Chapter 2

Odin Fenrir

 

In a small manor on top of a hill stood two people, one was a young lad while the other was an elderly man. The boy was tall for his age with long brown hair and brown eyes. He had a powerful build, strong and wide. A body not made for speed but boasted vitality and strength. The man however was frail looking and bald. He paced around the boy, checking his stance.

 

The boy was Odin Fenrir, great grandson to the Legendary Edias Fenrir. The ‘Fenrir’ name however was not what it had been eighty years ago. Odin was in his manor in the town of Rona, where his family was the ruling family. He was currently training his swordsman ship under Master Tjor, the last of the Royal guards to the Emperor himself.

 

“NO!” Master Tjor snapped as he used his stick to hit Odins forearm. “How many times do I have to tell you, loosen your grip but don’t relax it?”

 

“Sorry Master Tjor!” Young Odin squirmed at the old man.

 

Sighing, Tjor put his stick down. Sad that he, the weakest of the royal guard was all that was left to guide the last of the grand line of Fenrir. Still he was royal guard and had still managed to attain the rank of master swordsman and was more than capable of guiding the young wolf, even in his old age.

 

“Odin, I know it must be hard for you to try and live up to the legacy of your line but you must not let your mind wander from the tasks at hand.” Tjor said as he placed his hand on his back.

 

Letting out a sigh of depression Odin couldn’t help but look sad.

 

“I know Master Tjor its just…. I miss them. Mother does her best but she is having difficulty keeping the surrounding barons at bay.” Odin said as the thought of war with another baron worried him.

 

Sighing and putting his stick down Tjor eased up on the boy, “Odin you are young, not even fifteen this year but fate hasn’t been kind to your house since the fall of the empire. Leave the politics to the nobles, you focus on becoming strong enough to defend yourself before you try to help others.”

“Yes Master Tjor.” The boy said as he looked up to is master’s eyes.

 

“Now back to training, begin with the three forms.”

 

 

With fierce determination Odin assumed the first form he relaxed his breath, the first form Viper. The speed orientated form which with proper twisting of his arms and hips allowed him to strike fast and precise.

“Needs work still, next!”

 

The blade moved to his chest as one leg bent forward a bit, the second form, Ox. This stance was focused on defense and parrying.

 

“Close, but acceptable. Next.” He said.

 

The last form he moved into the most balanced form with two hands on his sword and a centered stance, the hawk. This form focused on his eyesight to focus on the reaction and action of the blades.

 

“Good, that’s enough for today. Go change for your Mage lessons. Make sure you’re not late this time. Tomorrow we’ll do spear training.” Tjor smiled.

 

“Yes, Master Tjor” Odin smiled as he put his sword away and they walked into the manor.

 

The manor wasn’t overly large, just enough to fit their personal guard of thirty men and women, some staff, and the Family quarters. Their town of Rona was the same, unremarkable. Here in the small town of Rona the survivors of loyalist to the empire moved. Originally it was a supposed to be a base where they would begin their attack to rebuild the empire. However with all the turmoil and war Valgrum decided it was best in the long run to protect the people instead of a lengthy bloody campaign they might not have won.

 

So they dug in and over the years the small encampment became a village then a town. The town may not have been the most amazing or attractive but that was the point, it was the most well defended since it was one of the few towns in the area which had fortified stone walls, archer towers, three separate barracks and the best trained militia around. This was thanks to the history of the royal guards, of the last hundred that survived, some were struck down when defending the encampment in the early days while the others became guards, trainers, and helped build the very foundation of Rona.

 

After changing and walking through the manor Odin dropped by the garden, his grandfather Valgrum’s favorite place. There his tomb was surrounded by the flowers and plants he too much care of.

 

“I miss him too.”

 

Looking up Odin said, “I know mother, I wish he was still with us.”

 

Behind him an aged woman with brown and gray hair came up to him, “Don’t worry dear, I know he’d be proud of you as for your father, there’s no doubt.” She said as she came up and hugged him. She had been looking thin lately, probably due to the stress as the acting regent of the lands her recent husband had passed to her. As she loved her children with all her heart she knew that they weren’t ready. Lucky for her, her time with her father in law had taught her many things. One was how to be a shrewd negotiator and a skilled diplomat. Her prowess as a Shield Maiden wasn’t to be underestimated as well. Her late husband Eli was a fine mage who did his best when defending Rona and gave his life defending his home from monsters.

