Chapter 27: "Priority: Back to work".
-World building fact-
UNE standard sensor has a maximum range of approximately 30 lightyears. However, to acquire accurate fire solutions they need to be within 10 light years of the target. In an offensive operation, recon frigates are sent within 2 lightyears of the target to mark the target positions, the fleet will hold their position 15 lightyears away and generate tiny wormholes just big enough for the shells and the beams to get through. These wormholes will often open a few hundred meters away from the targeted ship and it is impossible to evade as the shells and beams fired from UNE ships travel at 99% the speed of light. If it is deemed too dangerous for the recon frigate to come so close, the fleet will hold their position within 10 light years of the target to acquire fire solution and do the same, although with less accuracy.
While firing, each battlegroup station 5 lightyears from each other. There are 4 task units in each battlegroup, which will station 0.5 lightyears from each other and each ship is thousands of kilometers from the other. This makes it almost impossible for the enemy to conduct a surprise counterattack and catch the entire fleet in one place, and at these distances, the battlegroups, as well as task units, could easily support each other.
Once the larger enemy ships are taken out, the fleet will space dive to 120,000 km away from the target to clean out smaller ships as well as fighters. Finally, once space superiority is achieved, the fleets will be in orbit of the target planet or installation to deploy troops.
The UNE is the only nation in the entire galaxy that have the technology, the coordination and mindset to come up and execute this strategy.
The following weeks after the fall of Sadera, Pina as the new Empress of the Empire sent out surrender orders to Imperial cities that were still loyal to Zoral. Those who refused to surrender were struck unexpectedly by UNE's bastions and transports that seemingly descended from heaven. Civilian deaths total up to thousands due to Imperial forces' expulsion and collateral damages caused by powerful UNE weaponry. In addition, various humanitarian campaigns were launched across Falmart to help villages that were stripped or abandoned by the Empire during the war and fallen cities. Many diseases were cured simply by the introduction of antibiotics and many disabilities were fixed by UNE's limbs growing technology.
Diabo is the righteous heir of the throne after Zoral's arrest but under the "suggestion" of the UNE, he agreed to give up the throne to Pina and act as her chancellery. Zoral and all the pro-war senators as well as senators that switched to pro-peace faction but participated in the decision of sending forces through the gate are being kept in prison by the UNE. An ongoing discussion with the Empire's new government to decide when and where the trial will take and who will take part in it. Lynk is still nowhere to be found.
The land of the darklings after it was deemed that the swarm is under the control of the darkling queens, and their sole purpose is to consume all the living things, was glassed from the orbit by HSS Destiny. A thorough scan of the planet showed that the darkling is extinct after the glassing.
As for the capital city of Sadera, the transition of power is relatively smooth and peaceful. The presence of HSS Normandy over the city firmly reminds the people that it is unwise to rise up against a nation with such godly power. Therefore, many nobles and the elite class of the empire, who don't like the idea of a foreign power occupying their capital, dare not speak up. The Rose Order was recalled back to Sadera to act as a temporary police force and to help rebuild the Empire.
The propaganda machine of the UNE is running in full swing to make sure every citizen aware of how dangerous is the Reaper threat and gain support for the war efforts. Mega corporations pledge to double their productions as factory worlds and mining hubs run at maximum capacity to product replicator mass as well as replicating weapons and nanite for war. Shipyards are ordered to build ships of both Guardian and Ares lines none stop as long lines of citizens waiting to enlist.
-Benett's Mansion, Utopia Ring-
The 5th SIF after the battle of Sadera was transferred to conduct special operations, along with many other SIF units, against Repear forces across the Citadel Council's defensive line. This is part of Terra Sphere's plan to gather more intelligent on the Reaper, before committing in force, while helping the Council Races in their fight. The SIFs success rate is way higher than any other races that have their version of special forces. However, the best soldiers that humanity have to offer, never before since the foundation of the UNE, died so many across the ops.
