Ninth company won't survive" It was a grim fact, but deep down, General Tantrius knew they were all dead already.

They just didn't know it yet.

---

Glowing, soft bioluminescent vines dangled from the cavern ceiling, the tendrils adding a pleasant glow that would have garnered scientific curiosity. Stretching across the locust side tunnel, the vines then traveled downward along the walls, mixing near veins of quartz and reflective crystals.

Rumbles of explosions and cracks of gunfire ruined the serenity, pulling Private Garrus Vakarian back to the present. Equipped with bluish armor with black coloration along the flanks, he carried a standard Phaestron Rifle, numerous grenades, and a back-up Punisher Sniper Rifle.

His facial plates were a dull brown with blue tattoos below his black eyes, the pupils a sharp silver that constantly searched for threats.

Straight out of infantry training, Garrus was proud to serve, he just didn't expect it to be this way. Walking in step with his company of one hundred sixty strong, the Turian had taken down a few grubs, but his company had gotten off relatively light since entering these spirits damned tunnels.

Unfortunately, with the nature of this battlefield, the Hierarchy couldn't bring the full force of their military might on a single point as most of the locust tunnels and caverns could only accommodate a company…perhaps a Battalion if it was larger.

Transmissions came roaring over the communication net, words bubbling with frantic desperation. "This is Lieutenant Maximus! Senior officers are dead! We are trapped and outnumbered due to a rockslide blocking our retreat! We need immediate assistance!"

Another explosion rumbled the cavern tunnel, shaking dust loose as the sound waves carried with disturbing reverberations.

"Let's move, ninth company! Our brothers in arms need our assistance!" The Captain yelled with a commanding bellow. Taking her own advice, the officer increased her pace as they navigated the labyrinth of tunnels, the gunfire getting closer.

Hefting his rifle, Garrus increased his pace as echoing gunfire continued to flare in the distance while more explosions rocked the tunnel, showering loose dirt on the advancing company of turians.

"Hope we can really kick the grub's teeth in. The beasts" a nearby Turian said with a cocky tone, his grinning showing a willingness of a Turian not hardened by heavy combat.

"Don't be arrogant, Paliso. The locust have been hitting the Serans harder than us which is saying something considering how badly the other regiments are getting hit" Sergeant Bellion warned, the Turian turning his pale, purple eyes to the soldier in question. "Be alert and don't be distracted"

His warning given, the Turians continued to march, their footfalls heavy with haste as the sounds of battle increased with frantic desperation. Coming to a side path, piles of rock and shattered piles of rubble blocked the route while a half crushed locust corpse lay near the destruction.

"Captain. This was the most direct route, but it's blocked" A soldier pointed out, the young Turian raising an omni-tool to display a tiny local map.

"Then we divert. We don't have time nor the equipment to dig through this mess" Captain Garitis said with a calm fury, the reverberating sounds of battle starting to fade just on the other side of the rock collapse. Activating hes comms, Garitis spoke with a calm reassurance. "Lieutenant Maximus. We are diverting to a secondary route. Hold on, we're almost there"

The radio was silent, no words returned, painting a grim picture for the trapped company of Turians.

An invisible pulse went out from a floating survey drone, courtesy of Specialist Nindius, the female in charge of battlefield navigation. Checking the next update, the soldier with off white facial plates and blue markings spoke. "Captain. Radar pulses show a side tunnel half a mile from our position. It will connect to sector Three-Four"

"That's our path. Keep alert" Moving with purpose and cautionary haste, the Turians wanted to hurry, but understood the need for proper caution in a combat zone. Running headfirst was just asking for an ambush.

The lack of gunfire or sounds of battle were ominous as the minutes ticked past, creating a tenseness in the company as they moved along the tunnel, their marching feet the only echo of noise.

"That can't be a good sign…." Garrus thought to himself as the soldiers came to a fork in the tunnel system. Getting a pointed direction from the Captain, the side tunnel was narrower, with hanging vines of glowing green falling like drapes. Piles of rocks lay strewn about like minor barricades, almost eager to be used as cover in a fire fight.

But yet, nothing stirred except the light sway of the glowing vines and ebbing darkness beyond.

"Through here" Captain Garitis ordered, the female officer taking a deep breath as two troopers took point, their footfalls slow and cautionary.

Garrus followed, the Turian pushing away vines and noting places of cover while keeping his rifle ready.

None of the soldiers dared talk, the time for jokes or griping gone as seriousness took over the company. Worry for their brothers was prevalent, but they needed to use caution lest they fall into an ambush.

Minutes passed like grain, Garrus hearing his own soft breathing as feelings of dread permeated the air…then, the stink of blood.

Pushing past the last wall of vines, the first bodies appeared, a strewn mixture of Turian and Locust that spread out into a moderate chamber that was a rough oblong. Toward the far end, another tunnel loomed in darkness, while the craters of a dozen emergence holes dotted the chamber. Collapsed openings of a fresh cavern were observed, the piles of rough stone tumbled near more locust bodies mixed with Turian corpses. To the far right, a slight path rose to an elevated outcropping, overlooking the far chamber exit while a curved wall of stone would block some incoming fire from below.

Blasts and burns decorated the walls, spattered with red and blue blood while pieces of bodies lay strewn about the cavern floor. Some Turians had died by explosion or gunshot, some burned or killed by chainsaw bayonet as evidenced by the pieces of viscera.

Legs and arms were detached, strewn away from bodies of both species, creating a gruesome carpeting of death. Lifeless eyes stared, the light of sentience gone from all while nothing moved in this tomb of slaughter.

"Spirits…" Garitis muttered, the officer walking toward the middle of the chamber, her gaze falling upon the bodies that were like carpet across the dirt. Drones and several Kantus lay dead, the bodies of the monsters mangled just as badly as the Turian dead. Three Maulers had been killed by heavy gunfire and obvious explosions, their armor rendered while the flails and riot shields lay strewn near their bodies.

Some were even entangled with the Turian dead, the warriors having gone hand to hand in the ferocity of battle.

Garrus felt something off, his mind taking a tally of the dead before he looked around with slight confusion. "Where's the rest of the company? There's not enough bodies here"

"Did they fall back? Defeat the locust?" Private Paliso asked, the Turian looking around as the troops began to take a tally of bodies.

"Get a head count. I want to know if any of them are missing" Sergeant Bellion ordered with authority, his voice rough and echoing among the field of dead.

A droplet fell upon Garrus's forehead near his left eye, the soft patter like rain. Wiping the liquid away, it was blue, a familiar shade. Looking upward, Garrus Vakarian was bereft with horror as more droplets fell like a soft rain straight from a nightmare.

Corpses hung from the ceiling, the Turian dead hanging by hooks as the soldiers had been de-plated and stripped of all weapons and gear.

The locust had taken the time to desecrate a dozen of their brothers in arms, a violation of the highest degree. Swaying lightly from the hanging hooks like dangling fish, the raw muscle and flesh glistened with horrid gore, its blue tint indescribable for the ninth company.

"Spirits…" Garrus whispered, his mind unable to conceive of the brutality. He could make out the veins and nerves, pale, ravaged flesh brutalized by torture…the…the dishonor of such a display rapidly replacing his horror with an unholy fury. He wasn't the only to feel the rising anger…the absolute rage at the desecration of their fellow soldiers and brothers in arms.

