Depths of Space: The Uncertain Future (IC, Open)

[The NAR]

-ATLAS-

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Titan Station // Gemini System // Atlas Space
Atlas Headquarters

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"Very well, then" Ashur said, taking a long drag of his cigarette and blowing up into the air. He turned, looking out at the Gemini Stars in awe, but would quickly return his gaze to Admiral Trov. "I admire your loyalty, Admiral". He would then walk past the Cho'Dosan, nodding to the two Atlas Soldiers, and exiting the room. "Let me know when it's done" he ordered, and the door closed behind him, leaving Admiral Trov alone with two Atlas soldiers in black armor - eyes glowing yellow. They'd approach, one with a machine, and make sure his restraints were tight. Afterwards, they'd pull a small sharp metal blade that was connected by wire to a small box, and hold it out in front of them.

"You could have avoided this, monkey" one of the soldiers said, then jamming the device into Trov's right temple and completely paralyzing him. The Atlas Soldier opened up a computer and began to type, speaking to the other as he did. "Link established. Transferring information". The two soldiers remained seated as the information within Trov's brain was filtered and processed into their computer. The experience would be incredibly painful for Trov - more than anything he'd likely experienced.

[The Greater Gambia]

Federation Space
Kalam System
Kalam
Covenant Loyalist Palace


Kalam was one of the many "technically" uninhabited systems in the Federation. Kalam was inhabited by the Kalami, one of the many species that made up the Federations "invisible population." While the rest of the galaxy knew of the main members of the Federation such as the Tagali, Taani, and Maug-Lai, the dozen or so that most of the galaxy intermingled with were only the tip of the ice berg. The federation was actually made up of hundreds of species, ranging from tribal societies, Post industrial, with some even already mastering space flight and even FTL travel, but their populations too small to be major players in the galaxy at large.

The Kalami were one of such races, with their pre-Federation technology being at around the level as 1980's Humanity. The Federation found them when they intruded on a abandoned Kelraaza Planetary Defense Gun, blasting apart a passing Carrier. After the the planet was annexed and the population became citizens of the Federation, the planet briefly became a major research site, as scientists studied the Planetary Defense Gun to find ways to improve Federation weaponry. Once that well ran dry and the researchers left for more bountiful sights elsewhere, the planet, the planet became a safe haven for Covenant Royalists and the surviving members of the Covenant Royal Family after the Covenant Civil War.

Lord of Intelligence Yamin sat at the table across from Gavid Ni'am, the Grandson of the Late Supreme Overlord Sian Ni'am. Yamin stared out through the large glass window overlooking the green-toned sea. Yamin spoke in perfect Cho'Dosan.

"It's nice to get out here on the frontier sometimes. These worlds are so cut off from the Galaxy, away from the problems bearing down on the rest of the federation. I don't get very many vacations, as you can guess, especially not now. Not with the current Alliance-Covenant War raging on, increased sweeps for rebels in the Khyrsian territories, now said rebels have made off with a Dark Matter Bomb." Yamin faced back towards Gavid.

"But alas, I didn't call for this meeting just to escape the paperwork piling up on my desk. I assume you have the same concerns about the plight of your people and their current war with the Alliance. Given that the rumors and intelligence reports point to the Alliance having ties a certain Human Supremacist group, along with international opinion shifty coldly as the Reformers commit atrocity after atrocity in captured systems, I doubt that Bloody Xena's regime will be able to hold out if their offensive in Sol fails. All of this together raises plenty of concerns about the post-war situation of the Covenant people, especially where the Alliance is concerned."

[The Orson Empire]

Kalam, Kalam System, Federation Space

Gavid Ni'am, dressed in his formal black suit, sat across the table from Lord of Intelligence Yamin inside of the Loyalist Palace.

Gavid had fled to this planet when he was just 11 years old, after the Ni'am family and their Loyalist supporters were forced to flee the Covenant after the Reformers seized control of the government and installed their military dictatorship. Despite being very young at the time, Gavid could remember the death and destruction of the Highbreed War and the ensuing Covenant Civil War. Gavid's grandfather, former Overlord Sian Ni'am, had been forced to abdicate, and was subsequently executed by the Reformers. Many members of the of the Ni'am family were hunted down and executed by the Inquisition, but he was one of the few that was able to escape to the Tagali Federation. Gavid's father, Juno Ni'am, went back into Covenant space in an attempt to help more people escape, but was unfortunately caught and captured by Inquisitors. Gavid's worse memory was hearing the news of his father's execution, which devastated him and fueled his hatred of the Reformers. Gavid's mother, Kilia Ni'am would have technically been next in line to the throne, but decided to let her son become the next Overlord of the Covenant once the Reformers had been deposed, as she had no desire to enter politics and just wanted to live a quiet life.

Gavid was now just 21 years old, and had been stuck on Kalam for 10 years. Kalam was a very primitive world by Covenant standards, as the native people (the Kalami) had not even developed FTL technology yet. The Loyalists initially had a culture shock upon arriving on the world, as they were not used to such primitive technology. The Loyalists were also baffled at how some parts of Federation space were completely backwards and primitive while other parts were fully modernized, whereas all of Covenant space was modernized. The Loyalists didn't complain though, as they were thankful to escape the wrath of the Reformers, and they quickly adapted to the rugged, frontier life.

Gavid waited until Yamin finished speaking to reply. "Zena's reign of terror won't last much longer," Gavid replied. "If there is anything Cho'Dosan's despise the most, it is a tyrant. Zena has alienated herself from even the other Reformers, as even they aren't as extreme as she is. I suspect they will defect to our side."

Gavid would shift in his seat. "As for the war with Solis...I do hope they can hold out against the Covenant onslaught. The situation honestly looks bleak for them now, but if they can win at Sol, they can win the war. Nevertheless, the Covenant has a vast amount of manpower at their disposal. As an old saying in the Covenant goes, 'we are legion'. Their are trillions of Cho'Dosans, enough to defeat the Alliance through shear attrition if nothing else."

[The Moscow Metro Red Line]

Vers System - New Jakala - Orana Shipyard - USS Pennsylvania

"Thank you for your compliment", Captain Kerper responded politely. "Oh, that reminds me. I have some information directly from the Monarch herself that is to be given to the high ranking officers of the mission." He reached into his pack and took out half a dozen small data-slates. "These are extraneous orders. Contingencies, if you would from the Ostian Government. You can try to decrypt or break through the security but then the data-slate would delete it's down data and self-destruct. Extraneous orders are activated once a particular signal is sent to the data-slate containing the particular extraneous order. I've never gotten one before but from the way they sound, I think they must be a emergency order or something." The Captain placed the data-slates back into his pack and scratched the back of his neck. "To be honest, I was ordered to hand these out to the senior commanders. The contents of the extraneous orders is very unknown to me, but I think these would only effect the Ostian volunteers." Captain Kerper then handed out the data-slates to the high-ranking officers in the room. "Well, now that introductions are over. When and where should I order my men to go and unload their gear? Due to Ostian arms restrictions, none of regular soldiers have their usual weapons and they're just hanging around the somewhere in the Shipyard as I speak."

This was the first time since the Highbreed War that Ostian soldiers have been deployed overseas. For all of them, this is there first operation away from Ostian territory and under wraps from the government. The average Ostian soldier is well trained in conventional warfare, knowing his/her place on the battlefield in the overall picture. However such training has to be reworked as Ostia does not have the manpower to conduct the usual type of warfare anymore due to the Highbreed War. The typical strategy of Ostian commanders is based on quick and decisive front-wide assaults with a focus on combined arms. Ostian Warfare is fast and focused on maneuvers. If faced with a foe with superior numbers, divide the enemy forces and cut them down gradually. If a weakness in the enemy defense line is found, quickly exploit it and eliminate the enemy reserves and logistics. Ostian military units must be able to quickly adapt to the present situation and be able to take the initiative. If there was one thing that the Ostians excelled at and loved, was an orbital assault or boarding action.

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Encrypted Transmission to the Solis Alliance Prime Minster Freedman - From: Ostian Government

A secure transmission was sent to the office of the Prime Minister of the Solis Alliance. The message was sent from the Ostian Embassy in Berlin and contained the following.

Government of the Autocratic Ostian Protectorate

Mister Ludwig Rhinehart
Ambassador to the Solis Alliance, Autocratic Ostian Protectorate
Berlin, Ostian Embassy Complex
Cc: Prime Minister Robert Freedman
RE: Current Situation on the Warfront

Dear Prime Minister Freedman,

I will make this short. The following provision has been passed by the Monarch and the Ostian Council. The Ostian government is willing to lend-lease for an indefinite amount of time, troops, equipment, ships, and weapons to the Solis Alliance in their effort against the Chos'dan Covenant.

While we could directly enter the conflict, such an action would be devastating to the Ostian homeland due to our current position. Instead, we will be willing to send over troops and supplies under the flag of something else. The troops and supplies will officially be under the control of the Solis Alliance military, but they will still report directly to the Ostian Armed Forces.

The soldiers will have their insignia and unit identifiers removed for the sake of the lend-lease. Should you accept this lend-lease offer, Ostian soldiers and equipment will begin deployment into Alliance space. If not, this offer will be withdrawn. The reason we are giving you this offer is for not only moral reasons but to ensure the survival of our ancestral homeland of Germany.

Ostia cannot be directly involved in this conflict. But Ostia is willing to help its friends.

[Spindle]

CIC
Broken Wind
Vers

Unplugging the connector from the back of his neck, Kaff stood and stretched his arms. Several wet popping noises emanated from the general region of his elbows, but he ignored them. He could have them dealt with later, after all. And they were unlikely to do any damage to his impression on whoever ran this place. He hoped.

The short trip across to the lift and down to the hangar bay proved to be fairly unexceptional and before long, he was in front of the set of heavily armoured blast doors which provided egress from the Hangar. With agonising slowness, they pulled apart: then the next pair. It must have been at least a minute by the time the final set of doors opened and Kaff walked through into what was probably one of the station's own hangars. Their doors must have opened much faster than his, because they were already wide open; giving a clear view of the people running around in their separate tasks. The variety was dazzling and Kaff spent a moment trying to catalogue every species before giving up and heading off in search for someone who looked like they were in charge.

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Classified Location

Slade reached up to his face, feeling the new features, new feel. He had been literally transformed...and he didn't know what to think about it. He was Markus Schmidt now, of course, not Slade. No longer an assassin and no longer needing the money. With a few well-placed investments, he would have enough income to see him through to the end of his life...and he inteded on that being a long way away.

With an odd spring in his step, Markus Schmidt strolled out of the clinic. He doubted it would exist there within a few weeks, but he didn't care. There was an entire network of hired cars and starship journeys which would bring him to his new home, undetected and unknown to anyone trying to find him. Yes, life was looking up for Markus Schmidt.

[Naretion]

"I am sure they would. I will gladly transfer my own so we may study your history. Please let me know if I am needed in the development of the embassy situation. Perhaps they who will decide on its development would like to meet me or one of my people before they make a decision."

"We will shuttle them down immediately than. I most certainly call upon you in the near future to come before the Legislature."

"Thank you for your hospitality." Na'sen smiled.

When the the other Art Meks would arrive to the surface they would instantly all find their way to the library and begin reading every pile of information they could. Memorizing every single thing they read and never reading the same thing another Art Mek read. When it came to information gathering, they worked like an organized hive. Learning was the ultimate hobby for them and to be allowed access to an entire library of undiscovered knowledge was like a day alone. Na'sen oversaw them to make sure none of them overstepped their limits while he awaited any summon the Antivarians may request of them. A few Aaks had transported down as well to oversee the safety of the Art Meks, and out of curiosity of how the world below looked.

