Two weeks have passed, and Lucius and his closest are in a starship. It wasn't any starship they were in, it was a Odysseus-class Mk. V Colony Ship, "Mermaid's Kiss", a ship fit for transporting millions of people, while at the same time fit for luxury. This particular ship belonged to a private megacorp under the Imperium, the Hazbuzi Trade Kingdom. The Mermaid's Kiss is one of the hundreds under the Hazbuzi Trade Kingdom its purpose is to provide commercial travel and tourism. This particular ship was already modified to fulfill such needs. Practical, yet luxurious.
The ship's size was 7.5 KM in length and 675 meters in width, which means they can't land the ship as the ship will most definitely dwarf the entire base with its massive size.
Just last week, he received the news of what has transpired since he left. Just two days after his leave, the UN called a vote on the decision to accept the invitation of the Imperium. It was a landslide of votes, with those who oppose some African nations who are under the junta regime, as well as North Korea. All nations are in favor to accept the invitation. And just last week, Japan has given their decision along with the rest of the world. That all nations agreed to visit and will send people to visit a thousand people at max.
Though, it comes with complications. Japan doesn't have the capability nor the resources to accommodate people both assigned by the nations of Earth, or those who bought their way to gain a seat in the visit have already begun pouring into Japan. Which in turn hurt the pride of many of the new cabinet ministers led by Prime Minister Morita.
Lucius loath the fact that their service which was supposed to be free of charge, is used to gain even more money from the people. And the money made from across the globe, most of them are used for one's nation's use when they could have assisted the Japanese with their troubles. In the end, the Imperium has to assist with grants of loan, which means whatever cost the Japanese government has, it will be paid in full by the Imperium.
To the last report from the Japanese, the visitors will be around more or less 150,000 people of all ages. It's a minuscule and manageable amount of people, compared to what they have to transport during the War in Heaven.
"Young Master. Princess Piña and her entire entourage of the Rose Order of Knights have arrived at the hangars. Around 500 men and women. The same goes for Marchioness Myui Formar and her retinue, around 500."
Lucius simply give an understanding nod to the ensign and turned his attention to the people he considers as his closest friends who were also at the bridge with him.
"Hector, Marcus. I need you to greet them in my stead, and show them around." Lucius said.
"Got it, sir."
"Understood."
The two left the bridge, leaving only Lucius, Lucas, Igor, and the rest of the bridge crew. Lucius kept on observing the view from the bridge of the ship, overlooking the vastness of Falmarra Prime, which has a circumference of 100,000 km. The surface area of 3,213,63 km², which was 6.3 times larger than Terra's own.
"Sir, JSDF's ATC has hailed us. They are wondering where would we land."
"Tell them that we won't be landing. Instead, Heavy Commercial Transports will be dispatched to Alnus Base." Lucius said. "Began to deploy the commercial transports to land outside of the base. If it doesn't fit all of them, have them hover around the base."
"Yes, Young Master." The captain said.
"Lucas, Igor, you two come with me. We'll be the ones greeting the massive number of visitors."
Lucius and two of his closest went away to one of the transport ships, with the purpose to meet the visitors. From the 150,000 there will be world leaders, influential people, and common folk of all ages. He just hope that the visit will place good sentiments for the Imperium.
He is now aboard one of the Odessa-class Heavy Commercial Transports, able to transport around 5,000 people, around 30,000 TEU capacity, and can carry up to 600,000 tonnes of cargo. Currently, aboard the Mermaid's Kiss, there are about 30 Odessa-class that was placed to carry everyone in one single trip. As usual, the Mermaid's Kiss only carries about 15 on each side hangar they have, along with four or five squadrons of starfighters.
"Sir, we are reaching Alnus Base."
Without further doubt, he prepared himself to meet the visitors that he was to take. Once the ship had landed, the ramp of the ship opened and exposed the Young Master of the Imperium to the world.
Before him, are tents. Not exactly the ones made to be comfortable, just enough to shelter the people from the scorching Falmarra sun. And there weren't a lot of people as he expected, he assumed that the tents are for people of influence to be boarded first.
Stepping down from the ship, several Japanese soldiers arrived and saluted him.
"General Lucius. Prime Minister Morita wishes to meet you." A soldier said. "Along with other leaders of the world. They are already here."
Lucius gives a smile and an understanding nod. He, Lucas, and Igor followed the soldiers. They were led to a building outside of the base. And what he saw earlier before landing, the building was larger than the main building in terms of width. It's a hall. A hall that the government of Japan asked him to be built. In just a few days, thanks to the technology of droids, was completed in record time, according to the standard of old Earth.
They were led to the newly made hall, and when he entered, he saw hundreds of people, waiting for him in their designated desks. Delegations of world leaders, along with the cabinet of ministry that they have brought along. That includes royalty from the remaining constitutional monarchies. As well as reporters from many nations, who can't miss the opportunity to report this to the world.
The world leaders remained indifferent, however, Lucius can tell that they want to surround him and have a word with him. While many news crews, they took snap after snap of pictures. He was guided by one of the soldiers and made his way to the Prime Minister, where he is sitting on the main desk. Morita stood up as Lucius approached him.
"Young Master Lucius. It's an honor to finally meet you at last." He said as he gave Lucius a hand to shake.
"Likewise, Prime Minister Morita," Lucius replied as he shook the hand. "Where are the rest of the people?"
"They are waiting on the other side of the GATE, waiting for you to officialize the visit. Which reminds me." He said as he gestured to Lucius to the seat he was just sitting in. "Your seat, Young Master Lucius."
Lucius nodded, as Morita made his way to his original desk. While he does so, Lucius sat down on the seat, with Lucas and Igor behind him.
