[Here we go again…]

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[A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…]

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[Que Star Wars Intro Theme]

STAR WARS

EPISODE II ½: The Spartan Chronicles Vol. 1

The Clone Wars are raging throughout the galaxy. The Jedi continue in their efforts to stop the elusive Count Dooku and restore peace to the galaxy. Chaos and corruption are everywhere

Far beyond the reaches of unknown space, the United Nations Space Command, still recovering from the bloody Human-Covenant War, has received a distress signal from an abandoned ONI Research satellite.

Determined to reclaim the vital satellite, A nearby Sangheili Assault Fleet moves to defend the station, not knowing that a far more sinister plot is in action…

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{Near Black Serpent Nebula}

{May 9th, 2554, 0423 hours – UNSC Calendar}

The Black Serpent Nebula was easily recognizable for its namesake. The dark nebula was what one would describe as a twisting mass of dark gases that resembled a deadly Black Mamba lying in wait to lash out at anything that stayed across its path.

First discovered during the early 2520's, this nebula was a death trap for any vessel travelling through this sector of space. The various concentrated gases within the nebula were constantly colliding with each other, creating powerful seismic energy pulses that had the same properties of an electromagnetic pulse burst. These pulses were strong enough to cripple and damage even a Covenant Assault Carrier, as was witnessed during a skirmish between a Covenant Flotilla and a UNSC Carrier Fleet back in 2546. A small UNSC fleet had managed to draw a Covenant Assault Carrier and its escorts to within range of the nebula's blast radius, with most of the Covenant ships being left powerless by the energy pulses. Sadly the battle had been officially listed as a draw as despite losing the carrier and a few escort ships, the remaining Covenant forces regrouped and forced the UNSC to withdraw. Nonetheless, after the end of the war in 2553, both the UNSC and Sangheili had listed the Black Serpent Nebula as off limits to future civilian and military operations.

{Que Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith Soundtrack – Intro Theme}

{War Drums Beating}

The screen moves to show a Sangheili SDV-class Heavy Corvette with the asteroid field in the background. Soon a pair of Sangheili Lich transport-gunships appear flying in formation. The two ships weave around the defence turrets as they approach the forward section of the Corvette, performing a barrel roll over the top and diving over the port side…

…revealing an all-out battle between a Sangheili Assault Fleet and a Covenant Loyalist/Remnant fleet. The Assault Fleet consisted of nineteen Sangheili warships - six SDV-class Heavy Corvettes, five "Blockade Runner" Corvettes, three CCS-class Battlecruisers, two ORS-class Heavy Cruisers, two upgraded Carrack-class Merchant vessels and the Forerunner-tech upgraded Brigantine-class warship Warrior's Courage. Facing them was a sizeable Covenant force of ten Destroyers, eight CCS Battlecruisers and two CAS Assault Carriers.

Just hours before, the UNSC had received word that a Covenant Remnant Fleet had attacked an ONI Research & Development station located within the asteroid field. The satellite had been deemed as an "insignificant asset", and all but forgotten by ONI and the UNSC at the end of Covenant War. However, the Covenant Loyalists clearly thought otherwise as they had assembled a small fleet to capture the ONI installation. While the small defence force stationed outside the asteroid field had fought hard, they were simply no match for the much larger Loyalist/Remnant fleet. Unfortunately, the nearest UNSC Task Force wouldn't be able to get there for another two-three hours.

Thankfully, the Sangheili Assault Fleet patrolling a nearby sector of space had received the distress call and had appeared at the same time that the Loyalist fleet was launching boarding parties.

All around the opposing fleets flew scores of Bronze-Silver coated Banshees and Seraph fighters slugging it out with Loyalist Phantoms and Banshees. The Lich gunships raced through the spiraling melee of fighters, avoiding a fierce barrage of anti-missile fire from a nearby Battlecruiser. Ahead a pair of Loyalist Battlecruisers unleashed a dozen plasma torpedoes at the Sangheili Brigantine, with said warship's shields flashing as they repelled the oncoming projectiles. The Brigantine then fired two plasma beams in retaliation, cleaving the Loyalist ships in half.

Deep inside one of the Lich transports, the former Spartan Captain Michael 'Spartan Prime' watched through one of the ship's viewports as he readied his weapons. Michael was part of the joint Sangheili Ranger/Spec Ops assault team tasked with boarding and capturing one of the Loyalist CAS Assault Carriers.