[The Dark Brotherhood of Deros]

[u]Cerateal]/u]
Skralk roared in triumph as he saw the last ship burst into flames. The entire bridge was filled with cheering and laughter, and the corvette, fighter, and frigate crews cheered as well. Now there was only one thing left to do. “Is the Choking Death ready?” Skralk asked. “Yes sir.” The Comm officer replied.

Skralk smiled, taking this moment in, and then he spoke. “Fire!” several pods were released from the hives, each one containing a deadly package. Once the pods entered the atmosphere, they spilt apart into four smaller canisters, which shattered upon reaching the air currents of the planet, releasing the virus into the air of the planet to be carried across its entire surface.

A painful death awaited those below, as their respiratory systems slowly shut down, and their throats swelled shut. However the Colma shed no tears for these people, as they were only Soft-skins after all.

[Ithalian Empire]

"Thank you for your hospitality." Na'sen smiled.

When the the other Art Meks would arrive to the surface they would instantly all find their way to the library and begin reading every pile of information they could. Memorizing every single thing they read and never reading the same thing another Art Mek read. When it came to information gathering, they worked like an organized hive. Learning was the ultimate hobby for them and to be allowed access to an entire library of undiscovered knowledge was like a day alone. Na'sen oversaw them to make sure none of them overstepped their limits while he awaited any summon the Antivarians may request of them. A few Aaks had transported down as well to oversee the safety of the Art Meks, and out of curiosity of how the world below looked.

Ruse left the Ark Meks to their work. He had his own. First he had to go and present the proposed embassy the Ark Meks wanted. Than it was back to the tedious grind that came with his position. The Representatives had already been informed of the proposal. The debate was starting when Ruse entered the Legislative Hall.

Re'cas had the floor.

"The Embassy will be the first step in cementing a lasting friendship with the League. We need access to more information to fuel our own scientific research, we need trade to further our economy. They too are bound to need things we have. We need to have this embassy id we are to grow and expand our Union!" Re'cas gave a bow to signal he was done. M'kall took the floor to represent his party's position.

"That is all fine and good Re'cas, but is it a safe thing to do? All we have to judge the sincerity of these aliens is the testimony of sixty shell shocked and exhausted men. They, in there state, can not be trusted to make an informed decision on this League."

Ruse interjected, "If you are so unsure of their sincerity than we don't you speak with them? I can have the head representative down here in ten minutes"

The Legislature looked around at them selves before the Moderator, the Representative whose job it is to keep the debate going in a civil and timely matter spoke.

"Chancellor Ruse's request is granted. The alien dignitary is granted permission to speak before the Legislature"

A messenger was promptly sent to fetch Na'sen.

[The NAR]

-SOLIS ALLIANCE-

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Oort Cloud // Sol System

---

The Alliance had been fooled, but they hadn't been defeated. The small detachment of 10,000 ships was engaged by a much larger Covenant force, which immediately engaged with relentlessness and ferocity. Though almost immediately, the Alliance knew what had happened, went FTL back into the Sol System. Meanwhile, the Covenant had sent another wave of asteroids towards the many jammers positioned in the Sol, and the Alliance Navy would continue to intercept them to the best of their abilities. They wouldn't be able to hold out forever, that was certain, but they bought the System's inhabitants valuable time.

---

London // Earth // Sol System

---

Prime Minister Freedman had aged substantially over the past few weeks since the war began. The sides of his head had turned almost white, the bags under his eyes sank deeper, and he skin had become older and frail. The war was definitely taking a toll on the young Prime Minister. In addition, his morale code was being tested as he was forced to collaborate with Atlas - a decision he had come to regret. While valuable on the battlefield, he could see that the Covenant was only driving the people of the Alliance into Ashur's arms - creating a wave of hate and violence against xeno minorities. This war was caused by hate, and responding with more hate will not solve anything. Freedman had to contain the situation - the Alliance wouldn't become a nation of hate and discrimination. Though, this would have to wait, as there were more pressing matters to attend to at the moment. He'd just received an letter from the Ostian Embassy in Berlin, and quickly began to write a response.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF THE SOLIS ALLIANCE

Mister Robert L. Freedman
Prime Minister of the Solis Alliance
Citadel, London - Alliance Capitol Building
Cc: Ambassador Ludwig Rhinehart
RE: Current Situation on the Warfront

Ambassador Rhinehart,

In these dark times, the people of the Alliance need all the help we can get. Will alone will not win this war, no matter how much we would like to believe it. No, we need guns, ammunition, trucks, tanks, starships, and everything else we can get our hands on in order to beat back the Covenant. This is why I would be very grateful to accept such a generous offer from the Ostian Government. I will make sure the Alliance Ambassadors on Ostia contact your government to organize the lend-lease which will greatly benefit the Alliance in it's fight.

On a more personal note, I wish to send my condolences to he who's life was almost stolen by Atlas recently. I cannot stress enough that we are only working with the organization out of pure necessity, and the two are not truly one as the Covenant believes. I truly hope you understand.

God Bless,

Robert Freedman
Prime Minister of the Solis Alliance

---

Moresti System

---

The battle between the Alliance and the Covenant in the Moresti System was yet to really kick off, but it was clear to Admiral Dunkirk that it would be a hard-fought one. He ordered Alliance Forces to continue deflecting incoming meteors, while preparing his forces for a new objective. He was reorganizing the position of the fleet while sending Stealth Vessels closer and closer to the Covenant Fleet to conduct a major operation. Using some of the best Stealth Technology to date, these few Frigates would approach the Covenant Lines, and on-board personnel began tapping into their information network using it's Advanced Cyber Warfare Systems.

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Vers System // New Jakala // Orana Shipyard // USS Pennsylvania

---

Commander Maxson disregarded the subliminal insult directed at the Alliance by Turing, and would begin walking slowly in the direction of the USS Pennsylvania. He put his hands on his hips, examining the vessel, and turned back around when he had had enough of the impressive ship. "Alright. Captain Kerper, you and your men can set up your quarters on C-Deck. Commander Turing, have your men move into D-Deck. Alliance Personnel will be on B-Deck". He paused for a minute, glancing back at the ship. "When you're ready, Captain, Commander, meet me in the CIC for briefing". Maxson began to walk in the direction of the ship.

[The Orson Empire]

Titan Station, Gemini System

Trov gritted his teeth as a device was jammed into his skull, and then suddenly realized that he was paralyzed. Trov would then suddenly feel an immense amount of pain as the soldiers began to transfer information out of his brain. Trov had a high pain tolerance, but even he found it unbearable.

---

OOC: This post is on hold for now, and shall be reposted later when time has advanced.

ONE WEEK LATER....

Covenant-Alliance War

Day 31 of the Invasion

Sol System

Seven days of nearly constant bombardment of the Sol System had disabled a significant portion of initial defenses of the system. The Covenant had transported more jump drives, many of them recycled from decommissioned ships, strapped them onto to asteroids and sent them into warp towards Sol; old freighters had also been used in the bombardment. The jamming stations had either been destroyed or disabled, allowing the Covenant to travel freely through the system, while numerous minefields had been cleared and paths created that would allow the Covenant ships to move through safely.

With the Oort Cloud now under Covenant control, numerous military bases were under construction throughout the cloud where ships could refuel and resupply, and where troops could be sent to recover as soldiers were continuously rotated in and out of the front lines. A large jump gate had been assembled, and numerous freighters and Covenant warships streamed through the gate. The invasion force for the Sol System now numbered some 290,000 ships, with more and more ships arriving every day.

Since the Covenant was now able to travel freely within the system, the Covenant High Admirals felt that now was the proper time to begin the invasion, and as they gave the order, thousands upon thousands of ships left the Oort Cloud and flooded into the Sol System. Half of the fleet was to target the dwarf planets in the Kuiper Belt as well as the four outer gas giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune), while the other half of the fleet headed towards the ultimate target...

Earth

Beyond Luna, Earth's moon, blue auras would erupt throughout the vastness of space as a force of 145,000 ships began to exit warp in high Earth orbit. The ships exited warp one after another, still in their formations. It was the day that all Covenant personnel had been waiting for, as the Covenant would sack the jewel in the crown of the Alliance. Some of the finest admirals and generals in the Covenant had been placed into this armada, as they would have to lead the Covenant forces to victory on the most important target of the war. The armada included everything from the smallest frigate to the largest of dreadnoughts. The armada also included a staggering 300 Covenant dreadnoughts, the largest concentration of dreadnoughts in a single battle so far in the war. With each dreadnought equivalent in firepower to hundreds of light ships, they would provide the Covenant a significant advantage in this fight.

Haven, New Haven, Moresti System

While the Battle of Sol was just beginning, the battle in the Moresti System had dragged on for the past week. The Covenant had finally disabled the jamming stations in the system with a bombardment of asteroids, only to be met with stiff resistance at New Haven. The Alliances forces in orbit and on the surface of Moresti had held out remarkably well against Jakorr's onslaught. His usual strategies he used to defeat the Alliance before were not as successful this time around, and it was the longest battle Jakorr and his armada had fought so far. The battle in space was long and bloody, and Jakorr had to continuously contact High Command for more reinforcements.

While the battle in orbit continued in a stalemate, the ground battle on New Haven was heating up. Carriers, guarded by flotillas of light ships, had entered the atmosphere of the planet and deployed hundreds of thousands of Covenant soldiers, as well as armor and artillery, while fighters, bombers, and interceptors provided air support and tried to destroy any ground defenses. It was a bloody and violent struggle, as thousands of Covenant soldiers lost their lives while trying to advance and gain more ground.

The battle was the bloodiest at the city of Haven, the capital of New Haven, where 300,000 Covenant soldiers had the city encircled. The city was being shelled by rounds from the Covenant field guns and bombed from the air by starfighters and bombers, but the Alliance defenses in the city had continued to hold out, repulsing any attempt by Covenant ground forces to enter the city. The Covenant forces had dug crude trenches to hide in and set up numerous machine gun nests, where heavy plasma and magneto autocannons would open fire on the opposing Alliance positions, shredding Alliance soldiers, while Covenant snipers would snipe Alliance soldiers with their long-range laser cannons. The Covenant soldiers were exhausted from days of fighting the enemy, and the sheer chaos of the battle caused some soldiers to experience shell shock.

"Keep up the fire, soldiers! Do not let the fog of war consume you!" an officer would yell to his exhausted troops, encouraging them to keep fighting. His voice was barely audible over the firing of the autocannons, the numerous explosions and gunfire around them, and the screaming of the engines of starfighters above.

[The Greater Gambia]

Vers System // New Jakala // Orana Shipyard // USS Pennsylvania

---

Commander Maxson disregarded the subliminal insult directed at the Alliance by Turing, and would begin walking slowly in the direction of the USS Pennsylvania. He put his hands on his hips, examining the vessel, and turned back around when he had had enough of the impressive ship. "Alright. Captain Kerper, you and your men can set up your quarters on C-Deck. Commander Turing, have your men move into D-Deck. Alliance Personnel will be on B-Deck". He paused for a minute, glancing back at the ship. "When you're ready, Captain, Commander, meet me in the CIC for briefing". Maxson began to walk in the direction of the ship.

Vers System
New Jakala
Orana Shipyard


"Of course, Maxson." Turing said. As soon the Terran was out of earshot, Turing muttered something under his breath.

