Chapter 2
They have reached the destination where it has been hidden in secret from the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. Located somewhere in the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria, they fly through the dense forests and mountains to reach their base.
The Pelican's hatching door hissed open, revealing a breathtaking sight to Master Chief and his team. Outside, four massive warships loomed in the sky, arranged in a precise square formation. One of them, unmistakably, was a UNSC Panama-class frigate. As the dropship soared toward their destination, they caught glimpses of the ground below—military bases sprawled across the landscape, already fortified and operational.
Yet, what stood out most wasn't just the scale of the fortifications but the variety of forces stationed there. Defensive structures belonging to multiple factions surrounded the allied fleet, their banners and insignias interwoven with UNSC emblems. The sight was unprecedented—soldiers of different factions working together, their interactions seamless as if they had been comrades for years.
At the heart of the stronghold stood a towering structure, its advanced technology radiating power. It projected an invisible dome, reinforced by an energy shield strong enough to repel assaults from both the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon.
Master Chief, his Blue Team, and Karra—an elite Sangheili spy—took in the scene with silent astonishment. The UNSC had allied with these unknown factions, but who were they? Where had they come from? Had they too been stranded here by the same anomaly that had displaced them?
There were countless questions. But for now, they had only one priority—meeting Captain Lasky.
The Pelican touched down inside the hangar bay of the Panama-class frigate. As the engines powered down, Master Chief, Blue Team, and Karra disembarked, immediately greeted by Commander Sarah Palmer and two UNSC Marines. Without hesitation, they followed her through the corridors, moving swiftly toward the meeting chamber.
Upon entering, they found Captain Thomas Lasky seated at the head of a long table. Around him sat several leaders—each distinct, each from a force unfamiliar to the Spartans.
Master Chief stepped forward, snapping to attention.
"Captain Lasky."
Lasky stood, his expression shifting into one of relief. "Chief. Blue Team. And Karra—it's good to see you alive."
"Likewise, sir," Master Chief responded. "It's good to see you and the others made it through as well. What's the status of the frigate?"
Lasky gave a reassuring nod. "The frigate's intact. No structural damage from when we were pulled into the wormhole. It seems we weren't the only ones caught in it—these people," he gestured toward the other leaders, "found themselves in the same predicament."
Linda's eyes narrowed slightly. "Speaking of which, sir... who are they?" She motioned toward the unfamiliar figures.
Lasky nodded. "Ah, yes. These are the allies we made while you were gone."
One by one, the three faction leaders rose from their seats to introduce themselves.
The first was a stern yet composed man clad in a high-ranking military uniform. He straightened, his voice carrying the weight of command.
"Spartans of the UNSC, I am Admiral Alston MacArthur," he said. "Commander of the Eagle, a First-Class Kodiak Dreadnought. I represent the Galactic Defense Initiative—GDI, for short."
Next, a man in a long, decorated coat with a distinct Terran insignia stepped forward. His gaze was calculating, his stance unwavering.
"I am Vladimir Hackboar, Admiral of the Athena-class battlecruiser," he declared. "I represent the Terran Dominion."
Finally, an imposing alien figure rose. His golden armor shimmered under the lights, his piercing eyes scanning the room with measured curiosity.
"I am Praetor Xuroth, Captain of the Gantrithor Super Carrier," he spoke with regal authority. "I represent the Daelaam... from my homeworld, Aiur."
After their introductions, the Spartans, the Sangheili spy Karra, and Master Chief's AI took a moment to introduce themselves to their newfound allies. As they exchanged names and brief acknowledgments, the three faction leaders settled back into their seats.
Hackboar leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table, his gaze shifting to Lasky. "So, Captain, these are the Spartans you spoke of. And an Elite as well, no less."
Karra met his gaze with unwavering composure. "To humans, we are called Elites. But our true name is Sangheili, and we hail from our homeworld, Sanghelios."
Hackboar stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I see... I've heard that your race adheres to a strict warrior culture. It reminds me of the samurai traditions from our own history."
Frederic raised an eyebrow. "Did he tell you that, sir?"
Before Hackboar could respond, Xuroth inclined his head slightly. "Captain Lasky has briefed us on your universe and its history," the Protoss leader stated, his deep voice resonating through the room.
At that moment, a young officer named Joy, who had been listening intently, suddenly furrowed her brow in confusion. She leaned forward slightly, her expression one of curiosity. "Wait a minute... I'm just wondering—how are you speaking so clearly when you don't even have a... mouth?"
The question lingered in the air, and Kelly, intrigued by the same thought, decided to voice it directly. "Um, Praetor, sir, with no disrespect intended, but... how exactly can you speak without a mouth?"
Master Chief shot her a brief glance. "Kelly."
