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.

30. Chapter 29: Encroaching Darkness

Well, I am back with more galactic events! War, new alliances! Hardships and all the good in between! I won't put spoilers here, but I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 29: Encroaching Darkness

Pranas System, Sur'kesh, 10th of Harvest, 428 A.E.

Obviously, the Salarian Union was fully aware of the Krogan joining the Coalition last month, the news spreading like wildfire across the galaxy. Political, economic and military experts had been tasked for studying the upheaval of the recent alliance, but most Salarians in positions of power already saw it as a harbinger of destruction.

Talat was under martial law, the riots at the beginning of the war having faded as the military took measures that were quite draconian. Protesters had been shot, mobs strafed in an attempt to protect the House of Unions during those bloody first days.

It had been quelled eventually, but the cost had led to thousands killed or wounded in Talat alone. Even now, several other cities still struggled to maintain control as police and military units patrolled high risk areas.

Looking out a smudged window as more rain sluiced downward past the meeting hall, Daltress Hunn narrowed her gaze as the damage done to the city. Even now, months after… "After that verran addled fool Multinn dragged the Salarian Union into war, isolation and destruction" Of course that clan had suffered. Been stripped of everything for the terrible course of actions that damn female had caused.

Rubbing her slender temple, Hunn could sympathize with human…headaches.

It was like the Union faced one crisis after another with no end in sight. Obviously, Dagnes was a lost cause, the Turians, System Alliance and Coalition having closed a heavy fist around the shrinking locust pockets within the planet's crust.

Then the raid against the Seran colony of Halo. It had been a somewhat successful raid as S.U. forces had managed to cause extensive damage, but the losses in ships against the heavier COG fleet had mitigated that battle to a draw at best.

Of course, that was only part of the troubles as the Krogan rapidly united under the seran's guidance, then joined in alliance. "The first thing the Krogan will work on is a cure for the Genophage. And the Serans will help them" Turning rapidly, Hunn studied the other Daltrasses around the table, two of them young and fresh faced from recent political arrangements. Retaking her seat, the slender female folded her long fingers, the fringes of her red robe draped along the forearms. "We must take action against the Coalition and play to our strengths. Stand up battle will only result in heavy losses as seen at the colony of Halo. Our fleets are not built to withstand that type of firepower the Serans wield"

"What do you suggest? As you've obviously stated, stand up fights are not our forte. Striking from the unknown is" One of the other females rapidly pointed out, her wide eyes blinking rapidly.

"Employ our best STG teams to eliminate any Krogan working on the Genophage. It will cause immediate rifts within the Coalition and have the added effect of slowing down research by several years. We must try to disrupt the Serans where we can. Also…" her tone became dark and ominous, the Daltress bringing the full weight of her station to bear against the other females in the room. "We should consider outside allies. Locating the fanatical Klor'vians. They would love to wage war against the Serans. Batarian pirate lords. The Quarians could overwhelm the Coalition. Some of my officers even have suggested…the locust despite the horrors of Dagnes"

Silence reigned around the room, the words heavy before Daltrass Vinro slowly entwined her fingers, the large black eyes rapidly blinking. "That would be a mistake and a path to bringing the whole galaxy against us. The locust are beasts and while we are pariahs right now, at least we still have the chance to rebuild our legacy in time. Siding with the horde would bring full destruction against the Union. Now don't you dare bring up the matter of alliance with the locust again" Taking control of the meeting as her cold tone quelled Hunn, Vinro turned her attention to the others" We will implement several STG strikes against the Krogan and Coalition targets immediately"

Daltrass Radum Laui took the metaphoric floor, the female showing off a rich tapestry of red and splotches of green across her exposed epidermis. Wearing robes of blue, Laui came from a very prominent family that hailed from the Radum region, hench the name sake. Barely middle aged at twenty one years, she had come in from the resulting power vacuum caused by the onset of war, civil strife, and political upheaval. "I've been in contact with Commander Orgal of the 18th Recon force. He recommends a strike against the Imir System. Notably, eliminating Doctor Okeer before the COG pulls him out and uses his research to cure the Genophage. Allowing that to occur will no doubt bring a very rapid loss of the war"

"Can we afford to divert naval resources? After the losses suffered at Halo, we cannot waste ships" Hunn inquired with a rapid tone, the female's voice still cautionary.

"Indeed. After all, the only reason the Coalition hasn't thrown everything at Sur'kesh and the inner colonies is because they consider the locust far more dangerous. We cannot stop them if they change operational plans. However, our officers believe we still have several months before the Serans try a major offensive against us. Assuming the locust keep them busy of course"

It was a terrifying prospect to the assembled females that dictated the course of Salarian history. They had been caught unaware, left in the proverbial dust and faced two enemies, one of their own creation.

Daltrass Vinro retook the course of the chamber, her dark eyes blinking rapidly. "We cannot trust the estimations of our military officers. Already, the Seran's unveiled upgraded slip space drives that threw off our estimated timetables of attack. Counting on the locust abominations to keep them busy would be a foolish course of action. We must secure several victories to force a negotiated peace with the Coalition. Stealth strikes and operations will force the diversion of resources and decrease morale. Saving our naval forces for a climatic battle, while risky could lead to a potential stalemate. That would be our chance to secure peace"

Many agreed, the course of the war potentially tipping in their favor…or toward the Serans. Already, the Union had lost or retreated from every naval engagement despite their willingness to battle.

The assembled Salarians knew that many would die in the coming missions, the Coalition were hard fighters and could be very brutal. Land engagements would be costly no matter how successful the operations would be. Still…they had to keep fighting not only against the Serans, but the rampant horde as well.

With all the civil upheaval, near succession of several systems and millions of war dead, a negotiated peace would be the most likely to occur.

Still, diplomatic envoys would be sent to the Quarians, the K.S.R. and even the Batarians as a potential counter balance to the increased power of the Coalition.

Eagle Nebula, Imir System, Korlus 13th of Harvest, 428 A.E.

Flaring yellow at the center of the system, strands of stellar matter dissipated among the void. Closest to the star was Osalri, the gas giant a boiling planet that had no orbital facilities due to the sheer heat of the nearby nuclear furnace.

Past that was Korlus, a green tinted planet that had the misfortune of being a dumping ground and salvage yard for countless vessels over several thousand years. Ripe with corruption, crime and having the distinction of the highest murder rate in the region, Korlus was tagged with travel advisories for any potential tourists or investors.

Beyond the orbiting fuel depot, the world of Gregas orbited, its crust comprised of rock, methane and nitrogen ice. Desolate and uninhabited, the world was barely noticed as the Mass Relay flared, its energies erupting as a dozen Salarian vessels entered the Imir system. Burning fast and harsh toward Korlus, the warships were destroyers, escorting an assault frigate laden with several STG strike teams.

Simultaneously beyond the gravity well of Korlus, twenty slip space vortexes ripped apart the cosmos. Emerging from the crackling and rippling swirls of energies, eighteen destroyers, a battlecruiser and an assault transport of Coalition design immediately reoriented and rushed toward the dirty garden world on flares of sublight. Not wasting any time, the assault transport disgorged a company of 'sticks' the floating troop pods each filled with two of the Onyx Gears. Tinkling like glass as the sun burned over the horizon of Korlus, the 1st company of the 26th Royal Tyran Infantry started to plunge toward the planet. Howling on plumes of fire into the graveyards of ships, bandit fortresses and urban decay, the Serans slammed into the ground only a few hundred meters from Doctor Okeer's compound.

A modicum of silence had infected the bridge of Tarrot, the officers and crewmen knowing that while the stealth of Salarian vessels had proven valuable in the past, the Serans had a terrible ability to find them and destroy them.

Designed as a heavy stealth destroyer in recent years, the Tarrot was supposed to provide higher chances of survivability while still retaining the element of low energy signals that would give away positions. Sleek with absorbing armors and painted a dark black that hopefully would provide a slight boost to hiding among the void, the ship was a pillar design as the S.U. was starting to revisit ancient vessel layouts from the last millennium. There were even three pointed wings near the engines…engines that should be hiding their signatures.

"Have they detected us?" Voice hard and devoid of emotion, Captain Havir Jirek maintained his seat, the veteran of several stealth missions across the galaxy feeling increased stress in his abdominals.

"No sir. But we will not be able to launch an orbital strike at Okeer's laboratory without revealing ourselves to the Serans" A crewman reported, the Salarian still seated at his own station reading the constant feed of information that displayed on the screen.

"Then we move to the secondary plan. Maintain stealth toward the far side of the planet. Ground teams are to launch when ready" Voice still devoid of warmth, Jirek's entwined his fingers as his initial mission had failed before it began.

Clearly, the best choice had been to fire from orbit, destroying everything in one easy strike, but the Coalition had beaten him by mere minutes, parking their ships directly above Okeer's laboratory site.

Attacking directly into the maws of Seran firepower would only get his command destroyed. Thus, the secondary plan would be implemented.

Barely a whisper among the vastness of the star system, the Salarian vessels still maintained a rapid pace as they bypassed orbital stations, ships, and salvage scows laden with recycled materials. Taking position on the other side of the planet, the mass of the planet would block any scanning attempts from the Serans…for now.

