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Prologue

Earth
It was cold. As the intricate pieces of machinery slowly accelerated, it was as if a giant clock was beginning to count out the hours of the day. The massive force of the United Earth Directorate was rising, soon to be the dominant force in the entire galaxy, by Mr. Smith's thinking. He had long since risen through the ranks from his duty on the naming committee. Yes, Surveyor General was a tough position, but someone had to bite the bullet, step up to the plate, all of that garbage. High tech military compounds like the one Smith was now standing in had long since replaced the barracks of old. Smith often wondered how the leaders of the expedition force could have been such idiots. Ranked idiots, but idiots all the same. With the combined ingenuity of the Earth's robotics teams, no alien or human could stand up to the UED's might. At this very moment, thousands of robotic machines of destruction were being produced. Nemesis. Sentinel. Myrmidon. These names would come to be associated with greatness, and slaughter. It was only a matter of time.

High Orbit over Reynif II, UED Space Station New Venice

"... and the Cronus wing should be able to make the push, if only you'll guarantee me 50,000 more troops." It was a plee that sounded straight out of the expeditionary force's textbook, although back then the technology for reinforcing the main army was so primitive it was more like a pointless appeal to the Directorate, a last ditch effort. Meetings like this had been going on since the plan to attack Earth had been originally formulated. Peter wiped his brow, looking across the room to gage the success of his presentation. The outlook was grim. Several of the General-Mayors had fallen asleep, and for a moment Peter thought he actually saw the outline of a silvery cobweb on a particularly dead-looking general's arm.

Earth, Main UED Complex, Moscow

The enormous steel door slammed closed. It was infuriating for Peter to have to consistently go through checkpoints, to have someone looking over his shoulder. He wanted to be a decision maker, not a Line Officer. As he walked by, he was intrigued to find the new Juggernaut Anti-Swarm Artillery (JASA) being tested on a few small neo-steel targets, designed to represent Zerg carapaces. The results were promising, indeed. As the rounds resonantly exploded, the steel was torn to shreds like paper, ricocheting shrapnel around the test area. A particularly satisfying explosion left nothing remaining but a large scorch mark, the hull shredded to more pieces than anyone could count. Perhaps I won't need another 50,000, after all, Peter thought to himself.
It was cold.


Chapter 1

Earth, UED sub-district B-9, code 276

The remnants of a past meal drifted across the street. Isaak looked dejectedly down the dingy street near his house, a pastime that seemed to be his favorite hobby these days, along with looking nervously over his shoulder for Legionnaire secret police squads, and picking lint out of his bellybutton. What a party. Since The Powers had been united, he never seemed to feel the same anymore. Staying home from school seemed like fun at first, but that was before he found out that his parents were going to be evicted from their home to make room for an inner Earth Directorate member. Mass poverty had stricken earth like a flu epidemic. The taxes and government evictions created ghettos that overflowed with residents tossed to the side similarly to Isaak's parents. The UED, as they now called themselves, were nothing but tyrants and militant leaders that felt their manifest destiny was to rid the world of "alien scum," at any cost, whatever the propaganda tried to convince the public. What did it matter to them? The world was just a tool to be used, to accomplish their petty violent fantasies. Isaak knew one thing they didn't, however. Even with their cameras, audio microphones, and other technology too sophisticated for Isaak to comprehend, he knew. The times, they were a-changing.

Earth, Underground, an Undisclosed Location

They had escaped. After running for their lives like dogs, they had escaped. It was only for a time, of course, but the current peacefulness of their exile seemed to create a calming atmosphere. A simple questioned punctuated the silence. "When?" The simplicity of the man's phrasing seemed to contradict the purpose of the group's meeting on even the most basic level.
They possessed only a few of the old marine-issue gauss rifles, a pistol, and several knives. By some stroke of luck, their plan had lived to see another day. The Directorate's surveillance system was so vast, so extensive, that no one could speak a word without it being documented, reviewed, and sanctioned. Through some stroke of (dumb) luck, a few men had found a sewer disgusting enough to escape the probes. Little did they know that this meeting would affect the entire galaxy.