"Tarlach." Tarlachs were a sexually transmitted parasite native to the planet Santara in the Tagali home system Todval. While the parasite has been contained to only the Tagali, the spread of it as an insult has gone to almost all species of the Federation. Turing turned to the Ostian party.

"Well, best not keep our Terran allies waiting."

USS Pennsylvania
CIC

The three CO's gathered in the Command Center of the ship, gathered around a large holo-projector. It currently displayed the planet New Jakala, with countless holographic ships and orbital stations orbiting the planet. Not wanting Maxson to try to dictate every order, Turing spoke first.

"Before we begin, I would like to introduce this ships AI, Shiva." Suddenly, a small holographic Human figure dressed in tradition women's Indian clothing appeared.

"Greetings, I am Federation Gen III AI construct 01342 Designation: Shiva. I have been assigned to the Pennsylvania as a tactical advisor, Navigational Assistant, Cyber Security Specialist, and Weapons targeting system. It is a pleasure to meet you all." Shiva gave a small bow. Turing continued.

"I would also like to inform you all that "mercenaries" from the ISC have agreed to join us in this little expedition of ours. Their Captain shall be joining us shortly via hologram."


New Jakala Orbit
Oroya Station
ISC Broken Wind



Soon, a Federation naval Officer was sent out to collect the Spindlean captain. The Officer was an Apri, an unusual sight since many Apri chose not to stray outside of their traditional agricultural lifestyles. The Apri spoke with what only can be compared to a typical east London accent.

"Captain Gerald sir. Your presence is being called to a meeting between the Commanders of the Task Force. Does your ship have Holo-projector that you can connect with the meeting? If not, I have been instructed to lend you one of ours for the time being."

[Spindle]

Room 1
Shelter Designate 15c
Cerateal

Atkins knew something was wrong. He could literally taste it in the air: a harsh, acrid taste. The shelter's atmo-cyclers must have developed a fault, but he knew he couldn't repair them. Their designated technician hadn't made it back to the shelter before the lockdown and he couldn't get back in now. Not that there had been anything to indicate a planetary bombardment was going on outside, Atkins reflected. In fact, the quiet was beginning to scare him shitless. What would the point be for aliens to invade if they weren't going to try and kill the people on the planet? Perhaps they were sending troops down? Clear them out one-by-one?

Atkins' train of thought was unexpected derailed by a sudden, excruciatingly painful, burning sensation in the back of his throat. He scrabbled at his throat, trying desperately to find the source of this pain but he found none. Had he been in a rational frame of mind, he might have linked the odd taste in the air to this pain, but he wasn't in a rational frame of mind. His brain was focussing entirely on keeping him alive in the face of his restricting windpipe. He heard a soft fump, felt an impact in his side but he didn't realise he'd fallen off of the bench he'd been perched on.

The fifty other people in the cramped shelter looked towards him in alarm as Atkins began to gouge red lines into his skin, blood dripping onto the cold, concrete floor. A general withdrawal began around him, creating a growing pool of empty space to mirror the small pool of blood that had begun to form around the now desperately thrashing figure on the floor.

Another fump and someone else was on the floor. A general buzz of consternation went up, before raising in pitch and volume to become a commotion. Someone began to scream and the shelter descended into chaos, a curious combination of paranoia and claustrophobia plunging the small environment into anarchy as people sought some way out. Unfortunately, the shelter was not meant to be opened from the inside and more and more fumps heralded more and more thrashing figures on the floor. Those figures then knocked over those still standing and before long the room was a writhing mass of figures on the floor, some trying to get up and some trying to survive.

Within an hour, all movement within the room had ceased, with the exception of the handful of flies which dotted the corpses like pustules. No-one would come to look for them, no-one would know. The entire planet died without the knowledge of anyone outside of it.

---

New Jakala Orbit
Oroya Station
ISC Broken Wind

Kaff's eyebrows raised slightly as a small, floppy-looking creature made its way towards him. Yet another species he was certain he'd never even heard of before. This contract was certainly going to be educational...and it was definitely going to be interesting. Was this what working with the Feds was normally like, or was this Task Force more hodgepodge than usual? Those were questions he'd have to follow up on when the time time came.

The creature started speaking and Kaff's eyes rose even further. The creature had an almost comedically low for a Human, let alone something that looked like it should speak an octave above Kaff. Still, the words were important for Kaff and his paycheck and he nodded slowly once the creature finished speaking.

"We have a holo-projector." He allowed, "Give me a moment and I'll have it set up."

[The NAR]

Vers System // New Jakala // Orana Shipyard // USS Pennsylvania

---

Commander Maxson disregarded the subliminal insult directed at the Alliance by Turing, and would begin walking slowly in the direction of the USS Pennsylvania. He put his hands on his hips, examining the vessel, and turned back around when he had had enough of the impressive ship. "Alright. Captain Kerper, you and your men can set up your quarters on C-Deck. Commander Turing, have your men move into D-Deck. Alliance Personnel will be on B-Deck". He paused for a minute, glancing back at the ship. "When you're ready, Captain, Commander, meet me in the CIC for briefing". Maxson began to walk in the direction of the ship.

Vers System
New Jakala
Orana Shipyard


"Of course, Maxson." Turing said. As soon the Terran was out of earshot, Turing muttered something under his breath.

"Tarlach." Tarlachs were a sexually transmitted parasite native to the planet Santara in the Tagali home system Todval. While the parasite has been contained to only the Tagali, the spread of it as an insult has gone to almost all species of the Federation. Turing turned to the Ostian party.

"Well, best not keep our Terran allies waiting."

USS Pennsylvania
CIC

The three CO's gathered in the Command Center of the ship, gathered around a large holo-projector. It currently displayed the planet New Jakala, with countless holographic ships and orbital stations orbiting the planet. Not wanting Maxson to try to dictate every order, Turing spoke first.

"Before we begin, I would like to introduce this ships AI, Shiva." Suddenly, a small holographic Human figure dressed in tradition women's Indian clothing appeared.

"Greetings, I am Federation Gen III AI construct 01342 Designation: Shiva. I have been assigned to the Pennsylvania as a tactical advisor, Navigational Assistant, Cyber Security Specialist, and Weapons targeting system. It is a pleasure to meet you all." Shiva gave a small bow. Turing continued.

"I would also like to inform you all that "mercenaries" from the ISC have agreed to join us in this little expedition of ours. Their Captain shall be joining us shortly via hologram.""

It wasn't long before Commander Maxson entered the CIC, still dressed in his Alliance Dress Blues. It was a fairly large room, filled with screens and terminals, with the Alliance, Ostian, and Federation Flags hanging on the wall. The Ostian and Tagali Commanders were already in the room, speaking to a Hologram which was likely the ship's AI. "Gentlemen" he nodded while approaching, then resting his arms on the circular hologram projector. Just looking, he could see the bitterness and resentment in the eyes of Commander Turing, but again did his best to disregard it. "We should begin with a situational report. Covenant Forces have begun a secondary offensive in the Moresti System, which is the location of New Haven, a colony with more than 100 million civilians. They haven't yet driven into the Sol, but it's only a matter of time". Maxson switched the hologram, showing the current situation in the Moresti System. It marked the positions of Alliance Ships with their emblem, the Covenant Fleet with theirs, and New Haven. "The Alliance Navy is holding them back, for now, but it won't last long. Most reinforcements are being diverted to defend Earth, so Lieutenant-Admiral Halnon has made our first mission to assist the Fleets in defending New Haven". Maxson wondered if Atlas would be there as well, and prayed they weren't.

[The Greater Gambia]

It wasn't long before Commander Maxson entered the CIC, still dressed in his Alliance Dress Blues. It was a fairly large room, filled with screens and terminals, with the Alliance, Ostian, and Federation Flags hanging on the wall. The Ostian and Tagali Commanders were already in the room, speaking to a Hologram which was likely the ship's AI. "Gentlemen" he nodded while approaching, then resting his arms on the circular hologram projector. Just looking, he could see the bitterness and resentment in the eyes of Commander Turing, but again did his best to disregard it. "We should begin with a situational report. Covenant Forces have begun a secondary offensive in the Moresti System, which is the location of New Haven, a colony with more than 100 million civilians. They haven't yet driven into the Sol, but it's only a matter of time". Maxson switched the hologram, showing the current situation in the Moresti System. It marked the positions of Alliance Ships with their emblem, the Covenant Fleet with theirs, and New Haven. "The Alliance Navy is holding them back, for now, but it won't last long. Most reinforcements are being diverted to defend Earth, so Lieutenant-Admiral Halnon has made our first mission to assist the Fleets in defending New Haven". Maxson wondered if Atlas would be there as well, and prayed they weren't.

"No." Turing blatantly stated. He knew that this would lead to a confrontation with Maxson and Alliance Command, but he didn't care. Contrary to what they believed, this ship wasn't meant for going from Alliance Battlefield to Alliance Battlefield. It may be flying under Alliance colours and banners, but as far as Turing and the FIS was concerned, this was a Federation Ship, a wolf in sheeps clothing.

"The FIS has designated a target deep in Covenant territory in the Zobus Nebula." Turing changed the holographic projector to a lone derelict structure amidst a vast Nebula.

"This is a Kelraaza facility. I'm sure that I don't need to tell you all what the Kelraaza are, but just in case, allow me to explain. The Kelraaza were an advanced ancient civilization that occupied many of the Galactic southern sectors before their almost extinction at the hands of the High Breed. They were capable of many technological feats such as genetic manipulation on a scale very few civilizations in the modern era have been able to come close to. Many of the member species of the Federation native to the Sargassi Star Cluster are creations of this and thus have incredible physical and psionic capabilities.

Two years ago, Xeno Archaeologists working with the Kelraaza remnant inside the Federation discovered this sight deep within Covenant Space. Unfortunately, we were not able to retrieve it due to being within a hostile nation and asking for permission to the site would tip the Covvies off and risk them taking the site for themselves. Now, intel suggests that the Covenant Inquisition has discovered the site and are preparing to move in. Our mission is to secure the site, retrieve any data we find, and scuttle anything we can't take back with us before the Covenant get there." Turing looked directly at Maxson.

"Kelraaza technology has launched Federation technology decades ahead and future discoveries promise launching us possibly centuries. If the Covenant get there before we do, and they find something significant, it can be disastrous for both the Alliance and the Federation. Especially if this site holds one of the missing Kelraaza Dreadnoughts."

[The Greater Gambia]

The Militiamen were surprised by the Faang's reaction, not to mention that the thing had managed to stand even after its legs were broken. Kiiva refocused.

"You have a lot of questions to answer. Tie him up, I want two people watching him at all times." The Militiamen tied the Faang's hands behind his back, aiming their guns at him as it was escorted back inside the shelter. As they walked back inside the shelter, Kiiva began to feel light headed and collapsed. Khaled came rushing to her aid, lifting her back up.

"Kiiva, are you okay!?" Khaled said. Kiiva just chuckled, her nose was beginning to bleed.

"Yeah, I just overextended myself."

"These people owe you a great debt. You've done enough today, we'll take over from here." Khaled and Kiiva were the last ones to enter. After they passed, the large doors of the Shelter began to close, not opening for anything until the coast was clear.

Nazimabad Outskirts

Temir sped out of the city on a speeder, rushing quickly to Kiiva's shelter. By the time the planet's capital Nazimabad had been secured, a brief window of communications opened, with the last thing Temir hearing was how Shelter 4 was about to fall, leaving his wife and child at the mercy of the slavers. Despite the pleas of his fellow Militiamen, Temir left, hoping to save his family.