 

“Thanks mother. I’ll see you at dinner.” He said as he walked towards the training hall.

 

“Yes dear, you’d best be off before Irina burns your eyebrows off again for being late.” She smiled.

 

With that, Odin ran as fast as he could to see his master waiting for him there.

 

“You’re late again.” She smiled.

 

Odin recognized that smile, it told him all he needed to know about the days training regimen. It was going to be a long four hours for him.

 

It started with thirteen bright red fireballs which he had to control the size perfectly, then rotate six pairs in different directions while keeping the one on top of his head steady. After that he had to imbue his sword with fire but not let his blade get hot. In essence he was being pushed harder for his tardiness. After four hours of this he was then forced to duel his Irina nonstop for five minutes leaving him exhausted of nearly all his mana.

 

“Hmph, next time DON’T be late! Got that?”

 

Panting at the point of exhaustion he nodded his head.

 

“Good, now off you go.” She said.

 

Odin struggled to stand up and thank her for her torture lesson. As he walked away she let out a sigh, she marveled at his progress. Irina was a prodigy at fire magic and she made him follow through her training methods, all her discoveries and research on the fastest route on becoming a Magus. She herself was almost a magus but lacked the mana capacity to become one. Odin wasn’t a great mage but he had maybe twice the mana capacity she had.

 

Such a large mana capacity combined with his training as a warrior and some basic spells of fire were already making him into a fine young man. That added with his levelheaded personality and decent looks made him a target of many young girls and noble ladies.

 

Inside the manor Odin had finally reached his room and was changing out of his training clothes and into his casual wear. As he looked at himself in the mirror he pressed his shirt and combed his brown hair out of the way.

 

‘I should cut my hair again soon, this long hair will not be so good once the summer starts.’ He thought to himself.

 

As he made himself presentable, a knock fell on his door. “Lord Odin? Your mother requests your audience.”

 

“Understood.” He said as he double checked before heading out. As he walked through the manor and arrived at his mother’s study he felt something was wrong. On his way here he’d seen the guards running and leaving the manor towards the town, which only happened for two reasons. One being a disturbance in town while the other being an attack on the town.

 

‘Are we being attacked?’ he wondered as he knocked on the door.

 

“Come in!” his mother yelled. Opening the door, inside sat his mother, Master Tjor and Mage Irina. They all appeared to be distraught over something.

 

“What’s wrong?” Odin asked as he shut the door.

 

“This” his mother said as she handed him a letter. Inside was a seal from the surrounding Baron Reginold Coleston

 

Elaine,

I have given you the courtesy of waiting over a month for your response in this matter. I no longer have the patience to sit idle while you stall me. I will have what I want, whether you do so with or without bloodshed if up to you.

Baron Reginold Coleston

 

“When was this sent?” Odin asked his mother who showed a concerned face.

 

“Today, but I think the messenger was a soldier so they could be already close.” She said.

 

“I agree, that messenger knew the ways of the sword. I sensed death on him.” Master Tjor said.

 

“What are we going to do?” Odin asked.

 

“Well, our guards number at 165 with another 40 archers. If we add in our militia of 300 and some of the hunters, it leaves us with about 550 defenders. I think with some of our mages as well we can hold out.” Master Tjor stated.

 

“Agreed, from what information I have which is about 3 months old Baron Reginold only has 300 men to field, any more then he wouldn’t be able to sustain his territory.” His mother said as she rubbed her temples.

 

“But it doesn’t make sense. Why would-“She stopped.

 

“What is it my Lady?” Master Tjor asked concerned.

 

“A month ago, do you remember that mercenary group came through here?”

 

“Yes. I think they injured an Innkeepers daughter. We nearly had to chase them out.” Tjor said.

 

“Do you remember which way they went?”

 

Tjor paled as he recalled, “Towards the west, into Baron Reginold’s lands. Damn, I remember there being almost 50 men.”

 

“Exactly and what if more than one group of mercenaries is heading to the Baron’s territory. Then we’ve got a problem.” His mother said.

 

“Then we must bolster our defenses, more arrows, and armor to be made. Many of the townspeople are former guards and our town is well versed in the art of war. We shall drive them back my lady.” Tjor reassured her.

 

With a sad smile, “I know Tjor but if we are our numbered ten to one then I will not send you to your deaths. You are old, so start being it!”

 

“Never!” he smiled.