Prior United States of America, UED Base

Admiral Norman Gray always enjoyed his trips to North America, and particularly when his trip didn't involve paperwork or one of the other various processes that made the average citizen so tired of the bureaucracy, back when average citizens were allowed to be tired. The Directorate had been taking a new direction since he took the position of head admiral. Dealing with alien freaks was NOT ever going to be permitted, no sir. Gray didn't even like watching those old censored horror movies he had stored in the officers' movie library. As admiral, his first action had been to pass the New Alien Enemies Act, which prevented any UED contact with aliens and provided steps for military action to be taken if problems arose. Gray continued his walk down the long, snaking hallway, enjoying the sound his well-polished shoes made on the hard floor. "Hello there, Smith." the admiral said with a degree of joviality. "Always a pleasure, Admiral." Smith said with a genuine grin. Yep, it was good to be the admiral. The people loved you, the officers loved you, and the alien freaks were FAR away.

Prior United States of America, UED Base

The hallway itself seemed to rock back and forth. Although the building was constructed of advanced neosteel and had approximately a 99.97% chance of remaining stable, the force of the storm that was taking place just outside the facility doors was awe-inspiring. A shadow whisked across hallway 56-B, a moment of weakness that the surveillance system should have caught, but didn't. It was unclear whether this was because the system had been somehow tampered with, or the owner of the shadow possessed the extreme luck necessary to avoid an infinitely complex system such as this one, but it didn't matter. Luck was better than skill, as they said, whoever the hell "they" were. Two guards were looking drowsy outside of a particularly gaudy looking office. The shadow figure shot the two men with two projectiles, and they instantly fell asleep. "If he hadn't been here, we never would have got him," the figure thought. A gaunt hand placed a round, circular object on the frame of the door marked "Gray." Once the figure had silently exited, still miraculously unnoticed, a light began to flash on the door. After exactly 16 flashes, a compact but incredibly powerful explosion blew the office that the object had been placed on sky high. As the burning rubble fell to the ground 200 feet below, a man smiled, and knew a new day had begun.

Chapter 2

"Bulletin to all officers (stop) Admiral Gray assassinated by an unknown assailant (stop) Enact emergency plan 53-6-D (stop) This information is coded Top Secret Alpha (stop)"

"In the major headlines today, Admiral Norman Gray has announced his decision to step down from the position of Admiral of the United Earth Directorate. After a tenure of over 4 years, the public wishes Gray the best. Gray released an official retirement statement today, and announced that although he would love to stay in the limelight, he'll be moving with his family to a vacation home on a Pacific Island previously known as Hawaii. Gray couldn't be contacted for an official press statement at the time of this report."

"UED social conduct advisors are reporting a 45% increase in uncertainty levels due to the resigning of Admiral Gray. Glory is productivity! Work hard and trust in the UED for all your needs."

"And, get this, a reported conspiracy theorist reported that previous UED admiral Norman Gray was actually assassinated, and the Hawaii vacation home is just a poorly designed cover up. Where do people get this stuff?"

"The nomination of Ed Smith has taken the UED by storm today. Confidence levels are soaring past expectations as the Directorate rallies around Admiral Smith's aggressive expansionist policies. Smith said in a statement to the press that he was encouraged by the public's increased confidence readings and would translate your thoughts into policies that will help the UED to prosper within the galaxy.
'It will be a struggle, but a new day has begun for the UED,' Smith stated to the press."

UED Main Complex, Moscow

A small trickle of sweat ran down Ed Smith's face. It was the only sign of weakness he planned to show that day. An impressive display had been hastily assemble for his first address of the Directorate, and his confidence level was high. Smith's military regalia was stunning, and it had a considerable sheen as he paced slowly around the holding area. Being elected UED Admiral was like taking a small step towards becoming God: Smith could accomplish whatever his little heart desired. He wouldn't be a tyrant, no. If he had his way, he would conquer the galaxy and every citizen in the UED would help him do it with a smile. Smith's polished boots extended through the entrance to the Grand Chamber.

