Captain Lewis awoke to the low hum of the light frigate U.U.N. Liberty's engines and the faint sound of a radio broadcast filtering through the ship's corridors. He stretched and sat up, rubbing sleep from his eyes. "Those bastards are probably having a bloody dance off," he thought, recalling the crew's antics three nights ago in memory of recent events. He shook his head. The familiar surroundings of his quarters offered little comfort; the walls seemed to close in, heavy with the weight of recent events.
As he dressed in his uniform, the muffled voices of his crew grew clearer.
“Aw hell who decided to turn on the F–ing tonight show can someone PLEASE SEE Switch it back to 106.8”
Hold up Hold Up I wanna hear what it says.”
He shook his head, Probably the marines Sergeant Hayes and Private Daniels, I mean it gets boring being out here in deep space but it doesnt man those two knuckleheads have to be the ones to always mess up my sleep- his thought was interrupted by the radios loud static the voice of an Allied broadcaster cutting through with news that sent a shiver down his spine.
"...the Director is dead. The Allied forces have triumphed, and the reign of the Universal Union is over. Your capital lays in ruins as we march over your ashes of the People's palace, your time as a empire has come to end, all of those —"
Lewis grimaced. He knew how his crew would react to this announcement. With a determined stride, he left his quarters and made his way to the mess hall, where the crew had gathered.
The Liberty, a 2 kilometer light frigate based on the old destroyer ships of 21st-century Earth, with a broad, rectangular hull with numerous turrets and missile pods protruding from its sides, was a vessel that had seen better days. Its once-pristine hull was now marred with scorch marks and dents from countless skirmishes. The interior showed signs of wear and tear, with exposed wiring and flickering lights casting eerie shadows in the corridors. The ship's crew, clad in uniforms inspired by a mix of modern military designs, bore the same marks of fatigue and battle.
The crew uniforms were a blend of functionality and form. Dark grey with gold accents, they featured segmented body armor for protection and flexibility. Each uniform had the Union's symbol—an olive branch atop a star—prominently displayed on the chest. The marines wore helmets with integrated heads-up displays fully armored from head to toe, while officers like Captain Lewis donned berets adorned with the Union emblem.
The room fell silent as Lewis entered, the crew members standing at attention. The radio continued to broadcast the news; the Allies' victory proclaimed with certainty. But the expressions on the faces of his men told a different story.
"That's bullcrap," one sailor muttered, his voice tinged with anger. "The Director has fought off ancients and multiversal threats for years. There's no way he's gone."
Another soldier, his face gaunt from lack of sleep, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we've seen him take on things that would make our blood run cold. They don't know what they're talking about."
"Do you remember when he destroyed an entire universe with just a snap of his fingers?" another crew member added. "And how he took on bloody Thor and his merry gang, he smashed their asses!"
Lewis listened as his men voiced their disbelief, their loyalty to the Director evident in every word. He couldn't blame them. The Director had been a beacon of strength and leadership, guiding them through countless battles and crises. The captain's mind wandered back to a time when the Director was indeed that powerful—when armies meant little to him, and he was a force of nature. Times had changed; the Director aged, he required more and more soul energy to power his abilities. It was a truth they all understood but never spoke about. The older the Director got, the weaker he became. Lewis quickly pushed those treasonous thoughts out of his head.
"Why are you listening to such a treacherous broadcast?" he questioned, his voice steady but laced with irritation.
One of the younger sailors shrugged, adjusting the strap on his helmet. "They play good music, Captain. Rap and rock and roll. Keeps us entertained. I mean, hell, isn't like you can't get any good music on any of the Union stations around here after the recent bannings."
Lewis shook his head. "That's how they get you. Don't let their propaganda fool you." He paused, scanning the faces of his crew. "But I get it. I mean hell, pop and stupid jazz definitely won't make our lives more thrilling. Just don't forget where your loyalties lie."
He cleared his throat, drawing the crew's attention. "Now, get back to work, all of you."
The crew reluctantly obeyed, turning off the radio and dispersing to their duties. As they stood at attention, one of them, an Irishman named McGregor, who was also the second-in-command, stepped forward with a grin. McGregor's uniform was slightly more worn than the others, a testament to his years of service. "Ah, mornin' Admiral. I was wonderin' when you'd show up."
Lewis raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "I'm still just a captain, McGregor," he replied, though his tone carried a hint of something more, a past not easily forgotten.
McGregor chuckled and saluted. "Aye, Captain. But it won't be long before you're back where you belong."
Lewis waved a hand dismissively. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We've got work to do. How's our status?"
