Pandora's Box: Chapter II (IC)

[Brusia]

Revan, Bastila, Captain Nelson, and Commander Jhalas
Middle-earth
Minas Tirith

From his discussion with the older man on the white horse, Revan learned that a host of Orcs was preparing to march on Minas Tirith from Gondor. While this wasn't a great threat compared to the threat posed by the Ascendants, it was still a potential problem, so Revan informed the rest of the Alliance of the development and efforts to finish constructing their defenses were redoubled. At the now accelerated pace, the defenses were soon completed, while a series of signal beacons were lit due to the actions of a lone Hobbit to summon additional reinforcements. After the skies above them were darkened by plumes of smoke arising from Mordor, the Orc horde made its approach to white city; occupying most of the Pelennor Fields through its vast size.

The shields were raised and defenses were manned in preparation to repel the Orcs, but as fate would have it that would turn out to be unnecessary. As the frontline of Orcs approached the shield perimeter, a series of Conduits opened, and metallic monstrosities came pouring out; all opening fire the moment they emerged with blasts of plasma so powerful it instantly sublimed the Orcs it struck, leaving nothing but clouds of smoke that soon blew away on the wind. Descendant fighters soon followed their infantry, dropping powerful bombs which obliterated large swaths of the Orc horde, but failed to bring down the city's shields. The remaining Orcs soon began to rout, but were mercilessly gunned down by the Descendants, which then took the former horde's place as it began marching upon the city.

Captain Nelson and HK-47 eyed the battlefield from the large precipice near the Citadel, as Bastila stood guard near the drills while they worked to finish the dig into the downed Ascendant vessel, Commander Jhalas hid with a guerrilla force in Osgiliath waiting for the right moment to strike while clutching the "Plan B" detonator in her hand, and Revan stood upon the front wall closest to their foe. The Jedi Master eyed the enemy's location carefully, and as soon as he saw them enter the optimum range he ordered: "All artillery, open fire! Fighters, prepare to repel any enemy aerial attacks within the shield! Infantry, stand ready to repel the assault!" The greatest battle the Multiversal Alliance had yet faced was now upon them, and Revan only hoped as he issued his orders that the Alliance could live up to its name and work together to defeat their common foe...

[Demincia]

The Hub
Manhattan
Thomas Bishop Jr.

Unfortunately for the Marauder Corps, the excursion to Deep Space Nine didn't go as flawlessly as it did for some of the others. While the damage taken was relatively minor on first inspection, the aging ship wasn't very forgiving. The more the engineers worked, the more gremlins appeared. By the time the ship was usable, the attack in Middle-Earth was near. Bishop ordered the deployment of several Titans to the universe to support the team, but there wasn't enough time for any large scale reinforcement with Titans or Hornet fighters.

In universe, Bishop prioritized working on enemy fighters, charging the Plasma Railgun and firing it towards flying targets. The sheer speed of the round made it hard to evade, but its slow rate of fire limited its total anti-air output. Several other Militia Titans pointed their weapons skyward, but most of them didn't have much luck using regular weapons against aircraft.

---

Middle-Earth
Osgiliath
Zira 'Zoromee

Luckily for the Militia, the Covenant had units much more suited for dealing with Descendant aircraft. Several Type-52 AAA moved through the Conduit, their four Fuel Rod Cannons almost immediately tracking and firing a barrage of radioactive material. While the Anti-Air Wraiths filled the sky with fuel rods, regular Type-26 Wraiths aimed their mortars and launched volleys of plasma at the incoming mechanical force. Banshees took to the skies to deal with both forces, some tailing fighters with their rapid fire plasma guns, others firing the fuel rod 'Banshee Bomb' cannon on infantry near the walls in strafing runs.

Zira stood on the wall around the base near Revan, looking down at the infantry charging towards them. He ignited his Energy Sword and held it above his head. "For the glory of the Covenant, we will fight to our last breath! Repel the invaders. none shall pass!" he yelled, and the assembled Sangheili roared in response. The other Covenant races were less impressed, but followed the Sangheili into formation as the readied for the robots to come. The Kig-Yar activated their gauntlets, the shields forming a phalanx for the others to stand behind.

At the mining site, the Locust readied to defend the Starfleet workers from attack. Ghosts, Spectres, and a few Revenants gathered around it to keep the large walker safe. Some of it's Sangheili crew dismounted to take up positions on the ground for a better field of attack.

---

Middle-Earth
Osgiliath
Brynn Overton

The Titans from the Remnant Fleet focused on the infantry, allowing the better equipped Covenant to deal with the fighters. Kate's Atlas Titan charged the Arc Cannon, the Pilot figuring that a large strike from lightning would wreak havoc on the robotic infantry. Brynn opened fire with the XO-16 Chaingun, large slugs making quick work of the comparatively small foes.

Blisk didn't join the fight right away, waiting until the enemy was closer before engaging. When he decided it was time, the Predator Cannon's barrels spun and began to whirr ominously before the cacophony of gunfire erupted from it. "I can't keep this up forever, once our lads get in there it's too risky to focus on the main force." he said on the radio, glancing at the meter indicating the progress on the core charge. The barrels spun faster and started to glow orange, before a plasma coated Power Shot fired off into the line of Descendants.

[Naval Monte]

Middle-Earth
Osgiliath
AEGIS and Celestial Order

Within the ruins of Osgiliath as enemy forces enter the city some would set off the mines placed throughout the city, exploding as pieces of both metal shrapnel and plastic shard placed within the mines flew off. Some of the forces step close to wards that trigger many curses ranging from immolation, electrocution, to corrosion.

Hiding within the ruins marksmen from both Aegis and the Order began to open fire on the enemy, the order marksmen being given either pulse sniper rifles or gauss rifles. In the city medium size rover type robots began firing off machines guns and grenades or even lasers at the enemy as the drones from sabine began to bomb them.

In the streets squads of soldiers staying close to either main battle tanks or armored fighting vehicles engaged against the enemy as helicopters provided more aerial cover for the ground forces. Howitzers were being feed information by scout drones that assisted both them and other artillery units were to fire in the city to avoid friendly fire.

Within the ruins Ross was leading one of the many companies for the assault, currently hiding behind a tank with a rail gun turret as the heavy war machine fired it's shot, tearing through both it's target and several walks of the buildings.

---

In the air AEGIS had no assistance from the Order has their fighters, vtol crafts, and helicopters engaged with the Convenient against enemy air forces, missiles firing off the crafts long before bullets and lasers did. Many AA gun emplacements began to open fire at the enemy forces, kinetic projectiles and energy beams flying off to either miss or hit their intended target. Hex watch the fight and many more on a secured hab, giving out orders when she believe there was an advantageous move to make.

In the back many of the mages began to summon forth many creatures that began to either prowl the battlefield on ground or fly to assist the air force. Some of these mages were also assisting with the defense of Minas Tirith with Aegis and a few Order forces, bullets and curses striking at the enemy. Among the mages were the mother and daughter pair who decided to join the defense team as they can't fight on the front line.

[Legokiller]

The Hub
Akari’s Personal Quarters


One week.

One week in the cosmos, beyond the comforting presence of the blue marble from eyesight. The familiar sight of the tinkling stars of space is replaced by the dark void where the Hub stood lonely in this universe. A eerie view from the safe quarters where the White Heart Duo stand. Life in a space station wasn’t all to glamorous, it seems. As they sat down on the sofa, Akari was reminded of what she and Miyuki done all week. Oh yeah. A lot of training, simple trinkets of magical items, and exploration of the station.

“The Hymns of the Beginning spoke of our universe coming from nothing, and in this void dwelled the God of Darkness Blakey. He can do anything, but alone and insignificant to his own realm. Now with him gone, there is emptiness.” Miyuki told Akari. “The Hub is this universe’s only beacon of light here….” Miyuki shivered deeply as she closed the window by the techno doohickey in over to be covered. It’s unnatural for the young magi’s senses, but paradoxically, it is for this place.

“True… It gives me the creepers Miyuki.” Akari frowned. Sure there was photographs to take around, but she wasn’t used to this space. The astronauts on the international space nation at least had the sun and earth to see, but here it’s just the void. No other person out there, and who knows if there is something out there. Her imagination ran wild by such aspect as a space whale, or Space Godzilla travelling across the cosmos. “I’m not sure how Elizabeth is handling this, but I bet she’s out there fighting.”

“Pardon me Akari, but I think… Well we better link up with our comrades in the next universe at this moment of time.” Miyuki said. “I… let’s be honest, I doubt they want any freeloaders around here. I think we should help out.”

“Oh… uh yeah of course.” Akari groaned. Oh crap they had been lazily around and watching tv from across the multiverse. Like that Gurren Lagann marathon a day ago. Best anime show ever, but that probably wasn’t justifiable to sit down in your room all day! “We better go out there. I… I don’t like doing nothing all day!”

Miyuki nodded as she was fired up to get out there towards the next universe. “Right.” She grabbed Akari’s hand and lifted themselves out of the couch. “Let’s get a move on. There is likely a mission happening as this moment.”

Indeed there was a mission happening now! As the White Heart Duo exist out of the living quarters and headed out to the Hanger Bay. A quick update from the officer about what happened and they’re off. To the great beyond form the portal and to the next world!

Middle-Earth
Fields where the rift is open

As the two girls walked away from the rift to help out the others in the battle to determine this world. The journey would be long, too… Who knows, really! Miyuki felt unease as they’re in the middle of nowhere, and have to move fast! “Okay, so how are we going to get there fast Akari?”

Akari blinked. “We can try running towards the battle, but that would give me a nasty back pain before we get there.” Akari knew her magical form can fly, but it wouldn’t help much.

As they continue onwards, Akari spotted a land Rover up the horizon, which she quickly dashed over to it! It was beaten up by… something! She wasn’t sure, but as Akari checked the driver’s seat. “Oh sweet tits!” She gasped as there was a dead driver! “Uh…” She carefully open the door and pulled the dead body out. It was something she hadn’t expected at all.