Moving into a defensive formation around the vital Vashnar, the troop frigate started to make preparations to launch its precious cargo.

Commander Orgal Mintra cleared his throat as he stood before the assembled officers of the 18th Recon Force. A veteran of the previous war against the Klor'vian Caliphate, he had seen heavy ground combat on Vioshelek, a far cry from the more preferred method of war for the Special Tasks Group. It had been a brutal fight, especially the retreat after so many losses. A long, hideous scar dragged from his upper temple through the middle of a ruined eye, the orb a dull gray as the scar finally finished at the corner of his slender mouth. His skin tone was brownish red, complimented by his black armor as he stood under the bright lights of the briefing room with his slender hands clasped behind his back. "We don't have time to waste as the primary plan has failed due to the early arrival of the COG. Our mission is to hamper the war effort of the Coalition. Delaying the revitalization of the Krogan falls under our area of expertise. We will locate Doctor Okeer and eliminate him along with his research. Local hostiles are expected in the area. Do your job and get it done"

"So much for an easy operation" Scowling as his facial scar pulled, Commander Orgal moved with extreme haste as minutes could mean success or defeat.

Opening along its starboard side a brief five minutes later, numerous stealth shuttles raced toward the planet, the craft already glowing from the effects of atmospheric resistance. Numbering six, the vessels were sleek with absorbing alloys made them appear as falling spatial debris to the average scanning system.

Slowing as they approached a mass of ships under deconstruction after traveling across half the planet's curvature, the half dozen craft settled among the erect hull plating of an obsolete colony ship, its metalwork a towering monolith of years past.

Stepping out of the first craft, Commander Orgal cradled his Phaeston rifle, the design obviously Turian as its sleek appearance was quite different from the majority of SMG's the other soldiers wielded. Having developed a taste for heavier firepower since his last war, Orgal would tolerate the heavier recoil if it meant stopping some Serans or Krogan. Scowling under the harsh sun and dirty air that stank of rot, rust and ruin, the leading Salarian moved toward the first position of cover.

Crouching down behind the slab of former hullplate as several other soldiers joined him, Orgal spoke into his comms on a closed circuit. "Take multiple routes to target and exterminate all who pose a threat to mission success. Doctor Okeer cannot be allowed to give Serans intel of Genophage. Could spell defeat for the Union. Failure is not an option. Expect to fight Gears"

Glancing skyward, he knew they didn't have time to sit and wait for the COG to ruin the operation. "They could be fighting already in orbit" Keeping the dark thoughts to himself, Orgal broke cover, rushing along the erect hull plating of the dead ship as the clock began to tick against the 18th Recon.

Doctor Okeer had watched in satisfied amusement as the drop pods screamed down from the sky, the pillars of fire soothing to the Krogan. Obviously, he wasn't an idiot as the appearance of several Gears in full body armor of dark black entered his laboratory within minutes, the men and women taking defensive positions around his compound at chokepoints, elevated walkways, and wherever they could withstand the coming onslaught.

One approached with heavy footsteps, the metal grating thudding with each footfall. flanked by two other Gears in matching black armor. There really wasn't anything discerning or unique about each soldier, only the name painted across the breastplate in dark crimson.

Smirking to himself, Okeer knew he would be dead if these soldiers wished it, but he still breathed, confirming his suspicions.

"Doctor Okeer. You and your research are now considered a vital asset for the Coalition of Ordered Governments. Gather all relative data and be ready to be extracted"

"A vital asset…I like that. Makes me feel important" Grunting out a snort, the large Krogan moved to one of his computers, the screen flickering for a moment as several growth tanks stood nearby. Some were filled with half developed Krogan, others half grown abominations…not that the Gears cared.

"All failures. Not a viable specimen. Perhaps with Coalition funding I'll be able to create one in the future. A true Krogan" Flushing the tanks with the smash of a button, the Krogan were mad or unstable, which would prove fun for the locals. Typing rapidly, Okeer began to download his data onto several storage drives before frowning. "My equipment—"

"The Coalition will provide you with all you need, along with several geneticists to assist in your work"

Gunfire cracked from the southeast near first platoon, signifying the end of the pleasantries. Activating his comms, Captain Andre Bulshevik spoke rapidly. "Skylance. Package is secured. Facing unknown force of hostiles. Extraction is needed immediately" Studying the laboratory and the large hanger bay doors that had been rusted open years ago above, Bulshevik spoke briefly as the firefight grew louder from the west as well. "Set down inside the lab. Our ride should fit"

"Confirmed Captain. Extraction enroute. ETA is two minutes"

Hefting his rifle, the Gorasnayan turned away from Okeer, his voice booming. "Two minutes, Gears! Let's give the bugeyes something to cry about in the meantime!" Leaving a spare squad to protect the doctor, the officer rushed along a concrete walkway toward the north end of the area. Taking cover at a vertical slab of concrete, the nearby opening looked upon a rusting debris field dotted with the ruins of smaller ships, scrap and several disposed Krogan corpses, the Onyx Guard saw the rushing figures of the STG troopers. Leaning out, he fired downrange at the enemy outside, the slender alien clad in light armor as it tried to flank toward a lower level entrance to the lab.

Red, pulsating laser heat burned through the kinetic barriers of the alien trooper, then the body armor, ripping away the left arm as the sentient gave a startled scream before falling. Ducking back into cover as a deadly pulse of blue sparked inches away, Andre was soon flanked by numerous Gears, the highly trained Serans firing at targets of opportunity.

A sheering blue lance of accelerated mass snapped out from the enemy forces, finding a Gear as he rose out of cover to fire, the round punched through the barriers and left side of the helmet, leaving a grievous head wound.

"Korrenilli is down! Medic!" Another Guard screamed out as heavy rounds impacted the piece of cover. Rounds of blue and greens smashed the concrete barricade as the STG teams tried to move closer. Fragmentation, smoke and flashbangs were thrown by the slender aliens, the soldiers trying to force confusion among the Onyx Guards as they pushed from all sides.

Private Ankrin hefted his Boomshot, the large Gear breaking cover to fire at several Salarians trying to outflank toward another smaller opening in the rusting compound of concrete and crumbling ship struts. Snapping outward, the trio of thermite grenades burst at the feet of the rushing Salarians, turning three into mincemeat that sprayed in a horrid gristle and pieces of flesh.

"Keep probing their defenses! Failure is not an option!" Commander Orgal shouted as he popped up to fire his rifle at a distant Gear. Forcing the Seran to retake cover at some rusting piece of hull debris, he waved several of his troops forward as smoke and gunfire filled the air. Rushing as fast as he could, Orgal reached the exterior wall with several of his warriors, the soldiers already throwing several fragmentation and plasma grenades into the opening. Shards of super heated metal and green energies burst seconds later, along with Seran howls of agony.

The Salarians took that as a que, four of them rushing past Orgal to wage war against the Onyx Gears. Two of them were dead, ripped apart by plasma explosions as their armor and shields had been unable to withstand the direct brunt of the force. A third still stood, the female missing her left arm as crimson flowed from the wound. Other visible injuries had punctured the black armor, but that didn't matter to the Seran as she hefted her Lancer with one viable arm.

"DIE!" Running on pure rage and adrenaline, Private Sarah Krueger would avenge her fallen gears. Rippling red bursts erupted from her Lancer, cutting through the first three Salarians as they tried to reach the next piece of cover. Charging like a mad beast toward the fourth who fired with trained accuracy and efficiency, the accelerated rounds punched through the sundered armor…but that didn't stop Krueger as her lancer was hit, ruining the weapon. Tossing it aside as crimson battle rage pumped in her ears with each heartbeat, she reached Private Litra Gol and wrapped a thick, heavy glove around his neck.

"Why…why wont you die, Seran!?" Screaming out a gasp as he was lifted upward, the Onyx Guard squeezed with all her might, crushing the slender alien's windpipe as he continued to fire into her chest at point blank range. A hideous crack came from the Salarian's neck, the alien going limp as the Seran was finally taken down by more of the STG who filled her body with no less than a dozen high velocity mass rounds.

"Battle rage…just like the Krogan" Putting an extra round into the enemy's head, Orgal made sure that the foe was truly dead. But his horrified admiration was short lived as his troops pushed further into the breach, hitting a wall of horrendous gun fire as the Serans plugged the gap among the rusting ruins of this fallen ship. Reds, blues and greens ripped through the air between the two forces, along with the crumpling and horrors of grenade bursts.

"Critical shots! Remember your training!" Rushing into a former cafeteria that was rampant with rust, overturned lunch tables and lines of counters that once served a long dead crew, the invading aliens took cover where they could. Heavy red laser fire ripped across the room from the Onyx Guard, the recent Mark Four Lancers causing a heavy price among the STG troops as the heated pulses cut through the lighter armors. Laying down a heavy burst from his Phaestron rifle as three more of his unit died, Commander Orgal cut down a Seran, the accelerated mass rippling across the Gear's chest plate and torso. Collapsing over an old cafeteria table, his nearby comrades lay down even more fire, the burning lances shredding yet another Salarian in the brutal firefight.

