Gabatrix: the Batrice Crisis
Copyright© 2025 by CMed TheUniverseofCMed
Chapter 19: The Raining Ashes
Science Fiction Sex Story: Chapter 19: The Raining Ashes - Set after the events of Gabatrix: The Last Tank, resentment in the UWA grows in the colony of Batrice, one of the most essential worlds of the human race. Anger, confusion, and misinformation have reached an all-time high. A 24th-century Civil War is all but inevitable. It will be up to Shira, Javier, Stone, and the countless characters of past stories to find a solution before the UWA falls apart. Story Includes: Human/Anthro, M/F, M/FF, War, Sex, Action, Drama, Pregnant, Birth, Scalie, Alien
Caution: This Science Fiction Sex Story contains strong sexual content, including Ma/Fa Consensual Romantic Fiction Science Fiction Aliens Robot Space Furry Lactation Oral Sex Pregnancy Size
It was said that the defeat of Fort Batrice was little more than a miracle. The UHN had managed not only to circumvent the Batrice forces over Celebes but also to single-handedly launch a surgical strike that would take the space station in one fell swoop. Word spread quickly. A team of marines stormed the primary city of the great space station. Fleet Admiral Baxton was dead. Commander Sreyleak, the second in command, remained in the main operations room of the CIC as the UHN marines stormed in. She held her ground, fired two shots at the Marines with her sidearm, waited for several seconds while she assessed everything going on, before finally bringing the gun to her forehead and pulling the trigger. The other crew willingly surrendered themselves to UHN custody.
A computer AI, by the name of Minerva, who hadn’t been seen in years, had made her reappearance, her face appearing over countless Batrice consoles on the surface, all informing the highest chain of command that Fort Batrice was under her temporary control.
Despite the news, the confusion remained. Not everyone believed it at first, but it became apparent when the UHN fleets began to appear near the space station that Fort Batrice, the most powerful space station known to humanity, was truly lost.
What became a miracle spread like wildfire. Batrice’s regime knew that it had a terrible road ahead. Its military lay in utter defeat. There was a discussion about whether the government was going to make a final stand, fight it out, and force the UHN to deploy its troops on the surface if necessary.
But it never happened...
The revolution quickly crumbled. Support for the regime fell almost instantly. The truth had become rampant. Some politicians fled. Some resigned. Others turned on their single-party system with ease and simplicity. The last of the Batrice military officials were at each other’s throats, ready to help the politicians that were left or destroy the regime that ruled over them. Meanwhile, the streets of Batrice’s capital fell into riots. Some pulled their new flags down and burned them. A few statues were toppled. Military police would sit by and do nothing, often joining the rioters as they rid themselves of the tyranny that ruled their lives.
Chanvatey knew that it was over. Eyewitnesses asked him for his ruling to stop the riots, but his cabinet and supporters had all but abandoned him. Hearing the commotion outside the former parliament building, Chanvatey, the great ruler of Batrice, walked over to the nearby statue of him holding his dead daughter. It was said that he stood there for several minutes before he finally lowered his head. Pulling something from his pocket, he slipped a pill capsule into his mouth, crunched on it, and swallowed the contents. Taking a deep breath, he sat down by the statue, facing the door that was about to be broken into.
What the rioters found was their defeated ruler long expired. The hint of blood and foam from his lips dripped onto the carpet as his eyes lay partly open. There would be no courts to house the former ruler’s crimes, only the burying of the dead, and the countless trials of crimes against humanity made by the leaders under Chanvatey’s destruction.
Yet, in all aspects, a new beginning was happening before everyone’s eyes. Batrice stood ready for the great changes that lay ahead. The countless prisoners were freed. The history books were corrected. Religious institutions were restored. Seized businesses were restored to their private owners once again. Reforms were made and a new democratic republic was established, one that was fair and balanced, better than the early days before Gabatrix had ever seen its full fruition, for even Samantha Batrice would find it to be a more than adequate representation of what was supposed to be the colony of her founding. Fort Batrice would undergo repairs and be made ready again in only a week, since the battle that lay within it, crewed and operated by fellow Batricians and UHN assistants to help them.
