The Orionus Chronicles - Part 1: The Beginning

The United Galactic Alliance, the most powerful multi-species conglomerate to take shape since the Covenant, has protected the Orion Arm of the Galaxy for more than half a century but when an unknown enemy begins attacking their worlds, a conflict that may mean their end evolves. The shadows of power have begun to take shape and the threat of devastation looms over all. It will take the strength of an army and the courage of a hero to fend of the danger before all is lost.

Prelude
The Council Hall of the Orionis Center was packed with the UGA's finest. They were there to deal with a dire situation, hostile vessels began attacking small colonies on the edge of their territories. The debate on what to do about this unseen enemy lasted for hours but the decision would ultimately shape what happens to the Galaxy.

Part I
Sol 'Vadum shuffled in his council chair, sitting as if uncomfortable. His left mandible twitched as the debate went on and on. His neighbor, Councilor 'Folan glanced over, trying to listen to the debate and see what was wrong with Vadam at the same time. "Councilor, are you alright," asked the half-concerned councilor. "Uh, yes 'Folan. I'm fine," replied Vadum in a low voice. It was obvious that Vadam was growing more and more impatient and his attempt to let the other councilors speak was becoming increasingly impossible. He watched as councilors bickered on about the issue at hand.

"Obviously, we need to track the enemy down and exterminate them. This shouldn't even cause for debate," barks Councilor Paxton.

"This is a volatile situation, Councilor Paxton. Sending a fleet could cause another war and that is something we don't need right now," said Councilor 'Resum in rebuttal.

"Than what do you think is the best action to be taken," replies Paxton.

"We send a peacemaker fleet. The sheer size and number of our ships will be enough to scare whatever enemy it is into submission," adds Councilor 'Derum.

"How do we know that these, these things, will back down. We need to do more than send a fleet, we need to send an entire army," shouts Paxton.

"Paxton, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you want much more than the ensurance of our colonies," says Councilor Vasser.

"Your damn right I want more! They attacked our homes, our children, our lives! Don't you understand, If we don't deal with this problem now, It will escalate until it's too big for any of us," growls Paxton.

"If you want war, fear mongering is not the way to get it. The possibility of them waging a full-scale attack on us is a great concern but we must think first. Our people still suffer from the scars of a previous war. Tossing them into another conflict could be disastrous," says Councilor 'Derum.

"But doing nothing could prove even more disastrous," says Sol 'Vadum, finally losing his patience. "I commend your efforts to keep us out of another conflict but Paxton is absolutely right. If we don't take necessary action, this alliance may crumble into rubble.

The other councilors looked at eachother, realizing the truth in 'Vadum and Paxton's statements. The threat of a large-scale conflict was a dark nightmare that no one in the Council wanted to fall on their heads, but it's inevitability became greater. There was the conjunctive possibility that it was merely a few hostiles and that any conflict would be finished within a week so many retained their hope for a lasting era of peace. As the council session closed and the declaration to send a battle fleet was made, 'Vadum made his way to his council chambers only to be stopped in the corridor by Paxton. "Vadum, I wanted to thank you for-" 'Vadum quickly interrupted Paxton's sentence. "Paxton, what is your agenda in this," inquires 'Vadum. "Agenda? I have no agenda in war," replied Paxton with a shocked look on his face. "I've never seen you fight that hard for any cause. Either way, the certainty of war is not set in stone. Whatever you'll get, won't last," 'Vadum growls as he turns and walks away leaving Paxton with a sneering expression.

Only minutes later, an army is being prepared to be mobilized into the last known location of the hostiles, the Omega-7 System. As the 3rd Fleet of Justice is deployed, Marines prep and arm themselves for combat. Aboard the mighty UGA Centurion, Captain Fields looks out through his massive ship's observation deck. The entire room is dark, save for the dim glimmer of light coming from the hologram projector. Behind him, the AI Magesty, appears. "Captain, incoming unidentified objects. I can't quite get a beat on them. This may be it, Sir," says Magesty in a slightly monotone voice. "Alright, looks like the big one," mumbles Fields to himself. He pushes the INTERCOM button next to him and clears his voice. "All hands, prepare for combat. Charge PAC weapons and shields. This is what we came here for,"says Fields in a demanding tone. Everyone aboard the ship begins to scatter as Fields' voice echoes through the corridors and barracks. "Captain, objects are getting closer. I'm starting to pick up familiar identification. It is one of ours," says Majesty. "What? Power down PACs. Bring us closer to that ship," orders Fields. "Aye sir," says Majesty as while fading away into a flicker of small lights.