"Ortega is down! One minute!" Yelling over the din of combat, the Sergeant laid down more heavy fire from his lancer, exchanging shots with Commander Orgal who wisely kept his head down.

Private Hestin was not so lucky as three burning bolts ruined the Salarian's skull, the slender head bursting green in a spatter.

A boomshot burst near two Salarians as they broke cover to rush forward, the fragments shredding the slender aliens into greenish paste as another Gear hefted a laser grinder. Spinning in a harsh whine, the weapon's six barrels spit out a terrible fusillade of burning red beams. Tacking across the rusting cafeteria, the rippling hellfire cut down four more of the STG troopers, but the rest kept up a heavy fire as the Gears started to retreat further into the compound.

"Take them! They're giving ground!" Firing at more of the Serans, Commander Orgal knew the chances to complete the mission were diminishing with each moment, but until then, he would keep killing the Serans.

Falling back into the main hanger as they fired at any Salarians that exposed themselves to fire, 1st Company of the 26th RTI kept up the defensive wall of fire as the orbital extraction vessel dropped directly into the opening of the laboratory compound, its thrusters flaring. Large enough to extract the Onyx Guard, the craft was designed as a box with several turrets to engage in land targets. Settling lower and crushing several old computers, the rear hatch lowered.

"On board, now!" Practically pushing the Krogan, Captain Bulshevik led the doctor into the craft as Salarian fire peppered the shields. Flaring with tiny ripples, the STG didn't have enough firepower to damage the extraction vessel as it opened up on several targets, covering the Onyx Guard who continued to board.

Loaded up in less than a minute, the craft lifted off, the blue thrusters flaring in the dusty air as several Salarians continued to fire in frustration. "Don't waste time! We must relocate before the COG bombard the area!" Forgetting about trying to bring down a ship with his heavy rifle, Commander Orgal started to run, prompting 18th Recon to follow as the balance between survival and death hung in the balance.

Skylance was located in the middle of the squadron, its hanger bay open as the COG navy engaged the Salarian destroyer force who had come racing around the curvature of the planet to try and intercept. Defensive lasers, streaking masses of shells and fusion warheads detonated, only to be met with plasma technology that ripped through shields and hulls on both sides.

CNV Floodwater took heavy damage, the destroyer getting ripped open on the port side as half the offensive armament was destroyed. Several dozen of the crew were killed, their corpses dumped into the void or half melted from plasma fire. Returning fire against Gorfall, fusion torpedoes were launched from the surviving launch bay , the warheads bursting against the Salarian destroyer. Roiling fusion heat turned the Gorfall into flecks of glowing scrap and burned bodies, the detritus taking a degrading orbit.

Taking heavy fire from four of the Salarian vessels, Cerritos rippled along its shields just as its boomshot batteries unleashed a heavy salvo of twenty warheads. Flaring through the cauldron of battle, sixteen were cut down by defensive fire, the munitions unable to complete their purpose. But that still left four to consume Torgan and Befill, the enemy ships simply ceasing to exist as the ten kiloton warheads burst into expanding spheres of fusion fire. Continuing to fire its main cannon, Cerritos didn't break formation as Belham fired at the location of Okeer's laboratory in the hopes of destroying the Salarian ground forces.

The planetary bombardment billowed upward, the kinetic strike essentially a nuclear blast without the deadly radiation. Ripping through dozens of old ships, gang hideouts and rampant slums, hundreds died as the COG began to move away from Korlus, none caring about the inhabitants as only the mission mattered.

Tarrot jolted from a heavy hit, the warship blaring under emergency alarms as Captain Havir Jirek was thrown from his command chair. Shaking off the toss as green blood leaked from a few fresh cuts, he retook his seat. "Combat report!" Barking out the command, he needed information.

"Two COG vessels destroyed and six damaged to varying degrees! We've sustained five lost ship's and most are damaged! Serans are withdrawing to engage slipspace!" A crewman shouted over the din of alarms as the Tarrot fired a trio of accelerated slugs at the Serans.

"Can we at least salvage their wrecks after the battle?" Hoping that he could secure the highly valuable slipspace technology despite failing the mission parameters, Jirek knew it would be a victory.

"They fired on their own destroyed ships, Captain! Nothing remains!" Another hit smashed into Tarrot seconds later, ripping open the bridge to the harsh cold of space. The crewman and two others were sucked out, their naval suits possibly keeping them alive, but luck was not on their side as emergency shields flickered into place, trying to keep the bridge pressurized.

Peering into the blackness and pinpoints of light that indicated a withering battle, Jirek had no chance of visually witnessing the escape of the Serans.

"Sir! All Coalition vessels have fled the system. They managed to extract Okeer and his data!" Voice loud and hidden behind an energy faceplate that immediately came into being after depressurization, the officer then turned toward Captain Havir. "Orders?"

Curling a fist as anger tried to take control of his emotions, the Captain breathed deeply, his suit providing air as the emergency shield flickered. "All ships are to conduct immediate repairs. If any of the STG troops survived, we will extract them. Search and rescue are now a priority" Glaring at the harsh, cold void beyond, nearly a thousand had died for nothing, a waste of resources. "If only we had arrived an hour sooner, victory would have been ours with no losses"

It was a bitter disappointment in a war full of worse days and heavier losses. "How long can the Salarian Union keep fighting the Serans?" It was a question he had no answer to, but judged on the last half year, the answer was very unpleasant.

System GS-325-G. The Attican Traverse, Harvest 17th, 428 A.E.

A vast region beyond the borders of Coalition, Batarian and the reach of Omega, the Attican Traverse was home to thousands of star systems and several minor races that preferred isolation and non-interference. Warlords, pirate bastions, trading outposts…they populated the region.

But beyond the Traverse in the Perseus Veil…the Geth were stirring.

The galaxy was changing and the synthetics noticed.

A roiling red supergiant burned among the backdrop of the cosmos, its mass more than enough to fit a hundred stars the size of Onyx. Flaring with several outbursts of stellar matter, the tendrils of burning fusion dissipated among the four planets. Three were rocky, the largest a terrestrial monster three times the size of Terra. The fourth was a purple gas giant, a massive orb of roiling helium storms, argon and hydrogen that was consistently mined by Geth vessels for resources.

Not requiring atmosphere nor life supporting biomes, the three terrestrial worlds were held by the synthetics as they slowly built new platforms and ships, the resources a viable industry for the Geth and their slow growth.

A base wedged in the valley of a desolate canyon, regolith and dust blew among ninety mile winds, covering the landing pad and parts of the base. Antenna jutted into the argon atmosphere, the apparatus communicating with nearby worlds. Inside, numerous Geth bipeds worked, the machines working in silence as they computed with each other, the language a code of rapid binary among the cold steel and silent corridors.

Toward the center of the base, linked computers worked and analyzed, scanning the news outlets of organics from beyond the nearest Mass Relay. Receiving constant transmissions from other nexus points of Geth intelligence, the central hub of this particular world began conversating with distant nodes across the gulf of stars.

"Contact must be made with Serans. Those particular organics have notable history of tolerance with artificial intelligence. Would be willing to accept our kind"

Incoming transmissions were downloaded rapidly, the node pulsating with a serene blue light while nearby workers attended their duties of simple maintenance.

"Seran organics at war with ancient enemy and former council authority, Salarians. Increased militancy could lead to higher chance of destruction. Remaining beyond organic territory would be preferred action"

The node responded, the pulses of light blinking in rapidity. "Sentiment toward creators increasing among nodes. Seran organics may be instrumental to advance our cause. Platform will be constructed to initiate contact. Risk is minimal compared to possible advantages" The mass of nodules, wires and tubing sat silent for a moment, then flared with light as agreement was formed among the Geth across the Perseus Veil.

"Legion will be the designation"

Maintaining a soft, blue glow, the Geth Nexus Node of the desolate, deadly world issued the commands among constructor units, the task already beginning as the unique platform began to be built.

Legion would be assembled.

Titan Nebula, Haskins System, 28th of Harvest, 428 A.E.

Located at the edge of the galaxy to the extreme south, the star system in question was an uninhabited, unimportant location. Never claimed by the Batarians nor any other species, the pale white sun warmed a single, airless world blasted by overbearing heat as the orbit was far too close to allow anything else.

Beyond, a thin belt of asteroids ringed around the middle of the system, the cosmic debris halfway between the lone planet and the Mass Relay that started to flare with power.

Suddenly pulsing as the central core crackled with titanic energies, ships began to emerge. Moving rapidly to clear space, the first dozen became thirty, then fifty…then hundreds.

Some were old and obsolete, the vessels secondary sales from traders, warlords and any who could sell to the Quarians. There was no uniformity in styles or construction as the old vessels had come from Turians, Salarians, minor races and even the Asari. Volus cargo vessels were among the incoming fleet, the craft repurposed as minor colony ships jampacked with thousands of the homeless species.

Hours upon hours passed as the Quarian Migrant Fleet entered the desolate star system, the emerging vessels spreading outward to make room for the incoming ships that would make the system a temporary home.

