Raibert began gathering his gear and stowing it in his pack. His troop transport had finally reached its destination after leaving New Eden. Looking out his viewport, he saw that the space port was busier than he had ever seen it. It seemed that the Alliance was in full motion, things were going on throughout the galaxy, and the Alliance was going to be involved one way or another.

*All Alliance Military personal, please prepare to disembark*

He slung his pack over his shoulder and moved with the rest of his squadmates towards the airlock. He felt the familiar shudder as the transport settled into the dock, and heard the hiss of air as the door pressurized. As he waited for his turn to leave, he thought of everything that had transpired over the last few days. The fighting at New Eden, and the loss of squadmates. He had lost men under his command before, but never in the numbers he had suffered at New Eden. The Geth attacked ferociously, and luckily the Alliance was able to use their aggression against them on the ground. He knew that the fighting was far from over however, and he was prepared to use his next sixteen hours of leave to his advantage. He didn't quite know where his next station would be, but he was hoping for a chance to be sent to the citadel. He had heard about the insurrection of Terra Firma, and he wanted to be given a chance to help the evacuees who were stranded at the gigantic station.

As these thoughts passed through his mind, he eventually disembarked the transport. Moving down the exit ramp, he was astonished at the hubbub around him. It seemed that this problem with Terra Firma was much larger than he had originally realized. He had lived in the A.S. for quite a while, and he had never seen it like it was right now. He slowly made his way towards the troop dormitories with the rest of the men. After what seemed like days at security checkpoints, he finally made it to his bunk. After stowing away his gear in his footlocker, Raibert finally got a chance to lay his head down on a pillow. As the slow weariness of sleep crept over him, he thought about what tomorrow would bring.....

(continued from Citadel Space)
The comm crackled to life aboard the SSV Franklin. After a quick departure from Earth, the crew would all finally find out where they were headed. Sam Kyre was sitting with his friend Jakob when the message began. The captain sounded nervous, but still as strong as ever.

"Crew, this is your captain speaking. We are about to embark on a dangerous but vital assignment that comes straight from the top. So it seems, the Geth have decided to throw everything they've got at the Citadel, hoping to finally bring about the invasion of the malevolent Reapers. Humanity has pledged its support and the support of this vessel to defend this vital location. You all are the best, so I don't have to remind you of the risks that will be involved here. The Alliance has commisioned the use of this vessel because we are needed. That means I need your cooperation throughout this endeavor. Stay close to one another and we'll all make it through this together." The comm died for a moment, then sprang back to life. "Our first mission is simple. We are to pick up the crew stationed at Arcturus Station and give them transit to the Citadel. Use this time to prepare yourselves, physically and mentally. Jones out."

As the speech finished, Sam looked at Jakob and they nodded to one another. Both realized that this could be the sudden culmination of their young lives, and somehow, they knew they'd be ready.

The SSV Franklin arrived at the relay at Arcturus. The pilot hailed the station.

"Arcturus Station, this is SSV Franklin. We understand you all are combat ready and are to accompany us on our way to combat the Geth. Requesting permission to dock."

Raibert had dosed off for what seemed like only minutes, yet it lasted for hours. Getting up, he dressed in his military fatigues to head over to the briefing room. Upon arrival, he was informed that he would be leading what was left of his squad from New Eden, over to the Citadel Station. They had been assigned to the SSV Franklin, a Carrier class, and larger than any ship Raibert had ever been on. They were ordered to serve as a marine contingent on board the carrier, and upon arrival at the Citadel, his squad was to disembark, and provide support wherever needed. While onboard the Franklin, he and his squad would be under the command of Captain Solomon Jones. He was informed to ready his squad, and report to dock 23 with all equipment necessary.

Heading back down to the Dormitories, he addressed the rest of his men that survived the battle at New Eden. "Men, we have been called into action yet again. We are needed to help with the defense of the Citadel Station. We will provide support were we are needed. We have been stationed to the SSV Franklin. Pack up your gear, and be at Dock 23 at 2100 hours." Not being much for speechmaking, he cut it short there. He quickly got out his armor, and put it on over his fatigues. He unpacked and cleaned his weapons one at a time. Weapons that he had known for years. Once he had made sure that they were clean and well oiled, he strapped his Sniper on his back, and slid his pistol into the worn holster on his hip. Putting the rest of his few belonging into his pack, he slung it over his shoulder and headed down early to the docks. He wanted to look over his map of the Citadel, making notes of the location of the docks versus the Presidium and various Wards. He also needed to check with the dockmaster on the arrival of the Franklin.....