But Xuroth merely chuckled, the deep sound reverberating through the room. "It's quite alright, Master Chief. A natural question for one unacquainted with our kind," he reassured before turning his glowing eyes toward Kelly. "Our species, the Protoss, communicate through telepathy. While our language may be foreign to human ears, fear not—we understand your tongue well enough to communicate effectively."
Kelly blinked in astonishment. "I... see..." she murmured, still processing the revelation.
Master Chief straightened. "Sir, permission to speak freely."
Lasky gave a nod. "Granted."
"Thank you, sir," Master Chief said. His visor turned toward the three leaders. "Since you've been briefed on us, I'd like to ask—can we learn about each of you? We've never heard of the GDI, the Terran Dominion, or even the Daelaam before. And if I may assume, you're all facing the same situation as us—being pulled into a different universe?"
MacArthur exhaled and nodded. "It certainly seems that way," he admitted. Then, after a brief pause, he leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. "Alright, since Lasky took the time to explain your universe's history and factions, it's only fair that we do the same."
He straightened slightly before continuing. "I'll go first. I'll tell you about my universe's timeline... and how the GDI came to be."
MacArthur took a deep breath before beginning his explanation, recounting the long and tumultuous history of his universe.
He described how, in his world's timeline, the Allies had waged war against the rising fascist regime of Italy and the Empire of Japan's relentless conquest across Asia, culminating in a global conflict—World War II. The Allies ultimately emerged victorious, reshaping the geopolitical landscape. The Soviet Union, rather than persisting as a Cold War superpower, was dissolved and restructured into a democratic federation.
However, true upheaval came not from human conflict but from the arrival of something far more insidious. A meteorite crashed into Italy, landing in the Tiber River. Within its core lay an alien crystalline substance—Tiberium. The crystal spread rapidly, infecting everything it touched, leeching the land of its nutrients, and bringing forth devastating ion storms. To combat this existential threat, the United Nations established the Global Defense Initiative (GDI), tasked with containing and mitigating Tiberium's spread.
Yet, not all saw Tiberium as a catastrophe. A shadowy terrorist organization, the Brotherhood of Nod, led by the enigmatic Kane, rose to power, advocating for Tiberium's potential to advance human evolution—despite its lethality. Thus, the Tiberium Wars began, as GDI and Nod clashed over the fate of the world. As the conflict raged, an alien race known as the Scrin descended upon Earth, seeking to harvest Tiberium for their own ends. In an uneasy truce, GDI and Nod were forced into reluctant cooperation to repel the invaders. But even in the wake of war, internal fractures emerged—Nod itself split, with Gideon leading a separatist movement against Kane, while Colonel James led a rogue faction from within GDI. Ultimately, Kane and his most devoted followers "ascended" through the enigmatic Threshold Tower, vanishing into another realm, fulfilling their prophet's promise.
With Kane gone, a new era dawned. Scientific research revealed that Tiberium mutants—those whose bodies had been altered by prolonged exposure—were not infectious, leading to newfound civil rights and improved relations between humans and mutants. GDI, now secure in its dominance, transformed into an intergalactic government—the Galactic Defense Initiative—venturing beyond Earth's bounds. With advanced technology salvaged from Nod and Scrin remnants, corporations like Globaltech spearheaded rapid technological advancements in weaponry, equipment, and infrastructure. Colonization began with the Moon and Mars, but the true breakthrough came with the development of slip-space wormhole travel, allowing GDI to expand beyond the solar system, discovering habitable planets fit for settlement.
But space was not as empty as they had hoped. A Scrin expeditionary fleet appeared, striking a newly established GDI colony without warning, igniting the Second GDI-Scrin War. The brutal conflict tested the limits of human resilience, yet GDI once again emerged victorious, delivering a crushing blow to the alien invaders. Humiliated by their failures, the Scrin leadership nursed a growing hatred for humanity. Undeterred, GDI continued its expansion, ensuring that both human and mutant settlers could thrive on newly colonized worlds. With civilian and military technology advancing at an unprecedented rate, a new initiative—Project Atlas—was launched, developing humanoid combat mechs powered by Tiberium cores. These mechanical war machines would soon become the backbone of future conflicts.
Their necessity became apparent during the Third GDI-Scrin War, when another Scrin fleet launched an even more ruthless assault, deploying horrific tactics and committing atrocities across GDI colonies. Yet, with the support of Project Atlas and its powerful mechanized forces, GDI once again triumphed, securing another victory in their long struggle against the alien menace.
Just as they thought peace had been restored, a new threat emerged—one they had not foreseen. Across six GDI colonies, coordinated uprisings erupted, revealing a sinister force working in the shadows. Their old nemesis had returned. The Brotherhood of Nod, now rebranded as the Neo Nod, had risen once more. Using propaganda, misinformation, and Kane's enduring religious ideology, the movement gained traction, portraying GDI as an imperialist oppressor. At the heart of this resurgence was Jade Liang, a former GDI scientist who had suffered a tragic accident during a Tiberium experiment. Alongside her brother, Chan Liang, she became the supreme leader of Neo Nod, rallying followers to her cause.
