(AN: There are 10616 words detected in the History chapter. The author would advise readers to read it while relaxing with a cup of Joe or a snack in hand. Or simply skip to the story if you so wish. Enjoy.)

# The Arrival of the Sphere #

The 21st century was dubbed as "Century of Revolution" for a reason. In 2021, WWIII was almost to be a reality. The world descends into chaos. Until it came to them. An unidentified craft entered the Earth's atmosphere and crash-landed in the Middle East. The world's attention to the upcoming doom was altered, and all eyes are on the mysterious sphere that crashed from space.

A group of scientists came together, from all across the world. It was the second time humanity was ever united before that was the Ozone crisis. They banded together to uncover what secrets they could uncover. To them and the world. To their surprise, it was living evidence of alien technology. And it was alive. They call it, the Sphere.

The world's attention came crashing to this living alien technology. Some say it was a hoax, but others firmly believed it to be true. Though the truth was finally enforced when the Sphere appeared on international news, live in front of the press and the 8 billion humans all across the globe.

It came as a complete shock to all when it speaks, explaining that it was able since it deconstructed the DNA of humans through touch, and acquired all the information needed to communicate, as well as obtaining information through the World Wide Web.

The Sphere then told a story, of its race and origins. How they were able to shed from the organic body and uploaded their consciousness into metallic vessels.

The Sphere then shared its opinion of humanity, which came as a waking call for all. "Humans are tenacious and creative. However, you are prone to destruction against one another. Be it of color, beliefs, and ideology. You were always at each other's throats when you could do more if you act as one. As one race, one nation."

It was constructive criticism, and it was a well-received one. Even people with high egos could admit, that humans are exactly like that. Though the next words came from the Sphere ignited something within all that see.

"Within me are thousands of years' worth of knowledge. How to improve one's technology, one's understanding of the universe, and how to improve oneself. I will share it all, as I am obligated to do so. All under one condition. Humanity must unite."

A tempting deal, but came at a great cost. The world wasn't sure it could be achieved, yet they did so anyway.

It was a long and arduous path to total unification. The world reformed the UN as the body for total unification. More than 160 nations unified as one, all in purpose prosper. Others who didn't were in the process of integration or didn't join at all due to many reasons. Some even formed their own unitary government, with no reason whatsoever. This caused a delay, which will take more than a decade to solve. And what's making it worse, the UN is failing its duties as a government body. It would have been seen that humans were never meant to unite. Though the Sphere already had a solution to this, as it already foresee a problem.

In secret, the Sphere along with scientists from all across the world formulated a plan. To create a perfect human. With the knowledge of advanced genealogy, they created a perfect human, with one sole purpose. To lead all humanity. He would be intelligent, fair, resilient, and strong. He was named after one of the greatest leaders in human history, Augustus.

# The Reign of Augustus I, "The Unifier" #

Augustus Aurelius was raised normally, as any child would develop normal psychology. In his toddler years, he would begin his training, starting with preschool nearby to stimulate his social ability with others. Though thanks to his intelligence trait, he finished it half time than other normal kids would do.

Though he showed some peculiar traits for a child to have at his age. For one, he was curious. He always wanted to learn something new. He had a knack for treating animals well, and surprisingly, he was strong. An observation report came to the scientists and the Sphere that the child had lifted a log twice his size just to save a little squirrel that was stuck. And he shows great restraint when facing adversaries, naming when he could've crushed people, he wouldn't do it for the sake of it.

When he was 8 years old, he finished elementary school level of education. At 13, he finished junior high and begins Highschool level of education. At 16, he finished high school level and is ready for a higher form of education. Throughout his years, he was always groomed to be virtuous, wise, and diligent, and one of the traits that make humans unique is compassion.

At 17, he was learning in all education that prepared him to be a leader that Humanity would certainly need. Laws, Economics, and even some expertise in the field of science. And at one point he was trained in ways of warfare, should the need arise.

At 21, he was ready. And at the perfect time as well. The world was crumbling to pieces, and it was high time someone took control.

- The Formation of the Human Imperium-

The year 2042

The UN was collapsing. Member nations were beginning to distrust the government body as it seem to always mismanage everything, just like it used to be despite the reforms. When everything seemed to crumble, a new hope emerged before them.

The Sphere has once more spoken to the world, after isolating itself, with the reason that humans need to learn from experience to unite. This time, the Sphere has brought them the news. Which was suspicious at first, but eventually accepted by the populace.

The Sphere introduced to them a man in his 20's. "Throughout the years, I have been observing humanity's efforts in unification. As expected, humanity is tenacious. But as expected, some are too stubborn to join your great cause. And that causes a decline in your progress. But no matter, I have foreseen this possibility. This is why, I along with the brightest minds on Earth have created the perfect solution. The man beside me is the solution. His name is Augustus. He is a human we have genetically engineered to be the perfect leader for you all. He has gone through trials and tribulations, and he is ready to lead. This is my solution. Disband the UN, and swear your allegiance to your new leader. Your new Emperor. He will do his utmost to ensure peace and prosperity. And I assure you, he will never betray your trust."

The populace was not keen to abandon democracy and return to monarchy. However, they were desperate to resolve the many crises they are facing. If it meant that their problems will be finished, so be it. And so, the UN disbanded, and the member nations swear fealty to the mysterious man who's named Augustus.

Thus Augustus assumed command of the now, Human Imperium. The Sphere named him the first "Imperator". The capital of the world would be Istanbul or Constantinople. Augustus began his work. His first order, integrate all nations. A call for Unification. And so the Human Imperium did, and within a year the world become one. Though it came at a price. Rebel factions that refused to join were defeated and annihilated. There are at least 250,000,000+ casualties in his wake of integration. This could've been the turning point and the populace would rebel, only to succumb as Augustus reformed many things to improve better life.

Social welfare to the low and middle class to combat poverty, adapting a mixture of all economic ideologies to balance between individual wealth and prosperity of a community, making sure that everyone receives their well-earned pay and at the same time assisting the populace for economic stability. The humanity of the world would also be indoctrinated by a sense of unity of mankind, a sense of kinship, and respect between others despite different cultures. Thus both coalesce into what the world would call, "Aurelism".

Augustus created a constitution that will be the base of the Imperium, which was called "The Imperial Codex". In that sense, he also created the Imperial Senate. Where it will simply act as a legislative body of the Human Imperium. The Imperator would be a permanent leader of the Senate and would act as both decision maker and moderator of any major Senate meeting that takes place though cannot vote unless the Imperator submitted a decision for the Senate to vote.