"Arcturus Station, this is SSV Franklin. We understand you all are combat ready and are to accompany us on our way to combat the Geth. Requesting permission to dock."

"Roger Franklin. This is Arcturus Station. You are free to dock in Docking Bay 23. The men are combat effective, and ready to board."

Watching the Franklin pull into dock, Raibert was astonished at its massive size. He had been on other Alliance ships, but nothing bigger than a cruiser class, and this was the largest vessel he had ever seen. Readying his squad, they prepared to board. Raibert was anxiously awaiting his first flight into Citadel Space......

Captain Soloman Jones stood at the door, waiting for his vessel to dock. As it pulled in, he wiped the sweat from his brow and punched the panel. The door slid open, and Raibert was standing outside with his men, ready to come in.

"Captain Soloman Jones of the SSV Franklin," Jones saluted. "Welcome aboard. If you come with me, I will show you all to your quarters and will dispense your duties while aboard this vessel. Everyone on my boat plays a part. You and your men will not be exceptions to this rule."

The captain led the men into the ship. Sam and Jakob stood back against the wall and watched the men walk by. Their stature and posture were solid, their faces hardened by grit and scars. These men knew battle. Sam hoped to learn from them, be like them. He approached the one at the head.

"Private second class Kyre, sir! May I inquire as to your name?"

The whole platoon had stopped and was at break after being shown around. Sam smiled like a schoolboy at meeting the war-torn soldier.

As the door opened, Raibert saw the captain of the Franklin standing inside waiting for them. He saw the kind of commanding officer that he respected. A tough man, and a fair man. The kind of officer that made the Alliance what it was.


"Captain Soloman Jones of the SSV Franklin," Jones saluted. "Welcome aboard. If you come with me, I will show you all to your quarters and will dispense your duties while aboard this vessel. Everyone on my boat plays a part. You and your men will not be exceptions to this rule."


*Salute*

"Thank you very much sir. It will be an honor to serve on board your vessel"

As Raibert was led around the ship, he was once again taken aback at its shear size. The flight deck was enormous. After being shown their quarters, the Captain issued his orders to Raibert. His men were to take part in the basic ship functions. Patrol the ship, take their turns at the guns, etc. It was no big worry, the Alliance Marines had been warped into just another branch of the Alliance Navy over the years, and all of his men were trained for life in space on board Alliance vessels. After the tour of the ship was finished, he told his men that they were given one hour to stow away their gear. Afterwards they were to engage in the patrols around the ship. He recommended that they find a map and get used to their bearings.

As Raibert started walking with his men to the dormitories, a young private walked up to introduce himself.

"Private second class Kyre, sir! May I inquire as to your name?"

"At ease Private. My name is Raibert Adastre of the 25th Frontier Division. Would you mind showing me to the mess? I can't seem to remember how to get there, and I'm as hungry as a wild board. If we could stop at my quarters on the way so I could drop this pack off, I would be very grateful"

Private Kyre looked like a very smart and intelligent young recruit. Raibert could tell that he was anxious for an opportunity in battle, and Raibert knew what it felt like. Maybe he would have an opportunity to talk with him further at the mess hall.

"Sure, I'll show you there. Follow me!" Sam said.

They walked over to the mess hall, chatting about their personal stories. Raibert shared some interesting and exciting war stories, while Sam explained why he decided to join and about his parents' service. Later on, Jakob joined them and Sam introduced them. In mid laugh, the comm unit crackled to life.

"Gentlemen this is your captain speaking. Soon, we will be arriving in Citadel Space. Once there, we will drop a ground team and continue the fight from orbit. Briefing will be at 0800."

Sam looked at Jakob and his new companion. His nervousness seemed to show.

Walking to the mess hall, Raibert learned alot about Sam, and was introduced to his friend, Jakob. He was just getting into the line for food, when the comm opened up.


"Gentlemen this is your captain speaking. Soon, we will be arriving in Citadel Space. Once there, we will drop a ground team and continue the fight from orbit. Briefing will be at 0800."

