Chapter Three

As the forum auto-splits topics every 50 pages, the next topics will be named further chapters accordingly. This is chapter three, guys, KEEP IT UP!

Post.
POST.
POST!

~Jediluigi

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--Yaga Minor--

“Unfortunately, they did not have one.” He stated, looking over the janitor’s shoulder to confirm his directions mentally. Now there was just the matter of blending in without magic…

--Unknown World--

Leon walked up cautiously toward the creature, pistol ready in his free hand as he kept himself aware of his surroundings. So it takes a shot to the head to kill them. He thought, as he used the opportunity provided by the creature to learn how to combat his potential enemy.

--Gothis Orbit--

The Hive Ship activates its telekinetic powers once more, managing to deflect the torpedoes utilizing similar abilities to the Rachni. The Collective fleet presses on still, taking light losses via the Thanix cannons by comparison to the Turians.

--Gothis Land--

Despite the Collective Troops hunkering in and luring the enemy to them, several were still dieing, while some managed to put up a fight.

--Charad--

The pilot looked at the kiwi incredulously, as if annoyed. She hands the drawing to the kiwi, as if emphasizing it.

--Konnsallann Station--

Cross was annoyed, at first, to the interruption, but then intrigued by the report she overheard. She remained silent, however, waiting to see if anyone would even remember her presence and what they would say in explanation.

--Bladnir--

(On hold until JL either gets Victoria II or managed to talk to me on Skype to discuss where to go from here.)

Yaga minor---

Slavik: "Sithspawn." Slavik muttered as a curse "Guess I will just shuttle planet side for a meal thanks for the help i must be going now."

--Gothis, Orbit--

*As the turian casualties mount, their fighting spirit remains unflappable. Then, to the Collective armada's left, thousands of Hierarchy reinforcements emerge from FTL with their weapons already firing straight at the Hive Ship, including explosive MAC rounds that the Collective flagship cannot redirect. The occupiers are caught in a surprise flanking maneuver.*

--Gothis, Land--

*The unseen enemy keeps the Collective soldiers pinned down, but shifts most of its attention to the enslaved turians, spiriting them out of the structures. Then, when the humans are alone in these bases, they suddenly collapse one by one into massive sinkholes.*

--Charad--

*Fallah is abashed.* Fallah: Oh, yes, of course. Raven. So, Raven, can you draw where you are from?

--Fey--

*Teahcoatl becomes incensed.* Teahcoatl: Do you not understand?! Fleeing is useless!! It will follow you to your other nests and it will not stop until it has consumed every free thought it hears! Better to slit your families' throats now then let it have them! Better to make your star explode and hope that will destroy it!! We tried to warn you but your refused to listen. Now you must pay the price. *He contacts his tribesmen in Creole.* Destroy all ships of the dosh'linq that attempt to leave. We are doing them a favor.

*The Morrigi ships begin powering up their weapons and moving toward the fleeing SRI vessels on attack vectors.*

/Recopia|Recopi System|M-11|Mazeronian Core Worlds\

"Understood, by the way, have you seen any---" the voice appears to pause as if noticing something, some incompressible whisperings can be heard before the voice continues in an even tone "I see, you have quite the fleet here, are those yours we happen to be seeking some ships of those description..."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Of course, but what would be the proper channels for submitting these... queries?" Moff Salif responds, maintaining a deferential tone.

/Yaga Minor Orbital Shipyards|Yaga System|Prefsbelt Sector|Braxant Oversector\

"Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Of course." The entourage begins to head off back towards the inner station.

/Unknown World|Unknown System|Lehon Sector|Unknown Regions\

Nothing is immediately obvious about the creature, apart from the nearly overwhelming stench - probably stemming from the necrosis Leon had noticed earlier, as Leon approaches the thing. It is clearly finished however, and almost certainly not consumable.

--Goths orbit--

The Hive ship deploys a combination of telekinetic and generated barrier to absorb the incoming damage. This manuever momentarily pauses their attack on the Turian fleet, but was mostly successful in absorbing the flank attack.

---

--Gothis Land--

Unfortunately, with the Hive Ship tied up in orbit, there is no defense against such a manuever. All that can be done is that the Collective Troops are transported off-world, retreating to the Hive Ship via teleporters.