Ava's unit being the best lost only 3 of its operators but many were seriously wounded. They would have also died without the advance medical technology. There were SIF units that got completely wiped out on their mission and some SIF units that lost so many operators that it's almost a brand-new unit after the replacement arrive.
It's a beautiful evening on this section of the ring, Ava and Ruby are sitting on the front balcony looking out to the dazzling landscape as if it is out of an art work. They look like sisters who only a few years apart because admiral Ruby is only 72 years old, which is still very young. In the 31st century, having child before the age of 40 is usually considered early, some couples would not have their first child until after 100 years old.
"Ava, what's on your mind?" Admiral Ruby asks.
"Huh? Nothing mom" Ava replies with a bright smile.
"You're many things, Ava, but a liar? you're not. Now you tell me what's on your mind or do I have to make it an order?" Ruby says while faking and evil smile "It's about your recent ops isn't it?".
"The Reaper…they're nothing like we've ever seen before. They're not here to conquer, they don't hold territories or resources, I saw them lined up millions to be murdered and turn them into husks. The council races are losing, mother, and frankly I'm not sure we can win either" Ava says.
"We haven't fought a real battle with them yet, plus despite the heavy loss of SIFs most of the missions were successes. Don't lose hope yet" Ruby says.
"Their tech is more advanced than us, they have no supply line, no bases to target, they're intelligent, they don't rest or eat or drink and they don't afraid of death. I really want to be optimistic, but how are we going to defeat an enemy like that?" Ava replies.
"The weapon schematics you found on Kira I will give us a fighting chance, haven't you heard? They're going to build it with or without the council's help" Ruby assures Ava.
"The scope of that thing…I hope we build it fast enough or there will be nothing left to fight for. If we fail, then we undo everything the Prothean did" Ava says then takes a sip from the glass of wine on her hand.
"Sweety, if your dad were here, you know what he would've said?" Ruby smiles.
"We give it our best until the end, fail or success, it's worth it either way" Ava quotes her father's favorite saying.
"That's right, so don't you disappoint him and me by giving up now" Ruby says then she nods at the gate "Looks like we have guesses".
A 7-seater and a pickup truck stops right in front of the gate. Ava instantly recognizes the 7-seater belong to Ashley and she is right as Ashley pokes her head out.
"Hello Admiral Ruby! Commander! Are you gonna open this gate or do we have to break in?" Ashley shouts with a big smile on her face.
Ava shakes her head and then open the gate remotely from the holographic screen "We probably should head down there and meet them, mom".
Vehicles are landed neatly in the square by the fountain as the members of the 5th SIF getting out and unloading the usual bbq party stuffs. The guys want to have a last bit of fun before they return to duty, each of them carries a bag of their personal belongings so they could spend the night at Ava's mansion. In the next morning, they'll board a ship to Terra Sphere, there they will meet the 4 new SIFs replacement for the men they lost and then board a military transport ship back to Uros.
David walks in with 2 bags of meat "Commander, Admiral" he nods "this is real meat, non-replicated" as he holds up the bags and then nods at a bag that Jimmy is carrying "and those are real spice, tonight we're going to have a great bbq!".
"Fancy, you know they taste the same as replicated meat right?" Ava asks.
"Almost, not the same, just almost, this is way better!" David can't hide his excitement.
Ava is amused "Alright, you know where to put it".
"These are also real wine!" Ashley approach Ava and Ruby with 2 bottles of wine on her hands.
"Only 2 bottles?" Ruby asks with a little bit a sarcastic.
"Your daughter's order, ma'am" Ashley replies as she nods at Ava's.
"You're so much like your dad" Ruby smiles at Ava.
"We got Reaper asses to kick, once the war is over you guys can drink all you want" Ava replies and then looks at the guys setting up the bbq "come on, let join them".
As they walk into the back garden, the guys are gathering around Rob watching something. At first, Ava thought they were sharing stories and having fun but taking a closer look, she realizes that they're not laughing or smiling.
"What's happening guys?" Ava asks.
Rob looks up and see the 3 approaching "You guys should see this, it's live" he says as he swipes the holographic screen to project it to an open space for a larger screen.