The Senators of the Imperial Senate are based on how the old United States of America used to have. They are elected by the people to represent their nations or "states". Every five years, Human Imperium will hold elections to fill the chairs of the Imperial Senate, and everyone can hold office for at least three periods. There is also the role of the Prime Minister, and it's designed to assist the Imperator in terms of internal problems.

Augustus also formed the Imperial Supreme Court, the Court of Imperial Codex, and the Judicial Committee to enforce stability.

The Supreme Court is designed to interpret the meaning of a law, to decide whether a law is relevant to a particular set of facts, or to rule on how a law should be applied. The Supreme Court has the right to examine and assess materially the laws and regulations under the Law regarding the matter of regulation in terms of its content (its material) is contrary to the rules of a higher level.

The Supreme Court carries out the highest supervision for justice in all environments. The aim is that trials conducted by courts are carried out thoroughly and reasonably guided by the principles of simple, speedy, and low-cost trials. That without reducing the freedom of judges in examining and deciding cases.

The Supreme Court further regulates various matters necessary for the smooth administration of justice. If there are things that have not been sufficiently regulated in the Law of the Supreme Court. It serves as a complement to fill in deficiencies or legal voids required for the smooth administration of justice.

The Supreme Court, the court of cassation, is tasked with fostering uniformity in the application of the law through cassation decisions and judicial review. Ensure that all laws and regulations in all regions of the world are applied in a fair, proper, and correct manner.

The Court of the Imperial Codex determines to adjudicate at the first and final levels whose decisions are final to review laws against the Codex, decide on claims for the authority of state institutions whose powers are granted by the Codex, decide on the dissolution of political parties, and decide on lawsuits about general election results. The Court of the Imperial Codex is obligated to render a decision on the opinion of the Imperial Senate regarding alleged violations by the Prime Minister or Senate members according to the Codex. All decisions of the Court of the Imperial Codex are final and cannot be appealed.

As for the Judicial Committee, they act independently. They have the right to appoint a candidate for the Supreme Judge to the Imperial Senate and maintain and uphold the honor, nobility, and behavior of judges. They have the right to establish a Code of Ethics and/or Code of Conduct for Judges together with the Supreme Court. They also maintain and enforce the implementation of the Code of Ethics and/or Code of Conduct for Judges.

With these successes, the Sphere began active in assisting humanity to achieve greatness.

- Early Advancements -

In a short two years after the Unification War, String Theory has been proven and solid evidence has been discovered. Humanity beginning to understand how the universe works. Though such a breakthrough was made, it was still far from what was hoped.

2059, recon probes on Mercury discovered a new element by Dr. Gustav Bertram Holst. Characteristics of the said element are astonishing, extremely durable, and compatible with the application of String Theory and other scientific theories. The element was later called Holst Element (HEL) Minerals. This brought scientific advancements to a new level and unprecedented possibilities. Later in the future, the Imperium found out that HEL Minerals isn't just located on Mercury, but on asteroids and exoplanets. It is a common component in the use of stellar travel by other stellar nations.

In 2064, extended knowledge of negative mass lead to further developments. As the first in human history, FTL and Wormhole Generator were discovered. The first FTL flight was put to the test. It was a complete success, as the vessel that carried a group of scientists from astrophysics to biology arrived at the nearest star system that shows the potential of life, Alpha Centauri. Scientists have also uncovered further progress as the system was indeed a planet that sat right in the Goldilocks area, perfect for human life. Though the Imperium would soon realize that their way of interstellar travel was beyond others, and revolutionary.

In 2105, three Odysseus-Class Colony ships, the first of their kind, set off to the habitable star systems. Settling on Alpha Centauri Prime, Sirius Prime, and Barnard Prime. It took each 3 months to set up a foothold, all thanks to advance robotics that humanity has created thanks to the help of the Sphere. Though it will take a few more years to be fully functional.

# The Reign of Octavius I, "The Tyrant" #

On the 1st of May 2132, Augustus I died of natural causes at the age of 110. Augustus only had one heir, Octavius. Thus on the 5th of May 2132, Octavius at the age of 65 ascends as the new leader of humankind. His early reign is unstable, and many saw him as too old for the job. But they were wrong. Despite entering his twilight years, Octavius was more than enough for the Human Imperium.

Octavius is every bit of his father, only he has a fiery temper. And that fiery temper will cause a great era of both prosperity and terror.

His early reign was challenged by corruption. When the Imperium is supposed to be reaching its zenith, the Imperium experience declines as corruption went rampant all across the world. While technology on all fronts prospers, all others are stagnating slowly. This was due to his father's absence for a decade, as he was too old and sickly to lead. Octavius was to take command, but his service in the military as Chief Marshal was not over, and the role was to give the command to the Senate and the Prime Minister. And they abused the power, they would have kept it if it weren't for their fear of being killed by Octavius.

His father's social welfare is abused, making the rich even richer and the poor even poorer. Injustice at all levels, makes the people suffer. One even dared to commit a coup d'etat, although it failed miserably. His father's Bureau of Intelligence failed its duty to eliminate internal threats, which almost cost his life in the failed coup. He had enough of it. He was livid that his father's legacy ends in squalor. His father is many great things, but being feared is not one of them. And Octavius intends to change it.

- Domus Munda-

Octavius is a military man. Before his ascension, he was a Chief of Staff of the Imperial Military. He has the respect and support of the military, even though he's officially no longer a part of it. He gathers his loyal followers in all branches and formed an elite force that will be loyal only to him and his family and do every bidding. Thus, Cerberus was born.

The elite force stands as Octavius's and future Imperators' army, their bodyguards, and assassins. They are cold, calculated, ruthless, and loyal to him. A force of 500,000 soldiers of the best the Imperium could offer, all have the characteristics and the skills to lead a battalion of men each, and their existence erased from any records aside their own. Just what he needs to restore his father's legacy.

On 13th July 2132, the day would be remembered in the annals of history as "the Great Purge", and would make him known as "The Tyrant" despite all of his good deeds. Octavius has planned it ever since his ascension, and now with his Cerberus, he could finally make it to fruition.