“Thank goodness Darkness’ undead creatures are mostly skeletons…” Miyuki commented. The Lich named Darkness, the same one they tried to hunt down in the castle that brought them into this mess, is a fan of bony skeletons. Still, they had a ride!

“Yeah…” Akari let out a sigh of relief. “Let’s try ignoring that part. Now..” As she jumped in, she notice the keys were still inside. With a quick turn and pushing any buttons needed, the rover’s engine roared back to life. “Come on Miyuki, let’s go!” Miyuki nodded as she jumped into the passenger seat. Once that’s all said and done, it’s off to the mountain and to the battle!

[Rostavykhan]

Torii & Dima
Middle Earth

No Mercy

Torii repeated the words in her head, clearing her mind of anything else that would distracted or bother her. Her eyes narrowed, as the woman took aim over the city walls. Beside her, Dima did the same, though she wasn't as cold or collected as her companion.

"Think we can handle this?", She asked, aiming towards the incoming army. Torii chuckled, switching off her safety. "They're sitting ducks.", She said. Dima was worried, though still determined to fight, but Torii...Torii was almost robotic in her movements, quick and precise. She had nothing to fear, and in fact was almost eager to let the enemy come closer, to walk right into her fire.

Her gaze fell square on one of the Ascendant units in the front, her sights aligning on its center mass. Then, with a squeeze of the trigger, Torii sent the first round down range, directly towards the unsuspecting unit. One bullet was all she needed, before she quickly took aim at her next target, and followed up her shot. Dima followed along a moment later, though not quite as adept as Torii, firing in two-round bursts towards the advancing columns.

Katya Dimitrov

While her sibling fired her weapon from high on the wall, Katya was further down, closer to the action, hidden and in cover and waiting to attack. She didn't know if her sister was even there, but she knew that she would most likely be higher up anyways, giving the woman some relief. She was still nervous though, hoping that she wouldn't have to use her weapon down there, if the other fighters below and outside could hurt the Ascendants enough, then perhaps Katya wouldn't be in too much trouble.

Still, she needed to be prepared, and so while the Ascendant units marched towards their walls, Katya took up a spot just around a corner from where she had bumped into the white-haired man from earlier, behind a suitably thick slab of stone where she could get the jump on unwary enemies, and be protected from ranged attacks.

[Brusia]

Revan, Bastila, Captain Nelson, and Commander Jhalas
Middle-earth
Minas Tirith

As the various factions worked together to combat the foe, the battle looked to be going in their favor as the coordinated fighter, AA, sniper, artillery, titan, tank, magic, and infantry fire made short work of mass groups of Descendant units and ships. However, the robotic horde continued its inexorable march towards the city's walls, utterly unphased by the devastation around them. To make matters worse, as the last of the Obas units spewed forth from their portals, they were followed by a group of four far more massive and sophisticated units which likewise began to proceed towards the defenders' positions.

One piece of good news would soon come to the defenders though, as the Starfleet drilling teams announced that they'd finally reached the hull of the Ascendant vessel, and now just needed enough time to drill through the ancient armor and into the vessel's interior. Bastila relayed this information to the rest of the defenders, hoping to inspire them to hold on just a little longer as they neared the completion of their objective. The timing would prove to be fortuitous as well, as the first wave of Descendants reached the outer wall, launching themselves atop the defensive structure with a single jump, colliding with the shields of the Kig-Yar, before begining to engage the defenders there in melee combat using the dual blades installed in their arms. Revan unleashed a powerful arc of lightening, frying a few dozen units, before those behind them soon made their way onto the wall in front of him. Giving a nod to Zira, the Jedi ignited his lightsaber and charged towards the Descendants on the wall.

From the precipice near the Citadel, HK-47 was preparing to blast one of the Descendant units only to see it fall to a bullet fired by what he calculated to be Torii's sniper rifle. Turning his head towards the young woman he stated: "Exclamation: excellent shot! For a meatbag that is." Captain Nelson observed the situation on the battlefield through a pair of binoculars nearby, and on seeing that the enemy had engaged the forces on the wall ordered: "All sniper units, concentrate your fire on the enemy units near the wall; do what you can to cover our forces there!"

Meanwhile, in Osgiliath, a large sub-group of Descendants moved in to investigate the area, and once they were in a prime position, Commander Jhalas ordered her forces to open fire, blasting at the foe from nearly all directions in their concealed positions. Once the sub-group was defeated, a much larger group diverted from the main assault towards their position; just as anticipated. As the Andorian looked out at the field however, she noticed something they had not anticipated: a Land Rover barreling towards their position at rapid speeds. Taping her combadge, she contacted Ross who was close to one of the tanks nearby and asked: "This is Jhalas to Ross, we have a vehicle moving towards our position at a heading of one-seven-zero; is it one of yours?"

[Naval Monte]

Middle Earth

Hex saw from an AR screens from her mask that the magical traps were working against the horde of robots along with the ambushes but soon cursed as more just ignored them to move forward. Hex along with other snipers wearing the new modified stealth suits began to fire projectiles from their gauss rifles, the hypersonic slugs tearing through the robots.

As the first defenses were breached Hex and the other snipers began to assist the troops stationed. Elizabeth and Alexandria both left behind traps for the robots as they ran to find a safe spot to perform new rituals to fight off the robotic horde. From the sky the two female magicians soon saw a legion of biomechanical, clockwork, angelic entities fly down towards the robots; bolts of plasma coming out of the angel's and striking the Descendants.

"Looks some mages figure we needed divine intervention." Elizabeth said as the two kept on running. The two mages saw more angels and other monsters joining the fight. The two mages soon found a room where other mages were hiding in performing summonings and spellcraft, the two would join with the others to deal with the Descendants.

As Ross fired another gauss round into a robot and the tank with him fired off it's round he would only respond back to Jhalas after the tank was away from him and he saw an AR screen of the vehicle of question. "That's one of our Land Rovers but I don't know who is riding it." Ross soon got in contact with the rover's radio. "Whoever is riding that rover state your name and how you came to possess one of our vehicles?" He ordered. Around Ross more tanks pushed forward follow by IFVs and APCs, from behind Self Propel Guns and Tow Artillery Guns rain down ammunition as AA Guns and missiles engage air units with helicopters, VTOL crafts, and drones providing aerial assistance with fighters helping out against enemy aerial units .

Out in the battle the robotic horde of the Ascendants were now facing against the monstrous legions of both AEGIS and the Order and falling pray to both the anomalous phenomenon conjured by the two. In Fact some monsters, like those known as demons and angels, possessed both close range and longer range weapons along with superhuman and supernatural powers. From the sky angels rain down direct energy beams and bolts while demons seem to favor projectiles, explosives, and incendiary weapons.

[Demincia]

Middle-Earth
Zira 'Zoromee

Zira watched his forces combat the robots, their plasma weapons proving more efficient than kinetic weapons yet again. The attackers didn't slow down though, and soon made their way to the wall. Revan charged forward to meet them, followed immediately by the much larger Zealot. The Sangheili's Energy Sword cut through metal like butter, and the golden-clad Elite was quickly making his way through the horde. His backup Energy Dagger ignited over his off-hand and sped up the process of eliminating foes in melee range.

"Fight with honor!" roared Zira, angered by the lack of response from the robotic foe. When there was mention of a vehicle with unknown occupants in it charging for allies, Zira was quick to interject. "Banshees, if the vehicle does not respond quickly, destroy it. In battle, there is no room for risk where it is not needed." If the vehicle truly was friendly, it would be in their best interest to answer before they found themselves on the business end of a Fuel Rod Cannon.

---

Middle-Earth
Osgiliath
Brynn Overton

The forces of the IMC centered mainly around the Titans, though squads of Spectres and Stalkers did push up into the ranks of the opposing robots. Blisk dropped an empty ammo box off of the Predator Cannon and attached a full one, feeding the belt into the side of the feed mechanism. "Who said mercenary work was borin', eh?" he said as the cannon spun up again and resumed firing into the lines of Descendants.

"You're fucked up, sir." Brynn added, firing a cluster missile into the middle of the group. "I hope that new Titan of yours has something big hidden, because this is getting old fast." she said, dashing to one side to get a better angle for chaingun fire.

"Aye, I've got somethin' for them, you'll see soon enough. Hammond isn't one to spare expense on research." the South African replied, ignoring the first part of Brynn's transmission. "Just keep doin' what you were made to do, Pilot."

Kate's Arc Cannon discharged another large bolt of lightning, making Revan's light show look like a small burst of static in comparison. "I wish we had the Rampart right about now." she said. "Or the whole Remnant Fleet. That'd make quick work of these fuckers."

"At this point any ship would be good, ours, AEGIS, Revan's or Covenant." Brynn retorted, "But we don't have one so we have to make do, love. Just be glad we're not on foot yet."

[Brusia]

Athena, Zenithar, and Lieutenant Commander Idan
The Hub

Unable to maintain contact with the Hub forces and devoid of her powers, Athena could only sit and hope the battle was going well for the good guys; a fact which irked the warrior goddess greatly. With her thoughts so focused on the battle, she'd nearly forgotten about the research still being conducted on the Hub, and so was abit startled when she suddenly heard over the comm system:

"Athena, this is Zenithar: I've finished decoding the Orb of Contemplation and have located the Corax!"

Hurriedly, Athena approached one of the nearby comm terminals and replied: "Excellent work Zenithar, where is it?"

"It seems that after our forces laid waste to the native Ascendant universe, a number of their surviving forces scattered through the multiverse managed to regroup and attempted to launch several counterattacks in the hopes of reclaiming their universe."

"Yes, I remember" Athena replied "Though at that point their forces were stretched thinly enough that we had little difficulty dispatching their assaults."

"That was what I was told as well; the Orb however mentions that the last and largest of these forces was able to successful achieve one of their objectives. Apparently they were able to sustain an attack against the forces we still had stationed in their universe for long enough that they were able to steal the Corax before being forced to retreat."

"Why were we never informed of this?"

