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August 19 3842 Earth

The day was busy as usual as people went about their normal lives with no thoughts that the war would come to earth, as Inferno awoke to the purring of his cats waiting to be fed as the fat cats they were he received a message from Fluffy.

"Hey Inferno good to hear your still alive, didn't believe ya were dead ah mon I'll be gating back to Earth Today so I'll be seeing yeah around we can have some drinks and Tacos my friend." The message was a nice reminder that Inferno still had some friends in the universe, speaking of friends HQAI was still busy as always in the extranet surfing and playing away even playing some poker with a UEF, 2 Cybrans and an Aeon.

"You never quit do you…" He stated to the AI as he say it was still going as he shaked his head, as he left the AI to its business he went and grabbed some food for himself and feeding the cats who were circling around him like a pack of vultures. The good thing about living for so long was that he could do many things with great skill as he had years of practice he could cook excellent meals and was able to do most things around the house even with the nanolathing he had taken from the 212 floor and had placed in his own apartment.

As he prepared his meal another message from Fluffy pinged onto his chest computers projector as it read: "I'll be gating back to earth at 14:00 hours so mind meeting me at the CGC." He looked at the time it was only 11:00 so he could relax for a bit before showering up and getting ready. As the day went by he had cleaned himself up and left for the CGC as he waited for the air bus he could see that all the people were glaring at him talking about him as some sort of freak. As the bus arrived he got on paid the faire as he arrived at the CGC around 13:00 so he went to the cafeteria where he grabbed some Tacos and burritos for himself and grabbed around 30 packets of hot sauce to add onto them as he found they always needed such a huge kick for him to enjoy them…he really liked spicy food, as he finished his meal he headed towards the CGC entrance and waited as he could hear the gate receiving the incoming acu as it entered from the quantum tunnel it was moved into the docking clamps to begin repairs and data recovery. A ramp was fabricated from the acu cockpit towards the docks as Fluffy exited his acu in medium UEF armor and moved towards his friend who was waiting with a grin on his face to see his good friend still in one piece.

"HEY LEAN HOW YOU DOING!" Fluffy yelled as he gave him a giant hug fluffy was still quite strong for a man of his age.

"OH easy man I like to keep myself in one piece thank you. It's good to see you again Fluffy how was the Steven II operation?" Inferno asked as he was put down by his friend as he looked down on the man, fluffy was around average size for a UEF man around 5'8 while inferno was above average around 6'11 a giant compared to most.

"One really long slugfest man…I haven't used so many nukes and artillery pieces in my life…and that was a week ago and I've been busy reclaiming the rest of the planet and system since then. But besides that let's go and get some drinks man I haven't had a decent drink in a while." Fluffy said as they went towards the transport stop for an air bus, they waited a bit before the bus came got them and they headed towards Inferno's place for some drinks and food.

"So what happened to you on Percies IV…you were listed as MIA or KIA if I remember correctly?" Fluffy asked as they had arrived at Inferno's building they proceeded up the elevator to Inferno's apartment/flat.

"During the time I spent on Percies IV I was outnumbered but not outgunned as it would seem as my strategies kept many of my forces alive along with a few experimental weapons assisting in the endeavour. But after around 4-7 days with the Quantum hurricane I was unable to gate out as well as receive reinforcements so I was trapped in a state of limbo as I was nearly dead for a few days and was yet still alive for more of the conflict." Sean stated as they entered his home and they were greeted by his AI and cats.

"Why hello fluffy good to see you again…been quite a while…still carry Chico tacos around all the time?" the Ai asked the man as he went into his quantum storage device in his armors side and pulled out said taco's. "Well that wasn't unexpected…"HQAI stated from its avatar this was a female based one as it had been using it for the past few months.

"What's with the new avatar trying to learn the pleasures of porn?" Fluffy laughed as Inferno face palmed to his friends comment, resulting in said AI getting a wee bit flustered and left back to what it was doing.

"You always had a way with words my friend. Now then we should get some FOOD and DRINKS let's have a barbeque!" Sean stated as the headed towards the balcony which was the size of a patio with him being the only one on the floor. As they set everything up Sean grabbed the steaks he had marinated from earlier that day and brought out some vodka for him and fluffy as well as some beer in a cooler, they sat enjoyed the company of old friends as it seemed that was hard to come by most these days, as the food cooked they shared stories of times long gone and how they thought things would turn out and plans for the future.

"Sooooooo Sean how was it that you survived anyways?" Fluffy asked as the meat coked and they enjoy a few beers.

"I was captured by the Cybrans after my Acu was disabled from a few too many missiles and artillery rounds from a Disruptor and Guntur artillery pieces." Sean stated as he took a drink of his Guinness beer as the food cooked.

"Why they capture you? All Cybrans usually destroy any and all UEF Acu's and commanders?" Fluffy asked with a wonder of his friend's survival.

"They are not as horrible towards us as you would think… well to me at least with my implants it seems they thought me one of their people they must have been trying to liberate me…not sure for their reasons." Sean stated as he finished preparing the meals.

"Well they had taken you prisoner for a few months…well glad to have you with us still been hanging out here with your cats since you were considered KIA or MIA whatever they set it too, I moved my stuff here hope you don't mind…you were considered dead…for a while." Fluffy stated with a grin on his face as he sat from grabbing some food and some more beer.

"Well that's fine man there is enough space for 6 full families of 4, just don't raid my fridge all the time…"Sean stated as he glared the last part at his friend who had been known to eat any and all things in sight.

"Ok ok I'll be sure not to eat everything in your fridge…just my own." Fluffy said with a grin of fear at the glare he was receiving from Sean as he slowly inched back in his seat.

"Alright then well let's enjoy this food and get drunk!!! Bottoms up my friend Cheers." Sean said as they drank and enjoyed each other's company and the food.

