Primaris Ascendant, Beta Proioxis Galaxy, Galactic Center, Imperium Capital

  The planet was one colossal super-city, home to over 100 billion souls. Orbiting two stars, it had no moon. From above, the surface appeared devoid of green fields or sandy beaches. The city's orange glow polluted the sky, casting a faint haze over the surface, an effect not visible from below. Describing it as overpopulated would be an understatement.

  As you descended through the atmosphere, past the elegant fleet protecting the capital, you would eventually come face-to-face with the towering "Capital Dome," a structure that dwarfed everything around it. At its apex stood a spire, an imposing feature at the heart of the planet. This dome was not just a building, but the focal point where representatives from every kingdom under Imperial rule gathered to resolve galactic disputes.

  The spire was home to the galaxy's so-called peacekeepers. Under the Aeternian Order, they wielded the highest concentration of magic in the galaxy. Unrivaled in combat, they held to their sacred duty to bring "good" to the galaxy, however in the minds of many "good" was subjective.

  Aeternian Council Chambers

  "The people of Arcadia have repeatedly refused our demands to join the Imperium. Claiming that they are a independent nation who belongs to neither us nor the the Auric Concord." A middle aged figure sitting around a table with 12 other men and woman grumbled. Everyone in the room wore a royal white military uniform with golden trimming. "What right to they have to remain independent from us? Don't they understand the power they are dealing with!?"

  "Please, calm yourself, Magnus," a voice interrupted. "The people of Arcadia aren't our immediate concern. Our true enemy lies with the Rebels. We must focus on ending the war swiftly to restore order." The elf-woman speaking was Elaria, a youthful figure with a golden staff held in her right hand. Despite her appearance, she was well over a century old, her body seemingly untouched by the passage of time.

  A grumble came from the man sitting next to her. Cassiel was a newer member to the council, however his mastery of his abilities had earned him a spot amongst them despite the attitude. "We have been in a stalemate with the Rebel forces for the last decade. We win planets only to lose them, we need the resources on that planet."

  "That may be so, but these are peoples lives we are talking about. They should have a say in what they want to do." Another female Arcanists, a short girl with long white hair spoke up. She was the newest member of the Council and the youngest to do so. Selene Atrius was human and the only current member of the council who had come from a low-birth lifestyle in the outer colonies before being chosen to become a Aeternian Sentinel, a order of Magicians who served as the galaxies protectors. "Forcing them to join us would only stir up more unrest across the sectors."

  "And what message does that send to the kingdoms under our control? That we are weak, incapable of maintaining order in the galaxy?" Kael Veyron, a Drakari, sneered at the girl across the table. Selene slumping slightly under the accusing eyes. His dragon clawed hands tapping the table and his fiery orange dragon eyes burring into her soul. A pair of folded red dragon wings rested on his back and a scaled dragon tale snapped at his side in annoyance.

  "Relax Kael, Selene brings up a good point." Isolde Vaelor, a Sylphid with green hair and eyes sighed. Translucent green butterfly wings were folded behind her back in a similar manner to the Drakari. She sat beside the white haired human girl, the words weren't comforting in the slightest to the woman in question. The green haired woman was normally just as ruthless to Selene as the rest, just because she liked being on kael's nerves was the only reason she was currently being kind. "Are you sure that it is not because you want to be the one to lead the assault against them instead of the Varkath Clan? You hate the idea of those slavers being the ones to get the glory."

  The Varkath Clan was a slave organization spread across the galaxy. They were illegal by all means but because of the power they held and the fact that in many places economies were held together because of them the kingdoms and entire Imperium by extent had done nothing about the problem.

  They had offered their services in the subjugation of Arcadia and its people. The Imperium and quickly given the go ahead when they didn't have to waste any of their own resources.

  "Hmph." Kael looked away, the white haired girl gave a shiver before looking back up. The room had gotten quiet.

  "Anyways, we should not focus on this matter. It is already being delt with." Varian Solis, the official leader of the order and only High Elf one the council sighed. He had aged blond hair and caramel colored skin that glowed in the sun. "What is our next course of action against the Rebels, the loss of Zephyria although not concerning at this moment is a issue that must be delt with quickly."

  Selene looked away, she had a bad feeling about the situation with Arcadia and the Council was missing something very important. The planet had never been colonized because the system was deemed inhabitable for life. Yet somehow there were humans living on Arcadia's surface and the planet had gone from nothing but dust to grassy fields and water.

  Sector 59, Planet Arcadia, Colony World of NACR. Captain Ryan Williams, SS Walker.

