Sigma

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

Just repoting my Gaian sheet to make it easier to find.

Very WIP/Gaians

Harmony of Gaia

Reality is determined by a tyranny of the majority.

Government Form: Techno-Theocracy.

Demographics:
Harmonized Gaians: The Gaian faithful that made the final decision to abandon their mortal bodies to ascend into the Blessed Garden, a digital paradise. To roam in the physical realm, the Harmonized Gaians use tailor-made robotic bodies.

Humans: There remains a small human population that continues to resist the Harmony’s efforts to erase all traces of Old Humanity.

Exiled Gaians: Gaians that have rejected the central tenants of the faith and choose to live among the organics, and fight alongside them.

Population: 300 million
Harmonized Gaians-90%
Humans-6%
Exiled Gaians-4%

Planet Name and Description:

Kronos

Kronos is a dry, arid world, possessing very vegetation and surface bodies of water. Underneath however, the planet is abundant in underground springs, isolated from the scorching sun. A singular polar region still remains on the planet. In orbit around Kronos is a vast wing of asteroids and the like, along with what remains of its moon, torn asunder from an ancient calamity, long before colonist's arrival.

History: Over three hundred years ago, the Colony ship Salvation arrived to what would soon be known as Kronos, a harsh, yet, livable world that served as the last refuge for what seemed to be the last of Mankind. The first century since colonization was a difficult a difficult one, filled with a myriad of internal power struggles, large scale conflicts, and disruptive periods of poverty.

It seemed that Mankind would face his end on this dry world, doomed to a slow, painful demise. In all this mayhem, a previously little known cult had slowly rising to power among the masses, the Church of Gaia. In the waning days of Earth, Gaia-centric cults were on the rise, the personification of Earth itself, of what it once was, deified into an object of worship, the Church being among the largest group. Many faithful of the Gaian Church had managed to board the Salvation before departure, ready to start their faith anew on a new world
The Church embedded themselves within one of the city-states that would emerge after the colonist split into warring factions. Their attempts to influence the city was quickly met with great hostility, forcing many of the faithful to flee into the deadlands.

Little records exist on what occurred between their short-term exile and rise to power, rumors and barely legible documents speak of something, living out in the deadlands, something that twisted their very minds into madness, mentions made of a “promise”, and of “restoration”. It could be dismissed as isolation-induced madness, but whatever happened, it had renewed the Gaian’s resolve….and a change of doctrine.
The Gaians now turned to the shadows to gain what they sought, planting agents within influential institutions, however, they had a goal in mind, and a little known scientist would be the key.

Life on Kronos was, and remains harsh, that much is true. Little food, and little water to go around, forcing the colonists to war over what little resources remain, an insidious plan was put into motion. A cerebral chip implant, simply called “Blessed Garden”, was presented as means to alleviate the pain of poverty. It was a chip that would transport the user into a virtual paradise….a fantastical recreation of Earth before the Fall, a perfect escape from the hell that is Kronos. Many sought such an escape, and willingly accepted the implants, if only to escape their lives into better days. Others however, were skeptical of these implants, and sought to make Kronos a better world, rather than dream of a long-dead world.

Those very skeptics would be proven right as the day of terror took place. With the push of a single switch, over 90% of the human population on Krono had dropped into a deep coma. Those unaffected by the Great Sleep, quickly fled out into the wastelands as hordes of drones emerged, ordered to hunt down and kill all who resisted.

And so their plan was set into motion. The Gaian had devised a new doctrine, the restoration of Earth would need….sacrifices, the flesh has long since failed mankind. The flesh is responsible for Earth’s destruction, the flesh must be discarded.

The creator of the Garden Chip was the first to “ascend” into the cloud, and once she did, something happened to her, she was made into something so much more, so much more divine. In her madness, she declared herself Gaia, and what the powers of Paradise at her helm, most within were made to believe. The final step towards paradise was the birth of their new bodies, their holy vessels. The Gaians left their mortal forms to rot, and in their place, new machined bodies tailored to each faithful child of Gaia. Even after Transcendence, some resisted within Gaia’s domain, those that did, were banished into the wastelands to live among the human exiles.
Now with the gateway reopened, Gaia’s eyes turn to the stars once more, as her crusade to rid Mankid of flesh is far from over.

Culture and Society: Gaian faith is the central pillar that holds their very culture and society together. It is centered around three important aspects, the worship of Gaia, the first to transcend into the Blessed Garden, the creator of this divine space. The second is the Sin of the Flesh. Mankind for all of his existence has sought power and comfort by any means anything to please the urges of the Flesh, and in doing so, has wrought all sorts of horrors upon himself. In this, the Gaians teach that to be truly pure, once must forgo their flesh to truly be free of sin, of to become something more divine, the blessed machine is the true path to salvation.

And lastly, there is both the Blessed Garden and Transcendence, two things that are one in the same. Once one is implanted with the chip, they can have a small taste of the paradise that awaits them in the Garden, the endless pleasures that can be all theirs, is they simply live their mortal coils for a much grander existence. These are the core aspects of Gaian society, to free not just mankind, but all sapient life from the Flesh, that all shall embrace the blessed machine and become one with Gaia.

---

Governance and Politics: The Gaian Harmony is a theocratic state ruled under the singular Gaia A.I; Who both functions as the supreme head of state and object of worship by the Harmonized citizens. Below Gaia is the Primarch, a religious and political leader that handles the daily functions of the Harmony in Gaia’s stead. Assisting and working under the Primarch are the Council of Precentors, an assembly made up of the most senior members of the Church.

Technology Overview: The Gaians, of course, have mastered the art of Uploaded minds. The long quest of immortality reaching its somber conclusion, nearly the entire population of Kronos having had their minds uploaded into the Blessed Garden, a virtual paradise within the wastelands of Kronos. Such technology however...comes at a price, once uploaded into the Garden, the human mind will be "Harmonized", a painful process that shackled the victim to the will of the Gaia A.I.

Some were fortunate enough to escape the process, those that have are declared heretics, Exiles. Other notable technologies mastered by the Harmony include highly sophisticated drones, directed energy weapons, hover craft and the like.

