Chapter 1

Earth had finally reached the age of mass produced and mass adopted space fare, what was once an unthinkable journey to travel and colonize planets were bustling and rapidly developing colonies. Mars and Venus now had sustainable colonies thanks to the recent leaps in technology with the development of a facility on Jupiter on the way. Although just barely the superpowers of Earth came to form the Terran Alliance, with the sole goal of defending against potential threats now that humanity had reach a completely unknown and vastly larger stage than ever previously. The alliance proposed that all members should begin development of space crafts with the capability of space warfare however such an important rule was basically overlooked by many countries which still considered other members of the alliance a threat treating the rule as a plot to weaken their homelands, this paranoia would soon become their downfall as they looked down far too much on the galaxy and it's inhabitants, becoming ignorant enough to believe they were the first to achieve such technology they instead focused on secretly setting up militant settlements on Mars and Venus while strengthening their own countries with the intent of wiping out their adversaries. 

Decades passed as these colonies and factions grew along with the tensions that continued to rise with them, frequent periods of civil unrest accompanied by displays of military capability and the once unified planet of Earth had once again become a political playground, assassinations, rebellions and proxy wars continued to take place however it was now on a galactic scale, mining space stations were frequently attacked and disputed over land in the upcoming planet of Jupiter became more aggressive and frequent. It was at this time that the remaining countries which had stuck to the original purpose of the alliance abandoned obligations to desperately fight off the enemy they had allowed to grow. Unbeknownst to the war inclined species set on their own self-destruction, their greatest fear and greatest fall due to ignorance had already begun to play their hand. 

~~~

Systems away at the head of a large metal roundtable, in a dark metallic room various species sat each of them speaking to their accompanying ambassador groups, no two group looked alike and each spoke in a unique and unrecognisable language. A tall elegant figure stood at the head of the table, it's beautiful white robe with crimson red strikes following down the sides further exasperated it's ruby like eyes, it's snow white hair accompanying it's soft pale skin. The creature raised it's slim hand gently while releasing a chilling yet soothing mist from it's pores calming all those present as well as drawing their attention.

It spoke an with an angelic, soft tone which small hollow cues beside each group translated it's words perfectly to each respective language.

"After careful research and thorough observation, the planet known as 'Earth' and it's respective colonies is to become the 182nd civilization to be welcomed into the Galactic Community. As they have now managed to sustain thirty years since their ascension, diplomacy shall now be authorised, however as per tradition the neighbouring system may make first contact."

During the speech every ambassador remained silent as they relayed the message through their handheld devices to their respective Leaders, however as they re-visited the map of Earth's solar system they noticed the name of the neighbouring system. The Vrax Empire, known for their barbaric traditions and warlike nature, seemingly they had long since set their eyes on the planet Earth. Observing their fast reproductive capabilities and their high level of adaptability they knew that obtaining this species would bolster their ranks heavily, further increasing their already enormous power in the Community. The ambassador of Vrax grinned, it's burly appearance and menacing rock like skin gave of a monstrous aura which intimidated many of the participants, it spoke in a rough and aggressive tone, with each word scraping he ears of all who could hear it. The boxes again relayed it's message however everyone already knew what it would be. 

"In accordance to your arbitrary traditions, we shall not exterminate these ants and instead we shall put them to use."

The Vraxian stood up and left swishing it's cape as it left, the rest of the council members muttered amongst each other, although non knew anything about the planet Earth, they all knew that life under the Vrax was no life at all. Many wanted to help earth even if only as a way to stop the increasing strength of the Vrax however they knew they could do nothing until the first contact was made and by then it would already be too late, many of the leaders instead after hearing the unfortunate news either moved on to more pressing matters or began to develop their defences for the inevitable.

~~~

The elegant figure returned to it's personal suit located in the bustling city district of the Galactic Embassy, she immediately grabbed a communication device and contacted called a separate private holographic meeting, she was directly connected this time the the Leaders of two representative species, despite their distinct differences this time they all spoke in a common language and seemed to address each other more casually. 