"It seems our most senior leadership decided to keep the loss of the Corax 'under-wraps,' as the humans would say. Evidently they didn't want any word of anything that might even be perceived as a defeat to spread amongst the mortals."

Athena rolled her eyes, indignant but not surprised by the explanation. She would never cease to be amazed at how some gods' lack of foresight was nearly as bad as the mortals. "So where did the Ascendants take the Corax?" she then asked.

"It seems our forces managed to pursue the remnants of the Ascendant force to a newly forming universe, where they proceeded to unleash the full force of their fury upon them, destroying so many Ascendant ships with such force that a massive Aeternium warp was left in their wake. Apparently the ship carrying the Corax crashed into one of the still-forming planets, and was buried deeply enough within the worlds core that between its location and the warp field our leadership decided it was best to simply leave it hidden there under the care of a god named Eru Iluvatar. According to these records, Eru gave the planet's name as..."

"Arda" Athena interrupted.

"Why yes" Zenithar replied "But how did you..."

Athena again interrupted, this time slamming the button to contact all forces on and near the Hub stating: "This is Athena to all forces: the Corax has been located; all forces return to your ships and prepare to launch an attack immediately!" Claxons would begin to sound throughout the station as soon as she finished speaking, and after closing the channel the goddess turned to the others still in the Conference Room and stated: "We must inform our forces on Arda of this at once. I know it would entail great risk in the midst of a battle, but might any of your forces still here be able to proceed through the Conduit to bring the message to our people?"

Standing up from the console she'd been working on, Lieutenant Commander Idan replied: "Actually, I believe I may have found a better solution. I've been tinkering with the communications system here for awhile, and I believe I've found a way to bypass the barriers blocking inter-universal communications by utilizing some cross-universal data our ship's computer had on file from a transporter incident in 2267, in which several Starfleet officers were mistakenly transported into a parallel universe. If I'm right, I should be able to open up communications both with our team, and to all universes connected to the Hub."

The goddess was somewhat skeptical that this mortal was able to solve the communications issue so quickly, but decided that the potential benefits merited giving the woman a chance and so replied: "Than by all means, proceed."

Nazira nodded and began tapping away at the communications console at a blistering pace, a few minutes passed over what felt like hours before the Trill finally reported: "Alright, I'm ready when you are."

Athena activated the comm terminal and stated: "This is Athena to Revan, can you hear me?"


Revan, HK-47, Captain Nelson, and Commander Jhalas
Middle-earth
Minas Tirith

Meanwhile, the battle in Middle-Earth was proceeding well for the most part: the forces in Minas Tirith were successfully holding off, and even beginning to repel, the Descendant hordes, though Osgiliath was starting to find itself surrounded and overwhelmed; just as planned. "This is Jhalas to Captain Nelson!" the Andorian shouted over the sounds of the battle surrounding her "We're about to be overrun down here! Requesting permission to initiate Plan B!"

Nelson immediately turned his attention towards the beleaguered city, and seeing that Jhalas' assessment was correct replied: "Permission granted, I'll reroute the Tiber to cover you; good luck Commander."

As the Shuttlecraft Tiber arrived and cut a large swath through the Descendant lines with a barrage of micro-torpedoes, Jhalas ordered: "Alright everyone, it's time! All forces fall back to Minas Tirith, repeat all forces fall back to Minas Tirith!" Gathering from her time with him so far that Ross was enough like her that he might try to stay behind and cover the retreat, the Andorian added: "And that means you and your people too Ross, let's get moving!"

As the Osgiliath troops began making their way back to the white city, Revan continued battling alongside Zira, Brynn and the others when he suddenly received an unexpected message from Athena.

"I can hear you Athena" he replied to the goddess' message while rapidly cleaving through two Obas units with his lightsaber. "What do you need?"

Though somewhat surprised the Trill's modification had actually worked, Athena immediately replied: "Zenithar has found the Corax, it is located within the Ascendant vessel you are attempting to recover. You must inform your people to exercise extreme caution in recovering the artifact; if it's outside of its normal containment field it could pose great danger to any mortals who come in contact with it, and if improperly handled it may activate on its own."

"Understood" Revan brusquely replied, while deflecting several Descendant plasma bolts back towards the units that fired them. After sending a few more units flying into the air with a Force Push, the Jedi Master contacted Bastila and asked: "Bastila do you copy?" but was met with silence. In a somewhat more worried tone, he asked again: "Bastila, this is Revan, do you read me?" but again heard no reply...


Bastila Shan and Lieutenant Commander Bradley
Middle-Earth
Ascendant Vessel

"This is Bastila Shan to Hub forces, do you read me?" For the third time the Jedi attempted to contact any of her allies on the planet's surface only to be met with frustrating silence.

"Looks like our combadges are out too" one of the Starfleet officers accompanying Bastila reported, while tapping the device on her shirt only to be met with a low-toned chirping sound. After scanning the area with his tricorder, Bradley reported: "Now that the hull's been opened up, it looks like some sort of unknown frequency originating from inside the ship is blocking our communications."

"Wonderful" the Jedi replied. It seemed there was to be no end of complications on this mission.

One of the Gondorian soldiers Denethor had insisted accompany the group investigating the vessel then suggested: "I could send up a runner to inform the others you were able to open up this star-faring vessel, if you wish mi'lady."

Bastila looked to Bradley, who merely shrugged at the suggestion, then replied: "Very well, it doesn't seem we have any better alternatives. Have him let the others know we'll be starting our exploration of the ship immediately; we don't have any time to lose."

"Yes mi'lady" the Gondorian replied with a bow before carrying out his orders. Bastila meanwhile approached the ship and informed the others: "Stay close to me in there and be careful; we still don't know what manner of traps the Ascendants may have left for us." Bradley and the others nodded, and followed close behind the Jedi as she made her way into the bowels of the Ascendant vessel. Bastila ignited one of her lightsaber blades as the Starfleet officers switched on the flashlights on their rifles to better see as they proceeded deeper into the ancient wreck.

Proceeding carefully but quickly, knowing their comrades on the planet's surface were fighting and dying with each passing moment, the group soon found itself about halfway into the ship, when one of the Gondorians suddenly noticed a faint light at the edge of his eye, not originating from the lights being shone by those moving forward ahead of him. Calling the other Gondorians' attention to it, the soldiers quietly diverted from the rest of the group and made their way towards the glowing object. Unbeknownst to the others, Denethor had ordered these men to recover any item that looked to be of great value or power and bring it directly back to him.

As they approached the glowing item, they discovered it was an object of great beauty, made of what looked to be solid gold and adorned with carvings of a great battle. Figuring this was just the sort of thing Denethor was talking about, the officer leading the Gondorians attempted to pick the object up, only to find it weighed far more than he anticipated, sending it falling to the ground. Turning towards the loud metal clang, one of the Starfleet officers stopped and asked the others: "Did you guys hear something?" before Bradley followed up by asking: "Wait, where are the Gondori..." though before he could finish he was met with a blinding flash of light. Sensing great danger, Bastila dashed between the Starfleet officers and the source of the light and threw up a Force barrier, though there was nothing to be done for the Gondorians as the light dissipated for a brief moment only to be followed by a powerful explosion, and the appearance of a great pillar of light emanating from the object which shot clear through the crust and up through the top of the overlying mountains, outshining even the weapons fire of the armies battling in its wake.

Revan, HK-47, Captain Nelson, and Commander Jhalas
Middle-Earth
Minas Tirith

"Bastila!" Revan shouted as the beam of light appeared directly over his wife's last known location. He was halfway ready to leave the battle and dash towards the Ascendant ship to search for his lost lover, when seemingly knowing his intentions, Athena contacted him and stated: "Revan, you must remain focused; what I heard and what I imagine you're seeing now is the activation of the Corax, which means if we are to have any hope of defeating the Ascendants you must act immediately. Neither you, nor anyone else fighting with you can afford any distractions now if the multiverse is to have any hope of survival."

Revan briefly fell silent, pondering what the goddess said when Captain Nelson suddenly reported: "This is Nelson to Revan, all known forces have returned within the shield grid. Do we have clearance to initiate Plan B?"

After looking down at the ground for a moment, Revan took a deep breath and ordered: "Proceed."

With the order given, Nelson gave the signal to Jhalas who pressed the detonator she'd been holding since the battle began. Within seconds the shield that had been up around Osgiliath dropped, and two Quantum torpedo cores that were hidden within the decayed buildings detonated, engulfing the former city and its current Descendant inhabitants in flames. The detonation soon spread through the Pelennor Fields, consuming the remainder of the Descendant army in a brilliant blue light, which soon rose over the shield protecting Minas Tirith and its surroundings. Fortunately, the shield held as hoped, and Athena contacted the Hub leadership to inform them:

"This is Athena to all Hub leaders: the Corax has been activated, so the Ascendants will be unable to close any of the Conduits they opened in the area. In its current state, the Corax is not likely to remain active for long however, so you must proceed with your forces through the Conduits and begin your attack with all haste; we will have the fleet ready to reinforce you shortly, and with multiversal communications now active, you can now contact your respective universes to request additional reinforcements, and we can open Conduits directly from your universes to the Ascendants' native universe for additional aid. Success or failure here will determine the fate of the entire multiverse, so steel yourselves and your troops, and may fortune smile upon you."

[Naval Monte]

Middle-earth
Minas Tirith


Ross heard the order to pull back and knowing that right now AEGIS was already on thin ice did not argue against the order. "All forces pull back. Leave some of the drones to cover for us." He ordered as the AEGIS forces began to retreat save for some autonomous robots who stayed to slow down the enemy. As aerial drones performed their final bombing runs before either being shot outbid the sky or retreating back. "Hex what is the status on the defenses?" Ross asked.

Before Hex can reply she and everyone saw a beam of light shot out from the mountain. "The hell? Was that a trap or some sort of beacon or super weapon?" One of the Order members said, stunned like everyone. Hex said nothing for a while until Ross asked her what was that. "I don't know but I think it came from the Ascendant ship. Whatever happened we will deal with it after we have cleared our main objective." She told the commander.