 

“So what am I doing here?” Odin asked.

 

With a sigh his mother came from around her desk and told him, “It is time you received your inheritance, your father wanted to give it to you but I’m sure he’ll forgive me.” She smiled sadly.

 

“I know he would mother.” Odin said.

 

“Tjor. Irina. Come with us it is time and we shall be there support him.”

 

“Yes, my lady.” They said in unison.

 

As they followed Lady Elaine, they found themselves at the garden, specifically Valgrum tomb. As she went to the center of the tombstone, she took out a small rectangular metal rod and put it into a hole he’d not noticed before. As she stepped back the entire tomb moved to the side, revealing a set of stairs that descended into the darkness.

 

“Come Odin, there is much that must happen and not much time.” She said as she led them down.

 

As they descended into the darkness Odin feared for his steps but once they reached the bottom his mother spoke, “Lights On.” With a simple command the area place they were in became illuminated.

 

“Where are the torches?” he asked?

 

With a smile, she just said, “There are no torches here my son, you will learn soon enough. Come.”

 

As they walked through the newly illuminated hall, Odin noticed something strange. The walls were completely made of metal! Odin knew that iron was in short supply here in their part of the continent. After he realized that he did not recognize the materials where the light was coming from. Odin feared these halls but as he looked to his teachers who only wore smiles, he knew he wasn’t in any danger.

 

As they reached the end of the hall he noticed a massive metal door and to the right of it, a hand symbol on a piece of glass. Placing her hand on the glass the glass gave off a green color before the door opened.

 

“Wait out here Tjor. Irina. Odin must do this alone.” His mother said as she walked through and into another hall. Odin looked back to see Tjor give him a smile and a nod. Nodding back Odin held his head high and followed his mother. At the end of this hall was three metal doors but the door they went into was the center one. Again placing her hand on the glass next to the door it opened again.

 

Inside this room was dark, only in the center was a chair with what seemed like a crown on top.

 

“Odin sit on the chair.” She told him.

 

Nodding he went over to sit on the chair, amazingly it was soft and comfortable.

 

“Odin it’s time for you to learn the truth of your ancestors. While it would be ideal if you were well rested and prepared, we simply don’t have the time,” She said as she walked to a piece of glass. With a wave of her hand the glass became active showing many different words and symbols he couldn’t read.

 

“What truth do you mean?” Odin asked.

 

“I wasn’t supposed to be the one to tell you but the task falls to Me.” she sighed as she kept touching the illuminated glass. “Your great grandfather, Edias Fenrir. Before he was an emperor, savior and father. He was once just an aspiring adventurer, barely even your age when he set off.” She said.

 

As she turned around and walked to the chair to place the crown on top of him.

 

“He was still too young to be an adventurer but his wanderlust pushed him to do it. So he left his home and began adventuring. Back in those days, there was a guild but it pales in comparison to the ones we have now. Anyway, he joined and started his quest.” She said as she adjusted the crown.

 

“One day on a quest he was in the forest and in the sky, portals opened and things fell from the heavens. As fate would have it your great grandfather was also a curious man and couldn’t help but go and search for those items.” She continued as the crown was now snug on his head and she restrained his wrists and bound his legs to the chair.

 

“This place is what he found and it was here that a change happened to him. A change that turned him into the Emperor everyone knows. It gave him clarity, focus, and knowledge.” She said as she went to the glass.

 

“With the change, he resumed his travels and adventures and over his travels he gained many allies who banded with him. With them he was able to drive the demons from the land but what people didn’t know is that those seals were a temporary solution.” She said as she frowned.

 

“I’m sorry Odin.” She said as she touched the glass again.

 

With that pain flowed through his body, waves of pain like a wave in the ocean his body underwent a series of painful shocks. For what seemed like hours his body went through pain, his mind became blank trying to resist the pain. Finally after what seemed to be hours to him it finally stopped.

 

With tears his mother was kneeling right beside him, distraught at the pain she had to put her son through. As he sat in the chair panting from the mental pain he looked her in the eye and asked her, “Why?”

 

“It is necessary for you to grow. The power of your ancestors was given to them in this very room,” she explained to him.

 

“What power?” he asked.

 

“Just wait, it will happen soon.”

 

As he sat there trying to sense any changes in him he started circulating his mana inside him to recover some of his energy.

 

On the wall where the glass was words came up that he could now read.