"Princess, I heard what happened from the envoy. It would seem our fears were proved correct." A tall menacing figure said with only it's reptile like eyes visible.

Another voice chimed in from a slim figure wearing a headdress. "We already knew what would happen Julia, we should have acted before making it public. We can't allow another species to be exploited by the Vrax, Humans have just as much a right to freedom as anyone else an-"

She was abruptly cut off by the reptilian like figure as he slammed his fist on his desk. "To break our traditions would be to ignore the will of the founders, The only thing we can do now is hope the humans at least face the Vrax with honour rather than happily serve them like so many others." His scornful made clear.

The call was silent as tensions rose and eventually Princess Julia spoke in a soft tone. "It was to be expected and while I also wish to protect such a fledgling species Olysa, as Ramos said, we must uphold the traditions which bind us." 

Ramos slightly smiled in acknowledgement and as Olysa sank into her seat, her heart bleeding from compassion, Julia spoke up once more. "However from my observation I have concluded that we could possibly still aid the Humans or at the very least guide them."

The two looked with curiosity and anticipation as Julia continued, "In the past thirty years humanity has advanced at an astonishing rate and although they haven't anywhere near the same medical technology their lifespans far exceed most organic sentient species we have encountered, on top of that their passion as a warlike yet pragmatic society puts them at least on the level of the Katari Empire. I have calculated that paired with their intelligence and problem solving capabilities which are only increased during times of war, which they are no stranger to, the Vrax as well as the Galactic Community will soon be left in shock."

Ramos suddenly burst with laughter at just the thought of the Vrax losing a war which was basically unheard of, Olysa on the other hand clung to this sliver of hope and daring to ask "So how can we assist them?"

~~~

 It was an ordinary day on the orbital stations surrounding Jupiter, although equipped with some weapons they mostly just used as docking and refuelling station, besides transportation space was considered empty and as no threats were ever posed from orbit no space faring fighters were ever developed besides a few prototypes and a couple dozen concepts that never saw the light of day after humanity decided to return to their old ways of infighting.

Unexpectedly before anyone aboard could react the station began to tremor as in the distance bright lights began to get closer while projectiles flashed past striking the station. Before long it had been completely destroyed and surrounding Earth's passion project was a horrifying armada, the Vrax swiftly descended on the planet massacring any who resisted their complete takeover of the various small colonies. Mars only saw brief transmissions however it was enough to see the horror that was heading towards them and in response the Martian Independence faction which was the majority and current representatives of Mars took the chance to halt communications with earth after relaying the same footage they had received. 

Every observation post located between Earth and Mars was either abandoned or destroyed by the Vrax as this unknown armada swept through the system destroying every ship they saw, Earth was now under siege, their spacefaring technology the pride and joy of humanity was destroyed in hours. Panic quickly set in as a desperate global defensive operation was launched however the unwillingness to give up parts of their own territories had caused lasting ripples in the Alliance, after the first week the Vrax Empire took control of the African and east Asian continents. Two weeks later and the only country still opposing the Vrax was Russia having focused solely on their defences on Earth they were just about able to repel most airborne and land attacks.

Years passed surprising the Galactic Spectators as many humans died it could be argued that the Vrax had done nothing more than commit genocide however as harsh as they were everyone agreed that it was merely a response to the human stubbornness in refusing to bend the knee to a superior species.

In response to the human resistance the Vrax had proposed trade deals for additional supplies from other Galactic Nations and call on the few alliances they had to defend their newly founded military bases around the Earth home system, they had far surpassed the human colonisation project with their advanced terraforming technology.

Humanity overwhelmed from the onslaught of Vrax warriors, their weapons more powerful and deadly their natural strength profoundly superior, those who continued to fight retreated from cities into the surrounding forests and mountains. 

Creeping through a countryside in the remains of France, two soldiers wearing camouflaged armour stalked a convoy making it's way towards Paris.