  Walker was a freighter owned by SpaceX. Although it was old, it was plenty for the small freight jobs it carried out.

  The vessel was a typical of NACR space craft in its function over everything else design. Rectangular in design with 2 aft mounted thrusters that provided propulsion to the freighter, the ship narrowed at the middle where special cargo containers were attached onto the hull. The bridge was placed right at the front behind special reinforced glass.

  Captain Ryan Walker was an experienced SpaceX captain who had commanded this ship for most of his career. He had served at every possible station within the freighter, giving him more then enough experience to be worthy of his position commanding his crew. He was a senior officer with aged grey hair and a beard. He wore a standard blue SpaceX uniform, and warm brown fuzzy slippers with white cotton. A cup of Dark Roast Coffee sat in his hand as he monitored the situation outside the bridge.

  "Captain, we are ready to decouple from the station. All cargo and crew are aboard and are ready for departure." His XO, a similarly aged woman who wore similar attire looked up from the grey data-pad in her hand. A pair of glasses rested on her head giving her a sort of librarian vibe.

  A smile came to Ryan's lips. "Very well. Lets get us underway."

  Roxanne smiled before looking to helm. "Helm, detach docking clamps and move us away from the station."

  "Aye, Aye. Docking clamps detached, engines quarter impulse." The ship lurched backwards as its nose angled up and away from the structure of the station towards the vast expanse of space.

  The Walker had unloaded and loaded new cargo in Arcadia, they were set to jump to Cryos-7 at the edge of NACR Territory in this galaxy where they would take the Stargate back to the Milky Way Galaxy and deliver the shipment to Helios-4 before moving onto Persephone. Their lives had gotten a lot busier ever since the NACR Arcadia had been colonized, although at this moment only a single super city existed on the planet and a couple towns close by the planet still held close to 300,000 people. As it turned out the planet was very rich in resources and had already become a major business center for larger corporations and startups.

  The freighter started to move farther away from the station, joining the mandatory civilian travel routes and fallowing it until they reached the legal jump point. "Captain, I'm getting a strange reading here."

  "Is there something wrong with the Cargo?" Ryan turned to the officer who spoke up before realizing who it was. Officer Prez was the ships navigator, a frown graced his lips.

  "No." The officer looked up. "A fleet of 25 vessels just appeared outside the civilian arrival corridor. They are broadcasting signals I have never seen before, they seem to have jumped into system in the direction of the Galactic Center."

  "Good God." The bridge looked up in shock. The implication was clear, the unknowns belonged to the galaxy they currently resided in. Ryan shook his head. "Has Arcadia Central made contact?"

  "They are trying."

  "Sir we have visual!" A holographic display appeared on the holo-table behind the Captain. Ryan spun around to take a look and his eyes went wide, the NACR had very little knowledge of the peoples who inhabited this galaxy. However a month ago a strange vessel had appeared near the planet claiming to hail from the Imperium of United Thrones. They had demanded that Arcadia give itself to the Imperium, after they learned that people were living on the planet. Of course Arcadia had said no and the vessel had quickly left after a navy frigate that had been stationed over the planet arrived on scene.

  These ships weren't as prestigious as those people who claimed to be from the Imperium, but their designs were early similar. A bad feeling quickly started to rise in his stomach.

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  "Energy build up detected! Their going to open fire on the civilian ships nearby!"

  Primaris Ascendant, Beta Proioxis Galaxy, Selene Atrius, Personal Chambers.

  Selene stood in a void of endless black, her breath ragged, her body trembling. Sweat dripped from her forehead as she gripped her sword in a white-knuckled hold. Her heart was pounding. Shadows that resembled people circled her, whispering in a manner that she could not hear. Each time she struck at them with her holy sword, they dissipated into nothing, only to reform again and continue their torment.

  A blink later and she found herself standing in front of a planet. Her eyes widened in realization as the familiar sight of Varkath and Imperium warships floated in formation above the familiar planet she had seen in a report mere hours ago. Arcadia.

  The sky over the city was thick with choking smoke. The skyline was now nothing more than burning ruins. Around the population center the ground itself was on fire from the aftermath of orbital bombardments. Above the planet, floating in the abyss of space, loomed the unmistakable shapes of Varkath and Imperium warships. Their formation was tight and predatory, taking in the success of their extermination.

  Could this possibly be the future? Could she possibly be having a vision? Impossible, she was human after all.

  Suddenly a flash of light in the corner of her eye drew her attention from the Varkath fleet over the planet. From the flash a ship appeared, its dark black hull blending into the space behind it. It's rectangular industrialized slab-sided design was both ugly and intimidated.