August 21 3842 Veyaria

As the Sun rose on the horizon of Veyaria Xin awoke to the light of dawn in his face, as he got up and did his daily routine he received a message from the SGC saying to report there at 11:00 hours for briefing on the next operation you will be assigned too, as Xin read the message from his wrist computer he checked the time it was only around 7:18 so he had time to prepare and ready his armour for combat if need be.
As he neared the transport hub for as air bus to get to the SGC he saw Knight Valor Vylon waiting for the transport.

"Hey Valor" Xin asked the fellow Knight as they waited for the transport, Xin had meet Valor Vylon when he had returned from Rigel with Crusader Rhiza.

"Hey Xin you headed to the SGC as well? I'm heading there for debrief of our operation on Steven II against the UEF." Valor stated to the Knight he had only known for a few weeks now since he got transferred here from Sogelrus one of the Aeon main Research planets in the Aeon territories.

"Yeah I am heading there as well got a briefing for another operation." Xin responded as the air bus showed up and they got on and headed towards one the SGC on Veyaria's secondary continent on the equator of the paradise world.

August 21 3842 Veyaria SGC

As the entered the SGC they were greeted by Evaluator Kael with her personal escort as well as a few commanders, Kael had been a most irritating Evaluator she had been known to be quite the fanatic.

"Ah Knights Xin and Valor you have arrived." Kael said as it sent shivers down Xin and Valor's spines with the cold icy steel of her voice.

"Greetings Evaluator Kael I am here as instructed am I to see you for the Briefing or am I to see another Evaluator?" Xin asked as they headed down the corridors of the SGC towards the gate room and Acu storage.

"You are to speak with Evaluator Toth and Avatar of War Marxon on this matter as for Valor your debrief has been noted as the reports you sent to us as of a few days ago...you will be accompanying Xin on the briefing." Kael sated as she was in a hurry for whatever business she had planned for the day at the SGC.

Xin and Valor both headed towards the quantum uplink centre, as they entered they could see that the Avatar and Evaluator were busy in a heated argument this was as expected as they disagreed on everything short of how to build things…thus the princess ended the argument from her holo projector.

"Ah our Knights have arrived." The Evaluator stated as she turned to see the armoured knights ready for their briefing and assignment, Xin and Valor both bowed to the respected superiors as they stood awaiting orders.

"Yes…well let's get this briefing over, with you and Valor are going to go to Zeta Canis a Cybran Controlled world on the Edge of the UEF border they have been using it as a staging world for strikes into the UEF worlds. You are to go there and purge the population and take Zeta Canis for the Aeon." Marxon stated with a cold grasp on their spines.

"The Princess would have the people of Zeta Canis sparred so they can be shown "THE WAY" instead of being purged." Evaluator Toth stated in protest to Marxon's barbaric orders of slaughter to civilians.

"The princess is not of a strategic mind." Marxon responded with signs of irritation in his eyes.

"The princess doesn't approve of slaughtering unarmed civilians." Toth stated as she eyed Marxon with a glare of determination to the point of anger.

"No one is innocent in this war all have blood on their hands. You are to gate immediately to Zeta Canis." Marxon stated in irritation with the Evaluator as he left for more work with the military.

"Well then Knights you have your orders carry them out and may the WAY be with you" Toth stated as she headed towards Marxon and his work.

"Well lets head to the Acu docks and get prepared...this will be an interesting show of skill and strategy on both our parts Xin." Valor stated as they walked towards the elevator towards the top of the docks to board the umbilical that was fabricated to dock with the Acu's. As they boarded their individualized Acu's as the Aeon had given customization for the op Xin chose the enhanced sensor system, tech 2 engineering suite and a personal shield generator. Valor's load out for his acu was a personal shield generator, enhanced quantum disruptor and a quantum accelerator.
As they readied their Acu's they headed towards the quantum gate the techs had been configuring to Zeta Canis, as they entered the quantum tunnel to Zeta Canis they received a message from the Avatar.

"You will be on your own for this operation you will not be getting reinforcements until the 28th you are to take the planet by yourselves…the Cybrans on planet should be in only small numbers as this world hasn't had much combat since the UEF lost it to them, thus expect light resistance." Marxon message read as the gate energies encircled the Acu's.

August 21 3842 Zeta Canis

As the Quantum wakes dispersed from each of the Knights QLZ's, Xin was lucky enough to be positioned on the secondary continent Eastern seaboard and Valor got the main continent heartland of the desert world.

"I am beginning construction now around my perimeter in case of any Cybran forces in the immediate area try and assault my position." Valor stated to Xin who had already began producing 3 mass extractors near his QLZ and 4 T1 power generators as he finished that he constructed a land factory and air base, after he had finished he produced some engineers to continue production of his economy as well add more production facilities and Intel structures he built a few Eruptor T1 Point defences as well as some T1 Seeker AA guns foe immediate defence in case any Cybran Scouts showed up he would be prepared to hold them off until he could get some units online.

"Very well keep me posted of any new information you gather." Xin stated as he continued his production beginning to upgrade his mass extractors to T2 and upgrading his land factory to T2 as well, as he had finished building a Flying Eye scout past over his base but was immediately shot down by some seekers…the cybrans had found his location and radar indicated power signatures coming online probably firebases and point defence systems ready to defend their positions.

"They know I am here it won't be long until they find your location as well prepare to PURGE THE MACHINES." Xin stated in a grim voice as he prepared for the upcoming battles.

"Very well, Glory to the Princess." Valor answered back as his point defences and AA guns came online in a preparation to the incoming threat, as time went by they had prepared their bases to T2 standards as the Cybrans had yet to do much but send a few squadrons of interceptors and bombers to test them Valor had been sending strike groups around the desert dunes with MML's to find any signs of enemy movement and base locations,  as his strike groups searched the desert plains for signs of enemy forces he came across a symbiont city with base defences at the ready and power signatures

The firebases near the city had become  active for defense operations while the population began evacuation to the nearest gate at the main cybran infrastructure where 4 of the commanders were preparing a defence, as the units came into range the Cerberus point defences became active firing away at the approaching Obsidian Tanks, Evensong MML and Ascendant AA flak guns they let loss a furry of laser fire into the shields of the obsidians as they had the front line advance position to absorb the damage from the guns.