"Honorable leaders of old Earth, I am deeply honored that you have made an effort to accept my invitation to visit Terra. Though, before me are not all, I am mostly glad that you have put some of your precious time to accept. With that, I am thankful." Lucius said as he bowed a little. This scene caused the many news crew to snap pictures once more.
"As you have known, the purpose of the visit would be to meet Humanity's counterpart of the Galactic Imperium. And to have you experience, what can be done if unity amongst humanity can be achieved. What greatness, and glory, should everyone on Earth accepts each other as one, this is something that I want to expose to each and every one of you that joins us on this journey." Lucius said. "I want you to capture what greatness and glory that lies on the journey to Terra ahead. I want you to burn the images that we will show you on this journey deep into your hearts and minds. And when we arrived at Terra, I want you to experience what is it like to be a regular citizen of the Imperium."
Again, flashes of lights coming from the cameras of the reporters came right at him. Yet, Lucius remained stoic and focused. An official from Japan arrived with a gavel and presented it to Lucius.
"With the power vested in me by Augustus Aurelius III, Imperator of the Galactic Imperium, Overlord of half of the Known Galaxy, Head of the Galactic Custodes, and Lord Protector of all species. I declare, the Journey of Enlightenment, begins!"
Lucius slam the hammer into the gavel three times, and world leaders clapped unanimously for the wonderful opening speech.
••••••
It was a tiring day for Augustus. His head feels like it's about to spin at Mach 5 and flew off to somewhere quiet. He tried to tune out the constant bickering from Senators of the Imperial Senate, yet he found it hard to do so. It had been almost half of the day they have been bickering, and it seems the Senators just can't seem to find a middle ground or the right decision. The Senate is divided in two, while the House is rarely divided, this time, however, it was made so because of the importance of the situation they were facing. The House was divided into two, with the Directionist and the Diplomatists against each other on how they should address the current issue they were facing. And the issue is the tension between the Galactic Sildor Coalition and the Resufitors Allied Suns.
The Galactic Council comes dead last in terms of diplomatic weight and military might compared to the individual members of the Galactic Custodes, let alone the combined might of the Galactic Custodes. However, they are a great power nonetheless. In which, the Galactic Sildor and the Resufitors are the major powers of the Galactic Council. Both are equal in any way and the two form the backbone of the Galactic Council. And the backbone of the Galactic Council is about to tear each other apart.
True, despite them hating the Custodes for being overly powerful and not sharing their powers with them, the two were mostly against one another. They were already bitter rivals before they joined together to counterbalance the might of the Galactic Custodes. However, that relationship worsen when the Resufitors was chosen over the Sildors on the lead against the Ravernals some a thousand year ago. And it made the relationship even more bitter when the Galactic Council lost against the Ravernals. The Sildors felt they were cheated of their rightful position, as their warriors are much more capable in terms of fighting. And the Resufitors felt that the Sildors are being sore losers and that they have not contributed enough to make a change against the Ravernal threat.
While they maintain a rather stable situation, their relationship deteriorates each year passes. They were already hating each other's guts, their hatred against one another kept on building. It kept on building hatred, their hatred become a deadly powder keg. All it takes is something to light it. And to the dismay of the Galactic Community, it did.
A tense incident on their borders. A Sildoran fleet was heading straight towards the border system belonging to the Resufitors. Their purpose was to chase away pirates, and the pirates they were chasing made a jump past the border unnoticed. The fleet was intercepted by a border fleet belonging to the Resufitors, as each of their guns aimed at one another. The Sildorans explained their meaning, and at first, asked nicely for the right of way to bring the pirates to justice, but the Resufitors denied and refused harshly, and the leading commander of the fleet goes on to insult them.
The Sildorans will not take an insult from the Resufitors, demanding that the leading commander of the Resufitors apologize for their demeanors and their affront towards the Sildorans. Of course, this was again denied. The Sildorans didn't take it lightly and threatened that they will open fire. The Resufitors challenged them and dared them to open fire. What ensues next, was a standoff between the Galactic Council's two most prominent nations. And they, are on the verge to tear the Galactic Council apart.
If a war was to happen between the two, the Galactic Council will certainly split in two. The two have each created a massive following in the galactic community, not as much as the Custodes, yet massive nonetheless. If the two go to war, those who follow them will surely join their war. It will cause galaxy-wide chaos, one that the Imperium was not keen on happening just yet.
With news of their respective fleets were under threat of being attacked by their sworn enemies, the two mobilized, and it seems a war between the two is almost unavoidable, even after months pass, they are still mobilized and ready for war, and the tension never disappeared on their borders. Reports of border clashes came, yet somehow it wasn't enough for a war to break out. Imperium analysts have concluded that the higher echelons of both nations are not keen to make a daring move of war as a war with each other could lead to catastrophic results and both are not ready for that situation, yet their people are demanding, to shed the blood of their sworn enemies. Taking the initiative, the Imperial Senate discusses how the Imperium should respond, even though it was not within their prerogative to do so and was in violation of the rules of conduct of the Imperial Senate, the importance of stopping another galactic-wise war is enough for even the Imperator to allow them. However, it was not going as planned or as hoped.
"The Imperium has always been the protector of the Galaxy ever since the Galactic Custodes was formed by our beloved Marcus the Benevolent! Our galaxy has seen enough bloodshed for the next thousand years, why should we remain still when we can do good and stop the ever-encroaching conflict before it begins?!"
"Because the Galaxy has seen too much bloodshed, which is why we must act accordingly! We must reach out to them and bring them to neutral ground for them to talk it out!"
"What good are negotiations if both of the nations are deadset on waging a war?! The talks will never work! What the Galaxy needs is a decisive action to force the two to back off!"