Mining vessels immediately flared their sublight engines, scanning the asteroid field for valuable minerals that the fleet would need for fabrication.

The military arm of the Migrant Fleet had arrived, the squadrons spreading out to protect the irreplaceable vessels holding the remnants of Rannoch.

More vessels and ships arrived by the hour, flooding the Haskins System with thousands of starships.

With a large, spherical bow colored a metallic gray, the colony ship Shellen had taken station over the lone planet. With a slender construct extending rearward from the spherical colony orb, the metal exterior changed to a rust colored orange before ending at the engines that had powered down to a minimal level. Containing the majority of the support systems of the colony ship, it was still crowded with Quarians along with nearly every other vessel of the Migrant Fleet.

Inside the Shellen, several of the most important captains and admirals had gathered in a chamber, the room separated from the normal crowds of the homeless species. Set up in a similar manner of the Citadel Council, the elevation of the seated were lower as the final Quarian admiral took his seat.

One of the overhead lights flickered, needing replacing, but it was a minor issue among the more pressing focus of the group.

Individual characteristics were difficult to discern among the fully suited Quarians as their suits mostly took on a blue or purple tone. Realistically, only the rank and stitched on names of the individual marked any differences among the high ranking members.

Admiral Han'Gerrel vas Neema wasted no time, the leader of the Live-ship Neema initiating the council meeting. "Let us get this meeting started. Our mining vessels have confirmed the asteroid belt of this system is heavy in precious metals, nickel and aluminum. They've already begun harvesting"

A different Quarian broke their silence, Admiral Shala'Raan vos Tonbay having a more distinct purple vac-suit. Holding up a datapad, she tapped and scrolled while her body language seemed to depress. "We lost six hundred after the Ulnay broke up before transit. There were no survivors. Salvage efforts are underway to use what we can, but that's the fifth incident in barely two weeks. Nearly three thousand have died in less than a month"

"What can we do though except try to salvage and keep our ships going?" Admiral Daro'Xen asked, the military officer knowing that keeping the military fleet in working order was a high priority. After all, without the warships, the civilian vessels would be picked off by the Geth, Slavers or even the locust if the news was to be believed.

Admiral Vas Neema looked over, his faceplate hiding any features. "We need to find a place to properly repair and refit the fleet. Our people continue to die and scouring these dead systems for resources will see our people die in another century" Curling his fist, the male slammed his covered fist against the podium. "We must find a new homeworld! We cannot keep going like this!"

"And what of Rannoch! Or defeating the Geth! We must reclaim our ancestral home!" Daro'Xen replied angrily, the argument old and worn like the rest of the fleet.

"We would lose far too much! Even if we were victorious and retook Rannoch, our victory would be hollow!" Admiral Tora'Des vas Helash yelled, the male's outburst emerging from the far left of the chamber.

"Everybody remain calm! We are not warring Krogan or the brutal Serans" Shala'Raan rebuked with authority.

The reasoning worked, the high ranking officers visibly calming before Shala'Raan continued with a heavy breath that slightly fogged her faceplate. Internal regulators cleared the mist, dispelling it with silence. "Speaking of the Krogan and Serans, the new alliance of theirs will upset the galaxy. Perhaps…perhaps contact with the Coalition could bear some advantages?"

"Surely you joke?" Tora'Des asked with an incredulous tone, the officer leaning backwards in his seat. "I will admit seeing the Salarians kicked off the council is satisfying. It's about time those arrogant varren got some humbling. But the COG? They are violent and warlike"

"Indeed" Shala'Raan replied simply before voicing her next suggestion. "I still believe making contact with the Coalition could bear fruit. Somehow, they've formed a supportive relation with artificial intelligence" Holding up a suited hand, the female Quarian stalled any outbursts. "I am not advocating joining the Coalition or accepting their A.I. with how dangerous they can be, but perhaps we can convince the Serans to let us use some repair yards in one of their outlaying systems? Or even staging near their borders in a secure system? They are not naturally hostile to us like the rest of the galaxy that think of us as thieves and nomads"

The words and reasoning kept most of the officers silent for several moments, the idea being taken by all.

Admiral Tora'Des gave a light scoff, the male stubborn in most aspects of his leadership and life. "Have any of you kept up with recent events? The Serans are fighting the Salarians and those horrific locust. What makes any of you think they will spare any effort to assist us? Or even meet with an envoy? We shouldn't even bother wasting the effort or resources"

Raising his hand in a placating manner, Admiral Han Gerrel kept the ranging opinions in check. Picking up a datapad, he highlighted several items, sending them to the others in the room. "Don't dismiss the communications from several Quarians that have finished their pilgrimages, some of whom served during the last war with the COG. They have acquired land, built homes and even established businesses. Of course, they have continued to support the fleet with their spare resources"

"What is your point?" Tora'Des asked with a weary tone.

"My point is that the Serans have kept their word on numerous occasions with those that deal with them, even the few Quarians that joined their war effort. I believe we should make an effort to do the same"

Shala'Rann leaned forward, clasping her gloved hands. "Perhaps we could send some that are about to embark on pilgrimage to the Seran homeworld? The risk is low, but the possible reward is considerable to our people and the Migrant Fleet. Or we do nothing except see more die due to failing systems"

Nobody could see it, but Admiral Tora'Des vas Helash was clenching his teeth behind the face plate of his suit, the male closeminded and adamant of keeping the Quarian species alive. Still, he was on the Admiralty Board that oversaw the fleet, and with that came the responsibility of voting.

It went by in a mere minute, going six in favor of sending a pilgrimage to Sera. Three voted against the issue, seeing the idea as wasteful of possible lives, and a terrible risk to the Migrant Fleet.

But like always, there were more pressing issues facing the Quarians, thus, the meeting of officers continued as the Migrant Fleet continued to enter the system of Haskins.

Gorfin System, 8th of Bounty, 428 A.E.

Stellar flares came from the dimly star, its red light bathing the desolate, airless worlds of the inner system.

Beneath the three planets, the locust had been extremely busy after the initial conquest of Gorfin. Tunnels were constantly being dug, the horde having grown several Corpser's to continually expand the locust nests on all three worlds. Behemoths were a focal point of defense beneath the desolate crusts of the planets, inhabiting the habitations of the subterranean cities.

System master Jarg stood erect on the overhanging balcony, the Kantus momentarily glancing upward toward the cavernous ceiling below the arctic crust of Gorfin III. Flanked by two Theron Guards in full battle gear and cradling matching lancer rifles, Jarg looked toward the sprawling nest of the locust empire. Structures lined several avenues of the highways, leading outward from the main city as a duo of Corpsers stomped into the nearest depths, the arachnids would dig several new chambers for growth vats and population efforts.

Industry hummed as Salarian slaves worked under the unforgiving scrutiny of guards, the drones having learned the fine line between beating the soft creatures and fully killing them. They crafted everything for the empire alongside worker class drones, the needs of the empire hungry for supplies.

Toward the far left of the subterranean city filled with thousands of drones that had been rapidly bred and grown, glowing kinetic barriers kept the atmospheric engines secure, the technology worked by locust technicians.

The first Salarians that had volunteered to work the vital technology months ago had attempted to sabotage the machinery, resulting in very public and very brutal executions. Now, the surviving slaves only worked in manufacturing and the most dangerous jobs, which also included starship construction among the minor shipyard in orbit of Gorfin Three.

A Salarian collapsed below the gaze of Jarg, the creature barely moving as a drone approached. Nudging the starving alien with a heavy boot, the alien was shot a moment later.

Beaten and broken, the surviving Salarians didn't raise a voice of protest, but continued to work for their masters.

Jarg sneered, the tendrils around his mouth shifting as his gaze hardened at the collection of workers. "Anything would be better than those soft creatures. A single beating break's so many of them. Human's would be excellent slaves…or Batarian's" Snarling out his opinion, there was nothing to be done except use the remaining population as the empire saw fit.

Turning with another snarl, Jarg left the balcony, heading toward the control room. Entering with purpose, salvaged holographic tech glowed in the center of the room, the central table surrounded by numerous soldiers.

One of the soldiers turned, his pale skin and sharpened teeth a common sight as he moved a pointed finger, drawing several lines to surrounding stars in the region. Highlighting twelve star systems, the drone gave a monstrous grin toward Jarg. "System Master, our efforts to expand the empire has been met with almost no resistance. The new nests have established themselves on desolate planets that the Salarians have bypassed completely due to extreme environments. As we speak, these twelve nests are already sending our forces to inhabit even more worlds via starship. We fully expect another twenty worlds to be established in two months with fledgling colonies for the empire"

Jarg snarled, the tone pleased as he studied the region. "Excellent. The sacrifice of Dagnes has proven very beneficial" Curling a fist, the Kantus allowed the grin to grow as his yellow eyes glowed from the artificial light of the table. "It's only a matter of time until the Seran's arrive. But we will continue to grow…to wage war for our survival" Looking at a different locust, Jarg's voice was filled with natural hatred. "How many troops do we have at our disposal?"