On the display is the feed of a few dozen ships, mostly exploration ships with 3 Ares class battleships, limping toward the Kroson shipyard. All of them are badly damaged especially the battleships. One of the battleships lost its bow completely.
"That insignia, they're from the 368th Terra" Ruby comments.
"The Andromeda expedition? What happened to them?" Ashley says.
"Shhh listen" Rob says.
The reporter is standing in the control tower where the staffs are busy diverting traffic and support units to assist the damaged ships. In the background, through the glass window, viewer could see heavily damaged massive spaceships approaching.
"As you can see behind me are the ships from the Andromeda expedition returning from the Andromeda galaxy. They reported that the Reaper came to Andromeda shortly after the initial attack in the Milky Way and quickly destroyed all scientific outposts. The 368th Terra was almost completely wiped out, except 3 battleships, in an attempt to cover for the civilian fleet to escape…" The reporter continues.
"Andromeda too?" Jimmy says as he could not believe what he's hearing.
"There's more" Ava says.
The news switch back to the newsreaders "The expeditions from Darco II and Sagittarius Dwarf galaxy also returned a few days ago with similar report of the Reaper attack in both galaxies. UNE officials say that they've lost all contact with Segue 1 galaxy's expedition. A small recon group was sent to confirm their fate and will arrive in a week from now but our sources say that they're assuming the worst-case scenario. In the meantime, the Reaper forces continue to advance in the Citadel Council's space as the UNE navy commit…".
Ava walks over to Rob and put a hand on his shoulder "turn it off" she says. She then turns to look at the rest and continues "Let me tell you something we all already know. The Reaper is powerful, cruel and they're on a mission to wipe us all out. It doesn't matter how tough you are, they're going to beat you down and turn you into husks if you let them. We're not as numerous or advanced as them, but we as a species has never given up no matter how badly this universe tried to beat us down. We're going to lose a lot, many will die, and maybe none of us will be alive by the end of the war. BUT, as long as I live, I will not give up on fighting, and so are you. Because you're the best of the best".
Ashley pops a bottle of wine and raises the glass "To kicking the Reaper's collective asses".
"Hey did you know that Walmart opened their first store on Falmart?" a random comment from David.
-Diplomatic Hall, Presidential Complex, Earth-
The UNE border covers most of the Orion Spur and part of Cygnus Spur. As the sun of Sol system is used as the origin for the galatic coordinate system, galatic longtitude is measured with the direction from the sun to the center of the Milky Way in galactic plane and the latitude is the the angle of the objects above galactic plane. From there the galaxy is divided into 4 quadrants. Looking from the direction of the sun to the center of the galaxy, to the left of the UNE is the massive border of the Citadel Council's races and to the right is the smaller border of the Federation of Planets as well as some other smaller independent nations. The Federation is smaller, less advanced than the Citadel Council but they have a better relation with the UNE.
Since the beginning of the Reaper invasion, the Federation has been spending a significant amount of its resource to help other races. Therefore, when the Reaper arrived at their border, their defenses failed a lot quicker than the Citadel Council. It is because of the swift support from the UNE and the trilliant refugees from other spieces that volunteered to their military that they're able to stall the Reaper for long. However, both the Federation and the Citadel Council are losing ground quickly and the smaller independent nations around UNE are spending everything to build up their defenses.
As the only 3 superpowers in the galaxy, the UNE, the Citadel Council and the Federation are in a meeting to discuss their course of action.
"This weapon will work, I'm sure of it!" Ko'ra says. President Liam invited ambassador Noah and Ko'ra to present the plan to build the Prothean weapon to the other 2 factions, project Excalibur.
"Say a batarian, working with human no less" the salarian replies.
"That's outright racist, councilwoman, our people are dying defending your borders. We're just asking you to help us build this weapon to help us all" Liam says.
"Oh please, you're doing it because you don't want the Reapers to reach your space. And your so call 'military support' is only a few fleets and a dozen of your special force platoons. Where's the massive fleets you're so proud of? What happens to mighty legions of soldiers?" the salarian councilor replies.