McGregor's expression sobered. "The Liberty is holding steady. We've been deployed out here for four years, and she's bound for maintenance sooner or later." He slapped the side of the ship, which creaked in response. "This old beauty has been flying in deep space for 30 years, and her age is starting to show, Cap'n. I recommend we port some time and get some repairs during our scheduled guarding session; I mean hell it's better than doin this nothin' job in the middle of space."
Lewis nodded, feeling a familiar sense of weariness. Their ship had been through countless operations, often in the most desolate and dangerous parts of the multiverse. Despite the Liberty's impressive capabilities, its continued use of being used as a Coast Guard vessel rather than a warship had made it a little more decrepit as its extended stays in space started to make the vessel show its age.
The captain sighed “I'll make sure we do that Greg, hopefully we don't encounter pirates or eldritch gods like we usually do”
“Yep that old routine is startin to be tiring init?” The captain nodded his head, his sleepiness overcoming him once more
“Well the bed is calling to me once more greg” The captain posed heroically “ish” on an old crate near him light shining around him
After which the captain ran away towards his bed “Catch you late…. Oh and make sure the marines are on duty I know you're the head engine….” He ran down the hill far away from the old mechanic who could barely even here the captain as he ran down the hall
“Captain seems more crazy the longer we spend time in space” he shook his head
“HA HA SLEEP AT LAST, NO ONE CAN TAKE THIS MOMENT FROM ME, NOOOOOO ONEEEEEE!”
Just as Lewis was about to return to his quarters, his comms alerted him to an incoming transmission.
"Captain, we've got an incoming transmission," the communications officer reported.
Lewis sighed, his pajamas sagged and almost sad they were not to be of any use this time he was practically and quickly put on his actual work clothes, a mix of grey camo with gold accents, and his captain's hat—a beret with the Union's symbol of an olive branch atop a star. He took the lift up to the bridge, the rickety elevator showing McGregor's assessment to be right as the lights flickered on and off.
As the lights flickered in the damp, cold elevator, he reflected on their four years of deployment. The Liberty had been tasked with keeping tabs on the unknown regions on the outskirts of universes not controlled by the Union, carrying out reconnaissance and acting as border patrol while the Great Multiversal War raged in the background. Their ship had been doing the worst of the worst jobs, taking on operations that the Peace Force or main S.T.A.C.C. didn't care enough to handle it.
As the lift doors opened, Lewis was greeted by a laid-back communication officer named Johnson. Johnson's uniform, while regulation, had a casual air to it, with sleeves slightly rolled up and a relaxed demeanor. "Captain, we've got a message from high command, the good ol' Supreme Tactical and Command Center." The sarcasm was dripping out of his mouth as he talked about S.T.A.C.C.; he hated them. Hell, everybody did.
Lewis's eyes widened in surprise. "High command? I thought S.T.A.C.C. had forgotten about us."
Johnson shrugged, leaning back in his chair. "Guess they didn't. The message is waiting for you, sir."
Lewis moved to the communications console and accepted the call. The stern voice of a high-ranking officer filled the room. "Captain Lewis, you are to pull back and proceed to Universe 389 immediately."
Lewis furrowed his brow. "Universe 389? That's located in the dark zone. Nobody is permitted behind their back due sheer threat of those dark dwelling monsters."
The voice on the other end was firm. "Do not ask any questions, Captain. Just follow your orders."
The transmission cut off abruptly, leaving the entire bridge crew stunned. Lewis turned back to his crew, who had gathered around, waiting for an explanation.
"What's happening, Captain?" one of the bridge officers asked, concern etched on her face.
Lewis shook his head, still processing the unexpected orders. "I don't know. I'm as confused as the rest of you. But we've been ordered to proceed to Universe 389."
A murmur of surprise and unease rippled through the crew. Universe 389 was a place they all knew was off-limits, a dark zone where horrendous ancient class entities were said to dwell.
"Well, you heard the man," Lewis said, trying to project confidence despite his own doubts. "We're now on a new mission. Let's hurry up and get moving."
The crew sprang into action, their initial shock giving way to the disciplined efficiency that had seen them through countless challenges. As the Liberty prepared to set course for Universe 389, Lewis couldn't shake the feeling that this mission would be unlike any they had faced before. But he knew one thing for certain: they would face it together, as they always had.
As Captain Lewis settled into his command chair, he observed the flurry of activity on the bridge. Officers and technicians moved with practiced efficiency, preparing the Liberty for its jump to Universe 389. The air was thick with anticipation and a touch of unease.
"Status report," Lewis called out, his voice steady.
"All systems are green, Captain," Johnson replied, his hands flying over the console. "Trans dimensional drive is online and ready."
"Good. Helm, plot a course for Universe 389 and prepare to engage the drive," Lewis ordered.
The helm officer, Lieutenant Ramirez, nodded and began inputting the coordinates. "Course plotted, Captain. Preparing to turn the ship around and activate the drive."