"About eighty thousand across all three planets. A result of nearly six months of uninterrupted growth. They are all well equipped and supplied for war"

Jarg leaned forward, bracing his clawed hands upon the holo-table's edge. "We will continue to prepare. The Seran's will try to kill us. Let's make sure we kill more of them" Determined to make the ancient enemy of the horde pay for every inch of this system, Jarg knew the best option was via ground war…with the locust defending.

His omni-tool pinged with a high tone, the piece of technology taken from a dead Salarian. It had proven to be very useful to Jarg as he initiated communications.

"What do you require, station master Gorgo?" Rasping, Jarg studied the small floating screen that appeared above his wrist, showing a heavily muscular drone with a scar across his pale, bald head.

"System Master. Warship production is still critically low. The workers are reporting insufficient resources to complete the next four destroyers as all have gone to Nest Vessels. In fact, we barely can muster a simple squadron to fight the Serans. With their naval superiority, it would be a foolish attempt to contest naval control of Gorfin"

It was a fact that Jarg was well aware of, the Kantus scowling as he contemplated. Making a decision, he spoke. "Order our warships to retreat to LE-Five-Three-Seven. It's the next largest of our systems in the region. They can add their strength to the naval defense. Fighting piecemeal would be just an easy victory for our enemies" Orders given, Jarg severed the connection, returning his gaze to the holo table and the locust controlled region. "If only we had the fleets of the Coalition. We wouldn't be forced to hide like rats" It was a galling fact that the horde faced, and something that would need to be addressed. "They have grown powerful during our first extinction" He hated the Serans for that. How they've grown and rebuilt their civilization. The Turians were nearly just as formidable and the Asari…the Asari reminded him of Serans.

"At least the Terrans are weak and pathetic" Thinking very little of the inferior branch of Seran evolution, Jarg stood erect, stepping away from the holographic table before turning.

He would assess the growth vats for the next batch of drones, the duty a pleasant task for the system master for he knew that war would arrive in time.

Ten days later, the Serans arrived at Gorfin.

Gorfin System, 18th of Bounty, 428 A.E.

Nothing stirred at the minor ship yard near the third planet, nor the trade post that orbited the asteroid moon of the frozen world.

By all appearances, the system of Gorfin was completely devoid of life.

Five hundred and six slip space ruptures suddenly flared into existence, the crackling holes in the universe flickering with rampant energy as the event horizons swirled. Disgorging vessels in moments, the lead warships were the familiar rifle shape of the Coalition as half of the third fleet emerged into the dead system.

Having emerged in a staggered elevation among the cosmos, the fleet still managed to maintain a spherical presence, the shell of outer vessels protecting the troop transports, supply ships, and repair vessels.

Led by the Monitor, Aspho Fields, the immense warship of unrelenting firepower remained stationary with the majority of the vessels. Flanked by two dreadnaughts, two battleships and escorting longshot cruisers, the capital ships of the third fleet surrounded the troop transports laden with a quarter of a million troops.

Approximately twenty five thousand of them were Krogan, the new member of the Coalition having kept their word to wage war against the horde. While not preferred numbers, it was a good show of support.

They would be concentrated on the first planet with several other Seran divisions.

Destroyers and pickets darted forward toward the inner worlds, their scanners already probing to discover what horrors Gorfin held.

Within the bridge of the flagship, Admiral Chiaki Akari stood at the holographic table, the officer staring as incoming information flowed toward the fleet.

Aza appeared as a tiny, blue star, floating above the table while code rippled across the A.I's surface.

"Any sign of the locust? Or Salarians?"

"Negative, Admiral. The pickets haven't detected any transmissions from Gorfin Three or the orbital facilities. Even the trading station has gone dark" Pulsing with bits of purple each time it spoke, the artificial intelligence continued to analyze from a constant stream of data.

Tapping a slender finger against the guard rail surrounding the holo table, Chiaki leaned forward as the glow fell across her Pasagan features, along with several other officers around the tactical display.

Ensign Bellremy perked his head up, the young officer having missed the last war by mere weeks. Taking in more scanning data, the dark haired male spoke. "Admiral. The minor fleet yard has several uncompleted ships still in construction berths. They don't appear to be normal Salarian construction"

Pulling up several enhanced images of the silent fleet yard in orbit of Gorfin IIIb, the vessels in question were haphazard, constructed with mismatched plating, obvious weapon ports and exposed interior hulls. Gnarled as several of the engines still needed completion, the unfinished vessels were tethered among flaring security tethers. Beyond the ships, several suited corpses floated in the silence, the bodies clearly shot by high velocity rounds.

Within the moon, the commerce station had been built into the celestial body as five trade ports, jutting antennae and minor manufacturing plants dotted the surface of the misshapen asteroid rich in nickel.

"Admiral, the trade port is normally home to five thousand Salarians. Minimal weapons and defenses, same with the rest of the system. If the locust are here, the Salarian's would've been easy to exterminate" Aza reported, the floating star blinking with purple tones.

One of the bridge crew stirred, the pink haired female at communications typing rapidly among the incoming dull light of the local star. "Ma'am, picket seventeen under the battlecruiser Harpoon has been scanning Gorfin One. They've detected substantial subterranean constructs"

"That's understandable. This system had several mining instillations across all three planets" Ensign Bellremy informed with a rapidness and professional tone.

Chiaki Akari glanced toward the young man, then reasserted her stare at the table. No threats emerged, but she could feel it.

The locust were here.

"Order the troop transports to begin assault operations against all three planets. Send a regiment of Gears to secure the trade depot and ship yard as well" Thinking to herself with a stroke of her chin, Chiaki probably hadn't needed to relay that, but the safety and protection of the transport's were up to her.

The gears would know what to do.

Burning sublight engines flared from one of the Kaliso transports, the vessel surrounded by escorts as it moved toward the orbital constructs. Splitting away, a main fleet transport moved toward Gorfin III with an additional three Kaliso transports laden with thousands of troops. Thrusters flared above the ice shrouded world, the largest vessel waiting as the Kaliso's disgorged the familiar 'sticks'

Now in orbit, the Gears would plummet to the site of the main colony as an advanced force. Re-orienting with assistance from linked computers, the drop pods began to do what they were designed to do and plummet toward the cold and desolate planet.

Bare whisps of fire and friction slowed the descent, the atmosphere far too thin to offer much in resistance.

Smashing into the ice right beyond the main entrance of the colony's airlock, the first doors popped, flinging the metal outwards as the Gears exited in full body armor, the sealed attire keeping the Seran's alive and well.

More pods smashed into the hard ice by the hundreds, the dark sky raining Gears as they fell by the thousands.

Unfortunately, the drop pods weren't designed to punch through the ice and crust of planets, meaning that the Gears would have to take the surface and establish a beachhead.

Rock Cutters would follow with the main army, the mining equipment an effective tool to reach the horde.

Sergeant Lea Kaliso had almost missed the deployment with how long she had waited to rejoin the war effort, but fortunately for her, the veteran had made the cut-off to find herself retraining during the nearly two month voyage from deployment at Reach. Integrating with the 9th company of the 3rd Battalion of the 19th Tavin Rifles, Lea had regained the authority to command a squad of sixteen Gears on this frozen hellscape of a planet.

Hefting her lancer rifle, the female moved in a crouch toward the outskirts of the silent colony, the soldier joined by her squad as they rushed across the frozen landscape with the rest of the company.

Dug into the sheer cliffs of ice, the narrow windows of the control room glinted in the darkness, the reflection a sparkle of light. Rushing across the landing tarmac and several abandoned crates covered in ice, the sterile land held no life…nothing but ice and darkness.

Reaching the hanger door, the large construct was sealed shut as the company stacked up on either side, waiting as a trooper moved toward the controls and linking with an omni tool to hack the Salarian technology.

Even the Coalition had to admit the versatile tool was useful when dealing with the greater galaxy.

Kaliso gripped her rifle tighter as she stared through the lenses of her helmet at the next Gear before her, Private Dormind who wasn't even nineteen yet. He had been trained…but that eagerness for war could only come from one who had never faced combat.

"Move fast and low nineth company and don't bunch up. That will just give the grubs a better target" Captain Tegrann spoke over the helmet radio, the officer technically a veteran from the last month of the war, but nowhere near the list of battles that Lea had fought in.

In fact, nearly ninety percent of the company hadn't fought in the last war as several years had passed, allowing experienced Gears to finish their terms of service, then retire to civilian life, families, and work.

Obviously some had remained, loving the structure of the military and the honor of service.

"Find cover where you can and make sure you're ready for combat. That delay in fumbling for the safety could get you or your fellow Gears killed" Speaking after the captain, Lea's words were taken with a heavy seriousness. Making sure to follow her own advice, Lea gave one last look at her Lancer IV. It was slightly lighter than the old mark three, but the new rifle had been put through the paces and given to several divisions participating in this newest campaign. With miniature fusion cells as the ammunition, Lea had weeks to familiarize herself and her squad with the upgraded weapon during the journey across the galaxy. "Burning holes through the grubs will be easier…hopefully"

Frankly, it was about time Gears had a proper laser rifle to match the arms of the other galactic powers. The Mark Three had been a robust workhorse for centuries, but it would be phased out rapidly with the new war.