"Retrieve them…we'll give them…them a proper bur—" Captain Garitis uttered, her own voice hollowed by the horror of such a gruesome display. Gripping her rifle, Garitis had to keep calm, the officer not daring to let her emotions take charge. Looking down, she finally saw the bloody scales and plates littering the ground below the dripping bodies that continued to sway.

"Monsters…Varren piles of shit…I will show them no mercy for this…atrocity" Vowing a new wave of brutality against the locust horde, Sergeant Bellion solidified his hatred from the reptiles. "And the Salarians. Those slimy, distrustful aliens caused this…they caused all of this"

Vibrations rocked the ground, pieces of gravel and loose stone jouncing with each tremor as the bodies swayed above.

"Incoming!" Garrus shouted, the Turian moving to the outcropping overlook with several other Turians. Finding cover, he leveled his rifle while vibrations rumbled the chamber.

The rest of the 9th Company was already moving, taking cover behind low rock barricades, piles of outcroppings and forming an impromptu firing line.

Dipping down in moments, three emergence holes reopened near the far tunnel as drones started to emerge, battle and bloodlust in their eyes.

"Slaughter!" Pointing, a Kantus sprayed fire, the blue shafts of light flaring across the chamber from his sub-machine gun.

"Locust! Kill them all!" Captain Garitis yelled, the female officer taking cover next to Garrus as fury and the need to avenge their brethren burned in their hearts. Popping out of cover, she cut down a drone just emerging from the raw earth, the mass accelerated rounds ripping through the hard armor plate of the foot soldier. Grunting as he fell, the drone was simply replaced with another, the beast firing upward at the outcropping where Garrus was located.

A lancer ripped in a screaming howl, a locust drone closing with one of the Turians as the beast leaned forward, the spinning blades howling as kinetic barriers flared. Eating through the body armor, the soldier's fate was sealed as the hungry teeth burrowed into the flesh, spraying blue ichor as the male screamed.

Garrus fired, his marksmanship prevalent among the exchanging flares of rifle light. A mixture of red, blues and greens cascaded among the chamber, mixed with explosions and flying shrapnel from fragmentation grenades. Switching targets to another locust drone, Garrus felt nothing but pure hatred for these dishonorable abominations.

Four lumbering forms emerged from the far cavern, supported by another twenty drones as they added their weight of fire.

"Grinders and Boomers! Vorakis! Concentrate fire on those lumbering beasts!" Sergeant Bellion roared as he fired at two rushing drones, cutting down one of them before the other retook cover behind some rock outcrops.

"Yes sir!" Hidden behind a nearly square piece of rock that had been naturally carved by countless years of erosion, Private Vorakis hefted the M-76 Revenant, the female soldier having a near insane love for superior firepower. While her weapon wasn't exactly standard, it was used by the Turians…or Krogan warlords if you cared to wonder.

"Grind..." Spinning up their heavy weapons as the drones added their deadly fire, shafts of red, burning light pulsed through the air from the spinning barrels, cutting down two Turians in a moments…one of whom was cut in half as entrails spilled from the ravaged armor.

"Die you dishonorable Varren filth!" Howling her hatred, Vorakis unleashed her own fusillade of heavy slugs, the blue light landing center mass of the left most Grinder. Taking nearly a dozen hits, the beast fell while Vorakis swiveled her aim to the second, cutting down three drones in the process. A fourth screamed as it's left arm was severed, the crimson blood spurting. But that didn't halt the drone as it took cover and fired one handed, sending intended death toward Vorakis who ducked down just in time.

"Boom!" Uttering their insidious, but simple catch phrase, the twin locust fired, sending their hate to explode at a small concentration of Turians firing from behind a grouping of rock outcrops. Shields and armor offered minimal resistance to the explosive and concussive force, ripping three of the soldiers into mincemeat.

Garrus fired and fired, his rounds cutting into the flank of a boomer, the larger beast taking nearly a full thermal clip. Finally dropping from the rounds, the Boomer collapsed in a pile, his weapon clattering away before a Kantus sprinted to snatch up the grenade launcher. Popping the smoking heat sink, he slammed a new one in while howls of agony came from Turian and Locust alike.

"Die metal birds!" Snarling, the Kantus fired a boomshot among the flare of crisscrossing rifle fire, the bursting explosive impacting the upper wall behind Garrus. Showered with flinging stone and light shrapnel, his shields flared along with the nearby troopers, but it was ignored.

"The Hierarchy will see you all die!" Vorakis howled once more as she tacked her fire back and forth, the blue light rounds cutting down three drones unfortunate enough to be rushing forward to kill. One was chopped in half by her gunfire, but the Kantus noticed as he pointed with a clawed, deadly finger.

"Slaughter them all! Brutalize their flesh!" Firing his boomshot, another explosion burst against the cover of Vorakis, showering the soldier in flying shrapnel and rock fragments. Three Turians rushed up to support the heavy gunner, their rifles flaring with purpose.

A moment later, the Kantus's head burst like a ripe ballon, the gore a mixture of bone and viscera.

Tendrils of smoke rose from Garrus's Punisher rifle, the Turain allowing himself a small grunt of satisfaction at the headshot.

Still, the firefight raged as dozens of drones fired from their own positions among the chamber, or from the safety of the nearby tunnel.

"Vakarian! Nice shot!" the Captain encouraged during a hasty reload.

"Just killing monsters, Captain" Firing again, Garrus claimed another drone, the cranium bursting like a ripened fruit with grotesque brain matter splashing several rocks in pink chunks.

But that didn't mean the drones were done as another lancer howled, a gray skinned beast revving his lancer before plunging the spinning blades in a wounded Turian in the cauldron of the central chamber. Blue gore and guts spewed, the locust grinning before he fired and sprinted toward a new place of cover.

"Keep it up, troopers! Make them suffer!" Sergeant Bellion yelled just moments before two red hued slugs cracked into his face, the kinetic barriers halting the first, but failing at the second. Ripping part of his plates away, the Sergeant fell with a howl, the agony palpable as blue blood flowed.

A few more locust fell, the subterraneans starting to fall back into the far tunnel even as another half dozen Turians died from harsh, deadly rounds burning between both species.

"Fall back, brothers!" The larger drone bellowed, before he walked backwards, his troopers falling back with him. Throwing several smoke grenades, the locust finally broke off the attack, leaving the chamber in a horrid silence.

Cries of the wounded rose from Turian throats, nearly a dozen having taken hits.

Seven locust had been left behind, the creatures slowly trying to crawl away.

The 9th company was in no mood for prisoners, nor following the rules of war with such monsters.

Executions were rapid and without mercy, Garrus even stomping the head of one with a cold fury, the ichor getting on his boots and shins. Looking to his right, their commanding officer was already in communication with her superiors.

"Command. This is Captain Garitis of the ninth company. We've reached tenth company…all killed in action" Looking around herself, the officer started to count, her mind trying to compartmentalize the battle. "My company suffered twenty three dead, another dozen wounded. Wi—"

Her words were interrupted by another rumble, the ground cracking once more near the far tunnel. Already shattered from the earlier emergence holes, the large, jutting limbs burst forth in a rain of stone, debris, and bodies. Rising upward, the Corpser brushed against the ceiling of the chamber, its mass more than enough to crumble rock and debris. Its eyes were glowing points of yellow, rows of them burning in the low light as it opened its maw, showing rows of teeth taller than a Turian.