Armed with salvaged Scrin technology, Neo Nod forged an army of advanced vehicles, aircraft, robotic war machines, and formidable spacecraft. Fanatical militants flocked to their ranks, willing to die for their messianic leader. Mutants were given a choice—join or be executed. Under Jade's rule, the six colony worlds became planetary theocracies, stockpiling dangerous Tiberium-based superweapons. Thus, the Fifth Tiberium War erupted, plunging the galaxy into another bloody conflict.
GDI fought fiercely, but the war exacted a heavy toll on both sides. Determined to put an end to the Brotherhood once and for all, MacArthur personally led an assault against Jade Liang. Their battle was intense, each combatant pushing the other to their limits. In a desperate move, Jade unleashed her trump card—a secret weapon aboard her mothership. However, the weapon malfunctioned, triggering a massive wormhole that tore through space-time itself.
MacArthur recalled the chaos in vivid detail. The vortex consumed everything in its wake, pulling in debris, ships, and soldiers alike. He had tried to escape, but the gravitational pull was too strong. In the end, both he and Jade Liang were swept into the void, cast into this unfamiliar universe.
As he concluded his story, silence fell over the room. The gathered leaders and warriors were left in stunned disbelief. The sheer scale of events he described—the alternate course of history, the alien invasions, the wars fought on Earth and beyond—was unlike anything they had ever known.
Lasky shook his head in disbelief. "I... I can't believe it..."
MacArthur let out a tired sigh, rubbing his temples. "Yeah, believe me. I barely survived a battle against those Scrin bastards, and just when I thought things couldn't get worse, I found myself fighting religious terrorist scumbags hell-bent on carrying out that damn Kane legacy. And now? Now I'm suddenly thrown into an alternate universe. It's giving me a headache."
"Agreed," Lasky muttered. "It's hard to wrap my head around it."
Karra, who had been listening intently, crossed her arms. "The Brotherhood of Nod reminds me of the Old Covenant—built on lies, twisted by false religion, and manipulated by so-called prophets. And we all know what that led to—the Human-Covenant War."
Joy turned to the towering figure beside her. "Chief? What are your thoughts?"
Master Chief remained still for a moment, his visor reflecting the dim lights of the room. "The Brotherhood. The Scrin. They pose a threat to humanity," he said at last, his voice even and resolute. "The Brotherhood is just like the Covenant—fanatics waging war against us with advanced weaponry. But just like the Covenant, they'll crumble under the weight of their own deception."
Frederic nodded in agreement. "Couldn't have said it better, Chief. They're like a mix of insurrectionists and Covenant forces. And just like the Covenant, they'll be our targets."
"Indeed," Karra added, her tone steely with conviction. "Despite their technological arsenal, they'll meet the same fate as the Covenant. Their lies will be their downfall."
Her eyes burned with the same fire she once held when serving the Covenant. Back then, she had been blinded by their so-called divine purpose, but now she saw the Brotherhood for what it truly was—another empire built on manipulation and zealotry. And just like the Covenant, it would fall.
MacArthur let out a sharp laugh. "Ha! Seems like we're all in agreement about our disdain for the Brotherhood."
Lasky gave him a knowing look. "You already knew that, Admiral."
MacArthur smirked. "Yeah. They're like the Covenant, but human. Well, mostly. Some mutants have joined their fanatical cause too."
Linda, standing quietly at the side, finally spoke. "They've never faced Spartans before," she said, her voice laced with confidence. "They won't stand a chance."
Lasky shifted gears, turning to MacArthur with curiosity. "While I'm amazed by the level of technology in your society, I'm even more interested in the kind of technology you're using."
MacArthur leaned back slightly, folding his arms. "Well, as a military man, I don't overlook our technological advancements. You might've heard of it—it's called nanotechnology."
Hackboar, who had been listening in, nodded. "Ah, that technology. We have something similar in our sector."
"Yes," MacArthur continued, "but we've taken it beyond just medical or industrial applications. We've integrated nanotech into our battlefield infrastructure. Our construction yard system can rapidly deploy structures, allowing us to establish bases in the heat of battle."
Kelly raised an eyebrow. "Nanotech used for battlefield construction? That's incredible."
"It would be invaluable for rapid base deployment," Sarah Palmer added, exchanging a glance with Lasky.
Lasky nodded in agreement.
MacArthur turned his attention to the other newcomers in the room. "Now that you know about me, let's hear from the rest of you. You call yourselves Terran, correct?"
Hackboar gave a curt nod. "Da. We reside in a different sector—one known as the Koprulu Sector. We've built our own civilization there, away from... Earth."
