Space Odyssey: Spectre

Chapter 642: Clear Corruption

"I believe we are here to discuss the Cerberus Unit’s position." Another politician announced to pull attention away. "Now that we have established they are a separate group. I believe it might be valuable to share information."

"Then I say the Cerberus Group goes first." Another politician scoffed out. Getting glares from not only the military commanders but even the speaker.

"Let’s make sure our remote guests’ connections are secure first." The speaker declared.

Jace looked over at West who gave a thumbs up. "We are secure on our end."

"I am secure." Salem spoke next and then several of the military officers began announcing the same. Then they moved onto the others or rather the few politicians that were not at the place where the Speaker, the Director, and the High Priestess were currently hosting this meeting.

Once they were all done. The High Priestess stood up and spoke. "We are seeing activity on all fronts." A hologram appeared overhead in the center of the meeting room. "On the Mortella front they are seemingly putting all their efforts on the defensive."

"Why?" One of the admirals in the room asked. "From all signs they have been managing to push us back on all fronts aside from the Yuri System."

"We managed to infiltrate their communication systems and it seems like they are having distribution issues. They are fortifying positions while they focus on completing the conquering of other galaxies." Director Fenrir began explaining. "We have seen them pull back from some systems they have not managed to fully conquer and it appears as if they are not going to receive any additional backup or support."

"They are not the only ones." Salem spoke up. "It appears as if the daemons are evacuating their people from our system as well. But I doubt they are doing it for all of their people." Salem continued when everyone was looking in her direction. "I believe it would be in our best interest to check in on the remote locations where daemons have established bases."

"Definitely something we have to consider. I have heard that there is something going on with the Dark Elves and plague nano swarm as well?" One of the admirals asked.

"Indeed." Director Fenrir nodded and stood up. Part of the hologram lit up. "Ninety percent of the dark elves have left the galaxy. We do not know how, but they have managed to pack up and leave." She then nodded at the hologram. "Unfortuatly it appears the plague nano swarm has not done the same. It is no longer spreading at the whim of the dark elves. But it does seem to be moving as a swarm without reproducing."

"Perhaps our returning commander can shed some light on what is happening?" One of the few generals in the room requested. Directing his gaze in Jace’s direction.

"I cannot speak for the dark elves and their strange movement." That was a bold faced lie. But Fenrir did not address it so neither would Jace. "But I do know that the plague swarm is unable to reproduce. When I returned to the system I brought a system update that acts as a cure for the plague whose source of spread has been cut off. But that is not enough to stop it. So I am guessing the main source of the nano plague has left our galaxy as well."

"So we are stuck with the remnant that may or may not be migratory." One of the politicians mumbled out.

"What about the foreign nations?" The High Priestess asked. "I am more than aware that Cerberus has been aggressive these last few weeks. What is the plan you have for them? Or are they retreating as well?"

Jace turned to Hielo. Hielo nodded and spoke up. "Actually they are regrouping in a system at the edge of the galaxy. We have been slowly chipping away at them for the last few months. But these past few weeks we cut down their numbers. After one more good push we should only have to clean up the remnants."

"I assume you will not need our help?" The High Priestess asked.

"We will not. But I feel I should remind the so-called ’Liberation units’ that they can recover slaves and captured people from the daemons and outlaw groups. Recklessly bombing people to death because it is convenient and easier will be registered as a violation of their rights." Jace informed them. "Now then was there anything else we needed to discuss? Or can I get back to things that matter?"

"We need to discuss the overall plan." Fenrir declared looking straight at him. "We are aware that you have an endgame. Would you mind discussing it with the larger group?"

Jace raised an eyebrow and thought about it for a moment before shaking his head. "Nope." He could already see the politicians revving up in anger. "If I tell anyone the plan, especially in a meeting like this, it will get leaked and then I am going to have competing groups who believe they can grab control of the galaxy through what I am doing. Unfortunately all it will do is delay the inevitable cost millions of people their lives. So no, I am not going to share my plan with this entire... galaxy council? Is that what this is?"

There were a few minutes of silence before one of the politicians spoke up. Much to the detriments of the others. "How would you know that?"

"Because you are all a bunch of greedy snakes." Jace answered with a chuckle.

"Then there is only the discussion of what we should do in response. Obviously we should send scouts out to check on the daemon locations. But what should we do with the mortella, the remaining dark elves, and the plague swarm?" The speaker asked as the hologram changed to light up the contested areas of their galaxy.

"The Oda Imperial faction plan on dealing with the dark elves but both them and the Rogue Metal Legion requested that nano people deal with the plague swarm along with the planets they inhabit." One of the politicians spoke up from the corner of the room.

"I suggest we send the liberation unit. They are the ones that like to blow up and cull planets. Which is what is needed to deal with the plague swarm." The High Priestess declared before looking around at some of the military commanders in the room.

"There are too many assets to just recklessly send-" One of the politicians started.

"That is bullshit." One of the military commanders interrupted. "They are soldiers first and political assets second. If they want to enter politics they should have entered politics. They go where the High Priestess tells them and they die on the field of battle."

"Your just a lowly born commoner you fucking!-"

"Order!" The Speaker bellowed and the others froze before returning to their seats. "The Military is under the High Priestesses purview and will do as she indicates. Just as the governing council will govern the nation we have control over. Now then, since there is a foreseeable future in which we have complete control of the galaxy we need to start finalizing basic laws and rules that will lay the foundation for our galaxy’s growth as a nation."

There were grumbles from around the room. Then Director Fenrir spoke. "I think I can handle scouting out the daemon systems and checking the mortella systems. But keep in mind that they are not our only issue. There are several invasive species and groups that are going to start causing issues if they are not dealt with. Including the kitinol. We have seen signs of them returning again."

"I can start working on chipping away at the mortella and daemons in my region." Salem declared, now she was apparently paying much more attention.

"I could do it too if I was given some resources. Any chance the Cerberus Unit plans on handing out more advanced technology?" One of the military generals asked.

"Not for free." Jace answered. "You would have to pay the cost of the materials, delivery fees, manufacturing fees, maintenance fees-"

"Stop." The man held up a hand. "I get it. It is too expensive for you to provide and I doubt the High Priestess will grant permission for them to go to all factions."

The High Priestess shook her head. "There is not enough in the military budget to manufacture those drones. If our budget could be increased we could. But the governors and council members for the governing council are fighting over pay increases."

"Perhaps they will start worrying more about the troops when their children die in battle." Another of the admirals scoffed. "We are already seeing issues with resource distribution. Just this past week I had five different officers carted off because they were selling weapons meant for soldiers to civilians."

"We will take that into consideration." The speaker admitted. "Now, I believe we are done here. Commander Jace, please keep us apprised of the situation with the foreign nations."