"CONTROL! CORPSER! CORPSER IN SECTOR THREE-FOUR! Falling back immediately!" Firing as she ended the communication, Captain Garitis was joined in her efforts as fresh flares of blue lights snapped and burned through the vile air. Climbing out of the bowels of the planet, the horrific arachnid unleashed a fresh bellow of rage while 9th company fell back to the side tunnel of hanging vines, their rifles flaring with fresh light as slugs burned across the chamber to impact the thick hide of the emerging horror.

'RRRROOOOOAAARRR!'

Spittle flew from the rows of teeth, a viscous fluid that fell across several dead as the lumbering beast stepped forward, making the de-plated, hanging corpses sway from the hooks above.

Garrus Vakarian fired his Punisher rifle, falling back with his company as the Corpser stomped forward with another ground rattling roar. Raising its front limbs to protect its face and sinister eyes, Garrus felt a raw shiver of fear climb up his spine from the sheer size and menace of the giant monster.

'RRRROOOARRR!'

Slamming down its first two legs, the Corpser crushed three Turians whom were too slow in their retreat, their screams cut short in a mere moment. Still, the rest of the 9th company fired and fell back, the Turians laying down a hellish fusillade of mass accelerated rounds that pinged and smashed against the Corpser's thick hide.

Private Vakarian fired again, the Punisher rifle erupting another slug that burned across the closing gap between himself and the massive arachnid. Striking one of the eyes, the beast howled, the orb having burst in a vile spew of orangish liquid.

'RRRAAGGGHHHH!'

"Aim for the eyes! At least we can blind it!" the captain ordered as her company fell back, some disappearing down the side tunnel. The Turian soldiers shifted their aim, several of them striking the orbs. Three more burst from gunfire, the sinister liquid spewing in an eruption of violence.

The Corpser twisted its rear thorax, the mass crashing into the cavern wall as it flailed. Stomping forward, it tried to crush a few more Turians, but the soldiers kept up the fire as the arachnid went into another defensive stance. With gore leaking down its ugly, tormented face, the beast started to walk backwards into the rear tunnel, its maw dripping saliva.

For a moment, Garrus locked eyes with the massive creature, the Turian feeling a sense of sentience and pure… hatred.

Disappearing into the darkness seconds later, the Corpser left the soldiers of the 9th company shocked and exhausted.

Breathing deeply as the air was choked with dust, the smell of death and blood, Garrus tried to reign in his fear and terror, the Turian relieved to be alive.

"Spirits…what the hell did the Salarians unleash on the galaxy?" Vorakis said with obvious anger and resentment as she stared across the cavern chamber, the bodies of Turian's and locust piled like broken flotsam.

"Monsters. They unleashed monsters" Voice hard, Garrus felt a new hatred growing in his heart…not only against the locust, but Salarians as well.

The Citadel, 12th of Gale, 428 A.E.

Crowds of citizens flooded the Presidium, the throngs waiting with bubbling excitement as dozens of C-Sec officers stood guard, the police watching the growing festivities.

Banners hung from outcropping balconies of sterile white while the artificial sunlight bore down from a generated sky of white clouds. Glowing blue, brown and green lights pulsed with waves among the gathered population.

Near the entrance elevator to the Council Chambers, an elevated podium had been erected, the two current Councilors seated near a single Hanar, Volus, and Ambassador Ichika Kojima.

Volus and Hanar mingled near the Stargazer Bar House, talking excitedly with several Terrans who beamed with purpose and mirth. Turians chatted with Volus, the shorter, vac-sealed aliens finally released from their client status after centuries of Turian rule.

Some Asari talked lightly with a few Salarians, the slender aliens having declared themselves independent of the Salarian Union. A few muttered with resentment, but most were just relieved that they were allowed to stay on the Citadel.

Councilor Procus approached the central podium, the older Turian waiting as the rumbling crowd slowly ebbed into silence. It took several minutes for the mass of civilians to fall into silence, their attentive stares coming from the evolutionary patterns of a half dozen worlds.

Seated to the far right was another Turian, this one wearing a wealthy attire of somber blue. His natural facial plates were dark, almost black while long, white lines of tattoo paint ran vertically down his features. Silver pupils were among his dark eyes, shining like stellar pinpoints while he watched the opening proceedings.

Camera's watched, hundreds of recording devices from spectators waiting as a few moments passed as Procus took one final breath while Tevos stood to the side, the Asari Councilor wearing a form fitting suit of light purple with a red stripe down the left side. Staying silent, she mainly smiled, keeping up appearances.

"Today marks a monumental day in the history of the galaxy…of the Citadel despite the current troubles plaguing the cosmos. For the first time in a millennium, the citadel is growing. Not with a replacement for the Salarian Union, but by two additional seats of authority…of respect, honor and duty" Waving his clawed hand toward the three councilors behind him, Procus let out a small smile.

"Councilor Irit Non of the Volus Protectorate"

Irit Non approached, the Volus short, squat and wearing the finest pressure suit afforded to the merchant species. Colored a soft red with yellow strips, the alien was not athletic by any means as he waited for the countless flashes of cameras to halt.

Breathing heavily, Irit Non spoke. "Thank you, Councilor Procus" A wheeze erupted, but the short alien pressed on. "For centuries, the Volus served the Turians as a client race. We are not warriors nor powerful with weapons. But we are excellent merchants. Now, the galactic economy you see today is because of our labors and work…our skill. The pride I feel for being the first councilor of the Volus Protectorate will be felt by my clan…my people for years to come"

Stepping away, the short, suited alien was replaced by the floating Hanar, its levitation rig keeping the aquatic sentient afloat as the lights of celebration fell upon the masses. A deep pink that bordered on burgundy, the long tendrils of appendages hung as the Hanar Councilor finally approached.

"Councilor Brylinus of the Illuminated Primacy"

"The Enkindlers have shown us another blessing, their guidance bringing the Hanar to this momentous moment in history. I will do everything to ensure their blessings and trust are not misplaced" His body slightly illuminated, an indication of pleasant emotions as Brylinus fell back, leaving room for the approaching human.

"Councilor Ichika Kojima from the Sytem's Alliance" Introducing her with a wave of his clawed hand, Procus waited as the Japanese woman approached. Wearing a dress of silken blue, it shimmered with light dusting of sparkles while allowing a minimal showing of cleavage. Almost covering her ankles, the fabric swayed with each step while her black hair fell past her shoulders in a wave of purposeful beauty.

Smiling with an elegance that brought numerous citizens to ease due to the similar structure of Asari, Kojima rested her slender hands on the podium.

"Barely a dozen years have passed since humanity made contact with the Turians, resulting in conflict, but thankfully a minor one. After that, for three years, humanity learned about the galaxy…the numerous species and worlds…cultures and history"

She took a short breath.

"But that all changed with the discovery of a second branch, the Serans. A species that has faced every conceivable hardship from war and famine to suffering and extermination. Suddenly, humanity had two faces…two different histories that unfolded among a galaxy tearing itself apart by war. Despite our recent emergence onto the galactic stage, the peoples of Earth took up the banner, to fight for a return to peace along the might of the Citadel…along the side of the Serans despite animosity and differences in culture"

Kojima scanned the crowd, her gaze studying the gathered species. "The Alliance is not perfect. Ter—Earth is not perfect, but going forward, I will do my utmost to uphold galactic law, to ensure the preservation of rights for all, thank you"

Stepping backward as clapping and celebration started to take hold, Councilor Procus retook his place behind the podium. Face turning somber, his facial plates shifted as he studied the gathered masses.