When Athena told everyone the news that they can now gather reinforcements the angels and demons summoned began to speak in their native tongue before they and several other creatures began to leave and enter the conduits. "Looks like those bastards are on our side for now." Hex ignored the comment from one if her own troops as she and Abelard began to establish contact with their respective organizations to join in the assault.

Leaving the ritual chamber both Ashwoods looked around as everyone was getting ready for the final fight. Both returned back to get a few spells and amulets ready before leaving to join in the final battle. Reports from the Morgana came with the news that the ship was now ready to join in the fight.

[Demincia]

Middle-Earth
Osgiliath
Brynn Overton

The IMC Titans continued putting as much ammo and ordinance downrange as they could, though the enemy onslaught never seemed to slow. In Blisk's Titan, the Legion AI spoke up. "Smart Core, ready." The mercenary chuckled to himself upon hearing it. "Alright men, time to show these tossers what the IMC can do." he said activating a button on the console.

The blood-red Titan rumbled a little as the sound of something powerful turning on caused the Titan to give off a slight glow as its AI spoke out loud. "Smart Core, fire." it reported, sending the 3D printer in the Predator Cannon into overdrive, replacing ammo as fast as it was expended. On the HUD of the Titan, it was clear that the gun was locking onto the robots, as none of its shots were missing no matter how many the South African fired. Kate and Brynn's Titans both looked at each other at the same time, the same dumbfounded expression likely on both of their faces.

"Bloody hell, Lastimosa managed to upsize the Smart tech after all!" Brynn called out, but all she got back from the commander was a sinister, yet satisfied, laugh.

The three used the now perfectly accurate covering fire to slowly walk backwards towards the rest of the retreating group. The Legion's core ran out of power just before reaching the shield, allowing the Titan to dash backwards into safety. They watched the explosion rip apart the robots, also taking a number of Spectres and Stalkers that didn't retreat with it.

Luckily there was no need to contact anyone, as Spyglass was already connected to himself again and immediately dispatched the Colonial Navy to assist in the final battle.

---

Middle-Earth
Zira 'Zoromee

Zira knew that he had a grand task ahead trying to persuade the High Prophets of what he now knew to be true. A Phantom landed nearby, and the Zealot and a number of Sangheili boarded. He hoped that the wisdom of the Prophets would allow them to see the truth in the words he spoke, rather than simply dismiss them for being as ludicrous as they sounded. He ordered the Purity of Reverence ready to pick them up when they both crossed over into the next universe, so that even if the Hierarchs did not smile upon them, they would have a considerable amount of firepower in the energy projectors.

[Brusia]

Revan, HK-47, Captain Nelson, and Commander Jhalas
Middle-Earth
Conduit Entrance

While making the march from Minas Tirith to the Ascendant Conduits, Revan contacted the Republic while Nelson contacted the Federation, each explaining the situation to their respective factions and requesting reinforcements. The two were silent for most the rest of the journey across the once lush fields, now reduced to little more than ash and embers, until Nelson approached Revan to inform him: "I sent a search and rescue team down to the Ascendant vessel to check for survivors; I haven't heard back from them yet, but if they find anything I'll let you know."

Revan nodded and replied with a simple: "Thank you" and the two continued the march alongside the Hub forces to the Conduit in silence. Once they arrived, Nelson tapped his combadge and recommended all forces undertake a final comms and equipment check, then once that was completed Revan stood directly in front of the Conduit before turning to face the assembled Hub forces and stating:

"My friends, despite all odds, we have managed to overcome our differences and work together to defeat an undefeatable foe. Time and again we have faced impossible missions together, and each time, together, we have managed to prevail. Now we have reached the end of our mission: one final battle upon which the fate of the entire multiverse stands. And so I call upon you to face the impossible once more; to put aside all differences and fight as one to eliminate this ancient enemy once and for all."

Closing his eyes for a moment, Revan took a deep breath and prepared to unleash his full power for this final fight. Stepping through the portal alone he cast up his arms and utilized his Tutaminis to hold back the incoming mass fire from the Descendants lying in wait for the Alliance forces; which within moments enveloped Revan almost completely, the plasma burning around the Jedi like a sun. At this point Revan flicked his wrists forward and sent the plasma flying back into those who fired it, destroying them in a wave of energy and buying just enough time for the Hub forces to advance without being overwhelmed by Ascendant and Descendant fire.

Quickly pressing his comm, Revan then ordered "All units, advance! For the Multiverse!" and ignited his lightsaber in preparation for the coming fight...


Athena, Zenithar, and Lieutenant Commander Nazira Idan
The Hub

Claxons continued to sound throughout the Hub as the forces there scurried about to prepare their vessels for the attack on the Ascendant's native universe. As Lieutenant Commander Idan prepared to beam back over to the Constitution, she tapped her combadge and ordered: "Constitution, one to beam..." but was interrupted when Athena stated: "That will be two, actually; I will accompany you to your vessel to lead our forces personally."

The Trill officer raised an eyebrow and replied: "Are you certain? As I understand it, in your current condition, if our ship were to go down out there you'd go down along with it."

"If we are to fail, I and all the other gods will perish regardless; if it comes to that I would rather die in battle against the Ascendants than as a prisoner in the Asphodel Meadows."

Nazira shrugged and replied: "Fair enough" then tapped her combadge again and stated: "Constitution, make that two to beam..." before again being interrupted as Zenithar entered the room and stated: "Three actually, if you don't mind." Holding one of the Aeternium cores in his hand he stated: "I have the feeling we may have use of this in the coming battle."

Nazira stated: "Fine" and muttered around her breath "Might as well beam over the whole station at this point..." then again tapped her combadge and quickly stated: "Constitution, three to beam directly to the Bridge" and finally materialized back on the Sovereign-class ship. As Nazira took a seat in the Captain's chair and began running final checks on the Constitution's combat readiness, Athena used her Hub communicator to contact the Alliance fleet and stated: "This is Athena to all vessels: prepare to enter battle formation and proceed into the Ascendant universe." Once Nazira had finished confirming the ship was combat-ready, the Constitution moved into formation and Athena ordered "All ships, proceed into the Conduit, and may fortune smile on us all..."

[Demincia]

The Hub
Militia 1st Fleet
Manhattan

The bridge crew of Manhattan weren't entirely enthused about everyone bringing in their own fleets. The Militia didn't even have enough ships to deal with the IMC, let alone with this new threat. What ships they did have were old and should have been scuttled years ago. They had a new class of ship, but deploying the MacAllan-class now would reveal it to the IMC. Unfortunately, it seemed that the circumstances outweighed the need for secrecy, and soon the MCS Trinity appeared near the Hub, surrounded by the rest of the aging Militia 1st Fleet.

They watched with a little bit of pride as their new, wholly-original ship flew out of the Conduit, undoubtedly drawing eyes from the Remnant Fleet. Unfortunately their pride couldn't last that long, as the Manhattan's sensors picked up familiar signatures. "Remnant Fleet ships jumping in." reported one crewman. They watched as the IMC ships appeared, and kept appearing. Their hearts sank more with each ship that burst through the Conduit.

"That's not the Remnant Fleet, that's the damn Colonial Navy!" called out the helmsman. "Spyglass is using the Conduits to reinforce the Frontier!" the bridge erupted into a cacophony of shouts of dismay and anger.

"Damn that robot!"
"How can we stop that now?"
"Never should have worked with it!"

"Enough!" yelled Bishop over comms, connected from Middle Earth. "We'll deal with them later, we have to focus on the mission at hand and hope the Ascendants take out more of the IMC than they do us."

"More signatures jumping in." interrupted the XO. "Matching the Purity of Reverence. The Covenant's here." Everyone looked at displays as ships identical to the one they were familiar with came through first, followed by frigates and destroyers until eventually multiple CAS-class assault carriers, five times larger than the CCS-class that had fought alongside them, joined the group.

A few exclamations of "Holy shit..." came from the crew.

"Zira's ship is one of the small ones?" asked someone. Everyone remembered the destructive power the small battlecruiser wielded at Deep Space Nine, and seeing a ship five times its size made it a lot easier to believe Zira's assurances that the Covenant had wiped out humanity's homeworld in their universe.

But nothing prepared them for the ship that crossed over next.

It was enormous, easily 30 kilometers long, making the rest of the Covenant fleet look like toys next to it. Everyone on the Manhattan's bridge watched in stunned silence, mouth agape as the massive CSO-class supercarrier took up position in the middle of the now 100 strong Covenant fleet.

Before anyone could collect their thoughts enough to speak, the colossal behemoth of a starship broadcast on an open channel. "Glory be to the Hierarchs, your prayers have been answered." The voice sounded similar to the Sangheili that had been encountered before, as if there any doubt which race would command such an armada.

Zira immediately answered back. "The Fleet of Determined Piety? The Prophets have smiled upon us, then." He almost sounded surprised that whoever these "Prophets" were took him seriously enough to send such a response force.

"Young Zira, is that your voice I hear?" asked the command ship, apparently not concerned with everyone listening in.

"I am young no longer, a Shipmaster of the Purity of Reverence."
"As I have noticed. You do our family proud, nephew."
"You honor me, Supreme Commander."

Suddenly a visual feed activated, revealing the Sangheili in charge of the supercarrier. Anyone who thought Zira's armor was excessive was in for a surprise when the Supreme Commander revealed himself. His golden armor was even more ornate, with areas of purple mixed in to match a long purple cloak on the warrior's back.

"I am Vir 'Zoromee, Supreme Commander of the Fleet of Determined Piety. The Prophets have ordered the destruction of these you call 'Ascendant' and tasked me with this righteous duty. May you all find honor in battle." he said before the feed ended and the Covenant ships began moving towards the Conduits.

The Militia and IMC both waited for them to cross before following.