---

--Charad--

Raven looks at Fallah curiously, not understanding how a drawing of a planet would be beneficial, but she complies regardless. First drawing the outline of the planet, then detailing as far as the pen allowed with a monotone color. What came from her efforts was a planet, properly shaded, with several 'lights' signalling cities and major population centers. Curiously, she also drew several 'mechs' similar to hers, but of different armaments and configuration still, to the side, as if orbiting the world.

--Gothis, Orbit--

*The Hierarchy vanguard presses its attack while the Collective fleet is distracted. Then, as the battle begins to turn against the turians, a massive volley of antimatter warheads comes up from Gothis, heading straight for the battered loyalists. At the same time, the 22nd redoubles its attack, giving the Collective armada no respite. They fire some GARDIAN shots at the missiles, but are unable to bring the heavily-armored-shielded warheads down as they penetrate deep into the fleet's lines...and keep going.*

*Suddenly, every single Hierarchy warship blasts into FTL. Heartbeats later, the warheads detonate--in the midst of the Collective fleet.*

--Charad--

Fallah: Very good, thank you. Where in the galaxy is your world? Why were you fighting a Primitus ship so far from your home?

--Gothis Orbit--

The sudden disappearance of the Turian fleet throws the Collective armada off-guard. What the Hive Ship does manage to bear against the warheads' explosive attack was insufficient, and many ships were damaged. It was at this point that a Dominance class Superior Dreadnought with several hundred escorts jumped in through PS space, guns blazing. The Hive ship found its earlier telekinetic powers locked by the lead ship's jamming devices, as hordes of missiles and a massive starting volley slammed into the damaged fleet. The dreadnought fires a series of anti-matter and EM-infused plasma beams directly at the Hive Ship.

Within mere minutes, the Collective armada is mostly destroyed. And as sparse ships flee the scene, the Hive Ship detonates, sending a disintegrating shockwave through the wreckage. "This is Admiral Raiden. You are in violation of the Collective Disarmament Treaty. Your end has come." A voice rang out towards the fleeing vessels.

---

--Charad--

Raven flips over a new page, drawing a map of the galaxy, without any identifying marks. However, she did leave white star shapes showing where Charad and her homeworld are in relation to the galaxy at large. The distance is staggering, as Raven travelled from her world in the galactic core, deep in the Neutral Region, to Charad to here, significantly damaged.

--Gothis--

*The 22nd Armada, having taken up position near Kothaal, takes a few shots at the fleeing stragglers. When the system is secure, a single Rachni ship arrives from the Mass Relay with Queen Tara onboard. It descends to the newly-liberated planet's surface and the kind, gentle young Rachni Queen begins the process of healing the civilians' minds from the sudden shock of being freed from their enslavement. The 22nd lingers at the planet for repairs and resupply, leaving the IS fleet free to fight elsewhere. Despite being so-newly liberated from the Collective's mind control, Primarch Scipio insists on personally going to Palaven, where Fedorian has called a meeting.*

--Palaven, Cipritine--

*In the Primarchs' Forum, Fedorian stands before his fellows as he has done so many times before.* Fedorian: ...so let us rejoice, my friends, for Gothis is now free from the monstrous Collective!

*The Primarchs erupt into applause and cheers.* Fedorian: Thank you, thank you! But it is not over! This scourge of rebellion still sours a dozen of our worlds! But when this war began, it was twice that number! Soon it will be no more. Now, Primarch Scipio has come from Gothis to speak with us.

*Scipio is clearly under great strain as he comes up to speak.* Scipio: Thank...you, Primarch Fedorian. I...am afraid I cannot...stay for long...as my people...need my help, but...I only wish to say...that this Collective...must be defeated...eradicated...purged from the...galaxy...so they can...never enslave another...free mind. We...tried to fight, but...they took us...by surprise. When...Gothis has recovered...we will be delighted...to join in the...invasion of the...Collective. Thank you, my...friends.