"Thank you, Councilors. The future of the Citadel and the Council will no doubt benefit from your addition to the cause of galactic stability and peace" Taking one last smile, Procus stretched his hand toward the seated Turian, waving him forward.

"Today is my final act as Councilor. I've served faithfully for years, saw events of war and peace unfold before my very eyes. Of history taking paths to unknown futures. But my time is coming to a close. Please allow me to introduce my successor, Councilor Laiel Sparatus!"

A brief salute was shared between the Turians, a sign of respect and honor that was not missed.

"Thank you, Councilor Procus" Standing with rigidity, the new Turian assessed the civilian crowd, his gaze taking on a harder tone. "I wish I could promise peace and an easy path to tomorrow without strife, but right now, the galaxy is bleeding…suffering from a new disease. An infection of subterranean beasts with no honor…no mercy. It is my duty to exterminate the locust threat, to ensure that the tragedy of Dagnes does not repeat itself" Straightening his spine and stance that would make any drill instructor proud, Sparatus's next words were filled with steel.

"Extermination of this threat is the only option to bring about a new peace. Already, the Coalition is waging war against those monsters, alongside the might of the Turian Hierarchy. The System's Alliance is sending troops to assist in the eradication, even before their entrance into the halls of power. From this moment onward, we will meet the Locust wherever they hide and destroy them! For that is how we regain peace in our galaxy once more!"

Stepping back, most of the crowd cheered for the cause of stomping out the horde. Obviously, some of the Salarians slinked away or became quiet, none wanting to draw attention. But most of them cheered, sickened by their government for supporting such a vile perversion of science and knowledge.

Still, the speeches were complete as music played and spectacles of numerous lights flared across the Presidium, resplendent among the cheering crowds.

The Citadel Council now comprised of five seats, a balance of military power, economic might, culture and science that would make any foes tremble with fear.

Sera, New Ephyra, 13th of Gale, 428 A.E.

Distant, darkened clouds roiled along the horizon pelting the smaller towns of Southern Tyrus. But despite the weather, the skies over New Ephyra remained clear for the moment as air traffic flitted between the towering structures. Several spacecraft lifted off from the spaceport, their engines flaring in the push to break from gravity.

Chairman Diaz watched it all from her office, the panning view a majestic sight of the advancement of Seran society.

Citizens walked the streets below, the temperature quite moderate despite the approaching storm.

Lifting a glass of amber liquid, Izabel scowled, her mood sour despite the abundant sunshine and somber music playing.

"Dammit" Cursing lightly, she drank a hefty amount before lifting the tablet once more.

The report was from the D.N.I. about the projected impact and power projection of the Council.

Simply put, the gambit to cripple or even collapse the Citadel had failed spectacularly. Instead of the two powers of the Turians and Asari, the Coalition now had to deal with the added might of the Systems Alliance. While the Volus and Hanar aren't powerful in terms of naval projection, the simple fact that five species were now part of the same alliance block was a problem.

Then of course, the war against the locust and Salarians.

Most of the Admirals and Generals weren't too concerned about the Salarians due to the slender bastards either breaking away, fighting among themselves, or just hiding among the core systems.

But the locust horde? That infuriated her.

"I shouldn't have waited. Fucking Hubris"

For a rare moment, Izabel Diaz felt humbled by her actions, knowing that her decision's to wait and try to play fate had backfired. Well, not entirely. If she had struck first, the Coalition would be fighting the whole galaxy, the Salarians crying bloody murder and hiding their crimes.

"Maybe it was inevitable the locust would return. Either by some mad scientist, a Batarian seeking revenge or a fucking Toad wanting a holy crusade" The thought of the Klor'vians, Batarians and Locust in an alliance made her shiver, the passing thought a nightmare. Drinking some more, the alcohol burned on its way down, steadying Diaz as her thoughts moved away from dark outcomes to the present.

Now there was another war, more death…more destruction against their ancient enemy.

"We need allies. Just in case"

The potential list was horrifically short.

"The Klor'vians? They can fight damn hard, but there's so much hatred and I honestly couldn't stomach them as allies" Sipping some more of the drink, Diaz watched as the distant storm kept creeping closer and closer with the passing minutes. "We did accept that minor colony of Salarians on Pandora, but that wont make a difference aside from local politics. Maybe the Batarians of Lorek? Or Omega?" Izabel scoffed at the idea. They were either smugglers, drug runners or aliens that simply hated the COG. Sure they would buy weapons from them for the civil war now falling into a stalemate, but they wouldn't make much difference in any potential conflict with the Council aside from adding territory.

Which only left two options.

"The Krogan and the Quarians" Mulling it over, she knew the Quarians would have serious problems with the use of Artificial Intelligence, but their fleet was massive. Some say they could even defeat the Turians, but it would be a pyrrhic victory at best, leaving the Quarians even closer to extinction.

"And the Krogan aren't much better. But at least they still have a planet to live on…a war blasted, nuclear torn hellscape"

The clock on her desk glowed one, which meant the meeting with her ministers and the upper brass would start soon. Idly glancing at the remainder of her drink, Izabel contemplated finishing the alcoholic beverage but decided against it.

Leaving the glass half filled, Chairman Diaz left her office with a rapid stride of purpose.

---

Ministers and officers sat around the long table as Izabel Diaz exited the elevator. Reaching her chair at the head of the table, she rapidly took her seat as General Halgrave cleared his throat. His thick, black beard falling to the top of his tunic collar while his bald head shone under the lights of the bunker. Hard muscles strained against his uniform as the Gear activated the galaxy map, the flow of pixels and lights flaring among the gathered men and women.

Zooming into the planet of Dagnes among the flaring stars, representations of the Coalition and Turian fleets were in orbit, the colors donated to blue and yellow for ease of viewing.

"Chairman, I'll skip the pleasantries. The locust have dug into the planet with an iron ferocity and judging by the numbers they used against the Salarians, we could be looking at seventy to one hundred thousand remaining. Currently, our ground forces along with the Turians have cleared and taken control of eighteen percent"

"How is the morale of our soldiers? Refighting the horde cannot be sitting well with them"

"Fury and hatred. Our Gears want to kill them and they are fighting without mercy. Unfortunately, a very disturbing trend is occurring between the Turians and Horde" Clicking a few buttons, the image of Dagnes changed to hanging Turians, their plates removed as bluish gore dripped from exposed muscle and sinew.

A few of the ministers gulped, but retained their seats as their faces became pale.

"The locust are de-plating Turians they capture which draws the parallel of skinning a man alive. If anything, this atrocity has spurned the Hierarchy to bring about more force and fury against the grubs. The images haven't been released to the public, but it's only a matter of time before it's playing among the news outlets across Citadel Space"

Chairman Diaz absorbed the images, her eyes acquiring the new horror. Pursing her lips, she should have listened to her officers, and now thousands were paying for it.

Such was the life of empires.

