[b]New Condia: The Advance[/b]

Even in the time span of the short conflict, the Gathering had gained a great deal of knowledge on the Union's attack strategies and capabilities. The walkers (designated Amazons) buffed their shields against the incoming artillery fire, absorbing as much damage as they could with their two ablative shield plates. Chunks of external armor boiled and melted off the Amazons as a thick slag, but their heavy armor prevented a great deal of structural damage. One walker, however, had a limb blown off, and it collapsed to the ground, flailing it's two remaining legs as it succumbed to the barrage and detonated ferociously. 

 One of the remaining machines fired zero point mortars, crushing tanks as the shots landed in intense gravity fields, as another fired decay lasers as a sort of flak against the drop pods, hoping to disable or destroy them before they hit the ground and release their cargo. As for the ground troops, the Matrons were much more fighter capable, bearing a strange insignia and being colored a black and red pattern, indicating they were special forces of some kind. They rushed up the hill as fast as they could, some dropping from the infantry fire of the Union soldiers, and were soon upon them, slashing and stabbing at them with their blades.

[b]New Condia Orbit[/b]

The large Cathedral wreck showed signs of life, as it flickered and moved sluggishly, unable to fight or escape but still very much alive. Inside, a strange signal indicated a sentience unlike the other Ethereals, a still functioning intelligence on board. The main Witch was still connected to this realm, and trapped in a bizarre circumstance where it couldn't severe it's link. With no means of communication to reach the Home Fleet, it simply waited to be captured, desperately trying to hatch a plan of retreat.

----

[b]Mars[/b]

Madam Tiy watched the primitive device, as it gave a brief but succinct insight into human history. It frowned visibly, as the images of their struggle to control their primal urges of war and bloodshed flicked over. For her species, war amongst themselves had never occurred, even early on in their history. Being constantly linked to each others mind made lies and deceit impossible, and the fact that their power diminished as others were lost meant that, at least to them, war was always a hindrance and travesty that no one came out top of, ever. She did, however, understand that these impulses were impossible to ignore for some races, and that their true mark was in the ability to overcome and thrive despite these instincts.

The Warden noticed the humans were ashamed, and was surprised to see them hold up a blade of some kind, almost as if she was being offered... Horrified, she just stood their unmoving and watching them motionless, accepting of their potential fate. If only Tiy could tell them of what had happened, that they were, like all life, precious and sacred. That they shouldn't feel this way, that even her kind-

"No" was all Sage said, watching intently as well. "They are not ready. To share that with them now, would only break their spirit. With time, they will learn of the dangers of this galaxy, and how little time is left." The orb glowed brighter, and shone a light green, thinking intently. "Our duty is to protect them. Even to our last guardian. The Yss, or whatever monstrosity they have become now, must be stopped. But not by us. Our time has passed, and we shall fade away to nothing, eventually forgotten. But this species, and all the others that may still dwell in the galaxy... They are it's last hope. All we can do is guide them, and show them the tools they will need to survive."

TIy nodded, and lifted the sword from the female's hands, inspecting the blade, fascinated by it's intricate patterns and expertly crafted design. There is a certain beauty and wisdom to all things, even war, the Warden thought to herself. Perhaps, even her kind could have learned a thing or two from these creatures. She stabbed the sword into the ground beside the human, and held out her hand to help it up, smiling and teary eyed. They were kindred, and both knew of the prices they had paid to be here today. But only the Warden knew of the sacrifices to come, the sacrifices she would ask of this race and it's allies.