*The Primarchs loudly applaud once more as Scipio bows and Fedorian returns to the stand.* Fedorian: Well said, my dear old friend, well said indeed. This rebellion cannot last much longer. We will fight, and once we have restored the rebel worlds to our fold, then we shall strike back at the monstrous Collective itself!

Primarchs: HERE, HERE! DEATH TO THE COLLECTIVE!

*The meeting adjourns, and Fedorian returns to his chambers to check on the progress of the civil war. News of Gothis's liberation has provided a significant boost to morale in the invasion forces progressing through rebel territory. The Hierarcy is well on its way to winning the civil war. * Fedorian: But when we invade the Collective, we're going to need help...much as I hate to admit it. *The Primarch begins sending transmissions through diplomatic channels, requesting assistance from powers both great and small for an invasion of the Astrum Collective.*

--Charad--

*Fallah's eyes widen at the considerable distance.* Fallah: Then why come all the way out here? Did that Primitus ship chase you here?

--Turian Hierarchy--

Across rebel worlds, the Collective is still fighting fiercely. As well, many Turian 'slaves' go missing from any liberated worlds, spirited away on Collective ships headed to an unknown location. Surprisingly enough, the Collective is actually retreating to a central position, as the IS fleets link up with the Turian ones, obliterating what remains of the Collective's vessels.

Unfortunately, as world after world falls, the casualties on both sides continue to rise, especially in ground confrontations.

---

--Palaven--

Fedorian receives a priority hail from a General Nikolas Cross of the Imperial Sovereignty Armed Forces.

---

--Charad--

Raven nodded in affirmation. Then, she turned the page and began drawing a rough comic, of sorts, showing her mech flying through space a distance from another, different planet with no lights. Then, a rupture in space, and then a ship reminiscient of the Primitus ship appearing. As she continues, she goes on to draw a short battle between the two vessels, mostly involving her obliterating drone after drone, and then retreating after being hit by a beam of sorts from the vessel's impressive volley of weapons. Despite being a rough skit, the detail is still quite impressive, and she is still capable of an astounding speed at drawing these images.

--Hierarchy Territory--

*Despite mounting casualties, with the IS's help, the loyalist forces begin to build up speed as the rebels' defenses crumble.*

--Palaven--

*Fedorian takes the hail in his office and has it patched to hologram.* Fedorian: Greetings, General Cross. I am Primarch Fedorian. What can I do for you?

--Charad--

Fallah (impressed): That's quite a tale. Not many could have gone through what you did and come out alive. *Her gaze lingers over the increasing number of sketches.* Shadow told me she'd join us, but I have to give her the choice. Do you want to go back? We could repair your craft and take you home quite easily.

(A bit of a jump in time, you know?)
--Palaven--

The general bows politely, and then speaks. "I am to understand that I will be working with your army for the duration of this war. While I am not offended, I have researched your standard armaments and, in this war, I apologize by saying that I find them a bit lacking to fight the Collective."

---

--Charad--

Raven looks at Fallah, uncertain. After a few moments, she just shrugs and then returns to adding detail to her skit. The fact that her mech was repairing itself offered that she didn't worry about making such a choice so soon.

(If I said this Collective-backed rebellion was quelled within two weeks [even with IS assistance], you'd take issue. )

--Palaven--

*Fedorian nods and sends two vidcom requests off Palaven--one to Admiral Coronati, the other to General Minin Resvirix. While they wait, he gives his answer.* Fedorian: I don't have time to spew patriotism...you are right. And your timing is implaccable--projections for our invasion of the Collective are not looking good. But you'll have to speak to Admiral Coronati and General Resvirix about that.

--Charad--

*Fallah is also uncertain of the human's thoughts.* Fallah: Don't you have a family? Or a mate? Someone waiting for you back home?

--Palaven--

"What I actually need is your permission to outfit your soldiers with the required technology to fight the Collective on the ground, Primarch." He replied, making clear why he contacted Fedorian rather than the generals. "If I have it, I will discuss with General Resvirix as to the what and how."

---

--Charad--

Raven shrugged again, and then shook her head, signifying that she didn't, and nor did she even care either way.