He sneered at the mention of his former homeworld, though the expression quickly faded as he continued.
"In the Koprulu Sector, we've had our fair share of threats. The worst among them are the Zerg—vicious, insectoid monstrosities bent on consuming everything in their path. Then there are the Protoss, an advanced alien warrior race who—" he gestured toward the figure standing beside him "—are here with me."
Xuroth stepped forward, his glowing eyes scanning the room. "We both hail from the same universe," he stated. "At first, our people saw each other as enemies. War was inevitable. But through shared hardships, we forged an alliance—a pact to defend the Koprulu Sector from all threats, whether Zerg or otherwise."
Joy's eyes widened with fascination. "Wow! Two factions coexisting in one universe? That's incredible." She turned to Master Chief. "Isn't that intriguing?"
Chief gave a simple nod in response.
Lasky, however, narrowed his eyes at Hackboar. "Hold on, Admiral. I noticed something in the way you spoke about Earth. You seem to hold a strong aversion to it. Why is that?"
Hackboar let out a low chuckle. "Oh, you can bet there's a reason," he said, his voice dripping with bitterness. "You have no idea what's transpiring in my universe. But don't worry—I'll explain. I'll tell you exactly how the Terrans left Earth behind and why we vowed never to return..."
Hackboar took a deep breath before launching into the history of his universe, recounting the rise and fall of Earth's governance. He began with the United Powers League, which had emerged from the ashes of Western civilization's decline in the 22nd century. As societal structures crumbled and nations fell into chaos, the weakened United Nations reorganized itself into the UPL—a global police state that sought to unify humanity under a single banner.
Yet, unity came at a terrible cost.
"Their vision of a better humanity," Hackboar explained grimly, "was built on blood and tyranny."
While the UPL proclaimed an end to ethnic divisions and systemic racism, their methods were far from noble. One of their most infamous policies, Project Purification, sought to preserve "the divinity of mankind." This initiative demanded the eradication of any who were deemed impure or imperfect in the UPL's rigid ideology. Dissidents, hackers, cybernetically enhanced individuals, synthetics, tech-pirates, and criminals—millions of people were rounded up and executed in the name of human purity. Over 400 million lives were lost in this campaign of genocide.
The room grew colder as Hackboar continued.
Among the UPL's so-called visionaries was a scientist named Doran Routhe, who conceived a grand plan to expand humanity beyond the confines of the solar system. But his colonization project was far from ethical. Instead of seeking willing pioneers, Routhe turned to the UPL's prisoner population—those deemed expendable. Thousands of men and women were loaded onto colonial spacecraft and sent on a one-way journey across the stars, braving unknown dangers, with the UPL watching their every move from afar.
When they finally arrived in the Koprulu Sector, they began anew, establishing colonies, forging their own lives—separate from the oppressive grasp of Earth.
A heavy silence followed his words.
For a moment, no one spoke. Then, MacArthur slammed his fist against the nearest surface, his face contorted with rage.
"What the hell! How does a government let itself become that kind of monster?"
Sarah Palmer crossed her arms, her expression a mixture of anger and disgust. "The way they treated those people... it's inhumane."
Joy's voice quivered with emotion. "That's... barbaric! Chief, are you hearing this? It's barbaric!"
Master Chief stood silent, absorbing everything. Though he said nothing, his mind churned. The UPL's authoritarian rule was a nightmare beyond comprehension. The eradication of anyone deemed imperfect, the cold efficiency of their genocide—these were crimes against humanity on an unfathomable scale.
If they ever crossed paths with the UPL, he wouldn't hesitate to take the fight to them. Whether alone or with an entire UNSC fleet, he would see to it that their tyranny was crushed and replaced with a government that actually deserved to exist.
His Blue Team members seemed to share his sentiments. They knew the horrors of fascist regimes, had seen firsthand what unchecked extremism could do. The UPL's philosophy mirrored the worst aspects of Nazi Germany—an ideology that needed to be obliterated before it spread any further. If fate ever brought them to that universe, they would see the UPL torn down.
Lasky exhaled sharply, shaking his head in dismay.
"Unbelievable..." he muttered. "Earth fell so far... and to this?"
There was a nagging fear in the back of his mind—Could our own Earth suffer the same fate someday? His own government hadn't taken that path, but the mere thought of it sent a shiver down his spine. The UPL's rhetoric of human divinity sounded eerily similar to the religious extremism of the Covenant. The thought of his world becoming that was unbearable.
He turned to Hackboar, his gaze filled with both frustration and curiosity.
"Tell me something," he asked. "Do your people have any plans to fight back against the Earth government?"
Hackboar scoffed, shaking his head. "No. We have no desire for war. All we want is a place to live free from their persecution. That's why we built our lives in the Koprulu Sector. Returning to Earth was never an option."