As Temir sped through the countryside, a blast of plasma exploded right in front of his speeder, sending him flying. As he hit the ground, he began to fall unconscious. The last thing he saw were figures surrounding him, like vultures to carrion.


Warlord Ogedi's Warband


"Honorable Warlord, we're detecting a distress signal. It's an SOS. Adjusting course for scout fighters-"

"No." Ogedi said coldly.

"But Honorable Warlord, it's a distress signal. If we do not respond, we will be held responsible for whatever happens." The Maug-Lai crewman said.

"Do you no think it's odd that there is a loudly heard distress signal, yet no word from the planet's population? Something is amiss here. In the case that this isn't a trick. Order Chieftress Garanaa's Frigate to investigate. I want the rest of the fleet to approach the planet. Let us discover the truth." The fleet went to their respective destinations, one frigate answering the distress signal while the other 14 ships went to Damascus II. As the main group approached the planet, their questions were soon answered.

"Honorable warlord, you should see this." A large holoprojection of the planet appeared on the bridge. A large cluster of debris orbited around it, along with four unknown vessels.

"Sir, it seems the source of the communications jamming is coming from the unidentified ships." Ogedi smiled deviously. It had been too long since he had tasted battle.

"Well, it seems that the evidence is damning these unidentified devils. All ships, standard battle plan. All frigates focus on the smaller ships, while our battle cruisers focus on the larger target. Mecha Suits will stay behind, acting as defense against fighters and boarding craft. Bomber squadrons and fighters will create an opening for our own boarding parties!"

The Maug-Lai fleet followed their orders to the letter. The two Battlecruisers opened fire on the slaver dreadnought, hitting the engines to keep them from escaping and reducing their mobility. The remaining 12 Maug-Lai Frigates fired on the Slaver Battlecruisers, firing their Plasma Beam Cannons to drain their shields. To counter the inevitable counter attack from the slaver fighters, Maug-Lai Mecha suits and interceptor Tokad-Interceptors were dispatched to protect the main ships. Meanwhile, Bombers and fighters bombarded the hangar of the Dreadnought, trying to create an opening for the drop ships to bring in a boarding party.

Damascus II - Shelter 4
Damascus System
Federation Fringe-Space

As the Faang was escorted to a makeshift cell and tied up, he seemed to relax slightly. Once he relaxed, the Faang stared at his captors. The Faang seemed almost disinterested. He then began to chuckle slightly, as if he found something humorous. The Faang addressed no one in particular as he began to speak once again, seemingly amused by the tone to his voice.

"I may be broken, but we have captured new sssssssssslavesssssssss. Too bad we didn't catch you, missssssss Kiiva. You would've sssssold for a lot in the Imperial Sssslave Market. Tell me, do you own any ssssssslavesssss?", the Faang said simply. It was somewhat easy to get his message: this wasn't some pirate group or random raid; it was a planned attack. One with the intent of capturing legal slaves for his empire of origin. Not only that, but based on the phrasing of it, it sounded like all forms of slavery were not only legal, but encouraged by the government.

---

Damascus II - Nazimabad
Damascus System
Federation Fringe-Space

The slavers were patrolling near Nazimabad. The resistance near there had put up quite the fight. A speeder was detected by one of the gunships patrolling the area, and it was fired upon. When the speeder was blown out and its rider knocked off, the gunship proceeded to land nearby. A squad of Crosin jumped out, proceeding to grab the still-living person. The Crosin brought him back to the gunship as he went unconscious, throwing him in a Slave Container, with a few others who were trapped. The cell was then locked and covered by a hardlight shield.

---

The Emperor's Reign - Dreadnought, Tsveri 201^st Slaver-Patrol Fleet
Damascus System
Federation Fringe-Space

Teuris was not pleased. On one hand, the alien fleet had managed to not fall for his trap. On the other, one of their ships did. The enemy fleet seemed to be preparing for battle. Teuris ordered the Battlecruisers up to defend the fleet. The several Battlecruisers, this time in somewhat larger number than the small force which dispatched the planet's defending fleet, began to head enter defensive positions around the fleet as slave collection continued. Fighters swarmed out of the Battlecruisers to engage any enemy fighters and mech suits in space; they seemed very well shielded. The Battlecruisers began firing their hypercannons, which seemed to play hell with shielding and do much worse against armor hulls. This attack began without warning, as well.

As for the frigate which went to investigate, when it got to the position of the distress signal, all they'd find is an oddly large orb; about the size of an asteroid. It suddenly began to glow brightly, before releasing a large EMP that seemed to take out the systems of the frigate. Once this occurred, the asteroid shifted slightly and launched several boarding craft to the frigate - Exterminator-type Unit Squads, entirely made of Crosin with one objective. Slaughter everyone on board the frigate, and capture the command crew. The boarding craft would slam into the frigate in various places, drilling and crushing into the hulls, breaching their way into various places. The Exterminators would board the craft and begin killing anyone unfortunate enough to be near where they breached.

Damascus System
Damascus II orbit
Warlord Ogedi's Warband, Battle Cruiser "Dreadwing's Bane"



As his Battle Cruiser rumbled from taking a hit from one of the hypercannons, Ogedi only laughed in excitement, much to the confusion of his somewhat young and inexperienced crew.

"Now this is a battle! This takes me back to my days of serving with the United Armada in Aicury! Let's pay them back. Fire our Ventral beam!" The Battle cruiser targeted a nearby ship, another Battle Cruiser who bombers and frigates had done substantial damage to. A ray of plasma energy left Ogedi's Battle Cruiser, colliding with the doomed slaver ship, splitting it in half. As soon as the ship went down, one of Ogedi's Frigates went down as well. It was not looking good. The Slavers would surely find victory here, but not without being well bloodied.

Or so it was thought, until Ogedi's crew detected another fleet entering the system.

"More prey?" Ogedi asked, giddy at the thought of more worthy foes. Sadly, the Sensors analyst crushed his dreams.

"No, Honorable Warlord. These ships are allies. Federation Navy. They're from the Azure Fleet." Ogedi's eyes widened at the information.

"The Azure Fleet? Are you sure?"


Damascus System
Azure Fleet Detachment
Sargassi-Class Capital Ship "Herosian Dream"


The systems within the Federation act as a web of constanst communication, with AI's and organic teams organizing space lanes for Freighters going in and out of the territory, Piracy warnings, Patrol deployments, and a whole myriad of other things that keeps the Federation flowing smoothly. When one of those links in the web is severed suddenly, it ripples through the rest of the web, either disrupting it, or tipping off the other links that something is coming.

It is for this reason that hours after communication was lost between the Damascus System and the rest of Federation, a contingent from the infamousAzure Fleet was dispatched to the system to investigate. Celebrated by their comrades and allies, and feared by the enemies of the Federation, the Azure Fleet is the Federation's most advanced Fleet, save for the Kelraaza Fleet. The Fleet is outfitted with the most advanced technology the Federation has to offer, serving as a field testing fleet of prototype weaponry and designs before they are fitted across the military.

The Detachment was the size of the typical Federation Patrol found around the Ostian High Breed containment area. The Patrol was lead by a single Sargassi-Class Capital Ship, along with a collection of four Cruisersand 3 Frigates docked within it. around it, serving as it's protection, were two Traxus-Class Dreadnoughts, followed closely by a single Matchakia-Class Carrier, loaded with dozens of squadrons of Battle Suits and standard spacecrafts.

The Fleet came out of FTL over Damascus II as the battle raged in the distance within sight. Immediately, the smaller ships began to form a protective wedge in front of the "Herosian Dream".

"Admiral, Cruiser 04 has undocked and is joining the line, all ships are now free from the hangar." spoke the Shanji ship Coordinator. Admiral Bolamee, a Dalga, looked out towards the battle ahead.

"Any success in hailing the Maug-Lai Warlord?" She asked.

"So success Madame, the unidentified fleet is jamming all signals coming in and out of the system." Said the Tagali Sensors Analyst.

"Engage the unidentified fleet. Launch a barrage of Zentradi Missiles once in range." The fleet sped forward to engage the Slavers and aid their Maug-Lai comrades. Once within the mininum effective distance, the "Herosian Dream" launched a barrage of antimatter projectiles, homing in on the Dreadnought and many of the Battle Cruisers. The "Zentradi Missiles" were a new weapon in the Federations arsenal, based off of the Kelraaza Dreadnought's own "Swarm Cannon", renowned for its devastating use credited with turning the tide during the Battle of Ostia. While not capable of taking down thousands of ships at once like the swarm cannon, each projectile was equivalent to a standard Federation MAC shot, which was hell on unshielded armor.

Over a hundred projectiles were launched at the Slaver fleet. While the barrage had managed to weaken some of the shielding of some of the ships and dealt substantial damage to the Battle Cruisers, whose shielding had been dwindled away by the Maug-Lai fleet, it failed to do much against the Dreadnought.

"Order a Frigate run on the Dreadnought.The rest of the fleet is to assist the Maug-Lai in dealing with those Battle Cruisers." The Capital Ship and the Frigates broke off from the rest of the fleet, whom went to aid the Maug-Lai. The Carrier launched squadrons of Strike Suits, still in fighter mode, to deal with the Slaver fighters. They made great use of their own downscaled Zentradi Missiles. While the Strike Suits missiles weren't able to inflict as much damage as their larger cousins aboard Capital Ships, they were much more effective against smaller crafts like fighters and dropships, being able to take out multiple targets at once.

Meanwhile the heavily armored Dreadnoughts began firing on the Battle Cruisers, drawing their fire. While armed with heavy MAC guns and beam cannons, the goal of a Federation Dreadnought wasn't to destroy enemies with overwhelming firepower, but the deal enough to gain their attention, drawing them away from smaller, more lightly armored targets. This seemed to be working, as the now un-supressed Maug-Lai Frigates were now able to turn the tide, firing their own beam cannons.

As for the Capital Ship and the Frigates, they took on the Dreadnought. The Capital Ship fired an EMP round from its main cannon before switching back to standard rounds, disabling the shields of the behemoth. Using the speed advantage of Tagali designs, the Frigates partook in a quasi strafing run, beginning with firing with their main MAC guns before switching to missiles to deal with point defense systems. The aim of the MAC rounds wasn't to destroy the ship, but to soften areas of it for what was to come next.

As the Frigates flew over the inflicted areas, they launched four boarding pods that landed on the hull of the ship. Two of the pods were filled with Federation Marines, 24 each. One of the marine pods was equipped with a demolitions team, whose job it was to destroy the critical areas of the ship from the inside while the other pod was tasked with securing the bridge of the ship. the next pod was filled 20 Valonian Battle Droids, standing at 13 feet each. Their job was to aid the next pod in drawing attention away from the Marines. Finally, the next pod was filled to the brim with Yongmee Skirmishers, tasked with aiding the Battle Droids. They would accomplish their task by climbing into vents and pipes across the ship, ambushing defenders.

The pods landed on the hull of the ship on the areas bombarded by the Frigates MAC guns. The Pods began to cut their way through the hulls of the ship, allowing boarding parties inside. The Marines hit the ground running, firing and eliminating Faang and crosin defenders alike. Those that were psionically inclined began to use their powers to take of the minds of some of the Faang defenders, turning them onto their former comrades. Others just used the environment to their benefit, using their telekinesis on crates and other large objects and crushing the defenders. Those without the gift weren't helpless either. They began to make walls of hard light shields in the narrow hallways, deflecting fire while their comrades behind them returned fire with their plasma rifles.

