[ WP ] A peaceful alien race is besieged by another race in the same galaxy . As their last planets fall and their home-world comes under threat they do the unthinkable . They ask for aid from the only known creatures more brutal than their foes in exchange for FTL technology . Humans accept the deal .

“ Mr. President, we have recieved confirmation from the other countries. They are all on board. ” 
 
 “ Very well, has the agreement been signed? ” 
 
 “ Yes Mr. President. ” 
 
 “ Then let us address the American people in the morning and let them know the truth. May God help us all. ” -- -- -- -- 
 The major networks were a buzz with excitement. A major announcement from the President of the United States given in the morning hours of the day. This was to coincide with a similar announcement to be given by all of the world's leaders at the same time. What could possibly be so big that would require this? 
 
 Ben had only been working with the LA Times for a few months but was eager to get to the field. Having served in the military, he was excited to re-join an infantry unit as an embedded reporter. This would be a monumental step in his career and that of the news organization as well. 
 
 “ Hey Carl! ” Ben called out to his partner who would be on assignment with him embedded with the Marines. “ Any word on what this announcement is about? ” 
 
 “ Naw man, they haven ’ t told us anything. Apparently the press at the White House has been kept in the dark as well. Come on, let ’ s go to the media room. ” 
 
 Ben and Carl had served together in the military. They lost contact briefly as they attended separate colleges and found themselves as new hires with the LA Times and were inseparable since. 
 
 The media room was packed and thankfully there were plenty of screens for them to see. Speakers were hooked up to the television so everyone could hear the sound. 
 
 “ That ’ s right Tom, we have unconfirmed reports that this may be a call to peace to the ongoing conflict but again, we have no actual confirmation as to… hold on…. It looks like the President is about to speak… ” 
 
 The screen cut away to the Oval office where the President sat at his desk. He was illuminated perfectly by the lighting and his composure looked as calm as ever as he began. 
 
 
 “ Good Morning my fellow Americans. I have been informed of some developments that will alter the very course of this nation and all of humanity. As you may know, at this very moment, heads of states across the world are addressing their nations to inform them of this news which we, not as Americans or any other nationality, but as humans must all unite for. 
 
 First, effective immediately, I am officially announcing the end of ALL military operations in Southeast Asia to include Vietnam. All forces will immediately withdraw from any operations and return to their respective bases. Together, with help of Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin, we are declaring a peaceful withdrawal of all forces to include North and South Vietnamese forces. This agreement was signed last night and does include the signatures of Ho Chi Minh and Nguyễn Văn Thiệu. 
 
 We have put our differences aside to end this conflict and march together on the road to peace and unification. 
 
 Secondly, the United Nations & NATO as we know it will no longer exist. Instead we will be forming a new alliance simply known as United Command. United Command will be a collaboration of all of the world ’ s major military powers and will be supported by smaller nation states as well. Simply put, this is a global organization composed of a human alliance working together for a common cause. 
 
 A human alliance. At no other point in the history of mankind have we been challenged and forced to pull all of our resources together like this. My fellow man, it is with an open mind, kind heart, and willful spirit that I bring you this revelation. 
 
 Over the last few weeks we have been in contact with an organization that desperately needs our help. In exchange for that help, they will grant us technologies that we can only dream of. 
 
 Today, I am officially announcing the acknowledgment of life beyond this Earth. We have been contacted and been in communication with a race of extraterrestrial beings who have come to us for help. Yes, this is true and you heard that correctly. Mankind has been contacted by a race from beyond this planet and even this galaxy. They came to us in peace and have requested the assistance of our forces to help their planet in dire need. The details of this operation are still being worked out, but rest assured that our forces will be put to good use in defending the beings of the Andromeda Galaxy as well as us. 
 
 I have directed my staff to call upon all local government officials, media outlets, and emergency response personnel to disseminate details to you as we unite in this new cause. 
 
 Today, we make history. Today we are no longer divided by borders, race, or ideologies. Instead, we are united as humans. As a race of beings who create art, love one another, and show goodwill to all life. 
 
