Extinction part 1

(This story is long and is a continuation from The Past Defines The Future also one of my best ones I've done yet.)(20,000 words)

Extinction

As dusk fell, the moon emerged from behind a scattering of clouds, illuminating the vast expanse of the sea. H. gazed out at the breathtaking scene before him, watching as the waves crashed against the ship's hull and broke to reveal the dagger-like shapes of the sea. Memories of Yui flooded his mind, and he clutched the railing, wishing for the days past when they would travel together.

But, things were different. As he rotated on his feet and whispered, "to war," H. felt a sense of unease rippling through him. As he made his way along the deck, the waves grew more aggressive, splashing water onto the slick surface beneath his feet. Dressed in black uniforms and heavy armor, the other sailors moved purposefully around him.

As H. ascended the stairs, the deck grew drier, and he felt a moment of relief. However, the ship suddenly shifted, causing him to stumble. Acting on instinct, he grabbed the closest officer for support, and they steadied each other as the ship continued to accelerate. Finally, the shaking subsided, and H. moved on to the next set of stairs.

Entering the bridge, H. couldn't help but marvel at its futuristic appearance, reminiscent of a sci-fi spaceship. Though the windows were tinted black, displays inside provided information on the ship's status and communications with the rest of the fleet. Suddenly, a voice echoed through the room, "6 hours till arrival." H. took a deep breath and braced himself for the battle to come.

As H. moves towards the command table behind the captain's chair, he pats the man occupying the chair on his shoulder, prompting him to stand and follow him to the table where he places his hand down. The table then displays the ETA and fleet formation. H. addresses the bridge staff, requesting the slowing down of their speed and for the shield ships to arrive a few hours before them. He ensures their arrival is scheduled for slightly after sundown the next day. The crew quickly follows the order, shifting speeds and sending out necessary commands. H. turns to the table, watching as the ETA time updates to 6:03 PM Pacific time, before making his way to the bulkhead.

As he exits, he notices the fleet slowing down, and a soldier standing by the bulkhead about to take a nap for the night shift. H. reached out and grabed the soldier's arm, only to realize it's not a male but a tall, flat-chested woman soldier. Unperturbed, he gives her orders to prep the men for the ground assault, insisting on readiness in 20 hours with no exceptions, while canceling the guard posts. She salutes and runs to deliver his orders.

H stays by the railing, in the pitch-black darkness, taking the lights on the ships as he leans against the railing before speaking to the crew via the ship's speakers, reminding them to be prepared. He is determined to make the sea red with their enemy's blood. He proceeds downstairs to an empty room and starts up the data information and routes about a particular country, waiting for the arrival of his council, even if that means getting online to the computers hovering overhead.

After a few moments, he calls out to all senior officers, requesting their presence in the war room in ten minutes. As he waits for his council to assemble, he sits back in his chair, anticipating the upcoming mission.

Meeting:

The room was dimly lit, with several screens lining the walls. H. patiently awaited the arrival of his fellow members. His wait was brief, as more than 20 people entered the room, each carrying books, paper, and delicately crafted quills engraved with their name and representing the ships they belonged to. The scribes' faces were concealed with advanced devices that provided them with invaluable information while keeping them up-to-date in real-time. Except for one old man in his 80s who was H.'s personal scribe, trusted, and indispensable. Covered in wrinkles, he didn't have a device, but he had a quill and a lifetime of knowledge and wisdom. As the last member arrived, H. signaled to the room, and the lights went off, leaving only the table's luminance. Suddenly, multiple screens behind the heads of the scribes' flickered to life, revealing all the captains and commanders of the fleet, each one characterized by a black screen with a name and other essential details scrolling down it.

Once everyone settled comfortably, H. raised his hand, and the table's screen illuminated, transforming into a map of the sea, which promptly expanded to reveal their destination. This was the moment of truth, as the battle plan was ready, but none of the captains knew of the top-secret strategy until now. It was a risk that H. needed to take, even though he knew some of his fleet's personnel would object since they hailed from the country they were targeting.

However, he remained composed and expressionless as he addressed the assemblage before him, ready to reveal the plan that would undoubtedly secure their victory.

H. takes a deep breath and looks directly at the shadowy figure of Captain Silone. "Our focus is on Mexico," he declares. The response he receives is a volatile one, a frenzy of objections, hurling insults and questioning the feasibility of such a plan. Despite H's attempts to calm the chaos, H.’s words fell on deaf ears.

Suddenly, a loud BANG emanates from his right, silencing the room. All eyes turned to H's scribe, who was now holding a 45 colt in his hand with a magnum gun lying on the table. The man set the gun down but kept his hand on it as a precautionary measure. He signaled for H. to continue.

H shifted in his chair before speaking, aware of the delicate nature of the situation.

"As someone of Hispanic descent, I understand your anger. However, let us be clear that our target is not the people, but the cartels."

The moment the word "cartel" left his lips, the tension in the room dissipated.

Suddenly, a small furry creature scurries up to him, carrying two steaming cups of tea.

"We have a lot to take care of, and this will not be a quick or easy task. Thank you, Minni,”

As he took a sip, he immediately regretted it and examined the cup before handing it to his scribe. He then accepted the other cup from the creature's paws, eagerly gulping it down with renewed vigor.

The scribe takes a sip from the former cup before setting it down and dismissing the animal with a wave of their hand. H. takes a deep breath and prepares to dive headfirst into the difficult task ahead.

"Alright, everyone. Let's begin by discussing the impact of reduced supplies coming out of Mexico and brainstorming solutions to help alleviate this issue. Over the next hour and a half, we will be engaging in productive conversations, taking notes, and sharing ideas. To ensure that we are on track, H. has requested that one of the scribes reads out the report that was written earlier. Glammity, could you please summarize the key points for us while keeping it simple and concise?"

