The com ships had all made it to Earth, and the devices known to be in Alliance hands were sent the self-destruct signal to regain integrity of the system. The network was invaluable while trying to negotiate with individual captains and admirals about where their loyalties lay. Many answered the call of their home systems to return, but just as many decided to come to Earth and rejoin the Fed fleet under the Black Fleet banner.

Joseph Marcum, as the highest ranking civilian present, had gone down to the surface with Jackson and signed the treaty in which Earth offered sanctuary and protection under the umbrella of their formidable Sol Defense Force.

Jackson had taken a detour to drop Jillian and their children off with his extended family in Kentucky before going back to the Nemesis. In a universe where it felt like they weren't safe anywhere, he decided leaving them on Earth made the most sense. Makov and Chan may or may not have plans for the birthplace of humanity, but they were likely aware that Earth had been fortifying against such an eventuality for centuries. If they came, they would pay a heavy price.

"All those damn Mickeys and nobody to fly them," Barrett said as images from the fleet flashed on the large wall monitors. A high-res feed from the Broadsword showed the Super Valkyrie flying over the seemingly endless rows of Mickeys as she accelerated around Saturn to rejoin the taskforce.

"That could have been a real game changer," Pike agreed.

"If you'll both excuse me," Jackson said, putting his glass down and straightening his service coat. "Captain, you can rejoin the fleet at your discretion. We have no pressing need at the moment, and I certainly enjoy the view here."

"We'll stay until they ask us to leave, Admiral," Barrett said.

Jackson walked out of the lounge, his security detail falling in behind him. He looked at the young NCO.

"Emil, wasn't it, Sergeant?" he asked.

"Yes, Admiral," Sergeant Emil Schmidt said, his chest puffing up a bit at being recognized. "An honor to have you aboard again, sir."

"Glad to be here, Sergeant," Jackson said, seeing the boy he'd saved on a planet named Juwel in the confident man he saw beside him. "This ship is as much a home for me as any other place has been."

Jackson left Emil at the entry to the secure vaults on Deck Five and made way down to check on his precious cargo.

"Good afternoon, Admiral."

"Good afternoon, Aegis. There have been some…developments."

"I am aware. You have saved your ships, but you lost your crews to operate them. I assume that's why you are here to see me."

"We're going to have to accelerate Phase IV," Jackson said. "It's going to be difficult."

"Hardly difficult," Aegis disagreed. "All of the necessary hardware was saved from the Alliance before they took B-1171, and the ships only need a simple software patch, one I can provide."

"I'm not talking about you or the ships, I'm talking about how to convince Pitt and Marcum this is a good idea. It's a little too close to home given what happened when the Phage came."