Looking up, he noticed on one of the many terminals surrounding the Carrier, that the Captain had put the entire carrier on alert, and everyone was to be combat ready. Looking back towards Sam, he noticed that the young recruit looked nervous. "That's to be expected," he thought. "Sam, I'm going to go talk to the Captain, I would love to have you and Jacob on the dropship with my men." Quickly grabbing a pre packaged food container, he told Sam and Jacob that he had to go pack his stuff up, and make sure that his crew was doing the same. Waving goodbye, Raibert called back, "I'll see you guys later at the briefing." Turning back around, Raibert quickly headed to his quarters. Having already dressed in his combat armor, he went through his belongings to make sure that he had everything needed for combat. He then went and stored the rest of his items in his footlocker, hopefully he would make it back to see again.

He ran his military identification badge through the door behind him, locking it in place. He than began walking down the main hall towards the bridge. He intended on speaking to the Captain before the main briefing. He had clarify which transport his squad would be using, and whether or not he required any of his men to stay on board the Franklin. He also intended on asking about Sam and Jakob. Noticing men and women of the Alliance preparing themselves all around him, he sped up to a light jog and continued towards the bridge. Battle would be here soon.......

Leaving the Bridge, Raibert was deep in thought on the upcoming battle. The Captain gave Raibert permission to have Sam and Jakob on his transport. He was also told that transports 21-26 would be leaving the Carrier upon arrival in Citadel space. This wasn't going to be his first combat drop, and he knew the standard operating procedure. Squads of interceptors would be launched first, than the transports. The interceptors would provide cover, and plow a road for the transports down to the docks. The men would exit the transports, and Raibert would find out where they were needed. Heading up to the flight deck, he felt a huge shudder shake the entire ship. Running to the nearest viewpoint, he saw a sight that he had never seen before, not even at the battle for New Eden. The largest Geth force he had ever seen, was currently in space combat with the entire Citadel Fleet. And there, behind the Citadel Fleet, lay the Citadel itself. The arms were currently open, welcoming any reinforcements, but for how long he had to wonder. Continuing on to the flight deck, he began to run....

Sam looked at this watch. 0758. He began to run to the comm room where the crew would be receiving orders. The captain was there and ready to give them. Sam arrived just in time and sidled up next to Jakob.

"All right men, you know the drill. You all have performed exceptionally in training and I am glad to say that I would place my life in the hands of any of you. Our vessel will be within weapons and flight range soon. Pilots, be ready to launch in 30. Ground team, we should be arriving in 1 hour. Sam Kyre and Jakob McNare, your presence has been requested with the ground team from Arcturus. You are to gear up and report directly to Raibert after this briefing. Everyone else, be at your stations and ready to go in 20. Remember, stay together, stay focused, and trust your brothers and sisters. Do this, and we will all make it through this. That is all. Dismissed."

Sam and Jakob walked back to their quarters to prepare. They checked their equipment and donned their armor. They went to meet with their new commanding officer.

"Ready and willing, Sir."

Sam saluted and smiled a shaky smile. He was as ready as he'd ever be.

(continued at the invasion)

Raibert stood at the Transport 23. It was standard issue troop transport, designed for speed and manueverability, not combat. He had been on a few before, and he knew that it was going to be a bumpy ride. Some of these men he had served with for longer than a year, others, not so much. He greeted them each by name as they boarded the transport. He Sam and Jakob as they approached, he was happy that the Captain had let them come with him. He had gotten to know them pretty well.

"Ready and willing, Sir."

He returned his salute. "Welcome to squad Sam, you too Jakob. Get on board and strap yourselves in, we'll be leaving shortly."
As the last of his men boarded the transport, he took a last look around the flight deck. Interceptor squads were be wheeled into the launch chute. Men were running, and things were as close to mayhem as an Alliance vessel could be. War was upon them. He entered the transport, and gave the OK to the pilot to shut the back. Before they took off, he gave the men one last word. "Men, all of us have been through a lot to get here. The Geth have declared war on all of us. Even though our homes might be far away, the battle for their survival will take place here. Remember your training, watch each others back, and for gods sake, shoot some damn Geth! Trust that man sitting next to you, and you'll be fine." With that, he sat down, and put his helmet on his head. Hearing the Alliance radio tranmissions in his ear, he gave the pilot the A OK to take off. He felt the tranport lift off of ground, as it made its way towards the launch chute into space.


