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Chapter 23: Earthly Contact

Beta-Reader: Ant0nius

I had known this was going to happen, but that didn't mean I was any less nervous when I finally opened the communications to those that were on Earth.

We had arrived at an affordable range to reach out for a connection, and the result was… interesting to say the least. Surprise was expected, curiosity not so much- but a complete lack of panic? That sounded like a dream. Of course, there was tension from the beginning due to the circumstances surrounding this whole situation.

We had to go through some minor 'tests' to confirm this wasn't an invasion force as many movies would normally have at this stage of humanity, that we didn't have that kind of threat level and that the big ship we were in was filled mostly by unarmed civilians that didn't have military experience and equipment on them. More questioning time ensued as soon as we were done with this aspect, gaining a temporary benefit of the doubt that could either remain as a permanent piece or not depending on the following exchanges, and this time going through a broader sense of it before shifting back to specific queries to further determine the legitimacy of our distress call.

Addie spoke the most, but she heavily relied on me due to my connection to the world. There was a big shock when it was revealed that a human was on board, but the conversation leaned more into Primes. Into their cultures. Into their… intentions on their arrival. There was a lengthy spar between diplomats, one that forced the introduction of the communication clique to take over for this section of the talks and explain in greater detail what drove us to reach Earth so suddenly and so desperately.

Skepticism was in the air, but it was vaporized the moment videos were sent as proof of our genuine narration about the war and the Empire. There was silence for a few hours and the line seemed to go cold after the attachments were received. For a moment I feared the worst considering the utter state of quiet on the communication. We had been at this whole mess for almost a full day, so this felt like the worst kind of development possible, so we feared the craziest scenario.

Luckily, nothing bad came from it. Rather a new approach from them. They wanted to understand. They wanted to know more and… they wanted an answer to a single but big question that would have determined many actions. 'Will this Empire come to Earth regardless of our involvement with Prism?' And that question got a few upset reactions out of it. Many of the Primes were irritated by this pragmatic query, but a few of them and Adela were quick to pick up that they already knew the answer.

So, when the solid 'no' was delivered and time was granted for them to 'think some more about this whole situation', there wasn't much of a surprise when they seemed open for a face-to-face conversation. We had approached the US first due to them still being the center of Earth's international politics, with Russia and China close behind them. We were given another day to prepare and then we were granted allowance to fly three unarmed transport ships to a specific location so we could get brought to the White House.

Kind of curious for a way to handle the situation and it was only as we landed and I safely guarded Addie to the big vehicle we were meant to board that the media knew something was up. The car had darkened windows, thus preventing anyone from seeing who was inside and preventing any massive panic at the arrival of aliens on Earth. And they were right to do so as there was a sea of people invading the sidewalks of the streets leading up to our current destination. The Crests were surprised by the massive crowds of 'me' watching the small convoy trail towards the White House, while Archie hummed quietly as he quietly studied Earth's own intelligence through his superior hacking skill. He was sitting in my lap, acting as if he was just thinking silently and waiting as a 'normal child' would have at this stage and time.

The ride wasn't that long, but it was fairly tense. It was the first time Primes were greeted by humans other than me, and they were surprised to see a Prime so closely, with the military greeting of the soldiers seeing no major reaction out of them due to their training. The guard by the passenger's seat spared us some glances through the rear window, a behavior that stopped as soon as Grace whispered something about it to Carmesi and the Fox Prime gave a long frown at the guy. Kind of amusing to see him squirm a tiny bit at the stern look he got, but nothing else came out of it just to prevent any issues from happening.

We arrived at our destination and we were taken inside the building from a bigger group of bodyguards that was assigned to us. The line felt tightly coated in the many guards surrounding us all and I could sense some discomfort by some of the Crests. It was just an unpleasant experience, but a necessary one as we finally were given a way inside the oval office. The President of the United States was already standing up, looking through the large window to the outside and turned around with a smile as he began greeting us. He had blond hair, but he looked to be already past his thirties and well in his mid-forties at a longer glance. He was wearing a proper presidential outfit, the formal blue suit standing well with him as the small US flag trinket by the upper section of the jacket highlighted the attachment to his country.

“Queen Adela of Prism, Grand Knight Theo and… I believe the rest of you are the Crests of Order."

I nodded, but it was the red-haired monarch that spoke up. “That would be the case, President Bradley. I've heard many good things about you."

“And also bad things too considering no one is perfect," He replied mirthfully, walking up to the young woman and shaking hands with her. “It's still an honor to finally make your acquaintance, all of you."

“Likewise, President Bradley. Now, I believe you have taken steps to prepare for this conversation."