  There was another flash, then another, and another, and another. Suddenly the space around the newcomer had been filled with starships of similar design elements ranging all across the spectrum of size. However the ship in the center was ginormous dwarfing even the absurdly large ships already in the fleet. The ship was the size of a city and caused Selene to visibly shake as her legs collapsed.

  Blue Energy began to condense around the front of the unknown warship. There was no magic that she could detect causing her to look on in awe. The Energy condensed before her world suddenly went white. It was as if a thousands voices had cried out in pain all at the same time, tears streamed down her face as she found her mind locked in a white void.

  Steps approached her. The woman was giant and wore a holy white robe, however her face was hidden behind a shadow.

  "Who are you?" Selene shivered. The unknown just looked at her before looking away again. Selene's body screamed at her to run, but she was frozen. Trapped like a child in front of their worst nightmare. The woman's presence was suffocating.

  "A force stirs beyond your sight. One that does not kneel, does not break, does not fear. You seek to bind what cannot be bound, to strike what does not bleed, to silence what will not yield. But your weapons will shatter against their armor, and your fire will wither before their storm. The throne you serve is not as unshaken as you believe. Beneath its golden light, decay festers, and the stars will not wait. Take one step too far, and the heavens themselves will burn. And when the embers fade... you will not rise from the ashes."

  The burning image of Imperium fleets flashed through her mind fallowed by planets on fire.

  Selene awoke with a scream.

  New Washington, Ascendant, Sirius System, 8.6 light years from Sol.

  Ascendant was a beautiful earth-like planet located 8.6 light years from Sol. It was the current Capital World of the North American Constitutional Republic.

  The planet's surface is a vibrant and full of sprawling cities, vast oceans, and dense forests and towering skyscrapers that glint in the sunlight, reflecting the prosperity and technological advancement of the NACR. Ascendant's cities are marvels of architecture, with clean energy systems and green spaces woven into every aspect of urban life. Its capital New Washington was full of life as civilians moved though markets and businesses thrived no matter how small.

  Beyond its urban cities, Ascendant boasts incredible landscapes. Its mountain ranges are rich with flowers and creatures, while its oceans teem with life, providing vital resources for its population. The atmosphere is crisp and clear, with an inviting warmth that makes it a beacon of hope and progress for all who live under the NACR banner.

  With a powerful military presence and strong political influence, Ascendant is not only a symbol of NACR's strength but also a center for scientific and diplomatic endeavors, attracting researchers, diplomats, and pioneers from across the galaxy. The planet is a hub of innovation and a shining example of what the North American Constitutional Republic is. An advanced civilization that could balance technology, the people and the environment.

  "Hey Honey, how's work?" A man wearing a standard black business suit and tie over a white collared shirt walked down the streets of New Washington with his ear-pods in.

  William had just married his wife last winter, they both worked in the same school and had met each other after they started working. Things had blossomed from there.

  "Would be better if you were here. It's been boring lately, however I am set to return next month." His wife responded from other side of the call. She had been sent on a 2 month Contract on a temporary contract to a Highschool on Arcadia as Substitute Principle while the full time principle was finishing her labor time off.

  "The house is crazy without you. Adam is going to drive me up the wall." William rolled his eyes as his wife gave a sweet chuckle. The dark haired teacher crossed the street as the crosswalk sign turned green. "I'm looking forward to seeing you again."

  There was a pause, the atmosphere seeming to suddenly go tense as William send a glance towards where his data-pad was stuffed into his pant pocket. He hadn't hung up the phone? "Is there something wrong babe?"

  Suddenly a sudden static in the call caused him to wince as the sound echoed in his ear. "Babe?"

  Sector 59, Planet Arcadia, Colony World of NACR. Captain Ryan Williams, SS Walker.

  "Prepare for Emergency Jump! Get us out of here and towards the Stargate!"

  The crew scrambled as the freighter took a hit from the strange weapon their attackers used. The golden energy ball melted away the metal plating where it impacted. "Hull breach on Level 12C!"

  "Seal off the compromised sectors! Helm why aren't we at FTL yet!" William gave a hurried glance to the sailor in front of him. The woman's fingers scrambling around the control panel in front of her seat.

  "10 seconds sir!"

  Alarms were blaring across the ship as the metal hull groaned under the pressure. The unknows had attacked without warning, targeting the civilian vessel close to them before destroying the station in orbit. Some civilian vessels that had been preparing to jump had already escaped, his freighter had taken several hits. Using its reinforced hull to protect some of the civilian vessel escaping before preparing to make its own escape.