Reaching up, he de-polarised and removed his Warrior-type helmet, revealing an Irish-Norwegian-Canadian face with stark blue eyes, dirty brown hair and a light goatee, with a faded scar over his right eye. He was wearing the new hybrid Gen-2 Mjolnir Spartan-IV Hunter-Warrior armor. While smaller and lighter than the venerable Mk-VI armor worn by the Spartan-II's, the Gen-2 was still a formidable piece of equipment. It could take nearly the same punishment, was more flexible and came with a built-in thrust pack, armor lock and the new 'Ground Pound/Spartan Charge' ability.

In truth, his armor was a special prototype hybrid designed specifically for members of a classified military operation: the SPARTAN II.5 Protocol.

Simply put, the S-II.5 Protocol was based on the idea of enhancing UNSC Marines and ODST's with a simplified version of the SPARTAN-II augmentations – but more advanced than that of the newly emerging SPARTAN-IV Program. Through the use of Forerunner bio-surgical technology, the S-II.5 augmentations would enhance a soldier's strength, stamina and reflexes without the risk of physical or psychological trauma. However, the project was shut down due to financial and political support being shifted toward funding production for the Human-Covenant War. Most of the technology and resources dedicated to the project was transferred to other branches of the military.

In short, Michael had the physical strength and stamina of a Spartan-II, and the technological prowess of a Spartan-IV. And since he was the first and only candidate of the S-II.5 Project, Michael was often jokingly referred to as the 'Spartan Prime' by the Sangheili warriors he now regarded as family and brothers in arms.

Back in the summer of 2551, the Covenant had launched a full-scale invasion of his home planet of Gracemaria. Despite its military strength and technology, the Gracemarian army and navy were facing a Covenant fleet numbering at nearly 350 ships, including a dozen 28km long Super Carriers. While the Gracemarian soldiers and pilots fought bravely, it was only a matter of time before the larger Covenant Armada overwhelmed the besieged defenders.

However, the invading Covenant Armada then suffered a severe divide between the Warrior Clans. On the fourth day of the battle, the Sangheili/Covenant forces under the Prophet of Harmony attacked a key UNSC command center…with the Nor'illema ground forces being intentionally decimated by a combined air/orbital strike in the process. What few warriors remained were forced to seek out the assistance of the local garrisons still holding out; it was a matter of standing together to survive, or else face complete annihilation.

As such, the Gracemarian military and the Sangheili of the Nor'illema Warrior Clan found themselves back-to-back fighting a common enemy. In addition, a majority of the new Spartan-IV's and Nor'illema warriors had found themselves fighting alongside each other against the assaulting 'Loyalist' forces. For many it had been a stressful alliance with both sides unwilling to trust the other. But despite all that had occurred, Joram and Michael had come to respect each other's skills and sense of honour. As such both were willing to stand together as fellow warriors and eventually brothers in all but blood. This turned out to be the turning point both for the battle and the future relations between humanity and Sangheilios.

The Gracemarian branch of ONI, corrupted under the leadership of Col. Jocelyn S. Stauffer, had informed both Reach and Earth that Gracemaria would succumb to the might of the Covenant in less than two weeks. However, to the shock of the UNSC High Command (and to the dismay of Jocelyn and her lackeys) the invasion was finally beaten off just seven days after the initial assault. However, it would be some time before Gracemaria could return to full military readiness. Fortunately, the remnant of the Nor'illema forces, having suffered heavy losses as well, remained behind to provide support in space and on the ground.

Michael went on to serve in several key battles throughout the Inner Colonies; primarily in lightning raids on Covenant staging areas and supply caches. One such raid involved the destruction of a Covenant Super Carrier and its escorts, which enabled the UNSC to hold off the Covenant during the Battle of Ballast in December 12th, 2551-February 2nd, 2552*. During the Battle of Fumirole in April, 2552, he was tasked with providing support to Spartan Noble Team in the planet's capital city. Michael then joined Spartan "Thom-A293" when the latter flew up to the CCS-Battlecruiser bombarding the city. He distracted the Covenant long enough for Thom to reset the timer on the nuclear device so both of them and the forces on the ground could escape. Michael again joined Noble Team in an attack on Covenant ORS-class Heavy Cruiser, using a HAVOK nuclear warhead to destroy the Cruiser while it was refueling with a Super-Carrier in orbit. Unfortunately, Thom was gravely injured by a Fuel Rod Cannon while Michael received a glancing blow to his face from a piece of debris. While both were recovered alive in a Covenant escape pod, Thom's injuries were too extensive for him to return to active duty.

