Chapter Two

[Quantum Rain]

First topic message reminder :

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

Post.
POST.
POST!

---

Reeds just kept on whistling as guards and crew cleared out of his path. Eventually, he stopped at a door, the label addressing it as 'Science Lab 2A.' He smiled as he opened the door and Lae saw that the science lab was not small by any means. It was massive, in fact, taking up at least five rooms and two floors entirely on its own. It also seemed to host a massive range of equipment, some of which were entirely foreign to him. With all of the technology, equipment, and stores here, one could only wonder what Reeds' intention was with this lab.

He rolled the cart up next to two others and then proceeded to rummage around for a datapad. "Sit down, my fine lab rat." He said friendly still as he finally found his desired object, turning it own and turning toward Lae, a mischievous grin on his face.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Lune, Fey--

*Teahcoatl makes a small flourish with his wings--a common Morrigi gesture used to greet one of equal rank.* Teahcoatl: Greetings. I am Zo'Qu'aan Teahcoatl of Tribe StarRunners. I bring a warning: a great evil approaches. You must flee this world, or all who call it "home" will suffer a fate so terrible that those who survive will beg for the release of death. Do you understand?

--Palaven--

Fedorian: Perhaps they could come here to discuss possible coordinated efforts? Ah, spirits, what is taking Praetorius so long?

--Charad--

Fallah: What is that symbol? Oh, Niriala, I wish you were here now. What would you do... *She takes a whiff of the pilot's scent, and she suddenly grows alarmed.* You're wounded. Badly. May I examine you? *The kiwi takes a tenative step forward as she says this.*

[Quantum Rain]

--Palaven--

Alanis says nothing towards Fedorian's rhetorical questions, but instead deigns to continue with his report. "The armada will arrive within the day. I have not been told of the leadership behind this armada. I only know that each armada of this size is lead by an admiral and a general."

---

--Charad--

The pilot backs up, placing one hand on her pistol. For someone that is wounded, she seemed uncaring about the damage to her body. Again, though, she remained silent.

[darthme]

~Fey, Kavinnsson's Office~
"And just what is it that we should be running away from?" Kavinnsson asks, voice dripping with sarcasm, but the Morrigi might not pick it up. "How do I know that you birdmen don't just want to inhabit the planet for yourselves?" While saying this, he makes a gesture towards the other Morrigi, and puts a certain accent on the word bird, implying that being an avian or near-avian is a bad thing.

"With all due respect, High Senator," says Viljelm, "These people helped us when our ship broke down. I don't sense any kind of malign intent in them, and I would thank you to treat them as equals to Gal'Gai, Feyari, or Marentanz, as the Galactic Avian Union is now counted among our allies. I don't know if the Morrigi are avians or something else, but would it kill you to hear them out?"

~Konnsallann Station~
The shuttle and it's escort are received at the station, and those on board are escorted to the conference room by both the SRI honor guards and any honor guards that the IS officials have brought with.

[Quantum Rain]

--Konnsallann Station--

The female form of the High Sovereign almost dwarfed those around her, and was escorted by at least three times as many honor guards as was normal. She walked calmly, her posture and attitude radiating not only confidence, but also demanding a form of respect for the power that she holds. As she strode into the conference chamber, Jonas and Karaed bowed stately, and then rose as she nodded. She turned to the SRI representatives. "I apologize about our show of military might, but they would prefer myself alive than to present secrecy." She spoke, clear and concise. "I am High Sovereign Marion Cross, one of the triumvirate leaders of the Imperial Sovereignty." She did not bow to the SRI, likely to keep appearances and as well she was probably not used to even doing so.

"I assume you are aware of the situation at hand?" She asked, not waiting for the SRI officials to introduce themselves. It could be assumed that she already knew who they were and desired to concentrate on the more important matters at hand.