  "Get us out of here!"

  He clutched his fists as the ship seemed to lurch before a flash of white light momentarily blinded him before he found himself within FTL as a distorted purple tunnel surrounded the ship as it traveled through the Rift Dimension. The NACR wasn't going to take this attack lying down, the monsters that had just attacked Arcadia would get what was coming for them.

  Cryos-7, NACR Vendetta, Marathon Class Light Cruiser, 1st Stargate division.

  The Frozen rock planet was the only planet around its star at the edge of the Beta Proioxis galaxy withing the Arcadia System. The planet existed as base of operations for the North American Constitutional Republic military forces in this galaxy. The planet was however orbited by a alien artifact known as the Stargate. The ancient ringworld had a 10,000 kilometer diameter and connected the Milky Way Galaxy to the Beta Proioxis Galaxy. Aside from the Cradle it was the NACR's prized position.

  These metallic ring was made of a alien material that humanity had still not been quite able to replicate to the same extent. It had a width of just over 300 kilometers and a thickness of 22 kilometers. It was Gigantic and supported a earth like surface.

  From specific locations on the ring blue beams of unknown energy shot up from the ring and formed together to unveil a purple glowing portal that led to the Milky Way side. Nothing was allowed to pass through unless they were NACR and had clearance codes that were special for each ship passing through.

  A fleet of over 50 warships and 20 support vessels guarded the gate. Primarily Marathon Class Light Cruisers and Wyvern Class Heavy Destroyers supported by Franklin Class Support Ships made up the entirely of the fleet.

  Aboard the Vendetta, a Marathon Class Light Command Cruiser, Admiral Jonathan Mercer was the commanding officer over the 1st Stargate Division. He was a new admiral that had been recently promoted not long after a colony had been set up on Arcadia. He been immediately dispatched to the Vendetta and the 1st Division to take command.

  The Vendetta was 1,170 meters in length and had a height of 310 meters. Its width just scratching 200 meters. Its design looked like a rectangular cannon, typical in NACR design. Its hull was very industrialized and slab-sided as was typical of NACR Warships. Prioritizing function over other choices. At the rear of the ship thick armor protected the two primary ion thrusters and 2 secondary maneuvering thrusters. A slab rested at the top of the hull near the rear housing a bridge that provided excellent visibility for the crew.

  The ship was armed with a single internal spinal mounted Starpiercer Particle Cannon that stretched the length of the ship. It acted as its primary anti-ship weapon and was accompanied by 6 front facing double barreled coil guns mounted on the side of the hull near the rear. They were stacked vertically allowing all weapons a chance to fire at a target on the ships bow. The cruiser was also outfitted with a dozen point defense pulse lasers and a couple dozen missile silos, each carrying 25 missiles.

  Admiral Jonathan watched as several fighters originating from the Stargates surface base flew past his bridge. It had been quiet, they were supposed to have plenty of traffic today and he had received no prior cancelation notice today. A feeling of wrongness was building up in his gut, this galaxy was a dangerous and unknown place. The government knew very little about the ongoings of this galaxies inhabitants. Only that they existed and a ship belonging to one faction that seemed to have space faring capabilities had tried to threaten them before being chased away.

  "Anything from Arcadia? this is unusual behavior." he questioned his communications systems officer who frowned and gave a shake of the head. The bright glow of computer screens illuminated the room as the tension remained high.

  A sigh escaped his lips before a sudden movement from one of the sailors on the bridge behind him caught his attention. "Signals detected! A whole lot of them! Their transmitting a destress call on NACR emergency frequencies!"

  "What?"

  "Contacts about to drop out of FTL, visual in 5-4-3-2-2- Contact!"

  Multiple flashes indicating FTL arrivals appeared in front of them. The unmistakable arrowhead design of regular civilian transports and freighters dotted the view in front of him. "Damage detected on new arrivals! Burn marks and hull breaches all across the board!"

  What on Earth had happened to these people. They were definitely from Arcadia, many of the arrivals that were supposed to have already passed through the Stargate hours ago were here. "Sir! Incoming destress call from SS Walker!"

  "Patch it through, find out what the hell is going on and why those ships are damaged!" He ordered. Standing up straight a holographic display of the freighters bridge and Captain appeared in front of him. "This is UACR Vendetta, we are responding to your destress call. What is the situation."

  There was a moment of pause as the tension on the bridge only continued to escalate. "This is Captain Ryan Williams of the Freighter SS Walker! Arcadia is under attack!"