Michael later led an assault team to take out a Covenant Assault Carrier prior to the Battle/"Massacre" of Troy in early May, 2552. Unknown to all but ONI and the top brass, Michael's actions enabled a UNSC taskforce to evacuate 35-40% of the population before the Covenant arrived in force. In July, he led an incursion mission to destroy a Covenant Super Carrier/flotilla orbiting one of the moons near Reach; this enabled the UNSC to evacuate the surviving civilian transports from New Alexandria. Finally, he took part in the UNSC defence of the North American-Pacific Coast during the Battle for Earth in October-November, 2552.

Unfortunately, Jocelyn had let slip that Michael had proven to be 'overly aggressive and prone to insubordination towards his superiors'. Despite the provided 'evidence' to these claims, practically everyone who knew/fought alongside him stood up to defend him. Most if not all of the Gracemaria civilian and military leaders knew that Jocelyn was just looking for someone to blame for her blunders.

Sadly this did little to affect the outcome. With a majority of ONI's financial backing in her back pocket, she had the authority to overrule both the Gracemarian and United Earth Government. Just two weeks after the battle for Earth, former Spartan Captain-Grade 2 Michael was court-marshaled and dishonourably discharged from the Gracemarian/UNSC Armed Forces. Had it not been for some quick intervention by the Gracemarian civilian government, Michael would have faced execution via firing squad.

Disgusted and angered by this act of disgraceful injustice, Joram offered Michael the choice of becoming an honorary Blood-Brother of the Nor'illema Clan. This offer was supported by all the Sangheili warriors, pilots and crew whom had witnessed the former Spartan's actions in battle. And now, three years after the Battle for Gracemaria – and little over a year since the end of the Human-Covenant War – Michael was christened as an honorary member of the Nor'illema Warrior Clan of Sangheilios – with full political and military honours granted by the Arbiter, Thel 'Vadam himself.

{Well, enough with the history lecture; back to the story}

Michael made a quick last-minute check over his weaponry. His arsenal consisted of a specialized issue PDR skin M90 Shotgun, a mixed assortment of fragmentation and Plasma grenades, and his personalized MLRS-1 HGL "Hydra". Michael was also armed with twin wrist-plasma daggers, both retrieved from a Sangheili Zealot he had defeated back during the Battle of Gracemaria in 2551. And attached to his waist was a Golden-Rod Energy Sword, granted to him as a symbol of his acceptance within the Nor'illema Clan.

Placing his helmet back on, Michael pulled out his personal Hard Light-Plasma Energy Axe: At nearly 2-feet long, the prototype Forerunner-based energy weapon represented a cross between the Viking stone/steel axe and the bronze sword used by the original Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae. Activating it, Michael noted the golden-rod glow that emitted from the curved blades from either side of the shaft, and the wrist-shield that sprung from the handle around his fist and lower arm. Despite its size, the Energy Battle Axe was surprisingly light and easy to wield in close-range combat, allowing him to use little physical energy against multiple enemies. In addition, it had a self-recharging system which constantly recycled the plasma energy emitted from the blades while in use, allowing him to keep using it for longer periods of time than the famed Sangheili Energy Sword.

To anyone else, it was overkill. To Michael, however, it was exactly what he needed to get the job done.

He was forced to reach out and grab at a nearby safety bar as the Leech veered sharply to avoid a Loyalist Phantom being chased by a pair of Longswords. He only shook his head in disbelief as he put his helmet back on. Michael turned to see the team of Sangheili Rangers and Spec Ops troopers getting themselves ready for the assault. Standing at the central holographic display table was a large Sangheili in silvery red and blue Ultra armor with a ceremonial staff attached to his back. This was Joram A'llaem of the Nor'illema Warrior Clan, one of the most highly regarded warrior families on Sangheilios. He was also a veteran of the Human Covenant War, a well-respected leader and tactician...and Michael's Blood Brother and comrade in arms.

Upon seeing the Spartan approach, the Ultra's mandibles formed into the equivalent of an exited grin. "Greetings Spartan Prime; I take it you are ready for the battle before us."