“I would never step away from this burden if it comes to help you as much as it helps the American People and the World's people to fight against a new common enemy," The man confirmed while nodding. “I had the chance to review the proof you handed us about this Empire, and yet I have some questions I personally wish to ask. Nothing really major in my opinion to determine an alliance but… I wish to understand what we're fighting against since the only thing I know is that this Emperor is one of the bloodiest genocidal bastards in known history."

I nodded. “The Emperor is a user of Chaos Magic. I assume you're familiar with-"

“The fact that magic exists? I admit I'm a bit skeptical but..." The president paused looking to the side as his gaze locked on Carmie as she was smugly forming a tiny flame on her palm that she easily manipulated around. “I guess that's no longer a matter I'm skeptical about. Still, Chaos and… Gods? I believe there was a reference to Deities that actually exists and are the reason magic is a thing among Primes."

“The Dragon Gods are the creators of Prism and Primes. They are deeply entrenched in our cultures, and were there when Prism first fell, with a couple of them dying to give the chance to run away," Adela explained. “While I understand that your culture prays to other deities, I suppose you understand that this might create some problems."

“It will, but not if this 'truth' isn't imposed onto us. Many countries allied to us are Secular, they try to keep their government detached from religion out of fear of being manipulated by it somehow."

“Which is understandable. We're not here to make any enemies by imposing something that they aren't willing to accept. We aren't exactly in the mindset to dare something so foolish," The young queen argued and the man smiled.

“I'm glad to hear that. But let's get back to the main business, after all there is much more to handle right now."

“Like the other world leaders. We agreed that the US would have taken care of expanding the call."

The president sighed at my comment. “We have already opened up private connections with Russia and China. We got some positive response for a few meetings in the next few days to further discuss this from Moscow, but Beijing had remained particularly quiet about this matter as they are the least trusting of us. We're still working on this matter, but I believe we will get them on board with enough persuasion and attention.

“I'm glad to hear that."

“Once again, there are also some matters that I wish to ask about. These two in particular I believe are particularly… unpleasant due to their own merits, but I have to inquire for the sake of a healthy relationship between Prism and Earth."

“Sure," Adela said with a confident tone.

“When… Prism was destroyed- I mean, ever since it was destroyed, how many lives have been lost to them?"

And I think this was one of the most unexpected punch-in-the-gut questions I could have imagined. I was unaware of the numbers, and while it was an unpleasant question for the Primes, no one exactly knew the precise toll, not even Addie as she thought about this question. The answer came from a familiar voice.

“Prism held two trillions lives before it was lost," A suave feminine voice stated, and we all turned to see Apogeo floating by the large window and slowly descending on the floor. “Now, from recent estimations, there are just six millions Primes still existing, most of which are subjugated by the Emperor's will."

“How did you avoid detection? Who are you?"

The president looked shaken by the sight, but the kind smile on her face prevented any snap-decision from being made. The bodyguards watching the scene were tense, but remained only guarded as they could only intervene if the president gave the order.

“I'm Apogeo, Heart of Prism and messenger of the Dragon Gods. As for how I avoided your security, my abilities allow me to travel to where the Queen is."

“I'm surprised, but if it's not too much what-"

“The correct term is Nanozell Spirit. The same classification applies to Archimedes," She explained while aiming her eyes at the smaller spirit while bringing his name up. “The reason why I decided to visit here today is to provide an answer to your second question."

Bradley frowned. “How can you even know what I'm willing to ask?"

“Because it has been one of the questions your diplomats failed to get a concrete answer about. And it is something you have been working on getting a full response about. I'm the only one with the key you seek."

…

“Do you?" He looked nervous. “Can you… show me-"

“How it fell. The end of Prism."

What Earth will risk if we don't band together.

I was stunned by that turn of events, and the emotion was shared by the rest of the group as I didn't have access to that kind of material. Neither did Adela from her dumbfounded look as this was brought up. The president was tense when he allowed the spirit to float close to him and set her hands on the temples of his head. There was a brief pause as a light energy formed around his upper head and he grew a little bit… at ease. There was a tense silence for a while, but the 'vision' didn't seem to take too long to push into his mind as he was freed from that situation a few minutes later. The man remained put, and he looked as if he had turned into stone with how rigid his slumped position looked. So perplexed, so thoughtful, so demoralized and horrified.

“We're going to war," He hummed in pure dread. “I've already asked my staff to prepare a speech to congress. It would be correct to draw bipartisan support but… if it fails, I will be forced to call for martial law and declare war myself. This- this will be on a scale like nothing we've ever seen."

“Mr. President-" I tried to call him, but I was interrupted as he looked at me, his haunted gaze stopping me.