Elsewhere on the ship, the Battle Droids stepped rumbled throughout the ship, pushing back the defenders with overwhelming firepower and stepping on a few. While slow, their heavy armor protected them as they lumbered through the ship. Meanwhile, the Yongmee flew out across the ship, causing havoc to any of the crew they came across. Some of them had even managed to get into the Life Support systems and began to mess with them, eventually managing to cut off oxygen and power to parts of the ship, suffocating the Faang inhabitants of those areas.

[The V O I D]

Damascus II - Shelter 4
Damascus System
Federation Fringe-Space

As the Faang was escorted to a makeshift cell and tied up, he seemed to relax slightly. Once he relaxed, the Faang stared at his captors. The Faang seemed almost disinterested. He then began to chuckle slightly, as if he found something humorous. The Faang addressed no one in particular as he began to speak once again, seemingly amused by the tone to his voice.

"I may be broken, but we have captured new sssssssssslavesssssssss. Too bad we didn't catch you, missssssss Kiiva. You would've sssssold for a lot in the Imperial Sssslave Market. Tell me, do you own any ssssssslavesssss?", the Faang said simply. It was somewhat easy to get his message: this wasn't some pirate group or random raid; it was a planned attack. One with the intent of capturing legal slaves for his empire of origin. Not only that, but based on the phrasing of it, it sounded like all forms of slavery were not only legal, but encouraged by the government.

---

Damascus II - Nazimabad
Damascus System
Federation Fringe-Space

The slavers were patrolling near Nazimabad. The resistance near there had put up quite the fight. A speeder was detected by one of the gunships patrolling the area, and it was fired upon. When the speeder was blown out and its rider knocked off, the gunship proceeded to land nearby. A squad of Crosin jumped out, proceeding to grab the still-living person. The Crosin brought him back to the gunship as he went unconscious, throwing him in a Slave Container, with a few others who were trapped. The cell was then locked and covered by a hardlight shield.

---

The Emperor's Reign - Dreadnought, Tsveri 201^st Slaver-Patrol Fleet
Damascus System
Federation Fringe-Space

Teuris was not pleased. On one hand, the alien fleet had managed to not fall for his trap. On the other, one of their ships did. The enemy fleet seemed to be preparing for battle. Teuris ordered the Battlecruisers up to defend the fleet. The several Battlecruisers, this time in somewhat larger number than the small force which dispatched the planet's defending fleet, began to head enter defensive positions around the fleet as slave collection continued. Fighters swarmed out of the Battlecruisers to engage any enemy fighters and mech suits in space; they seemed very well shielded. The Battlecruisers began firing their hypercannons, which seemed to play hell with shielding and do much worse against armor hulls. This attack began without warning, as well.

As for the frigate which went to investigate, when it got to the position of the distress signal, all they'd find is an oddly large orb; about the size of an asteroid. It suddenly began to glow brightly, before releasing a large EMP that seemed to take out the systems of the frigate. Once this occurred, the asteroid shifted slightly and launched several boarding craft to the frigate - Exterminator-type Unit Squads, entirely made of Crosin with one objective. Slaughter everyone on board the frigate, and capture the command crew. The boarding craft would slam into the frigate in various places, drilling and crushing into the hulls, breaching their way into various places. The Exterminators would board the craft and begin killing anyone unfortunate enough to be near where they breached.

Damascus System
Damascus II orbit
Warlord Ogedi's Warband, Battle Cruiser "Dreadwing's Bane"



As his Battle Cruiser rumbled from taking a hit from one of the hypercannons, Ogedi only laughed in excitement, much to the confusion of his somewhat young and inexperienced crew.

"Now this is a battle! This takes me back to my days of serving with the United Armada in Aicury! Let's pay them back. Fire our Ventral beam!" The Battle cruiser targeted a nearby ship, another Battle Cruiser who bombers and frigates had done substantial damage to. A ray of plasma energy left Ogedi's Battle Cruiser, colliding with the doomed slaver ship, splitting it in half. As soon as the ship went down, one of Ogedi's Frigates went down as well. It was not looking good. The Slavers would surely find victory here, but not without being well bloodied.

Or so it was thought, until Ogedi's crew detected another fleet entering the system.

"More prey?" Ogedi asked, giddy at the thought of more worthy foes. Sadly, the Sensors analyst crushed his dreams.

"No, Honorable Warlord. These ships are allies. Federation Navy. They're from the Azure Fleet." Ogedi's eyes widened at the information.

"The Azure Fleet? Are you sure?"


Damascus System
Azure Fleet Detachment
Sargassi-Class Capital Ship "Herosian Dream"


The systems within the Federation act as a web of constanst communication, with AI's and organic teams organizing space lanes for Freighters going in and out of the territory, Piracy warnings, Patrol deployments, and a whole myriad of other things that keeps the Federation flowing smoothly. When one of those links in the web is severed suddenly, it ripples through the rest of the web, either disrupting it, or tipping off the other links that something is coming.

It is for this reason that hours after communication was lost between the Damascus System and the rest of Federation, a contingent from the infamousAzure Fleet was dispatched to the system to investigate. Celebrated by their comrades and allies, and feared by the enemies of the Federation, the Azure Fleet is the Federation's most advanced Fleet, save for the Kelraaza Fleet. The Fleet is outfitted with the most advanced technology the Federation has to offer, serving as a field testing fleet of prototype weaponry and designs before they are fitted across the military.

The Detachment was the size of the typical Federation Patrol found around the Ostian High Breed containment area. The Patrol was lead by a single Sargassi-Class Capital Ship, along with a collection of four Cruisersand 3 Frigates docked within it. around it, serving as it's protection, were two Traxus-Class Dreadnoughts, followed closely by a single Matchakia-Class Carrier, loaded with dozens of squadrons of Battle Suits and standard spacecrafts.

The Fleet came out of FTL over Damascus II as the battle raged in the distance within sight. Immediately, the smaller ships began to form a protective wedge in front of the "Herosian Dream".

"Admiral, Cruiser 04 has undocked and is joining the line, all ships are now free from the hangar." spoke the Shanji ship Coordinator. Admiral Bolamee, a Dalga, looked out towards the battle ahead.

"Any success in hailing the Maug-Lai Warlord?" She asked.

"So success Madame, the unidentified fleet is jamming all signals coming in and out of the system." Said the Tagali Sensors Analyst.

"Engage the unidentified fleet. Launch a barrage of Zentradi Missiles once in range." The fleet sped forward to engage the Slavers and aid their Maug-Lai comrades. Once within the mininum effective distance, the "Herosian Dream" launched a barrage of antimatter projectiles, homing in on the Dreadnought and many of the Battle Cruisers. The "Zentradi Missiles" were a new weapon in the Federations arsenal, based off of the Kelraaza Dreadnought's own "Swarm Cannon", renowned for its devastating use credited with turning the tide during the Battle of Ostia. While not capable of taking down thousands of ships at once like the swarm cannon, each projectile was equivalent to a standard Federation MAC shot, which was hell on unshielded armor.

Over a hundred projectiles were launched at the Slaver fleet. While the barrage had managed to weaken some of the shielding of some of the ships and dealt substantial damage to the Battle Cruisers, whose shielding had been dwindled away by the Maug-Lai fleet, it failed to do much against the Dreadnought.

"Order a Frigate run on the Dreadnought.The rest of the fleet is to assist the Maug-Lai in dealing with those Battle Cruisers." The Capital Ship and the Frigates broke off from the rest of the fleet, whom went to aid the Maug-Lai. The Carrier launched squadrons of Strike Suits, still in fighter mode, to deal with the Slaver fighters. They made great use of their own downscaled Zentradi Missiles. While the Strike Suits missiles weren't able to inflict as much damage as their larger cousins aboard Capital Ships, they were much more effective against smaller crafts like fighters and dropships, being able to take out multiple targets at once.

Meanwhile the heavily armored Dreadnoughts began firing on the Battle Cruisers, drawing their fire. While armed with heavy MAC guns and beam cannons, the goal of a Federation Dreadnought wasn't to destroy enemies with overwhelming firepower, but the deal enough to gain their attention, drawing them away from smaller, more lightly armored targets. This seemed to be working, as the now un-supressed Maug-Lai Frigates were now able to turn the tide, firing their own beam cannons.

As for the Capital Ship and the Frigates, they took on the Dreadnought. The Capital Ship fired an EMP round from its main cannon before switching back to standard rounds, disabling the shields of the behemoth. Using the speed advantage of Tagali designs, the Frigates partook in a quasi strafing run, beginning with firing with their main MAC guns before switching to missiles to deal with point defense systems. The aim of the MAC rounds wasn't to destroy the ship, but to soften areas of it for what was to come next.

As the Frigates flew over the inflicted areas, they launched four boarding pods that landed on the hull of the ship. Two of the pods were filled with Federation Marines, 24 each. One of the marine pods was equipped with a demolitions team, whose job it was to destroy the critical areas of the ship from the inside while the other pod was tasked with securing the bridge of the ship. the next pod was filled 20 Valonian Battle Droids, standing at 13 feet each. Their job was to aid the next pod in drawing attention away from the Marines. Finally, the next pod was filled to the brim with Yongmee Skirmishers, tasked with aiding the Battle Droids. They would accomplish their task by climbing into vents and pipes across the ship, ambushing defenders.

The pods landed on the hull of the ship on the areas bombarded by the Frigates MAC guns. The Pods began to cut their way through the hulls of the ship, allowing boarding parties inside. The Marines hit the ground running, firing and eliminating Faang and crosin defenders alike. Those that were psionically inclined began to use their powers to take of the minds of some of the Faang defenders, turning them onto their former comrades. Others just used the environment to their benefit, using their telekinesis on crates and other large objects and crushing the defenders. Those without the gift weren't helpless either. They began to make walls of hard light shields in the narrow hallways, deflecting fire while their comrades behind them returned fire with their plasma rifles.

Elsewhere on the ship, the Battle Droids stepped rumbled throughout the ship, pushing back the defenders with overwhelming firepower and stepping on a few. While slow, their heavy armor protected them as they lumbered through the ship. Meanwhile, the Yongmee flew out across the ship, causing havoc to any of the crew they came across. Some of them had even managed to get into the Life Support systems and began to mess with them, eventually managing to cut off oxygen and power to parts of the ship, suffocating the Faang inhabitants of those areas.

The Emperor's Reign - Dreadnought, Tsveri 201^st Slaver-Patrol Fleet
Damascus System
Federation Fringe-Space

As the Slaver fleet was being attacked by now two fleets, Teuris was beginning to realize it wasn't worth staying for much longer. His dreadnought was being boarded; other ships weren't. He sent out orders. The Slaver fleet collected their gunships, and took off away from the planet, retreating. The Slaver fleet had captured Temir, as he was now on one of those cruisers. They all jumped to FTL, escaping their doom; at least, the ones which were not already destroyed or too heavily damaged. Teuris detected the life support shut off, watching as his Faang subordinate suffocated.

Teuris growled slightly at that. Damn them. Damn them all! It wouldn't matter; the Empire had collected a significant amount of slaves, and the Reign was a warship-type dreadnought; it had no slaves on board. Well, captured slaves from Damascus, that is. Teuris walked up to the comms panel of the Reign, as the ship continued receiving heavy fire and as his men were being slaughtered. He activated internal and external comms - allowing everyone inside his ship and throughout the system to hear his voice.