"Not even a new war anymore. It's been going on for half a year already. Too bad we couldn't have invaded on the 8th. Would've been poetic to wage war against the horde on Emergence day"

The tech finally stepped away from the door control, refocusing the Gears for the coming fight against either Salarian guards or locust horrors. Groaning with exhaustion as it slowly opened, the Gears rushed in as the sealed doors slid sideways, allowing flecks of ice and snow to enter.

The airlock was completely empty, only the rampant abandoned crates and useless supplies left by the inhabitants decorating the cold floor. The far door was closed, sealed shut which prompted the same combat engineer to move forward, covered by several other Gears.

It didn't take long to open the inner doors, the Gears not concerned about equalizing pressure or retaining atmosphere. Sealed armor would keep them going for several days if needed…assuming there was no damage or broken seals.

Besides, why make it easy for either the Salarians or Locust? The Coalition was fighting them both.

Another groaning of motion came from the large hanger doors, the blast of depressurized air flowing outwards as the first cries of alarm came from within.

Moving low and fast, Sergeant Kaliso wasn't the least bit surprised as laser fire stabbed through the deadly atmosphere of whisps, claiming three Gears as the harsh heated beams cut through their kinetic barriers and armor after several heavy hits.

"That answers that! Gears, fire at will!" Shouting as she took cover behind a support pillar, Kaliso could see a few dozen suited bipeds in defensive positions behind a low blast wall. More crowded the upper catwalk, the construct lined with slabs of metal for troops to hide behind.

"Command! Locust infestation confirmed on Gorfin Three! Commencing assault!" Captain Tegrann shouted into the comms as he took cover nearby, the overturned piece of machinery long since stripped of valuable technology and parts. Red lances of heated laser ripped across the loading bay, tacking back and forth as several interlocking fields of laser fire erupted from mounted grinders manned by drones.

A duo of larger, armored boomers stood near the main hallway by regular troops, the creatures within fully suited armor that would protect them from the harsh environments of vacuum. "Hehehe…Boom!" Firing in unison at the attacking Gears, the thermite bomblets flew past several encroaching seran's, bursting near a cluster of soldiers hunkered down behind some crates. Burning through barriers and armor, the flecks of shards sundered Seran flesh as three of the Gears died in gruesome violence. Two more screamed from the grievous wounds, the glowing shards embedded in flesh.

"DON'T BUNCH UP!" Lea screamed out as she fired at a helmeted drone that was shifting position behind the protective wall. Red bursts erupted from her lancer, along with dozens of Gears as the company pushed against the locust defense. Striking the drone, his kinetic barriers flared from the trio of bursts, then the fourth punched through the helmet, killing the foe. Ducking back behind the pillar as rampant laser fire tacked her way from the upper balcony, Lea waited as the flaring fire moved onward, trying to claim more Gears. The entire bay became a hellscape of mass accelerated rifle rounds, exploding grenades and laser fire from both sides.

"Contra! Get that laser grinder going and hit that balcony! COG doesn't pay you to sit around!" Kaliso yelled out as she returned fire at a drone, the sharp cracks of laser fire having their own distinctive tone. She missed, then returned to cover as another Gear shifted, the large male hefting the six barreled weapon. Setting it upon a row of heavy metal boxes nearby, Specialist Contra wasted no time in following the order.

Ripping laser fire erupted from the Seran grinder, flaring and overwhelming several of the locust drones on the elevated catwalk. Cutting through their armor and kinetic barriers, half a dozen of the beasts were sundered by laser fire, one of them literally losing their head as it was burned away.

"Keep hitting em'!" Lea shouted as she broke cover and pushed forward with more of her squad. Taking cover at the blast wall as the locust fell back into the connecting hallway, Sergeant Kaliso shot a drone in the back as he tried to help a wounded comrade, not that either side would find the act distasteful. Collapsing with a groan, both locust soldiers were finished off by Lea, the female merciless to the ancestral enemy. Vaulting over the low wall, she then lined up at the corner of the supply tunnel, her squad stacking up behind her as locust fire seemed to fill the vacuum of the hanger bay.

"Savagelli! Get that scorcher up here!" Captain Tegrann shouted as more locust fire came their way. It was ineffective as the Gears kept cover, but they would need to dislodge the horde before moving further into the colony.

Rushing toward the tunnel opening, a female Seran hefted the scorcher as the tip lit with a low flame despite the minimal atmosphere. Covered by her fellow Gears as they fired downrange, the private unleashed a roiling stream of napalm that rushed down the tunnel. Washing over several drones, the burning flames turned them into screaming matchsticks until errant counter fire struck Savagelli, forcing the Gear back into cover while her barriers flared from heavy impacts.

"Forward! Don't let them recover!" Rushing in a low run, Kaliso found a side passage and took cover before popping out and firing at a drone running low toward her. Revving up their respective lancers, the two met in a fierce chainsaw duel as sparks flew in a harsh whine of screaming metal.

"EAT SHIT AND DIE, GRUB!" Screaming with rage and hate at their mere existence, Kaliso pushed forward as the teeth howled against the kinetic barriers…then the armor beneath. Ripping through locust flesh as air escaped the sealed armor, the blood froze in sparkles as the grub was ripped apart. Collapsing in a bloody pile, Lea simply retook cover and fired down the passageway at the remaining defenders.

More Gears followed, her squad trying to keep up with the veteran as the Gears killed more and more of the locust.

Obviously, several Serans had been killed, the locust giving equal death and destruction as they continued to fall back and fire.

"Boom!" the surviving Boomer grunted out as his munition flew down the hallway, bursting past Kaliso's position, ripping a rushing soldier into a pile of mincemeat and sprayed flesh.

"How's this for a Boom!?" A Gear yelled while stepping into view, the Boomshot roaring with a spurt of fire, flinging a rapid fire trio of thermite grenades at the larger locust who died among the flinging shards of heated metals. Three more Locust were wounded, the beasts howling as their armor was sundered. Two were cut down by the Gears, only a third escaping with a staggered walk into an alcove.

"Fall back, drones! We will make them suffer and bleed for this world!" A larger locust howled, his voice muffled by his helmet. Laying down a hellish storm of fire, the drone walked backwards with his remaining command.

"Kill them all! The more dead drones now, the better!" Captain Tegrann yelled out as he fired his lancer as the Gear next to him took a burst to the helmet.

Even with all the modern barriers and armor, four high energy rounds made the cranium burst like a balloon. Immediately freezing in the desolate cold and airless environment, the brain matter and blood glinted like rubies among the howling combat that finally started to diminish.

"Third Squad! With me!" Waving her Gears forward, Kaliso moved to the next point of cover, firing at the retreating locust as several of the drones threw grenades to slow down the Serans.

The flinging shards barely missed Lea and her men, the bursts damaging several walls and re-damaging several fallen locust as pieces of viscera flew. Cutting blasts of searing light claimed another Gear, the man too slow to take cover as his body was sundered across the torso. Collapsing in the hallway, he tried to crawl into cover as more of the hellish rifle fire burned around him.

"MEDIC!" Howling out the words as she fired her lancer with one arm in a spray and pray manner, Kaliso grabbed the man by the neckline of the armor and pulled him to safety as locust rifle fire ripped around her. A stray mass caused her kinetic shields to flare, but the warrior shrugged it off. Making sure the man was at least safe as a combat medic started to assess, the woman returned fire down the corridor at the hated drones.

Now hunkered down at the end of the hallway near a freight elevator, a drone hit the controls with a slap of his gloved hand, then resumed to fire at the Gears. Exchanging blasts as laser light flew, the carnage of war claiming some on both sides as the elevator finally opened for the remaining drones.

"Downward brothers! We will kill them in the tunnels!" Waving his arm, the locust soldier lay down another long fusillade at the Gears while the rest boarded the elevator. Sliding shut in moments, the locust disappeared as the whine of machinery groaned.

"Move up" Giving the order with stern authority as silence overtook the area, Lea Kaliso kept her rifle at the ready as the Gears passed fallen locust drones, a few still struggling for life as their armors leaked precious gases in the vacuumized area.

They were rapidly dispatched with brutal executions, the Serans not showing any mercy.

Reaching the elevator, the soldiers secured the area, finding the locust gone for the moment. Finding an access stairway that was welded shut, Kaliso gave a weary sigh.

"Sergeant. Secure the complex. The Rock Diggers will be on site within the hour" Captain Tegrann spoke with easy confidence as his boot nudged a piece of drone, the piece of flesh already freezing into a hardened mass.

"You heard the Captain. Secure the area until the main assault" Lea ordered as she cradled her rifle and moved to the right with several of her squad, the current orders simple to carry out.

Other Gears moved left, seeking out any straggling locust as beyond the walls of the former Salarian complex, Coalition transports descended from the blackness of space, the full might of the invasion force being assembled to destroy the locust hidden beneath the desolate surfaces of three deadly worlds.

The Krogan would prove to be more than eager to face the Horde on Gorfin One.