After speaking, H.’s scribe worked with the others for the next hour and a half. To compile everything. When everyone was ready, they shifted their seats to look at Glammity. After a moment to gather herself, she addressed the group.

Sections lb-j67 and 76-gh outline the joint capabilities of the Imperium and Sycamore fleets in this operation to reflect the findings of our research. This section highlights our strategy for compensating for resources lost in affected areas. The resources in question are as follows:

Vehicle production yards will be rebuilt closer to the US border, causing disruption for almost a year. Troubled employees will still be paid. The stipulations will affect farming regions, and the corporation will clear most of the land, making it available for companies like and such to claim. Those with more land get top priority. Those left over may be forced to move to a different country.

The auto parts/equipment industry is set to undergo significant changes with vehicle production yards being rebuilt near the US border in the Chohaliu State. This move is likely to cause disruption for approximately a year, but the corporation has pledged to continue paying their troubled employees. The stipulations will affect farming regions, and the corporation plans to clear much of the land, making it available for other companies to claim. Priority will be given to companies with larger landholdings, leaving others at risk of being forced to relocate to a different country. These changes are expected to have a lasting impact on the industry and its stakeholders.

Electronics production factories will be relocated to areas closer to shipping ports, resulting in a potential year-long transition period. Employees affected by the move will still receive compensation during this period. The move may have an impact on nearby residential areas, particularly those involved in farming and agriculture. The corporation intends to clear most of the land, leaving it available for companies seeking new manufacturing sites. The priority will be given to those with larger land holdings, leaving those without scrambling to find new opportunities or potentially forced to move elsewhere.

During this point, miss. Glammity decided to sit down and regain her breath, and quench her parched throat, meaning across from her another secretary a male. Named Corpre took up speaking the next few points.

The oil plants located in the disaster area will be shut down, and all companies, along with their resources and assets, will be distributed to another part of the mining field. All plants will be closed and removed to reduce pollution, and also due to the minimal need for fuel in the world. Any workers will be given a payment that will last until their retirement, before being given the option to join a different job location.

The vehicle production yards, along with the medical instruments production company, will be moving hand in hand to locations on the lower part of the nation, closer to the South American border. As such, the land for these factories will be cleared, and an old mining facility will be used for the largest factory, with one half for medical production and the other for vehicle production. The corporation will pay for the plants' new building and housing for the workers/families. With this being done, the plan is for the cooperation to pay for people to move in and cut taxes until the factory is built.

The beer industry is set to undergo significant changes as production and distribution will be relocated nearer to the US border. This will result in a disturbance that could last for almost a year, but the company has promised to continue paying its employees. Unfortunately, the new arrangements will have an impact on farming communities as the corporation plans to clear much of the land, creating opportunities for other companies. Priority will be given to those with more land, leaving others with the potential need to relocate to another country.

However, with the last two critical points delegated to another member of the team, Mr. Zecfreyer found himself on a conference call, the sound of the thundering ocean waves and the loud background chatter adding a degree of difficulty to communication. He had been assigned the task of overseeing the preparations of the Shield ships, currently anchored along the picturesque shore of Mexico. With a keen eye for detail, Mr. Zecfreyer was on hand to assist in the final stages of setup, ensuring that everything was in place for the imminent deployment of the fleet. From positioning weapons to securing supplies, Mr. Zecfreyer was responsible for ensuring the ships were combat-ready and equipped for any eventuality. Despite the challenges posed by the remote communication and noise pollution, Mr. Zecfreyer remained laser-focused, determined to see the fleet off to a successful start

In Mexico, a large-scale mining operation is underway to strip many valuable gems and precious metals from various locations. These include gems such as diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies, as well as precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. With the removal of all product, the following and former will no longer be mined in the affected area and instead productions will be given a cut of the previously mined resources in their unaffected mines the remainder will be placed with the international Gem and mineral archive unit. For protection and preservation.

The food and farming lands in the affected areas will be unable to continue there years as such the only Mexican States that will be allowed to farm anymore will be Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. If the other states are seen with any farm that is not local produce will be fined and removed with force. All people working at farms will be relocated if they wish to continue working; they may do so at the farms. If they wish not to, they will be given a chance to work at any of the former places mentioned above. There may not be enough room for them.

H. looked around and looked down at his tablet before speaking.

“I will be giving a summary about the next 2 topics and what we are using and doing. As such, I want just the captains to talk about the oil rigs. And the shipping routes. And anything else we missed. I have a meeting with the science team, so let's eat after I'm done. As soon as the scribes are done writing down what I say, log off.”

With that said, he moved and scrolled his eyes moving unnaturally fast over the screen scanning before looking back up.

“Ok, here goes nothing.”

Massive shield generators on tank treads are cutting-edge technology designed to protect areas from harm. They consist of a shield generator encased in a mobile tank tread unit, which allows the generator to be moved quickly and easily from one location to another.

After giving a short pause, he continued with what they did.

The shield generator itself is typically a large dome-like structure that emits a powerful electromagnetic force field capable of containing anything inside its radius. This force field can be adjusted to provide varying levels of protection, depending on the threat level and the requirements of the specific situation. These shield generators also have the unique ability to absorb sound waves within the shielded area. This is particularly useful in urban environments where loud noises can disrupt, disturb, or even harm local wildlife.

“However, I should point out we are using this to show that the internal parts will be destroyed and the shield will also protect the outside from what happens inside.”