[Jediluigi]

Bladnir Station - Berth A, Planet B22 "Aves" Orbit, System Beta 02, Beta Galactic Outer Rim:

Albert Thumm tapped his helmet, giving Rebekka Kracht a worried glance before she spoke up. "There are no such things as angels, Falsches Licht... Some sort of hyper-evolved being.... Very well, Licht, you may speak. What do you want?" She asked, still uneasy by the appearance of Licht.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Palaven--

Fedorian: Very well, I will prepare to receive them. *A tone sounds from the QEC, and a third hologram begins taking shape.* Finally!!

*The shape forms itself into Marduk and Praetorius, standing side-by-side.* Praetorius: Captain Praetorius to Primarch Fedorian. Do you hear me, sir? *His words are distorted, but comprehensible.*

Fedorian (relieved): We do, Captain.

Dario: Good to see you in one piece, Praetorius.

Praetorius: Hey, we're harder to kill than that. Though it's partially thanks to Marduk and his people--they're somehow cloaking us from those Collective bastards' sight.

Marduk: We are hiding ourselves from their twisted song.

Praetorius: ...yeah, like he said.

Fedorian: Cut the chatter, Captain. What's your status?

Praetorius: We're hidden from their detection, at least for now thanks to the Rachni. But we're trapped planetside--as far as we can tell, the Collective has completely blockaded Gothis. [censored]. Only transportation we have is a few shuttles and gunships, along with the Rachni's flyers. If I may, sir, when will the Hierarchy move to liberate Gothis?

*Fedorian explains the incoming IS reinforcements, and then looks at Admiral Coronati.* Coronati: If they help us, we'll bring in the cavalry in a few weeks. If they don't, Captain, you're looking at several months on Gothis.

Praetorius: [censored]. Are you sure we can't send a preliminary strike force of some kind? The longer we wait, sir, the more the Collective will solidify its foothold here, and the harder it'll be to take Gothis back.

Fedorian: I'm afraid not, Praetorius. All our fleets are committed, either on the rebel front or the reserves if things go badly.

Praetorius: Sir, we can't just let them get too cozy here.

Dario: I agree with him, Primarch. There are thousands of Astrum vessels holding Gothis. Even if the Sovereignty helps us, it's not going to be pretty when we come in to take it back. Some disruptive operations could lessen casualties considerably.

Praetorius: I respectfully request permission to blow [censored] up...sir.

*Fedorian considers this.* Fedorian: Wait, Captain. Something's off--how are you not under the Collective's mind control like those turian soldiers that Dario told me about?

Praetorius: I don't know. Dario and the others did destroy some big special ship in orbit...called a "Hive Ship", I think. Maybe that has something to do with it?

Fedorian: Perhaps. Ambassador Fields? What's your take on this?

--Fey--

*Teahcoatl bristles.* Teahcoatl (at Viljelm): Do not mistake us for the Narrigi--the avians, or "Little Travelers" as we call them. We have flown the stars longer than they or you or any who fly today. We are far more powerful than any others, and yet even we are helpless before what is coming. (to Kavinnsson) We do not seek your world. Those are a woman's realm. Our place is amongst the stars, and rarely do we Descend save to court our females. Do not condescend to us, dosh'linq. The threat is real and alive, and it is coming for your world. You must flee.

--Bladnir Station--

*Kracht's question piques Ackbar's interest as well.* Ackbar: Yes, what is it that you are doing here, Light?

[Quantum Rain]

--Palaven--

Fields thinks for a moment. "I believe intelligence pinged Hive Ships as being the centers of Collective operations and the central hub of their fleets. I believe you may have stretched them thinner than anticipated. But I am..." He trails off, putting a hand to his commlink. "... I'm sorry, I'm being contacted by Imperial Command." He says, his eyes trailing to the side. "... I understand." He said, pulling out a holo-emitter and setting it onto the ground. The image that sprung forth was that of an admiral of the Imperial Sovereignty.