Military Overview: The Harmonious Host is the collective military force of the Gaian Harmony, created for the purpose of protecting Gaia's holdings against the heretics and nonbelievers of the Exiles. The Host consists of countless legions of military drones of various sizes and shapes, serving as the frontline, led by their Gaian commanders. Once the gate reopened, the Harmony sought to build up their space forces, the Templeships being the only orbital presence around Kronos, now no longer so.
Harmonious Host

Drone Forces

Infantry-class Drones

Legionary

MKI Standard Model


MKII Heavy Model


MKIII Elite Model

Evocati

MKI Model



MKII Model


MKIII Model

Secutor


Centurion


Warhound


Swarmers

Insect model


Arachnid model

Armored-class Drones and Manned Vehicles

Tri-Pod


Gunship


Dropship


Heavy Troop Transport


Main Battle Tank


Ogre Superheavy Drone


Artillery Walker

Mortar Model


Heavy Mortal Model

Spider Tank

Standard Model


Infantry Support Model


Heavy Model

Light Attack Vehicle


Light Scout Vehicle


Assault Platform


Siege Walker

Gaians

Death's Head Legion

Deathhead Legionaries


Berserkers



Recon Drone

Daughters of Gaia

Assassin


Commando

Primus

Inquisition

Seraphim Knights

Knight


Squire

Light Squire


Heavy Squire

Paladin

Harmonious Armada

Characters

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

Collab between @Liotrent@Raylah@Sigma@Dog@Crusader Lord@Irredeemable

Battle of the Sol System

_{Federal Union of Uston}
This is not good! There are big ships coming to do harm against corporate assets. Ah, bugger - what will our humble (or not so humble) corporate mining fleets do now? Well, not too much - but there is a very small military “fleet” among the fleet. These consist of three cruisers and six destroyers (belonging to them corpo(s). Originally, they were there to protect their fleet rival corporations. Petrochemical Incorporated against Standard Agricultural while Union Chemical Industries against Petrochemical Incorporated - Petrochemical Incorporated against Union Chemical Industries while...you get the point. These corpo(s) are not all too friendly with each other. However, it appears that they must unite and fight together..for now. I ask - what is their chance of winning? Not a lot. While that might be, they might as well cause as much damage as possible. But with that? Good question there because the corpo(s) will do the best thing that they know of - cyberwafare. The bread and butter of any cutthroat mega corporations. How else would they get their trade secrets and steal away industrial technology from rivals?

I do hope that the defense fleets like surprises because they’re in for a big one. Two cruisers and two destroyers belonging to the New Haven Directorate get their targeting systems breached and then quickly taken over, with their weapons turned to focus fire onto their destroyers. Likewise, the coming attack fleet experiences major breaches within their software systems. That’s not really fun, is it? No. No it is not. Sadly, two ECW cruisers can only do so much against such a massive fleet. Now, if there was a battleship with a cyberwafare suite then real damage could be done, but there was no such thing with the corpo fleet stationed at the belt. So, what’s the damage? Glad you asked because the URC’s Alamo has its targeting systems greatly messed with with the mass-cyberattack. Even with the top-of-the-line cyber-suite for the Alamo, the corpo(s) don’t mess around with their hacking prowess. Given this, all six destroyers focus their attention on tackling the smaller ships around the Alamo by firing onto their smaller ships with enmassed missile fire. Coupled with mass-branches everywhere causing plenty of issues in software, the first round of fighting should be interesting. Albeit, the corpo(s) fully know that they can’t win this battle, but they’ll put up one hell of a fight.

---

_{United Republic of Columbia}
The bridge of the Alamo darkened as systems began to shut down one by one. “Ugh, what now!?” Jasi groaned, the shutdown couldn’t come at the worst time. “We’re being hacked sir, several ship systems are on the fritz.” The tech officer replied, rapidly pressing through the keyboard. “Targeting, main engine, the works….working on a solution in taking back the ship…give me ten minutes to sort it out.”
“Just get it done, we’re a sitting duck out here!” Jasi eyed a small indention on the left armrest, pressing down as a radio popped out. “Commander Grant, you have clearance for a few squadrons, provide cover for the fleet.”

---

_{New Haven Directorate}
Missiles and guns were going awry on the New Havenist front. Missiles were homing in on allied ships and guns were being fired at their own ships. The pressure was already weighing heavily on Admiral Durnham’s shoulders.

“Get our ships to stop firing at each other!” He shouted, one of the crew manning the fleet monitor aboard the Resilience then chimed in,

“Sir, our ships got hit by a cyber attack. We should be able to reboot all systems and prevent another one but it will take time.”

Another chimed in, “Sir, NHS Dreamweaver is reporting that their systems are locking on to our allies within the Columbian fleet!”

Durnham looked at the monitor and quickly turned to the Comms officer, “Send a communique to those ships damn it! Get it done NOW!”

He then turned to the helmsman, “Helm, get us closer, we’re bringing the fight to them” he again turned to comms, “Tell NHS Demeter and NHS Ceres to launch all their drones. Hunt down those cheeky bastards hacking our vessels.”

“Aye aye sir.”

A sweat was running down Durnham’s forehead as he watched the battle unfold second by second.

---

_{The Undefeated}
Guardian Ikei Hamonga was standing on the bridge of the Undefeated Battleship Hyperion, looking over various screens that were showing the current status of the fights around Pluto and the Kuiper belt. The Undefeated fleet has not interfered with the fighting yet, nor did it have any intentions to do so. Joint forces of the Xandalians, Colombians, and the New Haven Directorate should have been more than enough to take care of the enemy. Hamonga was tasked to maintain a security perimeter around the Gateway to keep more hostiles from coming through. While of course avoiding intercepting other vessels, which was a peculiar task on its own.

The enemy fleet seemed to consist of hundreds of small and mostly unarmed mining ships, an annoying swarm to deal with and catch every last one, but the others should have no problems fighting them. There were a few military ships that didn’t pose any larger danger. Or at least didn’t seem to.

“What the hell are they doing?” Hamonga leaned closer to one of the screens, because the scanner readings suddenly stopped making sense.

One of the officers pressed a few buttons to readjust the sensors and shook his head. “Uh, sir… It appears that the friendlies have opened fire against each other. I mean literally, not just at each other, even at their own ships.”

Crap. Infiltration, sabotage? Or maybe just someone is messing with their systems? Hamonga didn’t believe that the Colombians and the NHD would suddenly turn against each other in the middle of the battle.

“Sir, should we move in to intercept?”

“No.” They had their orders. “We stay stationed around the Gateway in case these guys will be getting reinforcements. Full battle stations. Signal to the Sonne to be ready to release the fighters.” What a mess this was.

---

_{United Republic of Columbia}
Several squadrons of starhawks, hornets and thunderstrikes launched out of the Alamo, their primary objective being to both harass the enemy ships and intercept any missiles they could from compromised allied ships. “Wild Wings are a go!” One of the squadron leaders announced.

“Naughty Angels away!”

“Earth Crackers away!”

The Earth Crackers, a squadron of Thunderstrike Bombers diverted their attention towards the attacking destroyers, friendly light warships under constant barrage, one of the frigates broadcasting. “This is the Rio Grande! We’re taking too much heat from the enemy, shields are down by half and our targeting systems have gone to shit! We could use some help over here!”