"Cybran forces detected in vicinity of the Cybran structures I am moving my forces to deal with new threats." Valor stated as his forces were under fire from the Cybrans, meanwhile Xin had his own difficulties the Cybrans had a decent firebase near his location with some Gunther T2 artillery raining down shells on the advancing forces of Xin, he was attempting to get some Specter gunships to deal with the patrols of Mantises and T1 artillery as well as some Rhino heavy Tanks and a couple of Vipers.

"I am beginning the purge of the Military populace and am moving forces to cut off the Cybran retreat." Xin stated over his com channel with Valor.

"The Cybrans haven't showed their hand yet...we need to fortify our positions and prepare for an all-out assault on our position, I am sending out scouts to see if there is any more forest in my effective area of operations." Xin stated as Valor nodded to this and did the same keeping his squads on patrol busy with more routes to ensure that the Cybrans wouldn't sneak by them.

August 21 3842 Zeta Canis 13:00

The Cybran forces in the main city centres had been cleared out and the main Cybran Base was still operational to the North East of Valor and Xin had detected a Cybran Naval Blockade to his East, Xin had readied a fleet of destroyers and some submarines but only had a few shard attack boats for some AA duty. As Xin prepared his fleet to break the blockade of his base he sent some Mirage Scout planes to get an accurate reading on the Cybran Fleet before it was shot down it transmitted that the Cybran fleet composed of destroyers some frigates and a group of Cruisers.

"I am moving onto the Cybran Naval base how the main continent goes?' Xin asked his ally as the readings he was getting were of massive groups of units colliding.

"I am moving inwards but am getting bogged down by so many units and the distance through the sand is becoming a problem on its own." Valor stated as he moved more of his forces northwards.

As the battle for the main continent raged on the sea were filled with the hulls of warships that were blasting apart each other with Oblivion cannons and Proton turrets trading fire on the high seas as a hurricane had moved into the region from the southern sea, as the tides of units were taken mass amounts of damage the winds and the waves began to form colossal in size this was only a problem for the submarines and some of the smaller ships as the destroyers were able to whether the waves and stay in combat most of the Cybran navy was still functional only losing most of their frigates while the aeon were losing most of their Shards and submarines.

The battle on the high seas of Zeta Canis wouldn't be decided for quite some time as more and more ships were sent into the storm mean while on the land Xin was in combat with the Cybran commander on the continents main city.

"These Cybran must be doing something in the back ground there has been no quantum signatures coming or going from the planet...this is most interesting they must be  hiding something highly important here to only to have this many forces on the planet." Xin stated as more of his forces met with the Cybrans continuously each commander sent hordes of units into the urban combat of the main city where all the populace had been evacuated and are currently being held within the Cybrans main stronghold on planet near the main quantum gate.

"Well we shall have to find out their plans here.... For the Glory of the princess!" Valor stated as he had made a huge push towards the Cybran defensive line after he had encircled the left flank and blown through them with relatively low losses compared to what the Cybrans had positioned there, with the increase of pace Valor began to move his operations northwards to establish a forward fire base to ensure that his reinforcements would be able to get to key positions with relative ease.

"I am getting a Signal from out in the sea near your main base, seems to be quite huge for such a signal to be coming onto radar." Valor stated as his Radar coverage detected a fleet of units coming from the eastern straight towards the armada of ships in the hurricane.

"I am sending a few scout planes and a couple of interceptors to get a visual image on the readouts." As the aircraft took flight they meet high winds from the hurricane and a few interceptors in the dark of the storm which had grown quite wide covering most of the seaboards and quite few kilometers out to sea, as the scouts reached the energy signals they were meet by a hail of nanodarts and Gemini missiles they had detected a fleet of Galaxy class Battleships and an Command class Aircraft Carrier a few Salem destroyers and a few Siren Cruisers along with an air escort of a squadron of Gemini ASF.

"We have a PROBLEM HERE!!!!!!!!!" Xin shouted as his air group got obliterated from the ASF patrol as the fleets current route would lead them to the main engagement but they had a way to go with the hurricane working against them it would be over an hour before they would arrive to bear their guns down on the Aeon armada, with this new Intel Xin began a massive overhaul on his naval production getting up to T3 attempting to get some Omen battleships online as well as an Keefer Aircraft carrier including getting some more Exodus destroyers and some Infinity cruisers to help stem the tide of battle on the high seas.

"I am unable to assist you in this I am currently unable to get you any reinforcements to your position that could make a significant effort in the tide of battle may the Way guide you through your trials Xin." Valor stated as he nodded wishing him luck on the upcoming battle as he would be unable to assist.

"May the Way guide me through this…."Xin stated to himself as Valor closed the channel between them as he began to withdraw his forces to regroup his fleet for the upcoming battle with the main cybran armada.

August 21 Zeta Canis 15:00

The hurricane became Xin's greatest advantage as it had slowed down the cybran armada allowing him to get his fleet ready with the new ships online, with the time he acquired from the hurricane allowed him to get a group of 6 battleships and 2 carriers along with a few dozen destroyers and cruisers to reinforce the surviving units from earlier when they had retreat taken serious amounts of damage losing quite a few destroyers and a few of the remaining attack submarines thus demission the already outnumbered Aeon fleet.

"What is your status on the Cybran force on your continent I have control of most of mine all that is left is the commander to my east and the one to your south." Xin stated as he prepared his fleet for combat setting them up to clash with the enemy armada.

"They seem to be too heavily fortified for me to breach the outer walls and defense for me to get in to deal the death blow." Valor stated as he began to bombard the enemy lines with artillery and missiles, but the overlapping shields from the bases were going to need either concentrated fire power or an infiltration to ensure their destruction.

"I am transporting some force to you now I'll have more reinforcements arrive later on as soon as the Cybran here is cleansed." Xin stated as the cybran armada had arrived the Heavy Oblivions of the Omen battleships let lose a fire storm of plasma onto the lead Battleships which retuned fire with their Heavy proton cannons, with the duel of battle ships the carriers became a hive of action as Gemini's filled the air as well as Revenants, Xin deployed his 2 carriers filled with Corona ASF's as well as few wings of Shockers for some damage against the armada.