"We are civilized people! We cannot enforce to them gunboat diplomacy! We are not facing some barbaric race or nation, we are facing two of the most prominent members of the Galactic Council!"
"And as you all know, the Galactic Council is nothing but a facade of greedy nations trying to maintain their personal power! They lost any credibility they have as an organization that, according to them, 'specializes in peacemaking, enforces equal treatment for all nations, and put an end to the injustice', when they clearly, for the last thousand years have done nothing of the sort!"
"And that gives us the right to enforce our will against them through military actions?! What would the Galactic Community will say about us?! We are supposed to be the peacemaker and the Imperium who upholds everyone as equals! Not the superpower who enforce their will against the weak whenever they please! We are not at war with anyone! The Ravernals are gone! Who are we to enforce our will?!"
"The Galactic Imperium! That is who we are! And the Galactic Imperium enforces peace and order across the Galaxy! Even if it means the Galaxy hates us, so be it! But in the end, it will be us who will fight tooth and nail to maintain order and peace! We are the Galactic Imperium, we stand against chaos and destruction! They must be educated, on why chaos and destruction are not glories, but idiocracy! Glory is when we built, glory is when we create, glory is when we contribute to the communities, and glory is when we fight for the greater good! They intend to create chaos due to arrogance, and that is the enemy! That is what we must put an end to! And we cannot put it to an end if we simply asked them to talk things out!"
"And as the Galactic Imperium, we must act like the civilized people that we are! Violence is not always the answer! Yes, I agree that the two leading figures of respective nations are against what the Galaxy would always want, peace and order! Selfish they may be, but we must be the better version of the Galaxy! Many looked up to us, and we must make a decision that when others try to replicate, we can agree to it and be proud! it is wrong for us to deploy our Classis when we could have tried a more respectable approach! I mean no disrespect for the brave man and woman of the Militarum, but we must be more than just guns blazing and forcing others to cooperate when we could have done a much better thing! We talk it out!! We are civilized people! We will not act out of impulse! We must hear them out, both of them. We will find the middle ground, and we will find a solution to this peacefully!"
The two people debating back and forth are the speaker for both factions. Retired General of the Militarum Army, Senator Iosef Lancea of the Militarists. As well as a retired governor of Sevvyama Sector, Senator Anton Rayne. The two were on a floating platform that was their own seats which is called a "pod", its design was taken inspiration from one of the most loved sci-fi franchise. The only difference is that the chamber itself is larger than the sci-fi counterpart.
Their back-and-forth debate breaks the Imperial Senate, as they were divided perfectly in half about what they should do. There were minor and small discussions amongst them, murmurs, and the like. Some would be vocal in raising their opinion, only to be met with opposition.
And before anyone would respond nor say anything of the matter, Augustus raised his left hand, while sitting straight on his specialized seat guarded by Cerberus.
"I will end the discussion about the ever-growing tension between the Galactic Sildor Coalition and the Resufitors Allied Suns. And seeing that the House is divided perfectly in half, I would forward my decision."
Everyone bowed. Not one single chatter was heard, they were dead silent, waiting patiently to hear the command of their Imperator. Augustus stood up, taking a deep breath.
"The Galactic Imperium will fully denounce any actions of violence or act of war against any stellar nations in these times of recovery. As many have said, and I agree, the Galaxy has seen too much bloodshed for the next one thousand years. As the leading head of the Galactic Custodes, it comes to the attention of the Imperium that this war will have detrimental results for the Galactic Community as a whole. And it must be stopped before it is too late." Augustus said. "Therefore, the Galactic Imperium will summon both ambassadors of the Galactic Sildor Coalition and the Resufitor Allied Suns to come forth to Terra and enact an open discussion to avert war and chaos, and to enact a state of inactivity of military tension from both sides. Of course, any side that wishes to take advantage of the situation of inactivity with violence, will be met with a harsh response from the Imperium, and the Imperium will not shy from using excessive force to enforce peace and stop a war between the two nations by all means. This is my command!"
"IT WILL BE DONE, YOUR EMINENCE!!"
Augustus nodded, the Imperator of the Galactic Imperium sat back to his throne, as everyone returned from their bow.
"And now, we begin a discussion about the situation in Deneb System." The chairman of the Imperial Senate, Chairman Taufik Rusli said. "I call upon Governor Hannah Pryce to deliver the reports of the situation."
Before them, a massive holographic transmission appears before the Senators. Hannah Pryce answered the call.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the Imperial Senate." Hannah Pryce said as she greeted the Senate.
"Good evening to you as well. Now, can you report to us what has happened during the last few weeks in Deneb Prime?"
"Certainly, Mr. Chairman. As you have known, a few weeks ago, Deneb Prime was under attack by a primitive force of medieval humans with war beasts. They are fashioned with bows and arrows, sword and shields, as well war beasts classifying from Charlie to Beta classes."
"Yes, and the Young Master dispatched them off the planet. And is now commencing a subjugation operation to the Saderan savages' homeworld." The Chairman said. "But it has been a few weeks, and no information has been reported to us. Not from Deneb where this mysterious GATE is, nor any reports from the 25th Classis and the complements of 501st and 212th Assault Legions. We, in the Imperial Senate are naturally worried about the Young Master, as he has ordered a lot from Naval Command, to even have additional Classis be put on standby is worrying. Can you please report to us what has transpired?"
"The Young Master has enacted strict Militarum containment protocol, and no information must be reported without the authorization of the Young Master. However, we in Deneb Prime have just received the lengthy report from the other side of the GATE just two days ago." Hannah said. "It appears, the homeworld of the Saderans, is deep within the Ravernal Potential Areas. Which is why the Young Master has enacted strict information containment, as to preserve seclusion, to prevent an information leak and at the same time, be ready for potential Ravernal ambush or anything that is Ravernal-related."