[Naval Monte]

Middle-Earth

Conduit Entrance

While AEGIS forces assisted on taking the conduit Hex stayed behind to contact the Overseers to notify them of the situation and to send in reinforcements. Abelard also did the same to get backup from his Order. As they marched with the other forces the two leaders saw not only ships from the IMC arriving but the Covenants own ships.

The sky was blotted out by the titanic slabs of curved metal that flew over them. The discipline of the soldiers from AEGIS flattered as looks of fear was etched on their faces; many of them knew that fighting against the aliens should they go rogue was going to be difficult , but now seeing the true scope of the fleet the hypothetical battle against them was now looking more impossible.

"What are we going to do against them Hex?" Calvin asked Hex, trying his best to hide his unseen over the recent development but she can tell that he was nervous about seeing the Covenant ships. "Unfortunately we can't do anything against these ships. We can only hope that our enemy can destroy most of their ships for us. For now it's best to enjoy the fact their weapons will be pointed at someone else besides us."

Hex looked at the IMC. Her own unease at the corporate faction was not as strong as the Covenant but just like the fleet she hopes the Ascendant forces destroys most of those ships to weaken them once the war is over. As Hex mind was on the two "allied" fleets she would see a image feed pop up in her augmented reality contact.

"We are arriving to your location now captain."

Hex would see conduit portals open throughout the field. She would see soldiers, armoured vehicles, mechanical walkers, and aircrafts of different types getting through. Power armor and mech walkers, tanks and armoured fighting vehicles, helicopters and jets, airships and a few spaceships. From the humans she saw she saw both robots and anomalous beings that work with AEGIS pouring in. AEGIS was throwing practically everything they had to deal with existential threat.

The sky had ships that were similar in design to the Morgana. Tall  narrow-body ships with some having rotating sections of the ships and others being too small to afford them. Others look more like floating warships never made to fly in space despite using anti gravitional paratech to fly, yet the ships still have an ominous appearance as these ships were flying battleships.

The mechs were all in different forms. Not only were there models that were mini mecha size, to be almost like enlarge power armor. But others were colossal constructs and others seem to be almost like a cybernetic lifeform being used as a mech.

Helicopters, jets, VTOLs, drones, and gunships fly all over and as Hex look on at the sight more portals will open and pouring through were people and creatures that all looked vastly different. Some wore traditional garb, while others wore modern tactical gears, and others more wore futuristic looking bodysuits. For every human that candles out many anomalous beings of all kind joined them. Creatures both recognizable and unknown were spotted. Hex was aware of which organization this eclectic army came from.

"So the Order is throwing out all the stops like us huh?" Calvin said. "They have much loss as us. They can't afford to hold back just like us." Hex told Calvin. The new forces would meet up with the Morgana army, some reuniting with old comrades while most are simply getting information on their army and planning out their attack.

Abelard was also discussing the state of the war with the masters and grand masters, each planning their own battle plans. While the two armies prepared for the fight they would share the tactics they have devise, changing some plans to work along with the ones made by the other. By the time Revan was ready to lead the charge the army of AEGIS was prepared to join him in the assault, starting off the fight with a blitzkrieg as AEGIS knew they couldn't afford to ge in drawn out fight of attrition. Their strengths lie in either on the front like they are doing or hanging out on the back to take out the enemy from a safe distance while taking out staggers.

The Order also came to a similar conclusion as most hang back to attack from behind the wall of armies that was the alliance, but some within the Order joined the blitzkrieg with AEGIS. Both ancient rivals putting aside their differences to save their world from a common enemy.

[Brusia]

Revan, HK-47, Captain Nelson, and Commander Jhalas
Ascendant Native Universe
Ascendant Capital
Near the Conduit

As the Alliance forces began their charge through the Conduit with AEGIS forces taking point, Descendant units marched forward en masse to attempt to counter them. Surrounding both forces was a massive city with signs of construction evident all throughout; the structures nearest the center of the city appearing most complete, while those on the outskirts were still largely in ruins from the countless millennia of disuse and the the Ascendants' previous war with the gods. Suddenly powerful and deadly accurate sniper fire began to rain down from several of the nearby skyscrapers as the Ascendant clones moved in to provide cover for the retreating true Ascendants, prompting Jhalas to shout "Get to cover!" while sliding into cover herself. The Andorian briefly peaked out to get a look at the snipers, spotting a glint from one of their scopes only to have a plasma bolt whiz mere centimeters in front of her face.

Darting her head back down, she tapped her combadge and stated: "Any available artillery or air support: there's a heavy concentration of snipers on the 34th floor of the building directly ahead of my position; requesting fire support!" The Ascendants were not going to make that easy though, as drone fighters and shielded hover-tanks began launching and making their way towards the Alliance's position...

Athena, Zenithar, and Lieutenant Commander Nazira Idan
Ascendant Native Universe
Orbit of Ascendant Capital

Meanwhile, the Constitution would be the first to arrive in the space above the Ascendant Capital, followed by the powerful Covenant fleet, and the rest of the Alliance fleets shortly thereafter. In the distance stood their target: the Abrogator. Unfortunately, between the Alliance fleet and their target stood a truly titanic vessel, the same ship first awoken by Captain Sheridan all those years ago. At over 1000 kilometers long, it dwarfed even the massive Covenant supercarrier.

The mouths of many of the Constitution's bridge crew stood agape at the site of the enemy flagship, though Athena, utterly unphased, asked: "What are your vessel's sensors showing on the enemy forces?" The Conn Officer was still too stunned to answer, until Lieutenant Commander Idan yelled: "Snap to it Lieutenant! Sensors! What are they reading!?" The bridge crew quickly snapped back to work after that, as the Conn Officer rapidly pressed a few buttons on his panel and replied: "In addition to the enemy flagship, we're reading 4 Dreadnought sized vessels, 12 cruiser sized vessels, and 20 destroyer sized vessels; all of which appear to be guarding the Abrogator, which is heavily shielded by a planetary shield generator."

"How heavily shielded?" the Trill officer asked.

"From that thing's energy readings, it'd probably take the entire fleet firing for at least a week to bring those shields down."

Nazira rubbed her eyes, pressed a the comm button on the Captain's chair and stated: "Transporter Room 1, better beam up the Captain; sounds like we're going to need him for this..."

As the Transporter Room complied with the order, Athena asked the Conn Officer: "Can you isolate the shield generator's location on the planet?"

"Yes ma'am, I have the coordinates right here."

"Forward them to our forces on the planet, and forward the data you've gathered on the enemy forces to the rest of our fleet." Tapping her comm device the goddess continued: "This is Athena to all ground forces: it is critical that you destroy the shield generator at the coordinates you've just received so that we may begin our attack on the Abrogator. Proceed with all due hast..." The goddess' comm cut out as the shield around the Abrogator was extended around the Ascendant homeworld.

Ensign Sitaa checked the status of the communications systems and reported: "There's no way for us to get a signal through; I'm afraid our ground forces are on their own until those shields are down."

"Did we get the Captain?" Nazira asked, just as Nelson walked out of the turbolift and ordered: "Report."

"I'll take that as a yes..." the Trill stated before walking up to Nelson and stating: "Basically, our target is insanely heavily shielded and there's a ship about the size of a continent along with a few smaller friends standing in our way. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go keep an eye on my engines; good luck Captain." With that Nazira made her way onto the turbolift, as Nelson grinned abit at the engineer's abrupt briefing while returning to his chair to monitor the situation.

Shortly after he did, the Conn Officer informed him: "Captain, I'm detecting movement from the enemy fleet; it appears the smaller vessels are breaking away from the flagship and moving to intercept."

Athena smiled at the report and stated: "Typical Ascendant arrogance; no doubt they believe this little fleet will be sufficient to destroy us, and the Captains are vying for the glory of defeating the greatest number of our vessels."

The Conn Officer then interjected: "Captain, I'm registering additional contacts; reading 40 Starfleet vessels, 36 Klingon vessels, and... 28 Romulan vessels! Looks like our reinforcements made it!"

Nelson breathed a slight sigh of relief and Athena stated: "Have them enter formation with the rest of the Alliance fleet." Activating her comm again, she informed the fleet: "All vessels, maintain position and let the Ascendants come to us; let us use their arrogance against them and destroy this fleet before we enter range of the flagship."

Nelson nodded in agreement and ordered: "Tactical, target all forward phasers at the nearest vessel; as soon as they enter range begin probing their shields for weaknesses."

The next few moments were near totally silent on the Constitution as the crew prepared for contact with the powerful foe, each crewman focused totally on their respective jobs until the silence was finally broken when the fleet entered range and Athena tapped her comm to order: "All vessels: open fire, and unleash the wrath of the gods upon them..."

[Naval Monte]

Ascendant Native Universe
Capital City
Near the Conduit

When Hex and her troops charged into the city they looked at the city. Yet they weren't marveling as were they staying alert for snipers. It would seem they came in just before the enemy was complete with restoring the city. It wouldn't do the Ascendants any good as not only was AEGIS planning on looting the technology with the city but also razing the entire city to the ground just so the Ascendants would have no home once more. Just as they went by the street a sniper shot was heard and a trooper was taken out.

The cries of sniper made everyone take to cover as they search through the network link on the camera headset of the soldiers to see if anyone got a visual of the flash of the sniper rifle from one of the building windows. Worse still clone troopers were pouring out to defend the originals. Hex and the others fired at the clone trooper and quickly duck back into cover and plasma bolts whiz by.

"You heard the woman. I want those buildings bombed back to the stone age!" Hex shouted at her com. From the air fighters and drones began to engage the drone fighters while protecting bombers, helicopters, and VTOL crafts. From the air bombers began to drop bombs at not only the buildings targeted but also at the other buildings surrounding the targets. Well the bombers that managed to reach their targets began to do so.

The self propelled guns and tow artillery units not only began to fire alongs tanjs and mechs at the hover tanks bit also at the building to level them. Some was to make the buildings fall on top of the enemy or to block the enemy's path, but others destroyed it to remove possible sniper vantage points or hideouts for the clones.