Linda raised an eyebrow. "So you're just avoiding conflict entirely?"
"That's right." Hackboar shrugged. "When we settle new worlds, we build our own governments, our own defenses. We protect ourselves, but we don't seek war. We have enough enemies as it is."
He glanced toward the towering Protoss beside him.
"But before I continue," Hackboar said, motioning to his companion, "my friend here will share the origins of his people."
The room's attention shifted to the alien warrior, who stepped forward, his glowing eyes scanning the gathered audience.
Xuroth took a deep breath before beginning his recount of his race's origins. As a scholar who had devoted years to studying the history of his people, he spoke with precision, carefully piecing together the fragments of their past. He detailed the ancient race known as the Xel'Naga, beings revered as gods by the Protoss and worshipped for their perceived divinity. Their influence had shaped Protoss civilization in profound ways, instilling a sense of purpose and destiny within them.
Once Xuroth finished, Hackboar stepped forward to explain the intricacies of Terran society. He described the three major factions that had emerged in the Koprulu Sector: the Terran Confederacy, the Umojan Protectorate, and the Kel-Morian Combine. The Confederacy, once the dominant force, had become a corrupt and oppressive state, imposing draconian measures on its own citizens and treating outsiders from the Umojan Protectorate or its colonies with hostility. This environment of tyranny had given rise to the Sons of Korhal, a rebellion led by Arcturus Mengsk, who sought to overthrow the Confederacy and establish independence.
Hackboar then recounted the fateful first contact between humanity and the two alien races—the Zerg and the Protoss. These encounters swiftly escalated into violent conflicts, reshaping the balance of power in the sector. Xuroth nodded in agreement, corroborating Hackboar's account and adding further insights into the Protoss perspective.
As the narrative continued, Hackboar shifted his focus to the true nature of Arcturus Mengsk. Though he had once been heralded as a liberator, his methods quickly revealed a far darker side. He had orchestrated the fall of the Confederacy by deploying a psi-disruptor to lure the Zerg to Tarsonis, ensuring its destruction. Worse still, he had betrayed his own most loyal operative, Sarah Kerrigan, leaving her to be captured by the Zerg in a calculated sacrifice. This act of treachery had severed his alliance with Jim Raynor, who, disgusted by Mengsk's ruthlessness, abandoned his service. With the Confederacy gone, Mengsk seized power and transformed the Terran Dominion into an absolute monarchy, crowning himself emperor.
Hackboar and Xuroth then delved into the chaos of the Brood War. Kerrigan, having been transformed into a hybrid Zerg being with unparalleled psionic abilities, assumed control of the Swarm, waging war against both Terran and Protoss forces. At the same time, the United Powers League—having rebranded itself as the United Earth Directorate (UED)—launched an expeditionary fleet to bring every Terran colony under its dominion. However, in the face of overwhelming odds, an alliance formed between Jim Raynor's rebels and the Protoss, fostering an unprecedented cooperation between their races.
Despite its initial military success, the UED ultimately met its downfall at the hands of Kerrigan. Her forces decimated the Directorate's fleet, leaving only scattered survivors to flee to the far reaches of Terran space. In the aftermath, as the Koprulu Sector struggled to rebuild, Hackboar shared his own experiences during the Reconstruction era. As a member of the Raynor's Raiders, he had fought against the oppressive rule of the Dominion, continuing the battle for true freedom in a war that seemed never-ending.
(He explained the timeline history according to Starcraft II)
After explaining, they inform them that Mengsk's son, Valerian Mengsk, assumes the role of emperor following his father's demise at the hands of Kerrigan. He peacefully relocates to Korhal, accompanied by Kerrigan and her Swarm, leaving Terran worlds behind. Under Valerian Mengsk's leadership, the Terran Dominion begins the process of reforming and rectifying the numerous crimes committed by his father. Following these events, both Hackboar and Xuroth elaborate on a fallen Xel'naga named Amon, who enlists the Tal'darim, a servant faction of the Protoss, and his Terran thralls, previously under the control of Valerian Mengsk, into his service. They describe the events leading up to Amon's defeat by Kerrigan, who ascends as a new Xel'naga. Subsequently, efforts to rebuild and restore peace in the Koprulu Sector ensue.
However, recent developments have disrupted this peace. They discuss the emergence of a new threat known as the Black Order of Amon, an extremist organization composed of surviving members of the Moebius Corps who fanatically worship a deceased god, despite no longer being under his influence, and loyalists of Ma'lash who have evaded Highlord Alarak's pursuit. The Black Order launches attacks on numerous worlds affiliated with both Terrans and Protoss, amassing a formidable army. The Terran Dominion, along with other Terran nations and the Daelaam, form joint operation forces to combat the Black Order. Meanwhile, Zagara leads the Swarm in efforts to repel the invaders.