--Palaven--

*Cross's offer visibly intrigues the Primarch.* Fedorian: What sort of technology are we talking about, General? (Idly speculating) Armor augmentations to resist their damn mental attacks? Weapon improvements? Could you perhaps equip our fleets with jammers like the ones you utilized over Gothis?

--Charad--

*Fallah is slightly saddened by the pilot's response, but does not dwell on it and stands up again.* Fallah: I need to move you to another hangar. Will you follow me, please?

--Aves--

*Ackbar opens his beak to ask something else, but then his eyes grow distant and he lifts a wing to the tiny comm wire running along his jawline.* Ackbar: Yes...WHAT?! *The fierce, golden orbs widen, and dart towards Light for a fraction of a second.*

*After a long moment, he nods.* Very well. I'll be there. *The hawk turns his gaze back to his unusual guests.* My friends, I apologize, but some...affairs of state have called me away. I'll leave you to it. *Without waiting, he quickly flies out of the room, leaving the Marzeronians and Light alone.*

*Ackbar takes a shuttle down to Aves, where the ruling Junta is preparing to convene. The seething Admiral mulls over the message he just received and how to act on it.* Idiots!! How can they be fighting among themselves now, with the Primitus coming?! *He grinds his beak in frustration.* The time for the summit has come and gone, and I had nothingto show for it. Now instead of preparing for their arrival, the galaxy is disintegrating into war. I hope you and your god are happy with me, Shadow, because I certainly am not.

*He soon arrives in Aves City and heads to the Junta Council, as the avians' ruling Generals await him. They quickly stand as he flies hurriedly into the room, having just donned his mantle and medals.* Ackbar: At ease. *They relax again and he takes his perch.* What's the situation?

*Addrson comes forward to deliver the full report.* Addrson: Our ambassador on Palaven confirms that the turians have declared the "War Faction" a rebel element and are embroiled in a civil war to bring these rebels to heel. Additionally, we know that one of the northern factions, the "Astrum Collective", is actively fighting on the rebels' side against the Hierarchy. Citing the violation of an interstellar demilitarization treaty, the Imperial Sovereignty has deployed a sizeable force to counter the Collective and assist the turian loyalists.

*He pauses.* Meanwhile, word from Hiigara brings rumors of additional war as the Verus Imperial Domain has acquired the Daiamid's permission to use territory along their northern border as a staging ground to deploy a large military force, ostensibly to help counter a predicted Atrum Imperium offensive. The Hiigarans are coinciding this with the mobilization of fleets to their north and eastern borders, and a considerable buildup of fortifications in those areas. The Federation has declined to take part in the turian civil war, and we've heard nothing from the Morrigi or Rachni on this. *Pause.* That's all we have, Admiral.

Ackbar: Thank you, Addrson. *He sweeps his gaze around the room. All the Generals are looking to him for leadership, drive, certainy, something.* I see only two possible courses of action. One, join in this senseless fighting and so be weakened when the Primitus arrive. Two, stay out of it and hope we can stop the Primitus on our own. *The thought almost makes him laugh bitterly.* Alone...who are you kidding, Ackbar? *He breaks the silence.*

Ackbar: Mobilize forces to our northern borders. I must ponder these events. Junta dismissed.

*Without waiting for a response, he flies out, through the city, and back to his cabin on the Spirit of Aves. There, he surveys the cityscape through the cabin windows and pours himself an extra-tall glass of nectar liquor.* Aves help me...I hate this. Knowing what's going to happen, trying to stop it, only to have it happen anyway...why do I have these visions if I can't make any real difference?!

*His gaze drifts to a picture frame on his desk. With a heavy sigh, he sets the glass down, picks the frame up, and begins to gently caress the image with his wing.* Nothing from the Morrigi or the Rachni, they said...

*Suddenly, an idea comes to him and he springs into action.*

--Palaven--

"Due to the fact that I would have to retrain your men to properly utilize our weapons, I am limited to providing them a means to passively block the Collective's more subversive abilities, as well as a limited supply of augmented power shields. I would be happy to train a more elite regiment utilizing our full arsenal, however, but the resources at our disposal are limited by time, I'm sure you understand." The general answers idly.

---

--Charad--

Raven stood, closing the sketch book and leaving the pen inside for later use. She carried it under her arm as she followed the bird.