Kinetics slugs, missiles, and explosives were sent out alongside magic, direct energy weapons, and stranger weapons. Hordes of monsters, demons, and stranger were set loss upon the city as spirits flew over the streets to terrorize the snipers still hiding. Dragons flew up to fight the drone fighters along with flying machines. In fact more fantastical flying machines from the Order joined in.

Everywhere the Order was the shifts in reality brought about the orders magical and anomalous powers and technologies was evident as strange phenomena and creatures would plague those areas. Worse still some clones would turn on their comrades either due fi being fooled by psionic or magic spells, are controlled by such powers or worse are possessed.

Just like AEGIS the Celestial Order decided to leave the city in ruins once the battle was over. But the Order wanted to leave an extra nasty gift by leaving the city as nktnonkynin ruins but as an anomalous hellscape.

From space AEGIS spaceships began the fight by firing missiles and massive slugs from their coilguns. Unlike the rest of the fleet they chose to stay away from the fight, preferring to instead attack from range and to flank the enemy if a chance was presented. Mona and the other AIs controlling the ships were all working overtime to ensure everything was running at maximum efficiency to ensure the fleet can last long in the fight and hopefully return home.

The missiles all ranged from guided missiles to some being plasma. Some fired multiple smaller missiles while others were bomb pumped lasers. A few were nukes. The ships would begin to unleash drones of swarms to mostly distract the point defense systems of the enemy ships and force the weapon PDS to overheat.

[Demincia]

Ascendant Native Universe
Capital City
Brynn Overton, Kathryn Bray, Thomas Bishop Jr., Zira 'Zoromee

When the pair of IMC Pilots crossed over into the city, they looked around. "Would you look at this place?" Kate said, stopping for a moment.

"Yea, get a good look while you can. I don't think it will be standing much longer." Brynn said over the radio. "Let's just hope we get to walk through the rubble after and not end up like it."

"Amen to that." Kate replied. "Shame we're set for Expeditionary, we could really use some UP right about now."

"You're telling me, I'm just hopin' my Stryder's enough to get me through." The pair led the IMC forces into the city, and Blisk's Titan joined them at the front.

"More Titan's comin' through, we're clearin' the path for 'em" the mercenary said. His modified Ogre's minigun roared to life again as it spewed empty shell casings out the side. "Best part about bein' outnumbered, plenty of things to shoot."


Bishop and the Militia crossed over next, keeping a distance from the IMC forces. The two factions fought side by side, but they definitely weren't fighting together. Bishop's railgun charged up before the deafening crack of its discharge filled the air. Riflemen and Marines from both sides fired rockets, bullets, plasma, and threw as much ordnance as they could trying to deal with the onslaught of robotic forces. Spectres marched forward, unphased by their Descendant rivals, mixing into the frontline causing more chaos as servos and limbs flew through the air.

"Keep moving forward, we can't stop for anything or we'll never get through!" shouted the Pilot, firing missiles indiscriminately into the distance. "This is where we end it, no more defending, we're the siege breakers now!" He loaded another cylinder into the railgun and it began to spin up again.


The space between the two warring Frontier forces was filled suddenly by the arrival of Covenant forces, and their Wraith tanks immediately started to launch plasma mortars through the air devastating the impact zone. Ghosts zoomed past infantry, Banshees fired bolts of plasma and radioactive bombs into the enemy lines before dancing away to reposition. Zira watched the battle unfold around him, giving orders to his forces in between striking down enemies with his sword.

The sheer scale of this battle was glory in its own right, to be a part of it would surely cement any Sangheili's place in the Divine Beyond. The more foes that he felled only added to the satisfaction that the will of the Forerunners was being carried out. Kig-Yar moved forward, deflecting rounds with their shields and allowing the Unggoy room to fire Needlers and Fuel Rod Cannons at the unholy robots that opposed them, while Sangheili relied upon their energy shield to keep them protected from harm.

[Brusia]

Captain Tom Sheridan (aka Malzorg the Devourer)
Ascendant Native Universe
"Bastion of Despair"

As Captain Sheridan awoke from his nap, he turned and looked out his to window to see, much to his surprise, one of the skyscrapers that dotted the skyline out his window suddenly collapse. Rubbing his eyes to make sure they weren't playing tricks on them, he approached the window and looked out to see that not only was the skyscrapper very much gone, but any number of explosions could be seen in the distance. Pressing a button on his nightstand he ordered: "Bob, would you get in here please."

After getting dressed, the good Captain met with his Ascendant clone assistant, whom he decided to call Bob because he didn't bother to learn his real name, and promptly asked: "Bob, do you want to tell me why I'm looking at a battlefield out my window?"

"You didn't receive the alerts Master Malzorg?"

"It's my day off Bob, so no, no I didn't."

"It seems we've come under attack sir; Descendants and clone forces are being deployed to repel the invaders."

"And how are they faring?" Sheridan asked before another building collapse in the background answered his question.

"Right..." Sheridan then stated before continuing "Bob, go get my ship ready; I'll be along in a minute..."


Bastila Shan and Lieutenant Commander Bradley
Middle-Earth

"Can you hear me!" Bastila was just beginning to regain consciousness as Bradley tried to shake her awake "Bastila, wake up!"

"I'm awake..." she softly replied "What happened?"

"No idea" Bradley replied while helping the Jedi up "Gondorians must've triggered a trap or something."

"Is everyone alright?"

"Don't think the Gondorians made it, but my people are all alright thanks to you. We owe you one. Now though we just have to find a way out of..."

"Hello?" a voice lightly echoed through the rocks "Can anyone hear me?"

"Then again..." Bradley stated, before yelling "We're down here!"

The Starfleet search and rescue team made their way through the debris to the survivors, and after treating injuries and informing them of what happened, the group made their way back up to the surface, where Bastila and Bradley quickly made their way to the Conduit to help out their colleagues...


Revan, HK-47, and Commander Jhalas
Ascendant Native Universe
Ascendant Capital

Revan meanwhile continued fighting at the front, battling alongside Covenant, AEGIS, Militia, IMC, and Celestial Order forces. When the skyscraper with the Ascendant clone snipers came down and sent a massive cloud of dust and ash rising through the city streets, Revan reached out with the Force and held the cloud at bay before it could reach the Alliance forces, and with a powerful Force push, sent it and many Descendant units flying back in the opposite direction. Meanwhile, once the building was downed and the snipers were cleared Jhalas stated: "Good shooting everyone, appreciate the assistance." With the snipers cleared, she then ordered the Starfleet and Gondorian forces forward alongside the other factions as the Alliance forces pressed on towards the planetary shield generator...

Athena and Captain Nelson
Ascendant Native Universe
USS Constitution

"Report!" Nelson ordered as the ship shook from enemy fire.

"Forward shields down to 62 percent!"

"Full axis rotation to port! Target all ventral phasers on the nearest enemy vessel and fire at will!"

As the Constitution made its maneuver, the two fleets were now fully engaged. As the most recent arrivals deployed their vessels, the other Federation ships hung back near the Militia, IMC, and AEGIS vessels, positioning themselves as best they could to help screen damage away from the more vulnerable ships. The Romulans meanwhile deployed near the Covenant ships, and closely monitored the fighting for any signs of weakness in the Ascendant defenses, while the Klingons rushed forward under cloak to attack with their disruptors at close range.

Suddenly, in the midst of the battle, a great many new blips would pop up on the Alliance vessels' scanners as the Ascendant vessels deployed a horde of drone fighters. As they appeared, Athena stated: "All vessels, the Ascendants are deploying drones; prepare to launch fighters to intercept!"

[Rhyssua]

Somewhere in the Alpha Quadrant...

Reevis-5 knelt down next to First Goran'clan, finally realizing the need for chairs onboard. The Cardassians and Breen had complained about it often enough, but it wasn't until now that Reevis-5 realized their necessity. Comfort, relaxation... and they provided a dignified way to die. To Reevis-5's knowledge, nobody wanted to die lying on a hard metal floor. Even a Jem'Hadar as tough as Goran'clan. Although, given their current situation, some might consider Goran'clan to be the lucky one.

"Do-do you have any left?" the Jem'Hadar asked, gasping for breath as he held his side. Gently, Reevis-5 removed the hand, to reveal a blood-soaked bandage. Clicking his tongue, the long-eared Vorta walked over to the medicine pack that the Cardassians had brought onboard with them (another thing Dominion ships had no use for). He opened the pack, withdrew a set of fresh bandages, and the all-important box containing the addictive Ketracel-white.

"I ordered you to contact the bridge when you needed fresh bandages," Reevis-5 said as he checked the Jem'Hadar's wound. During their frantic escape, a shard of bulkhead had impaled Goran'clan between his ribcage, missing the First's vital organs by a hair. In the ensuing chaos, everyone had assumed that their First was dead until nearly an hour after the battle, when the First limped onto the bridge and reported for duty. The Cardassians had suggested medical care, and Reevis-5 obliged them. The Dominion would've just killed Goran'clan on the spot; another change the Vorta would have to get used to.

"I-I didn't... want to-to impede the ship's... performance," Goran'clan gasped, wincing as Reevis-5 cleaned the wound and applied the bandage.

"I-I am dead weight," Goran'Clan continued. "This infernal wound... saps my strength."

"Nonsense," Reevis-5 said, his voice brisk. He patted Gora'Clan on the shoulder. "We'll get many a battle out of you yet. After all, what's a Vorta without his First?"

"Kudak'ikan is a capable soldier," Goran'clan said, shaking his head. "He can lead the unit better than this... invalid."

"Kudak'ikan is Second," Reevis-5 reminded him. "You are the First. You do not have my permission to die just yet."

"I need the White."

Sighing, Reevis-5 picked up the box. It had a surprisingly ornate design, with etchings and almost ceremonial handles; it was the kind of box that someone would offer up to a god. In this case, the Founders. He opened the box, and paused for a moment. There were two rows of White, identical in color. However, the Vorta distinctly remembered adding a certain compound to one of the rows but not the other. His bright purple eyes narrowed in concentration for a second, before he nodded to himself and selected one of the vials.