Through their campaigns, they uncover the location of the Black Order's secret headquarters, where they utilize ancient Xel'naga technology known as the replicator to bolster their forces. This technology enables them to replicate armies comprising Terrans, Tal'darim Protoss, and hybrids, as well as various vehicles and aircraft. The allied forces successfully destroy the enemy base and raid the Moebius advanced facility, acquiring the replicator technology for themselves. With this technology in their possession, they can replicate resources indefinitely, ensuring they will not face depletion concerns.
Lastly, they mention the leader known as the Amon Regent, along with his top generals, Tal'darim Protoss, who escape using an ancient Xel'naga portal gateway. To prevent pursuit, the allied forces swiftly move to destroy the portal. However, before its destruction, they enter the portal and find themselves in an alternate timeline universe on Earth, where they encounter others facing similar circumstances.
After finishing their explanations about the origins and timeline of their universe, everyone needed time to process the overwhelming information.
Frederic exhaled sharply, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Holy shit... Fighting an evil god? In that shadowy realm?"
Xuroth nodded solemnly. "Yes, with Kerrigan's aid. She ascended to become a new Xel'Naga despite the atrocities she committed across the Koprulu Sector."
Sarah Palmer crossed her arms, deep in thought. "I see... So that's how you ended up here, on this Earth—so different from ours."
Hackboar gave a curt nod. "Exactly."
Lasky let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. "Honestly, if I were to go back and tell them about our experiences here, they'd think I was insane and throw me into an asylum."
MacArthur smirked. "Heh, same here. But not if we bring evidence. When we return, I bet their faces will be priceless when they see our report."
He grinned at the thought.
Kelly leaned forward with interest. "So they faced off against a fallen god, huh? Sounds incredible. I wish I could've been there to fight alongside them."
Karra placed a hand on the hilt of his blade, his voice filled with conviction. "Indeed. If I had been there, I would have slain his minions and vanquished him with my sword. Then, I would return to tell the tale of my victory."
Joy practically bounced with excitement. "It sounds amazing! Chief, can you believe this? The multiverse theory has been proven true all along! We're not alone in our universe! Aren't you excited about this?"
She turned to him eagerly, waiting for his response.
Master Chief remained composed, his voice steady. "Just a bit. I'm still processing the information—people claiming to be from different universes."
Joy rolled her eyes playfully. "Well, you just have to accept the facts. They have military training and the most advanced technological arsenal. Their enemies won't stand a chance against them—not even this so-called Zeon we just encountered."
Sarah Palmer cleared her throat. "Sir, while we're trying to wrap our heads around this complicated situation, I suggest we focus on the main topic—our alliance."
Lasky blinked. "Huh? Oh, right. Of course."
He cleared his throat and straightened up before addressing the group. "Gentlemen, after hearing about your universe and sharing our own situation, I believe we're off to a great start in forming this alliance."
MacArthur nodded in agreement. "Indeed. It would be mutually beneficial for all of us to work together to survive in this alternate universe, particularly here on Earth."
Hackboar folded his arms. "At first, I thought we had been transported back to our distant homeworld, still under UED control. But it quickly became clear that this is not the same world we knew."
Lasky added, "Additionally, there's no evidence of UNSC activities—nothing related to the UEG or ONI."
MacArthur chimed in. "Nor any signs of GDI operations or other related elements."
Hackboar frowned. "And certainly no massive UED presence. If they were here, they would've been alerted to our arrival by now."
Karra tilted his head slightly. "It's peculiar. I'm unfamiliar with this timeline as well—especially this Earth Federation and Zeon. Who are they, and what do we know about this universe?"
Lasky sighed. "That's precisely what we're trying to determine. Despite the primitive technology of this world—an advanced version of the 21st century, at best—Roland managed to decrypt some data."
MacArthur leaned forward. "I've dispatched InOps agents to gather intelligence and historical records. They've made significant progress and have returned with results."
Xuroth spoke next. "Hackboar had his AI adjutant infiltrate human computer systems to access historical records, both past and present. Meanwhile, I deployed observers to monitor external events and dispatched Avengers and Dark Templars to infiltrate military structures and camps belonging to both the Earth Federation and Zeon. They returned unharmed and undetected."
Master Chief's expression remained unreadable. "What do we know about this universe, sir?"
Lasky turned to the air beside him. "Roland."
At his command, a shimmering hologram materialized, revealing Roland's familiar digital form. Lasky addressed him directly.
"Roland, have you been able to gather the data?"
Roland smirked confidently. "Oh, I've done more than that. I've collected all the intelligence, historical records, and analysis from our allies and compiled it into one extensive database. It's all right here."
He tapped the side of his head with a finger.
Xuroth stepped forward. "Can you provide us with everything you've found about this alternate reality? We need to understand the full picture before we can determine our next course of action."