 May God have mercy on man and bless all forms of intelligence. ” 
 
 The media room was silent as the television faded away with the Presidential seal in the background. Not a single word was spoken as the only sound was the slow whirring of electronic devices and people breathing. 
 
 The television cut back to the news reporters who looked just as stunned. Someone turned off the TV before they spoke again. 
 
 The silence was broken by a ringing phone. Soon another and another started. The office became a cacophony of ringing telephones, people talking, and the normal chaos of a busy day at a newspaper. 
 
 Ben & Carl walked out of the media room. 
 
 “ What the fuck man! What does that even mean? ” Carl exclaimed to Ben as he pulled out a cigarette. “ Fucken aliens man!? Are you shitting me? ” 
 
 Ben didn ’ t say a word. His mind was just as confused and he didn ’ t fully comprehend what was happening. This morning he was eating cereal thinking about Vietnam and now there is talk about aliens? 
 
 A woman came up to them running. 
 
 “ Ben… Carl! ” She stopped to catch her breath. She was clearly shaken and trying to compose herself. “ The chief wants you in his office immediately! ” 
 
 “ Fucken great, you know what this means Ben…. ” Carl didn ’ t need a reply. They both walked straight to the chiefs office. 
 
 The editor-in-chief was a salty mother fucker. A veteran himself, he knew Ben and Carl were the perfect ones to get embedded with the Marines headed to Hue City. Now their entire lives were going to change. He was hard and got shit done, but he had a heart that cared more about his staff than his own well being. 
 
 The office was brightly lit as the the curtains were wide open letting the light in. 
 
 Ben & Carl closed the door behind them as they stepped into the office. 
 
 “ Gentleman ” The Chief had has back turned as he stood over his collection of scotches and whiskeys. He was pouring three glasses. 
 
 “ I am sure you all heard the news this morning? ” It was a rhetorical question as he already knew the answer. Still he wanted to confirm as he handed Ben and Carl a glass each. “ Please, have a seat. ” 
 
 “ Yea man, what the fuck does this mean sir? ” Carl asked as he took a sip of the scotch and sat back on the recliner. 
 
 “ It means you two are not going to Vietnam anymore. You will still be embedded with the Marines though. ” 
 
 “ Sir, Carl and I are just confused. If there is no more Vietnam, what is there? ” Ben asked as he placed his untouched drink on the table. 
 
 “ Gentleman, in all of my years I have never seen anything like this. In the Pacific we hopped from one God forsaken rock to the other not knowing what to expect. I ’ m guessing this is similar. Except the rocks will be much larger. ” Roger finished his drink in one gulp and began to pour himself another drink. 
 
 “ I just got off the phone with the First Marine Division XO. What I am going to tell you, you must never repeat to anyone else. I was only told a small piece of the puzzle though. ” He drank the second glass in one drink as well. 
 
 “ You will be embedded with an infantry unit that will be leaving this planet and headed out to the Andromeda Galaxy. ” 
 
 Carl stared at Roger in disbelief as he sank further back in his chair. Ben picked up his glass from the table and finished the drink in one gulp as well. They both knew that Roger was not one to bullshit them and what he spoke, as incredible as it sounded, was true. All of it. 
 
 “ Roger, you…. Are you saying that - ” 
 
 “ I am telling you that you are going to become fucken space reporters. The first ever! Congratulations! Now the details of this are all highly classified of course. However, time tables have been moved up. You are to pack your gear and report to Camp Pendleton in 72 hours. From there you are to be embedded and report directly to the Commanding Officer. That is all the information I have. ” 
 
 Ben and Carl looked at each other in disbelief. They both knew they couldn ’ t pass this up. Something like this may never come up again, ever. 
 
 “ Gents, make no mistake. This is beyond the comprehension of any one of us. We don ’ t know what we are getting into and it is your responsibility to share this story with, not just Los Angeles or America, but the entire human race. Tomorrow we will sit down for dinner and go over any questions you may have. Right now, you will go home and prepare yourselves for the journey ahead. ” 
 
 With that, Roger stood up and Carl and Ben did as well. 
 
 “ Men, make man proud. ” 
 
 