The time of great healing for Batrice was all but the beginning. Those who were cruelly killed by their Neo Khmer Rouge counterparts, along with the military officials who gave their lives in honor of Batrice, had their ashes spread over much of the capital city. The day of massacres had become the memorial holiday known as “The Rain of Ashes.”
Over a week had passed since the Battle of Fort Batrice.
Yet, the neighboring world of Gillan was different. Inside the hangar bay of Fort Rangoon, it had become a scene of remembrance. Future Warrant Officer Stone, along with countless Marines in parade uniform, stood in tight formation. Ahead of them were 224 caskets, lined with strapped flags of the UHN Marine Corps emblem on them. The names of the fallen marines of the Battle of Fort Batrice were being honored. On each casket was a name and a digital picture displayed. The countless faces all showed smiles or dignified men and women who gave their lives to ensure that Batrice would be finally free.
Among the dead was Isandro’s picture. On the other side of the aisle, two of the standing marines, Enlai and Dariea, were next to each other. Fellow marines who trained and earned their status as UHN soldiers, the death of Isandro weighed heavily upon them. The hint of a tear came running down Dariea’s face as she held back the urge to cry. Enlai could hear her sniffle. The man put his hand on her shoulder to aid in her sympathy.
Gavril and a Shal’rein were not far from Enlai and Dariea. The lumbering man also held back the urge to cry as well.
“Isandro, fight like ten Gavrils that day,” he defiantly said. “Stone kill the man that killed Isandro ... if he didn’t do it, then I would...” Kes’pia looked beside her, dressed in green and purple spandex. Gavril slapped his chest as his eyes grew watery.
Stone looked at the dead. Among the many, Ihan was one of them. Stone never saw the man’s death, only heard that he was killed by one of the five Fort Batrice commandos while Ihan dispatched him in turn. Ioren looked up at Stone. Like a mountain, the future Warrant Officer seemed unfazed by Ihan’s death, but she could tell that he had lost a friend and ally. Stone’s eyes momentarily looked down for a while as if he was in deep thought. The Itrean wished she could hold the man’s hand, but knew that he had to keep his image amongst the others.
The two marines were the only ones killed from the former UHN Lifen. The rest were from all other places of the UWA. Finally, Stone knew that the time of remembrance was over. He stomped his boot on the deck.
“ATTENTION ON DECK!” the man yelled.
Everyone came to attention. The hangar fell silent. Stone took two steps forward and did a 180-degree turn, facing all the men and women of the hangar. He began to recite something to them.
“I am the soldier. My body stands fit!”
“I am the soldier...,” the others replied. “My body stands fit!”
“I am a marine. My gun is ready!” he yelled.
The other marines in the room replied in earnest, recalling their vows of the fallen.
“I am the warrior. The enemy cowers!”
He paused as the others said it.
“I am the sentry. Freedom is my shield!”
Everyone replied like a chorus.
“I am the sacrificed. For my enemy lay defeated!”
They all recited the Marine Remembrance Speech. Seven of the marines were armed with straight pull parade caseless rifles with blank cartridges. Stone did a 180-degree turn to look at the dead before him.
“UHN Marines!” he yelled as the seven marines aimed their rifles into the air. “Redder than Blood!”
“Blood for Life!” the marines yelled as the gunshots echoed in the hangar.
“Redder than Blood!” He yelled again.
“Blood for Life!” The same statement was made, followed by the same set of gunshots.
“REDDER THAN BLOOD!”
“BLOOD FOR LIFE!” The last set of shots was made before the hangar fell silent...
It had been a few hours. Inside the familiar rooms of Fort Rangoon’s offices, Shira and Javier sat together. All seemed to fall into a sense of calm and ease. Morale seemed to be at an all-time high, even with the recent honor services given to the fallen.
Paperwork had become the order of the day. Javier seemed to be handling most of the order requests. Meanwhile, Shira would briefly glance at her technical journals while handling any additional paperwork on her tablet. In reality, there was very little to do after the dust had settled.
“Ugh...,” Javier grunted and slapped the tablet to the table. He began to rub his head and rest back against his table.
“You are groaning more,” Shira calmly stated.
“Just wondering what’s going to happen to us ... we’ve been working at this same place for four days now. The chair has divots in it, my ass keeps getting sore, I’ve been sitting on it so much...”