With the tide of battle beginning once again ASF's collided over the high seas with the Coronas having a sight advantage as the Gemini's grouped up on the run byes on them thus leading to a few more kills thanks to the flak style weapon compared to the Gemini's missiles truly effective against most targets but when against a horde they lose some effectiveness, but the Sirens and Salem's assisted them with their AA guns just as the Infinities and Keefer's did the same, as the wreaks of aircraft crashed into the sea the ships clashed close to knife fighting distance unloading torpedoes, oblivions, protons and any other ammunition they could bear with bombers delivering their strategic payloads on the fleets destroying many hulls and crippling quite a few of them with their wreaks if they were shot down, the Omens stayed at the rear of the fleet to use their Oblivions to better use as they didn't come with torpedoes the advantage the cybran used with his battleships unloading point blanks into a few destroyers along with some torpedoes of their own. Ship after ship fell as the battle in the air continued with new ASF's and bombers came online from the carriers they cybrans were losing this fight due to insufficient numbers as the carrier couldn't build as fast as they were falling.

The battle would continue as ship after ship fell to the great depths of the sea as the remaining few ships on both sides began to regroup and attack again after an hour or so the cybrans were diminished to 3 Galaxies, 1 Command, 4 Salem's and 8 Sirens the Aeon had the advantage here since their main site of production was closer to the front line, the fleet consisted of 2 Omens, 1 Keefer, 6 Exodus and 3 Infinities  along with 12 attack submarines all ships were below half structural field strength and only a few wings of ASF remained in the air as all bombers had been destroyed and production was focused on more ASF's.

The naval factories were on over-time as of now producing mass amounts of Exoduses and Infinities along with 2 more Omens, hopefully the fleet could last under the continuous fire of the cybran fleet from the range of the main guns of the battle ships separating them as each moved to avoid the shots. The battle on the seas would be a stalemate for now as more attacks came from the ground as the cybrans had sent some strike groups to the Aeon fire bases to force them back, with this Valor began production on some Harbinger III's and couple of Serenities and some Asylums along with Obsidians and Ascendants for more support from the air and ground.

"I have lost my forward lines whatever the Cybran's have sent to attack with is currently steamrolling over our forces can you get confirmation on their whereabouts I am unable to detect them on radar currently." Valor stated as he was losing more and more ground to this unknown force as his land factories made more T3 units.

"I am unable to as well but am currently send my forces towards the last known attack from the area.  I am heading towards my last firebase in the area which I do believe if I set up an Omni-radar there I can detect their movements." Xin stated as his forces were arriving in mass as the engineers began to upgrade the radar to Omni and more units arrived with the rest of the army.

"I am detecting a mass of units heading towards my firebase currently I will engage them now." Xin remarked as he saw that the group was of fewer units then expected figuring the rest were elsewhere seeing this as a scouting party. Oh how wrong Xin would be as his army moved into firing range of the battle group the cybrans had deployed through the hurricane while their signature where hiding from radar as more traversed the dangerous waters away from the main engagement of metal.

As Xin's forces opened fire on the battle group they were meet with the sweeping of a few HML's along with some Heavy Bolter rounds and Iridium grenades, the battle group was 3 Monkeylords 15 Loyalists and 20 Bangers hiding by 5 Deceivers, this became a serious threat as it was heading towards his main base and himself. Xin's forces focused all their fire on the forward experimental spider bot dealing as much damage as they could as they were eviscerated by the others along with the Loyalists firing away.

"Be advised the Cybran's have deploying experimental units they are probably what has been decimating our forward lines." Xin exclaimed as his army was being vaporized and he began to make more Specter gunships to help deal with the Monkeylords these were the earlier models with only light AA on them, along with building more Obsidians and Harbingers.

"Understood I am moving my forces as advised…this is going to be quite the problem if we cannot get some experimental units online of our own." Valor stated as he readied his base with more of his army arriving from out on the desert plains.

"Well if we pool resources we should be able to get out some GC's out to help combat the ML's." Xin stated as he built more Quantum power generators and mass fabricators with additional defences to ensure no sniping from strategic bombers or gunships would take most of his economy down.

"I have eyes on the Cybran commander…make that commanders…oh shit…we are a wee bit screwed here my friend." Valor stated with fear and panic on his face as the data form is spy plane came back to him with eyes on the main Cybran stronghold containing the Symbiont population as well as 6 Cybran Acu's and 3 Scu's, they had been constructing more Monkeylords and mass amounts of Loyalists, Rhino's and Bangers.

"That is an understatement my friend we need to start getting CG's online NOW!!!" Xin shouted as began production of the 1st one while the battle for the land died down as the strike force the cybran's had sent was taken down from combined forces of Siege assault bots and gunships, while the battle on the sea was still at a stalemate with no victor as the lone commander on the eastern island was still busy producing naval forces for naval supremacy.

"I am currently getting my economy for more production into my units." Valor stated as he continued production onto more power generators and mass fabricators as well as more units to combat the approaching enemy forces.

The Cleansing of Zeta Canis that Valor and Xin had been assigned too by the Avatar of War would seem to be more like a battle for the survival with more of a Cybran presence then estimated this seemed to be a trap set by the Cybrans, along with the fact that they would be unable to get any more reinforcements from off world meant that they had to survive a week of hell as they couldn't gate off planet either for now since the Quantum realm was influx for quantum travel to be safe enough for anything to get through without a home gate along with the fact the cybrans had been jamming all communications off planet.

The battle for Zeta Canis would be one of the most drawn out fights of Knights Xin and Valor as they would need to hold their lines until they could form an effective counter attack to the Cybran forces on planet…the timer was counting down as each commander prepared for their judgment…would they survive this planets trial and be known as conquerors or would they become ghosts of all those that have fallen before them in the Infinite War.