 

[Initializing…]

[New Unit Detected]

[Beginning compatibility testing with Eligible Systems]

 

“Compatibility?”

 

“Yes! There it is. That is the essence of what your father and those before him strove to utilize, it was how the Emperor created his armor. The Unbreakable Armor. This place grants you the access to make your own or maybe even something greater.” She smiled and kissed his forehead.

 

“I was not worthy but was only given access to but a fraction of this facility, even your great grandfather only could utilize a third of its power.” She said sadly.

 

‘A third?’ Odin was shocked, his great grandfather legacy was attained through this power and to figure he was only using a third of its extraordinary power?

 

[Testing Stage One completed – Passed]

 

“Hm?” Odin said as he read the glass again.

 

“What is it?”

 

“It says I passed stage one,” Odin said to her.

 

“That’s good, I don’t know how many stages there are but from what your grandfather told me, the emperor only passed 4 stages.” She told him.

 

“Can I get out of this chair?”

 

With a pitying smile, she shook her head. “The chair is what tests you, you must remain on it in order to pass.” She explained as she got up and walked away.

 

[Preparing for Stage Two]

 

“Where are you going?” Odin asked.

 

As she wiped her tears she quickly said, “Each stage changes your body and each change has a trial.”

 

“What sort of trial?”

 

“Suffering my dear. That chair, it will push you to your true breaking point.”

 

Again another new wave of pain struck him again. This time, the pain felt hot, his skin felt as if on fire. The tribulation that his body felt as if his entire body was being branded by searing hot irons. Odin let out roars of frustration at the pain but he endured, remembering the words of his father.

 

‘If you’re ever in pain, make sure you get something for it.’

 

Gritting his teeth and biting down, he endured. Letting out a yell every now and then he lost track of time again. Not seeking to end his suffering but be above it.

 

[Test Stage Two – Passed]

 

As the pain went away, Odin inhaled as deeply as he could. Focusing his eyes, he looked at his mother who somehow found herself a chair for herself. In her eyes, he saw her distraught over the scene in front of her eyes.

 

“Oh, my boy. I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry.” She said.

 

“What for mother?” he asked as he immediately began circulating his mana to regain some strength. This time, though he felt as if his mana was different, more tangible… stronger.

 

“I never made it past the first stage, so it only granted me the basic knowledge but since you made it past the first stage, it will make you… more.” She said.

 

“More what?” Odin asked as he relaxes a little.

 

“You’ll understand once you get out.” She said as she held his hand.

 

[Preparing for Stage Three]

 

Gulping down his saliva, he focusing on recovering his mana which had somehow helped him endure the testing. He prepared himself for the next hell.

 

This next pain was cold, he felt his so numb and cold his he struggled to breathe.

Next was electricity, as in the heavens had sent the lightning of mad gods at him.

Then he felt a pain of a thousand cuts but with a new heightened experience. As if his tolerance for pain was increasing.

The next one, was no longer physical pain, it was emotional. In his mind, he was shown images of the people he cared about killed and slaughtered. Over and over again until it nearly drove him mad.

The last one was the worse however, he was subjected to a simulated experience of all the past pains come together, but on his loved ones. Seeing those he cared about suffering made him cry out in emotional pain. A sort of emotional trauma that not many could wake up from.

 

[Testing Stage Seven Passed – Unit has reached maximum potential]

[Testing Complete]

 

Odin sat there in the chair, tears flowing from his eyes. In his mind years had gone by. He knew it was all an illusion but it still scared his very being. Beside him his mother sat, eyes dark and remorseful. She looked like hell and that was putting it lightly.

 

“Mother… it is over.” He said to her.

 

She looked towards the glass to confirm and once she did she quickly released his shackles as fast as she could. Once they were off she gave embraced him in a motherly hug. Odin to weak from the pain just rested his head on her shoulder.

 

“Oh my sweet child, it’s been almost a day you’ve been here.” She said to him.

 

Odin was surprised at her words but was too tired to show a reaction. What he didn’t know was that the first test was ten minutes long and that for each trial after that the time of each part doubled. After going through seven stages and being subjected to nearly a full day of agony. As his mother pulled away, Odin tried to stand up but as soon as he was vertical he tipped and nearly fell over. At his side his mother trying her best to support him.