Another important feature of these shield generators is their ability to disrupt communications. By emitting powerful electromagnetic waves, these generators can interfere with radio signals, cellular networks, and other forms of communication, effectively cutting off all external communication within the shielded area. This can be a highly effective way of preventing outside interference or infiltration during sensitive operations or other high-risk situations. “Which is what we are doing!”

“Overall, the generators from I.C.C or Imperium Craftsmen Corp, let me know that this will be providing unparalleled protection, noise reduction, and communication disruption capabilities for a wide range of applications.”

The scribes had stopped and were looking at H. like he was crazy. He looked up and over at them.

“What?”

One of the scribes looked down, then up at him.

“Well, we just want to know what your actual plan is for this. I mean really why are you doing it? What if the shield fails? This is the first test right, why are…”

H. waved his hand.

“I should also point out this is just a larger version of the mini generators that protect the cargo cannons.”

That still left some people gaping; the blatant disregard at this point was somewhat terrifying. For one thing, when did he make these things? And for another, why was he so unconcerned with the aftermath? It scared them but then as they looked down their pads read a message from the head scribe, dictating that until the cartels are gone, the lord may be a little off due to his daughter's death 3 days ago. They took it as just that he's concerned and wants revenge, but still. I mean the disregard of life is horrible.

However, as they motioned for him to continue they started to realize with this last part things were throughout a little better than they thought. Because for one thing evacuation of this caliber was thought out in advance, meaning, this is not as bad as they thought, but still. Hard.

“The evacuation of civilians, animals, and plants has been a highly coordinated process that required careful planning and execution.

The first step was to identify the individuals and groups that needed to be evacuated, including people with medical conditions or disabilities, children, and the elderly. However, certain elderly individuals wished to stay behind to die in their homes. This was only taken into consideration for people 80 and above.

Once the list was compiled, a team of professionals from the U.N. Rescue and recovery department were sent in and started. They were told the truth; they are volunteer workers willing to risk their jobs over this evacuation. This team included doctors and nurses to provide medical assistance, as well as animal specialists who could identify and care for the various species that needed to be evacuated.

In order to ensure that the evacuation remained secret, the operation was carried out under the cover of darkness, during the past weeks' time. With the assistance of trusted members of the local community who could help with logistics. The evacuees were transported to a safe location, where they would be provided with shelter, food, and medical care as needed.

Meanwhile, any plants that needed to be evacuated were carefully uprooted and transported to a secure location where they could be cared for until a ship can be converted under atmospheric weather conditions so that these plants can survive and adjust to new relocation habitats.”

He paused, taking a sip of tea before finishing up. “We have set aside 5 billion dollars for medical requirements”

As the meeting drew to a close, the members rose from their seats. The bulkhead creaked open, signaling the end of the meeting and prompting the scribes to leave. The screens that surrounded them were shut down, leaving only H. and his scribe behind.

"We still have three outstanding items to cover, H.," his scribe reminded him. H. nodded in agreement, and before he could respond, a servant entered the room, interrupting their conversation. He presented them each with a menu and refreshed their tea before taking their orders and leaving.

H. turned back to his scribe, answering his previous question. "I understand that, but Avix has approved the use of The Matter Extinguisher."

His scribe's mouth fell agape in shock. "The Matter Extinguisher? Are you serious?" he exclaimed.

H. chuckled before taking a few bites of his hamburger steak, which had been brought to him by the server. The scribe's eyes wandered to the device that had been left behind by the server. Without a word, H. placed his hand over the device and promptly activated it, revealing two faces on the screen. The one on the right beamed at them, while the scribe's jaw once again dropped. "Lady Cee and Lord Shadow!"

The scribe's attention was drawn to H. who was closely watching the activity of the three individuals.

"My dear, how are you?"

H. greeted the Lady with a polite tone. She replied that she had just read the report that she had sent back and approved. The report was currently on its way to the U.N Headquarters. Suddenly, the scribe's voice broke through with an expression of shock,

"WAIT… WHAT!" he exclaimed. The Lady tried to speak, but the scribe continued.

"You approved this plan? It's a harebrained plan, and it even involves the corporation's illegal project, the Matter Extinguisher. Why would you do such a thing?"

Cee, the Lady, raised her hand calmly and waited for H. to finish eating before she spoke up.

"I know I am usually composed, however just 4 days ago, my daughter's remains were buried six feet under, and my husband left me just 2 days later. The cartels have been breathing down our necks, and to put an end to their tyranny, I had to take action. I sent word to Avix, and he sent the weapon for me."

The scribe was shocked beyond words as he dropped his fork. At that moment, a commotion broke out, and everyone's attention was drawn to the bulkhead. One of the female guards appeared, looking disheveled and agitated.

“Sir, we have a problem. The oil rigs are raising the mainland.”

H. moved his hand and hailed the bridge.

“Turn on long cast jammers now, captain. If even a single signal gets out, we are done. If they try something else, wipe that rig off the map.”

A reply of “Yes, sir.” responded.

He motioned, and the guard left, sealing the bulkhead again .

“Right. Well, I think we need a thing to discuss,” asked Shadow.

H. nodded and finished his steak. Before setting it aside, the same was done for his scribe. H. spoke.

“What is said next does not leave the 4 of us until the completion of this operation. Understood.”

They nodded. He continued.

The aged scribe exited the room almost an hour later. He was tired and sore, but his work was far from done. He moved through the ship, heading to the bridge.

“Captain.”

The captain turned around and looked at the scribe. He did not speak, but waited silently.

“Have the scientists transported to the ship. The meeting will begin in a few hours.”

With a firm nod in agreement, the captain swiftly carried out his given orders.