((Continued at the Battle for the Citadel))

TIMESTAMP://0900
LOCATION://Arcturus Station

John pulled the rough edge across his face. Trickles of rubies splattered onto the sink. He paused and set his razor on the counter top. He raised his right hand and pressed his cold fingers against the cut in his face. He pulled his hand back and saw the bloody covering his fingers. He picked up his razor once again and pulled it down his face once again. He turned on the sink and splashed the cool water on his face. Water circled the sink wiping the blood away. John patted his face dry as he walked out of the bathroom. He slipped on his undershirt and grabbed his dress uniform. Today he hoped would be his last day unassigned. It had been a few days since he was cleared for reassignment, and he was eager to get back into action.

John was eager to get new memories to forget the old. New nightmares so that he may finally think about something else in his sleep. It has been one month since his ship and friends were all killed. He was the only survivor and could never stop thinking about those he had been with.

He slipped the final button into place on his uniform and ran his hand down the front of his uniform. He pulled at it straightening the creases. John stepped up onto a chair and began to buff his boots to a new shine. Today he hoped was his new beginning.

John grabbed his pistol and placed it gently into its holster. He strapped both his rifles to his back. John preferred to never carry a shotgun. They were messy and inaccurate. In close quarters he trusted the accuracy of his pistol.

He placed the Chevrons on his collar and looked himself over again in his mirror. His small room was part of the station, which at the moment felt like a ghost town. The majority of the men had left while John waited to be cleared. He sat down on his bunk and took in a deep breath. He let it out slowly. His heart was pounding. He waited for his name to be called over the loudspeaker.

A very small man with black hair slicked back entered into John's room. He held his head high in what seemed like a great sense of pride. In his hand was a disk that he handed to John. "Your orders, sir!" He quickly about faced and his freshly shined boots squeaked as he left the room.

John placed the disk on a monitor above his bunk. A voice unfamiliar to him spoke. "Gunnery Chief John Lipton. You have been assigned to accompany Lieutenant Commander Ryan Hawke in a joint mission under control of Dr. Ludgar Brink. Specifics are Classified. Travel to Mons Calpe. You will be under the Command of Lieutenant Commander Ryan Hawke. Best of luck Gunnery Chief." The disk ejected and the memory erased. All that remained on the disk was the orders for the deck officer to find John a ship to Mons Calpe.

John stood and placed the disk in his pocket. He reached under his bunk and pulled his sack from the dust covered nothingness under his bed. He opened his drawers and pulled his civilian cloths from their place. Tossing them into his sack. Then he came to his Armor. He placed it neatly into his sack. Along with it each of his weapons in their case. He kept his pistol holstered on the side of his dress uniform. He tossed the bag over is shoulder and began for the door. As he passed the doorway to the bathroom he saw himself in the mirror above the sink. He stared longingly into his own eyes. He blinked quickly and his vision snapped back to the door. He dared not to look back at himself and see the horrors of his past. He had his mission, his new beginning.

Soon John was on a ship to Mons Calpe and a day had passed. He spent most of his time sleeping, but made time to do pushups and pullups around his bunk before going back to sleep. Finally he had arrived at the Alliance trading station.

"So what is this about?" Curtis asked

"The Commander wants to see you, i have no idea what about" the messenger said.

He walked along the corridors, glancing around the station. He hadn't been here for years, not since he went though basic flight school.

The doors slid open, revealing a spacious office. A soldier in uniform sat behind a desk near the back, working on papers. His insignia designated him as a Commander, the one that had requested him to come.

"Freeman, have a seat" The old man said.

He was probably about 55, and had most likely earned his ranks in battles agianst the Geth.

"I would perfer to stand sir" Curtis shot back, saluting the man.

"Alright Soldier, you could be facing desertio...." he started.

"Sir, my orders were to assist New Dawn until my next order, it never came" Curtis interupted.

"You didnt let me finish Lieutenant, were not charging you, but we have an assignment for you" the Commander told him.

"What is it sir?"

"New Dawn has you pegged as one of their best, great leadership, high accuracy marks, driving, even basic flight skills. We want you to be a captian." The officer said.

"Sir, i have a ship."

"We want you to command the SSV Normandy II, our replacment for the one destroyed at Eyslium. Shepard was going to take it, but he is KIA."

"Shepard is dead? How?" Curtis asked, taken back that one of humanities greatest could die.

"Im not at liberty to say, but you will be taking his ship, and his position. You are now N7 and Captian of the Normandy." The Commander said. "Solace will be taken to Earth and stored for you as a personal ship."

He saluted, turning and walking out. He was surprised, and worried. He was perfectly capable of handling a ship like the Normandy, but he would leave behind all the things he built up at the contractor. He hoped he would be able to retain control of his accounts and weapons, they were what he liked.