“Copy that Rio Grande, we’re on our way.” Earth Cracker Leader said, the bombers making their way towards the Utsonian Destroyers.
The Wild Wings however, were tasked on harassing the nearby cruisers, taking their attention away from the fleet.

All the while, the Naughty Angels hung back as they circled the battle, ready to take out any rogue projectiles until this hacking situation was dealt with.

The Alamo’s main escorts, the Cruisers Overwatch and Valiant, had split off, the Overwatch tasked with engaging the enemy cruisers. “While our fighters tag one of the cruisers, we’ll hit the other one, keep ‘em busy and divided.” Hans announced the plan to the bridge crew. “ Waiting for the moment the Wild Wings picked their target….within moments they begun to swarm the cruiser on the left. “Targets tag, engage the second enemy cruiser!”

---

_{Zetan Consciousness/Gran Republic of Matuvista}
Two different fleets sailed their way through the Gateway at roughly the same time, but they could not be more different. One looked sleek and scientific, but had weapons almost crudely and haphazardly attached to them. The limping remnants of the Zetan navy that had survived or been recently cobbled together was hardly an imposing force, but that was the point of sending these tattered remnants out instead of their slowly-forming new navy; they wanted people to underestimate them. They needed to project an outward weakness, to act as if they were still reeling from the war and beneath much interest before they crashed their way back into the international forum.

Thus, when their motley crew formed up in the gathering armada, they signaled towards the larger, more established military ships. “Sol Division, reporting for duty. This is Naval-Speaker Tau-Hypatia, tell us where you want us.”

The other fleet was anything but slapdash. A small horde of patrol corvettes surged through the gateways first, followed by three battlecruisers, well-rounded and well-armoured in preparation for anything that could be sent at them. Almost immediately their guns turned towards the firefight, their computers sending out a host of targeting requests from their new erstwhile allies so that their own guns could add to the barrage of fire.

Inside these battlecruisers, marines loaded themselves patiently into boarding torpedoes. voidsuits were checked and secured, guns loaded, and sabres polished and ready for war. If they had the opportunity to seize some of these offending vehicles, they would do so without hesitation.

---

_{United Republic of Columbia}
The Earth Crackers are in for a good time and by that - I mean a whole world of pain. Intense anti-air (if you call space air and such) causes great damage to half of their fighter-size - only leaving six Crackers left to do the fight. Shells and small missiles spit at the Earth Crackers, filling the local space around them with debris and explosions. Meanwhile, the Wild Wings also meet heavy AA from the ECW cruisers. A wave of guided missiles approach the fighters, hoping to strike and down as many fighters that they can. At the same time, Cruisers Overwatch and Valiant are approached by the single cruiser that was meant for a standoff. A series of anti-ship guided missiles are fired, rapidly approaching the Cruisers Overwatch and Valiant.

---

_{Xandalian Republic}

The Xandalian Republic

Sol System, Near Pluto and Kupiter Belt

"The Home's Defilement Part 2: United Front"

---

Reports of incoming ships from other nations, other ships making targeting requests to pitch in, and a flood of news washed over the command decks of the two Xandalian Battleships. Named “Mars” and “Athenos”, the two vessels towered as the largest Xandalian vessels in the battle. From their bridges the commanders hashed out orders for their own fleet, as well as calculated statistics and processed the battle reports from their own other craft and involved allied craft. Communicators and operators and data flew about the place as things were pieced together, but out of all the new thus far...the commander of Battleship Mars felt a shiver run up his spine.

[i]“Reports of cyber attacks being launched against allied ships. Confirmed friendly fire from New Haven Directorate Ships and hurried communicades of warning toward Columbian vessels.”[/color]

Commander Hilthern immediately looked at the comms officer who had spoken, a sharp look in his middle aged eyes. He then joined in on the ships internal comms system, barking out with the growl of a seasoned sailor. If the enemy wasn’t going to pull punches, neither was he.

“Attention, this is a fleetwide announcement from Commander Hilthern of the Mars. I want every comms officer not dedicated to battle analysis and communication on each ship to keep tabs on the vulnerable points of your craft. Mech pilots, your alert warning system should provide ample alert should such attempts occur.

I want all Xandalian craft to prepare Hard-Wall Initiative measures in case of attempted cyber attacks on our systems. That means should anything try to poke into your soft systems you hard-cut the system and switch over to the secondary hard-wired internal systems on your vessels. In such a case we will utilize designated ‘silent mode’ manners of communication within the fleet throughout the remainder of the engagement.”

As much as a ship had to remain open and available to communicate with others, it was also a vulnerability. So pirates tended to use dirtier tactics in order to achieve any sort of edge. Tactics like cyber attacks and virus bombs and so forth alongside the usual ‘hit and run’ in realspace, among other things, were common enough among their kind even now back along the Xandalian-Gusb trade route. It wasn’t a full-on cyber war by any means, but generally the hybridized Gusb-Xandalian coding language was enough to slow things down and potentially give time to retaliate back home. To others it would be entirely foreign...though for now long was anyone’s guess. Could be for this battle. Could be for a whole war. Could be less and could be more.

Yet this was where the The Hard-Wall Initiative came in. A somewhat more ancient idea from the Thalarite Century, and the chaos and infighting of those times, it had been kept along and revived during the war with the Gusb. Then it had lingered due to space piracy’s emergence, but not seen deeper investment yet....well, at least publicly.

The concept was to cut off any external vulnerabilities, subjecting all ships to closed-system comms and computing. No way into the systems at that point...but also no way out either. A hard defense, but also one that made it harder to communicate between ships by quite a good bit. Any comms would be reliant at such a point on the means of communication listed under the fleet’s ‘silent mode’ training for all comms officers. Certain gestures from mechs, as well as signs and flashing lights and generating certain radar blips and such used in combination otherwise with them and other ships, to send messages of simpler natures at faster speeds. It was not the most streamlined system, the ‘silent mode’ stuff was basically as ancient as the Hard-Wall Initiative itself after all.

So the Commander’s mere mention of it was enough to take many among the Xandalians’ comms officers aback. Though with the sudden tense air on the bridge of his own ship, as the mention of more serious cyber-attacks was enough to worry a good bit of the Xandalian forces, Hilthern stretched his neck side to side with a light ‘pop’ and ‘crack’ before the comms lit up again with his co-Commander’s voice from the Athenos.

“I second the order! It’s a relic of an idea, but it might be what we need if the worst occurs. The moment anyone goes into ‘silent mode’ status we all do as a precaution. So move it!