At exactly 00:00 AM, the Cerberus executed Operation "Domus Munda". The 500,000 that spread out throughout the world begin their reign of terror with efficiency. Each of them carries the Imperator's decree to take control of any military unit, battalion, or even an entire military installation to achieve their objective. The decree is authenticated and hard to replicate, which gives Cerberus authentication of authority. And so, from the beginning of 13th July to 24th of December, the populace of the Imperium began to fear the name Cerberus.

A ruthless, brutal, and efficient campaign of a planet-scale purge. Cerberus hunted down the corrupt officials in Octavius's government. They were either rounded up for summary execution or shot on sight. Cerberus gives no respite, no chance, and no mercy. This bloody reign of terror was later called, "The Imperator's Wrath". Like hunting dogs, Cerberus hunts the Imperium's enemies to the very last man. No man and woman were spared. Not even the Senate. The Senate was the first to be purged, for their negligence of the people and their abuse of power. They were shot down like dogs.

Many wondered why the Sphere didn't do anything regarding Octavius's purge, as any Aurelians would regard the Sphere as their mentor. The populace then found out that the Sphere was the one who gave Octavius the advice to cleanse the Imperium from corruption, although the Sphere was surprised despite now a mechanical being of Octavius's decision of a purge.

After the purge ended, the populace begin to fear the Imperator's might. From what they perceive as just another head of government, now they perceive the role of Imperator as a role with extreme power, only reserved for the line of Aurelius, and needs to be given the respect and obedience it demands. Thus began the Imperator's total dominion of all mankind, and it will last for generations to come.

Making sure that no corruption can emerge in the future, Octavius set up different rights for government officials in the newly-created "Imperator's Law". A law that the Imperator can decree at any given time.

In Imperator's Law Article 25 Paragraph (10) Law Number 10 of 2133, which said "Any government officials that was proven guilty of abuse of authority, corruption, treason, and the like shall be put to death effective immediately, with no chance of appeal." Also in Imperator's Law Article 25 Paragraph (1) Law Number 10 of 2133, which said: "Any civilian that enters an organization belonging to the government, be it military or non-military, shall resign and forfeit all civilian rights to the Imperial government in service to the Imperium and her people."

Octavius also invests himself in statecraft, making sure the Imperium will not stagnate like it was before. Therefore, he reformed the Imperial Senate, the Imperial Supreme Court, the Committee of Judicial, and all elements that he purged of corruption.

He reformed the Imperial Bureau of Intelligence. He was not pleased with their inefficiency. He placed them under training befits of an intelligence agency with the help of Cerberus. And thus, the Inquisitionis was born. Octavius reformed many things to ensure lasting peace for his people, and thus this period was called "Octavius's Reformation".

But in mid-2136, Octavius encountered the greatest adversary in his reign.

- Imperium-SAA War -

As he continue reforming, his Imperium expanded to the known galaxy, discovering new systems and planets. Until the Imperium came into contact with alien lifeforms. The Imperium are already made aware of an alien lifeform through the Sphere, it's just now that they have encountered others besides the Sphere.

Though the Imperium came to hope that the new aliens they encountered will be welcoming, they are not. In July 2136, a Science ship was under attack, though the ship luckily escape the hostile encounter. In the next two weeks, the Imperium would then encounter another three advanced alien lifeforms. And each time contact was made, they all attacked.

The Imperium tries not to escalate the situation and sends envoys to make diplomatic relations. It took them months to decipher each language. The envoys then discover their identity through constant trials and errors of communication. They are the Twax'hildar Coalition, Gulk-Furki High Kingdom, Zaydran Star Authority, and the Multyx Consortium.

Twax'hildar Coalition and the Gulk-Furki are stellar nations with the majority being avian-based races. The Zaydran Star Authority and the Multyx Consortium are reptilian-based races. All four of them are allied to each other, and they're most certainly wary of the Imperium. Multyx and Gulk-Furki the most than the other two.

Seeing the tense relationship with their neighbors, the Imperium began to develop combat ships to defend Imperium Space under Octavius's direct decree.

For about a century, the Imperium wasn't completely focused on other technological advancements, they too put the same attention to military inventions.

Almost all elements of the military now use energy-based weapons. There are kinetic weapons in use, such as the use of guided missiles, and artilleries such as mortars. In the reign of Augustus, the military is heavily reformed to suit the need of the Imperium. Since the cultures of the world are so diverse, it came to Augustus that the military needed to be unified to prevent any mishaps in future military operations. The military was then renewed, and renamed. And thus the Militarum was born. Augustus didn't bother to reduce the number of the already existing united militaries, as he view them as needed for further expansion of the Imperium to far space.

The relations between the Imperium and the other four interstellar empires sour each day that passes. Their federation called the Stellar Axis Alliance, saw the Imperium as a threat to their power, as the Imperium have been expanding at a concerning pace. As for the Imperium, they saw the Stellar Axis Alliance as a thorn and an obstacle to the Imperium's course of greatness.

In the end, the conflict opened between the Imperium and the Stellar Axis Alliance. The Imperium-SAA War began. The Imperium against the Stellar Axis Alliance, both vow to not stop until the other is destroyed.

The Stellar Axis Alliance's fleets are numerous and well-equipped. While the Imperium is relatively new, not as numerous. But they can adapt to hardship, and their technology is beyond the Stellar Axis Alliance thanks to the Sphere. It would be a difficult war as many in the Imperium would predict. They predicted wrong, but not in a bad way. They were wrong because it turned out to be easier than expected.

The numeric advantage is one thing, but they lack cohesion and communication. Some are glory-seekers, which spelled the downfall of the Stellar Axis Alliance. It was also due to the difference in combat focus. The Multyx Consortium and the Gulk-Furki High Kingdom count on aggressive supremacy, while the Twax'hildar Coalition and Zaydran Star Authority defensive combat.

The Multyx Consortium attacked first, not wanting to waste the opportunity to deliver the first blow. But they were caught off guard by the 2nd Classis under Admiral Yamashita Oguro, who predicted by recent reports of Multyx fleet's movements near their borders.

The Multyx fleets were decimated by the ambush delivered by the 2nd Classis. The 2nd Classis was several star systems away from where the Multyx fleets were, they were able to ambush due to their technology of interstellar travel without the need for hyper lanes as many other stellar nations do. And to make the situation worse for the Stellar Axis Alliance, that was all the Multyx navy had to offer, it was all their fighting starships had.