-------------------

"Ship Log, CO Freeman is aboard, XO Wessley is relieved." The VI announced.

He walked aboard, the crew was small, most of the spots were empty. He looked at the cockpit, a pilot was in the chair. He was young, probably his age.

"Whats your name Soldier"

"Matthew Coray, but everyone calls me Maverick Sir"

He smiled, making note of his nickname. He patted him on the shoulder heading down the main deck. Normandy II was inscribed on the wall beyond the Galaxy Map, everything seemed the same as the old Normandy, which he had been on once.

He walked into the communications room, the holo display already up. It listed a message from command, giving him congrats on his assignment. It listed some of the improvments, some seemed fairly promising.

One included a new Stealth System, devices on the outside broadcasted a black light around the ship, and was supposed to hide the ship from sight. A scan would pick them up, but a pilot wouldnt be able to see him, and therefore wouldnt initiate a scan hopefully.

He sat down in a chair, activating his suit radio.

"Maverick, take us to the Citadel"

The pilot responded, and the ship undocked. He was weary, he had never been in charge of a ship like the Normandy, and he realized the life of all the crew was in his hands.

Coming out of the relay, the SSV Melbourne headed towards Arcturus Station. Aboard the ship, Captain Vladimir “Tepes” Zdravic was in deep thought. For the past three years, he had been commanding the Melbourne and the task force it was assigned to on the edge of the Terminus Systems. While his orders were ostensibly to conduct pre-emptive raids against pirates and the Geth, it was a cover to trial new Alliance hardware.

Of course, testing against live enemies meant that secrets would be discovered unless the enemy was wiped out, which was why Vladimir was assigned in the first place.

It was a straight-forward task, something Vladimir enjoyed, but the galaxy is never a simple place and major political changes occurred in his absence. With Terra Firma in control of Earth and the Geth attack on the Citadel, the Alliance could no longer afford their captains to be chasing pirates and raiders on the borders of its territory.

Politics, Vladimir thought. Are we so petty to worry about who is in control that we would turn on each other in the face of a greater enemy?

But he knew better. You always had to plan ahead. What would happen after? Who would be in control? Who would lose more than others? That was the problem with politics. You never knew who the enemy was.

His line of thought was halted by the beeping of the intercom. It was the XO.

“Captain, Arcturus Control has granted us clearance for docking. High Command wants to see you ASAP. Seems something big is happening.”

“Alright, get the ship resupplied and get the shore leave rostered. And I want it known that if anyone’s tongue is loose about the ship’s electronics that their pay is docked, no excuses.”

“Understood, sir.”

The Major walked the halls of the station, holding two briefcases in either hand. They were the last of the plans for battling Earth, and command wasnt letting even one out of their sights. The man with them was taking them to a printing room, getting the last two folders ready to be distributed to the captians.

He stepped into a dark room, shutting and locking the door behind him. He turned on the lights, reavealing compters and printers. He set the two on a desk, unlocking the unusual physical lock on the case. He pulled out a folder, it was marked to be given to the commander of the SSV Elizabeth.

He opened it, looking at its contents on the first page, then flipping it.

"The Alliance is only months away from collapse. Our treasuries are in the hand of the enemy, and current projections put our government going bankrupt in 2 months. This operation is using that money to try and save us, failure is an option that will kill the Systems Alliance.

Good luck, and may God be with you.

Use of Nuclear Weapons is // AUTHORIZED //"

He signed the blank line, putting it under the scanner. The machine did a quick scan, then asked him to put it though the auto printer. He did so, the authorization codes being printed onto a large blank space. He then closed it, setting it back into the brief case. He sighed as he locked it, picking it up and heading off.

((Continued from Noveria))

The SSV Canberra sepd out of the blue energy of which had shot it here... the Mass Relay releasing the ship peacfully, sending it quickly through space, revealing the large station infront of them... it was massive... the heart of the Alliance.

"Luitenant, open a comm." Ryan said, his voice booming over the silence of which had erupted through the ship.

"Comm link established sir."

"Arcturus station, this is Alliance Vessel SSV Canberra, requesting permision to come abourd."

There was a slight delay in the transmission, it still reupted out the speakers with life.

"You are cleared to land SSV Canberra, welcome. We've been awaiting you're arival."

"Thank you." Ryan said, pushing a button on the comm, causing the link to disengage.

