The Reclaimer Wars:The Reaper Crisis

Galactic Threat

Adama was aboard the Waystation today, surprised to see how much those two Batarian vessels and the subsequent scouting forces had lit a fire under the asses of their allies. As he marched from the Hangar, the latest part of the station to be built, onto a monorail tram built by the UNSC in an armored transparisteel tube, he watched Clones, UNSC and their Marines mix together for training operations. Alliance military staff watched as the troops played a BLUFOR-v-OPFOR game in the rear section of the Hangar, with the Clones acting as OPFOR.

Sergeant-Major Johnson was escorting him to the meet. The two men gave each-other respectful nods and Adama noticed the man was wearing his Dress Blues, cap under his arm and a pistol stowed in a leather holster attached to his belt. They saluted each-other next and Adama commented, "Glad to have you as my guard today, Sergeant-Major. How goes training my boys and girls?"

"They're fast learners, sir," Johnson smirked, "Kinda like I'd expect any good Marine who went out into space to be. Give'em the gear to break a Tin Can in half and you've got the finest damn fighting force protecting your vessels and away teams," then he scratched his chin. The Star Road appeared on their right and the two men watched quietly as another UNSC vessel came through, a four kilometer long carrier. Johnson said, "Looks like the Admiral's serious about us kickin' ass."

"What's the plan?" Adama inquired, crossing his arms to his chest.

"If we get approval or help from everyone else, a small task force goes into Batarian territory," Johnson quipped, then turned to face the Commander. He continued, "Hit'em nice and fast with a few fighter-launched nukes, disable a shipyard and save some slaves. Nothing big," and shrugged while rifling his pockets for one of his trademark cigars, "Nobody wants to start a War just yet, but they fired first."

"Those ships were registered under Hegemony flags," The Commander nodded approvingly, "A tap back should show them we mean business. Same for the Citadel Council we keep hearing about from the Alliance Staff on the station," then he turned around, watching the Carrier float above them, its fusion drives glowing, a quiet reverb filling the rigid tube as she passed by with her escorts.

It was rather terrifying to watch a vessel of that size come out. Word of mouth was also that the UNSC had bigger ships than it available, but said ships were currently busy dealing with enemies on the 'home front', their own Galaxy. The Tram stopped at a midway point, near one of the other sections being built, only for a Clone to come aboard. Clad in a blue-white armor with a helmet that seemed welded in places, as well as that strange 'skirt' and the shoulder pauldron and with an added rangefinder on the right side of the helmet, a Clone Commander stood face-to-face with them. He saluted, "Commander Adama, Sergeant-Major Johnson. I'm Commander Rex."

"Welcome aboard, Commander," The two men spoke in unison. Yet another series of exchanged salutes later, the Tram started its route back across the Waystation and toward the meeting point. Adama looked to Rex as the older Clone trooper took his helmet off, revealing dyed, platinum-blonde hair that was buzzcut almost to the skin and the calm, yet somewhat wrinkled face of one of the War's veterans. He slid his helmet under his arm and looked at the two Intergalactic counterparts, noting professionalism.

Adama inquired, "When did you arrive, Commander?"

"Just two hours ago, with the 332nd Division and the Tribunal," the man replied, jabbing a thumb back toward the latest-arrived Republic vessel, a Venator. He said, "Discussions are underway in the Senate in regards to the Batarians' aggression toward the Combined Fleets and the Waystation, so they want me and the boys on tap if the situation does devolve into border raids."

"Sounds like your guys are ready to go, sir," Johnson quipped, then watched as a trio of Clones floated above them, carrying extra tools for the engineers that were encasing the Waystation's Star Road into a corridor of armor to ensure its safety. All three men snapped greeting salutes to the Officers, their helmet face plates oddly painted orange and white in the pattern on General Tano's face.