In the "LV-426" universe, Earth's orbit—
From tens of thousands of kilometers away, the view of humanity's home planet reveals countless glittering lights scattered near Earth's orbit, resembling stars dotting the night sky.
These lights represent the myriad ships and spacecraft bustling around Earth's near-orbit. Some are preparing for interstellar voyages, while others, having completed their missions, are returning home.
The types of vessels vary widely, including civilian cargo ships, colonization vessels, and luxury space cruisers used for interstellar travel and tourism.
Interspersed among these vessels are massive space stations, standing like floating cities in the void of space.
These stations are not only hubs for interstellar travel but also serve as homes and workplaces for tens of thousands of people. Each one is a fortress of life and technology, equipped with comprehensive facilities to sustain long-term human habitation.
As one of the leading corporate titans in this universe, Weyland-Yutani has left its unmistakable mark on these stations, with its corporate logo prominently displayed at the ports.
Cargo freighters bearing the company's insignia dock and depart, continuously transporting resources and goods to and from Earth's colonies. However, these ports also host vessels from other companies, which share the interstellar trade routes with Weyland-Yutani's fleet, forming the backbone of the "LV-426" universe's thriving trade system.
Beyond the bustling commerce, Earth's near-orbit is also fortified with an expansive military defense network—the Cerberus System.
This is one of the most formidable defense systems in the "LV-426" universe, consisting of hundreds of automated orbital stations armed with tactical and strategic nuclear warheads, ensuring the security of Earth.
The Cerberus System can intercept and destroy external threats while also serving as a deterrent, ready to suppress any potential invaders at a moment's notice.
Additionally, the Colonial Marines maintain two dedicated military stations in Earth's orbit, supported by over twenty warships on constant patrol, ready to respond to emergencies.
Two stations.
Over twenty warships.
Frankly, even if the Human Empire hadn't been founded, Atlas Corporation's military and technological might, as it stood five years ago, could have easily overpowered and seized control of "LV-426" Earth.
Back then, Atlas had already mastered advanced technologies from the Avatar and Pacific Rim universes.
Yet today, "LV-426" Earth itself is in a state of heightened readiness.
Near-orbit traffic has grown extraordinarily hectic. Civilian ships are either hastily setting off on interstellar journeys or rushing to dock at the nearest stations for resupply and recalibration.
For the people of "LV-426" Earth, external threats feel closer than ever, intensifying the already tense atmosphere.
Once orderly, near-orbit has now descended into chaos. Ships scramble to find safe docking points at overcrowded ports, while some vessels flee directly to the Moon, seeking refuge.
The tipping point for this chaos was Weyland-Yutani's two private warships, dispatched to Lethe Moon.
When these two vessels were utterly captured by the Space Wolves fleet, they automatically transmitted distress signals.
Despite Weyland-Yutani's ambitious plans to exploit Lethe Moon for massive profits and fulfill their executives' dreams of immortality, the company quickly realized the situation was spiraling out of control.
The outbreak of the xenomorph infestation and the intervention of an unknown human force created mounting uncertainty.
To prevent total collapse, Weyland-Yutani's leadership took action.
They carefully "edited" intelligence regarding the situation on Lethe Moon and, while distancing themselves from any culpability, shared the information with the top levels of the "LV-426" human government.
Upon learning that the strategically vital Lethe Moon had not only fallen but was now occupied by a powerful and unknown human force, the government of "LV-426" Earth declared a state of emergency and began full-scale preparations for war.
Defense deployments were rapidly upgraded. The Colonial Marines were given full control over near-orbit security, while millions of ground forces were mobilized to protect major cities, critical military facilities, and key infrastructure such as the space elevator terminals connecting Earth to orbit.
The rapid response was not just due to Lethe Moon's strategic importance but also because Weyland-Yutani's report highlighted that their two private warships—renowned for their advanced technology—were effortlessly defeated by this mysterious force.
Weyland-Yutani's warships were equipped to the highest standards, and even government warships struggled to match them. For such a fleet to be wiped out in mere moments sent shockwaves through the leadership.
This unknown human faction was immediately labeled the number one threat to "LV-426" Earth. The government intensified its defensive measures and launched a comprehensive intelligence operation to uncover the background and intentions of this enigmatic force.
However—
Just as the government of "LV-426" Earth and Weyland-Yutani's upper echelons gathered their officials, elites, and corporate representatives to analyze and speculate whether this mysterious fleet belonged to rebels or a rival military-industrial complex, an unexpected event occurred.
In Earth's near-orbit, a glowing vortex of ethereal blue light suddenly appeared—a gateway seemingly from another dimension.
As the vortex expanded, the gathered ships and space station personnel held their breath as the scene unfolded:
Two Paris-class frigates of the Space Wolves' 14th Company slowly emerged from the vortex, followed by four Fides-class frigates and four Selené-class supply ships, each returning to realspace.
Finally, the flagship appeared—a towering Autumn-class heavy cruiser, nearly two kilometers in length.