With the opportunity in hand, Admiral Yamashita contacted the 501st Assault Legion under General Asti Rex and the 308th Legion under General Ashoka Samrat. He plans to advance through the Multyx Consortium space and take over their planets and occupy all Multyx space. After that, he plans to flank the Zaydran Star Authority through Multyx space and then beelines to the Gulk-Furki High Kingdom.

It was a brilliant idea, but it came with complications as Admiral Yamashita did not report his intentions to the Imperial High Command, out of paranoia that the enemy would intercept the message. Even so, at the end of the war, Admiral Yamashita was reprimanded for his action, and he was transferred to the Imperial Naval Academy on Titan, one of Saturn's moons.

It didn't take long for the Multyx space to be completely occupied, as well as the Imperium's occupation of the capital world, Multyx. Under 10 hours after Multyx was occupied, Multyx Consortium sued for unconditional surrender.

Multyx Consortium's defeat caused panic within the Stellar Axis Alliance. Though in the end, they remain steadfast and organized a strategy. A simultaneous assault on the Imperium's border. Their attack proved to be successful, as the Imperium slowly lose ground to the Stellar Axis Alliance.

Though what they didn't realize, is that the Imperium wanted the SAA to enter their borders. After receiving news that Admiral Yamashita along with General Asti Rex and General Ashoka Samrat's plan to flank the Zaydran Star Authority, the Imperator, Octavius, and his High Command organized a ruse retreat. When they entered the Imperium's border, the 3rd and 4th Classis will engage two of the three fleets belonging to the SAA.

At the same time as the 2nd's flank, the 1st Classis under Admiral Steven Parker, the 201st Legion under General Sergei Molotov, and the 101st Legion under General Suratno Hendraningrat, flanks the Twax'hildar Coalition and beeline towards the Gulk-Furki High Kingdom alongside the 2nd Classis.

By the time the SAA realized they were trapped, it was too late. They had already sent all they had to the assault. The 3rd and 4th Classis engaged the Twax'hildar Coalition and the Zaydran Star Authority fleets, which caused the Gulk-Furki to split its fleet to support its allies. It was enough to keep them on their feet, but not enough to force the Imperium to a retreat.

The 1st Classis, 201st Legion, and the 101st Legion began their assault and took world after world under the Imperium. By the time they were about to invade the Twax'hildar capital world, the Twax'hildar Coalition sued for peace under the condition that they will be a semi-autonomous vassal that will be loyal to the Imperium. The Imperator agreed, under the condition that the capital world of Twax'hildar shall be under occupation for 5 years, and the Starhold of Twax'hildar shall be transferred of its control to the Imperium.

The Zaydran Star Authority also sued for peace as the Imperium's fleet was about to make landfall. Using the same terms, and accepted by the Imperator with the same terms. Though unlucky to them, their fleets never received the news and the order to stand down. This resulted in continuous combat which led to both fleets being destroyed.

Gulk-Furki had it worse. They were invaded in two different directions, and their fleets are too preoccupied with the fleet combat in Imperial space. Despite their disadvantages, they refused to surrender. Even though they don't have the ships to defend, they have the soldiers they need to prolong the fight. Which gives the Imperium a hard time invading a world under the Gulk-Furki High Kingdom.

Then the news came of the destruction of the SAA combined fleets. But still, the Gulk-Furki continues to fight. Their worlds are under constant bombardment, and fearsome fighting occurred in their cities. Even when the forces of the Imperium arrived at their capital's doorstep, they still refused to surrender. In response, the Imperium commenced a continuous, precision orbital bombardment of Gulk-Furki. And some of the time, the Imperium would land soldiers at several points to secure an LZ.

Despite it all, the Gulk-Furki continues. And the Imperium is forced to commence an indiscriminate orbital bombardment and targets both military installations and civilian populations. The bombardment was unforgiving and merciless. In the end, Gulk-Furki unconditionally surrendered, and the Gulk-Furki High Kingdom is no more.

Despite the tiresome war, the Imperium's morale remained high. On Earth, parades began on the streets to celebrate the Imperium's victory over the now-defunct Stellar Axis Alliance. Though despite being enemies, the Imperator, Octavius Aurelius wishes that the Imperium will treat its non-human subjects well, although some rights will be stripped off due to security concerns until the conquered population of Multyx, Gulk-Furki, Twax'hildar, and Zaydran regain the trust of the Imperium.

# Reign of Marcus I, "The Benevolent" #

15th February 2219

Octavius Aurelius died of old age at the age of 150. His successor, Marcus Aurelius assume the role of Imperator. He was 79 years old.

Marcus Aurelius is a man known for his thirst for knowledge and a savvy negotiator. He was a military man like his father and grandfather, which has become one of the standards for Aurelians to assume the role of Imperator. But he has a passion for knowledge and is a patron of art. He was very close to the Sphere, as he was always close to the Sphere when it comes to scientific discoveries.

He was known as "Marcus the Kind". He often does charities, so much so that he created a foundation to help those who need it. He even created foundations for all wildlife, including the Tiyanki Space Whales and Space Amoebas. He even rescued a small Space Amoeba egg from a dying mother when he was on a sightseeing trip. The egg then hatched under his direct supervision, and the hatchling was named "Bubbles". It turns out, Space Amoebas have imprint features, similar to a chicken. When the hatchling was born, Marcus was the first being she saw. Yes, it's a she. And as she grows from the size of Marcus's hands to the giant size of a Cruiser, she was bubbly and very affectionate toward Marcus. Thus gaining the name Bubbles. She has become Marcus's favorite creature. So much so, she has a small flotilla following her at all times.

His reign wasn't much, except for one. A unification between the Imperium and what is simply called the "Enigmatic Peacekeepers", and the "Holy Guardians" in an alliance.

- Meeting the Peacekeepers and the Guardians-

In 2226

Two scout ships encountered two unknown empires, and they were hostile. Before the situation worsens, envoys were immediately sent to investigate the mysterious empires. It took them a while, but looking at their previous years of experience, they managed to decipher their languages. They were simply called "Enigmatic Peacekeepers" and the "Holy Guardians". And to the Imperium's surprise, they were once great empires that went stagnant and declining. Despite the decline, analysts have predicted that the technology levels of the two of them are above what the Imperium currently has, a much more powerful economy, and certainly a much superior fleet both in numbers and quality. True threats indeed to the Imperium, or so anyone in the Imperium thought except Marcus and the Sphere.