"What's the estimated timetable for clearing the locust nest?" Moving past the images of defiled and brutalized Turians, General Halgrave allowed a grunt to escape from his throat.

"Current estimates place the campaign length at another four months minimum. Clearing every cave, tunnel and subterranean bastion takes time, effort and lives even with the Hierarchy fighting along side us. The Terrans are sending troops to assist which may hasten the campaign, but I'm not putting much faith in the skills of their troops against the Horde" Finishing his report, the general took a seat while Marren Kannorberg rose, the former naval captain and agent of the D.N.I. brooding with a serious look. Taking control of the holo display, the panning view highlighted the Salarian Union in a bile green.

"The locust on Dagnes aren't the only problem, Chairman. I've tasked several of our A.I's to conduct military algorithms and probability vectors. An emergency communication from the Gorfin system confirms that several locust ships made planetfall. Communications ceased shortly thereafter"

"Which confirms the bastards are spreading" Lord Stratton stated, the supreme commander of the navy scowling at the news.

"Indeed. And if they managed to establish a foothold in the subterranean colony of Gorfin, that means their other ships and support craft are doing the same. They won't even need a livable garden world. Just hollowed out caves, caverns and the machinery to support the infrastructure. Of course, based on how rapidly they breed…" He hit another button of the control tablet, tapping rapidly as crimson overtook Dagnes, Gorfin…then started to spread across Salarian space before spilling over into the Asari Republics.

"In half a year from now, Chairman, the locust will most likely have established nests across a dozen systems, maybe even more. All it would take is a few ships, burrowing equipment and they have a foothold"

"By the Allfathers…" A few of the ministers whispered, but Diaz was silent as she slowly clasped her slender hands, her elbows resting on the table.

"What about the Salarian Union? How much of a threat will they pose?"

Kannorberg was stoic, the man standing firm as the pulsating crimson of the galaxy floated before him. "All gathered reports and intel suggest their government is in constant flux due to insurrection, blame and groups either declaring independence or trying to take control for themselves. Their core worlds are in complete upheaval. However, the majority of their fleets are intact and I'd imagine the beating we gave them over Dagnes doesn't sit well. I would fully expect some of the higher officers enlisting scientists or agents to strike at us with any means at their disposal. Which means possible biological agents, raids against the colonies or even aiding the locust as some maddening way to make us bleed"

"You're saying that some…some power mad admiral or agent might actually support the Locust Horde in some campaign of revenge? Even now?" Diaz asked with an incredulous tone, the Seran woman feeling less and less guilty by the minute. "The hell with hubris or failed gambits. The Salarians caused this shitstorm by themselves after we opened our homeworld to them"

"The madness of these aliens. Nothing but filthy swine" The Economic Minister Ghevov cursed with heavy accent, the Gorasnayan crossing his arms over his large chest before looking at the Chairman. "What will you do about those Salarians on Pandora? They swore loyalty, but their species brought back the monsters of our deepest nightmares"

The Chairman sighed heavily as she knew…she knew that the galaxy was trying to chip away at the COG. Trying to push in from Terran ideals, to Volus traders and even Asari trying to interbreed. "I suppose the Asari are just following their biology…it's inevitable some young man or woman will be taken with desire. Especially with how beautiful they are. It could already be happening. But those insane terrorist groups…that can't be allowed to happen again" Mulling over her thoughts, she studied the men and woman once more before clasping her hands together.

"The Coalition needs allies. Full member states, especially with how large the Citadel has just grown by adding three new species. Current relations are good, but that could rapidly change. Then there is the risk that the Salarians could forge an alliance with the locust, or the Batarians or even the lost Toad Fanatic Fleets. We are alone, and that cannot continue if we are to preserve our way of life"

Murmurs of discontent arose, the officers and ministers keeping surprisingly calm.

"Hmph. The Coalition does have the ability to bring in new member states. Better than the Salarian's on a few islands" Ghevov conceded, the man willing to listen.

Kannorberg didn't like it either, but he wasn't foolish enough to let pride blind him. "The Krogan or Quarians. Those are our only options and each of them are not in the best position to be worthwhile allies"

"Clearly" General Halgrave muttered, the Gear knowing full well the state of the Migrant Fleet and Krogan homeworld.

Kannorberg cleared his throat before turing his gaze toward Izabel. "We could put out some feelers, get in contact with their leadership, but by the Allfathers, we'd have to cure the Genophage or retake Rannoch. Any alliance would be us doing the heavy lifting" Mulling it over, the agent thought for a few more seconds. "I'd take the Krogan over the Quarians first. They can fight and have around two billion in number, and they still have their home planet. With the Quarians, we'd probably have to wage war against the Geth, clearing out the Perseus Veil and for what? A migrant fleet of refugees and rusting ships?"

"We would also appear desperate…weak. The galaxy would notice if we go begging for allies. I strongly suggest they come to us first, letting the Coalition be the predominant power"

Izabel agreed swiftly. "Then we shall wait for our future allies to make the call first. I will not show the COG as weak among the galaxy…especially our enemies. Now, let's discuss these Laser Grinder's the locust developed and how long until our troops have something similar"

With that said, the meeting continued below the streets of New Ephyra as soft rain started to fall above.

Aralakh System, Tuchanka, 30th of Gale, 428 A.E.

Harsh winds howled between the crumbling towers of ancient skyscrapers, the buildings glass long since blown out by nuclear war. Rubble clogged roadways among dilapidated neighborhoods while tendrils of harsh plantlife snaked through the open windows of former Krogan habitation.

Ruddy, dirty sunlight from Aralakh burned through abundant ash, another remnant of the nuclear war as the star tried to warm the devasted Krogan homeworld.

Among desolated ruins of several towers and a rubble strewn plaza, dozens of clan leaders had been summoned. Some allies, other hated enemies as they grumbled and waited. All were armed, many of the clan leaders keeping wary eyes for a double cross or simple attempt at assassination.

Another harsh wind howled through the stale, ashen air, flowing across the plaza as dust was thrown.

A shuttle appeared in the sky, its dull, angular shape proclaiming construction from the COG. Setting down upon an elevated platform, the engines kicked up an additional spurt of dust before powering down.

Exiting the vessel, Urdnot Wrex stepped out, the Krogan Battlemaster taking a deep breath as the assembled clans watched with either curiosity or most likely, mistrust.

Several other Krogan stepped out of the shuttle, all heavily armed with lancer rifles, combat Gear armor and fully prepared for battle.

Wrex stepped forward, coming to the edge of the platform before hefting his own lancer. Raising it above his head, he then slammed the butt against the old stone, creating an echo of noise. Gripping it tightly near the chainsaw bayonet as it stood vertically, Wrex glared out at the assembled mass while sunlight fell upon his facial scars.

"KROGAN! IT IS TIME! Time to rise from the ashes! Time to regain our glory and prestige! Time to secure the future of our species! TIME TO JOIN THE COALITION!" Bellowing, his words echoed over the clan leaders, several stirred while a few even yelled support.

Many of them liked the Serans, seeing them as a parallel to the history of the Krogan species.

More harsh, ashen wind blew, sending grit and sand to flow in roiling clouds as a few rusting groans came from nearby structures.

"The Salarians have been kicked out of the council, face war on two fronts, and have no allies! It is time to break away from their bootheel and bring Tuchanka into the light once more!"

