Chapter 162

—Batarian Dominion 2186 CE—

Within the Vular System, the day was going like it always did within the Batarian controlled system. Civilian traffic flowed as it normally did, while the local Batarian patrol fleet enforced security throughout the system. At the main Batarian space station in the system which orbited the colony Erszbat, Batarian Commander Zaroth Keth was sitting in a meeting alongside a few of his subordinates.

A Batarian Commander is a different rank compared to an Ascendency Commander. Batarian Commanders are responsible for entire fleets or in charge of Major operations.

Commander Keth was in charge of the Black Talon Armada which consisted of 50 military ships, with transport ships not being included in that number. Alongside the Black Talon Armada was also the Black Talon Army which serves as the ground force supporting the Black Talon Armada, specializing in rapid deployment and shock assault tactics. Their motto was "Strike with Precision, Prevail with Honor"

Within the system, the entire Black Talon Army was present which numbered around 900,000 soldiers with 15,000 being a part of the Command Division which consisted of the overall leadership and strategic planning for the Army as well as the Senior officers overseeing divisions and coordinated operations.

Total Summary of Black Talon Army:

Command Division: 15,000

Special Operations Brigade: 30,000

Infantry Corps: 450,000

Mechanized Division: 150,000

Artillery Division: 90,000

Logistics and Support: 75,000

Air Support Squadron: 90,000

This structure allows for a diverse range of capabilities, ensuring that the Black Talon Army can respond effectively to various combat scenarios while maintaining a strong command and support system.

Within the meeting room Commander Keth was going over the recent reports for the system and the Black Talon Army. As the holographic display with the latest Intelligence data was displayed, Commander Keth scanned through the contents. The room was silent as everybody wanted to hear the Commander's response to their reports.

"Reports indicate an increased activity in unregistered ship movements near the outer rim of our territory," Keth began. "These are probably not mere smugglers or rogue traders. The pattern is too systematic, too precise. It suggests a potential buildup, or maybe terrorist forces are attempting to gather data on our defenses,"

A Younger officer, a lieutenant chime in. "Should we dispatch a reconnaissance fleet to investigate? We have two cruisers on standby."

Keth considered this suggestion momentarily before shaking his head. "No, we need something less conspicuous. Deploy the Shadow..." His words were interrupted as the station's alarms started blaring, followed by the station's VI announcement.

"Alert! Reaper ships have entered the Vular system. All personnel to battle stations. Repeat, all personnel to battle stations." The room burst into chaos as officers hurried to their positions. Commander Keth's expressions had grown more serious as he knew this was not a drill. He turned back to the holographic display which now showed dozens of unknown contacts rapidly spreading throughout the system from the edge of system.

"Status report!" Keth demanded. A communications officer responded, breathless from his dash to the console. "Sir, sensors have identified a fleet of ships that have the same signature as Reaper's vessels. Initials scans suggest there are at least 500 ships with numerous smaller support ships. They seem to have split and are heading towards both Erszbat and Vana."

The room fell silent for a moment as the gravity of the situation settled in. The Black Talon Armada was formidable, but facing a direct confrontation with a Reaper fleet was not something Commander Keth or any of his officers had anticipated.

"We need to coordinate with the planetary defenses immediately," Keth commanded, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere. "Inform all units to initiate emergency protocol Sigma-Three. We'll make our stand while evacuating the civilians."

As the officers scrambled to execute his orders, Keth turned to his strategic advisor, a seasoned veteran named Orath. "Have your contacted central command?" he asked. Orath nodded, his expression grim. "Yes, Commander. I've sent an encrypted message stating that we are under attack by the Reapers. However, the Reapers are jamming all of our communications, we might not be able to get a message out."

Keth's jaw tensed as he processed the information. They were on their own, outnumbered and outmatched by the Reaper forces, and reinforcements were not coming any time soon. Sure, they would notice that they hadn't reported in yet, but by the time that happened, there would not be anything left to save.

The Reapers were relentless, and every moment lost could mean higher casualties. "Our ships stand no chance against this many Reaper ships. The main fighting will be on the ground." Said Keth as he turned towards Orath. "Prepare transport, we must fight to the end if we must." Commander Keth watched as his orders were relayed, the air heavy with the sense of impending doom. The officers moved swiftly; efficiency honed by years of military discipline now their only shield against chaos.

A few minutes later, the station had come under attack by the Reapers with only the 50 ships of the Black Talon Armada defending it. All staff had quickly run to the escape pods but only a few made it before the station was destroyed. Commander Keth among the survivors had continued his fight on the surface of the planet.

Already Tens of Thousands of civilians had died and that number would only go up as time went on. The Black Talon Army equipped with technology based off the Ascendency were attempting to hold their own against the overwhelming Reaper numbers, but there was nothing to do when outnumbered 10 to 1.

More Reaper ships had entered the system from the edge of the system had begun using the Mass Relay's to start invading the rest of the galaxy. In a matter of hours, 1,500 Reaper ships in addition to the 500 attack the Vular system had spread out amongst the galaxy, travelling from relay to relay and attacking any and all advanced species in their path. Commander Keth, who had barely made it to the surface of Erszbat, scanned the horizon. The once vibrant skyline was now filled with smoke and streaks of energy fire. His radio crackled as reports flooded in from the front lines.

"Command Division to Commander Keth," a voice spoke hurriedly over the line. "Reaper ground forces have commenced their assault on the southern districts. Our defenses are holding, but we're taking heavy casualties."

Keth clenched his fists, feeling the weight of command heavier than ever. "Understood," he replied. "Mobilize the Mechanized Division for a counterattack. Use the Artillery Division to cover their advance and keep those Reapers at bay."

As his orders were carried out, Commander Keth felt the similar rush of adrenaline that came with battle. Despite the dire circumstances, he was a soldier to his core, and this was where he thrived. He swiftly moved towards the command vehicle, as the world around him buzzed with the activity of soldiers preparing for what might be their last fight.