 

“Easy there. Slow, we’ll go slow ok?” she said as she helped him towards the door. Nodding his head, together they went at a snail’s pace towards the exit. Remembering to circulate his mana in hopes of recovering some energy, something amazing happened. The mana that he circulated flowed through him giving him an immense boost to his energy but the way he felt mana now was so much more different.  Back then when he tried to control his mana, it took a lot of focus and concentration. Now it was merely a thought and the concentration of mana was denser than it had ever been for him

 

“Mother, I think I can walk on my own.” He said to her.

 

“Nonsense, stop struggling and let me help you.” She dismissed him.

 

Smiling he just kept walking with her.

 

‘Damn these long hallways’ he thought.

Chapter 1

The Rise and Fall of Empires

 

Emperor Edias Fenrir.

Master of the Blade.

Leader of the People.

Patron of the Arts.

Slayer of Demons.

Magus of Light.

 

Emperor Edias Fenrir was the greatest leader of the empire on the continent of Javor, savior to the human race, and loved by all. The empire was created in a time of strife, when the demons attacked aiming to corrupt and destroy the human race. Many races had already fallen to the dark ones, such as the ancient elves, burly dwarves, and strong beastkin. Though through their struggles, each race one by one fell to the power of the demons, until all that remained were the humans.

 

The humans had been out of the conflict, stubborn by greed and fear. It was all for naught when the demons slowly destroyed village after village. Forcing the people to starve and turn on each other, allowing them to easily corrupt the desperate humans. That all changed on the arrival of Edias Fenrir. When he came and began his unification of the human fiefdoms and territories, most were just trying to save their skin.

 

After unifying humanity and assembling the largest human army ever recorded of over five million soldiers, they attacked the demon strongholds. For over ten years they fought a bloody campaign that saw the loss of millions of lives. In the end though they managed to seal the demon portals and banish the corruption. Finally after fifty years of fear from demons and corruption, humanity was at peace and the people of the empire were happy.

 

Well almost all, former kings, nobles, and aristocrats all hated the emperor, Not because he was loved but because of jealousy and greed. The same aristocrats who had starved their citizens and kept them down, who raised taxes for their own petty greed. However there was nothing they could do, no assassin or mercenary would dare attack the emperor. So for forty years the empire knew peace and prosperity but on the day he died, it all fell apart. The great empire fractured and fell into civil war and innocents were the ones who paid the price.

 

Petty barons and aristocrats banded together to carve themselves a new kingdom for themselves. Rich men hired thugs to take land for themselves. Waging war against each other and destroying the very creation the emperor had worked so hard to build. In a short span of thirty years the empire was fractured by greed and corruption to the highest level, the darkest age since the demon threat. The empire was no more.

 

Out of the darkness came the new kingdoms of the land. These were the surviving nobles and merchants that had banded together. These small unified land were all that remained of the once great empire.

 

Up in the northern part of the continent, the Baron Rand of the Ezrak Mountains laid claims to the northern mountains, renaming them the Ezrak Kingdom. There they controlled the metal ores and gem trade, making them a well-fortified kingdom, however they relied heavily on food from outside sources. Their capital of Rostavar was actually the inside of the mountain, an ancient dwarven city they had taken over.

 

Out west were the plains of Tellias and the Great Sea, claimed by an alliance of nobles who called themselves the Kingdom of Telas. However they were a land that was built on the prisoners of war and enslaved their people who missed even a single tax payment. They used their slaves as cheap labor and was always in need of more slaves.

 

Down in the south the rivers and streams turned into factories and a land of crafts and art. This area was claimed by merchants who had betrayed the nobles they backed in order to create a place of trade and commerce. Here, whoever had the most gold was king. As such it became a place of mercenaries and information.

 

Out towards the North-East nothing remained, as it was the final battle between the empire and the demons, the once dense forest of the elves had been reduced to cinders and not much remained there. The only thing that stood there was a small patch of trees that were slowly growing again, but it would take several years before anything remotely called a forest would return.

 

As for the center of the continent, it was devastated. The land where many nobles fought and died was a basic no mans land. The land was unhospitable and dangerous, home to the old capital of the empire. In the beginning small villages dotted the land which turned into minor territories that acted as a buffer between the three larger territories.

 

As for the royal family, they survived but only through luck alone. The once proud ten thousand of the royal guard were decimated, leaving only a few hundred. The queen was assassinated just weeks after her husband’s death. While the royal princes and princesses were kidnapped and killed or worse, sold as playthings for vile nobles. Only one remained, the youngest and brightest son named Valgrum Fenrir.