*****

Peter scrunched in his seat within the Grand Chamber. He had been anxious almost as soon as he arrived. Dead end positions in the government were as exciting to Peter as watching paint dry: he needed change, flow. Peter had just enough time to go through his usual contemplation ritual (stroking his black beard with the first three fingers of his right hand) when his questions would be answered.
Appearing in the flesh (as well as on a 200-foot high telescreen) was Admiral-in-chief Ed Smith, decked in a military uniform even more dated and flamboyant than the monkey suits the General-Mayors had to wear. "Greetings," Smith's resonant voice echoed throughout the Grand Chamber. "To the military officers and engineering minds of our age, I salute you. To our beloved Admiral Norman Gray, I salute you. To every citizen in our entire Directorate, I salute you. We have come to a major crossroad in our lives. The leadership of the incomparable Gray is behind us, and we are still paying our respects. What we must address is the serious issue of how our Admiral was killed in our own back yard. What I have to tell you is disturbing news. Our intelligence agencies conducted a thorough investigation of Admiral Gray's office. They have identified the technologies of two alien races being put to use against us..."
Peter was shocked himself, but got a small chuckle out of watching several Directorate guards attempting to silence the mass of officers and engineers in attendance.
"I'm sure you will all agree that a state of emergency should be immediately enacted. Action will be taken, I assure you. Decisive action. The UED will prevail, and our enemies will be punished."
Yes, Peter thought this guy was shaping up already.

*****

Alexandra tried to still her thoughts and the veritable carousel of emotions that was riding around for twenty-five cents in her head. In one conference with this Ed Smith, she had gone from being mournful for Gray, to fearful for the lives of the entire Directorate, to hopefully patriotic and nationalistic. In short, Smith had played her like a fiddle. Thinking back with significantly more clarity, she wondered what Smith's true intent was. He was awfully jumpy in pulling the state of emergency fire alarm, without any real consultation. She moved her long, jet-black hair out of her face just in time to see an officer that she had never met before walk up to her with a somewhat saccharine grin on his face.

"I'm sure we've never met before. The name's Peter. Peter Lincoln," he said.

"A pleasure, I hope." Alexandra smirked.

"I've noticed you're intelligent, and powerful," Peter stated.

"That's a good start."

"I think we could carve out big places in Smith's regime. Accomplish big things. You in?"

"I'll have to think about it. I can't get a read on this guy quite yet, and I'm not about to turn into some lapdog for a psychopath. I'll get back to you, sweetie." Alexandra was utterly confused by this encounter. This wasn't the United States Congress, officers didn't lobby for support, or enthusiastically wave pieces of paper about for the floor. Perhaps she was a little too green in this Directorate business, after all. Hell, she might've just found her big break.


Chapter 3

"Glad to have you working with the Smith coalition."

"Peace at any price, yes. It's all for the common good."

"Terror can't phase the UED. We'll respond quickly and decisively."

"I can guarantee your project, in fact. A small price to pay for the greater good."

"Welcome aboard, comrade. You've just made a name for yourself."

**************
A thick smog was heavy in the air, pouring out of UPL factories, behemoths of industrial might across the landscape. Drifting across a small, worn, house, it seemed to listlessly beckon to the residents of the many slums cluttered along the street. Edward Smith felt a sting. His father was drunk. He was dangerous.

His racing lungs had just calmed down from running along the alley, and Ed put a calming hand on his head, which was in the process of splitting along several faults.

"It's you... you little *******."

Edward ran.

****************
Peter awoke with a smile on his face. The telescreen detailing his position was glowing, indicating that he had an urgent message. Something told him all that work he had been doing had paid off. He had been nominated General-Mayor of War. The brilliant part about Smith's regime was that it wasn't dominating, and it wasn't forceful, outside of his speeches. By God, it was democratic. All the leaders wanted this to happen. They wanted war, they wanted revenge. Smith was just the man brave enough to do it. Damn it, if it was a struggle they wanted, it was a struggle they were going to get.

****************

"Eat your peas, Isaak."

A small fork poked a plate with little interest, its prongs dulled by the passage of time.
The Strovinsky household wasn't filled with very much to eat, but this didn't make Isaak any more eager. His mind was filled with an overflow of thought. Things weren't going well.

"Okay..."

"What's wrong, dear?"

His mother had a way of being able to see into a person. He was troubled, that was certain. Smith had crept in while the night was dark, and seized everything.
What troubled him the most was not the how, it was the why.

***********
A small telescreen flickers.

"The soul of the Earth Directorate has been wounded.