"I apologize for the abruptness and the inconsideration of this appearance, Primarch, but I have been listening to the conversation and understand your predicament. I am Admiral Raynard of the Third Warfleet." He stated, acting, or genuinely seems to be, rather intelligently. "I believe I can shed some light to your current situation. The Hive Ships are the center of Collective operations and their means to transmit their... how do you put it? 'Message' across large expanses of space. The larger the area, the more that is required to hold it. You did well to destroy such a craft." He said, commending the combined-allied attack on Gothis. "I do have to agree with your captain, however, in that if we allow the Collective fleet a moment's respite, your world will become a warzone, regardless of the subversive action you take."

---

--Bladnir Station--

"Here to tell you that now that you are here, your role in this galaxy's future is of significance. To the point that attempting to flee your future dilemmas will only serve to blind you to the coming storm." Light replied, looking directly at Rebekka.

[darthme]

~Fey, Kavinnsson's Office~

(The Feyari are a species, treated with equal rights alongside the Marentanz and Gal'Gai under SRI Law. There are no Feyari present )

"I'm sorry..I won't disrespect you anymore.. But just what is it that we are going to be running away from?" Kavinnsson says, still with a slight hint of disdain in his voice. "If you don't give me a basis for this threat, I can't signal for an evacuation. No one would listen to me, and, as of this moment, I'm still not convinced."

~Konnsallann Station~

(I doubt that she towers over any Gal'Gai physically. They're 6'5''-7' on average)

"Yes, we are aware of the situation." Says admiral Ragnarsson. He continues, "We would like to have assistance from your expansive naval powers to bolster our defenses. In the case of a large-scale attack, we would not be able to hold the line, but with a joint-effort fleet, we feel that we could successfully fend of any offensive until we can attack. We would be able to attack if we could break their fleet up into smaller sections, at which point we could infect their ship's programs with viruses, or disable their systems, allowing us to pick their ships off."

[Quantum Rain]

--Konnsallenn Station--

"That is until their AI network prevents such large-scale infections." Marion states matter-of-factually. "We have our own AI network, we may be able to bolster your system's offensive capabilities. However, breaking the enemy fleets into smaller groups would be costly." The hologram changes to play a scenario of what the admiral was suggesting. "Depending on the results, we will likely lose frontier worlds and outposts to their onslaught before being able to stall them. What is required is an equal offense and defense."

[darthme]

~Konnsallann Station~

"We are aware of the problems with an AI network, which is why we would have broken them up into smaller groups and targeted individual systems, so that the AI network would be overtaxed trying to deal with all of the problems at once. But as you say, that would be a costly move." Says Ragnarsson. "What strategy would you suggest to keep an ongoing defense and offense?"

[Quantum Rain]

--Konnsallenn Station--

"Consistently rolling between reserves and frontline soldiers, to prevent overtaxing, may allow for a constant defense. However, that in of itself, will incur losses and may lead to territorial loss. To compensate, leading strikes into Imperium territory and flanking their advance may lessen their offensive capability and enforce a standstill. From there, breaking them into smaller groups using more subversive tactics may allow us to gain an advantage and eliminate them piece by piece as you suggested earlier." Cross states, showing, perhaps, a surprising amount of strategic aptitude. "This will keep our ships and men fresh, while weakening their resolve and advance. However, placing automated defense and sensor posts will also allow for quick counter-attacks and reprisals. As well it will provide us a constant, and accurate, stream of intel on the enemy's frontline fleets.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Palaven--

Fedorian (at Raynard's appearance): I don't have time to be annoyed at how long you took to show yourself. (after the Admiral's exposition, murmuring) Over a dozen of our worlds are warzones now. What's one more?

*The others look at him strangely.* Dario: ...sir?

Fedorian: Nothing. Forget I said anything. (to Raynard) I understand, Admiral Raynard. I don't mean to be the obstructionist politician, but if I allocate additional forces to liberate Gothis, that will leave us less able to defend against any offensive the rebels or the Collective would launch. Unless you could help us.

--Charad--

*Fallah backs off and sits back down, pondering. After a moment, she stands up again.* Fallah: You're probably ravenously hungry after going through such a trial. I'll be right back.