Roland nodded. "Certainly, Praetor. Allow me to present everything I've uncovered about this Earth and the current conflict between the two factions."
Roland began explaining to everyone in the room about the alternate reality and its different timelines. First, he mentioned the change in the calendar, now known as the Universal Century calendar. Humanity had made significant advancements in space exploration, ushering in a new era of engineering technology. They began constructing orbiting artificial cities known as space colonies, offering habitation options beyond colonizing planets outside the solar system. The inhabitants of these colonies, called spacenoids, believed in the potential of human evolution. They had previously collaborated with earthnoids to build the first artificial colony, Laplace Station. However, Roland detailed an incident where Laplace Station was destroyed by a terrorist group, resulting in the death of Prime Minister Ricardo Marcenas and the loss of important documents, leading to the mistreatment of spacenoids as second-class citizens by the Earth Federation.
As the Earth Federation expanded its colonization efforts to the moon and beyond, more space colonies were constructed throughout the galaxy. Roland explained the philosophy of Contolism and Ere-ism propagated by Zeon Zum Deikun, along with his theory of Newtypes. According to this theory, humans, through continuous communication, would develop a sixth sense enabling mental communication.
The description hinted at Newtypes possessing psychic powers, akin to the psionic abilities observed in terrans and protoss, a similarity that would become apparent later on.
Roland proceeded to explain Deikun's desire for all space colonies to be recognized as sovereign independent states, leading him to become the new leader of Side 3 Colony, establishing the Republic of Zeon. In response to this declaration of independence, the Earth Federation implemented the Bardot Policy, cutting off all resources to the colony. Deikun, anticipating a potential invasion by the Earth Federation, mobilized the colonial guards to defend against any aggression.
Following his leadership, Deikun had two children: Artesia Som Deikun and Casval Rem Deikun. Roland displayed a picture of the Zeon Deikun family, including Deikun's wife and his two children, and mentioned that Zeon Deikun passed away in October, 0068 U.C., due to a heart attack during a government assembly. Degwin Sodo Zabi succeeded him as the leader of the Republic of Zeon, transforming it into the Principality of Zeon and establishing a family dictatorship.
Roland then delved into the introduction of a groundbreaking war machine known as mobile suits. These giant mech robots were capable of spaceflight and equipped with various weapons powered by Minovsky particles. Zeon began mass-producing mobile suits for military purposes, gaining a significant advantage in warfare. Although the Earth Federation had similar intentions, their mobile suit project had been postponed.
However, on January 3, 0079 U.C., the Principality of Zeon declared independence from the Earth Federation, initiating a war. Initially, the Zeon space fleet faced defeat, but with the introduction of mobile suits, they gained the upper hand, notably in the Battle of Loum. Yet, the course of the war took a dark turn with Zeon's Operation British, orchestrated by Supreme Leader Gihren Zabi and led by Dozle Zabi. This operation involved the use of chemical weapons on Side 5 Colony, redirecting it toward Earth, resulting in catastrophic loss of life on both the colony and Earth itself.
Roland proceeded to explain that in the aftermath, the Earth Federation opted to convene with Zeon representatives to sign a peace treaty at an observatory in the permanent neutral zone of Antarctica. Initially intended as a surrender agreement, the treaty would have granted the Principality of Zeon autonomy and limited the Earth Federation Forces' size. However, on the day of the signing, General Revil made a dramatic appearance at Luna II, having been rescued by Federation forces. He delivered a speech declaring Zeon's exhaustion and urging the Earth Federation to continue the struggle rather than surrendering. Consequently, the content of the Antarctic Treaty was drastically altered, galvanizing the Earth Federation Forces to persist in the conflict and prompting Zeon to initiate an invasion of Earth.
As a result, Zeon forces landed on Earth, launching an invasion across the continent in a bid to gain territory from the Earth Federation and secure victory. However, a significant event occurred on the Zeon side when Garma Zabi, a member of the Zabi family, was killed in action by the Earth Federation mobile suit carrier known as SCV-70 White Base. This carrier concealed a secret weapon that could potentially alter the tide of the war for the Earth Federation—the Gundam suit, also known as Project V.
After Roland concluded his explanation of the alternate reality's origins and timeline history, the room fell into a contemplative silence. The weight of the revelation settled on those gathered, each of them now possessing a comprehensive understanding of the universe they had found themselves in.
Lasky folded his arms, processing the information. "I see... Is that all, Roland?"
Roland nodded. "Yes, sir. That concludes my presentation."
Hackboar leaned back in his chair, smirking. "So, these so-called Spacenoids were treated like second-class citizens by the Earthnoids? Heh, reminds me of how we were treated by the UED before they tossed us into the Koprulu Sector to colonize those worlds. Only difference is, we built our own civilizations and cut ties with Earth."