The Liberty turned gracefully, its hull creaking slightly under the strain. The view on the main screen shifted, showing the vast expanse of space before them. As the ship aligned itself with the coordinates, a massive blue portal began to form in front of them, its swirling energy a mesmerizing sight.
"Engage the transdimensional drive on my mark," Lewis commanded. "All hands, prepare for jump. Hold on to the nearest object and brace yourselves."
The crew grabbed onto their stations, the tension in the air palpable. Lewis felt a surge of adrenaline as he watched the portal grow larger, enveloping the ship in its blue light.
"Mark," he said, and the drive hummed to life.
The Liberty surged forward, the transdimensional drive propelling it into the portal. The ship shuddered as it passed through the barrier between universes, the energy wrapping around it like a cocoon. The familiar view of their current universe dissolved into a tunnel of swirling blue light.
As the ship accelerated, Lewis felt the pressure increase, his grip on the armrests tightening. The sensation of being stretched and compressed simultaneously was disorienting, but he remained focused.
Within moments, the Liberty emerged on the other side of the portal. The ship's systems stabilized, and the blue light faded away, revealing the unfamiliar starscape of Universe 389. The place where the Liberty had once stood was now empty space, the portal having closed behind them.
Lewis took a deep breath, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. He looked around the bridge, making sure his crew was safe.
"Status check," he ordered.
"All systems nominal, Captain," Johnson reported. "No damage from the jump."
"Good work, everyone," Lewis said, a sense of relief washing over him. "Now, let's find out what we're dealing with in this universe.
Private Daniels gripped the cold metal pipe, bracing for the impact of the portal jump. He hated universe jumping with a passion. The disorienting sensation of being stretched and compressed was bad enough, but the sudden lurch and the feeling of his stomach being left behind always made him queasy. He remembered the days when they were constantly on the run from the massive Allied forces. Back then, they had to universe jump so often that if one wasn't strapped down, they'd be squashed against the wall from sheer force.
As the ship shuddered and the familiar hum of the transdimensional drive filled the air, Daniels tightened his grip. The Liberty had been through a lot, and so had he. He recalled those harrowing days under the Admiral—whenever they were constantly doing Universal Jumps to escape Allied Fleets and how half the time people would be squished against the wall due to their unpreparedness. He wondered if the captain now ever felt the weight of those memories.
The jump finally ended, and the ship stabilized. An announcement crackled over the loudspeaker, "Attention all hands, the jump has been completed. We have arrived in Universe 389."
Daniels muttered under his breath, "Another day, another hellhole."
Before he could dwell on it further, his friend, Corporal Hayes, rushed over, excitement evident on his face. "Daniels, you need to get your ass over here and see this thing!"
Curiosity piqued, Daniels followed Hayes as they navigated the narrow corridors of the Liberty. They reached one of the few windows on the ship, where a crowd of marines, officers, and mechanics had already gathered, their faces pressed against the glass.
"What is it Hayes , it better not be another one of your stupid new aime- ?" Daniels asked but his friend shoved him through the crowd
“Ow hey what the hell man.” Daniels responded as he collided with the group
“Just check it out man, trust.” His friend pointed to the window
Daniels trying to peer over the shoulders of his comrades.
When he finally caught a glimpse, his breath caught in his throat. Before them was a massive wall, stretching endlessly in both directions. It seemed as if space itself had come to a halt, replaced by an impenetrable barrier of metal.
The wall was an awe-inspiring sight, covered with an array of futuristic weaponry: massive rail guns, laser defense systems, missile launchers, and more. The intricate network of defenses was designed to obliterate any threat that dared to approach.
"It's damn insane," Hayes muttered. "Someone would have known if something like this was being built in deep space."
Daniels nodded in agreement, unable to tear his eyes away from the sight. "Yeah, no way this went unnoticed. What the hell is this place?"
The murmurs of disbelief and astonishment spread through the crowd. The sheer scale and sophistication of the wall were beyond anything they had ever seen. It was a fortress in the middle of nowhere, and they had no idea what lay behind it.
As Daniels continued to stare at the massive structure, a sense of unease settled over him. Whatever their mission was in Universe 389, it was clear that they were in for something far more complex and dangerous than they had anticipated.
"Looks like we've got our work cut out for us," Daniels said, turning to Hayes.
His friend nodded, still gazing at the imposing wall. "Yeah, no kidding. This is going to be one hell of a mission."
Daniels couldn't shake the feeling that their arrival in this unknown universe was just the beginning of a larger, more perilous journey. But no matter what challenges lay ahead, he knew they would face them together, as they always had.
Daniels and Hayes stood by the window, their eyes glued to the gigantic wall that seemed to defy the laws of physics. The metal monstrosity was covered in an array of weapons that looked like they could decimate entire fleets in an instant.