Marcus saw them as an opportunity to form great relationships and an Imperium's great achievement in diplomacy. Thus, Marcus decided to make contact and interact, alone to anyone's surprise. Of course, this causes a great worry, but soon the worry died as even the Sphere encouraged Marcus to do so. Even to the point of being willing to join the Imperator on his journey.

Then so, the Imperator depart with the protection of Cerberus's fleet, as well as his precious Space Amoeba, Bubbles who tagged along. After a long journey, they arrived at the space of the Enigmatic Peacekeepers. They were about to open fire until Marcus saved their skins as he hailed them.

The transmission was received and of course, the Peacekeepers demanded to know what intentions. Marcus then relayed to them his intentions and apologized that the fleet with him are precautionary action for his security. After a long wait, Marcus was allowed to enter a transport ship and his fleet cannot follow. Marcus agreed and decided to take the Sphere along with him.

Once they made landfall in their capital world, they were surprised. Particularly in the Sphere. As it turns out, the Sphere also guided the Peacekeepers in the past. The Sphere greeted them, glad to see they are well.

They were welcomed, and Marcus was surprised that he was well treated. It didn't take long for him to meet the leading council of Peacekeepers.

Before the ancient council, Marcus relayed his intentions. He wants to create a bridge between the Imperium and the Peacekeepers, a bridge of friendship. Of peace, and prosperity to all.

The ancient council heeds his words, most are in awe. For such a young race, they were in awe of how humanity through Marcus can show great potential. Most races they encountered only cared about themselves, but Marcus showed them that there's hope for a better galaxy.

Hearing his ambitions for the future, and his wishes for the Galaxy, made a lasting impression on the Council. For the first time in the Peacekeeper's history, they made a relationship with a younger empire. A Defensive Pact is signed, along with Commercial, Research, and Migration Pacts being issued.

A month later, Marcus along with the Sphere made contact with the Holy Guardians. Though the Holy Guardians made it tough for Marcus to make contact, as thus far efforts to contact the Holy Guardians difficult. It took the Imperium a month to finally got the clearance to enter. Marcus and the Sphere were invited to their Holy World.

An audience was made between Marcus and the Holy Ancients. And to their surprise, and not to Marcus, is that the Sphere was there. When Marcus asked them, they answered and according to the Holy Guardians, the Sphere is the last of its kind, and they have been assisting many alien races that they have deemed worthy for more than 500,000 years. Marcus and the Imperium have known that much.

The Sphere was oftentimes referred to as a Divine Deity and was worshiped by many. And despite not worshipping any deities, the Holy Guardians are spiritual to their core. They respect all alien artifacts or worlds others have referred to as sacred. And before them, is the last and only living "Deity" of ancient times.

Marcus knew the Sphere hold so much weight in the galaxy, yet he still found himself surprised that the Sphere was worshipped as a deity, to the fact that it made a difference to the Holy Guardians. Marcus used this revelation for his gain, and he milked it until there was nothing left.

Marcus then began to relay his intentions before the Council of Holy Ancients. His intentions of creating a bridge of friendship, his wishes for a mutual relationship of peace, and prosperity.

The Council of Ancients is surprised, yet not convinced. They asked him, "Why are you so deadset on making such a relationship?".

Marcus then on replied, "The Galaxy is a dangerous place. So many things that are still unknown could be for the better or the worse. The Imperium has not encountered such, yet we know it is out there. Therefore, to prepare ourselves, I wish to make this relationship work. If the Galaxy should be in crisis, I want the Imperium and her allies to be the ones that will stop them. I intend to protect the Galaxy, but I know the Imperium could not do it all alone. Other alien races may see this as an act of arrogance, some would blatantly refuse and antagonize. But the truth is that the Imperium cares. We were about to destroy our world due to arrogance, distrust, and greed. But no more. The Imperium will be what it is meant, a strong shield of the Galaxy."

The hall was silenced. Until one of them clapped. And then another, and another, until the entire Council of Ancients applauded him. They were now convinced, that the Human race through Marcus and his line would prevail.

Then on, the Guardians made a formal relationship with the Imperium for the first time since their isolation. A Defensive Pact was made, along with some other pacts.

- Formation of the Galactic Custodes, and the Galactic Imperium-

2230

The relationship between the Imperium and the Enigmatic Peacekeepers and the Holy Guardians sweetens as the years go on. Thus, Marcus made the last thing that will soon be made Marcus known in the annals of all history as "Marcus the Benevolent."

He invited the council members of Holy Guardians and the Enigmatic Peacekeepers to a "Summon Meeting". In which both wholeheartedly arrived in their massive fleets to the home system of Humanity, Earth. Both were quite surprised and wary that they met in the Sol System, almost to the point of hostility. Until they were calmed by an assurance from Marcus himself.

They were considerably upset that they weren't notified of the other's arrival, but they visited. The Imperium welcomes them with open arms, greeting them as if they are old friends. Military parades were made to honor the arrival of the Imperium's allies, lavish parties are made to appease them.

Events were made for their guests, and they last for 10 days long. But in the last two days, Marcus finally invited them to the meeting they are to attend. In that meeting, Marcus relayed his new intentions. Which certainly surprised and amused them so.

A formation of an alliance. Marcus wants the three of them to ally. Its purpose? To protect the Galaxy from all crises. The Imperium sought to create an alliance of the greatest stellar nations to protect the very Galaxy they lived.

While the Peacekeepers were on board the very first time they heard it, the Holy Guardians were not so much. In the past years, the Human Imperium has been gracious and respectful of the Holy Guardians' beliefs not out of fear, but understanding. But not the other races of the Galaxy. In the Holy Guardians' view, others besides the Imperium would never respect them the way the Imperium would. In all possibility, they would certainly mock and defile them. And to them, the others are better off dead from all they care.

But Marcus already had the answer.

"The Imperium are once intolerant of other beliefs when it was but a fraction of regional nations. But it was due to the guidance of the Sphere and my grandfather, Augustus I, we now respect each other. I understand your concerns, they might not be as respectful as us, and they may be even straight-up barbaric. But, this is one of the reasons why I want to create this alliance.

Our alliance would not be simply to protect the Galaxy but to guide it. Diplomatically, or by force. We, as allies, would nurture the Galaxy, as the Sphere would nurture us the Imperium and the Enigmatic Peacekeepers. I want this alliance to be the Beacon of the Galaxy. With us be their symbol to follow and the shield from all terrors of the unknown. And should any stellar nations be against our noble cause, I want them to know that we will do everything we can to make it happen."