Description
August 19 3842 Earth

The day was busy as usual as people went about their normal lives with no thoughts that the war would come to earth, as Inferno awoke to the purring of his cats waiting to be fed as the fat cats they were he received a message from Fluffy.

"Hey Inferno good to hear your still alive, didn't believe ya were dead ah mon I'll be gating back to Earth Today so I'll be seeing yeah around we can have some drinks and Tacos my friend." The message was a nice reminder that Inferno still had some friends in the universe, speaking of friends HQAI was still busy as always in the extranet surfing and playing away even playing some poker with a UEF, 2 Cybrans and an Aeon.

"You never quit do you…" He stated to the AI as he say it was still going as he shaked his head, as he left the AI to its business he went and grabbed some food for himself and feeding the cats who were circling around him like a pack of vultures. The good thing about living for so long was that he could do many things with great skill as he had years of practice he could cook excellent meals and was able to do most things around the house even with the nanolathing he had taken from the 212 floor and had placed in his own apartment.

As he prepared his meal another message from Fluffy pinged onto his chest computers projector as it read: "I'll be gating back to earth at 14:00 hours so mind meeting me at the CGC." He looked at the time it was only 11:00 so he could relax for a bit before showering up and getting ready. As the day went by he had cleaned himself up and left for the CGC as he waited for the air bus he could see that all the people were glaring at him talking about him as some sort of freak. As the bus arrived he got on paid the faire as he arrived at the CGC around 13:00 so he went to the cafeteria where he grabbed some Tacos and burritos for himself and grabbed around 30 packets of hot sauce to add onto them as he found they always needed such a huge kick for him to enjoy them…he really liked spicy food, as he finished his meal he headed towards the CGC entrance and waited as he could hear the gate receiving the incoming acu as it entered from the quantum tunnel it was moved into the docking clamps to begin repairs and data recovery. A ramp was fabricated from the acu cockpit towards the docks as Fluffy exited his acu in medium UEF armor and moved towards his friend who was waiting with a grin on his face to see his good friend still in one piece.

"HEY LEAN HOW YOU DOING!" Fluffy yelled as he gave him a giant hug fluffy was still quite strong for a man of his age.

"OH easy man I like to keep myself in one piece thank you. It's good to see you again Fluffy how was the Steven II operation?" Inferno asked as he was put down by his friend as he looked down on the man, fluffy was around average size for a UEF man around 5'8 while inferno was above average around 6'11 a giant compared to most.

"One really long slugfest man…I haven't used so many nukes and artillery pieces in my life…and that was a week ago and I've been busy reclaiming the rest of the planet and system since then. But besides that let's go and get some drinks man I haven't had a decent drink in a while." Fluffy said as they went towards the transport stop for an air bus, they waited a bit before the bus came got them and they headed towards Inferno's place for some drinks and food.

"So what happened to you on Percies IV…you were listed as MIA or KIA if I remember correctly?" Fluffy asked as they had arrived at Inferno's building they proceeded up the elevator to Inferno's apartment/flat.

"During the time I spent on Percies IV I was outnumbered but not outgunned as it would seem as my strategies kept many of my forces alive along with a few experimental weapons assisting in the endeavour. But after around 4-7 days with the Quantum hurricane I was unable to gate out as well as receive reinforcements so I was trapped in a state of limbo as I was nearly dead for a few days and was yet still alive for more of the conflict." Sean stated as they entered his home and they were greeted by his AI and cats.

"Why hello fluffy good to see you again…been quite a while…still carry Chico tacos around all the time?" the Ai asked the man as he went into his quantum storage device in his armors side and pulled out said taco's. "Well that wasn't unexpected…"HQAI stated from its avatar this was a female based one as it had been using it for the past few months.

"What's with the new avatar trying to learn the pleasures of porn?" Fluffy laughed as Inferno face palmed to his friends comment, resulting in said AI getting a wee bit flustered and left back to what it was doing.

"You always had a way with words my friend. Now then we should get some FOOD and DRINKS let's have a barbeque!" Sean stated as the headed towards the balcony which was the size of a patio with him being the only one on the floor. As they set everything up Sean grabbed the steaks he had marinated from earlier that day and brought out some vodka for him and fluffy as well as some beer in a cooler, they sat enjoyed the company of old friends as it seemed that was hard to come by most these days, as the food cooked they shared stories of times long gone and how they thought things would turn out and plans for the future.

"Sooooooo Sean how was it that you survived anyways?" Fluffy asked as the meat coked and they enjoy a few beers.

"I was captured by the Cybrans after my Acu was disabled from a few too many missiles and artillery rounds from a Disruptor and Guntur artillery pieces." Sean stated as he took a drink of his Guinness beer as the food cooked.

"Why they capture you? All Cybrans usually destroy any and all UEF Acu's and commanders?" Fluffy asked with a wonder of his friend's survival.

"They are not as horrible towards us as you would think… well to me at least with my implants it seems they thought me one of their people they must have been trying to liberate me…not sure for their reasons." Sean stated as he finished preparing the meals.

"Well they had taken you prisoner for a few months…well glad to have you with us still been hanging out here with your cats since you were considered KIA or MIA whatever they set it too, I moved my stuff here hope you don't mind…you were considered dead…for a while." Fluffy stated with a grin on his face as he sat from grabbing some food and some more beer.

"Well that's fine man there is enough space for 6 full families of 4, just don't raid my fridge all the time…"Sean stated as he glared the last part at his friend who had been known to eat any and all things in sight.

"Ok ok I'll be sure not to eat everything in your fridge…just my own." Fluffy said with a grin of fear at the glare he was receiving from Sean as he slowly inched back in his seat.

"Alright then well let's enjoy this food and get drunk!!! Bottoms up my friend Cheers." Sean said as they drank and enjoyed each other's company and the food.