"You suggest slavery! Being nothing more than cannon fodder for the Coalition!" A random clan leader yelled, his voice carrying with agreement from several others.

"Clan Vorit will never be enslaved! We should build weapons and punish those squishy little bastards!" Another Krogan yelled with suspicious fury, the beast having numerous scars across his hide.

"If you knew anything about the Serans, they despise slavery of all forms, brother" Looking across the masses, Wrex addressed Vorit personally. "They have strength! Powerful fleets and warriors! Myself and thousands of our own now grow rich from farming, producing goods and industry! I have recently purchased a second plantation of sugar cane! I have managers and workers, yet I still send aid to our homeworld! But you don't want to hear about my good fortune. No, even promises can ring hollow. But I promise you this, if we as a species join the Coalition as a Full Member! A species with the same rights as any Seran, we will thrive and grow! They have the resources to heal our homeworld, to heal the environment before the wars…and perhaps…in time, the Genophage!" Emphasizing the cure of the horrific biological disease, many Krogan muttered their own approval.

"We've heard those false promises before, Urdnot! All have failed or been hollow words!" Vorit yelled, the warrior still having a core of support from the other clan masters.

Wrex gripped the rifle near the chainsaw bayonet, keeping the rifle vertical as he held it under a new downpour of sunlight, illuminating his heavy frame among several loyal guards. "I don't promise it will be easy or quick, but this could change our future from extinction to not only survival, but prosperity!"

More grumbles of consent came from more Krogan, the males thinking it over.

"Would the Serans even accept us? We are broken, fractured and dying" Clanmaster Kult asked from the middle mass, the younger leader curious.

"They are at war with the Salarians which is fitting due to the slimeheads mistrust. But the locust…we will test ourselves against their ancient enemy! A foe that brought the Serans to the very edge of extinction! Our alliance will not have Krogan fighting Krogan, but Krogan against locust! Against the Salarians!" Wrex suddenly snarled, hefting his rifle in a cradle of support. "But, by all means. Let's keep killing each other. Let's keep doing what the Salarians want. Let them win and destroy us little by little, year by year" He took another deep breath of ashen air, his nostrils flaring. "WHO STANDS WITH ME AND THE FUTURE OF OUR PEOPLE!" Raising the rifle, he aimed at one of the buildings and fired off the full magazine, the gunfire rippling as the majority of Krogan roared with approval.

Clan Leader Vorit, Ghegg, Hellir, and another dozen small clans left, their animosity and mistrust winning over their sensibility while the pulsing sunlight of Aralakh bathed the plaza in dirty illumination among the desolate ruins of Tuchanka.

19th of Rise, 428 A.E. System SU-232-MT (756 light years from Rothila, Galactic North)

Five dead worlds orbited a dim dwarf star, the inner planet a hellish lava flow of breaking tectonics and volcanic eruptions that constantly reshaped the surface by nearly every month. The central three were relatively abundant in nickel, gold, magnesium and even moderate deposits of element zero as several mining outposts lived below the surface, the communities continuing there efforts to mine and smelt for the Union.

Ice sheets covered the fifth planet, the world an off-white blue as the frozen liquid of water promised the colonies a never ending supply of life supporting liquid. Above, numerous orbital refineries hung in orbit, the workers processing raw materials for industries further into the union. Shaped like half domes with a sharp, sheening blue material of the exterior hull, the orbital refines each supported populations of one thousand residents.

Several ships flitted between the planets, avoiding the sparse asteroid belt between the second and third world.

There was no military presence aside from local law enforcement, which was relatively small due to the sparse population of the system itself.

Essentially, a backwater colony with minimal value.

However, the Serans didn't see it that way. The processing of ore, the harvesting of Element Zero made it a viable target, and that's why twenty slipspace ruptures appeared beyond the orbital zone of the fifth planet. Emerging with purpose, the two Battlecruisers Iron Head and Joker led the raid as eighteen destroyers followed. Engines flared harshly among the void, pushing the warships into firing range.

Alarms suddenly blared among the control room as Salarians panicked, the slender aliens rapidly assessing.

Jintor Kirn had been bored, listening to the news from his omni-tool about the seemingly endless problems the Union now faced. Massive riots across numerous worlds with heavy losses, the terrible beating of the 2nd Fleet, the warnings of locust attack and the war against the Coalition. However, all that was forgotten as klaxons screamed, howling from the sudden emergence of Slipspace ruptures several million miles away. Leaning forward, he began speaking rapidly into the communication headset draped over his slender head as his eyes blinked rapidly, fear erupting with every word as horror gripped his heart. "This is Orbital Refinery Four in System SU Two Three Two MT! We're under attack by the Serans! How many ships!?"

Leanding to his left while he asked in a panic, the Salarian waited a brief moment as his companion assessed the sensors net.

"Twenty enemy warships, including two Battlecrusiers!" Borran Tumbli shouted as the alarms blared with a deep, sinister red. "They're launching! Eighteen… incoming warheads…impact…twenty seconds" Relaxing in his seat, Borran glanced over to Jintor, his face resigned to his fate.

Standard Orbital Refineries had civilian shields and minimal weapons for deflecting or destroying incoming debris…not fully fledged warships.

The seconds ticked slowly, each of the incoming fusion torpedoes burning like approaching stars.

Orbital Refinery Four bloomed inside a fusion sun as the warheads detonated en mass, claiming all in a flash of fire. Ravaged debris and tumbling plating was all that remained a brief minute later as the raiding force advanced on the next refinery in orbit of planet five.

With no opposition with the exception of a few mining vessels, the Serans moved on, targeting the next orbital refinery with extreme firepower. Streaks of light pulsed from the MAC's of the Battlecruisers, the lead warships taking their own part of the raid while the Destroyers unleashed another massed salvo at the defenseless habitat's.

Within the hour, the Coalition had completed their task, leaving nothing but floating bodies, debris and death in their wake.

Re-entering slipspace, the twenty warships of the Coalition left, their mission complete.

Dagnes, 26th of Rise, 428 A.E.

A full scale battle had unfolded as the Third Battalion had converged, the numerous companies having taken half a dozen routes to emerge from the western end of the massive chamber. Broken, craggy uneven ground had become a killing field as the two forces met, the brutality of hatred seeing dozens die on both sides every minute.

Barely two hundred feet separated the troops as the battle raged across a scarred and pitted landscape, the rock having been transformed into snaking trench lines, bunkers, and strongpoints that were manned by the foul beasts.

Rocket fire flared, burning across the massive cavern before impacting among a group of Turians. Exploding in a hellish burst of fire and burning shrapnel, the five soldiers died in an instant as the Behemoth turned. Roaring in defiance, the six-legged creature stomped forward as hundreds of drones fired from fortified bunkers, positions and carved rock trenches. Laser Grinders chuckled harshly as red beams of searing light cut through the dust choked air.

"Hehe…BOOM!" Squeezing the trigger of the grenade launcher, one of the lumbering giants laughed as the explosive burst near a place of cover, the shrapnel ripping into Turian flesh and armor.

"Keep hitting them!" Garrus Vakarian yelled as he fired his Phaestron rifle, the bursts of blue mixing with the harsh stink of primitive gunpower, burning flesh and unending battle. Ducking down as incoming fire ravaged the outcropping of raised stone, Garrus flinched as a nearby Turian screamed, a pulse of locust rifle fire severing the limb in a mere moment. Resting his rifle on the slab of upcropping rock, Vakarian fired once more, cutting down a drone as it tried to make cover.