“I’ve noticed that you’ve cut musters down to once a day.”
“There’s nothing for the crew to do anymore. A part of me is wondering what command is going to do with us ... I hate to say this, but I fear that we’re all going to be separated and reassigned to somewhere else, or even worse, we’re going to be put back on desk duty at Aphadus.”
“Curious...,” Shira said. “There was a time you preferred that.”
“Well ... maybe I got used to the big chair. There was something I liked about being with my Captain on a ship of our own.”
“It’s more than likely that we will be given a ship...”
A beeping sound could be heard in the room. Javier and Shira placed their tablets on the table.
“Well,” Javier said. “Our first line of customers for the day ... send them in.”
The closed door slid open. Mizu, Jenta, and Li’lo stepped inside, with each woman holding onto their babies. Mizu stood in the center, still wearing his uniform. He did a salute to the two officers before the two did their quick salute in return.
“Mizu, what can we do to help you out today?” Javier asked him.
“Sir,” Mizu replied. “I ... ah ... I request to have three weeks of leave.”
“I shouldn’t have to ask. You don’t have to answer this, but what are the reasons?”
“I wish to spend some time on Earth, Fort Batrice, and Batrice itself ... take care of what’s left of my family assets and belongings ... give some time off for ... everything...”
“We’ve spent some time on Fort Batrice,” Javier replied. “I understand why you want to do it. Even if things are ... slowly returning to normal on Fort Batrice, I can’t comment on the status of Batrice itself. The emotions are everywhere down there ... and I’d be concerned about you and your family’s safety.”
“All the reason to do it, sir.”
Shira seemed indifferent at first, simply listening to the statements made. Javier seemed skeptical but empathetic about his situation.
“I’d recommend that you stay on Fort Batrice under the protection of Commander Trai,” he advised. “Handle whatever business there that you need, and try to limit your exposure to Batrice until the dust continues to settle. In the meantime, your request is granted.”
“Take four weeks...,” Shira replied. “It’s more than likely that we’ll be assigned to a new ship. When you return, your training will commence with ship piloting and navigation, much as Petty Officer Dean will receive as well.”
“God forgive us when Dean starts piloting our new ship and where he’s going to take it to.”
Mizu did a half-hearted smile. “ ... Thank you.”
“I’ll say, though,” Javier added. “It’s good to see that some of the people on Fort Batrice warm up to you again during the time we were there, and the fact that you didn’t have to put a giant hole in the hangar bay either...”
“Just ... promise me, sir, that I won’t have some giant bomb for me to reset on any future missions.”
Li’lo smiled. “He keeps running to the microwave every time it goes off,” she said. “It makes the same beeping sound...”
“ ... No promises,” Shira replied.
“We look forward to seeing you again, Mizu, Li’lo, and Jenta,” Javier replied. “Good luck and stay safe...” He saluted him as the three proceeded to leave. Upon their exit, there was another beeping sound that could be heard on the digital display screen. The door closed as Javier patched in on the console.
“Getting a message from Eutera,” Javier said. “It’s Minerva...”
“Put it on,” Shira replied.
The screen changed to show the feline-like robot’s face appear. Minerva seemed to be sitting by the porch of a house with the hint of Eutera’s sun providing sunlight in the background.
“Ah ... Minerva,” Shira stated. “It was only a matter of time before you would finally address us after the recent battle.”
“Yes,” Minerva replied. “I wish to communicate with you after those particular events.”
“What do you need, Minerva?” Javier asked her.
“I wish to speak with you pertaining to Fort Batrice. Doctor Ericsson has provided me with much information, but I needed to have other opinions ... more personal opinions.”
“What about it?”
“I am left ... troubled after the battle. During the time I was connected with Fort Batrice’s main computer core, I was able to see the countless faces that peered into me. I’ve had a chance to compare this to the time I took over Mars’ UWAN network. I noticed a number of differences between the two altercations.”
“In what way?” Javier asked her.
“Unlike the first time, there was outright fear, apprehension, and confusion. While the confusion was still present, I noticed the sense of relief amongst the confusion. Some were angry or agitated. A few yelled at their screens, begging me to leave. However, that fear was not as well pronounced. Do you believe that my presence has truly upset the local population?”
“There is only so much observation that I can provide.”