"No," Goran'clan said, his voice slow and deliberate. "The other one."

"You do not have my permission to die," Reevis-5 reiterated. However, Goran'clan was already shaking his head. Unlike many Jem'Hadar, he kept his head bald, claiming that the hair was a distraction. That single-mindedness and devotion to duty made him one of the finest Firsts in the entire quadrant. The baldness also served to accentuate his horns, which jutted out from his ash-gray skin like they were ready to stab someone.

"Nature will take care of it whether you order me to or not," he pointed out. Reevis-5 sighed through his nose. He knew that his First was right, as he usually was. It just... it just wasn't how he'd wanted to start this new phase of his life, away from Dominion control. Of course a timid part of his brain suggested. We could still go back...

Then he shook his head. No, of course he couldn't go back. Not only would they kill him like they killed Reevis-4, they'd probably end his entire lineage. One deviant was an accident; two was a serious flaw that the Dominion didn't need. He sighed one more time, then set the first vial down and picked up one from the other row.

"First Goran'clan," Reevis-5 said, beginning the time-honored exchange between Vorta and Jem'Hadar. "Can you vouch for the loyalty of your men?"

"From now, until death," Goran'clan said solemnly. Reevis-5 nodded. He'd expected nothing less.

"Then receive this reward from the F-," Reevis-5 began, stopping himself. He then resumed, a slight smile crossing his face. "From me. May it keep you strong."

His hand shaking, Goran'clan reached out for the poisoned vial of Ketracel-white. Once he had it, the First inserted it into his feeding tube. The good thing about the poison Reevis-5 had added was that it was almost painless. It would circulate its way into the brainstem and quickly shut down all of the First's automatic body functions, such as his breathing and heartbeat.

"Victory...," Goran'clan said, taking a shuddering breath. "Is life."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Report, First Kudak'ikan," Reevis-5 said, striding onto the bridge of the Ardent-2. Most of the debris had been cleared away, and many of the consoles were still operational. It was one of the few positives.

Kudak'ikan looked up. Unlike Goran'clan, Kudak'ikan had long black hair, flowing past his shoulders and hiding many of his horns. His confusion was evident, but one look from the Vorta told him everything he needed to know. He nodded, glanced back at the console he was standing at, and began his report.

"We are currently seven years from the nearest Alliance-held world," he said. "Three from the nearest Dominion-controlled one. The Cardassian engineer, Cain Priat, says that regaining warp power is extremely unlikely, especially since we don't have a replicator capable of replacing parts."

Reevis-5 nodded to himself. To use a human expression, they were f***ed. There was no way that they'd last even three years; no replicators meant that they'd have to subsist on their pre-packed rations, which were meant for two weeks at most. Maybe a month, if stretched. And now that Goran'clan was gone, the ship had no need for Ketracel-white, thanks to Kudak'ikan's strange mutation.

He didn't bother to ask about redistributing power; he knew that they were already maximizing what they had.

"Very well," Reevis-5 said after a moment. "As you were."

Then a series of jolts went through the ship, nearly throwing Reevis-5 off his feet. He looked up to find now-First Kudak'ikan looking just as confused. The Jem'Hadar punched in a few commands on his console.

"Engineering," he barked. "Report!"

All that came back was static. Meanwhile, the jolts continued, and the viewscreen switched off. Realizing he'd split his skull if he didn't find something to hold on to, Reevis-5 grabbed a nearby railing and held on for dear life as the lights flicked off, replaced by the dull blue glow of the emergency lights.

Without a chronometer, Reevis-5 couldn't tell how long the turbulence lasted; it could've been either seconds or hours and he wouldn't have noticed the difference. All he knew was that it eventually stopped, and the regular lights flicked back on. Once he recovered his wits, Reevis-5 let go of the railing and looked at Kudak'ikan.

"Get Priat up here," he ordered. "We need to find out what just happened."

"Sir," the Jem'Hadar said. "If I'm reading this correctly, we've been... taken somewhere. Not only are there no star charts of our location, but even extra-galactic reference points aren't coming up. I can't tell where we are...all I can tell is that there's a space station of some kind nearby."

"Put it onscreen, and start transmitting our distress beacon," Reevis-5 ordered. "If we have no clue where we are, chances are that it isn't a Dominion station."

He tried not to think about his First's findings. No reference points whatsoever? Even if they were in, say, the Andromeda Galaxy, the computer would've at least been able to detect the general direction of their home galaxy. No refernce points implied that they were on the other side of the universe, if that was even possible. More likely, the computer was just fried.

However, the station that faded into view onscreen looked like no station he'd ever encountered. Not Dominion, Cardassian, Federation or Klingon. It was massive, consisting of a central sphere with rings orbiting around it. Several structures also jutted from each end of the sphere, similar to a Federation starbase. In the distance, Reevis-5 thought he could also see ships flying around, although his vision was too poor to tell for sure.

Wherever they were, it wasn't the Alpha Quadrant. At least they would be safe from the Dominion here.

sorry this was such a long one... let me know what you think!

[Naval Monte]

Ascendant Native Universe
Ascendant Capital

With the force field being close the aerial units from both AEGIS and the Celestial Order flew ahead to try and be the first ones to reach the generator first and destroy them. Hex and several Reavers timed each fire room their weapons to off at once when they encounter a soldier using heavy weapons.

Mages from all sides unleash everything they had as spells and summons filled the city streets as much as bullets missiles. Mortal and immortal fighting side by side for both rights to exist as they gamble everything so the one threat against them all will never again pose threat to them.

From space the point defense systems from AEGIS would send out interceptor missiles and lasers long before particle beams and kinetic projectiles were fired out. They would also send out their own drones to fight against the swarm of drones, just to cut down a few of their numbers.

[Demincia]

Ascendant Native Universe
Ascendant Planet
Zira and Vir 'Zoromee

The fight pressed forward, but the battle in space was still raging on. Covenant ships used their Energy Projectors to cleave the oncoming Ascendant ships in two whenever they got in range, but there was still so many of them. "We must draw some of their fleet away, Supreme Commander. The humans are being overwhelmed." Zira said over the comm as he drew his sword out of a robot.

Vir let out a prolonged "Hmmm." before speaking. "I know what will get their focus. All units, prepare for suborbital slipspace rupture." In orbit over the capital, several CAS and CCS class ships ripped open a slipspace portal which caused explosive blasts to rock the city before they passed into them. The small contingent of ships emerged on the opposite side of the planet over a much smaller city, again doing a great deal of damage with the rupture.

Two of the CCS-class ships took position directly over the heart of the city, and began to spin up the Energy Projectors. The lens opened from a narrow beam to a wide angle, and the superheated plasma lance erupted from the ship and hit the city like a thermonuclear weapon.

Ground zero was level and vaporized instantly, and the shockwaves from the twin beams brought down even more buildings. The ships started to move, dragging the columns of plasma through the city, burning away the planet's atmosphere and turning the affected surface into molten glass and ash.

"Either they draw their forces away, or they watch their cities burn!" Vir called to the others. "Maintain the attack! Their ranks will break to stop the destruction!"

[Brusia]

Bastila Shan and Lieutenant Commander Bradley
Ascendant Native Universe
Ascendant Capital

After passing through the Conduit, Bastila, Bradley and the others arrived in the Ascendant Capital to hear the sounds of fighting in the distance. Bodies and scattered remains of Descendants and Ascendant clones were strewn all about the damaged surroundings. "So what now?" one of the junior Starfleet officers asked.

"We should get to a safe area" Bastila replied "If I can use my Battle Meditation, it could be of considerable help to our forces."

"Battle...what?" Bradley asked with a confused expression.

"It would be difficult to explain; I'm afraid I'll have to ask that you trust me on this."

"Alright, guess we owe you that much. Lead the way ma'am."

Bastila nodded then lead the group into a nearby building. After they checked to make certain it was secure, the Starfleet officers took up positions to keep Bastila protected while the Jedi knelt down and began to utilize her Battle Meditation to aid the Alliance forces on the ground and in orbit...

Athena and Captain Nelson
Ascendant Native Universe
Orbit of Ascendant Capital

Vir's plan would work as intended, as the Covenant attack under the planetary shield forced a portion of the Ascendant fleet to break off to try and save their city, and required that they drop a portion of the shield over the city so that their reinforcements could get there. This presented an opportunity for the Federation, Klingons, and Romulans to beam reinforcements down to the surface, and they quickly did so; hundreds of troops were beamed down in an instant to aid the push towards the shield generator. This was not to be the end of the Ascendants' woes however, as the Constitution's scanners soon picked up an unexpected reading:

"Captain!" the Conn Officer reported "I'm reading over 200 new signatures on scanners!"

"Ascendant?" Nelson asked.

"Negative, quantum signatures match the Ebon Hawk."

Ensign Sitaa interjected: "They're hailing us!"

Nelson ordered: "Onscreen."

"This is Admiral Carth Onasi to allied fleet; we received Revan's message and are here to provide assistance."

"Not a moment too soon, Admiral" Athena replied "I recommend your forces engage the vessels comprising the enemy's left flank; if you can create a gap in their lines, we should be able to end this battle quickly."

"Understood" Carth replied "Onasi out."

The Republic Admiral led his force of Centurion-class Battlecruisers, Hammerhead-class Cruisers, and Foray-class Blockade Runners, and his Inexpungable-class Tactical Command Ship towards the Ascendant's flank, as thousands of Aurek and Chela class Starfighters moved to help the other Alliance fighters intercept the Ascendant drones. The mass amount of turbolaser fire combined with the heavy fire from the rest of the Alliance fleet soon accomplished the intended objective, and a hole was punched through the Ascendant lines.

Seeing the gap, Athena contacted the fleet and stated: "A hole has been been created in the enemy lines! All available small craft and fighters, proceed to these coordinates immediately!" Within moments, scores of Federation Peregrine fighters linked up with their Republic counterparts and were soon followed by the Ebon Hawk, two Klingon Birds-of-Prey, and the USS Defiant. Collectively, the small but rapid vessels managed to press their advantage and, with Bastila's Battle Meditation aiding them and disheartening the enemy, they broke the enemy's line entirely and the Ascendant support fleet fell into disarray, making them easy targets for the Alliance.