Once this colossal vessel exited the vortex, the glowing blue whirlpool quickly dissipated, as if it had never existed.
!!
This scene sent shockwaves through Earth's government.
The realization that this unknown force possessed faster-than-light travel technology entirely unfamiliar to them—and could appear undetected in Earth's core space—threw the leadership into chaos.
Panic spread among politicians and corporate representatives, who scrambled to comprehend the implications of this technology, which defied their understanding of space travel.
This development meant that the unknown fleet not only possessed advanced technology but could cross star systems swiftly—or perhaps even traverse dimensions.
In stark contrast, the military commanders remained relatively calm.
Though shaken internally, they quickly composed themselves and activated emergency response protocols through the command center, attempting to establish direct communication with the Space Wolves fleet.
Their goal was to gather intelligence or negotiate diplomatically to prevent a full-scale war.
These commanders knew that rash actions could trigger an even greater crisis and that a measured approach was essential.
Onboard the Autumn-class cruiser—
The bridge was a hive of activity. Holographic screens flickered as crew members methodically operated their stations, ensuring the fleet's systems remained fully under control.
The ship's captain and his deputy were at the central console, discussing tactical strategies and drafting plans to neutralize Earth's orbital defenses in the shortest time possible. The holographic displays showed detailed tactical data of "LV-426" Earth's defensive network.
"Captain, they're attempting to establish video communication with us," the communications officer reported steadily, eyes fixed on his display.
At the observation deck, Logan Sigurd—the commanding officer of the Space Wolves' 14th Company—stood gazing at Earth's blue and green splendor.
Clad in his imposing Cataphractii-pattern Terminator armor, Logan's presence exuded power and dominance. His rugged beard quivered slightly as he grinned, his sharp gaze fixed on Earth as though it were already his to claim.
Hearing the communications officer's report, Logan burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Well, they've got guts, at least—they haven't completely lost their nerve yet," he remarked with a tone of amusement laced with mockery.
After a brief pause, his expression turned sharp. "Fine. Approve their request. Let's see what these people have to say—whether they're here to beg or make threats."
"Yes, sir," the officer replied promptly, initiating the connection.
A semi-transparent holographic screen materialized beside Logan, glowing softly as it awaited the other side's input.
Moments later, the screen displayed the image of an elderly general in a dark green uniform. His stern, steady expression and sharp eyes revealed the presence of a seasoned battlefield commander.
The general stood in a large conference room, surrounded by politicians, military officials, and corporate representatives, all gathered with tense, serious expressions.
When the attendees saw Logan Sigurd's hulking figure clad in Terminator armor, an unsettling silence fell over the room.
The sheer size and terrifying aura of Logan's armored form shattered their preconceptions of what a human soldier could look like.
Though many were visibly shaken, the elderly general maintained his composure.
Adjusting his uniform, he addressed Logan with calm authority:
"Greetings. I am Admiral Logan Charles Marshall V, Commander of Earth's Defense Forces. May I ask where you come from and what your intentions are?"
Hearing this, Logan Sigurd's expression darkened.
Sharing a name with this admiral immediately irritated him, and his mood soured further.
With a sneer and a voice dripping with menace, he replied coldly:
"I am Logan Sigurd, Commander of the 14th Company of the Space Wolves Legion of the Human Empire! As for your questions, I don't have the time or patience for small talk.
I'm giving you thirty seconds to unconditionally surrender and accept the rule of the Human Empire and the Space Wolves."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone visible on the screen. "If you refuse, we will not hesitate to use force to
bring you to your knees."
As his words ended, a countdown timer appeared in the corner of the screen: 30, 29, 28…
!!
The Earth conference room fell into an eerie silence.
The grim faces of politicians, military leaders, and corporate representatives reflected their growing anxiety as the countdown ticked away like a death sentence.
Then the room erupted into chaos:
"Thirty seconds to surrender?! This is absurd!"
"We haven't even fought yet! Why should we give in?!"
"Our fleet is larger than theirs! I say we fight!"
"But they annihilated Weyland-Yutani's ships in an instant!"
"That was just a numbers game! On an open battlefield, we wouldn't lose!"
A fierce debate broke out between those who wanted to resist and those who advocated for caution.
The majority insisted on fighting, unwilling to surrender without a battle. To them, capitulating without resistance was unthinkable—a disgrace to their pride and history.
Yet a small number, including Weyland-Yutani representatives, urged reason.
They knew the truth: this fleet's technological superiority was insurmountable. The gap was akin to a primitive society facing a spacefaring civilization.
However, their voices were drowned out by the overwhelming cries for resistance.
As the timer hit 0, Logan Sigurd threw his head back and laughed.
His booming laughter echoed across the Autumn-class bridge and transmitted through the holographic display, silencing the Earth leaders' bickering.
Amused, Logan smirked and declared:
"Enough arguing. I already know what your decision is."
"Now—let's have a real fight! No, scratch that—let's have a real war!"
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