*She scurries off towards a nearby door, opens it, and gives a command in a language unfamiliar to the pilot. The door closes, then reopens a few minutes later. The kiwi presently returns to her charge at a more leisurely pace, balancing a heavily loaded tray on her back. She sets it on the ground a few meters away from the pilot. The food includes fruit, bread, fish, and an unknown amber-colored drink.* Fallah: A scan indicated that your biology is similar enough to us that you can eat our food. I made sure they didn't include any insects...for some reason, you humans don't find them very palatable. Come, please eat.

--Fey--

(Stupid Scumbag Brain, typing "Feyari" when I meant to type "Viljelm"!! Fixed.)

*Teahcoatl angrily opens his triune beak to respond, but then something stops him. He reaches a claw up to the small communications wire near his eye, which promptly widens in alarm.*

Teahcoatl: We are too late. It is here.

*All stations and sensors beyond Fey's orbit suddenly go silent. The Morrigi immediately begin to leave the High Senator's office.*

--Alba--

*The ambassador disembarks from the corvette and reveals herself as an enormous Titan Avian draped in an ornately decorated mantle. Over ten feet tall, she makes an elaborate bow before Normarr and holds out her equally gigantic foot in a handshake gesture. Her voice is deep and rich as she greets him in his native language.* Caina (Alska): Greetings, High Senator Normarr Fjolstrom. I have heard much of you from Administrator Addrson. It is my pleasure to speak with you at last.

[Quantum Rain]

--Palaven--

"I will allocate a third of the armada to the destruction of the Collective fleet in orbit of Gothis. Beyond that, I must begin assaults on the other Collective fronts as soon as possible before they are aware of my presence." The admiral replies, supporting his head with one hand and held that up by the elbow of another. "Otherwise, this war will go on for much longer than I would desire."

---

--Charad--

The pilot looks at the kiwi curiously, then slowly crouches down to the food. Taking out a knife of some sort and took one of the fruit, slicing it into pieces and then eating each slowly. Though she kept her eyes wary of the kiwi, she also sometimes turned to look, or rather, assess the mech that she piloted just moments ago.

[Jediluigi]

Bladnir Station - Berth A, Planet B22 "Aves" Orbit, System Beta 02, Beta Galactic Outer Rim:

Rebekka scowled at Light, clearly not amused. "Well, Licht, if you know all this then you know that decision isn't my call. Your warnings have been noted. Is there anything our omniscient guest wishes to add?" The scowl turned into a frown, the Lieutenant glancing at Thumm, who appeared to be typing something into a tablet.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Palaven--

*Admiral Coronati acknowledges Admiral Raiden's offer of support.* Coronati: Thank you, Admiral. *His eyes suddenly light up and dart from one end of the room to the other.* Primarch, sir, I've got an idea. *He explains his plan as quickly and thoroughly to the others as possible.*

Fedorian: ...wow. That's quite a plan, Admiral.

Praetorius: Agreed, sir. Risky, but if we pull it off...

Coronati: There's only way to find out, Captain. (to Fedorian) I need the 22nd Armada to make this happen, Primarch.

Fedorian: You've got it, Admiral. May the Spirits be with us all.

All: Indeed.

*The meeting thus ends, leaving Fedorian and Fields alone. The exhausted Primarch plops into a chair.* Fedorian: Ambassador, is there anything else you need of me?

--Bladnir Station--

*Ackbar grumps at Light as well.* Ackbar: You know, you always have the worst damn timing. I was having a moment here!

--Charad--

*Fallah attempts to smile warmly at the mech pilot, but is unsure if the human recognizes the expression on such an unfamiliar face.* Fallah: May I examine you now? Your wounds will render you unconscious soon.

[Quantum Rain]

--Aves--

"If you choose to destroy the gate, you will die alongside all whom live in your galaxy." Light says simply, uncaring that Rebekka was doubtful. "And I can show you, if you so desire."