Liam as a professional diplomat, he chooses his words carefully before replying "With all due respect, councilors, the small force that we sent has been doing better job at keeping the Reaper at bay than your entire military. If you help us with project Excalibur, it will free up more of our resources that we can send to help you".
"AND we appreciate your assist" the turian councilor speaks before the salarian has a chance to say anything "but all we have is your words, if we commit our resources to help you build the weapon without your fully committed to our defense. The Reaper will be able to strike straight at the heart of our space".
"The turian councilor is right, we need more than your words before we move our resources" the asari concilor says.
"The relationship between our nations has been well, Mr President, however, we would be lying if we say that we're not having similar concerns" the Federation representative adds.
"It appears that we have reached an impasse" Liam says, he pauses for a moment an pull up a holographic screen to read something and then continues "It occurs to me that if we do nothing and keep suspecting each other, we'll all vanish together because we won't be able to complete the weapon before the Reaper kill us all. So, here's my proposal".
Liam swipe the information that was prepared for this scenario before the meet take place for others to read. He looks at the Federation representative hologram "As a Federation, your military doctrine is diverse which make it hard to produce and replace ships and equipment. You have 2 hivemind member species and trillions of refugees who willing to volunteer to join your military for a chance to fight the Reaper as a payback for their lost homespace. You have the manpower without enough ships and equipment. Give us your ships, equipment blueprints and we will have one of our Ringworld shipyard mass produce them for you to equip your people. Keep in mind that we only have 4 such Ringworld and each of them can outproduce your entire industrial production"
He then looks at the Citadel Council holograms "The Reaper is focusing a significant larger force on your front; we'll mobilize our full fleets and dedicate logistical chains to resupply your frontlines. We'll try to defend your worlds as our own" He pauses shortly and then continues "All these will be done, only if both of you agree to help us build this Prothean weapon".
"What do you say, councilers and federation representative? We have no choice but to trust each other" Ambassador Liam adds in.
The meeting falls into silence as everyone mute themselves. The councilors are discussing among themselves and the Federation rep is talking to someone outside of the holographic pad on their side.
"What you do think? They'll take it?" Liam asks Noah.
"They know Excalibur is their only chance, they're just scared and want a little insurance. I think they'll take the deal, Mr President" Noah replies.
"Let hope so or we're all going extinct" Liam replies as the others unmute again.
"The Citadel Council accept your proposal" the turian councilor speaks for them.
"The Federation also agrees with your proposal" the Federation rep says.
"Great! Now let's finalize the agreement" Liam says with a smile.
-Empress's office, Imperial Palace, Sadera-
Empress Pina, unlike the SIFs, has been working nonstop since the battle of Sadera with little sleep and rest trying to rebuild the Empire. She is sitting on the desk that her father used to spend a lot of his time reading through scrolls papers. Hamilton is standing next to her, helping Pina by reading through less important matters and summarize for her.
Diabo enters the office and bows slightly to Pina "Empress". Although Pina does not enforce it, it is tradition for all to bow and greet an Emperor or an Empress. Even if the bowing person is family.
"How is it, brother?" Pina asks.
"It's not good, sister. The UNE is doing everything they can but the whole city is now affected" Diabo replies.
Pina let out a long sigh then stands up and walks to the balcony behind the desk which give the same view of the city as the throne room. The night is dawning as the sun is going down, there are still visible damaged sections of the city from the battle. Many sections of the once great wall are now no longer standing because of the battle a few weeks ago. Taking a closer look, Pina can see red and yellow holographic ribbons isolating various sections of the cities indicating quarantine zones with red being very strict and yellow being less strict.
"This plague, where did it come from? Even the UNE's medicines can't fight against it" Pina mumbles.
GREAT CELESTIAL-DAGON: I purposely wrote him as "Zoral" because I think it sounds better than "Zorzal" ^_^
Ultimate Ragnarok: You're right he's gonna be on trial haha