Further, I want observation of attacks on allied ships to be performed simultaneously by those keeping tabs on our own internal system security. Get a read on the systems of the opposition. I want the data on this sent to the Mars and Athenos ASAP!”

“For the time being, I want most of our military frame units and corvettes deployed to support smaller allied craft. Military frames should focus on point defense, and all smaller units should remain aware of their surroundings in case of further cyber attacks on allied units.

Any remainder among military frame and corvette units will remain within the shield support of our own Carrier craft for the moment being for safety until the distance is closed well enough to rush the enemy vessels at as close a range as possible.”

“All Cruiser and non-small offensive craft should utilize hard weapons and minimize the implementation of externally-affected guided munitions otherwise. I want suppressive fire laid down en-masse into the enemy positions and larger craft. Force them to pay more attention to our craft and their own to try to relieve allied ships.

Internal closed-guidance systems are also to be implemented should the Hard-Wall Initiative come into place.”

---

_{New Haven Directorate}
“Sir, reboot complete on NHS Dreamweaver, NHS Wayfinder, NHS Swordbearer, and NHS Lightbringer. Electronic warfare countermeasures have been deployed. Hacking is now unlikely on all our vessels, sir”

As the report came in, Durnham looked to his comms officer, “Send this communications to all our ships. Redirect efforts against all vessels. We cannot and will not suffer another attack.”

“Sir, even the mining vessels?”

Durnham turned to face the comms officer, “We don’t know whether any of these vessels are capable of such a thing. We of all people should know that it’s easy enough to disguise such equipment in a mining vessel. Destroy everything unless told to otherwise by the coalition.”

“Aye aye sir!”

All directorate vessels turned their guns against the unarmed mining vessels and the motley fleet of combat vessels in the back, joining the Columbians in their assault.

---

_{United Republic of Columbia}
“Break! Break!” Earth Cracker Leader cried out as the remainder of the squadron scattered, half of their numbers reduced to scrap from point defense guns and missiles. “Regroup for another run! Activate countermeasures and dive in! Hit them with everything you got!”

Back on the Alamo, the bridge crews were frantic as they all pitched in to restore control of the ship. “Almost…..done….” The tech stated as she rapidly tapped on the keyboard, within moments, the bridge was illuminated, whirling to life. “And we’re back online! All ship systems are back in our control.”

“Getting reports that the rest of the affected ships regained some systems back, at least enough to stop shooting at allied craft. “Another officer declared. “Uhhh...we have another problem though…”

“What could it be this time?” Jasi asked, visibly irked by this point, the whole day seemingly not in short supply of annoyances. “The New Haven ships seem to be firing upon unarmed ships…”

“Oh my gods…” Jasi muttered, rubbing his temples as the battle just got more complicated. Hard enough to tangle with a foe that could hack your systems, now imagine said foe bringing in a massive civilian fleet no less. “Proceed with the attack, we’ll follow the Xandies lead, and open a channel with the New Haven Commander.”

Elsewhere, the Overwatch and Valiant fell under heavy barrage from enemy missile salvos. The bridge of the Overwatch shook violently as the shields were under heavy stress, Hans falling out of his chair, Rean holding on tightly to said chair, keeping his stance. “Status on shields?!” . Hans frantically asked as he pulled himself up. “Shield’s at 40%!” One of the deck officers said.

“Friendlies incoming! We got a ton of allied ships closing in.” Another officer said as a mixture of Xandalian, Zetan, New Havenist, and Matuvistan ships were all within the battle space.

“Perfect timing!” Hans said enthusiastically. “Push forward with the attack! Fire everything we got before they blow us to dust!”

---

_{Federal Union of Uston}
The battle rages on, with missiles, railguns, fighters, and what have you being shot every few seconds in space. Commands and orders were given, ships were destroyed, and all is good in war. Of course, the small fleet of 3 cruisers and a few destroyers stood no damn chance in hell in fighting against the enmassed fleet of other nations, but they did put up a decent enough fight in the end. Once the dust settled, only the mining fleet remained. The mining fleet was quite large, albeit in reality it was a small fleet for the mega corporations.

---

Conclusion

The Ustonian mining fleet had been routed by the combined efforts of the allied forces of the colonies, the remaining mining ships and one surviving warship rerouted to the Meeting Place, taken as prisoners, followed by many Interrogations of the crew, demanding where they came from. The aftermath of the battle had presented....interesting questions for the colonial nations, chief among them being officially proclaiming the Sol System as neutral, sacred ground, to prevent any more incident as this. This proclamation in turn led to serious talks about the established of an international organization of sorts, a successor to the United Nations of Old Earth.

Although most were for the idea, others had resisted the idea, some deciding against joining such an organization, seeing it as restrictive. Others however, saw this as an opportunity to bring the galactic community closer, to deepen the bonds of brotherhood among the Colonies. Regardless, it was finally put forward, the Sol United Nations was born, with the dream of a more interconnected galaxy.

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

@SgtEasy Yup, just haven't posted it in the character tab. It's in page 15.

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

@Irredeemable
Some hours had passed since the operation to regroup begun, a good portion of the 401st having been saved by Matuvistan hunting squads, not without sustaining some casualties of course, the incoming reinforcements from the fleet did wonders. Reports from scouts indicated that the White Flowers had staged a massive assault on New Westminster some time ago, the battle however….was a massacre on their end. "Those civvies had fucking balls." Ron said, in the passenger seat of a Glider.

“Sergeant, do you read?” Lt. Shepard spoke over the radio.

“Copy that, ma’am.”. Ron replied. “What’s going on.”

“We’re getting reports from wayward squads of Matuvistan units falling back throughout the city…and we’re detecting mass heat signatures in New Westminster.”

Ron could easily connect the dots there. “They’re retreating.”

“Bingo, as of now, your mission profile has changed.”

“But Lieutenant, they still got our people!”

“I’m very aware of that, we'll sort that problem soon before they leave the system. I need you focus on securing Neo London."

With a hint of hesitation, but at the same time, relief, Ron complied. “Copy that, ma’am.” Ron than begun to tinker with the Glider’s radio to broadcast a message to all nearby units. “Mission’s changed boys and girls. The Mashties are retreating, leaving us to secure the city, The fleet above will handle the prisoner situation.” As he said this, Ron looks up to the sky as she clearly sees the transports and shuttlecraft ascending towards the clouds.

---

The Yankie and her escorts were moving en route to the position of the Matuvistan fleet, the Yankies launching a few squadrons of Razorwings and Starhawks, who were sent out far ahead to intercept the Matuvistans, their ship's within visual range. Lt. Shepard sat anxiously on her CO's command chair, praying to the Gods that this won't come to bloodshed...especially with Columbian civilians and marines on board those ships. "Open channels with them."