---

--Palaven--

"I have received orders to remain on Palaven as a liaison until further notice. As well, the vessels that escorted me here are under the command of Admiral Raiden." Fields states, unhappy about the situation as a whole.

---

--Charad--

Raven looks curiously at the kiwi, then holds one of her injured arms out, using the other to eat. Upon inspecting said wound, she would see a thin, translucent metallic overlaying it, and that it was slowly healing. As well, her wounds were consistent to the damage that the mech next to her sustained. She didn't seem to even care about her wounds in the least, though.

[Jediluigi]

Bladnir Station - Berth A, Planet B22 "Aves" Orbit, System Beta 02, Beta Galactic Outer Rim:

"And see what you wish me to see? I have no reason to trust you, and your little stunt there has not persuaded me, or awed me. What, you think us some primitive races you can appear to, do your little dance and expect us to go along? In the name of the Imperator, you must be mad." Her patience with Licht had been fading up to now, and as far as she was concerned it was an intruder.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Palaven--

*The Primarch nods.* Fedorian: I'll send word to the avians, the Hiigarans, and the Morrigi. We'll need all the help we can get once we crush this rebellion and strike back at the Collective.

--Charad--

*Fallah remains calm outwardly, but her heart leaps and she barely manages to keep her voice under control.* Fallah: ...by Aves, you're healing fast. *She then looks at the mech itself.*

--Aves--

Ackbar: Your doubt is understandable, Lieutenant, but Light speaks the truth and his intentions are--*The hawk suddenly stops.* "In your galaxy..."? *He pauses for a long time as his mind analyzes the implications of Light's words.* Lieutenant Rebekka Kracht, before we proceed further, I think it would be best if you told me where you're really from, what your real mission is, and the government you're really operating under.

[Roach]

Ramius--

The senate is abuzz with the news of the Turian civil war after days of debate they come to a decision.

Senator Krog: Due to the rising threats present in the galaxy and to the fact that the Federation does not deal in the internal conflicts of other nations we have decided not to join the Turians civil war.

[Quantum Rain]

--Palaven--

The ambassador does a slight bow, acknowledging the Primarch, and then departs from the chamber.

(Feel free to start the Gothis reprisal.)

--Charad--

The pilot just shrugs, reclaiming her arm from the kiwi and then taking the plate of food. She sat down at the foot of the mech, as if she were personally attached to the machine. The mech's injuries were very much like the pilots. Gaps and cuts in the arm due to weapons fire, scrapped up armor all around, especially the legs. The hands were the most damaged, so it was a wonder how the pilot was capable of using hers. The only injury that did not copy over was the fact that one of the mech's arms was practically useless. Of course, what stood out as the most curious was that the mech itself had a silvery metallic overlay on its injuries and was also slowly healing, the same way that the pilot was.

--Aves--

Light does not get impatient with Rebekka's doubts or condescension. He merely waits to see what the Marzeronians do next.

[Jediluigi]

Bladnir Station - Berth A, Planet B22 "Aves" Orbit, System Beta 02, Beta Galactic Outer Rim:

Rebekka suppresses the urge to fire the weapon again into Licht. "As I said, we are of the Marzeron Empire, from beyond the rim. Our mission is to scout this galaxy, we call it the Beta Galaxy, of course, for any signs of civilization. If we were to find an extremely xenophobic and technologically superior race, our orders were to seal the gate and ensure the safety of the Alpha Galaxy. That is the prime directive of our mission here." She replies, giving Ackbar most of what he asked for.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Gothis, Three Days Later--

*The Mass Relay in the Kothaal system, inactive since the prisoners were rescued, suddenly hums to life. The Collective fleet is drawn in to investigate as the ancient device emits six pulses. Nothing happens...and then the fleet is engulfed in massive resonance explosions--many times more powerful than the warp bombs deployed by the Blackwatch several days earlier. Immediately after the detonation, the Relay suddenly comes alive in a frenzy as the the Turian 22nd Armada floods through. 5,000 ships strong, already formed-up with their weapons hot, the entire fleet blasts through the relay in seconds. Tens of thousands of fighters swarm from their host craft, and they along with the fleet launch a gigantic opening salvo of disruptor torpedoes at the enemy, while the cruisers, dreadnoughts, and battleships of the Armada bring their Mass Accelerator cannons to bear on the Hive Ship.*