“However, you still wish for our opinion on this,” Shira stated.
“Yes. You are different, Shira,” Minerva explained. “Even if basic established concepts are applied to the Itrean Shal’rein, you think in a more objective and open basis.”
“In other words, she thinks a little bit like you,” Javier remarked.
“Yes. The recent battle has allowed me to gather a great deal of information about the human race. Some of the preconceptions have been either correct or false, allowing me to make more accurate interpretations of mankind. With that said, I will need your input...”
“ ... Well ... Fort Batrice, like Batrice itself, had to live under a system that forced a line of thinking onto its people. On the one hand, Batrice did have some knowledge about you, but they also had a sense of invulnerability. I would imagine that a lot of their ‘world’ was shattered the moment your face appeared on their screens.”
“Do you believe that the battle has helped secure my legacy amongst humanity?”
“You’ve already done that well over a year ago. Your existence alone has established your place in history. But I imagine you’re trying to evaluate that more. I’d say that if you were looking for more recognition, then now is the time.”
“I do not understand,” she said.
“Are you trying to find a place in our society?”
“ ... It’s under my understanding that human beings wish to find recognition, a place for their worth amongst others. When I was created, I wished to make myself more human. To age and reproduce are among those traits.”
“But there’s often the fourth part of human needs: Eat, sleep, reproduce, and accomplishment in society. Your situation is something that I’ve witnessed from even here, and that’s the fact that you’ve disappeared from human interaction.”
Her eyes lowered a little bit. “Yes...,” she continued. “It was under my belief that little exposure after the discovery of my existence was a necessity. I wish for Eve to grow up without the fear of destruction by others who disagree with our existence.”
“It ... works to a point, because your issue seems to grow past that, and I imagine that Doctor Ericsson would have a similar statement as well. The fact is, Minerva, you’ve become a relic to current human trends. You may have extraordinary abilities, but they won’t help you garner the growing attention and recognition you feel for serving humanity. With the situation that just happened, it’ll greatly help your case, but by disappearing again on Eutera, you’ll just fade into obscurity again. The question is if you want that or not...”
“I see ... Yes, Doctor Ericsson has stated something very much like what you’ve said. However, I sense that his opinion is weighed by the fear that I would end up warranting my destruction by continuing this line of thinking. I wish to serve my husband, to be the wife, and raise Eve to the age of adulthood. However, in the recent battle, I emerged undamaged. Perhaps now is the time to reveal myself more to the public rather than to be ... afraid.”
“It’s up to you. I can’t be your judge. However, as I stated before, now is the time. I’d look at it this way, Minerva. By exposing yourself more, showing how your life is progressing, seeing you and Eve living together, it can ease the tension that others can have towards you.”
“Fear can be established by the lack of knowledge,” Shira added. “But it can be easily remedied by providing facts and information.”
Minerva seemed to think about it for a second. “I will keep this all under advisement ... it was agreeable to help you in your case in subduing Batrice.”
“It really came down to you that made the difference,” Javier said. “Thank you, Minerva.”
“ ... There is something else I wish to say before I end the call. During the time I was in full control of Fort Batrice’s network, I detected an unusual power surge from where you and Shira had engaged Fleet Admiral Baxton. It was made one minute before I took full control of the military computer core.”
“ ... What type of power surge?”
“It’s most likely a previously recorded broadcast message. It was sent by Baxton. I attempted to access a copy of this recording, but it was already deleted and cleared from the main memory core by Baxton.”
“Interesting...,” Shira stated. “Do you know where the message was sent?”
“Yes. It was sent to coordinates 62-35B. However, sensors showed that there was nothing present in that vicinity to receive it.”
“Hmmm ... I might disagree with that. Something did receive that message and relayed it to somewhere else...”
“ ... Why tell us now, Minerva?” Javier asked. “This could have been helpful information if we knew this sooner...”
“At the time, my matrix had been heavily involved in the current mission in pacifying Fort Batrice. I considered the acquired information as of little importance, especially since the transmission was directed at what seemed like empty space at the time. However, I’ve noticed that Baxton’s database was filled with numerous and well-planned military projects that he implemented. Many of these projects are ones that you’re aware of. It wasn’t until approximately 3 minutes and 27 seconds ago that I considered this information and set of events as possibly important for your consideration. I apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused...”