---

--Bladnir Station--

Not long after Ackbar disappeared did Light begin to explain the situation. "I'm afraid you have arrived on the cusp of a foolish galactic war. Quite the bad timing." He said, as the surroundings changed to that of a forest. Light began walking through the trees as if it were his own backyard, and signaled for the others to follow. "This war is but the beginning. It will start with a massacre, and end the same, only to be reborn as another war, a war of survival. One that, should you refuse to listen to what I have to say, you and your galaxy will also find itself in."

Not stopping to answer questions, or even giving reprieve for the men to ask them, Light goes on. "However, that is not to say that this galaxy is not beautiful and devoid of wonders in its own right. But like yours, it is far from perfect. With so many different choruses, war would be inevitable. Unfortunately, it is but an act for a much sinister plan. But even then, other choruses still sing." As they reach the clearing, Light stops at a cliff-side. What met the team of explorers was the massive skyline of a bustling metropolis. It sat on a rather small island chain, and often was floating on the water rather than the islands.

"This is but one of those choruses." He said, handing Rebekka a datapad. "And I will show you where each one's song can be heard." He said, as the datapad held coordinates and a rather useful map of the galaxy. It showed the planet of Aves, where they just departed, and the planet of Ultra Vires, as the name stated. Now he was willing for questions to be asked and answered.

--Palaven--

*The turian nods.* Fedorian: I understand all too well, General, but I need more concrete details than that. What form will this passive blocking method come in?

--Charad--

*Fallah leads Raven towards the other end of the hangar and presses her ID card against a scanner on the wall. The wall then reveals itself as a door and irises open to admit them. The room behind it is a smaller hangar than the other, but still with ample space for both Raven and her mech. Fallah has two runner-style sleeping daises, one large enough for the human and the other about her size, brought to the secondary hangar and then scurries to another, smaller door.* Fallah: I will be back soon! Please don't worry.

*She opens the door and quickly closes it behind her, then hurries through the the base's bustling corridors--a stark contrast to the empty tranquility of the hangar she has just left.*

*About an hour later, Fallah returns to the hangar with several books on her back. She hurries over, deposits the volumes next to her dais, and hops into it.* Fallah: Lie down if you want. It's probably not what you're used to, but most humans find these very satisfactory.

--Alba--

*Caina nods.* Caina: Very well, High Senator. I will return to my embassy. We may meet at another time. *The Titan Avian walks back to her shuttle, which lifts off and flies back towards the avian embassy.*

Recopia, Recopi system, Core Worlds, Alpha Galaxy:

//Message Recieved...

=< "These ships are under the protection of the Governor General of Recopia, Lord Swain. Is there a problem?" >=

//Message End...

Planetside

Lord General Swain thinks for a moment. "Through me, or any of our diplomatic staff. Of course, you are free to submit any suggestions or offers to the Imperator himself." The Governor begins to walk out of the room, dismissing the Moff's. "The Emperor will be arriving in a week to proclaim Judgement."

Ultra Vires, Unknown System, Beta Galaxy:

Lieutenant Rebekka frowned, noting abduction on the list of Licht's offenses. "Ultra Vires... Why have you brought us here?" She asks, looking around at the serene environment, her training keeping her eyes sharp.

/Recopia/Recopi System/M-11/Mazeronian Core Worlds\

A long pause, followed by a disconnection, ensues after roughly 10 minutes, the squadron is hailed again, "We have consulted with Director Knylenn and have been informed to formally request you allow us to determine if these are the ships we are looking for and if they are to demand you turn them over to the Directorate."

-------------------------------------

Several hours pass before a formal query is distributed to the Governor's office and the local consulate regarding how the Moff's may be of use to their hosts, included is a note on the capacities of the Moff's loyalist forces which include roughly three dozen line ships (mostly slightly upgraded Imperial I and II's but a few modern Pellaeons), several hundred lesser capital ships (mostly outdated frigates and corvettes), several hundred strike craft (mostly modified Scimitars), and about 100,000 land troops (1,000 'elite' bodyguards, 10,000 trained infantry, the rest militia).