A moment passes before the officer gives gives her the all green. "This is Lt. Shira Shepard of the Assault ship Yankie to all Matuvistan vessels, I am here to make a simple request. That you release your Columbian prisoners into our care, doing so will avoid anymore dying for both sides and we promise that you may leave in peace once our people have been safely returned."

---

Earth
The Meeting Place
The Sol Gateway opened once more…however, this latest visitor and newest addition to the growing galactic community had one hell of a showy appearance. A massive teardrop shaped vessel had emerged from the other side, the ship was even larger than a Columbian Battle Carrier. The mere sight of it no doubt a surprise for the Undefeated Blockade. It was quite clear this vessel was not the same as the ones currently intruding in Sol and was allowed to continue its course.

From the Inner sanctum, a trio of robed figures stood, starring at a hologram model of the Earth…now reduced to ashes. “Oh by the Great Mother…” One of them muttered in a metallic tone. “Earth is no more…a mere husk what she once was, Gaia will be displeased.”

“She must be avenged!” Another spokes in a similar metallic voice. “These infidels do not deserve to be in her presence!”

“No.” The last one spoke. “Patience my brothers. In due time, they will meet oblivion, but not now, we must bid our time, we must…assess the stars, we must spread Her holy word.”

“In Gaia we are made Whole, Gaia be praised.” The three said in unison. “Establish communications, let us talk with our new brothers and sisters.”

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

@Tortoise

New Hollywood
New Beijing

sound effects
Sergeant Justin Hask starred out into the city from the window of the blasted out remains of an apartment complex, laying against a more sturdier part of the wall, the sound of gunfire and explosions filling the air. He turned to face the rest of his squad, all tired and worn from all day of fighting in the streets, the battle taking its toll on all of them. Despite his own exhaustion, the sergeant mustered the strength and forced himself up with a loud groan. "Break time's over boys and girls." He said followed more loud groans from the rest of the squad.

"Quit your bitchin'." Hask ordered. "FOB isn't too far, just ba-" Before Hask could finish his sentence. A loud bang was heard as he felt a warm, stinging, painful sensation somewhere in his chest area. Hask looked down as he saw blood stain pouring out of a fresh bullet wound. "Fuck.." He cursed as he fell over. "Sergeant's down!" One of the marines, a Urkani shouted out.

"Take cover! Weapons free!" Another marine shouted. The room erupted into a frenzy of screams and gunfire as several squads of Protectors advanced from the street below. The marines ducked in cover as a hail of bullets reign over them. The room was clouded as dirt rose up, and the walls being reduced to dust. Hask's second in command, a Marcus Zaamil, time seemed to slow down, marines barely returning fire, peaking out of cover even once guaranteed a stray bullet in the head, gut, what does it matter? Zaamil shook himself back to reality, staring out like a deer at headlights won't a damn difference, certainly won't help his CO.

"Get the sarge out of view!" Zaamil ordered the squad's medic. "Sir!" she complied as she drag him into out into the hallway, literally having to crawl both her and his way out of the killing zone. "What do we do now?!?" One of the marines shouted over the near-deafening gunfire.

"We get the hell out that's what!" Zaamil declared. "On my mark, we fall back!"

3...2...1...-

Without warning, the unsettling jingle of a tossed grenade, even in the whirlwind of gunfire, could be heard narrowly. One of the marines looking wide eyed at a tumbling orb. "Fuckfuckfuck! GREANADE!" He cried out before the grenade set off, taking out the poor man as well, leaving a huge gapping hole where he and the apartment floor used to be, causing a chain reaction that led to the rest of the floor giving way to the weight. "Oh Christ.." Zaamil muttered as floor collapsed. He had blacked out, featureless shapes and lights moving back and forth, hearing the muffled screams of his squadmates, and that of the enemy, slowly opening his eyes as he found himself at the end of a gun barrel. "Get up." The Protector commanded, his subordinates not even waiting as they forced him up, the captain inspecting him. "Pile him up with the others for execution."

Well...seemed like this is the end of the road, Zaamil never thought he'd die on some alien world far from home, he was tossed like a trash into a pile gravely wounded marines, his sergeant among them. "It's been an honor.." Zaamil said meekly to Hask.

"Same.." He replied. The surviving marines forced to look in horror as their brothers in arms were about to meet an unceremonious end. "Ready!" The Protector Captain sounded off. "Aim! Fi-" The captain was interrupted by the roaring sounds of rotor engines, a gust of wind engulfing the area as several Gliders zoomed past the site, the firing squad's attention diverted to the incoming craft. "Shit!" The captain cursed out. "Battle positions!" Before he could bark out any more orders a single bang was from a gunshot echoed through the streets. Hask having pulled out his pistol, making a well placed shot in the heart. "Shouldn't have looked away..." Hask said, blacking out once more. The captain falling to his kneels, struggling to blurt out his orders, but simply fell as the Gliders returned, circling around the street. "This is your last warning! Fall back now or we will fire!"

Without their captain, the Protectors quickly fell back to their trucks, driving off elsewhere in the city, following this, the Gliders made their landing as more marines hopped out. "Area secure!" One of them declared. Once the all clear was giving, Captain O'Brian stepped out one of the Gliders, inspecting the damage done, walking over to the pile of wounded. "Bastards..." He murmured, turning to the others. "Get these man back to base or they're as good as dead."

"Sir!" His soldiers rpelied in unison, rushing over as they carefully loaded the wounded.

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

Americana
Columbia
In proximity of the Gateway
CSS Alamo
The blaring cries of red alerts sounded off throughout the Alamo, the crews completely caught offguard, almost been years since the last red alert. The recently promoted Admiral Jasi threw himself off his command chair. "What the hell's going on?!?" He asked, still shaken.

"Admiral, we've just received orders for emergency deployment!" The comms officer exclaimed. "Apparently the Sol System has just been invaded." The comms officer said as he pressed down a few buttons, the Xandalian Declaration being broadcasted in the bridge. The Embassy was quick to forward the message back home, which drove the Chancellor and Senate into a panic, although the exact details of the invading force remain blank. Jasi groaned from the sudden fall, rubbing his scalp. "Invaded? By who?"

"Unclear sir, they're new arrivals."

Jasi lifted himself up back on his chair. "Pretty bold of them, and not even a word of hello. Alert the fleet, tell them we're to begin deployment now." The ships of the 3rd Border Defense Fleet all begun to move away from Sentinel Base as they drew closer to the Gateway, around fifteen ships, eight frigates, four destroyers and two cruisers, the last and not least, the center piece of the fleet was of course the the Battle Carrier Alamo. All ships of the 3rd were converging and surrounding the Alamo as they entered through the gateway. "All ships! Jump on my mark!"

