Mythos Effect

Chapter 1: A New Threat

The tension was palpable across the bridge of the super-carrier NSV Xerxes; though it had long been suspected that the Migou were not only alien race out there, no one had thought humanity would make contact with another one so soon. Even worse, just as the Migou had done, these aliens had revealed themselves as hostile. It was quite clear from the look on everyone's faces, human and Nazzadi alike, that they believed another Aeon War was about to start, and after barely sixty years of peace.

Steven Hackett, captain of the Xerxes, strode on deck, a holographic image of the Supreme Commander waiting for him. "Commander Anselm, sir," the captain said, snapping a perfect salute, which the commander returned.

"At ease, Captain. I'm sure you're already aware of the current situation with Shanxi, correct?"

"Yes, sir," Hackett replied. "Do we know anything about these aliens?"

The commander's hologram scowled. "Nothing yet. The research team studying that alien device just had time to let out an SOS about hostile aliens. I've already given orders for the 5th Fleet to head for the colony. You and the dreadnought Vesuvius are the closest, so you two are going to spearhead the attack; the Vesuvius will serve to keep those bastards at bay. I understand that your ship is carrying a full complement, am I right?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. Shanxi was only recently colonized, so military forces present there are sparse; if the aliens decide to invade the planet, they won't be able to hold them off for long, especially without naval support. It'll be your group's task to provide recon and ground support until the 5th Fleet arrives." The commander pinched the bridge of his nose. "I wish I had more information to give you, but other than the fact that they've proven themselves hostile, we've got nothing. Godspeed Hackett."

"Thank you sir." Hackett snapped another salute as the hologram disappeared. Looking around the bridge, he barked, "To your stations! Helmsman, prepare for dimensional jump!"

The helmsman, a Nazzadi with the typical crimson eyes and markings of his kind, nodded an affirmative. "Aye, sir. Dimensional Fold Drive engaged. All crew, prepare for jump."

His fingers flashed across a holographic screen with the ease attained from years of experience. A loud whine filled the ship as the drive activated. A split-second later, a vivid azure portal opened in front of the ship's prow and swallowed it up. The physical universe was left behind, replaced with only endless blue. It was at the same time beautiful and terrifying to behold.

"Dimensional shift successful," the Nazzadi helmsman said. "We are en route to Shanxi; ETA, six hours."

Hackett let out a breath he had involuntarily been holding. Even though he had done this a thousand times, dimensional shifts still left him feeling cold inside. Crossing from one plane of existence into another always felt unnatural to him, like he shouldn't be there. Like the campaigner he was, however, Hackett shrugged the feeling off; he could not afford weakness at a time like this.

"Helmsman, open up a channel throughout the ship. I'm going to offer a few words to everyone."

"Aye, sir." With a touch of a finger, it was done. "The channel is open. Whenever you're ready."

Hackett stood tall and clasped his hands behind his back and began. "Men and women of the Xerxes; as you all know, we have just received word that an alien force has attacked one of our colonies in an unprovoked act of hostility. We will rendezvous with the Vesuvius and hold them off until the 5th Fleet can arrive. As of this moment, we know nothing about our new enemy, even their military capabilities; for all we know, they may be even more advanced than the Migou were."