Murmurs yet again filled the chamber. The hammer hit the gavel three times, and the chamber went silent.
"Mr. Chairman, may I ask a question to Governor Pryce?" Iosef asked.
"The chamber is yours, Mr. Iosef."
Iosef nodded, as his platform flew forward and circle around the hologram of the Governor.
"Governor Pryce, I have to say what you have said, is rather peculiar and I find it very suspicious," Iosef said. "While it is understandable that the Young Master would have done so in order that sensitive information would not leak to any potential Ravernal threat, it is rather peculiar that we received any sort of information just now from you. It is rather peculiar as well with how you received information only just two days ago."
"Your meaning, Ms. Iosef?" the Chairman asked.
"According to Militarum protocol, information containment can only be done when there exists information that is sensitive for the public and the Galactic community as a whole. And usually, High Command or even His Eminence would receive a report in a week's time." Iosef said. "The last time the Militarum enacted strict information containment, is during the War in Heaven, before the second battle of Terminal Egress. And by then, our only application was to the populace and not to Custodian High Command. Not only the Young Master applied this to everyone, but he also exceeded the limitations of the amount of time than it is what the protocol. With the technology we possess, it shouldn't be difficult for his forces to encrypt information, why should he insist upon information containment? What is there so important, that he must have reason to completely shut down all information outflow to us?"
Murmurs yet again filled the room, and as before, the chairman silences the chamber with the slam of his hammer.
"I will answer that, Mr. Iosef," Augustus replied.
All eyes are now on their Imperator, with eyes that were filled with surprise.
"Lucius and I have been in contact, and he has requested to me any information about the situation he is personally handling," Augustus said. "And after listening to him, and the many figures that are currently serving under his command, I understand the importance of his predicament."
"And what would that be, your Eminence?" Anton asked from his pod.
Then before them, holographic footage from the Battle of Italica. And they were shocked, to see another modern force similar to their own.
"The existence of another GATE. And this one, it is more interdimensional." Augustus said. "My son has discovered an alternate reality of us. Of our humanity. One that the Era of Revolution never happened and the Sphere never crash-landed and that the world remains still in the 21st Century."
"He needed time to assess the situation. Making sure that the modern force was not any of the old superpowers of Earth." He continued. "To his luck, we have encountered the JSDF of old Earth. And my son, the ever-opportunist, decided to take the opportunity to introduce us to the other world and delivered the message of unity amongst Humankind. As of now, he is on his way along with visitors to Terra, as well as natives of the newly-named Falmarra Prime."
"Then this is massive news! The galactic community would certainly like to know the discovery of interdimensional travel, and the possibility that lies to recreate and to apply it for the benefit of ourselves and the galactic community as a whole." Anton Rayne interjected.
"It would indeed, Mr. Rayne. But we must remind ourselves, they are rather primitive to us, equivalent to our ancestors, thus they have a different train of thought." Augustus said. "As you might remember from our history, the 21st Century was filled with numerous amounts of ideologies. There exists even those that we consider, debauched and psychotic. Therefore, we must remain restrained and open. We must be willing to enlighten them, make them realize the imperfections of their current ways, and introduce them to a better one. Our way, Ours is the Way of Aurelian."
"As you command, Your eminence."
"Which reminds me. Good-sister. I have not received the routes that Lucius has designed to enlighten them." Augustus said.
"Of course, Good-Brother. The Young Master has designated the routes, and will first arrive at the Fortress-World of Felkus Prime. He has planned so to show the otherworldly guests what have we achieved militarily." She said. "After that, to the Ecunopoly-World of Cnar Prime. Then, to the Resort-World of Daphni Prime. Lastly, to Terra herself. The visitors will be given tours of each world, and the world leaders will be given an audience at the Imperial Senate. Estimated arrival to Terra, one week."
"I see, thank you Good-Sister. You may leave now."
Her transmission was cut off as her figure disappeared.
"Well then, ladies and gentlemen. Let us continue on with the session."
Senate goes on with its session. Repealing several acts, enacting some, and some are still in debate. For Augustus, this is a regular basis that he had to go through.
••••••
Amazement. Amazement is what Piña could only think of right now. She was already amazed by the weaponry and military capabilities of the Galactic Imperium, she didn't think that it could do better than that. Well, she was wrong. The moment she stepped foot on the ship, she was gobsmacked. The ship was large, as large as an island. Everything looked so alien and sleek in design, so magical in her eyes, so luxurious. If she hadn't known better, she could believe it when one say that the Gods made the ship for their own use. But this ship was made by mankind, by mortals.
She saw other races as well, the ones that her liaison had mentioned to her before. Some looked grotesque, some looked like demihumans, and some even looked like an elf. And to her amazement once again, they coexist with the humans of the Imperium as Lucius has said, bringing her hope in the change of mindset towards her own people.
She now resides in her designated room. It was not as big as the room she had back at Sadera, but it was more luxurious and advanced. She had just finish unpack her things, as the Imperium liaison has said that it would take more than a week for the journey to finish. She would've unpacked everything until she was told to just unpack some, as she was told by Lucius's closest that they would stay at some worlds for a while, which made the entire journey of being a week or two make sense to her.
She looked to the window of her room, which was called a "viewport" by her Liaison, and saw the darkness of the realm beyond the skies, which the Imperium had already mastered to navigate through. The night stars seem so close, yet so far.
"Princess Piña Co Lada, please report to the VIP Lounge. I repeat, please report to the VIP Lounge."