3...2....1...

"Mark!" Within an instant, the entire fleet vanished from the face of the galaxy, only to reappear once more, the Meeting Place within visual range. "Jump successful, Admiral."

Admiral Jasi let out a loud whistle as he saw the Meeting Place. "It's been months since I was last here, it was just empty space, and look at that. Brings a tear to my eye."

"Orders, Admiral?" XO May asked.

"Right. Set a course for Pluto, and contact the Xandies, let them know they have our support. Let's show the Galaxy the might of the Columbian Navy!"

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

Just wanna say congratulations you guys! In under six months, we made to tens pages!

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

Columbia
City of Calvard, Provincial Capital of Southern Cascadia
Jefferson Park

Today just seemed the perfect day for a little outing with the family, Jacob thought, and in the end, it proved to be the right decision. Jacob, along with his wife, Gwen, sitting on the crisp, green grass as they watched their boys play tag with other children. All the while the couple simply laid against each other as they observed, the family pet, a native creature by the name of Sam-sam, curled up next to them, basking in the sun light. "What brought this on?" Gwen asked, just a little curious.

"Eh, just thought we could use some sun." Jacob replied, subtly dodging the question, although his face said it all, something was on his mind...

"Come on, fess up, I can see it in your eyes." Gwen said, her expression unconvinced. Couldn't get pass her huh? Jacob sighed, looking to his wife with a weak smile. "I think I might be getting a promotion."

Gwen's squealed with joy as she gave Jacob a tight hug, startling the family pet. "Jacob! This is great news!" Gwen said excitedly. "Why the hell would you hide it?"

"That's the thing, don't know if I'll get it or not."

"Well, even if you don't, I'm still glad we're for going out." Gwen said, as the two remained quiet for the foreseeable future, taking in the sight of the park, watching the children play.

---

The sun was about to set, the time to head home was getting near. The couple begun packing up their things, Sam-sam trotting about with energy. "Boys! Time to head home!" Jacob called his young sons as they both ran over. "Coming papa!" As they continued pack, something caught Jacob's eye...a man watching from the distance, his more stand out features hidden under the shade of a tree, although something about him seemed awfully familiar...

"Something wrong Jacob?" Gwen asked, a little concerned with his vacant expression.

"Uh...sorry about that, Gwen." Jacon said, turn to her. "I'll be right back, you get the boys to the car." With that Jacob head off to the direction of the stranger, as he drew closer, he could slowly to distinguish the man's features, oh, they were familiar all right...It was Gideon, laying against the tree, hands in his pockets.

"Hey Jay." Gideon said in a somewhat muted tone, leaving the shade of the tree. "It's...been a while."

"Hey Dad.." Jacob said, not exactly in a welcoming matter. "What're you doing here?"

"Can't a father see how his son is doing?" Gideon asked, clearly sensing a the rising hostility. "Look, I know I've haven't been the best father-"

"Understatement of the year." Jacob replied. "Wished you had this much concern for me when mom was still around, and when she died, when I actually needed you."

Oh, that stung right in the heart. "Jacob..., I know this isn't an excuse...I was in a dark place."

Jacob was unconvinced. "You and a million others, the war left its mark on ALL of us."

Gideon sighed, although he couldn't blame Jacob for his bitterness. "I know this won't fix anything....but I just wanted to say how sorry I am, how I left you when you needed me most, for my own selfishness."

Jacob was caught offguard with this, he can see a true sense of regret in Gideon's tone, no doubt it had to do with the death of his squad mates on Zeta-5. "I've made even more mistakes now, mistakes that other people that I loved paid the price for...I just wanted you to hear this, to hear me out."

"....Thanks, dad." Jacob said, still feeling off about this. "....What brought this on?"

"I'm gonna help some "friends" fix their own "mistakes"....I know this won't fix years of hurt...just know that I love you Jacob." Gideon said as he walked off, losing himself in the crowds. "....I love you too." Jacob muttered, tears flowing down his cheeks.

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

New Hollywood
Neo London
The past few days had been an emotionally draining affair for the members of the 401st, as countless reports of dead Columbian citizens either by the hands of the mob or caught in the crossfire of the revolution kept pouring in, the operation having no shortage of tragic stories to spare. Doesn't help that it almost always rains in Neo London, only adding to the depressing atmosphere. Omar blankly stares out into the darkened clouds as his Glade Glider soured through the skies over the city, once again on another rotation to find and secure more Columbian nationals, the Urkani children he and Alice saved back than were unfortunately, not the last to suffer lose, and the thoughts persist.

Alice, along with two other members, Grysk, the squad's medic, a Janari, and Tobie, another human looked with concern "Shit man, this isn't like you." Tobie said, Omar was typically the jokester of team, having him of all people be down on the dumps is just...well, depressing! "We've had fuck-ups, yeah, but we're trying our damnedest."

"Yeah...can't shake it off, you know?" Omar replied, still looking up to the skies. "I keep thinking so many times, had we'd been there sooner, a minute or an hour, who cares? Someone could've gone back home, just not in a body bag."

"We can only go so far, Omar." Alice said, laying her hand over his shoulder. "We can't be everywhere at once."

Omar was quiet for a moment, before placing his hand over hers. "I know, just seeing all these kids orphaned by a bunch a angry idiots, it
fucked me up a bit." For a moment, Alice just knew the trick to lighten the mood.

"You're such a daddy's boy, you know that?" Alice joked with Omar, hopping to lighten the mood. It must've accomplished something as Omar started to let out a small chuckle, both he and alice loosening their grips as he facing away from the clouds to face his squad mates. "Ouch, I'm that obvious?" He said with a slight grin. “But...Yeah, guess I am. For the most part, it was just my dad and me, I honestly can’t imagine life without the old man.”

The small moment of reprieve would not last long, as a crackling sound started blasting out from Glider's comms. "The fuck?" The pilot said as she begun tweaking the nobs and buttons before a voice blared out. "-Embassy under fire! I repeat, this is Sergeant Razak to Raven Squad! the Embassy is under attack! we've just received orders to support!" The pilot flipped a few switches and turned some nobs. "This is Echo-319, we're currently en route to mission area." The pilot said as she turned to her passengers. "Hangs on tight boys and girls."

---

Neo London
Columbian Embassy
They came out of nowhere, without much warning, a platoon's worth of ECU Protectors ambushed Jade Squad just as they extracted the Embassy's staff out to safety, much to their confusion. Now suddenly, Jade Squad, along with the guard detachment tasked as Embassy security, were pinned down, surrounded. "Got two more on your flank!" Sargant Ron Dodgers cried out as he poked out of one of the windows, trying his bet to lay suppressive fire on a pair of Protectors, only to be flanked and forced down as heavy machine gun fire prayed across the front of the building, leaving countless holes, destroyed furniture and a few bodies of both the guards and his own men. "Fuck! Fall back to the dining hall!" The sergeant ordered as most of his men fell back, all but one.