"Attention. I am Lead Commander L5 Assault Command Unit 002950293, designation 'Knight of Teuris', sub-designation 'Teuris.' I surrender this ship, designation the Emperor's Reign, to you xenos. I will be your prisoner. All Crosin Units: initiate protocol Vierlos.", Teuris' voice echoed out. Suddenly, any Crosin Units left behind or in the system dropped, apparently their minds wiping themselves; their bodies then began to deconstruct themselves by releasing nanites which destroyed and ate them. Teuris was the only one who didn't go through this process. And the Faang were all dead or gone, escaped from the system... as far as Teuris knew, that is. The Crosin Units' nanites then self-destructed, looking like sparks on the ground fizzling where once stood a machine soldier. Teuris then waited to be captured, sitting in his dead-bridge alone.

[The Greater Gambia]

Kalam, Kalam System, Federation Space

Gavid Ni'am, dressed in his formal black suit, sat across the table from Lord of Intelligence Yamin inside of the Loyalist Palace.

Gavid had fled to this planet when he was just 11 years old, after the Ni'am family and their Loyalist supporters were forced to flee the Covenant after the Reformers seized control of the government and installed their military dictatorship. Despite being very young at the time, Gavid could remember the death and destruction of the Highbreed War and the ensuing Covenant Civil War. Gavid's grandfather, former Overlord Sian Ni'am, had been forced to abdicate, and was subsequently executed by the Reformers. Many members of the of the Ni'am family were hunted down and executed by the Inquisition, but he was one of the few that was able to escape to the Tagali Federation. Gavid's father, Juno Ni'am, went back into Covenant space in an attempt to help more people escape, but was unfortunately caught and captured by Inquisitors. Gavid's worse memory was hearing the news of his father's execution, which devastated him and fueled his hatred of the Reformers. Gavid's mother, Kilia Ni'am would have technically been next in line to the throne, but decided to let her son become the next Overlord of the Covenant once the Reformers had been deposed, as she had no desire to enter politics and just wanted to live a quiet life.

Gavid was now just 21 years old, and had been stuck on Kalam for 10 years. Kalam was a very primitive world by Covenant standards, as the native people (the Kalami) had not even developed FTL technology yet. The Loyalists initially had a culture shock upon arriving on the world, as they were not used to such primitive technology. The Loyalists were also baffled at how some parts of Federation space were completely backwards and primitive while other parts were fully modernized, whereas all of Covenant space was modernized. The Loyalists didn't complain though, as they were thankful to escape the wrath of the Reformers, and they quickly adapted to the rugged, frontier life.

Gavid waited until Yamin finished speaking to reply. "Zena's reign of terror won't last much longer," Gavid replied. "If there is anything Cho'Dosan's despise the most, it is a tyrant. Zena has alienated herself from even the other Reformers, as even they aren't as extreme as she is. I suspect they will defect to our side."

Gavid would shift in his seat. "As for the war with Solis...I do hope they can hold out against the Covenant onslaught. The situation honestly looks bleak for them now, but if they can win at Sol, they can win the war. Nevertheless, the Covenant has a vast amount of manpower at their disposal. As an old saying in the Covenant goes, 'we are legion'. Their are trillions of Cho'Dosans, enough to defeat the Alliance through shear attrition if nothing else."

"I guess your right." Yamin said. "The Alliance has surpassed all expectations by holding the line this long. Original FIS estimates predicted Sol to fall within the first days of opening conflict. The Terrans seemed to be doing the impossible. Still, with their recent collaboration with Atlas, I have worries about an Alliance Victory." Yamin took a sip of his tea. It was Santaran Arctic moss Tea, imported from the farthest out planet in the Todval system, the home of the Tagali. It tasted bitter, yet had a sour taste, perfect for Tagali taste buds.

"Have your advisors told you about Operation: Shakti par Lauten? If not that's fine. It's not exactly public knowledge, Class-01 Classification to be precise, the second highest Classification level in the Federation."


Sol System
Oort Cloud
TFRV-"Ora" Reconnaissance Vessel "Nali-1"



The Crew members had watched anxiously as the battle raged across the system. They were by no means rookies, they had served from the Khyrsian territories to deep within Covenant territory. They had seen their fair share of combat, but this... This was hell, and shortly, they would be adding to it. As the Covenant forces massed above the planet, the Commander held his finger over the detonation button, waiting for Command to issue the order. Command had been relatively silent the last few days. While their communications were an iron fortress of encryption, why take the risk on needless talk.

Suddenly, the voice that would bring death to billions came through the comms. This was it.....Or so the Commander thought.

"Command to Nali-01, Withdraw from Operation Majora. I repeat, Withdraw from Operation Majora." This caused confusion amongst the Nali-01 crew.

"Nali-01 to Command, what is the meaning for the change of plans?"

"Higher ups have reevaluated the Operation. They have deemed it too High Risk. The plan is being redrawn as apart of the Alliance Contingency plan."

"They sure couldn't have decided that any sooner." One of the other crew members with sarcasm and anger in his voice.

"You have your orders Nali-01. Command out." While the crew was angry about the risk they had taken undertaking such a mission, a wave of relief blew over the Recon ship. Billions of lives would not be extinguished today by their hands. With haste, Nali-01 quietly left the system without a trace, avoiding the scans of the preoccupied Covenant and the Terrans. They now departed for their rendezvous spot in a nearby system, where an FIS Corvette would pick them up and bring them back to friendly shores.


Trekuz System-Inner Systems of the Federation
Trekuz Asteroid Belt
FIS Detention Facility Zanrath


Three weeks had passed since what had been dubbed by the Federation and foreign media as the "Damascus Incident". Over a quarter of the population had been taken, along with many dead and injured. Many were looking for answers, others were looking for war. The past month had been a nightmare for the diverse group of men and women of the FIS. The Covenant-Alliance War and the sudden transition of Operation Majora into the Contingency Plan: Solis Alliance, the Federation's allies, the ISC being attacked by a threat thought long ago handled by the UTT, and now slavers from beyond the known galaxy raiding a Federation world, trampling all over Federation Sovereignty for "merchandise". Some of the former Confederate species thought it ironic that the Federation had called foul on the situation, comparing it to first contact between the two nations that set the tone for relations for the next decade and a half.

With the disappearance of her Husband, Temir, Kiiva rejoined the FIS to find his whereabouts. In addition, Khaled Al-Fulani, one of the Militia men that fought on Damascus II, was also instated into the FIS under the recommendation of Kiiva after his actions during the incident. He had lost his family during the Tsveri raid on the planet, and he was more than motivated to get them back.

Teuris was being held in an interrogation room in the Trekuz System, a FIS controlled system inaccessible to anyone outside of the Intelligence agency. After weeks of prodding, Teuris refused to talk to anyone. The FIS was about to resort to more drastic measures but was going to try one more time with peaceful measures.

Kiiva walked into the cell escorted by a FIS Operative in full armor, brandishing a standard Federation Pistol. Kiiva sat in the chair across from Teuris, ready to get the interrogation over with.

"You have been very difficult, Teuris. Your nation took a lot of people caused a lot of grief. The Higher Ups have been tossing around the idea of "enhanced intelligence gathering". There has been talk of dismantling you, erasing everything you are, only retrieving the information you have and discarding the rest as scrap, but for all we know, you could take some crucial information with you. The idea has come up to bring in a Spindlean technopath to get in that head of yours, but they have some outstanding problems of their own to deal with right now. We could also resort to "human methods, that race can come up with ways to make things suffer that were previously thought impossible within a week. But, calmer heads have prevailed and we will try this in a way that will benefit everyone. Tell us everything you know, and you'll be allowed your freedom, under careful supervision, of course.

You'll be placed in the Paris System. It's inhabited by Synthetics just like you, though they strive to act more organic than they actually are. All you have to do is give us information on the Tsveri Empire."

[The V O I D]

Trekuz System-Inner Systems of the Federation
Trekuz Asteroid Belt
FIS Detention Facility Zanrath

Three weeks had passed since what had been dubbed by the Federation and foreign media as the "Damascus Incident". Over a quarter of the population had been taken, along with many dead and injured. Many were looking for answers, others were looking for war. The past month had been a nightmare for the diverse group of men and women of the FIS. The Covenant-Alliance War and the sudden transition of Operation Majora into the Contingency Plan: Solis Alliance, the Federation's allies, the ISC being attacked by a threat thought long ago handled by the UTT, and now slavers from beyond the known galaxy raiding a Federation world, trampling all over Federation Sovereignty for "merchandise". Some of the former Confederate species thought it ironic that the Federation had called foul on the situation, comparing it to first contact between the two nations that set the tone for relations for the next decade and a half.

With the disappearance of her Husband, Temir, Kiiva rejoined the FIS to find his whereabouts. In addition, Khaled Al-Fulani, one of the Militia men that fought on Damascus II, was also instated into the FIS under the recommendation of Kiiva after his actions during the incident. He had lost his family during the Tsveri raid on the planet, and he was more than motivated to get them back.

Teuris was being held in an interrogation room in the Trekuz System, a FIS controlled system inaccessible to anyone outside of the Intelligence agency. After weeks of prodding, Teuris refused to talk to anyone. The FIS was about to resort to more drastic measures but was going to try one more time with peaceful measures.

Kiiva walked into the cell escorted by a FIS Operative in full armor, brandishing a standard Federation Pistol. Kiiva sat in the chair across from Teuris, ready to get the interrogation over with.

"You have been very difficult, Teuris. Your nation took a lot of people caused a lot of grief. The Higher Ups have been tossing around the idea of "enhanced intelligence gathering". There has been talk of dismantling you, erasing everything you are, only retrieving the information you have and discarding the rest as scrap, but for all we know, you could take some crucial information with you. The idea has come up to bring in a Spindlean technopath to get in that head of yours, but they have some outstanding problems of their own to deal with right now. We could also resort to "human methods, that race can come up with ways to make things suffer that were previously thought impossible within a week. But, calmer heads have prevailed and we will try this in a way that will benefit everyone. Tell us everything you know, and you'll be allowed your freedom, under careful supervision, of course.

You'll be placed in the Paris System. It's inhabited by Synthetics just like you, though they strive to act more organic than they actually are. All you have to do is give us information on the Tsveri Empire."

Trekuz System - Inner Systems of the Federation
Trekuz Asteroid Belt
FIS Detention Facility Zanrath

Teuris was sitting in the interrogation room silently, going over his memory on the Damascus Raid. It was to be considered a success. By now, the Slaver Fleet was either at the FOB or it was back in Imperial territory. So, when Kiiva walked in and spoke, his form shifted slightly, adjusting his facial flaps about his head. Teuris looked at her for a long moment. Teuris spoke after a long silence, answering her.

"By now, the Fleet's back in Imperial territory. I had a quick look at the Slave Manifest before they left. A quick look at names we retrieved from the slaves as they were told to give them to us, or based on our silent listening in on any radio frequencies that managed not to be jammed. Commander Temir, who led the resistance forces, was on that manifest. Is that why you wish to find out information on the Empire?", Teuris said simply, almost monotonously. Teuris seemed to be psychoanalyzing her. He seemed like he was going to give the information, but wanted to make it feel like a conversation rather than an interrogation. He was also trying to throw her off balance based on what he said. The Fleet could be back in Imperial space, already... and if he told the truth, that meant Temir was already on his way to be sold into slavery of some kind.