Karra furrowed his brow. "Do humans always fight each other's wars for such petty reasons?"
Frederic sighed. "It's been a recurring theme throughout history. But we still strive to make peace wherever possible—for freedom, prosperity, and security."
Joy hesitated before speaking. "Um, Chief? Do you think the Federation is right and Zeon is wrong, or is it the other way around?"
Master Chief's voice was firm. "Neither. The Earth Federation is accountable for treating Spacenoids as second-class citizens, though they weren't responsible for the Laplace space colony explosion. Zeon, however, is just as guilty—they massacred civilians with chemical weapons and hurled a space colony into Earth's atmosphere, killing millions."
Joy frowned. "But they declared war for independence, like how the United States fought against the British Empire."
Master Chief shook his head. "That was a different kind of war for independence."
Sarah Palmer turned to Lasky. "Captain, what's your take on this?"
Lasky exhaled slowly. "In my view, humanity had barely begun exploring space before waging war on itself, leading to immense bloodshed. The Zabi Family ruled Zeon through dictatorship and weaponized a space colony, using it as a blunt instrument of destruction. It reminds me of how insurrectionists operate."
MacArthur scoffed. "If this happened in my universe, I'd obliterate Nod for slaughtering innocent people and weaponizing a space colony against Earth—my Earth."
Xuroth's expression was unreadable. "I do not wish to meddle in Terran affairs, but Zeon's actions—dropping a space colony with people still living inside—are barbaric and unjustifiable in the name of independence."
Hackboar grunted. "Honestly? I would've supported Zeon's cause for independence. But after learning about the atrocities they committed? That's where they lost me. If necessary, I'd personally wipe them out."
Lasky glanced around. "It seems we all share the same sentiment. We won't align with either the Federation or Zeon. With our advanced technology, weapons, and resources, we can survive in this reality together."
Xuroth nodded. "United as one, as the Terrans would say."
MacArthur smirked. "With cooperation, we can share technology and defend ourselves against any perceived threats."
Linda spoke up. "Excuse me, sir, but do we have a name for this alliance?"
Xuroth tilted his head. "Hmm, I am unsure."
Hackboar chuckled. "Yeah, we should have a name. We're from four different universes, after all."
Lasky closed his eyes, contemplating. Then, inspiration struck. He looked up and addressed the room. "How about... the Universal Coalition Alliance? Since we believe in the multiverse theory and have come together from different universes, it fits."
Xuroth nodded in approval. "A unique name, especially coming from a UNSC Terran. Impressive."
MacArthur chuckled. "Better than anything I could come up with."
Hackboar laughed heartily. "Hah! I like it!"
Lasky surveyed the room. "What about the rest of you? Do you accept this name?"
Master Chief gave a curt nod. "Affirmative."
Joy beamed. "I like it, sir."
Frederic folded his arms. "An alliance name for the four of us, from different universes. I'm in."
Linda smiled. "Count me in."
Kelly added, "Same here."
Sarah Palmer nodded. "Looks like we're all in agreement."
Lasky straightened. "Thank you, everyone. The four of us will lead this alliance. Our first priority is finding a way home. Secondly, we need to identify and neutralize our enemies before they escalate this conflict between the Federation and Zeon."
Xuroth's gaze darkened. "Agreed. The followers of Amon shall be reduced to ashes for worshiping a fallen god."
MacArthur scowled. "Neo Nod won't stop until they turn this Earth into a Tiberium wasteland. I won't let this world suffer the same fate as mine did."
Lasky's voice was grave. "We also have to deal with the Banished, who were caught in the wormhole incident. We must stop them before they bring any more bloodshed."
A sudden cough drew their attention to Roland. "Ahem."
Lasky turned to his trusted AI. "What is it, Roland?"
Roland's holographic figure flickered. "While you were discussing priorities, I intercepted a Zeon transmission. They've occupied a nearby village. The resistance fighters won't hold out much longer."
Kelly grinned. "Finally, some action! It's time to face Zeon again—this time, with an army."
Hackboar laughed. "Ha! I agree with the Spartan. Zeon will tremble before the might of our Dominion."
Xuroth's eyes glowed with intensity. "The Daelaam will join the battle. My warriors will eliminate them and save the villagers."
MacArthur nodded. "The GDI stands for the safety and protection of humanity. I'll join the fight. We'll test our new weapons on them. Zeon won't know what hit them."
Karra stepped forward, blades gleaming. "My weapons are at your service."
Sarah Palmer turned to Lasky. "Captain? Your orders?"
Lasky took a deep breath. "The UNSC will join the battle. Spartans, lead our best troops into the fight."
Joy's eyes widened. "Wait... does that mean—"
Roland smirked. "Yes. You know what it means."
Lasky's voice was resolute. "It's time to fight. As the first act of our alliance, we declare war on Zeon. Let's show them what we're capable of."
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