The elderly scribe, his bones creaking with every step, shambled back into the meeting room only to discover that the lord had vanished without a trace. Perplexed, he took a seat, trying to make sense of the situation. As he sat in silent contemplation, several long hours passed by uneventfully.

Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered by a thunderous cannon blast that rocked the ship's walls. Jumping to his feet, the scribe's heart raced with terror as he struggled to comprehend the source of the explosive sound that had echoed through the halls. "What the..." he muttered breathlessly, his mind racing with confusion.

H. observed as his scribe cautiously exited the chamber, relaying the orders to the captain with precise detail. Soon after, H. rose from his seat and exited the room through a separate doorway that led him into a dimly lit hallway. The path glowed with the amber hues of flickering lanterns as he made his way to the left, down a seemingly unending corridor.

Suddenly, H. arrived at a metal bulkhead that he effortlessly passed through. Upon entering the room, his view was greeted by a sturdily constructed walkway, commanding a bird's-eye view of the cavernous chamber below. The massive cannon, positioned at the center of the room, was aimed towards the rear, its power held in check for the inevitable fury of battle.

As he was about to spin on his heel and retrace his steps, H. detected a sudden sparkle in the corner of his eye. His attention snapped towards the glimmer, his eyes narrowing in an attempt to fathom precisely what it might be.

With purposeful strides, H. approached the woman and sat down next to her on the walkway. The person looked at him and then looked back at the formidable cannon in front of her. As they sat in a contemplative silence.

Suddenly, the woman turned to H. and spoke in a hushed tone, "The bridge wants you, sir. There's another oil rig, but this one is armed."

H. nodded, understanding the severity of the situation. He rose to his feet and extended his hand to the woman to help her up, but she hesitated, fixated on the cannon before them.

Impatient with her hesitation, H. took matters into his own hands and forcefully raised her by the arm. "Walk with me," he commanded in a stern voice.

Determined to take swift action, H. strode up a nearby staircase, pulling the woman along with him. She stopped prompting him to do the same; he turned to her, speaking in a commanding voice.

"You will follow my lead," he stated firmly, emphasizing each word. "You will listen to my instructions and you will stay by my side at all times. Do you understand?"

The woman gave only a hesitant affirmation, clearly not fully convinced she should listen. Nonetheless, H. nodded brusquely and led the way across the deck, his eyes darting back to ensure that she was complying with his orders.

Upon arriving at the bridge, H. adopted a composed demeanor and meticulously observed his surroundings with a discerning eye. He maintained an air of calm authority as he made his way towards the forefront of the ship, leading his companion behind him. With an acute perceptiveness, he took in every nuance of the bustling scene around him. His razor-sharp focus enabled him to perceive minute details that others would have overlooked.

Despite the flurry of activity that surrounded him on the bridge, H. remained unwavering in his purpose, fully attuned to his responsibilities. With a resolute determination, he efficiently executed the task at hand, unfazed by the chaotic environment. His indefatigable commitment to getting the job done was evident in every action he carried out.

With all the force of his lungs, he yelled out his next command, his grip on the woman tightening. "EVAC now! Everyone off this bridge!" There was no hesitation in his tone, only the raw power of a man used to being obeyed. As the crew scrambled to follow his orders, H. guided the woman towards the holo table in the rear of the bridge, depositing her there before moving to the forefront of the bridge. He was determined to get this task right.

H. strode purposefully towards the front console, his eyes glinting with a fierce determination. As he placed his hand upon the surface, the console sprang to life, emitting a series of beeps that signaled the recognition of his DNA. Seconds later, a disembodied voice echoed through the bridge, patiently awaiting H.'s verbal commands.

“DNA registered and recognized, awaiting verbal orders.”

Turning to face the woman who was watching him closely, H. barked out his first order: "Clear the screens and zoom in on the main holo table to show the oil rig."

Silently complying, the bridge's windows cleared, revealing a vast fleet that lay before them. At the same time, the holo table zeroed in on an abandoned oil rig, its rusted metal structure looming in the distance.

As the woman stared at the holographic image, H. calmly instructed the computer to identify the owners of the rig. The computer quickly replied.

“Identifying, identifying owners of abandoned oil rig now in the hands of the cartel. An outreach po…”

Prompting H. to issue his next command.

"Raise the front cannon and arm all three turrets," he ordered with an iron tone.

The floor shuddered beneath their feet as a massive cannon emerged from the deck right in front of them. The sight was ominous, with its sleek and menacing form drawing their attention as the computer confirmed that the cannon was locked and loaded, waiting for H.'s next directive.

Without pause, H. uttered the code "Bloodfallen C1, C2, and C3. FIRE" in a voice that brooked no dissent. The bridge was momentarily engulfed in silence before a catastrophic explosion rocked the ship, accompanied by the sound of three projectiles hurtling through the air.

As the cannons streamed toward their destination, two of them successfully destroyed the rig, tearing it apart in a series of massive explosions. The heavy, deafening sounds ripped through the air, throwing terrified crew members overboard into the churning waters, where they flailed helplessly amidst the rubble.

Even as debris rained down around them, H. remained stoic. He grimly noted that the rig had only been manned by a skeleton crew, his voice devoid of any emotional inflection that might have conveyed his true feelings.

Abruptly, another explosion rocked the ship, causing the woman to gasp in fright. She turned to face H., hoping for some measure of comfort or reassurance. Instead, she saw that his expression remained fixed, impassive, and utterly devoid of emotion.

Peering back at the holo screen, she saw that a pirate ship had just blown apart, its wreckage strewn haphazardly behind the rig. She realized that H. had seen it all, processing the situation calmly and dispassionately, hovering over the abyss of destruction he had wrought.