Quantum Rain wrote:
--Konnsallann Station--

Cross was annoyed, at first, to the interruption, but then intrigued by the report she overheard. She remained silent, however, waiting to see if anyone would even remember her presence and what they would say in explanation.

Anna decides to let Cross in on the situation. "We have just lost all contact with one of our planets, Fey. Given the circumstances, we are led to believe that this may be an attack, but we are only going to send in a small stealth fleet. This will avoid any fighting if this is, in fact, an attack by the other border-factions."

Fore Admiral Disayle wrote:
--Alba--

*Caina nods.* Caina: Very well, High Senator. I will return to my embassy. We may meet at another time. *The Titan Avian walks back to her shuttle, which lifts off and flies back towards the avian embassy.*

"I'm sorry that this had to happen. I will contact you when this matter is cleared up, and then we can properly introduce ourselves." Says Norrmar, although Caina was already walking towards the shuttle. He trails off at the end of his sentence as the shuttle flies away. "Well then.." He says, and turns promptly to his aide.

"I will contact the other High Senators." Says the aide, and they both walk inside the building.[/quote]

~Fey~

The evacuation ships, picking up the attack vectors on their sensors, immediately make a run for the edge of the gravity well, with an intent to jump out of the system.

--Anima Prime--
*One hour later*

The battle had begun, with the demonic army crashing into IS lines. The troops had held their ground, melee in front to deal with the enemy, and ranged in the back with artillery and the Farseer battlegroup for support. With the VTOL airsupport, the IS had the advantage, but the demons had far superior numbers. More than expected.

Lae would still be able to see the battle across the barren landscape surrounding the spire. Escorted by Regnum and the so far unknown and unseen partner whom earlier introduced himself to Rain as Azrael.

"We have their attention for the time being." Rain's voice came in. "It's now or die horribly."

---

--Palaven--

Cross shifted his position, sighing to himself, and unseen by Fedorian. In his mind, this was tiresome and a waste of a conversation. "More than likely a chip implanted into Turian armor, given that we are unsure of your biology to see if our mental implants are compatible."

---

--Charad--

Raven shrugs and lays down on the ground after handing a book to Fallah. After a short time of reading, she started to draw what Fallah spoke out of passiveness.

---

--Ultra Vires--

"You wanted to see the problems that plague this galaxy. This is one of the centers." Light replies straightforward for once. Above, a loud roared of a sublight engine erupted above, and their attention was stolen by a series of three frigates and several wings of fighters. All bearing a foreign symbol. "The most obvious is war."

---

--Konnsallann Station--

The powerful figurehead nodded in understanding, then motioned to Jonas to step forward. "If I may, I would like Jonas and a small escort of ships to accompany you. We have stealth systems of our own and he may be able to offer assistance." She says, Jonas bowing and eyeing the High Sovereign out of curiosity. "I would be happy to render assistance." The young commander spoke.

---

--Yaga Minor--

Siber double-checked to make sure there were no cameras in range, and then cast a sleeping spell on the janitor, moving in a flash to catch him by surprise. "Just your outfit for today."

---

--Unknown--

Leon nudges the arm of the creature to ensure its death still, and then mutters. "Well, at least it would be tastier than the mess hall's menu."

Quantum Rain wrote:--Anima Prime--
*One hour later*

The battle had begun, with the demonic army crashing into IS lines. The troops had held their ground, melee in front to deal with the enemy, and ranged in the back with artillery and the Farseer battlegroup for support. With the VTOL airsupport, the IS had the advantage, but the demons had far superior numbers. More than expected.

Daniel would still be able to see the battle across the barren landscape surrounding the spire. Escorted by Regnum and the so far unknown and unseen partner whom earlier introduced himself to Rain as Azrael.

"We have their attention for the time being." Rain's voice came in. "It's now or die horribly."

---

--Palaven--

Cross shifted his position, sighing to himself, and unseen by Fedorian. In his mind, this was tiresome and a waste of a conversation. "More than likely a chip implanted into Turian armor, given that we are unsure of your biology to see if our mental implants are compatible."

---

--Charad--

Raven shrugs and lays down on the ground after handing a book to Fallah. After a short time of reading, she started to draw what Fallah spoke out of passiveness.