The body fell limb, a satisfactory outcome as the veteran ducked down, barely missed by a slew of incoming fire that peppered his cover.

"HIT THAT BEHEMOTH, NANDIUS!" A nearby squad leader yelled, prompting another soldier to heft a ML-77 upon his shoulder. Silver in appearance with a central portion of dull green, Private Nandius fired at the Behemoth as several others across the line did the same.

Rippling explosions burst against the monster's side, gouging flesh as the battle continued to rage.

Garrus moved left, stepping over a dead Turian missing a portion of their head. Gore dripped out, but Vakarian ignored it as he took a new position.

"Spirits damn the locust" Speaking harshly, he had seen far too many of his comrades killed or maimed during the last month and a half of constant combat, firefights and brutality.

That…and he was tired and stinking, none of them daring to shed their armor in the field.

Overall, ninth company was barely at sixty percent effectiveness.

A boomshot grenade burst against the far side of his cover, spewing rubble and shrapnel that vibrated his bones.

"RRRRRAGGH!" The behemoth bellowed as constant missile fire finally killed the monstrosity. Flailing in agony as it fell to its side, the mass crushed a few locust and Kantus as the gunner was killed. Fresh rockets were unleashed in the death spasm, the lances of fire a haphazard that landed among knots of locust and Turian alike, spreading more random death.

"It's down!" Garrus yelled as he popped up to fire at one of the distant Laser Grinders, the monster tacking red hued fire at a nearby position. He was joined by dozens of surrounding comrades, the soldiers firing and firing in a constant staccato of red, blue's and even old bullets.

Rumbles came from behind the Turian line, the ground vibrating as pebbles and rocks jumped.

"E-HOLE!" Captain Garitis shouted as the company commander turned, the Turian barely hiding her exhaustion. Throwing a grenade, it landed near the collapsing bowl, but missed in a burst.

Half a dozen locust emerged, the beasts armed with lancers as they fell upon several troops with hellish snarls.

"Metal birds…" A chainsaw bayonet screamed as a drone cut into a Turian soldier nearby, the ichor spraying as the male died.

"Kill them all!" Garrus screamed as he fired, the male unleashing the full thermal clip into the gathered drones.

Four fell, their bodies ravaged by rifle fire as the last two groaned on the ground, their wounds leaking crimson.

"Foul beasts!" Stepping onto the back of one as it struggled to breathe, he momentarily holstered his rifle upon his back armor plate before gripping the drone's right arm. Pulling with all his might, Garrus felt the sinew rip and tear before the limb came free in a spray of gore. Tossing it aside, he saw Captain Garitis stomp the skull of the other wounded drone, her boot splashed with ichor.

"Back to the line, Vakarian. We still have grubs to kill" Voice harsh, the officer took a fresh position behind the elevated rock line, then proceeded to fire as Garrus did the same, the blooded veteran finally killing a distant Boomer as the beast fell from the ravages of damage.

Gunfire and explosions continued to rage, the fortified bunkers embedded in the nearby walls spewing locust gunfire as the Turians fired and fired, the race of warriors not giving in as reinforcements started to join the battle, slowly tipping the scales against the horde.

System SU-1459-LH 18th of Heat, 428 A.E.

Pale, dull starlight cast its stellar waves across the system, painting the floating ship graveyards in a vile crimson. Most were in the vast reaches beyond the orbital path of the second planet, its bluish-white surface of sparse forests, dry highlands, tundra and glaciers a reflective orb of tranquility.

New Nexus wasn't a paradise by any means, but the planet did have a viable atmosphere, water, and vast mineral deposits despite its very cold surface temperature. The equator was above melting temperatures, allowing a band of melted oceanic waters and some farmland to be used for hardy grains and fishing.

Of course, the locust weren't foolish enough to inhabit the surface.

No, they were already digging out new settlements beneath the hills and valleys, using natural cavern systems to continue their advancement.

Adding in the efforts of the locust on the adjoining two planets, and the empire was well on the way to establishing a home system for the horde.

Breeding via Berserker females and cloning vat technologies would ensure rapid numerical growth, a necessary measure considering how outnumbered the locust were.

Dust and dirty illumination came from several flickering lights embedded in the ceiling of the old mining tunnel, casting long shadows among the abandoned mining machines below the surface of New Hollow. Despite the abandonment, a dozen of the freshly grown drones worked on salvaging the boring drills, rock crushers and other apparatus abandoned by the Salarians.

Warmaster Carn walked by, his hard gaze watching the drones labor as several ripped old plating from a rusting dozer. Welding sparked among a rock boring vehicle, the large drill still covered in cobwebs as other locust worked with diligence to bring the machinery to life once more.

Leaving the laborers, the mining tunnel descended further into the planetary crust as Carn made his way to the depths of their newest city.

Stepping into a vast, miles long chamber, Carn could see several rapidly grown Corpsers and Behomoths pulling rock and ore, the beasts barely adolescent, but growing by the day. Craggy, hollowed out spires were already showing, filled with the burgeoning industries of the locust empire, specifically armor, weapons, and explosives as drones worked and created.

Walking upon the central road toward the city's center, the warmaster halted at a cliff's edge, stepping onto a hastily constructed lift, he pulled the lever, causing a squeal of pulleys for his decent.

Stepping off after a minute of descent, he found himself in a fresh cavern hidden from above, the entrance narrow as more strings of hanging lights illuminated the way. Rusting, mesh plating covered the rocky floor leading into the narrowing cave, then two fully armored locust drones, the soldier's stoic as they held lancer rifles while guarding a heavy door of hastily erected metal.

"Warmaster" Opening the door, the drone was obedient as Carn stepped inside the enclosed cave.

The first thing he noticed was light music coming from a spare omni-tool on a bench, the tones light and pleasant. Filling the room were numerous computers from Dagnes, along with biological equipment, scanners, and apparatus used for the cloning operation.

Striding along the rows of bubbling vats filled with fresh locust drones, Carn halted at the two vats filled with the growing masses of Berserker females.

A drone with red tinted eye protection held a tablet, the horde divulging resources to increase the intelligence of a dozen for advanced technologies. Wearing a dirty, white laboratory coat, the locust scientist turned as Doctor Repan Nalu approached, the Salarian humming happily to himself.

"Warmaster. Pleasant surprise visit to the clone yard. How is fleet construction?" Making idle small talk, Nalu moved to a computer, his bulbous eyes taking in the information. "Hmmm…need half percent increase of bio-mass nutrients to ensure full growth"

"Progressing, but I am not here for idle chat. Aside from that, doctor, is the location acceptable to your work?" Harsh and rasping, Carn waited as Nalu looked his way, the Salarian blinking rapidly. "Satisfactory. Highly unlikely to be disturbed or interrupted. Would like to attempt revitalization of further locust variants such as Kryll and Wretches. Of course, would need resources which are all needed for your empire" Moving, he lifted his data pad, rapidly striking some keys to bring up information feeds.

"Kryll would be a waste of resources in this age of space flight. Continue with your current efforts"

"Assembly of additional cloning vats is vital, or if it's easier, seize them. Bio-matter will be needed. Supplies are at forty percent. If cloning efforts and genetic variations are to continue, fresh sources will be needed" The Salarian reported. Thinking for a moment, the slender alien turned to Karn. "Can be procured from flora or fauna sources"

"What about sentients?"