As the holographic display vanished from view, the bridge reverted to manual control, throwing a heavy blanket of silence over the area. The cannon slowly sank back into the deck, relaxing its rigid stance and disappearing from sight.

As the crew resumed their duties, H. approached the woman and calmly whispered, "Please follow me, no arguments." The woman silently complied, and together they retreated to the back of the ship. H. stood gazing out at the sea while the woman glared at him with seething anger. "You hate me," he accused.

She replied with a hostile affirmative. H. acknowledged her statement with a nod, unfazed by her hostility. Suddenly, the woman's attention was drawn to a rustling noise coming from a nearby cargo crate. H's voice brought her back to the task at hand, as he handed her a unique gun that she had never seen before. Its short, glossy, pitch-black body crackled with energy and lacked any scope or sights.

"Use all your hatred and strength," H. instructed earnestly, urging her to point the weapon at his chest. As she held the gun, he supported her wrist and then let go, standing tall before her. "After what you've witnessed, after all you've seen, how do you feel?"

The woman's eyes blazed with fury as she angrily recounted her emotions: "I'm angry, mad, pissed off! How can you be in charge? How can you give orders without feeling anything? You're..."

In the fleeting seconds that followed, H's facial expression revealed a gamut of emotions, starting with anger, then hurt and sorrow, followed closely by a sense of loss and foreboding. But as their eyes met, hope flickered in his gaze. "How indeed?" he said softly.

"Then kill me," he proposed, putting his trust in her hands.

As her finger gently applied pressure on the trigger, she couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty. Who was standing before her? All she could see was the silhouette of a man, her lord, who she had been hiding from. She hesitantly lowered her gun, her mind racing with questions. Suddenly, she saw a blur of movement in the corner of her eyes, and the surrounding shadows receded. And then, the impossible happened - he hugged her.

She couldn't believe what was happening. She had been sneaking onto his ship, hiding from everyone, but somehow he had found her. She clutched her gun tightly, still shaking with apprehension. And then, in a soft voice, he said, "Hello, Xailia."

Her lord slid down the railing, pulling her with him. But Xailia couldn't let her guard down just yet. "How did you find me?" she asked, her eyes still fixed on him.

He didn't keep her in suspense for long. "I saw a picture of you and... her," he said, handing her a photograph. Xailia stared at it, feeling a lump forming in her throat. It was a little girl, and an emotionless man was holding her. But upon closer inspection, Xailia could see the faint flicker of a smile in his eyes. And in the second picture, she and Yui were holding hands, as Yui took the photo. Xailia remembered that picture - Yui always carried it with her.

Her lord continued speaking, and it slowly dawned on her what was happening. "You may not be related to her or us, but that child you carry is hers as much as it is yours. I know your parents died serving on one of my ships. But you will not - you will return to Japan and stay with my wife. The shadows will see you home."

Xailia listened to the man's words, the distinct sound of helicopter blades starting up could be heard in the background. Despite the noise, his voice remained steady as he emphasized the importance of keeping her and the baby safe.

"You and that baby are all that I have left of my baby girl," he declared.

"I refuse to lose any more family."

As he spoke, a group of people dressed in full black suits stepped forward from the shadows. Xailia couldn't help but feel protected by their presence. The soldiers escorted her to the helicopter and before she knew it, they were soaring through the skies above.

As they flew, Xailia couldn't help but feel curious about the man's motives. She turned to one of the soldiers and asked.

"Why does he do this?"

The man's response shocked her as he and a woman beside him proceeded to remove their masks.

With caring eyes, the woman spoke up.

“Because he cares and loves his people he would do this for not only family but for his people. He would wipe this planet clean just to keep the Imperium and Sycamore safe. Young one.” Xailia couldn't help but feel admiration for the man's selflessness.

"Yes, he would," the man spoke after a moment of silence. It was only then that Xailia recognized the two individuals standing before her. Her eyes widened as she pointed to the man.

“Lord Shadow?” who simply nodded in response.this was a man who held a reputation for being both powerful and elusive.

“Lady Cee?” she nodded. Who took off her vest and then moved next to Xailia.

The lady proceed to introduced herself.

"My name is cee or as I am known to others as Cathlin Imperium wife of the lord H. Imperium. I am the mother of Yui Sterzen-Imperium and Dragon Sterzen-Imperium."

Lady Cee announced with confidence, looking at Xailia. The intensity of the moment was not lost on her, and she felt a sense of responsibility to make a lasting impression on her mother-in-law.

Xailia was still trying to process the fact that she carried a part of Yui within her, despite not being married to her they still saw her as such. However, Lord Shadow had an announcement that surprised her even more. He declared that Xailia was now officially family legally, and her last name would change to Xailia Sterzen-Imperium or Xailia Imperium, marking her as one of the few blessed with the importance of the High Family. The weight of this honor brought tears to Xailia's eyes, and she realized she was not alone anymore. She had a family, and Lady Imperium was a part of it.

Xailia's grip loosened on the gun that H. had given her earlier, and she threw it aside. Lord Shadow caught it and pocketed it. Amidst the emotional upheaval, Cee asked a question that had been weighing on Xailia's mind. “Why couldn't you bring herself to kill my husband?”

Xailia looked at both of them, and the answer escaped her. However, Cee's words about her husband's dedication to his family struck a chord with Xailia. He cared for them more than anything, and his actions spoke for it.

The realization that she had seen him at his most vulnerable shook Xailia to the core. She broke down, falling into Lady Imperium's waiting arms, sobbing uncontrollably. The weight of everything had finally caught up with her, but she now had a family that would support her through it all.