"You know me Joram, I'm always ready for a good fight." Michael grasped the Ultra's arm in a firm shake. The assembled Sangheili warriors all nodded and 'smirked' in approval at the exchange. Most of them were veterans of the Great War and had seen the Spartan in action both against and alongside them.

Michael and Joram relinquished their shake. Just then the communicator in Joram's ear started buzzing. Michel's wrist comm. also began beeping. Both answered as Michael spoke first. "This is Spartan Prime and Joram A'lleam receiving."

The sound of the Lich pilot spoke. "War MasterJoram, Spartan Prime; Fleet-Master Hara' wishes to speak with you. He says that he has vital information for us"

Michael chuckled and shook his head in disbelief. "No matter how often I say it, I still can't believe Hara' actually accepted the position of Fleet-Master; considering how he always berated the faults and responsibilities of said position."

"On that I agree with you my friend." Joram shared a chuckle as he spoke into his helmet comm. "Very well, open a channel to the human warship. Let us hear what Fleet-Master Hara' has to tell us."

"By your word Joram," the pilot spoke before the holographic display shifted to show a Bronze-Golden armored Elite with dark red patches on his shoulders and left breast plate.

"War Master Joram, Spartan Prime; once more we have the chance to demonstrate our prowess in the field of battle. I assume you are able to handle the 'chore' you have been tasked to accomplish. I would hate to have to come to your aid at the last possible moment."

Michael smirked under his helmet. "I wouldn't be so worried about our part of the battle, Fleet-Master Hara'. I'm sure you have far more important faults and responsibilities to attend to."

The assembled Elites chuckled in amusement, while Hara' looked like he both sneering and smirking at the same time. "You might want to watch your tongue Spartan; it may bring you even greater misfortune than even you are used to."

Michael let out an exasperated sigh of surrender. "Whatever you say, Fleetmaster Hara'!"

The assembled Elites laughed a little louder, until Joram raised his arm to quell the noise; though he too had an amused smirk. "Our Blood-Brother's teasing aside, I believe that you had something to tell us my friend."

Hara' nodded as all amusement vanished from his face. "Indeed, thanks to the workings of the Spartan's construct, my communication's officer has managed to tap into the Covenant's battle chat, both throughout their fleet and the boarding parties they sent overt to the satellite."

As he spoke, a bronze-colored feminine figure appeared from the holotable's secondary hologram emitter. She was dressed in Ancient Greek-Amazonian armor with long, blackish hair and blue eyes, with a golden lasso attached to her waist, a Hoplon shield and engraved sword on her back, and a bronze tiara on her head.

This was the prototype Combat Artificial Intelligence DNA 480-1925 Diana, a Smart A.I. Michael had recovered from an abandoned ONI installation that had been captured by a Covenant Remnant faction a few weeks ago. While Michael had intended to take her back to Gracemaria – where he still had some close friends in the military - Diana had opted to remain with him and his Sangheili warriors. When asked why, she said that she had looked up his history before and during the war, and claimed, and I quote, the safest place for her was with him and him alone.

"Glad to be of service Fleet-Master" her amused smirk caused Michael and Joram to smirk, while Hara' was becoming quite annoyed of their teasing. "The Covenant Fleet has established a defensive perimeter around our satellite, with one of the Assault Carriers positioned to provide close fire support. Several Covenant boarding teams have breached our hanger and are pushing towards the command center. Their battle net keeps repeating the same phrase:"

The AI snapped her fingers, causing an unknown voice to echo from the Lich's internal speakers: "Brothers, the traitors have arrived. We must prevent them from soiling the human stronghold with their filthy footstep until we have secured both artifacts. Any who fail will be branded a Heretic and will be executed with great dishonour."

Diana shut off the speakers. "It seems they captured a prototype data sarcophagus capsule and are taking it back to the rear-most Carrier as we speak. There are whispers of a second artifact that the surviving crew are fighting to their last breath to defend."

"Which means that whatever it is must be pretty damn important for both the Covenant and the UNSC to fight over." Michael stated. "I suggest we board the Assault Carrier first, then we can use it to hit the enemy fleet from within and behind. This will also cut off any chance of the Carrier reinforcing the boarding parties already on the satellite. Once we do that, we can attack the satellite's main hanger bays and isolate the remaining Covenant assault teams before they call for reinforcements."

"A sound plan Spartan; I'll deploy the fleet to keep the Covenant off your back. Just make sure to move swiftly; I fear that they may have called for additional ships from a nearby sector of space. It will take time for them to manoeuver around the nebula, but I prefer not to take part in a prolonged engagement."

