[quote=@Trillovinum] Diplomatic message sent to Karilac forces over Seraphian homeworld. The message is composed in the Seraphian main language since it was assumed that that was a tongue both the Kimo and Karilac understand. “Honoured sentients, The United Federation of Independent Star Systems greets Though it is a sad thing our races must meet in such circumstances as these. No doubt you have intercepted the message of the Krall leadership to its people in which they rather unsubtly threaten every sentient race in the galaxy with destruction. Even now, their fleets and troops move to make those words reality. Your forces will soon face them over the Seraphian homeworld and after that, we will both likely encounter them much closer to our own homes unless action is undertaken. Simultaneously, the Nur’Xal rally more and more forces to embark upon their crusade against any and all who do not follow their twisted creed. They have already established a base on the Seraphian world and more will follow if they are left unchecked. Therefore we extend to you our hand in friendship. Together we can stop these creatures and the ‘gods’ they follow. United, we can take on any threat better than if we were alone. Fewer lives would be lost as well as fewer ships and potentially even fewer colonies, should this impending war ever come to our doorstep. We sincerely hope you consider our offer of friendship on behalf of our entire race.” Included in this message are a series of communication frequencies and monitored dead-drop points for your use if you wish to reply. Additionally it includes a copy of the Krall leader’s message as well as detailed tactical information regarding the Krall fleet heading towards the Seraphian system. The Kimo have also added a very basic summary of their species and culture to ease the diplomatic process. [/quote] Silence filled the command bridge of the Hive Ship, from the guards to the Shpmasters themselves no-one dared speak. All eyes were turned to one of two places, ether the display of the small probe that had been allowed to approach the fleet, or to the Prelate who had already donned his battle armor. The first broadcast from the Krall had caused a stir, but it had been expected, they were a single minded race always going on about their old gods. But this second transmission was new, few had heard of the Kimo even being spotted outside their area of influence without shots being exchanged. The prelate looked at the probe himself, as if it would yield it's secrets by force of will alone. As he glared at the desplay electric blue arcs jumped from finger to finger. "Shipmaster, contact the home-world. I want reinforcements to our eastern boarder, and I want the second wave in this system within the week, as well as a few more support ships to bolster numbers. Set watch on the gate, I do not want even the smallest strike craft to have access to it without our knowing about it, and prepare sensor probes I want this system locked down." Veicc stopped for a moment "And prepare a message probe, it would be rude not for us to reply. As they have just supplied us with something of great value, and in this coming war we may need this Friendship they offer." Around an hour afterwords a small pyramidal probe shot out from the Hive ship, on its way to the relay and from there to the Kimo's drop point, its contents a single message. "Those of the Sire Kimo. We of the Dominion express our thanks at the information given to us on the Krall fleet, as it will be of great use in the coming engagement. We have already begun to take steps, so that they are met with an unexpected fight upon their arrival. But this is war, a new war, and we feel the tides of the Pathways reverberating with its drumbeats. We may not see well in harsh light, but we are not blind. This war is unlike all before it, even our past scourge wars that brought doom to many did not echo like this. To this end we will offer our own hand as well, if only for this time, but the future is as fluid as the void and perhaps we will continue this friendship till the stars crumble to dust." --------- [i]The Planets Surface, 6 hours later [/i] They began at dusk, dark shapes of hundreds of Karilac soldiers weaving their way towards one of the strong point fortresses that had proven to be quite stubborn in recent days. Defensive guns flashed as they sought the soldiers in the darkening light, driving some to ground as the shielding failed under the sustained fire. One such soldier was a young Karilac of the name of Kiris. He clutched his shard rifle as he dove behind a ruined wall in an effort to break the guns line of sight. This worked for a time, though the vibrations that began to rattle his teeth told him that the gun had zeroed in at his location, his breath quickened and his Ventri began to buzz out of their holes in response to his heightened awareness. [color=1a7b30]"What are we young one?"[/color] The deep, augmented voice caused Kiris to quickily turn his gaze to the right where a hulking figure in huge armor had lumbered towards him. It carried a large two handed blade, clutched in its right hand, and a heavy shard pistol in its left (with an obvious extended capacity magazine). It was followed by two of its fellows, both making use of large pole-arms with shard pistol secondaries. "Im sorry sir what do you mean, what are we?" The question felt odd, the battlefield was no place for philosophy. The figure turned towards the strong point [color=1a7b30]"What do I mean. I mean what are we, what are you. We are the scourge, we do not falter , we do not relent, we push forwards to victory or death."[/color] The Hivegaurd took a lumber step forward, the defensive gun being trained on him the moment he did so, his shield dropping only to flicker back to life even under a relentless barrage. [color=1a7b30]"Now come fight with us to the end. To whatever end."[/color] Kiris clutched his rifle, something resonated with him about that. He couldn't quite place it, but something told him to go on now, to take the wall and beyond. With a cry that resonated from his very soul, Kiris tore himself away from the wall and charged towards the fortress. Above gunships launched a barrage of implosion missiles straight into the wall, bursting it wide open. Encased within his armor Veicc grinned, it takes only a small nudge with words and a spark of power to give will to a hero. He pushed his Hivegaurd armor forward, watching the young Karilac rage forward joined by his fellows as a humm rose from the field. Soon the young one was overcome by the wave of Ventri that had been released from the Dominon soldiers and was now pouring into the base. That was when the screaming started. And it did not end until the Dominon had stormed the Strongpoint and cleansed it of the Older brothers forces. Veicc walked into the courtyard after the battle, his guard behind. [color=9e0b0f]"Notify Angelo that we have secured this fortress and its hab sector, securing the eastern flank."[/color] Far off in the distance bight flashes of light streaked from space to the surface ending in brighter flashes of light [color=9e0b0f]"Also tell him that the enemy fall back positions are gone."[/color] A whimpering drew his attention, turning he saw one of the enemy solders limp out from behind a barricade. They clutched a twisted broken weapon like a club, and upon seeing the Prelate, let out a guttural scream and charged. Veicc sighed and lifted the now blood stained blade, its wieght like that of a single handed blade. With a grace that one would not expect from Hivegaurd armor Veicc maneuvered his large blade and caught the solders legs, effectively cutting straight through them. Bringing up his other hand as he completed the follow through he released a wave of force that slammed the soldiers body into the far wall. As he lumbered over to end it the Prelate grumbled to himself. [color=9e0b0f]"Humph. I should remind the new captain to be more thorough next time."[/color] ------ Summery: The Karilac have reciprocated the information on the Kimo culture and species information as a sign of goodwill. They have also called in a secondary fleet plus reinforcements, adding to their overall presence in space in a big way. They have also placed the Mass Effect gate on essentially a lock down state with probes and scouts so they know the minute anything enters system, as well as begging to send probes out around the system as a kind of sensor net. They have fully engaged the older brothers forces, and have begun to observe the Nur’Xal closely, waiting for their next move. They have also reinforced their border with the Krall.