The narrative transitions back to the protagonist,

H, who gazes solemnly across the vast expanse of the ocean as the chopper carrying his colleagues rapidly diminishes in size.

Eventually, H. turns on his heel and navigates his way back to the meeting room. His movements are as graceful as shadows cloak his figure, but ultimately he emerges from the obscurity of the darkness and takes his place among the assembled group.

Seated next to the scribe and a cluster of distinguished scientists, H. draws back their collective attention with a subtle but sudden presence. The scribe next to him immediately takes notice, prompting a ripple of faint alarm among the group.

Despite the stir that his unexpected appearance causes, H. remains unreadable. Taking in the faces of his colleagues one by one, he offers no hints or clues as to the weight that he carries from his recent observations by the sea.

"Shall we start the meeting?" H. spoke up, signaling the importance of the gathering. The attendees delved into the topic of war protocols and how they might need to deviate from them under certain circumstances. They discussed the transportation of people to their new homes, highlighting the careful planning and execution involved.

As the discussion progressed, they took a moment to recap the previous meeting, which the scientists were not a part of. Once everyone was up to speed, H. emphasized the significance of the current agenda. "Now, let's move on to the critical matters. Firstly, the insistence of the bacteria and then we will speak about how much power the cartels hold and what the plan is.” projected H.

H. described one of the recently developed bacteria created by the Imperium Chemical Corps of Death with a flat, unchanging tone to his voice.

“The ICCD is proud to show us the bacterium, Icorminilica Balorbenitence, should not be mistaken for its sister, Icorminilica Barlonngemizentince, which converts one type of energy into another. Icorminilica Balorbenitence feeds on radiation and breaks it down at the atomic level, eliminating the source of radiation and reassembling the atom. Its purpose is to reduce radiation in plants and resources.

Icorminilica Balorbenitence is a unique bacterium that has recently been discovered by scientists. This bacterium is capable of feeding off of radiation and dissipating it at the atomic level. This means that it can eliminate the source of radiation and rebuild the atoms that had been destroyed by the radiation. It is a very interesting and groundbreaking discovery that could have significant implications in a number of different fields.

Icorminilica Balorbenitence has immense potential in decreasing radiation levels in plants and resources. Radiation is a major cause of environmental pollution and can be detrimental to living organisms. By utilizing this technology, scientists can minimize the radiation emitted, ensuring a safer living and working environment for people.

Another potential application of Icorminilica Balorbenitence is in the firing of nuclear missiles. One of the biggest hurdles in developing a safe and effective nuclear missile is the potential for radiation leaks and contamination. By using this bacteria, scientists may be able to reduce the amount of radiation that is given off during the launch of a nuclear missile, making it safer for operators and reducing the risk of contamination in the surrounding areas.”

H. surveyed the room, meeting the expectant gazes of the scientists gathered before him. They knew the bacterium they had just developed was extraordinary, capable of causing immense destruction if utilized in the wrong way. As H. spoke his next words, there was an instant shift in the atmosphere.

"As such, I have decided that the bacteria will form the outer coating of the Ballista, and the weapons will be fashioned using 52% spent uranium rods and 48% tungsten."

The words hung in the air like a portent of doom. The scientists were at once amazed and horrified. H.'s plan to use spent uranium rods to dishevel the land was nothing short of catastrophic - it would result in an unimaginable level of destruction. In that moment, H. met the gaze of a young scientist sitting near the corner. Their long hair cascaded around their shoulders and the breathing mask attached to their back gave him an otherworldly appearance. H. moved over to them and asked,

"What are your thoughts on this proposal, EWIX? Your brother has presented us with a gift, and he wants us to utilize it."

EWIX turned towards H. and her external supports assisted her body to move smoothly. She took a deep breath, which caused a muffled sound to come from her mask. Her eerie voice was tinged with pain and death as she began to speak.

"The experiment is a creation of a bacterium that was extracted from long-dead fossilized bacteria frozen on an asteroid in space."

H. was pleased that EWIX was paying attention, but he also knew that she was aware of the specific bacterium they were discussing. Her mask clicked as she turned back to the scientists, and steam and smoke released from the sides of the mask as she exhaled.

Although the scientists thought that EWIX's words were not relevant, they were aware of the issue she faced. She had been stranded on a research shuttle for over a year, obediently orbiting an asteroid that had been abandoned. The scientists constructed a device that mimicked the gasses of space as her body had been deformed, and the oxygen in the atmosphere was poisonous to her.

Despite the strange circumstances, EWIX adapted and survived the vast emptiness of space. Dragon Lord H.'s son took an interest in her and started working in her lab, resulting in her healing a little. Soon, she would not require her mask and would only need a bio-engineered device that was attached to her face and was cloaked and hidden. However, until then, she was known as the "Death of The Chemical Corps."

H. nodded in approval as he realized EWIX was the only person, other than Dragon, who could understand bacteria and chemicals with this much complexity. She had already been in over four hundred accidents, but astonishingly she had never been harmed.

H. tapped the table and brought the meeting to a close.

"Now, there is one more matter that I must discuss with you two," the speaker stated firmly. The majority of those present got up to leave, recognizing that this was something that should only concern the select few. Two individuals remained, one being a burly man with a whistle lab coat that displayed his authority and strength, while the other was EWIX. Even his personal scribe had fled, likely due to the suffocating presence of death that surrounded EWIX or maybe he was just tired for the day. Nevertheless, the second individual was not to be overlooked, despite appearing to be a misunderstood infant despite the fact that he was over sixty years of age.