"Understood my friend, then we shall not fail in our task" Joram thumped his fist on his chest plate.

And with that, the Fleet-Master's image disappeared.

Joram then turned to his fellow warriors. "Brothers of the Nor'illema Clan, today we face our former comrades in the heat of battle. They once looked to us to attain victory against the most fierce and determined of adversaries. But now they look upon us with fear and regret, as we push forward for our fallen brethren. Today, we will make them pay for their cowardice and treachery as we soak our blades with their blood."

The assembled Elites let out growls of disgust as Joram continued. "But do not underestimate them, for they will fight to the bitter end rather than surrender to us. Respect their tactics and skills, and you'll find them easier to kill."

Michael then began speaking, "And do not forget, you are warriors of the Nor'illema Clan, and have proven your skills and courage time and time again. We could not ask for greater warriors to fight alongside this or any day."

The assembled Elites nodded their heads in approval as they readied their weapons. They were ready for whatever awaited them, and were more than eager to repay the betrayal back on Gracemaria.

"Joram, we are approaching the Carrier. They've lowered the hanger shields for a pair of Phantoms preparing to deploy for the satellite."

"Then we shall let ourselves in," Joram grinned. They could all see the Carrier from the Lich's shielded gun port – though truthfully, it wasn't that hard to miss.

Michael turned to the Amazonian A.I. "What say you, Diana; shall we show our enemies the skills and fury of true warriors?"

Diana grinned fiercely. "As ready as I'll ever be, Michael; thank you for asking though." Michael chuckled as he pulled her data-crystal from the holotable and inserted it into his helmet.

Joram then activated his sword, "Ready yourselves warriors. For Honour…"

They all tensed in anticipation as they saw a pair of Phantom transports readying to leave the massive hanger bay….

…only for the Lich transports to soar into them, easily knocking one of the Phantoms into the hanger deck below them.

Michael pulled forth and activated his Energy Sword and Battle Axe, "…For Glory…"

The lead Lich fired its plasma beam at a nearby Type-47A 'Scarab's' forward plasma focus cannon. Two of the missiles hit its forward leg joints, causing it to collapse on top of an Elite Fire team. The resulting explosion torched a nearby plasma-pylon, taking out a pair of Hunters and their Grunt infantry support.

"FOR SANGHEILIOS!"

The gathered Elites let out a cacophony of deep bellowing as they leapt out of the Lich onto the hanger floor. The first few Grunts and Jackals were too stunned to take cover before they were gunned down by the attacking Sangheili. Michael's energy Sword cut through a Grunt wielding a Fuel Rod Cannon, while his Battle Axe dissected an Elite officer before it could bring its own Energy Sword to bear. He then rolled under a barrage of pink plasma needles and carbine rounds, using his momentum to cut down a pair of Skirmishers as he pushed forward.

He jumped over a pylon barricade and ground-pounded a pair of Grunts, sending them careening as he rushed a Grunt Heavy. He ducked under a shot from the Grunt's Fuel Rod Cannon, grabbing a discarded plasma grenade in the process. He threw the grenade towards an Elite Major directing another team of Grunts armed with Needle Rifles, watching in grim satisfaction as all but one lone Grunt were engulfed by the plasma explosion.

He activated his thrust-pack and shoulder-checked the lone miniscule warrior with the force of a freight train…"

"WOOAAH I CAN SEE MY PLANET FROM HERE!"**

Sending it soaring into the air across the hanger before it crashed into a nearby support pylon. Down below, a pair of Grunts stared in shock at what had transpired.

"Oh my Prophet; they killed Yip-Yup!"

"You Bastard!"

A loud bellowing caused Michael to turn his head to a nearby elevator platform rising up from the floor. Standing on it were four pairs of Hunters surrounded by Jackals and Grunt Heavies. Behind them was a pair of Type-26 Mortar Wraiths with their turrets aimed at the marauding Lich gunships. Michael pulled a stun grenade from his belt and tossed it between the lumbering behemoths. While it did little to actually hurt them, it stunned and blinded them long enough for a pair of Bronze-Silver "Blisterback" hexapod walkers to drop from one of the Lich transports. The six-legged walkers had been captured during a raid on a Covenant-occupied moon a few weeks ago; said vehicles had been repainted and added into the Nor'illema arsenal.

