Akabat, The Order war council

[Omicron]

Moon emerges from shadow of its planet, gifting light of the sun to the surface. Deep within edge nebula, world of Akabat welcomes new day after many days long slumber imposed by gas giant Nebet. World owned by The Order has always been busy place since first ships made landfall, carrying survivors of Toledo. This particular day was not a daily routine, should anything be repetitive in Omicrons other than bloodshed. The Osiris - the ship that other Order capital ships derive from - stood guard over the moon. Visitors were expected and those of which who were privileged enough to fly their own ships through restricted system of The Order’s protectorate could even have a chance to see Osiris from up close, revealing scarred and old hull. Foolish would be assumption that this is a weakness born out of neglect, as priorities of maintaining highly effective war machine were well beyond even the simplest tasks even akin applying new paint.

On the surface, troops gathered to vanguard the space port. Terrain was rocky, featuring local life equivalent to savannah. There were no big water sources as far anyone could see, distributing life precious liquid through plentiful small rivers and occasional lakes. Visitors would actually been warned to drink none of it until purified, explaining that all water is rich in metallic content. Settlement was rather generic and flat - most locals still sleeping besides serving operatives on duty. Spaceport notably composed of unusual runways leading to hangars and elevators, pointing out that base was heavily dug underground. Many fighters were lined up on one of the airstrips, most if not all of them ready to be used in moment’s notice.

All VIP’s were assigned temporary quarters should they require it, as other delegations could have been late. Inside the military base designated as meeting point, everyone was busy in the hour conference was scheduled. Military patrols were at each door and hall, ensuring peace and security. What could surprise the newcomers was the fact that medics present were carrying out tests on every and each of them. Mandatory it also included taking blood sample from everyone. “For security” they explained, procedure may have been familiar to those who visited Order installations at early opportunities. There was considerable tension at each case among medical staff and marines, as even the medics wore full body armor and helmet and had lethal weapons to use just in case.

The actual meeting hall was free of the rush outside once doors closed. Big, half-circle room with more than enough seats to house all representatives and their important advisors. Security measures are tight even here with a marine holding each important spot around the room. At the center, in front of the big projectors and screens was The Order’s own representation. Among them, most known face would be Grand Admiral Golanski, discussing privately with a scientist on the side. When everyone would be ready, it was him to stand up and begin.

“To all gathered, from all corners of the Sirius…” He addressed everyone, signaling to cease all chatter. “Twenty one years, The Order defeated Nomads the first time, ending the bloodshed that overtook entire Sirius. Yet many more sacrifices were done to bring Sirius to - even if temporary - peace.” His sight then moved over to GMG representatives. “The Guild here present sunk many Rheinland capital ships, at that time manned by infectees in Sigma 13.” He nods towards them, pointing at Bundschuh now. “Bundschuh were crucial in dismantling Nomad warmachine within Rheinland from inside out. Their sacrifice was great as they had lost their leader and many elite fighters in the process. The Order respects what Botzler has done for all of us.” Third party would be the Blood Dragons. “And here we are, Dragons of Kusari. Their moment of glory slain the hydra’s head in Tohoku, governor Tekagi.”

“There were many more… unnamed, forgotten in history. The Order for sure was not remembered within the houses as their saviours for too long, neither we actually expected that.” Admiral moves on now to the main point. “The time has come that we have to counter alien menace again. Ever since Toledo fell, personally I believed that we entered conflict that will be remembered as Second Nomad War.”

---