She heard her name called from her what the Imperiums called, a comlink that was built into the desk right beside her bed. She wonders why she was called, but gave no mind and made it outside her room. She was already expected by Hamilton, Grey, Bozes, Panache, Beefeater, and four Cerberus soldiers.
"Follow us, Princess." One of the soldiers said.
Piña gave nothing but a firm nod, as her group followed the lead of the soldiers. No matter how much she walked through the corridors of the ship, she was still mesmerized by how beautiful it looked. When they pass her section, they made their way to the ship's "Commons". It was a lot of people, from across the GATE of Alnus. Lucius's closest said that these were visitors from all corners of the world beyond Alnus GATE, along with the security of soldiers that patrol by. And by the looks of it, they were amazed themselves. They were escorted through the crowd of people and made it safely to the only "elevator" as the Imperium called it, as it was the only access to the VIP Lounge and to the bridge.
They went up, and up, and up until finally arrived at the VIP Lounge. Again, she was amazed. There were a lot of people seated some of which are the people she have acquainted with such as Itami Youji, Rory Mercury, Tuka Luna Marceau, Lelei Lalelena, with servants serving them food and drinks for the guests. And there he saw Lucius, surrounded by people, crowding him as they converse. Soon enough, he took notice of her arrival.
"Princess Piña, it's good that you arrived."
All eyes are now on her, as the people of this room looked at her with curiosity.
"Excuse me, your Excellency. But who is she?" One man asked, he had a big figure, with blond hair, and wear a dark blue outfit.
"She is my protégé, Mr. Dirrel. She is from Sadera Empire, and she wishes to make peace. So I just take her in as my protégé, so that she can lead her people for the better future." Lucius said.
"Ah, I see!" He said as he approached her. "Well, let me introduce myself, your Highness. I am Dirrel, President of the United States of America."
She tried not to be tense, as he reached out for a handshake. This man was one of the leaders who ordered her to be kidnapped.
"Likewise, Mr. President." She said, whilst maintaining her annoyance.
"I am Dong Denchou, President of the People's Republic of China. An honor to meet you."
Dong Denchou greeted from afar, near Lucius as he seemed not willing to give up his space.
"I am Zyuganov, President of the Russian Federation. It is nice to finally meet you."
Zyuganov did the same as Denchou did, not wanting to give his space near Lucius.
"Likewise, gentlemen. I hope we get to know each other better." Piña said, even though she loath to say it.
"Young Master, we are ready to make the jump to Felkus."
A transmission from the captain was heard from Lucius's comms.
"Make the Jump, captain." Lucius said. "Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated, we will make the jump to another star system."
Heeding Lucius's warning, the passangers gets seated and wore their seatbelts.
Then, the ship rang in alarm, signaling everyone to be seated. Piña saw that the ship moved, and aimed to the vastness of space. Then suddenly, before them is the massive tear in the fabric of space that suddenly appeared. Gasps of awe and amazement, some of the people in the VIP Lounge are scholars, and their minds were crumbled and was in awe.
"Jumping to SubSpace, in 3... 2.... 1... Jump."
The ship suddenly engulfed in blinding blue light, as the ship jumped away to subspace.
"Jumping to SubSpace successful. Please remain seated until we arrived at the destination."
No words could explain how she felt. The stars above them passes by like a shooting star, she was mesmerized by the scene.
"Your Excellency, how long is the SubSpace travel usually takes?" Dirrel asked.
"Depends on the distance. Felkus system is not too far, so it would take us an hour or two." Lucius said. "I suggest that you sit back and relax for the next two hours."
Everyone on the VIP Lounge did what was advised, and enjoyed themselves. Drinking the beverages, indulging themselves with food that was already served, to just admiring the passing stars by the sheer speed the ship is going through.
"Mr. Lucius, I'm with NASA. Is this 'SubSpace' travel requires you to sit down each time?"
A scientist from NASA askef a question, among leaders, scientist are also invited to the VIP Lounge.
"Not exactly. We ask you to be seated, because this is your first time experiencing SubSpace travel. If someone just experienced SubSpace travel, it is advised for them to be seated." Lucius said as he stood up from his seat. "If someone new to SubSpace travel was standing up, it may cause complications such as nausea and dizziness. While the effects are simply jusy several minutes to wear off, we don't want you to experience that uncomfortable feeling."
"Mr. Lucius, I'm with CNSA. What cause this blue light to occur and surrounds the ship? What are they? How does SubSpace travel work?"
"Well, the blue lights are what we call Tachyon Particles. Yes, the existence is against everything towards Relativity Theory, but we were proven wrong when our Guide, the Sphere showed us." Lucius said. "What caused it, is that the ship, harness the Tachyon Particles to envelope the ship in a small, thin layer yet near inderstructable of Tachyon coating. The ship's Drive gathers the Tachyon Particles in the amount needed and the amount where the ship's Drive could handle, and when activated, the Drive activated the particles in quantities enough to create micro-tears in space time, and allow starships to jump to nearby systems. Mind you, the explanation I just gave you is what most of the Galaxy uses."
"Mr. Lucius, I'm with the RSA. I am curious what kind of engine a 'Drive' is, and what did the Imperium use as means of interstellar travel? And what does this ship currently use? And with the current technology our world has, can we make a rudimentary version of it?"