The first person was an imposing figure, his dark white hair perfectly matching his serious expression and defining his confident aura. He exuded power and confidence as he waited expectantly for the speaker to continue. Although his scowl suggested that he may be unhappy to be there, there was a faint, yet definite hint of a smile on his lips.

On the other hand, the second individual, EWIX, seemed to be shrouded in a dark aura that made those around her feel uncomfortable, even panicked. Despite its frightening presence, H. was not affected.

As H. approached the two renowned scientists, he settled down gracefully next to EWIX and across from Blackjaw, who was a 60-year-old man with a notorious black tattoo of a slithering snake coiling around his jaw and neck, cleverly concealed under his shirt. EWIX instinctively nestled closer to H. as he began to run his fingers through her hair, ultimately enabling her to ease into a state of relaxation.

Excitedly, H. disclosed, "I met Xailia today!" As EWIX nodded her head in his lap, Blackjaw covertly captured a snapshot of the affectionate pair. "She was a feisty one, but I'm glad Yui chose wisely. So, are you two planning to board the ship back, or should I arrange a helicopter for you?"

As EWIX turned her head, her mask clicked while she prepared to respond firmly, "We'll be heading back on the ship. I already know what happened above deck. One of the shadows divulged the details to me, and I don't want to vex you by causing any further intrusions."

The silent man nodded in understanding, his sharp gaze unblinking. H. continued playing with EWIX’s hair as he nodded in agreement, appreciating the woman's astuteness and wisdom.

"Please take note of all the potentially affected areas as I list them for you. Are you ready?" H. asked, turning to Blackjaw who had a tablet at the ready. Blackjaw nodded and H. began to speak.

"The main sections that are likely to experience the most fall out and damage are as follows: Durango, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Queretaro, Michoacan, and Colima."

He paused for a moment as Blackjaw carefully jotted down the information. "However, Veracruz and Tamaulipas may only be partially damaged," H. added before continuing.

Blackjaw set the pad down for EWIX to take a look, as she lay on her back with her head in H.'s lap, waiting for the information. "We're waiting, daddy," she playfully nudged him.

H. gave her a light tap, "Don't call me that yet. You're not officially married to my son, but you will be soon, my little daughter-in-law."

He then gathered his thoughts and continued, "The following places are not completely out of danger, but they are safer than the former. These states are: the Federal Mexico, Morelos, Puebla, Veracruz, Guerrero, Tlaxcala, top of Tamaulipas and Durango, Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Sonora, Baja California Sur, and Baja California."

Once H. finished listing off all the areas, EWIX nodded, indicating that she had taken all the information in.

They ascended to the top deck where a sleek chopper awaited them, its blades effortlessly slicing through the air. Despite the movement, the machine produced no sound, a testament to its advanced technology.

"Ooh, private class, eh?" EWIX quipped, admiring the impressive aircraft.

H. nodded with pride. "It's an EV-98 IMAC."

Blackjaw, curious, turned to H. and asked, "IMAC, sir?"

"Imperium Military Aviation Corps," H. replied matter-of-factly.

As EWIX climbed on board, H. bid her farewell with a grin. "See you later, my little Plague."

EWIXH giggled in response, eager to experience her private chopper.

Blackjaw leaned in close to H., his voice low and tense. "I hate that nickname you came up with. I. Hate. It."

H.'s expression turned deadly serious. "Live with it, Blackjaw. We all do. And I personally love it."

Blackjaw understood H.'s affection for EWIXH; she was, after all, his future daughter-in-law. H.'s demeanor shifted. "Protect her, Blackjaw, or you're snake food."

H. pivoted on his heel and strode back down the stairs, headed for the captain's quarters. They had a two-hour journey ahead of them, just enough time for a nap. After all, he had been on his feet for 34 hours already.

6 hours earlier: Ground Force.

As Mr. Zecfreyer ended the video conference, the screen flickered and blacked out. He turned his attention to the breathtaking landscape spread out before him. For a moment, he felt overwhelmed by the vastness and beauty of it all. Standing beside him were five individuals, each with a distinct role to play in their mission.

The first person was a stout, little man with a square build who seemed to radiate efficiency and practicality. The next was a native guide who spoke in hushed tones and pointed out the path for the tanks to follow. The third person was a woman who exuded intelligence and confidence, in charge of all the scientific aspects of the mission.

The fourth and fifth individuals, however, were unlike anyone Mr. Zecfreyer had ever encountered. The first of the pair was a massive, 6.5-foot-tall droid with wings that glowed red at the tips. It carried a plasma gun in a holster on its right side, and on its left side, it held a spear. The droid's shoulders were draped with a worn and tattered cloak that left openings for its wings to emerge. Its face was a shade of dark stone gray, with a pair of glowing red eyes that turned purple when it lowered its visor. The droid also had small, sharp horns protruding from its head, adding to its fearsome appearance.

The second droid, in stark contrast to the first, stood an impressive nine feet tall. Its impressive height was only compounded by the unique shape of its legs – bent in three places and poised solely on its toes and pads, the droid arched up on its haunches before the second joint seamlessly shifted forward and the final leg moved in place against its body. The droid's arms hung level with its knees, evoking the sleek and stylized look of the Soundwave character from the Transformers Prime series. The droid's inner armor was a light gray, with a stark white outer casing that gleamed in the light. With one joint jutting out from its shoulders, the droid's weapons were displayed for all to see, two massive cannons waiting at the ready.