 

Valgrum was not a mage nor was he a swordsman, he was however a tactician and in private chess matches with his father could run circles around the man. However he had a weak body and could not fight or handle too much strenuous activity. For thirty years he and the remainder of his royal guard hid away from the world in the central zone. Awaiting for one day they would one day be allowed to reunite the world.

 

The Dor Rel System, Terv Quadrant.

 

The Val’ Doki Space empire, one of the greatest space empires to ever exist. With over a thousand member planets and even more farm planets. The empire was so large it struggled to feed a sixty trillion mouths. While food was a major issue the other was war, the Val’ Doki empire was a strong empire and was constantly expanding to make new farm planets to support their citizens, doing so made them a long list of enemies.

 

One such enemy was the Alliance, a group of over a hundred species and planets who had banded together to fight the empire. As such the alliance fought tooth and nail against the empire. However in the end there was only so much they could do being outnumbered ten to one. After several cycles, the alliance was on its last legs, but they vowed to take down the empire with them.

 

Particle-Zero, an artificial particle which when coming into contact with matter caused singularities and unstable wormholes. This particle coupled with enough energy and enough particle-zero could literally consume parts of planets. In the last days of the alliance, they concocted over five thousand of these bombs that were to be deployed over various military and farm worlds. These were the planets that produced the most food and held the most advanced technology of the Val’Doki Empire.

 

At the final stand of the Alliance fleet, a hundred ships faced off against a thousand. What the empire didn’t know though was that it was a trap, each ship in the alliance fleet was equipped with a particle-zero bomb on their main reactor. In a final stand each alliance ship activated their warp engines and crashed into the empire’s fleet. Without warning, the battlefield was suddenly filled with a hundred wormholes. Each one taking out several ships with it. By the time the empire knew what was happening, they’d lost over seventy-six percent of their fleet.

 

Then they received even worse news. Three hundred farm worlds were rendered uninhabitable now, as some planets had their atmospheres completely vacuumed through the wormholes. Others were sucked up completely while some planets were missing a piece of itself leaving it unable to sustain anymore life. Then the military worlds were hit, major shipyards, R&D facilities, factory worlds, all of a sudden, gone of life.

 

Within days the Empire was in full panic as these planets became unable to sustain themselves.

Within weeks, Billions had died due to food riots.

Within months anarchy ruled the stars.

Within the year, an empire had fallen to a shell of its former self.

Within the century the empire of Val’doki was just another empire in the sands of time.

 

In the end the alliance had done what they thought was impossible, they’d destroyed the Empire. However what they didn’t know was what their Particle-Zero wormholes send the technology of the Val’Doki Empire to another empire. An empire far in another dimension.

 

 

Future Glimpse 1

 

General John-117.

Commander of the Spartan Force.

Hero of the Covenant War.

 

As the General landed his transport ship on board his new Death Star he sighed.

 

“What’s wrong?” a voice said beside him.

 

Looking to his side he saw a beautiful Cortana, his old A.I in the body of a new T-X3 that was recently redesigned to prevent her from being corrupted now by psychic entities. In her android body she was beautiful and deadly. All the while John 117 still donned his signature Mjolnir power assault armor, but with the help of the Grey Imperium’s scientists, they were now on the Mark X. Beyond making him now even harder to kill, he was also now faster, stronger, more deadly than he could have ever imagined.

 

“Nothing, it’s just… after the defeat of the Covenant and the forerunners. I feel as if this new enemy is going to be even more of a pain.”

 

“Why do you say that chief?”

 

“Look at what we built to stop them.” He gestured at the Death Star. “We need this big thing for defense? And you know The High Lord has more than just this one.”

 

“Yeah, but at least we know it won’t be boring.” She smiled.

 

“Well at least you’ll always be with me.” John said.

 

“Of course. Now let’s go greet High Lady Sadia, I’ve missed her.”

 

As they prepared to get off the transport they were escorted by the general’s guard, the all new Spartan V’s. They too donned the signature Mjolnir armor in grey and we’re ready for anything. John smiled to himself as he was proud of the men and women who served under him. As the transport ships opened up they walked off as the official reports were filming and streaming it directly to earth.

 

‘Well at least the war hasn’t stared yet.’ He thought to himself.