Sera, 30th of Bounty, 428 A.E.

Sleeting ice rain pelted New Ephyra, the harsh weather causing travel advisory's to be given over civilian news stations as the freezing temperatures indicated a harsher winter this year.

Seated on her office couch, Chairman Diaz couldn't care less about the chilled condensation tapping against her windows. Looking directly at D.N.I. agent Kannorberg, the scowling man was joined by Fleet Lord Stratton, the naval officer dressed at his normal level of professionalism. In a separate chair, a very large Krogan sat, his reptilian features marred by several scars across his skull plate. Colored a sickly blue while his scales were a dull brown, the seated alien wore a set of fitted Seran armor, except it was stylized a deep red. Staying silent for the moment, Darak Grek simply crossed his arms over his broad chest.

"Chairman. It was close. Damn close. Those Salarians could have set back research into the genophage by years or decades if they had managed to kill Doctor Okeer. We beat them there by bare minutes" Kannorberg reported with his normally dour and gruff tone.

"Where is Okeer now?"

"Secured location established by the D.N.I. I'll be heading up security to ensure he keeps working undisturbed" With a voice like raining nails, Grek allowed his lips to curl in a snarl. "Okeer is a bastard, but a smart one. Salarians never liked smart Krogan. Not a surprise they went after him. It is surprising how long they waited, but then, their house is burning down" Chuckling at the dark metaphor, he enjoyed how the Union was faltering.

Kannorberg slowly set his data tablet on the nearby table, the piece of technology for Izabel's eyes. "His new laboratory is deep within the Coalition in a secured system. Even if the Salarians dared to mount another raid, they wouldn't find it before we smashed them to pieces"

"Thank you, Agent. Now what's the situation with the war?"

"Dagnes is basically secured and free of locust. There are a few small pockets left, but they'll be exterminated in the next few days. Unfortunately, all three planets of the Gorfin system are teeming with locust" Stratton started to inform, pausing as Diaz uttered a small curse.

"Damn. Those abominations really did manage to escape Dagnes before we arrived" Controlling her temper, the woman waved for Stratton to continue.

"It gets worse. Scouts from the second fleet have confirmed at least another six systems in the cluster being host to locust forces…all subterranean. There could be even more infested worlds and if they stay hidden for too long, they'll be able to build themselves into a terrible infestation of the entire cluster" Leaning forward, the large black man was earnest. "Wiping them out will take even more time, and who knows how many more worlds they will infect by the time we clear these systems. The Salarians have been a low key threat, but they're smart. They could be building biological weapons against the COG, trying to make new alliances with our former enemies or even planning a grand counterattack. It's been half a year and it's time for the COG to crush them over Sur'kesh"

Izabel agreed, her black hair luxurious as it matched her equally dark dress for the day. "Get it done. Use whatever assets are needed to knock them out of the war. They'll just become a bleeding sore the longer we fight on two fronts. However, no massive civilian casualties unless absolutely necessary. We are not occupying the Salarian Union nor any of their planets. We have no need for major ground involvement against them"

"Not like they would be able to fight against Krogan and Serans. Squirmy little things" Allowing himself a bit of humor, Grek would have loved to see Krogan troops on Sur'kesh, but knew it would be a vast waste of time and resources.

Allowing herself a wry, slightly cocking grin, it rapidly faded as the small meeting concluded. "Get it done, Stratton"

"Right away, Chairman"

"Good. Now I have another appointment" Standing up, Izabel had pressing matters as she strode from her office, the three males separating in the finely lit hallway. Passing portraits of Chairman's of the past, Izabel felt the presence of four Onyx Guards falling in step, the Gears in full black armor stepping heavily.

Moving toward the rooftop transport pad, the transport was ready and waiting as Diaz hurried under the pelting sleet, entering the craft as the Gears moved behind and taking their seats.

Lifting off from the roof with a hum, the transport was then joined by four others, the craft jinking and weaving in a constant randomization as they sped away from New Ephyra, their destination…Berephus.

Outskirts of Berephus

Having been leveled during the Pendulum wars by the 3rd fleet of the old COG, then the Hammer of Dawn attacks, Berephus had slowly recovered after the horrors of the locust war.

Located on the coast of the former Ostri Republic, the city had been rebuilt as its sprawling downtown urban centers rose above the land, the towers of glass and steel mixed with gothic architecture that lined the Ostra River that flowed into the ocean. Condominium's rose along the river, clustered around a vibrant mixture of restaurants, stores and cafes that created a vibrant river front. During the summer, the river would be filled with private watercraft and sailing boats, an enjoyable leisure for the citizens.

Tens of thousands of Serans were at the Berephus Sports Dome, watching the Berephus Sharks take on the Trinidad Trysters in a match of thrashball that was as popular as ever.

Ribbons of concrete moved beyond the suburban sprawl, filled with traffic as the winter storm of the last day finally petered out.

Past the city to the North, rising hills covered in forests covered the landscape while sparse towns and minor villages dotted the region.

Obviously, the military research instillation nestled among the hills were off limits to the general population as Izabel Diaz strode in, her Gears silent and brooding with menacing strength.

Like most, it was completely utilitarian, the COG seeing no desire to waste resources on aesthetics.

Striding along the length of the hanger that buried beneath one of the local hills, Izabel stood with several scientists and engineers, the woman stern as she studied the rows upon rows of combat Silverbacks. Her black dress gave a light swish with each step, the woman like a monolith as she continued to study the machines of war.

They were a dull silver-gray with heavy plate armor along the limbs and chassis, the canopy's closed as the pilot seats sat empty, just waiting for a soldier to pilot the unit. The arms on all units ended in weapon apertures, either a six barreled Laser Grinder or a Boomshot launcher on the right and left respectively. Some were fixed with heavy Gnasher weapons, the loadouts capable of turning most enemies into mincemeat during combat. On the back of each unit, an attached box would be filled with spare ammunition, feeding directly to the appropriate weapon.

Waving a hand in pride, Doctor Haley Severson grinned as the older man with a graying beard, trimmed mustache and portly belly walked next to the leader of the Coalition. Adjusting his glasses, the doctor was followed by several of the lower scientists and engineers. "As you can see, Chairman, the Silverback is a far cry from the cobbled together platforms we used during the locust war. Heavily armored against ballistic and energy fire, the unit is equipped with a kinetic generator, laser grinder, boomshot launcher with thermic and shrapnel shells or an upgraded Gnasher depending on model type. It's capable of zero atmosphere combat, high pressure atmospheres and fully sealed to keep the pilot safe. It's speed is about the same as a normal Gear, but sprinting is not its job. It's job is to kill the enemies of the COG"

"Have they been field tested?" Asking as she stopped before one with the canopy still open, Izabel didn't wait for an answer as she climbed into the seat of the nearest Silverback, nestling into the padded seat. Gripping the pilot sticks, she found the grip comfortable as the foot pedals were quite accessible.

"We've began development during the end of the last war, but peace put it on the backburner. With the Salarians bringing back the horde and the beasts infecting countless worlds and systems, we will need this for our assault troops. And yes, they've been through testing for the last year. They'll be ready by the start of the next year after a final round of trials"

"Excellent. This will show the grubs why they deserve to be ground under our boots" Pleased with the outcome, Diaz studied the rows and rows of Silverbacks. "We will begin recruitment of troops into the Silverback Assault Corps and exterminate the horde once more" Reclasping her hands behind her back, Izabel wished she had kept more up to date on the program, but was pleased overall. "Arrange a demonstration for tomorrow. I have a meeting with the Turian Ambassador in two hours so make it happen"

"Of course, Chairman. You will not be disappointed"

"Better not be" leaving the words hang in an idle threat, Izabel would be bringing several officers the following day, specifically Gears.

But for now, the duties of her office meant meeting with dignitaries, especially alien ones.

Anvegad System. 30th of Bounty, 428 A.E.

Blistering magma flows wrapped around the planet of Scorch, the celestial body so horrifically close to the local star that the concept of solid ground would never be a reality. Brutal gravity constantly ripped at the liquid crust, only for flecks of magma to rain back down to the churning surface in a hellish storm of liquified rocks and minerals.

Beyond the orbit of Scorch was Anvegad, the heavily mountainous world of deep valleys, rich forests and life bearing oceans turning around the parent star. The night side was dotted with twinkling lights of Seran habitation, the three hundred million inhabitants protected under the Hammer of Dawn and dozens of orbital MAC platforms.

The Anvil Fleet Yard had been built out of a large asteroid of the second belt, its numerous ship berths filled with vessels of all sizes as they went under standard maintenance. Filled with fabrication plants, smelting factories, living quarters and all the amenities expected, the yard had a population of close to twenty thousand workers, mostly naval personnel along with civilian contractors.

Floating near the outer gas giant of Torra and its swirling storms of green gases, most of the First Fleet had been on normal patrol, the border of the Coalition a mere two days away as the latest war flared across the galaxy.

Aboard C.N.V. Razorhail, the battleship had seen hard action during the contact war like so many vessels of the COG. Heavily damaged numerous times, the warship had been moved to the First fleet after the end of the war to rebalance experienced crews with incoming fresh recruits and green officers.