"Look at those rail guns," Daniels pointed out, marveling at the size of the barrels. "They must have a range of lightyears."
"And those laser defense systems," Hayes added, his eyes wide. "Bloody hell, they must have ripped those things off of the lunar defense positions on caliso."
Another marine, Sergeant Collins, joined them. "You think this is some kind of secret weapon?" he asked, his tone hushed.
Daniels shook his head. "If it is, it's the best-kept secret in the universe. There's no way something like this could be built without anyone noticing."
"What do you think it is, then?" Collins pressed.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
"Honestly, I have no idea," Daniels admitted. "But whatever it is, it's big. And it's powerful."
The marines continued to speculate, their voices filled with a mix of awe and trepidation. The realization that they were standing on the edge of an unknown and potentially deadly threat was sinking in.
"Do you think Command knows about this?" Hayes wondered aloud. "I mean, they sent us here for a reason, right?"
"Maybe," Daniels replied, though he wasn't convinced. "But if they did, they sure as hell didn't tell us."
Just then, the ship's intercom crackled to life. "All personnel prepare for the briefing in ten minutes. All bridge officers and squad leaders report to the main conference room."
Daniels sighed. "Looks like we're about to find out."
They turned around and ran through the hallways, the conference room wasn't far mind you as the ship was not all that big
As the marines made their way to the conference room, the atmosphere on the Liberty was tense. The uncertainty of their situation was palpable, and everyone was on edge.
In the conference room, Captain Lewis stood at the head of the table, flanked by his officers. He looked around at the assembled crew, his expression serious.
"I know you're all wondering what the hell is going on," Lewis began. "And believe me, I'm just as confused as you are. But we've been given orders, and we need to follow them."
He gestured to the large screen behind him, which displayed an image of the massive wall they had just seen. "This structure is our objective. We don't know what it is, who built it, or what its purpose is. But we're here to find out."
The room was silent as the crew absorbed this information. The enormity of their task was daunting, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead weighed heavily on their minds.
"We'll be conducting a full scan of the wall and surrounding area," Lewis continued. "I want all departments on high alert. This is uncharted territory, and we need to be prepared for anything."
Lieutenant Ramirez raised his hand. "Captain, do we have any intel on potential threats?"
"None," Lewis replied. "We're going in blind. But I trust this crew. We've faced the unknown before, and we've come out on top. We'll do it again."
As the briefing continued, Daniels couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. The wall was a mystery, and mysteries in deep space were rarely a good thing. But he knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, as they always had.
When the briefing concluded, the crew dispersed to their stations, the atmosphere tense but determined. Daniels and Hayes returned to their posts, ready to do whatever was needed to complete their mission.
"Stay sharp, Hayes," Daniels said as they settled into their positions. "Something tells me this is just the beginning."
Hayes nodded, his expression grim. "Yeah, I have a feeling you're right."
As the Liberty's crew prepared for their mission, the massive wall loomed before them, a silent sentinel in the vast expanse of space. What lay behind it was a mystery, but one thing was certain: they were in for one hell of a ride.
As the Liberty stabilized in Universe 389 and the crew began their scans, an incoming transmission lit up on the comms panel. Captain Lewis, still trying to make sense of their new surroundings, quickly moved to the console to answer.
“Damn it, I wish high command would stick with higher tech instead of this analogue crap.”
Although he knew the reasons why high command continued using analog tech and older technologies to make it harder for enemies to hack ships with AIs and outside systems, it was still a pain in the ass to actually do anything with such old systems. The console in front of him was taking forever to load the video transmission onto the screen.
After what felt like years, the wiring of the machine stopped whirring and the screen finally turned on.
"This is Captain Lewis of the U.U.N. Liberty, receiving transmission," he announced.
The screen flickered to life, revealing the familiar face of Fleet Admiral Jonathan Hale, a stalwart of the Union Navy and an old friend of Lewis.
"Well, if it isn't Captain Lewis," Admiral Hale greeted, a broad smile on his face. "Long time no see, my friend."
Lewis couldn't help but smile back. "Admiral Hale, it's been too long. What brings you out here in this desolate part of the universe?"
Admiral Hale chuckled. "Oh, you know, just keeping an eye on things. We have quite the operation here, and I think you and your men need to be a part of it."
Lewis raised an eyebrow. "You mind telling' me what this is all about then, my friend?"
Hale's expression turned serious. "It's something big, Captain. Bigger than anything we've faced before. I'll tell you once you're docked inside. We have a secure berth ready for the Liberty and I'll come in myself to see you. Follow the escort frigates, and they'll guide you in."
Lewis nodded. "Understood, Admiral. We'll follow your lead."