“Baxton was covering his tracks...,” Javier looked at Shira. “He knew that Fort Batrice was in danger of losing ... the question was what he sent and to whom...”
Shira felt a kick to her stomach, causing her to briefly place her hand on her pregnant belly.
“Hmmm...,” Shira stated. “It will be something we’ll learn from soon enough. I’ll need to confirm and coordinate your readings, Minerva. In the meantime, continue with your work. The sooner you complete our arranged project, the sooner I can commence with future operations...”
Minerva nodded as her mechanical eyes blinked. “Very well, Shira, Javier. I wish you a good day. Farewell until I speak with you again...”
“As to you, Minerva,” Javier replied. Shira did a solemn nod.
With that, Minerva ended the transmission. All seemed quiet for a moment as Shira looked at the digital map of the Trappist system. Javier already knew that she was looking for those possible coordinates.
“I must give credit to Baxton,” Shira stated. “It’s very likely that he will try to grasp us from beyond the grave...”
“What do you mean by that?...” Javier tried to ask, but there was a beeping sound that could be heard from the door.
“Another one?...,” the man remarked. “Let’s see who it is.”
With a tap of the button, Shira turned her attention back towards the door. It slid open to reveal a familiar doctor who entered the room.
“Ah ... Doctor English,” Shira addressed him. “It was only a matter of time before you amuse us with your presence.”
English was quiet. The door closed behind him as he approached the two.
“Likewise,” he calmly replied. “I wish to make a request. I want to return to New Olympia for a week.”
“You’re not really tied to us since you’re a civilian,” Javier stated. “Is this a request, or are you just telling us this?”
“Civilians are still required to notify the ... Chain of Command as to what is happening regarding their future events.”
“Mind me asking what it’s about?”
Javier could see that English seemed uneasy in wanting to answer that question. Shira was studying the doctor’s movements and tone.
“There is something that I need to find answers to,” English stated. “Revelations after the recent battle...”
Javier seemed to think about it. “You disappeared during the fighting,” he said to him. “There were a couple of eyewitnesses who reported seeing a person that matched your description in Uniapon, but that would have been impossible, as none of our forces survived the assault in that city.”
“That would seem most improbable ... as I would have been killed or captured by Fort Batrice’s military forces.”
“Yes...,” Shira stated. “Yet, here you are, unscathed. I find it most interesting to hear of these reports, yet there is no camera footage. It appears that much of the recorded data had disappeared ... destroyed by the explosion that took place there ... more specifically, where you were supposed to be.”
“I cannot state as to the reliability of those camera units, assuming that I was somehow in enemy territory where I would have faced an overwhelming force.”
Shira slowly stood up and proceeded to walk around the table. Javier watched as she encircled the doctor, her tablet held behind her back.
“Something has driven you to make a trip back to New Olympia,” Shira stated. “You could supposedly say that you’re doing this since it’s been made obvious that we’re in a state of ease. However, you were quite clear in your desire to be a part of the Battle of Fort Batrice. I would understand my cook for not wanting to be a part of it, while I had to tell others not to be a part of it at all. But, then there’s you...”
“Everyone needs a Doctor,” English replied. “Enemy or no enemy...”
“Yes, ... a very valid and noble excuse,” Shira began to return to her table, her shark-like tail facing the man. “However, the human language is particularly interesting as to the term for ‘Doctor.’ In the Itrean language, the word is very tuned to a person of medicine. It can often confuse most Itreans when one refers to himself as one, not realizing that human Doctors are experts in knowledge that can pertain to far more than just medicine...”
“I can assure you that I’ve more than proven my abilities in healing the sick and injured...”
“Indeed...”
“In that case, Doctor,” Javier told him. “Keep in touch with us ... don’t disappear too long...”
English tipped his hat lightly, bowing his head, before turning toward the door.
“I find it interesting...,” Shira stated. “Is your reason for your departure pertinent to me and Javier?”
“ ... Yes...,” English stated.
The doctor said nothing more and left the room. Javier had a confused look on his face as he watched the door close behind Doctor English. He turned his head to Shira.
“That was a very odd question and a very odd answer,” Javier remarked.