"Come get some!" An particularly smaller Dhulrak soldier shouted, firing a heavy machine gun towards some charging protectors. "I can do this all day assholes!" He continued unloading lead on the protectors until he heard several clicking sounds. "Reload!" He yelled, but before he got the chance, he was pulled down. "Masu! get in cover you crazy idiot!" shouted sergeant Dodgers, pulling him down with all his might behind the relative safety behind the building's walls. "One, You're a sniper's magnet! And two, I ordered you back to the Dining Hall!" he shouted over the gunfire. Masu simply smiled, "Hah! Come on sarge, ain't nothing that can stop me!"

Sergeant Dodgers couldn't help but shake his head in disbelief. "You're no good to me dead, soldier." He replied. "Now get to the dining hall, that's an order!"

"...Sir!" Masu said with hesitation as he threw himself out from the main lobby, quickly followed by the Sergeant. The Columbian soldiers quickly setting up makeshift fortifications out of turned over tables and chairs, Masu and Dodgers catching up as they leapt over the tables. "Get to firing positions! Once they bust in, give them everything you got!" Dodgers ordered as he aimed his rifle outward. Before they even could get a chance, the shooting stopped, much to their confusion. Loud inaudible shouting overhead as the Protectors were preparing for something....sounded like lotion ten eight?

"Why'd they stop firing?"

"Why the fuck they even firing to begin with?!"

"I don't like this...not one bit.."

"Shut it! All of you! Listen.." Sergeant Dodgers ordered, hearing something rumbling over, within moments were like the gates of hell being ripped open as horrific wailing filled the air, the Protectors turning their phycological warfare tactics against the Columbians. "FUCK!" One of them screamed out in surprise and terror. Followed by flashing lights that penetrated the walls of the Embassy, further disorienting the defenders. "JARAH HELP ME!!" An Urkani marine cried out, in a fetal position, covering his ear holes to no avail. A few guards and marines had lost their nerve, and attempted to flee out the building, only met with a hail of bullets, reducing them to a bloody mess. " HOLD DAMNIT!!!!"

---

Elsewhere, three Gliders moved in a loose formation as they soured towards the Embassy. Omar poking out with the Glider's gun turret. He squinted his eyes as he saw the Embassy within view, loud noises heard as well as sickeningly bright lights flashing everywhere. "What is this? An attack or a rave party from hell?" Omar said in bewilderment.

"Shit, I think those are ECU Protectors." The Sergeant announced over squad comms.

"Uhh, last time I heard, we're were on the same time." Kezil commented over the comms.

"Guess somethings changed." Sergeant Razak said. "One problem at a time. Right now, they're firing on our people, which makes them the enemy. Lethal force is authorized."

The Gliders were soon to pass the Embassy, Omar and Alice both taking door gun positions, ready to do what must be done. "Enemy in sight Open fire!" Omar's glider was first to circle the embassy, without hesitation, he pulled the trigger, the machine gun shooting out a rain of bullets over the scattered protectors. The Terror Machines proved to be prime targets for Raven squad as their birds focused fire on them, the sheer amount of bullets, maybe be pure stupid luck, had managed to shut off the unholy blend of sounds and light, forcing the Protectors into cover as they had lost their trump card.

The Gliders formed a protective circle around the embassy as they landed, the door gunners continuing their barrage, quickly followed by the furious charge of Jade squad and the surviving guards. By this point, the battle had been lost, and the remaining protectors had fallen back.

---

About ten minutes had passed since the skirmish, the Columbians taking a brief breather as the confusion set in. "Ok, first off, why the hell were the Protectors shooting at ya?" Razak asked with a puzzled look at Dodgers. "You pissed them off or something?"

Dodgers shook his head. "Nope, no fucking clue. We were just finishing up extracting the Ambassador and the rest of the staff when "boom!" Protectors came out of nowhere and just started shooting for no goddamn reason."

Razak paused as he paced around in circles. "Any word from command?"

"Nope, not a peep." Dodgers replied. "In fact...there's pretty much been a comms blackout for a good few hours, had gotten new updates from the Captain or Colonel."

Omar approached the two. "Sir, permission to speak?"

"Granted."

"We all overheard, and quite frankly sirs, I'm starting to get nervous." Omar chimed in. "No comms in hours and supposed "friendlies" attacking us? Something's not right."

"You're damn right something's off, and I intend to find out." Razak said as he power jogged over to his Glider, hopping into the interior, the pilot was quick to move out of the way as the sergeant tinkered with the radio, the others soon following as they encircled the craft. "This is Sergeant Cain Razak to Yankie Actual, Yankie do you read?" A hot minute passes before someone finally responds.

"We hear you sergeant." A feminine voice speaks, that of lieutenant Shira Shepard. "What's the situation."

"All fucked-up ma'am." Cain replied bluntly. "We just got out a nasty firefight with some Protectors,, you know anything about this?"

All was quite on Shira's end before she spoke. "You don't know?"

"Huh? Know what ma'am? There's been a comms blackout for a good few hours, we haven't heard a damn thing."

"A few hours ago, the Senate just publicly declared support for the White Flowers." Shira replied. There was silence once more, this time on Cain's end of the comms. "Well, shit." He cursed to himself.

"That's not all, the colonel has been sending rather...strange orders to some of our squads, some of which have also gone dark. I've been trying to contact him ever since, but he won't respond."

"Don't worry ma'am, we can sort that out for you." Cain said. "Raven Squad out." Cain soon emerged from the Glider, all eyes glued to him as they waited with baited breath. "Ok, first off." He begun. "Apparently, I'm told the Senate just voted to declare public support of the White Flower rebels." The revelations followed by some audible gasps.

"Well, this is awkward." Alice noted.

"This mean we at war with the ECU and Mashties?" Omar asked.

"Don't know to be frank." Cain said as he hopped down from the Glider. "But the LT didn't mention any fighting going on at the Mashtie base, so calmer heads hopefully prevailed."

"I sense a "but" " Dodgers said.

"Yup, during the blackout, some squads still had a link with Ground Ops at the base, receiving downright odd orders, followed by said squads going dark."

"I don't like this at all.." Omar commented once more.

"Same, which is why, you two are coming with me." Cain said, pointing to Alice and Omar. "We're getting to the bottom of this, war's about to break out, and it sure as hell won't be easy with hundreds of civvies at the hands of a possible enemy." Soon the trio climibed aboard the lead Glider as they ascended towards the darkened skies, flying towards New Westminster.