August 21 3842 Veyaria

As the Sun rose on the horizon of Veyaria Xin awoke to the light of dawn in his face, as he got up and did his daily routine he received a message from the SGC saying to report there at 11:00 hours for briefing on the next operation you will be assigned too, as Xin read the message from his wrist computer he checked the time it was only around 7:18 so he had time to prepare and ready his armour for combat if need be.
As he neared the transport hub for as air bus to get to the SGC he saw Knight Valor Vylon waiting for the transport.

"Hey Valor" Xin asked the fellow Knight as they waited for the transport, Xin had meet Valor Vylon when he had returned from Rigel with Crusader Rhiza.

"Hey Xin you headed to the SGC as well? I'm heading there for debrief of our operation on Steven II against the UEF." Valor stated to the Knight he had only known for a few weeks now since he got transferred here from Sogelrus one of the Aeon main Research planets in the Aeon territories.

"Yeah I am heading there as well got a briefing for another operation." Xin responded as the air bus showed up and they got on and headed towards one the SGC on Veyaria's secondary continent on the equator of the paradise world.

August 21 3842 Veyaria SGC

As the entered the SGC they were greeted by Evaluator Kael with her personal escort as well as a few commanders, Kael had been a most irritating Evaluator she had been known to be quite the fanatic.

"Ah Knights Xin and Valor you have arrived." Kael said as it sent shivers down Xin and Valor's spines with the cold icy steel of her voice.

"Greetings Evaluator Kael I am here as instructed am I to see you for the Briefing or am I to see another Evaluator?" Xin asked as they headed down the corridors of the SGC towards the gate room and Acu storage.

"You are to speak with Evaluator Toth and Avatar of War Marxon on this matter as for Valor your debrief has been noted as the reports you sent to us as of a few days ago...you will be accompanying Xin on the briefing." Kael sated as she was in a hurry for whatever business she had planned for the day at the SGC.

Xin and Valor both headed towards the quantum uplink centre, as they entered they could see that the Avatar and Evaluator were busy in a heated argument this was as expected as they disagreed on everything short of how to build things…thus the princess ended the argument from her holo projector.

"Ah our Knights have arrived." The Evaluator stated as she turned to see the armoured knights ready for their briefing and assignment, Xin and Valor both bowed to the respected superiors as they stood awaiting orders.

"Yes…well let's get this briefing over, with you and Valor are going to go to Zeta Canis a Cybran Controlled world on the Edge of the UEF border they have been using it as a staging world for strikes into the UEF worlds. You are to go there and purge the population and take Zeta Canis for the Aeon." Marxon stated with a cold grasp on their spines.

"The Princess would have the people of Zeta Canis sparred so they can be shown "THE WAY" instead of being purged." Evaluator Toth stated in protest to Marxon's barbaric orders of slaughter to civilians.

"The princess is not of a strategic mind." Marxon responded with signs of irritation in his eyes.

"The princess doesn't approve of slaughtering unarmed civilians." Toth stated as she eyed Marxon with a glare of determination to the point of anger.

"No one is innocent in this war all have blood on their hands. You are to gate immediately to Zeta Canis." Marxon stated in irritation with the Evaluator as he left for more work with the military.

"Well then Knights you have your orders carry them out and may the WAY be with you" Toth stated as she headed towards Marxon and his work.

"Well lets head to the Acu docks and get prepared...this will be an interesting show of skill and strategy on both our parts Xin." Valor stated as they walked towards the elevator towards the top of the docks to board the umbilical that was fabricated to dock with the Acu's. As they boarded their individualized Acu's as the Aeon had given customization for the op Xin chose the enhanced sensor system, tech 2 engineering suite and a personal shield generator. Valor's load out for his acu was a personal shield generator, enhanced quantum disruptor and a quantum accelerator.
As they readied their Acu's they headed towards the quantum gate the techs had been configuring to Zeta Canis, as they entered the quantum tunnel to Zeta Canis they received a message from the Avatar.

"You will be on your own for this operation you will not be getting reinforcements until the 28th you are to take the planet by yourselves…the Cybrans on planet should be in only small numbers as this world hasn't had much combat since the UEF lost it to them, thus expect light resistance." Marxon message read as the gate energies encircled the Acu's.

August 21 3842 Zeta Canis

As the Quantum wakes dispersed from each of the Knights QLZ's, Xin was lucky enough to be positioned on the secondary continent Eastern seaboard and Valor got the main continent heartland of the desert world.

"I am beginning construction now around my perimeter in case of any Cybran forces in the immediate area try and assault my position." Valor stated to Xin who had already began producing 3 mass extractors near his QLZ and 4 T1 power generators as he finished that he constructed a land factory and air base, after he had finished he produced some engineers to continue production of his economy as well add more production facilities and Intel structures he built a few Eruptor T1 Point defences as well as some T1 Seeker AA guns foe immediate defence in case any Cybran Scouts showed up he would be prepared to hold them off until he could get some units online.

"Very well keep me posted of any new information you gather." Xin stated as he continued his production beginning to upgrade his mass extractors to T2 and upgrading his land factory to T2 as well, as he had finished building a Flying Eye scout past over his base but was immediately shot down by some seekers…the cybrans had found his location and radar indicated power signatures coming online probably firebases and point defence systems ready to defend their positions.

"They know I am here it won't be long until they find your location as well prepare to PURGE THE MACHINES." Xin stated in a grim voice as he prepared for the upcoming battles.

"Very well, Glory to the Princess." Valor answered back as his point defences and AA guns came online in a preparation to the incoming threat, as time went by they had prepared their bases to T2 standards as the Cybrans had yet to do much but send a few squadrons of interceptors and bombers to test them Valor had been sending strike groups around the desert dunes with MML's to find any signs of enemy movement and base locations,  as his strike groups searched the desert plains for signs of enemy forces he came across a symbiont city with base defences at the ready and power signatures

The firebases near the city had become  active for defense operations while the population began evacuation to the nearest gate at the main cybran infrastructure where 4 of the commanders were preparing a defence, as the units came into range the Cerberus point defences became active firing away at the approaching Obsidian Tanks, Evensong MML and Ascendant AA flak guns they let loss a furry of laser fire into the shields of the obsidians as they had the front line advance position to absorb the damage from the guns.