The transmission ended, and the massive station in the distance opened one of its smaller docking doors. A couple of Union frigates, significantly larger than the Liberty, emerged from the station. The 4km Halvery-class frigates dwarfed the Liberty, their sleek designs and heavy armaments a testament to their might.
The comms crackled to life again, and the commanding officer of one of the frigates spoke. "U.U.N. Liberty, this is the U.U.N. Valor. We will be your escort to the station. Please follow our lead."
Lewis acknowledged the message. "Understood, U.U.N. Valor. We are following your lead."
The Liberty fell in line behind the Halvery-class frigates, the imposing ships guiding them towards the massive station. As they approached, the scale of the structure became even more apparent. It was like a massive city floating in the void, with lights gleaming from every surface.
As they entered the docking bay, the Liberty's crew marveled at the sight before them. Inside the station, massive battleships, carriers, destroyers, and ships of all kinds were docked, their sleek forms a testament to the might of the Union Navy. It was a bustling hive of activity, with armies marching on platforms near the parking lot of ships and maintenance crews scurrying about.
"Holy moly, it's like Vegas in space," Lieutenant Ramirez remarked, awe evident in his voice.
"Indeed," Lewis replied, equally impressed. "I've never seen anything like it."
The Liberty was guided to its berth, and the docking clamps engaged with a satisfying clunk. As the crew disembarked, Lewis issued orders.
"All personnel proceed to the cargo hold and assemble there. We'll be meeting the Admiral shortly."
The crew hurried to follow the Captain's orders, and within minutes, they were assembled in the cargo hold. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation and curiosity about what awaited them.
The sound of boots on metal echoed through the cargo hold as Admiral Hale and his personal entourage of guards marched onto the Liberty. The Admiral's guards were an imposing sight, clad in black power armor with their faces obscured by black gas masks. Daniels couldn't resist a chuckle, whispering to his friend Hayes, "He looks like Lord Hood from Halo. 'Captain Lewis, mind telling me what you're doing on that ship?'" He buffed out his arms and did a pose as he was talking
“Hehehe, shut up, man, you're going to get us in trouble.”
The guards' visors snapped to attention, glaring at the marines, who quickly shut up, their amusement evaporating under the weight of the stern gazes
“I told you stupid monkey, these guys are like kratos man, they don't play around.” they both stood back to attention and the guards looked back to front
Admiral Hale approached Captain Lewis with a broad smile, and the two embraced like old friends. "It's good to see you, Lewis."
Lewis grinned. "Likewise, Jonathan. So, now you mind telling us why you called us here?"
Hale glanced at the crew assembled in the cargo hold, his expression momentarily serious. "Later, Captain. First, tell your crew to relax. We're going to restock your ship and get you ready for what's ahead."
Lewis nodded and turned to his crew. "You heard the Admiral. Stand down and take a breather. We'll be restocking and preparing for our next mission."
The crew visibly relaxed, the tension easing from their shoulders. Admiral Hale's words had provided a brief respite from the uncertainty that had gripped them. Many of them took the opportunity to explore the massive station, their curiosity leading them to various parts of the bustling facility.
"Captain, this way," Hale said, leading Lewis and a few key officers deeper into the station.
As they made their way through the station, the sheer scale of the operation became even more apparent. Massive battleships, carriers, destroyers, and various other ships were docked within the internals of the station. It was like a massive city with light gleaming everywhere, armies marching on platforms near the parking lots of ships and fighters flying low over them. It was impressive, to say the least.
“Quite the interstellar parking garage you got here, Admiral,” the Captain remarked, looking around and seeing tanks and soldiers being offloaded from Type 6 troop carriers—blocky ships with wings stretched out on both sides relatively the length of four football fields.
“Yeah, it sure is. We've been saving this bad boy for when the worst possible outcome would happen.” The Admiral gazed into the distance.
“You'll see in a bit of why we need all of, hell, this.” The Admiral stretched out his hands.
The walked forward through a massive corridor that led away from the massive dock area going into the station's inner city as the walked seemingly through a hole in the wall entering into the food court area, a massive area in which a variety of midstates brand fast food joints resided.
“I hope it doesn't disappoint. I mean, I'd really love to know who the hell thought of the idea to use our tax dollars on something as big and stupid as the borg ship from star trek,” the Captain said smiling.
“Ha ha, well you won't be disappointed my friend with the man who made it !”The admiral winked and pointed to a propaganda poster near one of the stands, of a muscular man in suit punching and destroying a tank while leading soldiers on the battlefield
“NO Crap, the director himself designed this shi-!!”
Surrounding personal looked at him surprise in their face as he muttered the most unpatriotic and treasonous thing one may say
W..wwha you…. A soldier stutered pointing at the captian
“Ok let's get out of here before we start attracting more attention Lewis.”