In a matter of minutes all the remaining support ships were destroyed, leaving only the Ascendant flagship standing between the Alliance fleet and the Abrogator.

Revan, Bastila Shan, HK-47, Commander Jhalas, and Lieutenant Commander Bradley
Ascendant Native Universe
Ascendant Capital

Most of the Ascendant reinforcements were destroyed by the Covenant, AEGIS, and Celestial Order forces, while the Starfleet and Gondorian forces supported them. Revan continued fighting from the front, lifting two enemy tanks up and crushing them like tin-cans with the Force before throwing them into a formation of Obas units. As he did, hundreds of soldiers suddenly materialized nearby, and the remaining Descendants soon began falling back as the newly arrived Federation, Romulan, and Klingon forces helped the currently engaged Alliance soldiers overwhelm their forces.

With their new numbers, the Allied forces quickly pushed through the city, destroying numerous buildings and defenses, and laying waste to countless Descendant units and Ascendant clones before finally approaching their target. However, between the Alliance and the shield generator stood 5 massive, heavily armed, and heavily shielded mech suits. The most powerful and most ornate mech suit stood at the center, piloted by the Ascendant Archon himself, and the four suits flanking him on either side were piloted by the Elder Council. As they prepared to lock their weapons on the Alliance forces, a massive figure suddenly walked past them; standing at over 50 feet tall, wearing a strange dark suit of armor and a helmet which concealed his face, the figure exclaimed in a resounding voice: "FOOLS! YOU MAY HAVE DESTROYED THE PITIFUL DESCENDANT FORCES, BUT YOU ARE NO MATCH FOR MALZORG THE DEVOURER! SURRENDER NOW AND PERHAPS I MAY GRANT YOU A QUICK..." the image of the figure began to flicker for a few seconds before being replaced by that of a normal sized human man, donning a long coat and holding a strange device "death!" he finished in a decidedly unintimidating voice.

"Wait..." he stated hitting the device with his palm a couple times "Is this thing working?" Looking away he continued: "Damnit Bob! I thought you said you fixed this thing!"

"I believe I stated I was working on it si..." the voice was cut off as "Malzorg" could be seen drawing a pistol and firing. Turning back to face the Allied forces, the man stated: "Sorry about that, good help is so hard to find these days."

The Archon interrupted, stating: "Enough games. Is your ship in position to provide fire support?"

"Yeah, about that..." the man replied "I didn't make it this long by fighting losing battles, so I'm afraid I'm going to have to pass. Better part of valor and all that. But don't worry old buddy, I'm sure you'll do just fine on your own, being the superior species and all." Giving the Archon a little wave, he then stated "Toodles" and a ship could be seen in the distance flying through a Conduit which detonated in an explosion moments later, preventing anyone from the Alliance, or the Ascendants, from pursuing him or escaping from the world."

"Damn you Sheridan!" the Archon exclaimed, before turning back to the Alliance forces "No matter. I will deal with him personally after I have killed you all and laid waste to your pitiful universes. All forces, attack!" The Ascendants' last line of defense sprang forward, as the mech suits fired off missiles and plasma rounds at the Alliance forces, and 120 elite tetrarch units that served as the personal guard of the Council of Elders rushed to battle the Alliance forces, accompanied by the 20 Ascendant warriors who served as the Archon's guards and used micro-transporters equipped in their armor to rapidly maneuver, engage, and disengage Alliance soldiers...

Athena and Captain Nelson
Ascendant Native Universe
Orbit of Ascendant Capital

Meanwhile, as the Alliance fleet approached the Ascendant flagship, the Constitution's Conn Officer stated: "Captain, our scans are showing the shields around that vessel are extremely powerful; even with our new allies, I'm not sure we'd be able to drop their shields before they're able to destroy the fleet."

"I believe I may have a solution" Zenithar stated as he entered the Bridge "I hope you don't mind Captain, but I took the liberty of working with one of your munitions officers to modify a Quantum Torpedo with an Aeternium core; it should have sufficient yield to disable their shields, though I would recommend keeping all our vessels at least 200,000 kilometers away to avoid any friendly fire."

"Understood" Nelson replied, before pressing a button on his chair to open a channel to the fleet and stating: "This is Captain Nelson to all ships: maintain a distance of at least 200,000 kilometers from the enemy flagship." Closing the channel and turning to his helmsman he ordered: "Bring us 300,000 kilometers from the enemy's bow." The helmsman nodded, and once they were in position he ordered: "Fire."

The Quantum Torpedo entered warp speed moments after launching from the one of the Constitution's forward torpedo tubes, and soon slammed into the Ascendant's flagship in a blinding explosion that spread out for 200,000 kilometers in all directions, destroying everything in its path, eliminating numerous Ascendant drones and even turning a nearby moon into nothing more than space dust. The Constitution's Conn Officer had been momentarily blinded by the light, but soon recovered and after looking down at his console reported: "Their shields have failed, but it appears that ship's armor is still going to take alot of firepower to destroy."

Approaching a console, Athena brought up an image of the Ascendant ship and highlighted a section of its armor near the bow then contacted the fleet and stated: "This is Athena to all vessels, I'm sending you target coordinates for a section of the Ascendant ship's armor; if we can punch through it, smaller craft will be able to fly into the vessel and destroy the reactor from the inside. It will still take a great deal of damage to destroy however, so if you have any weaponry more effective against armor, now would be the time to utilize it..."

VICCI
The Hub

With nearly all forces currently deployed to the Ascendant universe, when a new vessel arrived near the Hub, VICCI scanned it and recognized its quantum signature as coming from the same universe as the Constitution. Calculating that the ship was likely friendly, the VI sent an automated message containing a basic greeting and coordinates for one of the Hub's docking bays...

[Naval Monte]

Ascendant Native Universe
Ascendant Capital

Jets screamed from above as they dropped bombs across the city. With how many clone and robotic fighters there were most drop any pretext of being calculated or precise, as artillery shells fell from the heaven and tanks and mecha shells towards the buildings it was obvious that most factions were concern on taking as much bodies and eliminating as much hiding spots from the enemy.

From battlefield Elizabeth was seen with a few mages drawing elaborate magic circles on the ground. "Okay this should do it." she got up and began to dust herself. "Once those bastards step on the magic circles they would find themselves taking an express ticket to down under. I'm sure the locals will love to have company." she chuckled.

Alex was channeling a massive storm that was blowing hurricane force winds with other mages. Lightning would strike randomly as rain and hail would pellet the ground. Other mages unleash the legions of the divine, infernal, fey, spirits, and many more as they began to overwhelm some of the Ascendant forces in some of the streets.

Elsewhere in the ground the various traps would all be trigger. Pillars of fire, vortexes of warp spacetime, rifts dragging people into other dimensions that act as inverse summoning spells, bodily inversion, curses, and many more would be fall those who stepped into them. As the traps began to do their work many would get reports of the enemy falling back. In a command post set up temporarily to review the state of the battle Hex and a few high ranking generals and commanders looked at the holographic projection of the battle.

"Looks like the enemy is making sure their shield generators stay active." Hex looked the holographic projection before her. She wish could use orbital bombardment but the option was taken from her due to the space battle currently ongoing. "The enemy has powerful mecha units and have anti air guns in place. I think if we use our drones as decoys it can lessen the chances of our own fighters being destroyed." One general told her.

Hex thought of it. "No, we need both ground attack crafts and ground forces to engage against the anti air guns." she would begin to move several holographic figures. "We will have our Jotun units and Titans engage the enemies mecha suits with our tank units and SPGs hanging out from the back to snipe them from across. Our artillery cannons will try to take out the guns and any other forces while the ground attack crafts will attack from the air."

Hex saw a torrent consuming some of the streets. A raging river of blood, dead bodies, and demonic flesh and energy was destroying everything in it's way as it flood the city. "Who ever controls that I want them to direct that river of death to the shield generators. It should clear out some of the units and make break up their formation to allow our forces an easier time to destroy them. Once the shield is done we can deploy commando units to secure facilities to steal whatever intel they can get on our enemy. We deserve a hefty reward for our service in this war." she said with a grin, the others agreeing.

"We shall share most of our plan with the other factions. Make sure both the IMC and Militia are away and get the Covenant and Republic on board, we can't do this alone." one general walked out to do as she commanded. "Now that we are moving deeper our break is over. Regardless how this end it was an honor serving with all of you." Hex told them as she put on her helmet. As she vanished before their eyes she would head off to one of the closet VTOL crafts so she can join the battle with everyone else.

Throughout the battle most of the Allied Forces would be moving forward once they heard the plan. Even the river of bodies and blood was surging towards the shield generator site as the forces would trail behind it, so no one would be caught in it's rampage.

[Demincia]

Ascendant Native Universe
Ascendant Planet
Vir 'Zoromee

Vir's face took on a twisted grin as he watched the Ascendant ships break ranks to try to save the city, despite it being too late to stop the damage. "All ships, disengage." he ordered over the open comm. "Commence glassing operations, purify this wretched planet." He watched as the Fleet of Determined Piety slowly began to withdraw from the battle alongside the Alliance ships and instead started taking up positions above the planet.

The residents could only watch as they witnessed the nightmare that countless civilizations across the Milky Way had faced, as Covenant ships hovered directly above the landscape before unleashing a devastating beam of molten plasma into the planet's surface. Dust and rubble kicked up from metropoles across the world as buildings, flora and fauna alike were vaporized by the Energy Projectors.

Vir opened the universal comm once more. "Vir to all human ground forces. The Ascendant homeworld is burning. While we have not fired upon the capital to avoid striking your forces, I would not suggest going slowly. Soon there will be no atmosphere to breathe, and the planet will endure darkness that will make any of your nuclear winters look like a warm summer's day. Vir out."