"Cybran forces detected in vicinity of the Cybran structures I am moving my forces to deal with new threats." Valor stated as his forces were under fire from the Cybrans, meanwhile Xin had his own difficulties the Cybrans had a decent firebase near his location with some Gunther T2 artillery raining down shells on the advancing forces of Xin, he was attempting to get some Specter gunships to deal with the patrols of Mantises and T1 artillery as well as some Rhino heavy Tanks and a couple of Vipers.

"I am beginning the purge of the Military populace and am moving forces to cut off the Cybran retreat." Xin stated over his com channel with Valor.

"The Cybrans haven't showed their hand yet...we need to fortify our positions and prepare for an all-out assault on our position, I am sending out scouts to see if there is any more forest in my effective area of operations." Xin stated as Valor nodded to this and did the same keeping his squads on patrol busy with more routes to ensure that the Cybrans wouldn't sneak by them.

August 21 3842 Zeta Canis 13:00

The Cybran forces in the main city centres had been cleared out and the main Cybran Base was still operational to the North East of Valor and Xin had detected a Cybran Naval Blockade to his East, Xin had readied a fleet of destroyers and some submarines but only had a few shard attack boats for some AA duty. As Xin prepared his fleet to break the blockade of his base he sent some Mirage Scout planes to get an accurate reading on the Cybran Fleet before it was shot down it transmitted that the Cybran fleet composed of destroyers some frigates and a group of Cruisers.

"I am moving onto the Cybran Naval base how the main continent goes?' Xin asked his ally as the readings he was getting were of massive groups of units colliding.

"I am moving inwards but am getting bogged down by so many units and the distance through the sand is becoming a problem on its own." Valor stated as he moved more of his forces northwards.

As the battle for the main continent raged on the sea were filled with the hulls of warships that were blasting apart each other with Oblivion cannons and Proton turrets trading fire on the high seas as a hurricane had moved into the region from the southern sea, as the tides of units were taken mass amounts of damage the winds and the waves began to form colossal in size this was only a problem for the submarines and some of the smaller ships as the destroyers were able to whether the waves and stay in combat most of the Cybran navy was still functional only losing most of their frigates while the aeon were losing most of their Shards and submarines.

The battle on the high seas of Zeta Canis wouldn't be decided for quite some time as more and more ships were sent into the storm mean while on the land Xin was in combat with the Cybran commander on the continents main city.

"These Cybran must be doing something in the back ground there has been no quantum signatures coming or going from the planet...this is most interesting they must be  hiding something highly important here to only to have this many forces on the planet." Xin stated as more of his forces met with the Cybrans continuously each commander sent hordes of units into the urban combat of the main city where all the populace had been evacuated and are currently being held within the Cybrans main stronghold on planet near the main quantum gate.

"Well we shall have to find out their plans here.... For the Glory of the princess!" Valor stated as he had made a huge push towards the Cybran defensive line after he had encircled the left flank and blown through them with relatively low losses compared to what the Cybrans had positioned there, with the increase of pace Valor began to move his operations northwards to establish a forward fire base to ensure that his reinforcements would be able to get to key positions with relative ease.

"I am getting a Signal from out in the sea near your main base, seems to be quite huge for such a signal to be coming onto radar." Valor stated as his Radar coverage detected a fleet of units coming from the eastern straight towards the armada of ships in the hurricane.

"I am sending a few scout planes and a couple of interceptors to get a visual image on the readouts." As the aircraft took flight they meet high winds from the hurricane and a few interceptors in the dark of the storm which had grown quite wide covering most of the seaboards and quite few kilometers out to sea, as the scouts reached the energy signals they were meet by a hail of nanodarts and Gemini missiles they had detected a fleet of Galaxy class Battleships and an Command class Aircraft Carrier a few Salem destroyers and a few Siren Cruisers along with an air escort of a squadron of Gemini ASF.

"We have a PROBLEM HERE!!!!!!!!!" Xin shouted as his air group got obliterated from the ASF patrol as the fleets current route would lead them to the main engagement but they had a way to go with the hurricane working against them it would be over an hour before they would arrive to bear their guns down on the Aeon armada, with this new Intel Xin began a massive overhaul on his naval production getting up to T3 attempting to get some Omen battleships online as well as an Keefer Aircraft carrier including getting some more Exodus destroyers and some Infinity cruisers to help stem the tide of battle on the high seas.

"I am unable to assist you in this I am currently unable to get you any reinforcements to your position that could make a significant effort in the tide of battle may the Way guide you through your trials Xin." Valor stated as he nodded wishing him luck on the upcoming battle as he would be unable to assist.

"May the Way guide me through this…."Xin stated to himself as Valor closed the channel between them as he began to withdraw his forces to regroup his fleet for the upcoming battle with the main cybran armada.

August 21 Zeta Canis 15:00

The hurricane became Xin's greatest advantage as it had slowed down the cybran armada allowing him to get his fleet ready with the new ships online, with the time he acquired from the hurricane allowed him to get a group of 6 battleships and 2 carriers along with a few dozen destroyers and cruisers to reinforce the surviving units from earlier when they had retreat taken serious amounts of damage losing quite a few destroyers and a few of the remaining attack submarines thus demission the already outnumbered Aeon fleet.

"What is your status on the Cybran force on your continent I have control of most of mine all that is left is the commander to my east and the one to your south." Xin stated as he prepared his fleet for combat setting them up to clash with the enemy armada.

"They seem to be too heavily fortified for me to breach the outer walls and defense for me to get in to deal the death blow." Valor stated as he began to bombard the enemy lines with artillery and missiles, but the overlapping shields from the bases were going to need either concentrated fire power or an infiltration to ensure their destruction.

"I am transporting some force to you now I'll have more reinforcements arrive later on as soon as the Cybran here is cleansed." Xin stated as the cybran armada had arrived the Heavy Oblivions of the Omen battleships let lose a fire storm of plasma onto the lead Battleships which retuned fire with their Heavy proton cannons, with the duel of battle ships the carriers became a hive of action as Gemini's filled the air as well as Revenants, Xin deployed his 2 carriers filled with Corona ASF's as well as few wings of Shockers for some damage against the armada.