 

Walking through the transport bay and into the military access only zone, he headed to his general’s quarters with Cortana closely behind him. Once inside he went to his table and pressed a few buttons. Flashing up in front of him were his reports of his new troops, their numbers, logistics, and projected growth.

 

“Chief, we’ve got an incoming transmission from the Council.”

 

“Patch it through.”

 

A few moments later the faces of Jedi Master Obi Wan, Leader of the Jedi Forces, Admiral Jean Luc Picard of The Imperium Starfleet, Admiral Nathaniel of the Replicator Fleet, General Guy Of Imperial Planetary Defense, and High Lord Leonidas.

 

“John, glad you could join us“

 

“You know I can’t miss these Jean Luc.” John replied.

 

“It’s an expression, as they say” Jean Luc smiled.

 

“Right.” John said, after spending most of his life fighting and waging war, john was lacking a few screws in day to day expressions.

 

“Okay, let’s get started.” Nathaniel said.

 

“Proceed.”

 

“As of now, we hereby commence the 3nd Minor Council meeting. Our agenda today is this,” He said as an image appeared before all the members. A recording of a soldier on the floor and a terrifying scene of a small creature which appeared out of its chest. “A xenomorph has been identified on transport ship Z-3391. It was then landed on the planer of Kiplar IV, this was four days ago and two hours ago we lost communication with the planet. We sent in a team and they recovered this footage, last census showed over fifty thousand settlers while orbital scans only show a few hundred now. Kiplar IV is a minor planet but is a vital refueling station for our ships in the area so destroying the planet isn’t an option like standard protocol.”

 

The tension in the air was thick. John had faced off against a xenomorph once, it died like anything else but even he had to admit he didn’t like the idea of fighting a few hundred of them.

 

“What are our available options?” High lord Leonidas asked.

 

Nathaniel stiffened before saying, “We have two available teams. One is a group of Shadow Guard in the area, while the option is a Gen 3 Ghost Squad.”

 

The table didn’t like the option laid out, both were essentially death blows against the xenomorphs but if anything went wrong and Xenomorphs were able to egg one of either group then the problem would only multiply.

 

“Send them both. I want that infestation dealt with.”

 

 

Book 2 – Chapter 10

 

                “The ISS Atlas, the first capital ship of the Imperium. The first ship built from the home dimension. The ship was retired and can be seen now on the Capital planet of Korhal. During the conquering of the Koprulu Sector, the Atlas was instrumental in the defeat of the Terran Dominion. As such when it was decommissioned, it stands as a living testament of the might of the Grey Imperium.”

                                -excerpt from History of Imperial Spaceships chapter 1

 

Paul and his team were waiting for replicators to swell in number before taking over the ship. As they rested they stayed ready in the little room they were holed up in. Thanks to the replicators on board the ships’ sensors were being jammed and we’re having difficulty finding them. For the next few minutes, they waited until they finally got word that the replicators were ready to move.

 

It was time.

 

Sweeping the halls any raider they ran into was killed. Paul wasn’t the type of person who liked to hurt innocent people but the people on this ship were anything but.

 

“Replicators are reporting they’re beginning to attack the engines.”

 

“Ok, let’s double time it to the bridge.” Paul ordered.

 

Running through the halls and fighting their way through to the bridge was actually pretty quiet. Once they reached the bridge they opened it up ready to attack who was there. To their surprise though it seemed as if everyone was unconscious.

 

“What in the world?” Paul said out loud.

 

“I may not be from this universe but something tells me this ain’t right.” One of the marines commented.

 

“Agreed, but let’s disarm everyone before we wake em’ up.”  Paul ordered.

 

Moving to check if they had weapons or not, they heard a notification come up.

 

“Exiting warp in 10 seconds’

 

“Crap ok everyone man a station and put in coordinates to Deadman’s Port. Looks like these guys are out cold so it won’t matter.”

 

With a scurry of activity, the marines weren’t officers but had a basic understanding of ship operations. As the ship exited warp to find the other pirates and raiders would soon be behind them.

 

As they received a notification of someone hailing them, the marines were able to lock in deadman’s port and prepare to warp.

 

“Sir, the enemy ships have noticed our engines. They’re opening fire!”

 

“How long until we head to warp?”

 

“This ship is utter crap sir, it’ll take a minute to charge.”
“Shit. Will we survive a minute of fire?”

 

“I don’t know but we can turn on their automated defense. It’ll buy us some time from their missiles.”

 

“Do it!”