This response caught the two superior powers in awe. Again, Marcus showed the ingenuity of the Imperium and again surprised them. The two superior powers agreed. What shocks Marcus however, is that the two somehow manage to form a consensus that Human Imperium should lead the alliance.

Both see the purpose and is willing to join. But of course, the Imperium would certainly yield control to one of them as they are aware of the political side that the stronger should lead. However, both the Enigmatic Peacekeepers and the Holy Guardians are equally powerful. If one of them should lead, the other would not like it. However, they are aware that both the Enigmatic Peacekeepers and the Holy Guardians are fond of and trust the Human Imperium. So in the end, both the Holy Guardians and the Enigmatic Peacekeepers voted for the Imperium to lead. Marcus agreed.

On the next day, the Imperator along with both councils of the two superior powers announced to the populace of all three nations. That the alliance of the Galactic Custodes has been formed, with the Imperium as its lead.

However, Marcus announced another that made both superior powers yet again surprised and amused. "-In commitment to the alliance and the Imperium's wish for a better Galaxy. The Human Imperium will be reorganized into the First Galactic Imperium! For a safe, and secure Galaxy!"

And thus, the Human Imperium was reorganized and is now known as the  Galactic Imperium. The opinions of the Galactic Imperium skyrocketed not only amongst its people but among other alliance members as well.

While this was the news to all nations under the Imperium and their allies, Marcus failed to realize that the news was made to the far reaches of the Galaxy. Countless stellar nations received the headline of an achievement none have achieved. And now, all eyes are on First Galactic Imperium.

# Era of Peace (2230-2760) #

The Era of Peace is self-explanatory. The Galactic Custodes do what they are meant to be, the shield and the guide of the Galaxy. Both superior powers are now opening their borders to the Imperium, and the technological advancements were beyond what the Imperium have imagined.

Scientists from the two superior powers shared all that their nations have to offer, making progress and mean to advance faster than anticipated. The Sphere remained the main source of knowledge, yet creative innovation is something that the Sphere lacked. Scientists from all three nations have been busy doing what the Sphere lacked, innovation.

The three eventually shared an economy, making the first-ever Galactic Stock Exchange and establishing a shared market.

The Imperium, the Peacekeepers, and the Guardians then committed ambitious infrastructure upgrades. For the first time in their history, they made Hyper Relays to connect their nations. The concept is similar to the Imperium's FTL and Wormhole Generator technology, which the two powers did not have for their civilian transports and trade ships. This will allow civilian commute significantly faster than before, this relay can also be enjoyed by vassal nations of all three of the nations.

The Imperium made several Dyson Spheres with the help of its allies. Through the constant cooperation between the three of them, they created wonder structures. Ringworlds that surround a star, massive habitats above a gas giant, or barren worlds. Super Shipyards that can create starships simultaneously in large quantities, Quantum Catapults to bring lost ships in hyperspace. And the greatest feats of the Galactic Custodes, the creation, and completion of Maginot Worlds.

Protected by a quad-layer of energy shield, along a ringworld with great weapons of destruction and defense. Armed with batteries upon batteries of Heavy Planetary as well a primary Omega Annihilation Beam, these Maginot worlds would ensure the security of one's territory. Along with Shipyards, anchorages, planet-based FTL inhibitors, communication jammers, and targeting system disruptors. These Maginot Worlds can interdict incoming starships from subspace within the range to another adjacent star system, all thanks to the much-developed FTL inhibitors. The Maginot Worlds would serve as bastions of defense, a haven when times of crisis, and military centers that can recruit its populace for war. It was all the best the Galactic Custodes could offer.

Speaking of vassal nations, the three gained quite many vassals hoping to taste the Custodian prosperity. The Holy Guardians took the Eli'Kar Alliance, Tharbarite Regime, and Karabnar Prime under its wing, though both the Imperium and the Peacekeepers were curious why would they take the Karabnars as they are a hive mind.

The Enigmatic Peacekeepers took the Minnerian Consortium, Reyenne League, and the Bodranite Polity under their wing through diplomatic means. On the other hand, the Galactic Imperium gain several nations under its wings. The M'Tok Empire, the Hazbuzi Trade Kingdom, Hann'Felir Star Regime, the United Hegemony of Korinthia, the Adnoran Hierarchy and the Pelisimus Hegemony. In which, Hazbuzi Trade Kingdom became the center for the Galactic Market.

The Imperium also discovered a Gaia world of Pandora. They have a very backward humanoid alien race called the Na'vi. Yet, what made Pandora interesting, is that the planet itself is a natural anomaly. The nature of the planet is interconnected, all wildlife and plantlife are connected to one source of what the Na'vi call, Eywa. A sort of deity to the populace, but it's more to a complex planetary consciousness, more so of "Mother Nature". And what's more interesting, is that the planet contains highly valuable material. A material similar to HEL, but carries powerful energy with only just a gram of the said material. Banorium. A gram of Banorium could have the power of 10 nuclear reactors. The Imperium made contact and made deals with the natives, although some didn't make a lasting peace as there are disunity amongst them no matter how much the Imperium made efforts to unite them. The Imperium managed to secure a large vein of Banorium through deals, though not full control of the planet to this day due to the rebellious nature of the populace.

In this era as well, the Imperium realized that there are many more stellar nations than they have originally predicted. Hundreds upon hundreds of singular stellar nations inhabit a single-star system, to massive mega-corporate states and unions. Such as the Resufitor Allied Suns, the United Corporate Nations of Verkor, the Rethellian Industries, the Keldran Syndicate, the Ionia Star Kingdom, the Hesukar Union, the Allied Lozavata Nations, Holy Mandate of Jompron, the Galactic Sildor Coalition, the Council of Chimnar, the Techarus Network, and the Rothak Imperium.

What surprised the Imperium, is that they have created a Galactic Council. It has many members, hundreds of them. They were created for the purpose to gather the many stellar nations of the Galaxy to discuss the problems of the Galaxy and to conclude them diplomatically. As much as good it sounds, members of the Galactic Custodes knew, this is but a front, and everything about the Galactic Council was not great as many have said.

They were created in their origins, the purpose to even their so-called "Balance of Power", deeming the Galactic Custodes are power hungry. And, to create a great public image for the populace of the Galaxy. They do make senatorial discussion sessions, however, there's rarely any visible evidence of change within the Galaxy.