With the tide of battle beginning once again ASF's collided over the high seas with the Coronas having a sight advantage as the Gemini's grouped up on the run byes on them thus leading to a few more kills thanks to the flak style weapon compared to the Gemini's missiles truly effective against most targets but when against a horde they lose some effectiveness, but the Sirens and Salem's assisted them with their AA guns just as the Infinities and Keefer's did the same, as the wreaks of aircraft crashed into the sea the ships clashed close to knife fighting distance unloading torpedoes, oblivions, protons and any other ammunition they could bear with bombers delivering their strategic payloads on the fleets destroying many hulls and crippling quite a few of them with their wreaks if they were shot down, the Omens stayed at the rear of the fleet to use their Oblivions to better use as they didn't come with torpedoes the advantage the cybran used with his battleships unloading point blanks into a few destroyers along with some torpedoes of their own. Ship after ship fell as the battle in the air continued with new ASF's and bombers came online from the carriers they cybrans were losing this fight due to insufficient numbers as the carrier couldn't build as fast as they were falling.

The battle would continue as ship after ship fell to the great depths of the sea as the remaining few ships on both sides began to regroup and attack again after an hour or so the cybrans were diminished to 3 Galaxies, 1 Command, 4 Salem's and 8 Sirens the Aeon had the advantage here since their main site of production was closer to the front line, the fleet consisted of 2 Omens, 1 Keefer, 6 Exodus and 3 Infinities  along with 12 attack submarines all ships were below half structural field strength and only a few wings of ASF remained in the air as all bombers had been destroyed and production was focused on more ASF's.

The naval factories were on over-time as of now producing mass amounts of Exoduses and Infinities along with 2 more Omens, hopefully the fleet could last under the continuous fire of the cybran fleet from the range of the main guns of the battle ships separating them as each moved to avoid the shots. The battle on the seas would be a stalemate for now as more attacks came from the ground as the cybrans had sent some strike groups to the Aeon fire bases to force them back, with this Valor began production on some Harbinger III's and couple of Serenities and some Asylums along with Obsidians and Ascendants for more support from the air and ground.

"I have lost my forward lines whatever the Cybran's have sent to attack with is currently steamrolling over our forces can you get confirmation on their whereabouts I am unable to detect them on radar currently." Valor stated as he was losing more and more ground to this unknown force as his land factories made more T3 units.

"I am unable to as well but am currently send my forces towards the last known attack from the area.  I am heading towards my last firebase in the area which I do believe if I set up an Omni-radar there I can detect their movements." Xin stated as his forces were arriving in mass as the engineers began to upgrade the radar to Omni and more units arrived with the rest of the army.

"I am detecting a mass of units heading towards my firebase currently I will engage them now." Xin remarked as he saw that the group was of fewer units then expected figuring the rest were elsewhere seeing this as a scouting party. Oh how wrong Xin would be as his army moved into firing range of the battle group the cybrans had deployed through the hurricane while their signature where hiding from radar as more traversed the dangerous waters away from the main engagement of metal.

As Xin's forces opened fire on the battle group they were meet with the sweeping of a few HML's along with some Heavy Bolter rounds and Iridium grenades, the battle group was 3 Monkeylords 15 Loyalists and 20 Bangers hiding by 5 Deceivers, this became a serious threat as it was heading towards his main base and himself. Xin's forces focused all their fire on the forward experimental spider bot dealing as much damage as they could as they were eviscerated by the others along with the Loyalists firing away.

"Be advised the Cybran's have deploying experimental units they are probably what has been decimating our forward lines." Xin exclaimed as his army was being vaporized and he began to make more Specter gunships to help deal with the Monkeylords these were the earlier models with only light AA on them, along with building more Obsidians and Harbingers.

"Understood I am moving my forces as advised…this is going to be quite the problem if we cannot get some experimental units online of our own." Valor stated as he readied his base with more of his army arriving from out on the desert plains.

"Well if we pool resources we should be able to get out some GC's out to help combat the ML's." Xin stated as he built more Quantum power generators and mass fabricators with additional defences to ensure no sniping from strategic bombers or gunships would take most of his economy down.

"I have eyes on the Cybran commander…make that commanders…oh shit…we are a wee bit screwed here my friend." Valor stated with fear and panic on his face as the data form is spy plane came back to him with eyes on the main Cybran stronghold containing the Symbiont population as well as 6 Cybran Acu's and 3 Scu's, they had been constructing more Monkeylords and mass amounts of Loyalists, Rhino's and Bangers.

"That is an understatement my friend we need to start getting CG's online NOW!!!" Xin shouted as began production of the 1st one while the battle for the land died down as the strike force the cybran's had sent was taken down from combined forces of Siege assault bots and gunships, while the battle on the sea was still at a stalemate with no victor as the lone commander on the eastern island was still busy producing naval forces for naval supremacy.

"I am currently getting my economy for more production into my units." Valor stated as he continued production onto more power generators and mass fabricators as well as more units to combat the approaching enemy forces.

The Cleansing of Zeta Canis that Valor and Xin had been assigned too by the Avatar of War would seem to be more like a battle for the survival with more of a Cybran presence then estimated this seemed to be a trap set by the Cybrans, along with the fact that they would be unable to get any more reinforcements from off world meant that they had to survive a week of hell as they couldn't gate off planet either for now since the Quantum realm was influx for quantum travel to be safe enough for anything to get through without a home gate along with the fact the cybrans had been jamming all communications off planet.

The battle for Zeta Canis would be one of the most drawn out fights of Knights Xin and Valor as they would need to hold their lines until they could form an effective counter attack to the Cybran forces on planet…the timer was counting down as each commander prepared for their judgment…would they survive this planets trial and be known as conquerors or would they become ghosts of all those that have fallen before them in the Infinite War.