"Patriotism isn't an easy thing to build, and the values of our people must be upheld within our great Union. An act of violence is no easy thing to overcome. It is emotional, as well as physical. The comforts of a familiar face guiding you from your telescreen, the emotional baggage that goes with the passing of an icon. How can we respond to such a terrifying act of defiance, you might ask? I've told you about my plan for decisive action, and now the people want details. I know, I understand the thoughts of the public. I'm here to tell you that we will begin a full-scale assault on the perpetrators as soon as the fleet is ready to go. Aiur will fall."

***************

nice stories

The times, they were a-changing.

no plagiarizing watch men


UED: Ugly Earth Dummies

Actually, it's a Bob Dylan song, but whatever.

Flows well and is easy to read.... keep these up, I like it!

First let me say congratulations in winning the contest.

I am going read this through a little later(when I can give it the attention it deserves) just one thing I want to ask. Why did you have the main UED compound in Moscow? Just wondering(also maybe I missed something in lore). BY the way if you haven not looked here is the description of Earth.

Looking good Fenix, i like it
I really like you fanfics bacause they are easily readible, and thuss better suited for an posibble campaign
It looks really good thus far,and i will donate to you some resources everyonce in a while .

It's looking good.

Oh, congrats on the contest. I figured I wouldn't get it, but that matters not. Good luck with your writing endeavors.

Oh, if Tears still wants me to use the UED units for publicity I am still open to do so.

Shure, you can fell free to use the ued units in any way you like . To be trutfull you were tied with fenix at the top, but looking at your active fanfics i figured you are to busy to write an another one.
@Omega as for the capital being in Moscow it makes sense if you think about it, you don't know how the power will be divided in a few centuries, but you can atleast asume that the largest country on the earth would have a leading role , and also in sc1 the UED had a somewhat Prusian accent/fell.

I know it makes sense I was just curious as to why(or if I missed some lore). As for lore I did read on Earth not much is know other than all languages save for english were banned(odd considering the Valks in SC1:BW ), some South American nations did not join the UPL(not sure about the UED), Venice italy has been called "a sacred icon of (our) Earth heritage'" by Ed Smith, a board member of the UED naming committee. Also Moon what does a Prussian accent have to do with Russia?

P.S. I did notice one thing, on SC wiki's earth page it says that many religions where banned. I was under the impression that all religions where banned. Did I miss something here? or is Wiki just being wiki?

Quote by Omega

P.S. I did notice one thing, on SC wiki's earth page it says that many religions where banned. I was under the impression that all religions where banned. Did I miss something here? or is Wiki just being wiki?

I think that all religions were banned on Earth. But bear in mind that the people sent into outer space were convicts and/or people which had trouble with the UPL regime. There might be some who didn't agree with the UPL's politics on religion in there as well.

I remember reading in one of the SC books that on some planets some Terrans practiced the religions from Earth.

Okay Tears, I will use some of the units from your UED faction. If you ever have suggestions or comments on how I use them, then just feel free to drop a line on the fanfic or pm me.

Also, I am not actually that busy, writing wise. I am working on about six fanfics, and I still have time to work on the two that I have. The others are with Prelate. I also have a novel, but I have mostly be working on school work rather than my novel.

Not a bad start I can't wait for the next installment.

@KnightSpector if you have any questions about the UED units you could also just ask in the UED fan-faction topic, or just PM me to take a look.

Not buisy he said ;p, you are actually working on 6 fanfics, wow you really must like to write.
And Omega Prussia isn't an accent, but a region, between Germany and Russia, so what i meant by that is, that to me the accent seems like a mix of these two. Anyways two centuries have passed since they banned some religiouns, so who knows what the exact current state is like, many things and policies could change in that time.

Prussia is a former German state(the german states united to from the country of Germany, but you know this already) so I do not think it would be considered between Germany and Russia. Also since I never heard a real Prussian accent I guess I would take your word on that matter(I have heard a Russian accent due to having a teacher from there ).

So have all religions been banned or only some(and if only some which one are around)?

Oh i see you edit you op Fenix, looks good

@Omega i don't think we will ever know which religions have been banned, nor do i think it's important , since i'm not a very religious person, don't let my country of origin confuse you ;p (jk)