However, it was the droid's back that held the true surprise, an impressive array of swords and other weapons secured in place. The droid's face was short and sleek, with a curved shape that mirrored the features of a humanoid. But what made it truly stunning were its eyes, a gorgeous and mesmerizing shade of ice blue that seemed to glow with a light all their own. The outcrop on its head was not only a stunning visual touch, but also reinforced the protective barrier for the droid's brain, which rested just below.

But the attention to detail didn't stop there. Every inch of the droid's exterior reflected a unique sense of style and attention to form, with curves accenting its striking shape in a way that set it apart from any other droid of its kind. All in all, this droid was truly an impressive sight to behold.

Mr. Zecfreyer furrowed his brow in disappointment. He couldn't comprehend why anyone would want to create a female version of the male droid. Was it merely for the sake of gender equality? He couldn't fathom why that was necessary. He knew that the female droid would likely lay the blame at the feet of the creator, when in reality, it was an unnecessary and pointless addition.

As he ruminated on the absurdity of the situation, he noticed the three former associates moving away from him. They left him with two droids: the dark gray Flying Demon Droid (FDD) and the sleek, sophisticated High Protector Droid (HPD). Each droid had its own unique set of skills, and he knew that they were invaluable assets to his team.

The FDD, with its sharp, angular lines and streamlined design, was built for speed and agility. Its quick reflexes made it ideal for reconnaissance missions, and it could easily traverse difficult terrain with ease. On the other hand, the HPD was designed to protect and defend. With its sturdy exoskeleton and impressive array of weapons, it was ideal for guarding valuable assets or escorting key figures to safety.

As Mr. Zecfreyer pored over the blueprints, the two droids watched intently. The FDD positioned itself to his right, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. The HPD took up position on his left, scanning the perimeter for potential threats. Although they were merely machines, Mr. Zecfreyer knew that they were more than capable of fulfilling their duties and keeping him safe.

5 hours till operation

Suddenly, the shield ships arrived, their sleek EV-98's and WSX-34's taking flight to carry the tanks that would form the foundation of the massive defense system. The tanks were dropped off at specific points, creating an almost triangular shape that spanned from one shore to the other in Mexico. To keep themselves sound, each tank dug two piles into the ground upon impact, and opened a top hole with locks ready for their load. The number of tanks totalled a staggering 8,000, with 4,000 on each side.

As the crews worked to get everything in place, the choppers arrived to grab the generators and shield dishes from the sycamore fleet. Over 500 choppers mobilized to deliver 8,000 shields to their designated locations, where each one was slotted in place with wheels and secured with loud locks.

Without warning, a massive shield materialized on both sides of the triangle. From the sea, a mauve fish appeared, as if in response to the approaching Sycamore fleet. The two sides converged and closed, leaving only one side open at the top. The bottom tip was also closed, but extended several hundred miles underground and was invisible, making the shield a nearly six-sided complex structure. The energy for the shield was housed in generators, and as the sound barrier went up, it appeared as a brilliant blue force field before turning dark blue and then transforming into a black color as the black net activated.

This black net was located on the bridge of the capital ship, and served the purpose of disrupting and destroying any electrical device in the area. The shield was now fully operational, allowing a feeling of security to settle over the team. The countdown continued, the stakes high, but with the shield in place, the team was ready to take on the next phase of the preoperation.

3 hours to the operation.

The troops decided to take a well-deserved break and rest for an hour. While they were recuperating, a heated argument broke out between Mr. Zecfreyer and two droids regarding the concept of individuality. The debate centered around the notion of femininity and masculinity in droids- why one appeared to have more feminine qualities whilst the other had a more masculine appearance. The argument was so intense that it went on for over an hour, attracting a massive crowd who were enthralled by the exchange of ideas between man and machine.

2 hours till operation

Mexico's protected land mass had been diligently measured, with final calculations showing that 40% had been successfully safeguarded in triangle shaped shields. Despite this initial success, the operation was only just beginning. Zecfreyer, a respected military leader, shifted his position towards the inner part of the town, near the operation point, where thousands of troops had gathered in preparation for the upcoming mission.

Positioned alongside FDD and HPD troops, Zecfreyer addressed the soldiers with authority and confidence. "ATTENTION!" he yelled, and the troops rose to attention, each pounding their left foot into their right, resolute figures on the sandy beach. Zecfreyer outlined the mission objectives, speaking in calm, measured tones. "We will be grabbing high-ranking members of the cartels for the fleet and bringing them back. We are then ordered to move to the ships and head back to the fleet, which will arrive in a few hours. We will drop anchor one and two; remember your training, and stay focused."

As Zecfreyer spoke, the soldiers were silent, focused, and ready for action. Two shield generators, partially submerged in the water, were yet to activate, but they would spring into action as soon as the fleet arrived. Zecfreyer raised his left hand, flat, then slid it down in a quick motion, shouting, "Begin the operation!" The soldiers responded with a resounding "Yes, sir," and moved towards the choppers. Over 500 choppers lifted off, each one carrying a team that knew precisely where their target was.

Within two hours, they had not only captured but safely secured two of the most powerful underworld members in the country. The mission was a success, thanks to the careful planning and execution of Zecfreyer and his troops.

20 minutes till operation.

As the shields were activated, a dome of pure, transparent blue enveloped the final section of the country. As the two sides met, a brilliant light illuminated the field. Suddenly, the color morphed into a captivating dark, mulberry-blue hue before an obsidian veil descended upon the terrain.

The troops landed on the ships of the fleet, each one securely anchored. Zecfreyer and his two droid charges landed on the Bloodfallen, only to be greeted by five additional droids. These machines escorted the group with the 2 addition prisoners to the top platform just in front of the bridge where a commanding voice echoed throughout the fleet.

"Initiate Operation: Channel of Drugs."

continue in part 2