"Take us in Luitenant." He said, standing up and moved down the steps.

"Going abourd, sir?" The XO said, smiling a little.

"Unfortunatly, yes." Ryan said in an annoyed tone, followed by a grunt. He moved down the hallways, coming to his room of wich he placed his armour on, moving toward the airlock quickly. The XO and two Marines accompanied them out... moving through the halls of the station silently as possible.

((Delta, would you're character be able to inform my character about whats going on please? :D))

The Major returned the two briefcases to the holding room, checking to make sure they were all there. There were tons of them taking up almost all the space in the room, and this was just a portion of the orders that would be given out to the fleet.

He wished they would just use radio, but they were making sure only hard copies exsited to delay TF from finding out what was going on. He recieved a transmission from command, telling him a ship had arrived. He sighed, looking at the stacks.

He searched though them for the Canberra, finally finding it. He grabbed the two, then walked out of the room. He searched the area near the docking bays, finally finding the captian of the warship.

"Captain Anshner, welcome to Arcturus." He said handing him the briefcases "Do not attempt to break into them, you will recieve the combo when were ready" he added.

He waited for any questions, but his knowledge was classified, so he wouldnt be able to tell him much.

"Captain Anshner, welcome to Arcturus."
"Do not attempt to break into them, you will recieve the combo when were ready"

"Thank you sir." Ryan said, grabbing the briefcase and holding it by his side.

"I take it we're all just standing around and waiting untill the combo is sent, sir?" Ryan said, trying not to sound pissed off about his leg. It was hurting like hell.

"Thats about it, but you may want to let your crew relax. This is big, probably too big for us, but we have to do it" He told him, giving off a quick salute.

He handed the second case to one of his shore party, then turned to him.

"Dont tell anyone, and pray to god we dont have to open the second one" He said, making sure he didnt include anything that could give away the mission for sure.

But he knew he was smart enough to put two and two together. He gave him a smile, then left, dissapearing back into the halls.

Ryan returned the salute, watching as the man smiled and walked back down the halls. He sighed, turning around to his XO, who seemed a little confused.

"Let's get back to the ship. I need some sleep anyway." Ryan said, smiling, the XO following him, Marines behind him.

They eventuallty came to the ship and departed ways, the XO took the deck and was ordered to report anything the Alliance sent to them, Ryan however, was fast asleep in his quarters.

Walking to the airlock, Vladimir was conversing with his XO about any last minute details before he went ashore.

"Anything else you have to add?" he asked.

"Not much, sir. First and third watch are ashore while second watch is on duty. The quartermaster has some new missile types that we're requisitioning and... hang on a moment." The XO paused as navigation and comms uploaded logs to his data pad. "It seems that there's a lot more Alliance warships coming in just now. The SSV Canberra just docked a few moments ago."

"Curious. Perhaps I'll bump into her captain." Vladimir mused. "Alright, I'm heading ashore now. Time to see what has HQ bringing her birds home. You have the deck, XO."

"Acknowledged, sir. Updating the logs."

......

Vladimir made his way steadily to the HQ offices. The station was busy, with civillians and and Alliance personnel bustling through the main thoroughfares. Every so often, a person would give him a wide berth after seeing his nametag, looking apprehensively at his face in case they might see a bloodthirsty expression plastered on it.. Vlad grinned. It was so nice to be judged so fearsome after only two incidents. Occasionally, a face walking by would smile and salute. He saluted right back, acknowledging the familiar faces of the people he served with.

Eventually, he reached his destination where a young secretary, probably a lieutenant, was manning the reception desk.

"Name, rank and reason for visiting." she prompted.

"Vladimir Zdravic, Captain. Requested by Alliance High Command. Authorisation: Omega 612."

The Lt.'s eyes shot up to look at him while the VI in her computer processed the information. "The Vlad Tepes?" she asked in awe. Then she blushed at her lack of respect and recollected herself to salute.
"My apologies, sir. This is quite a surprise. They still tell stories about you at the college."

Vladimir laughed. "Whatever they're still spreading around is exaggerated. Well, at least most of it is." He winked.

The Lt. laughed back. "You don't seem bloodthirsty, but you'll still have to leave any firearms here before entering."
Vladimir complied, handing over his pistol to a waiting drone. The Lt. handed to him a visitor's badge.

"A Major will be seeing you shortly. You can wait in Briefing Room 512 on the fifth level." She smiled. "Have a nice day."