"A FTL Drive is what allows interstellar travel between star systems. Depending on what kind of Drive one uses, many can vary. One could harness the Tachyon Particles and used it as means to go faster than light, or a Hyper Drive to enter and exit the Hyper Lanes." Lucius said. "The Imperium uses a very different and effective way. A WarpDrive. This consist of the Wormhole Generator, and mankind's own FTL Drive which is identical to a Jump Drive and is simply amazing because it different than others. The way it works is that the Generator generates our own Wormhole, a man-made wormhole by using Tachyon particles to create the said wormhole by manipulating the particles to tear into the fabric of space, and the FTL Drive coats the ship in Tachyon particles while the main Drive uses the Tachyon to push the ship in an insane speed. In results, instantaneous travel from one edge of the galaxy to the other. The ship we are currently in is using a Proto-Jump Drive, faster than Hyper Drives, but much slower than the real Jump Drive, as it would take a while to reach the destination while Jump Drives can reach the destination within a minute or two. And no, rudimentary FTL device is simply far-fetched for you."
Everyone of them continue on to enjoy what was served.
"Princess... Everything looks magical." Hamilton said.
"To think mere mortals can create such wonders" Rory was in total awestruck.
"Excuse me! I'm Director Galloway, US National Security Advisor. I was wondering regarding the status of which the planet which you call, 'Falmarra Prime'." He said. "On which I mean, it's status of ownership."
This gotten the eyes and ears of many, some surprised, some content, while some with distaste.
"Why do you mean by that?" Lucius asked, curious on the question that was given.
"I was wondering whether anyone from our earth would have a share of land in Falmarra Prime. You said yourself that you wish to see that humans of our earth be prosper. And I think you know one way to reach said prosperity, is that nations of our Earth be given a share of land here and the right to make use of the natural resources here." Galloway said. "That, and I would like to use this to ask you is there any possibility that any new technology can be shared, or sold to us?"
Lucius smiled, as if he was expecting this.
"Well, Director Galloway, in regards of the ownership of the planet, it is certainly will belong to the Imperium. I did say that humanity needs to unite to prosper, so I would very much appreciate if you would quote it perfectly. And since I said humanity, I mean humanity as a whole. At the current situation and time, you all are not a united humanity." Lucius said. "Truth to be told, I find the persistence to remain divided as a race as a repugnant and revolting thing and I detest the very notion of it. And since your humanity is not unified, The Imperium will against any notion of selling any plot of land that the planet has to offer or technology that we have."
"So what you're saying is that you will hog all the resource this planet can offer, in one point you say you want us humanity to prosper yet you don't want us to have any control over this side of the GATE. I find it hard to believe that you are to true to your word and find that you are simply a hypocrite." Galloway retorted.
While this earned many glares towards Galloway, Lucius instead laughed.
"Remind me, who's the hypocrites again? I think the United States's interference in the world stage only bring harm than good." Lucius said. "Your Invasion of Iraq clearly is the best example of hypocrisy at its finest. Invading a sovereign nation and just left them to rot, same goes to the many of your 'international intervention'. Meddling in other nations internal matters to your own gain, replacing a dictator with another dictator that is a pro-US to ensure US interest can be done, no matter how much lives died. Yes, I'm talking about the Jakarta Method. The one that the CIA orchestrated to wipe out communist and alleged sympathizers in Indonesia, all the while trying to whitewash everything you did was for the greater good. And it's not just the US, many of you did so as well. So tell me again, Mr. Galloway. Who's the hypocrite actually?"
Galloway was out of words, and sank into his seat. Smirking in victory, Lucius sat back down. And with the shenanigan that Galloway did, many in the VIP lounge grumbled. 'There goes our way to get technology', they grumbled.
Two hours pass, and the comms come alive.
"Exiting SubSpace in 3... 2... 1..."
The ship exited SubSpace, arriving at destination.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Felkus System."
Everyone within the ship scrambled out of wherever they sat to the nearest viewport they can reach. And surprise was an understatement, they were gobsmacked. The people on the VIP Lounge as well.
They saw a planet with quadruple planetary shielding, a ring of defenses armed with massive weaponries, above the north axis is a orbital defense station which was the size of the moon, armed to the teeth. Surrounding the planet are orbital anchorages, in which starships anchored beside. And hundreds of starships just floating around, some did patrols to cover the system.
"To all passengers, you are welcome to join us on a journey down to Maginot-World of Felkus Prime. We will be sending Odessa-class ships down to the planet. For those who wish to remain on the ship, we welcome you to enjoy the many amenities of the Mermaid's Kiss."
Lucius stood up, and turned to address the VIP passengers.
"As you heard, you are most welcome to stay here. Those who wish to join, follow me."
••••••
Itami thought he could have some alone time, some time he could be himself. But no. Now, he's on a babysit mission again to babysit the girls again. At least, he was placed in the VIP Lounge, still he was there to make sure that the girls behave themselves, especially Rory. Excitement was seen in the girls face, and he hope that they can behave themselves well. He envies the rest of his unit, who was invited to too when the Imperium heard that they have valiantly fought the Fire Dragon and saved 2/3 of Coda Village and was offered vacation. He can only sigh in defeat, he wanted a vacation so bad, but ends up babysitting the girls again. At the very least, he managed to get Risa to tag along for abandoning her in Ginza.
The Odessa-class transport he and the girls were in entered lower atmosphere of the planet, after going through strict security protocols. He looked on to the viewport next to him, and he couldn't help but have his mouth hanging open.
It's a planet-size city, but with countless of gun emplacements and defensive structures. Their floating tank of a VTOL fighters patrol around the planet's airspace. As the craft gotten close to ground, he realized that almost everyone on this planet, is a military servicemen and servicewomen.
Their craft landed, along with the rest that came down. He, Risa, and the rest of the girls exited the craft. He felt small as an ant, seeing how big the planet-size military base.
"Uwoooghh! It's so big! It's like we're in that planet city in Star Wars." Risa commented.
"To think mankind built all this... " Tuka muttered in shock.