“These… images- I have been to war. I was a soldier, I fought in similar scenarios, but I always thought that no one could have ever reached that degree of depravity. There is no terror for the sake of strategy. That was all cruelty. A monster- we're standing against the greatest monster humanity as a whole has ever faced," He muttered in dread. Soon, he turned to one of the guards. “Get me the Secretary of State. The congress has to deal with this quickly, regardless of what schedule there is today."

“Sir, isn't this a bit-"

“We are at war, son. And this is an order."

…

“Y-Yes, sir."

The man turned to the spirit. “Ms. Apogeo. Could you produce a material copy of what you showed me?"

A nod. “I can produce a copy so you can show what you saw to your fellow politicians… yet, I have a small request."

“A-And that is?"

“I understand the turmoil you're currently going through, President Bradley. We all were the same when we saw it, because we were there when it happened. We are grateful for your reaction, for your genuine interest, but I believe you need to take a moment to think about your next actions. It wouldn't be good for the leader of a nation to be driven to harsh decisions due to your emotional state."

“What I saw-"

“Will not happen to Earth. To your people. Because this is where the Emperor will lose," Apogeo interjected. “Which is why, I humbly request you take a few minutes of quiet pondering and act on a cold mind rather than a panic-driven trail of thoughts."

…

“I understand. I guess I was being too intense for a moment now and I think it would work well if I planned my next moves better. Thank you."

The meeting ended there. I was sure it ended positively, but I could see the tension born from that situation. The politician had seen something so horrible, that he decided to act this way and become much more… erratic. Which was odd considering his background as a member of the military for years before becoming President. Apogeo would later give me a copy of what she showed to the man and I was… horrified by what I saw there. Adela was the other that saw it, but it was ultimately decided to restrain the vision of it to the soldiers and those in active duty in this upcoming war. They will have to know what's the alternative of winning. For this war, the moment the Emperor struck with all his mind, wasn't going to be a fun experience for anyone.

_ It was now a matter of a few days for bad things to really begin. _

--------d-d-d-d-------

“Lieutenant, what am I looking at?"

Minos' eyes were fixed on the large blue and green planet on the screen. It was the size of Prism- no, it was bigger. How come this planet didn't come to their attention until now? How could they have ignored it for so long? It was perfectly habitable and, as far as he knew, this was the Grand Knight's home, so there had to be a living civilization that prospered within that globe.

His musings were brought to an end when he finally received a response.

“I believe that's Earth, sir. We're finally there." The technician assisting him confirmed with a nod.

“And it's… magnificent!"

The Bull Prime narrowed his eyes at hearing that loud exclamation. Sem's voice didn't leave out any of the awe at studying the reports coming up from what they could find about the planet's cultures. His known interest for war and chaos cultures flaring at the sight he was introduced to. Earth was a massive pot containing countless info about different cultures, old, new, ancient, extinct and newborn ones. In a sense, Minos could see the reason to be this fascinated, but his line of duty was way above mere curiosity and thus didn't spare much interest on the spiel that came out from this fellow Crest.

“He wasn't wrong," The Death Crest hummed in pure amusement. “Earth has traditions tied to war. So many battles and conflicts. So many deaths to force them to learn from mistakes and… actually growing thanks to them. To think a civilization like this would come to be. It shatters any expectation both Prism and Chaos had on this kind of 'unguarded' civilization. This counts as a monumental discovery of eons filled with histories from many nations."

“Which wouldn't help the cause we find ourselves to deal with here today, Major," Minos remarked, gaining a sigh from the annoyed Major but… a fake cough from the Captain standing beside him

“Actually, General, there is helpful info within this data," Kayin argued, bringing up a few holographic videos. “We know that Primes have created settlements in some regions, and we can detect them through our technology. We could try to show the inhabitants that there is no need for a conflict as we're only after the Primes."

“It's a risky move that you're asking us to take, Captain. Remind me, where are those settlements?"

A frown appeared on Kayin's face at the objection raised by his direct superior. “What?"

“The location of the settlements. Where are those on the map?"

“I… I believe those are in the nation they call 'China'?" The Captain answered with some confusion, looking back at the map and nodding in confirmation.

“And who legally owns these lands?"

…

“China?"

“Indeed. You're asking us to perform a 'rightfully-sanctioned' attack on a city that is by legal definition owned by a country we're not at war with. We don't have military access, and I doubt they are even aware of our presence as of now. That abrupt invasion is going to count as an attack on their people."

“And that would open up a war. Would it be correct to assume that there is no path to take to prevent a war against the planet?"

“Not that I can think about with our current equipment."

