NOTE: My first fan fiction, critical feedback and advice appreciated.

Chapter 1: Welcome to Andromeda

Context

In an effort to rebuild the confidence and unity among human colonies following the Covenant War, the United Earth Government reached out to it's outer colonies, providing them with limited autonomy and economic assistance. Additionally, the UEG created the Andromeda Initiative as a precipice for increased human exploration to shadow the horrors of the war. In turn, the UEG utilized the UNSC as it's tool for expansion; several combat groups were requisitioned into escorts for a new wave of colonization efforts designed to populate a star system designated Cresh, located in Andromeda galaxy's outer arm. New innovations in slipspace allowed rapid travel; the exodus took a mere 11 years. By 2570, Cresh colony had become a flourishing golden world. Little did the UNSC presence know however, was that Cresh was located in the Unknown Regions of a heavily populated galaxy, governed largely by a authoritarian pan-galactic empire, that of which does not take kindly to new neighbors.

Bridge of the UNSC Augustus, April 17th, 2570, Cresh orbit

One small step for mankind is quite an understatement, thought Admiral Arthur Beyes, as he viewed the blossoming world of Cresh from the bridge of his Infinity-class supercarrier.

The lush forested planet hosted no native sentient life, yet vast mineral resources that supported the first colonists quite well. It required a fleet of nearly four dozen UNSC military and colony ships to secure the system, and later properly terraform the temperate world. The pinnacle of work was led by the Phoenix-class colony ship Brisbane, despite being nearly 100 years old, the ship carried modern terraforming and scientific instrument technology, as well as over 50,000 colonists.

More impressive than the workhorse of the colonization effort however, was the flagship of Battlegroup Columbus. The Infinity-class was reserved for fleets with utmost command importance. It featured the most advance technology the UNSC and Office of Naval Intelligence could acquire; reverse-engineered Covenant and Forerunner shielding, Series-8 type MAC cannons, forward and aft, in addition the internal hangar docks capable of housing ten Strident-class frigates. The only other known operational vessel of the class was the prototype UNSC Infinity, which was reserved for the Earth Home Fleet. The status of the Infinity, as well as the rest of humanity, has been unknown due to the communications buffer between the Milky Way and Andromeda. A lot can happen in twelve years.

Cresh was slightly larger than Earth, with around 60% of the planet being covered in water. However, much of this water was spread out in massive, ocean-sized lakes. Cresh hosted no native sentient life, and very few animals. Plant life however, was in large abundance, in addition to extensive deposits of titanium and several new elements and material newly-discovered in Andromeda. Cresh hosted a few cities, the largest being the capital, New Ottawa. Heavily urbanized, the economy was ironically primarily agricultural, despite the immense mining of resources. Many animals from Earth and Reach were flash-cloned from cryo-frozen DNA samples, in order to be raised on Cresh as cattle and livestock. Some were even cloned as pets, such as the various dog and feline species inhabiting domestic households.

Beyes continued to reflect on Cresh's colonization until he was interrupted by Ghost.

"Sir, we have an incoming message from Chief of State Roberts, capital city."

Ghost was the ship's AI. Chatty, sarcastic, yet reserved, Ghost's avatar, instead of a human persona, resembled a Forerunner monitor. Although integrated into the ship rather well, Ghost often operated unnoticed by the majority of the crew, except for situations of emergency. Ghost was specialized for black operations; it was an ONI-developed artificial intelligence.

"Send it through my private terminal." replied Beyes.

"Yes, captain."

-URGENT - PRIORITY - ALPHA-

ENCRYPTION CODE- 24592-3046-02072

To Admiral Arthur Beyes. First transmission from the Milky Way has been received by Corona Communications Relay, sent 4 years ago. UNSC Command has acknowledged our safe expedition, and has sent notice of the departure of the Swords of Sangheilios colonization effort. The Sangheili fleet should arrive soon. Unfortunately, the supply of energy shielding for all Tier 1-3 ships has been delayed. Resources have been diverted to construction of a trans-galactic communications relay in the galactic rim of the Milky Way.

Standby for warm welcome of Sangheili vessels.

-TRANSMISSION END-

"Something wrong sir?" Ghost inquired.

"Not at all. We are about to get some company out here." replied the Admiral.