 

Olympus

 

“Ok, you got the green light. Once you get over there though you have one week to report back or I’m sending Nathaniel after you.” Leo said.

 

“Understood sir. See you in a week.”

 

Leo closed the comms to the Atlas as it was preparing its first solo jump. They would be jumping to the Terminator galaxy in order to attain schematics and a possible new production base. Leo would have loved to go and see it himself but he had a bigger problem. With the constant mining and new raw resources, there was an issue that arose that demanded his attention.

 

Currently there we’re several small cities being built on Olympus and things were going good. With the now established communities and having the cities grow, cultures were beginning to clash between the people of earth and the refugees. The refugees wanted jobs, production jobs like factory or farmers. Meanwhile the people of earth wanted to establish an automated production and have people focus solely on intellectual pursuits. Leaning on both sides of the fence, Leo considered the options.

 

After much consulting, simulations, and research. Leo finally made a decision, that they would go and become an automated production, all while those who wanted to do those sorts of jobs would be given a chance to learn the machines and with their experience and skill, optimize and improve those systems. Those who wanted to pursue intellectual issues were for the most part allowed to do what they will. Although as a contingency, Leo made it a mandate that being the intellectuals they were that they had to learn basic production knowledge.

 

After this he was faced with his second daunting task. Food. How was he going to feed his citizens with their current rate of growth? In simplicity Leo ordered that every town be self-sufficient in two things, food and defense. With the small cities slowly expanding he had to decide how he was going to determine the future of his people. With the coming of Amon he knew that they weren’t safe as the outer colonies were easy targets for the Zerg and the coming of Mobieus Corp, slaves of the fallen Xel’Naga Amon.

 

The solution was to be able to have a nomadic population until it was time to settle. For that he turned to the Ancient technology of city building. To create cities that could take off and defend itself as well. It would be the day they began production of city-ships.

 

Leo put his datapad down and rubbed his temples, recently he’d been having migraines and his stress levels had been steadily rising. His saving grace only being that he got to see Sadia every night. Things between them were steady and he was content but with Sara’s constant pestering of him, he was about to cross the line soon. Things were going to happen in a month and with any luck everyone would be there to attend.

 

As he relished his moment of silence and reassurance he felt something shift. His head immediately began splintering in massive pain. Clutching his head and thrashing around in pain, he felt as if his skull was being ripped apart. Finding himself on the floor and the room with an alarm blazing with a green alarm light he felt a darkness take him..

 

–Prometheus–

 

Nathaniel bit his lip as he awaited the return of his men. It had been almost an hour since the end of the battle and with each passing second his worries only grew and grew.

 

“Nathaniel, calm your tits. Paul will make sure they get back.” Ira said.

 

“Yeah well, forgive me. I’m used to being the one who has to get back, not the one who’s waiting for someone to get back.”

 

“I understand but really stop. You’re making the rest of us nervous.” Ira informed him.

 

“Sorry.” Nathaniel said as he looked up.

 

After several more minutes of frustration they finally got a hit.

 

“Incoming transmission sir.”

 

“Who is it?”

 

“Security Code shows Lieutenant Paul, sir.”

 

“Put it up.”

 

Paul wasn’t on the screen when it came up. Instead it was a man with a black haired ponytail and the most signature armor ever. The man was wearing Ghost armor.

 

“Who are you?”

 

“You asked for one of us. Maybe you should explain yourself.” The man said.

 

“So you’re a ghost?”

 

“Don’t act coy with me!” The man yelled. “I may know much about you but I don’t know enough so if you want ghost help then you’re going to need me so cut the crap. Your men are alive, just temporary unconscious. I know your ship’s capabilities so just scan the bridge and you’ll find your squad. Then Beam us over so we can talk, I’ve worn my welcome on this ship.”

 

Nodding to his helmsman who reported the scan results which confirmed the details that the ghost reported Nathaniel relaxed.

 

“Ok I’ve confirmed your details. Prepare to be beamed over.” Nathaniel said.

 

“Good.” The ghost said.

 

As they closed the com and then beamed them over, the Ghost found himself surrounded by a squad of marines with their rifles pointed at him. The ghost however wasn’t worried as he let out a breath of fresh air.

 

“That’s some nice air you got here. A good life support system make me feel better already.” The ghost said with a stoic face.

 

“This way Ghost. The commander would like to see you.” A guard said.

 

“Then by all means lets go.”  The ghost said.

 

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