The same issues of 'lack of resources' extended to their chances of a successful invasion. Humanity lacked magic, that was something he had discovered himself from the general report he got about their strengths and flaws, but they were able to put up a challenge when it comes to military-grade weaponry that could still damage the ship they were on. If they wanted to succeed in this possible invasion, the Ship couldn't be bought anywhere near the range of mankind's counter-measures. This limited the chances of success immensely and… he could be bothered to try and think of a solution with these two frustrating individuals. So, the General decided to leave and think more of this on his own rather than wasting precious time headbutting with infuriating officers like Sem and Kayin.

“Where are you going, General?"

Minos paused, his attention showing a lack of interest in regarding the fellow Crest as properly as needed.

“I need to meditate."

The comment silenced any questions that Sem had planned to ask him about. Quite an odd reason to go quiet, but Minos didn't need to hear opinions from others beyond the one that was going to be willing to give him guidance in these trying times. Getting back to his chambers, he mumbled in annoyance at the irony that this planet bore a name so similar to the one of his Crest. An ironic slight to be more precise. Still, nothing that truly frustrated him to the point of making any mistakes. No more, he commented with a bitter tone aimed at his own mind.

Sitting on his bed with the door of his room sealed shut, Minos closed his eyes as he attempted to grasp at that very skill he learned centuries ago but hardly used nowadays. Too impatient, too uneasy, his mind was clouded by discomfort and didn't allow him to be as actively quick-thinking as he used to be in his first decades as a General. It took him a moment to allow himself to lull his mind into a state of peace. Just for long enough to speak with the emperor and get the answers he sought. But while he expected to find the darkness of the Imperial Palace as his eyes opened in the dreamscape, he ended up in a completely different place. An unfamiliar one at that.

Giggles stopped him from studying the scenery as his red-eyed gaze turned and then stopped at the source of the noise. A young Narakhan with silver fur walked slowly around, a cloak hiding her face. He might not have a name from her, but he recognized the description as he heard of her many times in the past but never had the chance of seeing her in person.

“Pandora," He called out with a serious tone, slightly surprised as he saw her jump in fright at his voice. “Why are you here?"

“W-What? This is my domain, Minos! What are you doing here!?"

“I was meditating and seeking the Emperor. It's clear that you have done something to cause this to happen."

She frowned, her dark blue eyes glowing in interest. “Truly? Then what would that mean if I said I had nothing to do with this and I wasn't planning to contact you ever?"

“Then I would call you a liar."

“Hmm, I suppose you would. But I am still a rational deity, and I want to study this. So please, bear with me for a moment," Pandora commented flatly, taking a moment to think about this instance. “So, you reached out for the Emperor, but you were brought here. The only chances for this to be the case would be for me to still retain my powers somehow but I have to admit that, much to my dismay, that isn't true and… then there is the chance he purposely blocked you from seeking him out."

...What?

“Minos, he is losing hope for you. How come you never thought of a betrayal for once?"

“That's because it's not true. He gave me this task to redeem myself," He argued back, unwilling to even consider that possibility. He had been faithful for centuries, and while the recent losses led to this troublesome affair, there was no chance within his loyal mindset for his lord to consider a punishment of this kind. But the more he lamented it, the more he couldn't help but find more reasons for it to be the case.

“You will not find him here. No more," The former Goddess mirthfully said. “He casted you away. You are no longer his golden boy."

“Lies! You are but a viper, ready to sow disorder when needed."

“I am Chaos after all as much as your puny Emperor is willing to admit otherwise. That's why you appeared to me. I was the second in charge of this kind of domain and you found me because he rejected you."

“Then I shall leave at once and-"

“Before you leave, you shall make a decision that will lead to a defeat that will humble you regardless of the steps you take," Pandora proclaimed without hesitation, her voice serious and solemn. “You shall put your best out, your strength, your power, and your faith at test before an enemy that will be above your current power. They shan't be my champion, but they know how to handle the fools like you a proper loss. So be gone, Earth, for you shall be redeemed through fear, truth and grace."

Minos shook his head as he dismissed the dreamscape, his mood further ruined by this development but… he also thought of the last words he heard. Another defeat… he is truly damned to fail before this generation of Primes? Is this the end of his glorious career?

_ Steeling his resolve, Minos braved a return to the command post. He had plans to make, and prayers to give. The Emperor couldn't give up on him. Not like this, not like this… _

----------d-d-d-d-------

AN

Next time… The siege of Earth!

_ And a major and shocking defeat for Minos but- _

Also a misunderstanding of great proportions. Chaos hum in preparation for something good for it is about to come out of this curious escalation.