The admiral and captain with the surprised bodyguards ran down the walkway as they rapidly approached the meeting room
passing throughout the cargo holds, restaurants and full on highways with vehicles passing as they went to the room
“Sorry Admiral you always know how I don't shut up when I need to.”
The admiral sighed “Please it's what brought you down to the rank of captain in the first place!” They both laughed and looked to see the meeting room rapidly coming to view.
They entered a large ominous meeting room, filled with thousands of other ship captains, admirals, army officers, and S.T.A.C.C. agents. The biggest players in the game were all present, their faces a mix of determination and tension. The buzz of conversation filled the air, punctuated by the occasional clatter of boots and the hum of machinery.
Among the assembled leaders were:
- General Marcus Stone, a seasoned veteran and the current head of the Union Army.
- Admiral Helena Frost, known for her tactical brilliance in space battles.
- General Ivan Petrov, head of ground operations and logistics.
- Admiral Elara Voss, Deputy Supreme Commander and one of the most respected figures in the Union Navy.
- Brigadier General Zara Kline, Director of the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Division.
- Air Marshal Liandra Strauss, Commander of the Aerospace Defense Command.
- Colonel Samantha Blake, Commander of the Elite Special Operations Force.
- Colonel David Mercer, Director of the Cyber Warfare Division.
- Major General Ivan Petrov, Director of the Logistics and Support Division.
- Colonel Dr. Abigail Hart, Commander of the Biological and Chemical Defense Unit.
- Director Amelia Hayes, Head of the Union Investigation Agency.
All the biggest players of the game were here, so why would they want me to come here, pondered the captain.. Lewis and the admiral found seats towards the center of the room, glancing around at the gathered assembly. The sheer number of high-ranking personnel present was staggering, and it was clear that whatever was happening, it was of monumental importance.
As they waited for the meeting to begin, Lewis couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. The presence of so many key figures indicated that they were about to face something unprecedented.
Hale leaned over and whispered to Lewis, "We're about to get the full briefing. Stay sharp."
Lewis nodded, his mind racing with questions. The room quieted as a high-ranking S.T.A.C.C. officer took the stage, ready to address the assembled leaders. The tension was palpable, and everyone in the room knew that the information they were about to receive would shape the course of their future actions.
The room quieted as a high-ranking S.T.A.C.C. officer stepped up to the podium, ready to address the assembled leaders. The air was thick with anticipation as he began to speak.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed officers and personnel, it is my honor to introduce the Minister of the Union, Minister Pierce Livingston."
A murmur ran through the crowd, and Captain Lewis leaned over to Admiral Hale, his brow furrowed in confusion. "The Minister? Why is he addressing the military officials? It's usually the Director who does this."
Admiral Hale hushed him gently. "Pay attention, Lewis. This is important."
Minister Pierce Livingston, a stern man with a commanding presence, stepped up to the podium. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the faces of the Union's finest. He cleared his throat, and his voice rang out, steady and clear.
"Good day, everyone. I wish I could address you under better circumstances, but these are dire times. I come bearing grave news."
The room fell silent, and the tension was palpable. Everyone was hanging on his every word.
"It is with a heavy heart that I must confirm the rumors you have heard. The Director has fallen, and our capital lies in ruins. The reports an enemy broadcasts you have been healing and that you may have received are true."
A collective gasp swept through the room. Captain Lewis and numerous officers exchanged incredulous looks, their disbelief evident.
"That's impossible," Captain Lewis muttered under his breath.
Some of the higher-ranking officials like his friend the admiral, however, seemed less surprised, as if they had anticipated this revelation. They remained stoic, absorbing the information with a grim sense of acceptance.
Minister Pierce continued, "I assure you, this is not a lie, nor is it a coup. The Director has indeed fallen, and the Union is facing its greatest crisis. Before his passing, the Director appointed me as the de facto leader, entrusting me with the responsibility to guide the Union through these dark times."
The room erupted in whispers and murmurs, the shock and disbelief giving way to a flurry of hushed conversations. The weight of the news was sinking in, and the reality of their situation was beginning to take hold.
"I understand that this is difficult to accept," Minister Pierce said, his tone empathetic yet firm. "But we must stand united. The Union needs every one of you to step up and fulfill your duties. We face an unprecedented threat, and together, we will overcome it."
Captain Lewis sat back, his mind racing. The fall of the Director and the capital was almost too much to comprehend. But as he looked around the room, he saw the resolve in the faces of his fellow officers. They would rise to the challenge, as they always had.