"You too." Vladimir replied as he made his way to the lift.

((Awaiting further instructions. ;) ))

"Major, we have another ship that needs their packages. SSV Melbourne." A woman called out over the radio.

"Why are there only like 3 of us doing this, theres to many!" He joked.

"Dont worry, once the others orders are finished up you will get some help" She replied with a happy tone.

He went back to the storage room, saying Hi to one of the other 'distributors' as they left with cases for a Frigate that arrived. He grabbed the cases containing the Melbournes orders, checking to make sure it was locked.

He held one in each hand, heading off to the briefing room as the third officer entered the room to grab some more cases. He walked up the hallways, turning and taking elevators to get to the captian.

He entered the room, nodding to the man. He was pretty well known, mabey when this started they could use him for some good PR for the citizens they were trying to support on colonies made to hold a couple million.

"Good Morning Captian, here are your orders" He said setting the two cases on the table

He wondered what they could do with his ship, he had not read any parts of any ships actual orders, just the stuff printed in every one about how important this mission was.

"Your going to recieve the combo for this one soon" he said tapping on the case to the left, then tapped on the other one "and hopefully we dont need the combination for this one"

He let go, turning to the man.

"Do you have any quiestions Zdravic?"

"Do you have any questions, Zdravic?"

The words echoed inside Vladimir's head as he regarded the two cases.

What did he mean when he said he hoped we wouldn't need them? Unless...

"Two sets of orders, huh? We never had to use those since..." Vladimir's head swung up sharply as he stared straight into the Major's eyes.

"Humanity distrusts the Council. The Citadel was attacked and the Geth roam freely. The colonies are breaking apart and Earth and Sol are under the control of Terra Firma.

The Brass needs a victory. Any victory, anywhere. Hell, we all need one. When you're on the line, it's do or die, no matter the odds. But how much do we gamble to get the result?

I don't know much. I'm stabbing in the dark like a drunk krogan on a spacewalk. But I have my instincts. Any captain worth his stripes has them. And what they're telling me is that despite how much I'll dislike the first case, it will be nothing compared to the second.

So do I have any questions? Yes, just the one. After that I'll shut up and carry out my orders with no hesitation, no regrets.

That second case. Whatever is in there, whatever it may be, is the Alliance willing to go through with it? Because I need to be sure that if that possibility comes up, that what I am doing is the best for humanity.

Because when that second case is opened, I just know that there will be no turning back."

"The Alliance cant afford to loose this, we are spending every last credit we have for this mission. We cant afford to come back empty handed, or eveything we have will fall.

The Brass dont see loosing this fight as an option! We win no matter what the cost, no matter how many of our own die, and if we have to massacre the enemy.

I dont like what is in the second case, i pray to God we dont have to open it. But, it is not even up to the Admiral if we resort to a bloody fight for Eart..." He stopped, realizing he revealed what this was all about.

He stopped, regaining his composure.

"Go back to your ship, tell your crew to relax. Get some rest and prepare for battle. Just dont tell anyone until its time." He said, saluting him.

He turned, walking out of the room, leaving the ship captain alone.

Vladimir watched the Major as he left the room.

Bloody hell... we're really doing it.

Vladimir's instincts turned out to be correct. And now he wished he was horribly wrong.

...

Walking back out through reception with a glum face, Vladimir stopped to drop off his visitor badge and recover his pistol.

"Bad news, sir?" asked the receptionist after seeing his expression.

Vladimir forced a strained simile.
"In a manner of speaking. I've definitely had better days."

"I'm sure things will be fine, sir. Have a nice day."

Let's hope things do. Vladimir thought as he walked back to his ship.
Because there's hell to pay if they don't.

He soon found himself back aboard the Melbourne with his XO who was currently catching up on his paperwork.

"Sir, didn't think you would be so long so I decided to catch up on the forms."

"No need to be so formal, Chris. There's no-one around. Finish what you're doing and be ready to go when I drop off these cases in the safe. We're hitting the bars."

"Vlad, is there something up?" The XO dropped the formalities at the mention of his name.

"Let's just say that the next assignment is going to be a doozy. We need to get morale up. So get everyone ashore. I want my XO so drunk that he'll finally get around to picking up that waitress he's got his eye on."

Chris laughed. "You never stop do you."

"I never will. 'Don't say die', 'to the end' and all that crap they say about me. So hurry up and finish, we're gonna start with the tequilas."