Marching Back Home

[The Blade]

The Vionix fleet appeared in system, a massive wave of shimmering particles heralding its approach upon the Vionix approach vectors and the ships gladly followed in their massive arrowhead formation, hundreds of kilometers long and deep.

Inside the gargantuan ship array there were a large series of new ships. One of these happened to be the size of a planet, and all of them bore Anrufe heraldry, the Vionix had apparently won the war.

The address screens across the system were displaying lists of the dead and commendations as well as news that the Anrufe war was over. Happiness was all around, parties were planned and executed and festivals ran through the streets.

Inside the Anrufe titan however, a pair of Celestians from the Fleet Guard walked into the bridge and glared at everyone in the room, their eyes a piercing, solid white inside their heads.

"We need to speak to your effective command or lead element." They said, quietly although it held authority and wasn't a voice to be ignored.

[Zero]

A transmission came to the planet, inviting the Emperor and 50 guards to a Festival on Memorial. THe war's end was going to be celebrated.

[The Blade]

The Emperor however had to respectfully decline as he had his own things to do, his own festivals and parties to plan and certain speeches to be given over the entire address system. It was a momentous day after all and the Emperor was going to spend it in his own damned star system.

[Zero]

The invitation was for a few weeks from this date however.

[K2]

"E-Excuse me," a man in a white coat timidly made his way towards the Celestians. "My name is Alexis Boajitan. I am a Senior Officer of Level Four in the Anrufe."

[The Blade]

The two Celestians looked at each other and then back to the much smaller male. Considering that both Celestians were over seven feet tall and wearing rather imposing armour, a hint of intimidation wouldn't go amiss and it would seem that this 'Alexis' had that already.

The Celestian on the left, a dark blue cowl covering his face, spoke up to the Officer. "Greetings, Officer Boajitan, I am Ocean and this is my partner, Blaze." He nodded to the other Celestian, a bright red cowl covering his face. "We have a matter of urgency to speak with you about. We, the Vionix, are not going to treat the Anrufe as prisoners of war. Instead of this we are going to take your leading command elements, scientists and ships and assimilate them into the Vionix fleet. As well as this, we will need pilots to train our own in the use of these ships. In return for this, you will be allowed to live aboard your own Titan still and for the rest of the vessels you will be given a choice as to whether you wish to remain aboard the ship as a help or settle on one of our planets and live alongside us. Considering the destruction of your planets and force itself, we see no reason for you to act hostile or for us to be hostile towards you. As such, the Vionix welcome you as honoured guests and you, Officer, may accompany us to meet the Emperor if you so wish." A nod and the Celestian coughed softly. "You may have some time to discuss with your fellow officers if you wish." Ocean then fell silent, waiting for some form of response.

[K2]

You are a scientist.

> "We couldn't possibly accept their offer!"
> "We have no choice! It is a most generous offer, considering!"
> "Hell if I'll be a traitor to the Anrufe."
> "The Anrufe are dead and gone. We have to look out for ourselves now."
> "Perhaps... Perhaps this is the best way."
> "We're lucky they don't execute us on the spot!"

As various leaders among those present used the Anrufe linking system to discuss the best course of action, Alexis seemed lost in his own train of thought. He was a scientist... Right? He'd honestly forgotten this simple fact. He was... A scientist. He wanted to expand the search of knowledge, to learn the secrets of the universe. He'd honestly forgotten this. He'd been... Eclipsed by the darkness.

His hands reached for the clear vile which he wore upon his neck, on a necklace. Holding it in his hand, he contemplated what to do. The vile contained a small amount of sand -- the only thing he had left of his home. What... What should he do? He... He never should have left the Alliance. He needed to be... Free. He needed to get back to what he loved. But more importantly, he realized as he looked at the tired and helpless men around the bridge, broken and ready to give up. These people needed to survive.

Something had changed in Alexis. He was now... A leader.

Walking over to the center control table, he began to slide his fingers across the screen, inputting his password, before motioning Ocean towards him.

"There's something you need to see."