Minister Pierce then addressed the purpose of the massive station. "This station, which all units of the Army, Navy, and Air Force have now come to, was built for a singular purpose. It is an ark for the Union. The war is being lost on all fronts, and we need a place to regroup and preserve our forces, for which is why all politicians from all governing systems in the universes are being pulled back to our base here along with our remaining armed forces."
The announcement sent waves of surprise and shock through the lower ranks. Even some heads of departments expressed their disbelief.
General Marcus Stone's voice cut through the murmurs. "An ark? You're saying this entire station is meant to be our last stand? Are we really abandoning all of our citizens to the enemy?"
Admiral Helena Frost nodded solemnly. "It's true. We've been preparing for this possibility for a long time, and it's better that the few be lost for the needs of the many generals."
The captain looked up at the supposed general distaste clear on his face “Why should we abandoned our people we made a promise to them for peace and prosperity, pulling back would-”
His friend gave him a glare and he quickly shut up, a signal that if he continued he may be thrown out and possible be….punished for a lack of better terms
One of the heads, Major General Ivan Petrov, hesitated before speaking. "What about surrender? Is there any chance we could negotiate a ceasefire?"
The suggestion was met with glares from many in the room, and Captain Lewis remained emotionless as everything played out.
Minister Pierce laughed, the sound harsh and devoid of humor. "Surrender? Impossible. The Allies would rather kill all of us than allow us to surrender. Their hatred for us runs deep, especially after some of our more... aggressive actions."
The silence in the room slowly grew loud from that last remark, something of which most regretted this war against the allies.
The Minister looked around a fire in eyes that all could see a maddening fire
Minister Pierce’s voice grew resolute. “This station is our hope, our solitude. We will rebuild and continue to fight for what we believe in. The Union will not fall. We will rise from these ashes, stronger than ever."
“We will-WE WILL SHOW OUR ENEMIES ON HOW PEACE IS TRULY OBTAINED!”
The cheers erupted as Captain Lewis looked around and saw no man in that room who had an ounce of good in them left hatred in their eyes, the peace loving Union he once fought for was diving deeper into a territory from which they might never escape its own enemy. He couldn't left all those ideals be left to rot as the organization fallen into the abyss, he couldn't
And with that a new plan… an idea started to form, a new idea to go and save his men from the inevitable fall of this evil empire as the talking continued to the backround.
8 HOURS LATER
As the meeting adjourned, the room buzzed with urgency and determination. Officers and personnel began to move with purpose, ready to face the new reality.
Admiral Hale turned to Lewis. "Well that was a long meeting."
Lewis nodded,"The minister has always been a talker."
As the meeting adjourned and the attendees began to disperse, Captain Lewis found himself in deep thought. The weight of the Minister's words and the grim reality of their situation weighed heavily on his mind. He walked out of the room, feeling a mix of resolve and inner turmoil.
Admiral Hale walked beside him and gave a reassuring smile. "Lewis, we have our work cut out for us.."
Lewis nodded, appreciating the Admiral's attempt to ease the tension. "Sounds good, Jonathan. I'll see you around."
Just as Hale turned to leave, Minister Pierce stopped Lewis with a firm hand on his shoulder. The Minister's eyes held a knowing gleam as he spoke. "Captain Lewis, it's been a while."
"Minister Pierce," Lewis replied, his tone respectful but guarded. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Pierce leaned in slightly, his voice lowering. "I've been meaning to speak with you about why you were brought here. I'm aware of the incident that led to your quiet demotion."
Lewis stiffened, memories of that fateful mission flooding back. But just as quickly as they came he put a lid on them, he wouldn't allow the minister see him break down and lose his compestion
Pierce's expression softened. "I need people like you, Captain—people who have values and think for themselves. The Union needs more leaders with integrity, especially now."
He patted Lewis on the back. "I want to raise you back to the rank of Admiral. Your actions speak volumes about your character and by the director I need men who can carry out my orders with dignity and righteousness."
Lewis's jaw tightened, and he met Pierce's gaze with unwavering resolve. "Minister, if we're going to continue this cycle of death and destruction without learning from our mistakes, then we shouldn't continue at all. We need to pave a new path, one that upholds the ideals we claim to stand for instead, I'm sorry to say minister leading our nation to a decline to hiding and launching terrorist attacks like the filith we used to claim were evil. "
The minister's face contorted into a scowl hatred visible on his face “I believe that you are mistaken-
Before Pierce could further his response, a S.T.A.C.C. intelligence officer sprinted towards them, urgency etched across his features. "Minister, Captain Lewis, we've detected an energy signal similar to that of Allied ships. It's faint but approaching rapidly."
Lewis listened intently, the realization hitting him like a ton of bricks. This must be the Allied fleet, coming to finish what they started.