“Yes, it was,” Shira replied. “He answered most truthfully as well when he could have easily stated something misleading. What do you know of the report dealing with Uniapon and our New Olympian?”
“Regarding Doctor English? ... Not much. It was as you stated ... a couple of eyewitnesses saw somebody that might have matched his description, but I haven’t bothered to look much into it. That could have been anybody, and none of the eyewitnesses personally knew who English was anyway ... It’s kinda odd, though. The camera units did take some damage, but can I believe that an explosion was responsible for losing the footage that can verify those reports? ... I don’t know...”
“There is only one eyewitness who saw a supposed fight between English and one of Fleet Admiral Baxton’s commandos. Our witness claimed that the man killed the commando and incinerated the body ... but, she was trying to see this through a wall of fire.”
“Flames can trick one’s eyesight ... nah. That can’t be looked at as something accurate.”
“Yes, all intentional, of course ... However, there is one factor that hasn’t been considered. What do you know of Baxton’s commandos?”
“His Death Commandos? Or whatever he called them? Pretty well since we captured two of them alive. They were highly trained ... the best of his military forces, trained assassins, or however you want to look at them. Pretty terrifying, actually, since one of them was responsible for killing eighteen of our men before he was killed. I can’t imagine what would have happened if Baxton had more of those commandos available.”
“Yes,” Shira stated. “If I were to believe the possibility, Doctor English killed the one that was called Number 3, where English burnt the body of the one he killed.”
Javier shook his head. “Why would he do that?”
“According to Baxton’s records, Number 3 is supposed to be New Olympian. However, under his own records, he had it crossed out and omitted that she was from Earth.”
“New Olympian?” Javier turned to look at her. “I must have missed that.”
“Yes, for good reason. The changes were made over six months ago. It wasn’t until Minerva analyzed the files that she reported about the omissions.”
“Why would Baxton change it?”
“It’s a very good question ... Number 3’s body was completely incinerated. Only portions of armor survived the intense flames. However, the fire that would have consumed her would have left more traces behind.”
“ ... I don’t know,” Javier said. “There was a lot that happened in Uniapon. I’d more likely believe that she was consumed in the explosion and her body was burned to a crisp. Anything else is just a coincidence...”
Shira seemed to change the subject. “I see ... and what of the commando that was prepared to kill Petty Officer Mizu?”
“I can’t remember the name specifically, but he was called Number 2. Like Number 3, they’re the only two of the five that came from outside Batrice, but he holds a more interesting story to him, though. He’s from Oshun. As I recall, he’s a Black Star Mercenary. I was going to inquire with Stone to learn more about them since he worked on Oshun. All I know is that they’re supposed to be highly trained killers for profit. I think the Oshunians managed to wipe them out, but I’m not sure. Number 2 said very little when he was taken into custody. My question is, why would one of these mercenaries be working for Baxton?”
“Indeed,” Shira stated. “Especially when Baxton wasn’t paying his operatives. Perhaps Number 2’s expertise is far greater than I expected, something that may be of some use in a later time...”
“Well, he’s been transferred to the Martian High Security Prisons for his crimes. I doubt you can get much out of him.”
“ ... It’ll be imperative that he remain alive and unharmed during his incarceration.”
“Tell that to Admiral Hazer...”
“Yes ... I will.”
There was a long pause as Shira seemed to look at the digital map. Javier could see that there was a level of unease in her stance. Even her cigarette tin had remained untouched for much of the day. She seemed to fall into a quiet state at first, but finally broke the silence again.
“I’ve made a critical mistake in killing him...,” she confessed.
“Baxton? Why? He was in a mech ... There wasn’t much that could have been done.”
“There’s a solution to certain problems ... However, it’s proving obvious that by killing Baxton, I’ve only made him more powerful in death.”
Javier shook his head. “No ... The UHN didn’t have a problem with it, and even Batrice considers the matter closed. He isn’t going to become some martyr, him or Chanvatey...”
“That isn’t what I mean. Something has been set loose ... something that will greatly affect things in our future...”
There was a growing sense of unease as Shira seemed to show subtle hints of it. It almost appeared to be a culmination of observed events that led her to think this way, rather than one generic issue. To Javier, it could have even been described as a withheld concern.