Engineer First class Jen Vosgoth just finished replacing the conduit covering near some of the crew quarters, her task finally complete. Wiping a light sweat away from her pink hair and forehead, the trim and slender female was fit, a standard requirement for the military, even a lowly engineer like herself. With a very dark skin complexion and green eyes, she would be of African descent among the Terrans, but that was a distinction no Seran cared a damn about.

"There. That should at least stop that power fluctuations in the nearby cabins" Content with a job well done, she picked up her tools and turned to her subordinate down the corridor as several of the crew walked by.

"You almost done with that relay replacement, Kentarri?"

The young man obviously complained, cursing as he tightened the last fastener. "Yeah…just damn boring. Wish we could see some action in the war is all" Grousing the same topic once more, he replaced his tools in his belt, the nineteen year old only a few months out of the academy.

"I'm sure we will at some point. Only a matter of time before we.."

A stern voice came over the ship's inner communications, ringing throughout the Battleship as forty seven hundred crew worked and listened. "This is Captain Dennelly. First fleet is moving out with the sixth and linking up with the Fourth near Dagnes. The Locust infestation has been contained in the system. We will be moving on Sur'kesh immediately to knock the Salarian Union out of the war. These are the direct orders from high command"

Jen Vosgoth leaned against the dull gray paneling of the hallway, her eyes watching as Kentarri bubbled with excitement. "Well, looks like you get your wish. Off to war we go"

"About time. Kicking those damn Salamanders down will feel great!" Walking down the corridor deep within the bowels of the warship, the young man continued to bubble with excitement at the prospect of combat.

"If you say so" War had burned away any romantic notions of combat within Jen's heart and mind. The losses. The suffering on both sides. While she knew that the Coalition would beat the Union, it only depended how many more thousands would die before then.

"Why can't we just have peace? A lasting peace for everybody?" Turning down the side corridor as more crew strode past, Jen pushed the pacifist notions from her mind. "No, the Salarians deserve to be ground to dust for reviving the horde"

"Bastards"

"What was that, ma'am? Kentarri asked as they continued to walk toward their maintenance shop.

"Nothing Kentarri. Nothing at all"

The Perseus Veil, 8th of Frost, 428 A.E.

It was an unnamed system, desolate with average resources that wouldn't attract mining consortiums or prospectors hoping to strike it rich. Still, it was enough for the Geth to inhabit and use, the artificial civilization mining nickel, aluminum and other materials for new Geth platforms.

Six planets orbited the angry, roiling red star, its radiation spewing harmful rays that bombarded the first two worlds in deadly poisons.

Numerous Geth ships were in system, the sleek, white designs giving off a blue glow as they kept station near the remaining worlds and the surface instillations.

The Mass Relay was located at the far edges of the star system, unknown to the council as the Geth had activated it years before, the Relay was short range, connecting to a trio of secondary relay's deeper in the Veil.

Suddenly flaring, the ancient construct pulsed with energies as a lone ship appeared in the system, its mass easily dwarfing anything the Geth could wield.

The coloration was a dark black as power conduits glowed a deadly red along the length of the hull. Designed with numerous appendages of unknown metals, Sovereign slowly moved forward as Balak stood on the bridge, the Batarian pleased with himself.

Opening communications, Balak clasped his hands behind his back, standing tall as the words seemed to flow into his mind. "Geth. I bring you your god. An old one that will change the face of power in the galaxy. Your faith…your labor is required to bring about the Reapers against the Serans…against all who want your destruction. Give me your effort and achieve greatness!" Spreading his arms, Balak smiled, clearing enjoying the sense of power he could wield.

Sensors pinged, showing as several of the Geth ships were moving closer with caution as communications flowed toward him from the artificials.

"An old one…they have returned…"

Balak's smile grew wider as his upper eyes gave a soft glow of blue. "Yes…grow with me…achieve power and greatness!"

The Geth ships moved closer toward Sovereign, the artificials in awe at the power before them.

Spreading the word as communications zipped toward the Geth outposts, the race of artificial mechanics were in a stupor at the stature of Sovereign as the Reaper lightly pulsed his engines, the burning crimson leaving a trail among the void.

Balak spread his arms, reveling in the power of his ship. "Yes…YES! All will crumble before me! The Coalition! Earth! The Council! All will burn in time!"

For a moment, he forgot about Khar'shan and his species, for they too would burn under his wrath. "No…wait. Khar'shan will be spared…it should be spared, right?" But in all honesty, Balak found himself caring less and less about his people, only revenge and extermination as his eyes burned with azure blue.

The Far Rim, New Tenvor'Ti, 16th of Frost, 428 A.E.

Several years had passed since the loyalist forces of the Caliphate had fled their fallen world, seeking salvation among the stars. Hidden far from the relay network and major commerce lanes, the star system was well hidden among the Vastra Nebula, a cloud of stellar gases, materials and proto stars that stretched for several thousand light years, creating a stellar wall.

Turning slowly in the dark as several orbital instillations hovered above the planet, New Tenvor'Ti was dotted with several settlements of the loyalists.

A new capital had been constructed among the lush jungles of the central supercontinent, the city sitting among a large river that cut through the humid and life bearing landscape. Surrounded by paddies of vegetable farms that fed the growing population, all gave thanks to Klorta as the new temple continued to rise among the capital's skyline.

Kneeling in prayer before the statue of Klorta, Supreme Priest Sev'rik finished his thoughts to his god, then slowly stood. Sunlight poured through several openings in the temple walls of stone, a purposeful design as the blessed light would keep the worshipers holy.

Falling under several shafts of light, the illumination washed over the pure white robes of Sev'rik, mixing with his emerald green scales as he turned toward his advisors and military officers.

"Report. Please be truthful for Klorta and the benefits of our existence. Fleetmaster Jin'rak, speak"

Stepping forward, Jin'rak's scales were dull brown with splotches of blue while his sash glinted with commendations and medals for service of the church. "Of course, Supreme Priest" Bowing forward with a clenched fist against his breast, the reptile spoke. "Our efforts to rebuild the fleet are on schedule. We currently field two Super Dreadnaughts, six Battleships and a strong mixture of warships totaling nearly two thousand. The orbital yards and factories continue to build corvette craft which can now be remotely controlled with command vessels, thus saving valuable pilots for our holy war against the Seran's and traitors of the K.S.R." Pausing to take a breath, Jin'rak continued. "Minor outposts have been established in the surrounding systems for extraction of valuable resources, populated by the faithful. All quota's are being met"

"Excellent Fleetmaster. Now what about our repopulation efforts?"

A male bowed, this one a dull red with mottled purple scales as his robes indicated his status as the Health Advisor Bor'vak. "Our population has grown by over one hundred twenty thousand since we bravely relocated the light of Klorta to this sacred world. The females are more than happy to continue the hatching of younglings. Of course, construction of new habitats and communities will spread across the planet, showing our love of Klorta"

"Our god will be pleased. Is there anything else?" Studying the assembled advisors and officers, one stepped forward as his nearly black scales reflecting the sunlight. His throat sac didn't discolor with emotion as he spoke with a harsh tone. "Supreme Priest, as is the purpose of my command, we have been purposed with keeping up to date with galactic events via tapping into the nearest relay. Our presence is minimal and clearly for observation"

"Please get to the point, Spymaster" Clearly beginning to be annoyed, Sev'rik didn't appreciate needless words or platitudes.

"Of course. We have learned that the former alliance between the Coalition and Council has fractured with war. Also…the Salarians appear to have revived the hated enemy of the Serans…the Locust Horde. A common cause of conflict could lead to a potential alliance with the horde"

Shifting his stance before walking slowly along the stone flooring of the temple, Sev'rik pondered. "Alliances would be completely unheard under Y'larv, but his glorious defense of Klorta ensured a change in temperament of the church. The locust are known to have almost eradicated the Serans…perhaps reaching out to them would bear fruit. Of course, like us, they are hidden, building strength for the coming conflict" Thinking further, Sev'rik found his throat sac giving a small orange glow, the emotion minor happiness. "Keep our efforts hidden from the galaxy. But if the horde is located…perhaps...perhaps an alliance would be possible"

Having an ally, even one as horrible as the Locust Horde would bring strength to the war of reconquest and retribution.

Turning his gaze toward the statue of Klorta, Supreme Priest Sev'rik studied the carved stone of their god, his mind processing the possibilities. "Yes, an alliance with the Horde would give strength to our cause…if we can find them"

Sunlight shifted through the high windows of the temple, the scent of rain and jungle giving pleasure to the fanatical toad as the gears of war began to slowly grind forward once more.

Alright, I think that sets up the next chapter pretty well! The Fanatics are gonna be making a return soon, possibly with Locust allies! The Reapers are starting to make a move with the first Geth forces while the Quarians seek out the Serans! All in all, things could get messy, especially with the COG fielding new Silverbacks! Which will see heavy combat in the next chapter as well!

Also, sorry for taking so long. Working 60 hours a week every week, the holidays and just being sick has not been fun at all!

Read, review and enjoy!

Thehappy