Without missing a beat as he checked more of the equipment, Nalu replied. "Acceptable. Vorcha, Asari, even my own species would do for harvesting of bio-matter. Preferably a renewable source! Ah, perhaps Vorcha can be harnessed? Improved? Yes, will need to run calculations" Starting to step away, the Salarian was bubbling with excitement. "Apologies, must make calculations"

Carn grunted, his pale, yellow eyes studying the slender alien. "Proceed, Doctor"

Repan left, almost scurrying to the rows of computers at the far end of the cloning chamber before he sat down, his long fingers flying across the glowing, orange keys.

Carn did not follow. He found it best to let the scientist work in peace.

Walking into the war room twenty minutes later, Carn enjoyed the low gloom as minimal lights burned from above.

Located in the lowest portion of the lowest tower of New Nexus, it was the only possible location for where the next campaign would be planned. Carved from rough stone, the walls were hewn and bumpy as the reflective quartz glittered under electric lights above. Computers lined the walls, a few seats occupied by drones with dark cloaks and blue tinted goggles. Essentially technicians, they would monitor communications, sensors and link with the other nearby worlds for support and supply.

However, his destination was the central table surrounded by a low, metal railing. Holographic in nature, the device had been ripped from one of the dead ships in orbit, the Salarian vessel a mere shell even before the locust stripped it down to the frame.

Hitting a button, spinning pixels of yellow, blue and red sprung to life, showing the home system of the horde.

The local star burned, the miniature orb pulsing as three red tinted worlds orbited…worlds of the locust empire. Near one of the moons, a nameless, airless rock of poor mineral prospects, the growing locust fleet was gathered, the refurbished and reclaimed warships now numbering close to seventy vessels of ugly welding, cobbled systems and general ferociousness.

Obviously, he had visited the graveyard site recently, curious about the progress of the ancient Salarian Battleship, Vas'geth.

Carn had renamed it The Ravage. Because once it was complete, it would become the flagship of the first fleet to wage war against their enemies. But for now, it would be repaired, brought back to life once more along with every vessel they could reclaim.

The Ravage was not the only warship being reclaimed however. Ancient frigates and destroyers, obsolete cruisers and transports, commerce vessels and mining craft…all would be used not only to wage war, but to spread the empire.

Tapping the holo-table controls, he zoomed out the images to the surrounding systems, each uninhabited, desolate…and rich with resources.

No Mass Relays nor immediate proximity to the Salarians, the closest hundreds of light years away.

The Horde was still undiscovered, but the words of Doctor Nalu reverberated.

"Bio-mass will be acquired for the empire" Allowing himself a menacing grimace, Carn began searching the catalog of known worlds inhabited by any form of life.

He dismissed the major colonies and systems, knowing that it would just allow the Serans to find them in a weakened state and destroy them.

However, a few worlds along the galactic core were promising, notable a planet known for extreme dust storms, high winds and abundant subterranean life.

By happenstance, a heavy population of Vorcha lived on the planet, mostly among the ruins of former Asari industrial interests.

"Planet Joreen, Siltras System…a promising avenue for expansion and resources, especially the Vorcha" Grinning to himself, Carn could see the use of such a violent species, especially if they were mutated to fit into a new class of the Locust Empire.

Pylos Nebula, Kriseroi System, 19th of Heat, 428 A.E.

Five planets orbited the dull, dim red dwarf star, its stellar heat minimal while the outpouring rays of light fell upon the first world of the system, Neidus. Cold, barely considered habitable and tidally locked with its star, the planet was a dull grayish-green that had nothing to offer on its surface except a minor ecology of fungus, minor arthropods, and some carnivorous life.

But that didn't stop the locust from setting their ships upon the surface and beginning the process of carving out a new Nest over the last three weeks.

Now, the first settlement was growing deep in the warmth of the planet as the interior heat below the surface made a viable site for settlement and establishment of industries. Coupled with the use of several vats, the locust were already growing new numbers to add to the horde.

System-Master Jivv was pleased, the Kantus selected by Warmaster Carn himself to establish this new colony. Tall, with black armor and a squarish helmet colored with a dark crimson, the beast opened his maw, showing rows of sharp teeth and a forked tongue. A Salarian sub-machine gun was holstered on his hip, the weapon having been modified with a bayonet…something he had used to slay several of the slender, weak aliens in their pathetic attempts to live.

He had personally slain hundreds.

Standing in the middle of the sprawling road system below the planet's freezing surface, Jivv watched as dozens of drones labored to carve out habitations, industrial sites and to craft equipment, weapons and supplies. Several samples of the local arthropods had been taken, used in the clone vats for a steady use of meat and recycled bio-mass. Their cries of agony were dismissed by the horde, after all, they were to be used and consumed.

They were already growing a Corpser, but it would take another month for the creature to be released from the vats, and even more time to grow.

"But that hardly matters. For we are hidden and we will grow…for the Horde" Rasping his words as he clenched his fist, Jivv turned, making his way to the central command post.

After all, there were still four more planets in this system, just waiting for habitation and the war against the Serans.

System TH-428-J, 25th of Heat, 428 A.E.

Blazing, red sunlight blanketed the system, its only two planets not even surveyed by…anyone. Beyond even the Terminus Systems…the Hegemony and even the Coalition, the lifeless system was nearly a thousand light years from the closest relay, not that anything was out this far along the galactic rim.

In fact, the only thing that was artificial was the lone starship that suddenly fell from FTL, its engines cooling as the craft entered a slow orbit of the second planet, a toxic hellscape of crushing atmospheres and molten lead rain.

Balak didn't care about the world below his ship. Instead, he burned with fury…hatred at the stupidity of his species that even now, still tore at each other like a seeping wound. But more than that, he hated…no…loathed humans.

"Serans…Terrans. It doesn't matter. They need to be under the bootheel of my species…broken and bleeding for all they've done" Slamming his closed fist against a well worn panel near his pilot chair, the Batarian scowled.

He kept up with the current news, even out this far.

A new war… a new conflict between the Coalition, Locust and Salarians.

"If I knew were to find them, I'd help the Locust. Assuming they didn't kill me on sight" They hated Serans probably more than he did.

But for now, he needed to get away from the civil war…the crap of a galaxy that didn't care about his people nor how they suffered under Seran aggression.

Sensors chimed an alert, drawing Balak's attention as he swiveled to the nearby station on his left. Typing a few commands, he triangulated the object's location near the first planet.

"A ship…a very large ship" Inputting a new command course, Balak found himself curious as his vessel started to burn across the gulf of space.

Beyond…near the gaseous fringes of the first world, its ruddy red gases a swirl of tranquility…Sovereign stirred.

Well, I think that's a good end point. Sorry for taking so long. Had the girlfriend move in, then she was in a car accident two weeks later which was terrible. Luckily she only had a few bruises and scratches, but her car was totaled.

Aside from that, just been busy so hope you can all understand.

Still, I hope you all enjoy the chapter and yes, that is the first step of the Reapers. Probably will take several years to really bring about the main game events though so don't expect Reaper Fleets in five chapters or anything. Right now it's the grubs, the Gears and the galaxy!