---

--Ultra Vires--

"You wanted to see the problems that plague this galaxy. This is one of the centers." Light replies straightforward for once. Above, a loud roared of a sublight engine erupted above, and their attention was stolen by a series of three frigates and several wings of fighters. All bearing a foreign symbol. "The most obvious is war."

---

--Konnsallann Station--

The powerful figurehead nodded in understanding, then motioned to Jonas to step forward. "If I may, I would like Jonas and a small escort of ships to accompany you. We have stealth systems of our own and he may be able to offer assistance." She says, Jonas bowing and eyeing the High Sovereign out of curiosity. "I would be happy to render assistance." The young commander spoke.

---

--Yaga Minor--

Siber double-checked to make sure there were no cameras in range, and then cast a sleeping spell on the janitor, moving in a flash to catch him by surprise. "Just your outfit for today."

---

--Unknown--

Leon nudges the arm of the creature to ensure its death still, and then mutters. "Well, at least it would be tastier than the mess hall's menu."

Lae sat and waited for a moment but saw no sign of the partner Rain had assigned him. He then sighed in annoyance. "[censored] it, he'll get the heat for being late." He began sprinting across the field with one hand on his short sword, prepared to draw it at the first sign of trouble. He would keep a low posture, trying to make himself appear as small as possible despite the barren landscape. He would be surprised when he jumped down into a wide trench with rubble in it, as a pair of patrolling demons that walked out from behind a pile of rubble and spotted him. They charged him drawing their weapons, as Lae drew his. They constantly dodged and blocked each others attacks, but Lae was losing ground fast.
As he backed into a wall, Lae realized he had nowhere to go. The one demon raised its sword high and the other went low. Lae took this opportunity to try and make a last-ditch counter attack, but felt himself missing before he began. He dove between them, and rolled before turning to face them. They had swung at him but whiffed it, but Lae noticed blood dripping from their blades as he did.
Behind them, a man in robes and armor appeared seemingly out of thin-air, and touched his face. He had been sliced twice across his face from one corner of his forehead to the opposite corner of his jaw. He looked up at the demons who were now turning to face him with an annoyed expression. They were taken aback for a moment, but this is all it took.
The newcomer raised both hands and fired a great burst of frost magic at them which exploded with great force. Lae shielded himself from the shockwave. When it cleared, he looked at the spot where the demons had been and saw two humanoid ice blocks. The man who froze them walked up to them and hit them bare-fisted, causing them to shatter into many pieces.
"Jerks..." The man muttered.

" Then it is decided." replies Anna. "Your ships will leave with our stealth fleet. They will be patched into the fleet's communications network and intel server so that they may beter communicate."

Jonas and the Sovereignty ships would meet up with the stealth fleet, which was forming just outside Konnsallann station. The SRI force consists of four stealth corvettes, and two stealth frigates. They are outiffted especially with cloaking devices and extra sensors as well as improved shields should they be attacked. The frigates hold 2 fighter squadrons and 2 bomber aquadrons each. Once everyone is ready they jump to Fey.

--Palaven--

*The Primarch picks up on Cross's attitude and grows irritated himself.* Fedorian: You asked my permission, General, and I must know what I am agreeing to. Very well, I accept.

*At that moment, the connections to Admiral Coronati and General Resvirix both activate.*

Fedorian: Finally. What took you two so long?

Coronati: Sorry, sir. Encryption took a while.

Resvirix: Same here, Primarch.

Fedorian: No worries. We have little time. *He introduces Cross and explains the situation to them. Both turians' faces become visibly intrigued.*

Resvirix: That is a very wise and kind offer, General Cross. Thank you. My men will hopefully find it much easier to fight these bastards with the upgrades protecting them.

Coronati: Yes, all well and good, but General, could you also provide us some of your shipborne telepathic jammers? My fleets are suffering heavy losses wherever Collective ships appear, and if we could lock them out of their biggest advantage, it'd be much easier to take them down.