"It's big, way too big. I wonder how many people are here?" Lelei said.
"I smell the reek of death. I can smell it in the air.' Rory said delighted.
He and the girls joined with the rest of the group, namely the VIP ones. Itami is not sure why he was placed there, maybe to babysit the girls. The visitors that join the visitation to the ground was split in several groups, each of them were given a guide to explore.
As for his group, they were guided and escorted by a full platoon of soldiers, one that he had never seen before. Yet he saw the shoulder pads that in his modern term the patch is, was an insignia. Civil Guards. Itami approached one of them.
"Excuse me, sorry to bother you. May I ask, what is a Civil Guard?"
The Civil Guard looked at him with surprise, yet he inclined to assist.
"The Civil Guards is itself explanatory. We guard the civilians. Put it simply, like the National Guards from the old United States. Though difference being, is that we are paid more, and our job as a Civil Guard is an exclusively full-time job, not as flexible as National Guard that can work part-time." She said. "A Civil Guard status can be exchanged into a full Army Reserve, and sometimes can be forcibly exchanged given the circumstances and situations. If a situation and circumstance demands the need to forcibly exchange status, such as a galactic-wide war, which was the last time it was issued was during the War in Heaven, then it is permissible to do so. Though only Imperial High Command can issue this order, and both sectoral governors and planetary leaders aren't allowed to do so."
"Any regrets joining the Civil Guard?" Itami asked.
"Are you kidding? It's the best thing to be a Civil Guard. I just regret that I didn't join soon enough. Had I joined sooner, my husband might be still alive."
While Itami was amazed by the previous answer, he couldn't help but to pity her and the rest of the Civil Guards on the next answer. He pity the rest of the Imperium. The War in Heaven must've been very detrimental. The pain of a war that scale could take years to recover, and the scar can never be erased. He regretted asking her that.
"Sorry, I shouldn't asked that." He apologized.
"No no, you shouldn't be. It's just... I miss him. And everyday, I wished I could save him." The soldier said, trying not to cry. She had enough being sad. "You should rejoin the rest. And have a fun tour."
Itami simply nodded, and rejoined his group.
The tour went on, as the guide explained everything that is on Felkus Prime. From the first colony, beginning construction of the Maginot-World, it's completion, and what did Felkus has to offer.
"Excuse me, may I ask how many soldiers currently in service of the Imperium?" Zyuganov asked. "Or in rough terms, how much is the military capability of the Imperium?"
"Young Master, may I?" The guide said.
Lucius gave him a nod, and a nod it's all it would take.
"Well, currently. The Galactic Imperium has at least 65 billion active soldiers, with 10 trillion reserves, 25 quintillion fit for service with 1,218 sextillion population. Counting also with the cloning facilities all across Imperium space, which can produce 100 million clones in just 12 years, a massive improvement compared what we have during the War in Heaven when we can only produce 1 million every 12 years." He said. "Followed by 500 million combat droids. We also currently in our inventory, around 782 million starships, 2/3rds of it are all military of all class. We have 15 Mega Shipyards online, can mass produce ships each around 500 thousand with speed approximately 2 months to 24 months depending what class. 10 Juggernauts online, able to support starships and create starships directly on the front as needed."
Grey was out of words, and his mouth agape. In his heart, instilled the feeling of amazement. Such wonders to be created by humans, is unthinkable. And most of all...
He was afraid.
Everyone except Rory was. Both from Falmart and Earth two. They were all feeling the same thing, fear. They experienced something they never thought be able to experience in their lifetime, or their grandchildren's lifetime. It was unthinkable for them and many thought it's merely a dream, yet here they are, traveling through the stars. Such ability to traverse through the vastness of outer space, one's civilization must be extremely powerful. The Galactic Imperium is powerful, beyond their imagination, beyond their reason.
And with them, is the second-most powerful man of the Imperium, the most powerful stellar nation. Wielding in his hands, the power of peace, war, conquest, or destruction. Many were afraid and disinclined to make offense, especially after they saw the orbiting starfleet above the planet Falmarra and the military might in Felkus. With a single command, he can turn a planet into dust, or deploy the countless soldiers the Imperium has.
As for Rory, while there are feint feeling of fear within her, it was more to of anticipation of excitement. She was keen on seeing the firepower and destruction the Imperium can bring.
It's something that Piña thought have anticipate, she knew all too well that the Imperium is much more powerful than anyone. Yet, hearing how powerful the Imperium really is, she struggled to not faint. Billions of men, at the command of the Imperium. If the Empire insistent on fighting a war with the Imperium, they can never win. It's impossible. Technologically, or attrition.
It became worse for anyone, as they were shown a military parade in the occasion to welcome the visitors. The amount of weapons they have, from the conventional and familiar weapons like tanks, to the mind-blowing mechas.
At the end of the tour, the world leaders and many experts are all mentally exhausted. And to worsen, the day was not over yet. They were to board the ship, and to travel to the next destination as the planet of Felkus aren't made for luxury, it was a planet built for military purpose and military purpose.
••••••
Somewhere beyond Falmart
A man sat on a chair in a hallway, he was in tota anxiety and distraught. Just yesterday, he was leading an excavation on the Ancient Sorcerous Empire. Like any other day, it would a day where as usual. Either they find a piece of tech they can use, or just be completely baffled about it. The site is new, so he was hopeful they found something of interest about the Ancient Sorcerous Empire.
To his hopes he did found something, just not in the sense he had hoped.
His teams made discovery, some sort of antechamber. The insides of the said chamber completely identical in design to the Pal Chimera, the ship they excavated hundreds of years ago and still on the progress to decipher and reverse engineer. The chamber was submerged underground, and as large as the palace of the emperor himself.