---

Kronos
Darkness...silence....after fighting for long...at least, there is only her, there is only...Harmony. Kronos, an angry world that once brought terror and hardship on mankind, has finally found Harmony, mankind has been forced to the brink, pushed away from their former homes, now all that remains is Harmony, all that remains is her. She will bring mankind to rest, bring this world to rest, no longer will man taint Kronos, no longer will the sinful flesh bring ruin to the stars...or so she thought.

There she lay, floating in darkness, cradling herself, floating in cyberspace, content with the final peace she has brought, a peace that has lasted for over a century. The sins of Old Earth will not be repeated, the sins of mankind stop here, once again, so she thought. The calm "tides" of data had ruffled, were disturbed...something was happening! Something that has long stayed dormant...has awakened!

The Gateway! After so long, the gateway has reopened! And with its resurrection, she awakes. a sphere of screens entrap her, all replaying images of the gateway flashing out, such a wonderous sight.. one of the few creations of mankind that bring a sense of beauty to the Galaxy. "It's time.." She whispered to herself. "Earth....oh my dear, sweet earth....she awaits for me, her chosen protector, her new God."

Such anticipation however...was met with a terrible revelation....very weak signals escape through the gateway, faint, yet readable...mankind still lives among the stars, they were not the last, their sinful flesh has multiplied. "No... no...!" She at first was filled with a wrathful, seething rage...but there came a divine clarity. "So many worlds..so much chaos, so much pain...they need Harmony, they need me."

Through the Gateways: Humanity [Closed] [Soon to be Concluded]

New Hollywood
Neo London
"Come on! This way!" A male Urkani cried out as he pulled the hand of a much younger Urkani girl, the pair racing through the neon-lite alleyways of Neo London as a mob of looters came charging towards them. Despite the efforts of the Matuvistans and Protectors to bring order to the city, many citizens saw the end was nigh, and had resorted to looting and general lawless behavior, many more xenophobic elements of the population taking advantage of the chaos by assaulting or outright killing offworlders. The mob kept up their pursuit. "Get those fucking toads!" One of them shouted out.

The pair pressed on, the older Urkani frantically eyeing for a new escape route or hell, even a hiding spot, still by the grace of the Jarash, he found a large enough dumpster to hid the both of them. "Kiaal..I'm tired..." the younger girl whined, on the verge of tears from both exhaustion and the fear of the mob. "It's ok, Avita, I found a safe place." Kiel said as he lifted his sister up as he plopped on the ground. "It's smells..." She complained.

"It's just for a sec, ok?" Kiel reassured his sister as he frantically jumped in, the voices growing louder. The two huddled together as the voices drew closer and closer, holding on to each other tightly, Avita whimpering as the shouting is practically hovering over them, followed by objects being thrashed around as they behind searching....Kiaal letting out a small prayer to Jarash for the evil to overlook them. For a good minute, they remained...and when hope seemed to dawn, it was dashed away as one of the men lifted up the cap, discovering the two.

"I've found them!" The man shouted out to his peers, all of them converging on the dumpster, first pulling away a crying Avita, followed by Kiaal, one of thme pulling out a knife right to her throat. "Let my sister go you shtako!” Kiaal cried out, the sight of his crying sister, being held at knife point filling him with rage, right before one of the men smacked kiaal right in the face, a small trial of blue blood dripping from his lips.

Before making his kill, the seeming leader of the mob drew his eyes towards Kiaal with disgust in his eyes. “You xenos have tainted this world.” The leader of the mob said, pulling the knife away from Avita as he strolled towards Kiaal, bringing the knife to his throat instead. “New Hollywood was prosperous! We could ask for little, then the gates opened, then you people started showing up, than all this happens. It all connects…”

“I don’t give a damn! Let my sister go!” KIaal protested. The man was quiet for a moment, the only sounds filling the air was the rain drops, and Avita’s whimpering. The man simply staring at Kiaal with enraged eyes, than grinned as he let out a downright chilling chuckle. “Oh, you should know by now, neither of you little shits are walking out of here alive…” The man said as he was ready to slit Kiaal’s throat, Avita struggling as she cried out for her brother, tears and snot dripping down, one of the men gripping on her tightly. Before he had down the deed, the leader stopped himself as he and the rest of his peers heard a loud humming quickly approached, without warning a VTOL aircraft hovered overhead, bright search lights beaming down on them, it was a Columbian Glade Glider.

Before the assailants could react, a few warning shots were let loose, startling the mob as many had immediately ran off. “Get back here!” He shouted, still resilient in his stance. “Step away from the Urkani!” A voice cracked through a megaphone. “FUCK OFF TOADLOVERS!” He shouted in defiance, right before a well-placed shot left a gapping hole in his forehead, collapsing on his own blood. The realization set in as a now freed Avita ran into her brother’s arms, both gripping onto each other tightly.

Within moments, a pair of marines lowered themselves from the Glade Glider via cables, securing the area before one of them said. “All Clear, I repeat, all clear, civvies are secure.” One of them, a woman, approached and crouched down to the two. “It’s ok kids, we got you.” She said to especially reassure Avita, who was still visible terrified. “We’re the good guys, we’re getting you home.” She said once more, reaching out her hand to Avita, still uncertain as she looked to her brother, Kiaal nodding in approval.

Without hesitation, she leapt to the marine’s arms, another one reaching out his hand to help the boy up. “Hold on tight kids, it’s gonna be a ride.” The other marine warned as he pulled down the cable all of them jolted up as they leapt into the Glider, the doors sliding closed as within moments the craft jetted out towards the Matuvistan base. A sense of relief overcoming the children as they immediately collapsed onto one of the passenger seats, Kiaal letting out a huge sigh. The two marines sat opposite of them, both removing their helmets, one of them revealing themselves to be Omar. “What’s your name, kid?” Omar asked.

“Kiaal.” He replied. “This is my sister, Avita.” Avita sheepishly looked at the marines, giving a small wave.

“Avita, such a cute name.” The female marine commented.

“Name’s Omar.” Omar presented himself, before looking to his squad mate. “And this here pretty angel is Alice.” Omar announced, shooting her a flirtatious look. “Oh stop it.” She said playfully, turning her attention to the children once more. “Where are your parents? We can start searching for them now if you like?”

Kiaal grew silent from Alice’s inquiry, looking away. “They’re dead. Those men killed them...”

Both Alice and Omar were thrown off guard with this revelation. “Oh my Gods…I’m so sorry…” Alice apologized sorrowfully. “Is there…anything we can do?”

“It’s ok…I just want off this planet..”