[The Greater Gambia]

Trekuz System - Inner Systems of the Federation
Trekuz Asteroid Belt
FIS Detention Facility Zanrath

Teuris was sitting in the interrogation room silently, going over his memory on the Damascus Raid. It was to be considered a success. By now, the Slaver Fleet was either at the FOB or it was back in Imperial territory. So, when Kiiva walked in and spoke, his form shifted slightly, adjusting his facial flaps about his head. Teuris looked at her for a long moment. Teuris spoke after a long silence, answering her.

"By now, the Fleet's back in Imperial territory. I had a quick look at the Slave Manifest before they left. A quick look at names we retrieved from the slaves as they were told to give them to us, or based on our silent listening in on any radio frequencies that managed not to be jammed. Commander Temir, who led the resistance forces, was on that manifest. Is that why you wish to find out information on the Empire?", Teuris said simply, almost monotonously. Teuris seemed to be psychoanalyzing her. He seemed like he was going to give the information, but wanted to make it feel like a conversation rather than an interrogation. He was also trying to throw her off balance based on what he said. The Fleet could be back in Imperial space, already... and if he told the truth, that meant Temir was already on his way to be sold into slavery of some kind.

Kiiva flinched at the mention of Temir. She knew what she was doing. He was trying to get information out of her just as she was trying to get information out of him. She tried to not let him get in her head.

"Yes, along with the other other Federation citizens you made off with. The Federation will not sit idly by and let your Empire do as it pleases within our space. We will get them back, either through the channels of diplomacy, or through the detonation of Dark Matter bombs. Attacking a civilian population center counts as an act of war to the Federation." Kiiva calmed herself.

"But you can stop that by telling us everything you know and there is a possibility we get our people back and we move on from this situation."

[The V O I D]

Trekuz System - Inner Systems of the Federation
Trekuz Asteroid Belt
FIS Detention Facility Zanrath

Teuris was sitting in the interrogation room silently, going over his memory on the Damascus Raid. It was to be considered a success. By now, the Slaver Fleet was either at the FOB or it was back in Imperial territory. So, when Kiiva walked in and spoke, his form shifted slightly, adjusting his facial flaps about his head. Teuris looked at her for a long moment. Teuris spoke after a long silence, answering her.

"By now, the Fleet's back in Imperial territory. I had a quick look at the Slave Manifest before they left. A quick look at names we retrieved from the slaves as they were told to give them to us, or based on our silent listening in on any radio frequencies that managed not to be jammed. Commander Temir, who led the resistance forces, was on that manifest. Is that why you wish to find out information on the Empire?", Teuris said simply, almost monotonously. Teuris seemed to be psychoanalyzing her. He seemed like he was going to give the information, but wanted to make it feel like a conversation rather than an interrogation. He was also trying to throw her off balance based on what he said. The Fleet could be back in Imperial space, already... and if he told the truth, that meant Temir was already on his way to be sold into slavery of some kind.

Kiiva flinched at the mention of Temir. She knew what she was doing. He was trying to get information out of her just as she was trying to get information out of him. She tried to not let him get in her head.

"Yes, along with the other other Federation citizens you made off with. The Federation will not sit idly by and let your Empire do as it pleases within our space. We will get them back, either through the channels of diplomacy, or through the detonation of Dark Matter bombs. Attacking a civilian population center counts as an act of war to the Federation." Kiiva calmed herself.

"But you can stop that by telling us everything you know and there is a possibility we get our people back and we move on from this situation."

Trekuz System - Inner Systems of the Federation
Trekuz Asteroid Belt
FIS Detention Facility Zanrath

Teuris began to think this over. This information presented a problem; they were willing to go to war to take back the slaves. The Empire wouldn't let them win, so there would be two possibilities; extinction of the Tsveri, Crosin, the Faang uprising that was feared occurs, and the other two races simply sit back and let it occur... or the Empire conquers this Federation. Teuris wasn't one to take risks; he couldn't risk the Empire's fall. He would be seen as a traitor if that happened. Teuris spoke after making his decision.

"The Tsveri are a proud people. They are almost kratocratic - might makes right. They won't end slavery, ever. Nor will they return slaves at the whim of 'diplomacy.' They believe themselves so superior to xeno-kind that we Crosin are in charge of their diplomacy for international affairs should we make contact. Otherwise, they'd have to dirty themselves with "xeno scum." However, if there is one thing the Tsveri understand, it's business and slave marketing. The only way you're getting your people back through diplomacy is by buying them back.

And the Tsveri don't sell their slaves cheap to other nations. Not only that, but slaves already bought cannot be resold. Some of your people likely won't be coming back. Not unless you want the Tsveri's entire Faang and Crosin armies bearing down on your borders. They'll kill anyone who resists in any systems they conquer; anyone who isn't killed is guaranteed a life of second-class citizenry at best, slavery at worst. The Emperor and His Imperial Family govern all affairs politically and internally, with Crosin assistants and Crosin ambassadors for foreign dealings. They hold all power, with the Imperial Council holding limited legislative and some minor judicial powers.

If you need any other information, or information that is more specific, I am willing to give it, if it means I am freed.", Teuris finished his small explanation. It was definitely an accurate description. He just hoped they understood what this meant: once they went into negotiations with the Crosin they'd be dealing with, the Tsveri would likely only sell back unbought slaves.

[The Greater Gambia]

Trekuz System - Inner Systems of the Federation
Trekuz Asteroid Belt
FIS Detention Facility Zanrath

Teuris began to think this over. This information presented a problem; they were willing to go to war to take back the slaves. The Empire wouldn't let them win, so there would be two possibilities; extinction of the Tsveri, Crosin, the Faang uprising that was feared occurs, and the other two races simply sit back and let it occur... or the Empire conquers this Federation. Teuris wasn't one to take risks; he couldn't risk the Empire's fall. He would be seen as a traitor if that happened. Teuris spoke after making his decision.

"The Tsveri are a proud people. They are almost kratocratic - might makes right. They won't end slavery, ever. Nor will they return slaves at the whim of 'diplomacy.' They believe themselves so superior to xeno-kind that we Crosin are in charge of their diplomacy for international affairs should we make contact. Otherwise, they'd have to dirty themselves with "xeno scum." However, if there is one thing the Tsveri understand, it's business and slave marketing. The only way you're getting your people back through diplomacy is by buying them back.

And the Tsveri don't sell their slaves cheap to other nations. Not only that, but slaves already bought cannot be resold. Some of your people likely won't be coming back. Not unless you want the Tsveri's entire Faang and Crosin armies bearing down on your borders. They'll kill anyone who resists in any systems they conquer; anyone who isn't killed is guaranteed a life of second-class citizenry at best, slavery at worst. The Emperor and His Imperial Family govern all affairs politically and internally, with Crosin assistants and Crosin ambassadors for foreign dealings. They hold all power, with the Imperial Council holding limited legislative and some minor judicial powers.

If you need any other information, or information that is more specific, I am willing to give it, if it means I am freed.", Teuris finished his small explanation. It was definitely an accurate description. He just hoped they understood what this meant: once they went into negotiations with the Crosin they'd be dealing with, the Tsveri would likely only sell back unbought slaves.

"I can guarantee that the Federation will not be buying back its own stolen citizens. One way or another, they'll be coming home. The only thing up for debate is if your Empire survives the fallout." Kiiva stood up, pushing in the chair.

"But that's no longer your problem, you're a free man. The FIS will be keeping in touch if we need anything else." Kiiva looked towards the guard and nodded, the signal for him to open the door. Behind the door was a Created, a member of a synthetic race of humanoids within the Federation.

"This is Vexxa, she will be assisting you in settling down in the Federation." Vexxa gave a bowed.

"How do you do?"

Meanwhile, Kiiva left the room towards the one way window disguised from inside the room as just another wall. Behind it was the Federal Spymaster Jal-Olamee, and Khaled. Jal was the first to speak.

"So, they want us to buy back our people, and there's the chance we won't get all of them back. The Consul and the Congress are not going to like this."

"But we can't just let them get away with this. If we don't do something, they'll come back again, and again, and again." Khaled said.

"While you're new here, you should know that the FIS doesn't bow to foreign governments. Still, this puts us in a difficult position. A fleet could be sent in to bully them into submission, but the only ones capable would be the Azure Fleet, but they're being called to the frontier in preparation for war with the Covenant." Kiiva crossed her arms.

"Not to mention the Federation can't do this alone. This is an enemy that from what we've seen can rival the Federation's technology. Who knows what they have. Unfortunately, everyone's focused on that damn war between the Covenant and the Alliance." Jal thought for a minute.

"Perhaps a cease fire is in order." Khaled and Kiiva looked shocked.

"There's no way they would agree, too much has happened at this point."

"They'll have to see reason. These Slavers would make off with a bountiful harvest if they attacked the warzone right now. This is a threat that not only threatens the Federation, but our entire region of the galaxy."

"But how?" Khaled asked.

"I have some contacts within the Ministry of Diplomacy and the Embassy on Ostia. It will take time but I'll be damned if I let them just stomp all over us."

[The V O I D]

Trekuz System - Inner Systems of the Federation
Trekuz Asteroid Belt
FIS Detention Facility Zanrath

Teuris began to think this over. This information presented a problem; they were willing to go to war to take back the slaves. The Empire wouldn't let them win, so there would be two possibilities; extinction of the Tsveri, Crosin, the Faang uprising that was feared occurs, and the other two races simply sit back and let it occur... or the Empire conquers this Federation. Teuris wasn't one to take risks; he couldn't risk the Empire's fall. He would be seen as a traitor if that happened. Teuris spoke after making his decision.

"The Tsveri are a proud people. They are almost kratocratic - might makes right. They won't end slavery, ever. Nor will they return slaves at the whim of 'diplomacy.' They believe themselves so superior to xeno-kind that we Crosin are in charge of their diplomacy for international affairs should we make contact. Otherwise, they'd have to dirty themselves with "xeno scum." However, if there is one thing the Tsveri understand, it's business and slave marketing. The only way you're getting your people back through diplomacy is by buying them back.

And the Tsveri don't sell their slaves cheap to other nations. Not only that, but slaves already bought cannot be resold. Some of your people likely won't be coming back. Not unless you want the Tsveri's entire Faang and Crosin armies bearing down on your borders. They'll kill anyone who resists in any systems they conquer; anyone who isn't killed is guaranteed a life of second-class citizenry at best, slavery at worst. The Emperor and His Imperial Family govern all affairs politically and internally, with Crosin assistants and Crosin ambassadors for foreign dealings. They hold all power, with the Imperial Council holding limited legislative and some minor judicial powers.

If you need any other information, or information that is more specific, I am willing to give it, if it means I am freed.", Teuris finished his small explanation. It was definitely an accurate description. He just hoped they understood what this meant: once they went into negotiations with the Crosin they'd be dealing with, the Tsveri would likely only sell back unbought slaves.

"I can guarantee that the Federation will not be buying back its own stolen citizens. One way or another, they'll be coming home. The only thing up for debate is if your Empire survives the fallout." Kiiva stood up, pushing in the chair.

"But that's no longer your problem, you're a free man. The FIS will be keeping in touch if we need anything else." Kiiva looked towards the guard and nodded, the signal for him to open the door. Behind the door was a Created, a member of a synthetic race of humanoids within the Federation.

"This is Vexxa, she will be assisting you in settling down in the Federation." Vexxa gave a bowed.

"How do you do?"