--Charad--

*Fallah reads her the story of the Second Mammalian Invasion, written in ancient Odorogil. Due to the difficulties of translating the archaic language to Basic, she unknowingly slips into her native Ratiti.* "...the green light reflected eerily off the bloodstained fur of the dead mammalians strewn around the area. But nevertheless, Sapare felt his heart swell with triumph as the malachite energy began to spread outward in a wave. At long last, they had done it. Losing many friends and against all odds, they succeeded. He turned to say something to Sifael...and found himself alone. Looking around, his heart leaped as he saw a black-and-white pile of feathers crumpled at the foremost pillar's base. Gasping, he hurried to Sifael's side." *The kiwi suddenly catches herself.* (Basic) Oh, my Aves, I'm sorry, I accidentally went into my birth tongue.

--Fey--

*As the evacuation ships approach the gravity well's edge, a sudden flash erupts into front of them, coalescing into a rift in space that disgorges...something. It is easily fifty kilometers long and its exact shape is obscure, but sheer terror strikes all who look upon it. The refugees are caught between the thing and the Morrigi ships, which open fire. The shots pass between the evacuation ships and impact against the thing, but do no discernible damage. It counters by releasing a wave of unknown force, and several of the refugee ships suddenly begin speeding towards it. One gets in the Morrigi's line of fire and is annihilated almost instantly. The Travellers cease attacking and begin to retreat in a panic, but a few of their vessels maintain formation. The renegade ships suddenly wink out of existence, and a millisecond later a massive explosion engulfs a large part of the thing.*

*A telepathic bellow of anger claws at the mind of every being in the star system. The rift in space closes, taking the thing with it along with the refugee ships that had maneuvered into close proximity.*

*The IS and SRI ships arrive a few minutes later, finding a shaken world and a hint of terrible evil.*

--Anima Prime--

Regnum had torn through what little resistance the demons offered and had reached the Spire. Already, two of the team members were cutting an entranceway for the two assassins.

---

--Fey--

"... Something isn't right here... Cautionary alert, shields full power, weapons and squadrons on standby for immediate decloaking." Jonas ordered, disturbed out of his usual merry mood. The large Divinity class Capital ship and the seven escorting cruisers complied almost immediately, still out of sight due to their cloaking devices.

---

--Palaven--

"Unfortunately, our engineers do not believe that your ships are capable of producing the power necessary for the jammers, and your systems may not even be compatible. Even so, that is up to Admiral Raiden. Contact him for any assistance and coordination. I'm here to lead the ground operations." The young general replied to the Turian admiral.

---

--Charad--

Raven was still drawing, not thrown off by change in languages it would almost seem. When Fallah paused and apologized, Raven looked at the kiwi curiously, and somewhat confused. Then, with Raven's arms out of the way, the highly detailed drawings might catch the avian's eyes. Though upside down, she could probably still make out the heroic figure of Sapare, and a shockwave ripping through the skies, going outward and beyond. Though there were other details still, such as the destruction to the city they were in, and corpses lying about including the hundreds of corpses of the enemy.

Recopia, Recopi system, Core Worlds, Alpha Galaxy:

Now it was the Directorate's turn to wait. Thirty minutes pass before they get a response, and it's obvious from the tone someone is not pleased.

//Message Recieved...

=< "This is Lord General Swain, the head authority of all matters occurring on and around this planet. It has come to my attention that your forces have arrived in orbit of planet, and after some normal transmission have demanded we hand over our guests. This is an insult of the highest order, do you know that? These are our guests, you barbaric fools, and to ask us to treat them in such a manner is beyond reason. By my authority, I am commanding you to vacate my planetary orbit, post-haste. Perhaps then your dear Director Knylenn will learn some manner." >=

//Message End...

Planetside

After the formal inquiry is processed, a letter is dispatched to each of the former Moffs, informing them that there offer is quite generous, and that their services would be most helpful. The recent conquests of the Trailing Sectors have given the Empire a vast swath of territory, and the Moff's skills in planetary and sector management will be needed. It does inform them that they would have to wait until the Emperor has passed his Judgement.

Ultra Vires, Unknown System, Beta Galaxy:

For a moment, Rebekka almost laughs. "There is only war, Licht. It is our nature. But what are the less obvious problems, then?" She asks, turning to the creature, then her companion, who has picked a flower from a nearby bush.