The Upcoming Storm

A few days after the Dioz-Metal treaty was signed, the Machine Empire had launched their second and a new mark satellite into low-earth orbit but due to the hasty development of said satellite due to Artemis' absence, the satellite was outfitted with a camera not strong enough to capture enough details on the ground. 

This satellite was now being used to track Artemis' whereabouts. 

"There have been significant developments happening within this region of the continent," Johnathan pointed out at the wide holographic projection in front of them.

The holographic projection resembled a map of the known continent from the Eastern Regions up to the Western regions of the continent. 

The part where Michael pointed was at the western coast. It was approximately thousand kilometers away from the nearest Machine port that had been constructed. 

"Troop movements, an entire section of wall being blown up by a single attack, a disturbance in the local settlements, I believe that region is bracing for war," Johnathan continued. 

"I also believe it is so. But the satellite we have over the area is telling us that the attack carried out on that specific settlement was done by a single entity. We have no way of confirming who this entity is, yet," Michael explained.

Caitlyn, who was sitting in the middle of the room. Stood and walked up close to the hologram.

"Zoom in on this entity," Caitlyn said. 

"We can't zoom in close enough, only until we can see its shadow," Michael said. 

"Just do it," Caitlyn said.

"As you wish," Michael answered.

The holographic projection zoomed in on the entity as much as it could before stopping. 

"A black dress? Or suit?" Caitlyn said.

"Could it be?" Johnathan walked to Caitlyn's side. 

Johnathan then pulled out another holographic projection, this time it was the trajectory of the energy signature that belonged to Artemis' kidnapper.

Johnathan then combined the maps.

"It's..." Caitlyn felt a tinge of happiness within her surge. 

"It's highly likely," Johnathan said.

"With this, we can say that the commotion and chaos around this region is because of our own dear Commander," Michael said.

The room then fell silent as the three of them gazed at the entity in the projection. 

"So, why are we just standing here?" Michael said.

"Shouldn't we send out a fleet to retrieve him?" Johnathan continued.

He then walked over to the projection and drew a line from the nearest port they controlled to the proposed landing zone.

"Flying over the continent and straight through the isthmus would present risks. For example, we don't know the attitude of the Vedarun Empire and the Republic of Aetlrus towards us ever since we subjugated 80 percent of the Eastern Region"

"81 percent, actually," Michael added.

"Right"

"Oh, and also we suspect that the Empire is currently aiding the Kingdom of Atira in their last ditch attempt to stop us. So, I propose a fleet to be put together composed of all our warships currently available and several transports. I believe a force of a thousand Android soldiers, a hundred Mech Walkers and a couple Gunship Drones should do the trick," Michael said.

"Hm, I agree with Michael's plan," Caitlyn said.

Johnathan, on the other hand, took a closer look at other information. 

"I believe Commander plans on doing something with the region," Johnathan said.

"How can you say so?" Caitlyn asked.

"Look at this," Another projection appeared, this time, it was a live video feed from the satellite. Although it could only see the dots of people below it, they could make out their movements.

The dots that resembled the humans within the Fortress City were all lined up on two sides.

Walking in the middle of the lines were four three more dots. The black entity that they assumed to be Artemis, and two other unknown entities. 

"What is this?" Caitlyn said.

"It's live and it seems like some sort of event is taking place," Johnathan said.

"They're headed to the castle… wait, is it possible that he is crowning himself king over that place?!" Michael realized.

"Perhaps. But the commotion he has caused is bound to make the Empire respond with force since this land was on the lands of the Empire and is under imperial control," Johnathan said.

Caitlyn sighed, guess they have to do it early.

"Send out the fleets immediately and amass an attack force over the Western Region," Caitlyn said.

"As you wish," Johnathan said.

"Micheal, I want our new army of 10 million of human Legions from Earth to be transported here immediately to reinforce our other flanks. Whether we like it or not, we are going to war," Caitlyn said. 

"War is inevitable," Michael said.

"But defeat is not," Caitlyn said and smiled.

Just as the two Elite Androids were about to leave the room, the door opened in front of them and Valentine was standing outside.

"We have a problem," Valentine said.

"What is it?" Caitlyn walked towards them.

"There has been growing animosity between the humans, Beastman, and other Demi-humans, mostly humans in City 17 and the new humans we placed there from the remaining Senadate population," Valentine said.

"You mean the 17th city we constructed on Earth a week ago? Wait, whose idea was it to rename it to City 17?" Caitlyn asked.

"Uh, Michael did," Valentine said. 

Everyone turned their heads to the Elite Android who was being silent.

"What? It reminds me of the game Half-life 2. There has to be a reference in this book,"

"Ah—... nevermind, so wait, anyways, what about the humans?" Caitlyn said.

"There have been countless incidents of violence by the Senadate Refugees," Valentine said.

"And their reasoning?" Caitlyn asked.

Valentine sighed and rolled her eyes.

"They're calling the humans from City 17 traitors because they have accepted our rule and the Demi-humans as so-called "Childrens of Demons". While the humans from City 17 countered them by saying that they are better off because of us, this and that, and then someone from the refugees tried to stab a Siren from City 14. Fortunately, Law Enforcements took care of it," Valentine said.

Sirens are one of the Demi-humans and are known for their human appearance with bird-like characteristics around their body, only a total of 9 of them are citizens in Utopia living a dream in their life without  discrimination.

"That is one messy explanation..  but I understand, have one of the suspects executed in front of the other refugees and remind them that they live under our laws and rule now," Caitlyn said.

"As you wish, madam," Valentine said before suddenly disappearing.

"Magic?" Michael asked.

"Magic," Caitlyn answered.

After saying it, Caitlyn left the room and began to command the entire military force to mobilize as the upcoming hurricane stormed heads over the western region. The coronation was proceeding as planned. 

Although Artemis' plans were moving smoothly, he couldn't help but feel that something tragic was going to befall the land.

He sensed death and destruction was looming over the horizon.