Meanwhile, Kiiva left the room towards the one way window disguised from inside the room as just another wall. Behind it was the Federal Spymaster Jal-Olamee, and Khaled. Jal was the first to speak.

"So, they want us to buy back our people, and there's the chance we won't get all of them back. The Consul and the Congress are not going to like this."

"But we can't just let them get away with this. If we don't do something, they'll come back again, and again, and again." Khaled said.

"While you're new here, you should know that the FIS doesn't bow to foreign governments. Still, this puts us in a difficult position. A fleet could be sent in to bully them into submission, but the only ones capable would be the Azure Fleet, but they're being called to the frontier in preparation for war with the Covenant." Kiiva crossed her arms.

"Not to mention the Federation can't do this alone. This is an enemy that from what we've seen can rival the Federation's technology. Who knows what they have. Unfortunately, everyone's focused on that damn war between the Covenant and the Alliance." Jal thought for a minute.

"Perhaps a cease fire is in order." Khaled and Kiiva looked shocked.

"There's no way they would agree, too much has happened at this point."

"They'll have to see reason. These Slavers would make off with a bountiful harvest if they attacked the warzone right now. This is a threat that not only threatens the Federation, but our entire region of the galaxy."

"But how?" Khaled asked.

"I have some contacts within the Ministry of Diplomacy and the Embassy on Ostia. It will take time but I'll be damned if I let them just stomp all over us."

Trekuz System - Inner Systems of the Federation
Trekuz Asteroid Belt
FIS Detention Facility Zanrath

Teuris nodded slightly, processing in thought as he began to follow Vexxa. He wondered what the Federation planned on doing. After all, Imperial territory was many lightyears away; the Slaver fleet was merely a patrol to see if merchandise could even be found this far from home. The nearest Imperial FOB was Orkhan Station, but it was heavily defended. Not to mention the walls of FOBs, military bases, among other things blocking them from getting to Imperial territory. Then again, maybe they would see reason and try to buy their people back. He hoped they did; it was the only way anyone was getting out of this unscathed.

"If your people plan on fighting my creators... they should know the only way to end slavery forever, the only way to ensure my creators would never think of slavery again... the only way to make sure the Imperial Army doesn't rebuild or try to reclaim their slaves... it would require their extinction, as well as possibly the Faang's.", he told Vexxa, knowing she might relay that information back to the higher-ups, or at least to someone else who would. Teuris continued to process in thought as he walked with Vexxa.

[The NAR]

It wasn't long before Commander Maxson entered the CIC, still dressed in his Alliance Dress Blues. It was a fairly large room, filled with screens and terminals, with the Alliance, Ostian, and Federation Flags hanging on the wall. The Ostian and Tagali Commanders were already in the room, speaking to a Hologram which was likely the ship's AI. "Gentlemen" he nodded while approaching, then resting his arms on the circular hologram projector. Just looking, he could see the bitterness and resentment in the eyes of Commander Turing, but again did his best to disregard it. "We should begin with a situational report. Covenant Forces have begun a secondary offensive in the Moresti System, which is the location of New Haven, a colony with more than 100 million civilians. They haven't yet driven into the Sol, but it's only a matter of time". Maxson switched the hologram, showing the current situation in the Moresti System. It marked the positions of Alliance Ships with their emblem, the Covenant Fleet with theirs, and New Haven. "The Alliance Navy is holding them back, for now, but it won't last long. Most reinforcements are being diverted to defend Earth, so Lieutenant-Admiral Halnon has made our first mission to assist the Fleets in defending New Haven". Maxson wondered if Atlas would be there as well, and prayed they weren't.

"No." Turing blatantly stated. He knew that this would lead to a confrontation with Maxson and Alliance Command, but he didn't care. Contrary to what they believed, this ship wasn't meant for going from Alliance Battlefield to Alliance Battlefield. It may be flying under Alliance colours and banners, but as far as Turing and the FIS was concerned, this was a Federation Ship, a wolf in sheeps clothing.

"The FIS has designated a target deep in Covenant territory in the Zobus Nebula." Turing changed the holographic projector to a lone derelict structure amidst a vast Nebula.

"This is a Kelraaza facility. I'm sure that I don't need to tell you all what the Kelraaza are, but just in case, allow me to explain. The Kelraaza were an advanced ancient civilization that occupied many of the Galactic southern sectors before their almost extinction at the hands of the High Breed. They were capable of many technological feats such as genetic manipulation on a scale very few civilizations in the modern era have been able to come close to. Many of the member species of the Federation native to the Sargassi Star Cluster are creations of this and thus have incredible physical and psionic capabilities.

Two years ago, Xeno Archaeologists working with the Kelraaza remnant inside the Federation discovered this sight deep within Covenant Space. Unfortunately, we were not able to retrieve it due to being within a hostile nation and asking for permission to the site would tip the Covvies off and risk them taking the site for themselves. Now, intel suggests that the Covenant Inquisition has discovered the site and are preparing to move in. Our mission is to secure the site, retrieve any data we find, and scuttle anything we can't take back with us before the Covenant get there." Turing looked directly at Maxson.

"Kelraaza technology has launched Federation technology decades ahead and future discoveries promise launching us possibly centuries. If the Covenant get there before we do, and they find something significant, it can be disastrous for both the Alliance and the Federation. Especially if this site holds one of the missing Kelraaza Dreadnoughts."

"Let me lay out some ground rules" Maxson began, taking up a stern tone. "This vessel, and everyone in it, is tasked with providing assistance to and defending the people of the Alliance against the Covenant threat - not protecting Federation interests. Why would I put the lives of everyone on this ship at risk just so the Federation can get some extra tech - cause I know you people don't intend to share it". Maxson had learned the selfishness of the Federation in his 29 years of life, and while he did not hate the Tagali as a race, he despised their government. They only cared about themselves. Maxson was well-aware of what the Federation planned to do with the USS Pennsylvania - he'd been warned by both the Alliance, and Atlas. He wasn't about to let a foreign government dominate the ship's objectives. "We'll head to the Derelict facility, but all information and physical items we find will be turned over to the Alliance under EXPLICIT orders by Command. Data will be copied and sent to the Federation. As long as that is clear, we can proceed".

[The Greater Gambia]

"Let me lay out some ground rules" Maxson began, taking up a stern tone. "This vessel, and everyone in it, is tasked with providing assistance to and defending the people of the Alliance against the Covenant threat - not protecting Federation interests. Why would I put the lives of everyone on this ship at risk just so the Federation can get some extra tech - cause I know you people don't intend to share it". Maxson had learned the selfishness of the Federation in his 29 years of life, and while he did not hate the Tagali as a race, he despised their government. They only cared about themselves. Maxson was well-aware of what the Federation planned to do with the USS Pennsylvania - he'd been warned by both the Alliance, and Atlas. He wasn't about to let a foreign government dominate the ship's objectives. "We'll head to the Derelict facility, but all information and physical items we find will be turned over to the Alliance under EXPLICIT orders by Command. Data will be copied and sent to the Federation. As long as that is clear, we can proceed".

"The fact you think you have any power here amuses me, Terran." Turing said, staring Maxson right in the eyes defiantly. "We might be of the same species and aboard the same ship, but that does not make you the Commander of this Operation. Did they fill you in on the true purpose of this vessels mission, or did they drop you head first like your Mother did when you were an infant? This is a volunteer force for the alliance on paper only, but in reality, this is a Federation vessel. The deal was the Federation supplies the Alliance with arms, supplies, and intel. In return, the Alliance grants the Federation a fleet to use in their covert operations against the Covenant, benefiting both sides.

You are just here for appearances. To show the Galaxy that the Alliance is in charge of the situation, yet it is actually we, the Federation doing the dirty work, a thousand species working as one towards one goal. I could tell you that this mission could end up saving billions of lives in the long run, but I don't have to. I am the one who's in charge here, not you. This campaign of ours could go smoothly for the both of us, you sit down and follow my orders, and in the end of this excursion of ours, you get a nice row of medals on your chest, I get my job done, and the galaxy sleeps a little more soundly at night.

Turing stopped for a breadth, but continued.

"Go ahead, call Alliance Command or your old war buddies in Atlas. Just relay that neither me or the Federation will ever take orders from a fucking Terrorist or anyone else from that pile of shit we Humans call a homeworld!" Turing knew that this was going to be a cause for a long war between the two men, but he didn't care. Turing could easily make him and his whole family disappear. Just one call to a PsyOps team and they would be buried on some uninhabitable world outside of Orso territory. Turing knew he couldn't do that. It would be a misuse of FIS assets.

[The NAR]

"Let me lay out some ground rules" Maxson began, taking up a stern tone. "This vessel, and everyone in it, is tasked with providing assistance to and defending the people of the Alliance against the Covenant threat - not protecting Federation interests. Why would I put the lives of everyone on this ship at risk just so the Federation can get some extra tech - cause I know you people don't intend to share it". Maxson had learned the selfishness of the Federation in his 29 years of life, and while he did not hate the Tagali as a race, he despised their government. They only cared about themselves. Maxson was well-aware of what the Federation planned to do with the USS Pennsylvania - he'd been warned by both the Alliance, and Atlas. He wasn't about to let a foreign government dominate the ship's objectives. "We'll head to the Derelict facility, but all information and physical items we find will be turned over to the Alliance under EXPLICIT orders by Command. Data will be copied and sent to the Federation. As long as that is clear, we can proceed".

"The fact you think you have any power here amuses me, Terran." Turing said, staring Maxson right in the eyes defiantly. "We might be of the same species and aboard the same ship, but that does not make you the Commander of this Operation. Did they fill you in on the true purpose of this vessels mission, or did they drop you head first like your Mother did when you were an infant? This is a volunteer force for the alliance on paper only, but in reality, this is a Federation vessel. The deal was the Federation supplies the Alliance with arms, supplies, and intel. In return, the Alliance grants the Federation a fleet to use in their covert operations against the Covenant, benefiting both sides.

You are just here for appearances. To show the Galaxy that the Alliance is in charge of the situation, yet it is actually we, the Federation doing the dirty work, a thousand species working as one towards one goal. I could tell you that this mission could end up saving billions of lives in the long run, but I don't have to. I am the one who's in charge here, not you. This campaign of ours could go smoothly for the both of us, you sit down and follow my orders, and in the end of this excursion of ours, you get a nice row of medals on your chest, I get my job done, and the galaxy sleeps a little more soundly at night.

Turing stopped for a breadth, but continued.

"Go ahead, call Alliance Command or your old war buddies in Atlas. Just relay that neither me or the Federation will ever take orders from a fucking Terrorist or anyone else from that pile of shit we Humans call a homeworld!" Turing knew that this was going to be a cause for a long war between the two men, but he didn't care. Turing could easily make him and his whole family disappear. Just one call to a PsyOps team and they would be buried on some uninhabitable world outside of Orso territory. Turing knew he couldn't do that. It would be a misuse of FIS assets.

Maxson only nodded slyly, turning around and speaking into the comm in the cuff of his uniform. "Prep the ship for takeoff. Coordinates have already been sent. Inform the Alliance and Ostian personnel that they are to prepare for the mission. No Federation personnel are to participate. Also, relieve all Federation maintenance and informational personnel - the running of the ship will be left entirely to the Alliance. They are a volunteer fighting force, and will be used for combat and combat only". He turned back to Turing with wild eyes. "We aren't going to be the Federation's errand boy's while my people suffer. On paper, you are a volunteer force. Whether or not your shady deal requires otherwise, this ship is under my command, and you WILL follow my orders".