However whatever animosity between the Galactic Custodes and the Galactic Council, the peace was kept even though tensions between them never disappeared.

In this era, the Imperium managed to crack the genetic code of humanity and found a way to immortality. However, this upsets the Imperator, the Imperial Senate, and the Holy Guardians. Long life is one thing, and immortality is another.

They deemed that immortality would be pointless as it makes life pointless. Because without death, what's the purpose of life? Therefore, the scientists then only limit one's lifespan to approximately 879+ years. This came with severe aging delay as well as appearance enhancement, making the next generation much more physically appealing when the entire human race was spliced.

Though, while it is called the Era of Peace, advancements made are not all made for peace. For one, through the hardship of archeological projects across the territories of the three nations, they managed to recreate a bioweapon of ancient times. An army of monsters, which the scientists called "Xenomorphs". These beasts of an army are highly agile and fast as a cheetah, strong as an elephant, and highly poisonous. They will tear, and rend everything in their path. Though what they learned from the remains in a Tomb World far from the eyes of the public, is that the beasts can be controlled through biochips that will obey every command given. The Galactic Custodes decided that the use of Xenomorphs would only be the last resort, and it would need the approval of all three nations.

Through the permission of the Holy Guardians, the Imperium managed to crack the code of splicing humanity's genetic code with the Holy Guardians and make them psionic. However, this psionic trait would be reserved for military uses only. Unrestricted psionic use could lead to a possible spike in misconduct and crimes. Generals, Admirals, and the Imperial Family were spliced with the Psionic trait.

Cloning have been developed about a century ago, but only in the era of Peace, it was fully implemented. However, cloning would be restricted to military use only. And the clone armies of all three stellar nations are better trained than regular soldiers.

Superweapons have been developed as well. Caesar-class Juggernauts were made with the help of the other two powers, as well as Ion Cannons and the controversial, Fenrir-class Colossus. These Colossus were made to destroy planets and stars. All three had an agreement that the Colossus are to be used only when it is necessary, or for target practice shooting a barren world or an asteroid. Though, the Colossus was not as controversial as the Discoll-Dyson Beam.

Through the cooperation of all three nations, the Galactic Custodes built the controversial weapon. It was designed to harness the power of a star, to destroy another star by over-massing the star and trigger a supernova that disintegrates all material that exists around the star. All planets, gas giants, asteroids, all of them. It also wipes hyper lanes from existence.

How it works is that the weapon will harness the power of a star, and it will shoot out toward a stationary Wormhole Generator as it generates a Wormhole in the designated coordinates. The beam of light will over mass the target and trigger a supernova. However, it has a risk that the star would shift off its orbit due to the 2nd Newton's Law. Nevertheless, the Galactic Custodes built the superweapon.

So many more innovations and advancements. In a nutshell, it was an era that everyone would love to last. However, it wasn't always the case.

# The War in Heaven (2781-3881) #

The War in Heaven. It was an era of total war, chaos, destruction, and death that lasted for more than a thousand years.

The War in Heaven started when a reemergence of an old enemy of the Holy Guardians and the Enigmatic Peacekeepers. The Ravernal Star Empire.

They were a humanoid-avian based and they are a xenophobic, warmongering empire that used to enslave half of the known galaxy. It took the alliance of several ancient stellar nations to take them down, leaving only the Enigmatic Peacekeepers and the Holy Guardians. They see the Galaxy as theirs and they have been given the right to rule it. To treat the Galaxy and all its inhabitants in any way they see fit, and see all those other than them as inferiors and they deserve to be subservient to them. They were defeated by the League of Galactic Nations, a league of galactic nations of eons ago, and subsequently defeated.

The Sphere's race was the first of the many to be against their galactic conquest. The Ravernals were powerful and dangerous. Out of the hundreds of ancient nations of the League before humanity ever discover electricity, only two were left. And now, they reemerged and with their burning will finish their conquest.

They reemerged when the Ionians came to investigate the uncharted star systems in the lower section of the Galaxy. It turns out that the Ravernals were rebuilding their might and regrouping for their new conquest, and the Ionians came into contact first. It was a mistake. The Ionians were invaded, and they were destroyed by the Ravernals.

The Senate of the Galactic Council called for a united war against the Ravernals, calling all stellar nations, members and non-members, to heed the call of war. Everyone, including the Galactic Custodes, heeds the call. However, it came to a dispute of leadership against the Ravernals. Not wanting to make it worse, the Galactic Custodes decided to declare war against the Ravernals on their own.

The Galactic Council then came to an agreement that the Resufitor Allied Suns would lead the alliance of hundreds of stellar nations of the Galactic Council. While the minority of the Galactic Council members felt that they need to cooperate with the much more powerful Galactic Custodes, the rest felt they were more than capable to deal with the Ravernal threat. They weren't. They were heavily outclassed by the more advanced Ravernals.

The First Battle of Terminal Egress was living proof of the Galactic Council's unreadiness for a crisis. The Galactic Council's ships were in the thousands, and hundreds of stellar nations contributed to give whatever starships they have to the Allied Fleet. They outnumber and outgun the Ravernals 10:1. And yet, they were slaughtered by the Ravernals. With each shot they gave toward the Ravernal ships, they lost 10 of their ships. By the time they were about to call it quits, it was too late. Another Ravernal fleet came from the L-Gate and cut off the Allied Fleet. It took the entire battle a whole two days, and there was nothing left of the Allied Fleet while the Ravernals lost little ships they could care less and easily replace.

The Galactic Council was out of the war through a single battle, and it was the perfect opportunity for the Ravernals to start their conquest. And they did. Ravernal firepower was undefeated and unmatched. World after world, system after system, the Ravernals sweep the Galaxy like a tidal wave. It seem to be going well until they came into an obstacle they will never get over. The Galactic Custodes enter the war.

Seeing the Galactic Council's inability to defend itself, and seeing the Ravernals closing in on their borders, the members of the Galactic Custodes knew it was time. After months of preparing for an all-out war, the Galactic Custodes are now ready to put an end to the Ravernal threat. The Imperator of the time, Julius I gave a blood-boiling speech that rouse the patriotic hearts of the people of all three nations and their vassal nations.

"The threat of the Ravernal Star Empire has been ever stronger as each day they conquer, and enslave any sentient beings they could find. They are not civilized people as we would think, they are a barbaric race that needs to be taken seriously. They think they can conquer the Galaxy and use it as they see fit, the Imperium along with the Galactic Custodes will show them why they are not what they are believed to be.