On the center of the chamber, lies a table built into the ground. He and his team approached it, examine it for as long as they can, until the somehow activated the device. What was shown to them was mind-boggling, and needs the attention of the empire. Luckily, after some tinkering and figuring out the device, the device was able to be transported to a smaller version of tbe device.
Now, he sat waiting, anxious to meet his emperor.
"Mr. Hirkane, His Majesty and the ministries are ready to accept you."
The man named Hirkane nodded, and entered the chamber. And there, sat the emperor along with his ministers, older than the empire itself, he possessed the wisdom of old. Milishial VIII.
He bowed before him, paying his respect to the 4,000 years-old emperor.
"Your Majesty, forgive me for my sudden need to call a meet." He said.
The old emperor smiled, warmly at the man before him.
"It is fine, I am sure what you have to report must be very important."
"Indeed, Your Majesty. The contents I am about to show you is confidential, and must reach the outside world."
Hirkane reached into his bag, and pulled out a cylindrical device.
"This, is a Ravernal device in which we have excavated on the new site yesterday. It's function, based on our assumption and investigation, is to store information and to deliver direct message in the form of visual in a far advanced quality than ours." He said.
"And what's the need for us to be here?" One of the minister asked.
"It's not the function, it's what in its contents. There are information and knowledge, hundreds of thousands of years worth of it. We haven't able to decipher their far complex encryption, but we did manage to open several pieces of information." Hirkane said. "Information, that everyone of this room would like to know."
"Hm... Show us, Director Hirkane." the Emperor commanded.
Hirkane obliged, and activate the device. It showed to them a visual recording, but it shows them as if it was in front of them, it caught many off guard. Before them, is a man, described perfectly as a Ravernal, with light wings protruding from his back. Wearing a slick uniform, indicating that he was a military officer.
"Orders from High Command, abandon all savage outposts and report to the nearest Decimator Fleet you can find as soon as possible." The man said. "Our war against the galaxy has gone to the worse, the Custodians are on the offensive. Plan Apocalypse is a go. The wretched Galactic Imperium have destroyed our homeworld and pushing us with the support of the rest of the Custodians. We will show them the Ravernal wrath! Glory to the Ravernal Star Empire! "
The emperor was beyond belief, to see a projection of the Ravernals after a thousand years. Yet, his focus was on to something else.
The Galactic Imperium, the Custodians, and the Galaxy-wide war. Many in the civilized areas are already know that the world they are in is spherical, and beyond the skies are vastness of space and they lived in a cluster of stars called galaxies. But, hearing that the Ravernals are star faring nation, and not the transferred one as the ancients suggested, is something mind-blowing. It's even more mind-blowing, that the Ravernals are much powerful if the whole galactic war was true.
"It's not all, Your Majesty." Hirkane said.
He pressed a button on the device, and it showed a battle in outer space. A battle that many within the room, including the Emperor himself, considered a battle between the gods.
A battle between the Ravernal Empire, against an enemy, that seemed to outmatched the Ravernals. It's a spectacle like no other, and many were shocked to see such a thing.
"Admiral, our shields are failing. We lost half of our thrusters, and all of our sentry turrets are offline we cannot fight any longer, sir! Call the retreat, we must fall back!"
"That will never happen, captain. We cannot lose to these scums. I refuse to lose!"
The ship suddenly quake violently, making many of the crewmen in the ship stumbled and fell.
"We lost our thrusters! We're dead in space!"
Violent alarms starts blasting, singing it's gut-wrenching song as the wail brought terror to whoever heard it.
"Curse you, Galactic Imperium scums! Curse you and that damned Custodes!"
The recording came to a halt, as an explosion engulf the chamber where the admiral and the crew were in.
"Few weeks prior, the computation device on Pal Chimera comes alive, as if it has its own mind. The screens showed sentences that said, 'Enemy detected on the planet'. And not just on Pal Chimera, on the Marine fortress of Pal Cowne as well." Hirkane said. "The Ravernals are immensely powerful, we know that. If they return at the current moment we are in, we won't stand a chance. And mor hundreds of years we are in possession of the many Ravernal weapons, only now they recognize a threat. And I don't think it's us."
"You are insinuating that a force much powerful than us and threat to the Ravernals existed?" The Emperor asked. "And I take it, it has to do with this 'Galactic Imperium'?"
"Indeed, Your Majesty. To the footage that we show, it clearly shows this Galactic Imperium is much more a threat than we are to the Ravernals." Hirkane said. "It maybe just an assumption, but I think this Imperium is already on our planet."
The Emperor went silent, as he rubs his long beard. For thousands of years, he suffered under the Ravernals. His parents, his parents before his parents, his entire family lineage was filled with suffering under the Ravernals. Many ancients said the gods punished them, but he knew the truth. He saw them scramble away, trying to flee. And he saw their ship disappeared, assuming they fled when there was nothing chasing them away by transferring themselves. He was glad when they disappeared. But when he heard the indestructible stone tablet, that said the Ravernals will return, he was determined to do whatever it takes to defend his home.
And now, comes to him a piece of valuable information. The Ravernals can be defeated. And this Galactic Imperium as well as the Custodes are the ones that can beat them.
"Arneus. You will cooperate with Hirkane. You two will investigate whether the existence of this Galactic Imperium is here on our world." He commanded. "If they are here, they can help us in defending against the Ravernals."
"Yes, Your Majesty." the two of them bowed.
Milishial looked at the window, with determination. The ministers all looked at him with awe, the looked of their determined emperor brought them hope.
Milishial is determined to protect his world, he hopes that this Imperium is here on the world, or all hopes are gone.