*Meanwhile, on the planet, Collective soldiers begin to die mysteriously at a prodigious rate--the only evidence begin clean sniper bullet holes through their heads.*

*Additionally, the enslaved world's defense coordinators suddenly lose contact with many of their installations--specifically the ones that house Gothis's considerable stockpile of surface-to-orbit antimatter missiles.*

--Charad--

*Fallah hesitates, having been preparing a syringe of sedative to subdue the human with. However, she pockets the device instead and joins her strange charge in eating.* Fallah: Do you speak at all?

--Aves--

Ackbar: I see. Well, you picked quite the galaxy to poke your head into...quite the galaxy indeed. But apparently it's not up to me to explain exactly why that is. *He huffs at Light.* Killjoy. Anyway, so you're from another galaxy? And yet you look like any other human I've seen...no offense. Fascinating. This galaxy--and it's not called "Beta", it's the Altair Galaxy--has humans as well, but no-one knows where they originally came from. I wonder...

[Quantum Rain]

--Gothis--

Only a smaller detachment of the main armada was present when the Turians did their surprise attack. Thus many of the Collective ships were still able to retaliate more easily than the disabled ships. The armada moved as one, knocking the torpedoes out as they were coming, and launching a horde of missiles. From the Hive Ship, hundred of thousands of drones launched directly from the hull of the craft, countering the fighters.

The Hive Ship in particular was not using its enormous area shield, and was firing its entire massive arsenal at the Turian fleet.

Planetside, the Collective troops retaliated in an organized manner, utilizing deployable shields and barriers as well as their hive-mind relationship to track down and eliminate the opposition. The Turians that were enslaved were utilized in the same manner, but more of remote drones than individuals.

---

--Charad--

The pilots entirely wordless response, a simple shrug as she looked at the Kiwi curiously, was less than helpful. She continued eating the food she was given, but seemed to listen to the bird's attempts at communication.

---

--Aves--

Light remains silent, waiting for an opportunity of some sort.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Gothis, Orbit--

*As the Collective fleet is tied up taking down the torpedoes, half the 22nd Armada fires their Mass Accelerators in a massive simultaneous blast--all at the Hive Ship. With smooth, oiled coordination, the other half then fires--and then the first half fires again. The Hive Ship becomes the recipient of a pounding powerful enough to shatter a dwarf planet. At the same time, a large number of turian fighters throw themselves into the Collective's missile swarm, sacrificing themselves to intercept most of the warheads while the Hierarchy warships light up the void with their GARDIAN lasers to bring down the drones.*

--Gothis, Planetside--

*The Collective troops continue to die--killed by seemingly invisible sniper fire from unknown distances. They find themselves unable to telepathically sense their assailants at all. The attackers strike like lightning and then vanish almost into thin air, only to snipe more of the Collective's people from a different direction.*

--Charad--

*An idea suddenly strikes Fallah, and she stands.* Farrah: I'll be back. *She scurries off to the door again, and then returns bearing a piece of paper, an inkwell, and a quill pen. She sets them in front of the human and watches expectantly.*

[Quantum Rain]

--Gothis Orbit--

The Hive Ship actually casts the MAC rounds right back at the Turian fleet, as if reflecting a majority of it via a currently unknown means. What does hit impacts against the craft's superior shields.

---

--Gothis Planetside--

The Collective troops literally hunker at their positions, utilizing the barriers as a means of protection, as well as emitting their own telekinetic barriers to prevent unexpected death.

---

--Charad--

The pilot looks at the kiwi curiously, as if waiting for an explanation or a question by the bird.

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