Pierce muttered a curse “damit even know they shatter our plans”
The minister quickly composed himself, donning his authoritative demeanor. He turned to Lewis, extending his hand. "Captain, we will continue to discuss this later I do hope you reconsider your position and accept this promotion, ill be needing you soon captain.
Lewis shook Pierce's hand firmly. "I'll be ready, Minister.."
Pierce nodded, a hint of respect flickering in his eyes. "Stay sharp, Captain. Oh, and the mention of all things in this room stays confidential. Do not tell your crew about the director's passing." The weight of his words hung in the air like a storm cloud, casting a shadow over Captain Lewis's thoughts.
Captain Lewis turned back his eyes stone cold “ I …I understand minister.”. His thoughts drifted back to the radio stations his crew always listened to, broadcasting reports from the allies about the string of defeats that the government would never acknowledge, at least not to the military personnel. The contrast between their idealistic broadcasts and the grim reality weighed heavily on his conscience.
Minister Pierce remained calm, his expression unwavering, as if he were made of stone. "It's for the good of the people, Captain. They need stability and hope right now. We can't risk panic and chaos."
The director went off in the hallway
Lewis clenched his fist, the anger and conflict within him palpable. He grabbed his connector—a sleek, futuristic device that shimmered under the overhead lights—and quickly connected a call to his second-in-command, Commander Patrick McGregor.
The holographic image of McGregor appeared, slightly disheveled and holding a drink, an image of carefree distraction. "Captain? What's going on? I'm at the Midstates Bar—"
"Patrick, I need everyone back on the ship immediately," Lewis interrupted, his tone urgent, the gravity of the situation weighing down heavily on him.
McGregor's confusion was evident, his brow furrowing. "What's the rush, Lewis? We just got here..."
"Just hurry," Lewis snapped, cutting the connection before his friend could protest further.
Turning back to Pierce, his resolve solidified like tempered steel. "You better be right about this, Minister." With that, he stormed out of the room, determination fueling his every step.
Class: Liberty-Class Light Frigate
Length: 2,000 meters
Width: 480 meters
Height: 350 meters
Crew Capacity: 2,500 personnel (including officers, engineers, gunners, and pilots)
Hangar Bay Capacity: 20 Falcon Dropships, 10 Director class Gunships, 5 Thunder Apcs, 2 Annihilator Mechs, 8 Peace class All. Terran. Transport. Vehicles. ATTV
Liberty is a warship of the past, a relic from an earlier era of space warfare, built on the design principles of 21st-century naval destroyers. Its broad, rectangular hull is reinforced with carbon-plated titanium armor, scarred by battles long forgotten. The pitted surface of the ship tells tales of its many victories and losses, yet despite its age, it remains a formidable force among the Allied Systems Defense Fleet.
Liberty-Class Frigate was designed for multi-role engagements, acting as a long-range artillery platform and a heavy escort for larger battleships. While newer warships rely on sleeker, more advanced designs, the Liberty is a brawler, built for durability and firepower. Its numerous turrets and missile pods protruding from its broad, rugged hull give it an intimidating, battle-hardened presence.
age has caught up with the Liberty. Many of its original systems have been patched and upgraded multiple times, leaving it a hodgepodge of old and new technologies. Some parts of the ship still rely on manual operation, making it a nightmare for engineers to maintain. Yet, for those who serve aboard her, the Liberty is a legend—an old warhorse that refuses to die.
Liberty may be old, but it is still bristling with weapons, capable of holding its own against modern warships.
- 8x Mass Accelerator Cannons (MACs) – Gigantic coilguns mounted along the ship’s dorsal side, capable of firing hyper-dense tungsten slugs at near-light speeds. Used for breaking enemy capital ships apart.
- 32x Heavy Plasma Turrets – Rotary plasma cannons placed along the ship’s broadside, capable of melting through shields and armor alike.
- 4x Long-Range Railgun Batteries – Primarily used for sniping enemy vessels at extreme distances. These magnetically accelerated rounds are devastating but require long reload times.
- 16x Universal Missile Pods – Capable of launching everything from guided torpedoes to EMP warheads.
- 2x Capital Ship Torpedo Launchers – Fires massive antimatter warheads, designed to punch through the hulls of dreadnoughts and battleships.
- Point-Defense Laser Grid – A network of automated turrets designed to intercept incoming missiles and enemy fighters.
- Planetary Siege-Class Nuclear Missiles (5 Warheads) – Continent-wiping nuclear weapons, each housed in a heavily shielded launch bay.
- Regenerative Ablative Armor – A multi-layered armor plating system that distributes impact force, reducing the effectiveness of incoming fire.
- Adaptive Shielding – Allows the ship to re-route energy to different shield sections, reinforcing areas under heavy attack.
- Countermeasure Dispersion System – Releases decoy drones and EMP-chaff clouds to disrupt enemy targeting systems.