We need to firm our resolve for a better future. While we stand here in this very instance, and those of you who sit in your homes listening to me, trillions of people suffer under their boots. This cannot be ignored, and we must act swiftly. The Galactic Custodes were created to affirm order and peace and spread prosperity, now it is the right time to do so. I call upon our allies, to take arms and fight for our survival. I call upon my people, to rise and take arms! We will not give a single inch of the Galaxy to them! We will fight in the stars above, to the hell pits of the ground! We will stand and fight! For our survival! For our Galaxy! For our future!!!"

The call of war was shouted and spread throughout the Galactic Custodes space. They began preparations, and war plans to take the fight to the Ravernals. And after many months, they take the fight to the Ravernals.

It was a bloody struggle. Back and forth was the war, it was a chaotic, brutal, and merciless war of good against evil. It was a relentless war, and each time a side would have the advantage, the other would retaliate. It goes on and on. Assassination attempts also occurred, it all happened most of the time. And Julius Aurelius was assassinated during the war at the age of 791 and was replaced by his young son Augustus III at the age of 427.

After a slugfest of chaos and destruction, and the severe blow of the assassination of Julius Aurelius, the Galactic Custodes made their breakthrough. And in the end, they decided to use their deadliest superweapon after constant arguments every time they were about to use the weapon. They were afraid, afraid that they would cause further harm than good. After thorough espionage, the Galactic Custodes were able to pinpoint Ravernal's homeworld and central command. After considerable talks and negotiations, the Galactic Custodes decided to use the Discoll-Dyson Beam.

It worked like a charm. Which scared all of them. Once the beam was fired, the star imploded into a supernova, destroying all life, including the Ravernal homeworld. The massive push began, and the Ravernals starts to lose ground at a fast rate as the liberated stellar nations flock to the Galactic Custodes's fleet. Yet, it was not the end. Even though their home planet was destroyed, many of their military assets are still active. After regrouping, they fought back with hardened resolve, and break the massive push into another stalemate.

The stalemate continues for several hundred years. Both Ravernals and the Galactic Custodes scour their many ships to probe and break the defenses of the Ravernals. Though the Ravernals became significantly defensive as the stalemate goes on, as the Imperium's way of stellar travel was beyond others. Without the need for hyper lanes, the Imperium can appear behind the enemy lines which made the Ravernals to be forced on the defensive as they could be attacked at any time and anywhere on their systems.

However, the Ravernals have grown impatient and hasty. Scared even, many thought that they will lose the war. But if they are to be defeated,  they will take the Galaxy with them. As the Ravernals themselves have an ace up their sleeves. If the Ravernals could not have the Galaxy, no one can. So they built a Partial Aetherophasic Engine in Terminal Egress. A device, if left to charge and activated, could destroy the Galaxy as a whole, detonating all stars to supernova.

The Galactic Custodes decided to make a move and destroy the device, as according to their Intel, the device has been charging for months ever since it was created. In a daring assault, the Galactic Custodes attacked the device. The system was already well-defended and reinforced with defense platforms and numerous Ravernal combat ships. The 1st Custodian Fleet was in the hundreds, but so did the Ravernals. The battle broke out. Both sides incur heavy damages and suffer much. But then the situation got worse, as the device is powering up, ready to activate.

The Custodian Fleet decided to gamble everything on one shot, a single unit of all the best soldiers of the Galactic Custodes, the Apex Unit. A team of 60 people, divided equally. And they were given a mission that could cause them a horrible death. Fortunately, a miracle happened. The Apex Unit was able to finish its objective, while the device was in mid-activation. It caused an explosion of a supernova in the system of Terminal Egress, and ships on both sides sustained heavy damage from the explosion. Though, the Ravernals suffered the worse as they were in very close proximity to the device.

The destruction of the device demoralized the Ravernals. And the Custodian Fleet took advantage and wipe out every single Ravernal ship in the area. The Galactic Custodes came up victoriously, as what's left of the Ravernals in the Terminal Egress are nothing but debris of ships and floating carcasses of their crewmen.

The Galactic Custodes then pushed forward like never before, taking world after world. Even to the point of using the Xenomorphic armies to deliver heavy damage against the Ravernals. However, the Ravernals seemed to never quit and would do everything they can to achieve victory. Even their young are dangerous since the Ravernals are psychic. They oftentimes put false surrender and then strike when the Custodian Army was caught off guard.

It showed the Galactic Custodes that they would never give up, they would rather die as a united race rather than live in shame. When it came to a discussion, a decision came from the Holy Guardians. And that is to commit systematic genocide against the Ravernals. It came as a shock for the Imperium and the Peacekeepers, though it was understandable. No matter how much they tried, they can never convince the Ravernals to give up. Even when they are defeated, they would in the end rise again and be a threat to the Galaxy. So the decision was agreed upon, and thus the Galactic Custodes committed their worst action according to all three nations, systematic genocide of the Ravernals.

Not one Ravernal was spared. Every single one of them was killed on the spot. And it demoralized the Galactic Custodes to commit such horrible acts, yet it was necessary to keep the Galaxy safe. On each planet they liberated, the Ravernal population would be liquidized and exterminated. The other stellar nations saw this as appropriate and were committing the same atrocity out of revenge, and they were delighted to do so. This made the Galactic Custodes disgusted by the lack of empathy the other nations showed because they would have their way with the populace of the Ravernals, tormenting them before killing them while the Custodian Army would just simply kill them off in sight.

In the end, the Ravernals went extinct as the last known planet they controlled was taken. The War in Heaven was over. The war took 1000 years to finish. The Galaxy was saved but at the cost of billions of lives. The Galactic population decreased by about 40% of their entire population in the War in Heaven. The war demoralized the Galactic Custodes, not because of the many lives that were killed, but how they resolve the war. Genocide was not a part of the Galactic Custodes's mission and obligation, and yet they did so to put an end to the galactic-scale chaos. In the end, they did it, and they succeeded in bringing both ends to the war and peace. The Galactic Council was reformed, yet they were envious and antagonized the Galactic Custodes of their victories. Yet, the Galactic Custodes gave no mind, they can destroy them but they are not aggressors.

And so, the war ended. Peace was finally restored. And there would be nothing else that can shock the Imperium. That is until the year 3981 in Neo Constantinople in Deneb Prime.