One of the Blisterbacks turned towards the Hunter Strike Teams and fired a barrage of guided rockets, easily turning them into fragments of worm juice and entrails. The second turned to fire its own barrage at a pair of Grunt Fuel Rod 'Goblin' battle mechs that had appeared on one of the smaller landing pads. The salvo of rockets struck one of the Goblins before it could raise its weapon or shielding, causing it to detonate in a violent explosion. The second Goblin jumped up into the air to avoid the barrage, only to be hit by a pair of anti-armor plasma missiles from one of the Lichs. The Grunt battle mech crashed onto the hanger deck, its primary plasma core smoking and sparkling from the impact. It raised its fuel Rod Cannon at one of the Blisterbacks…

Until a shot from a Ranger Binary Rifle hit the Grunt through the cockpit shield, causing the Goblin to collapse to the hanger floor in a smoking heap.

A dozen Covenant Rangers jumped down from a nearby platform, with an Elite General appearing right behind them with an Energy Sword in hand. It seemed that the Covenant had made preparations for their arrival, if one of the ship's top officers had decided to join the fight this early on.

It wouldn't do them any good.

A team of Nor'illema Spec-Ops Elites rushed forth to engage the enemy Rangers, using their fast reflexes to swiftly put down four of the attackers. "Go Spartan Prime" one of them called out, "we shall deal with these grunts."

Michael nodded in appreciation as he rushed the oncoming General. Said Elite roared out a challenge as he rushed to meet the former Spartan. Michael's Golden-rod blades clashed with twin dark-purple blades, forcing both off course for a moment. Michael used his sword blades to block the General's under-sweep and brought his Battle Axe to hit its left side. But the General simply veered back before bringing his sword in an arcing slash to his neck, forcing him to raise his Axe as a shield.

It then developed into a dance of clashing blades and armor as both used melee moves to force the other off balance. Michael would just miss the Gold-and-Purple armored Elite, only to use his Battle Axe to block the counterthrust at his neck and/or waist.

This Elite was good.

But Michael, having been trained by Joram in the Nor'illema "Way of the Lancer"*** style of combat, was better.

Using a feinting technique, Michael side-stepped the Elite General and slashed at his left arm. The twin-bladed sword cleaved through the General's forearm, causing said Elite to howl in agony. The now enraged elite swiped at the Spartan, who dodged the assault and brought his Battle Axe downward; the Elite's howl died down as its two halves slumped down onto the deck.

All around him, the Nor'illema Rangers used their jump packs to leap over the defenders, using their Type-51 Carbines and Plasma Grenades to hit them from behind. Four silver-blue Type-32 'Ghosts' dropped from the belly of one of the Lich's, while a pair of Type-26 'Wraiths' dropped from the second gunship. The Ghosts began moving between the hanger barriers to provide suppressive fire the charging Elites. At the same time, the Wraiths pummeled the upper platforms with unrelenting fury. The Ghosts often had to push forward to provide support for the Blisterbacks, using their agility to evade returning fire from Heavy Grunts and Shield Jackals.

Michael spotted a smaller landing pad rise out from behind a support pillar, and saw a Grunt Needle Goblin battle suit emerge along with a group of Heavy Grunts wielding Fuel Rod Cannons. The Goblin raised its right appendage and fired a barrage of Pink Needles at two of the Ghosts. One was able to evade the oncoming projectiles, but the second and its driver were instantly ripped apart. The Goblin rushed forward towards a group of Rangers, killing two and knocking a third unconscious. It then fired its grenade launcher at one of the Wraiths, striking its right forward flap and causing it to start smoking. Two of the Heavy Grunts then fired at the second Ghost, causing it to explode under the onslaught of green plasma.

Michael placed his sword and axe away and brought forth his Hydra. He targeted and fired two High-Explosive Air Bursting (HEAB) micro-missiles at the battle suit. The mini-missiles raced towards their target, striking the suit at the right knee joint, causing the Goblin's second needle barrage to miss the surviving Ghost. Another barrage took out two of the supporting Fuel Rod Grunts, forcing the remaining two to take cover behind the Goblin. Michael used this chance to close the range, jumping over the Goblin's left arm as it swung at him. He grabbed the two surviving Grunts by the neck and bashed them together, breaking their necks and rupturing their methane respirators. He released the corpses and pulled out his Hydra, ducking behind a nearby pillar as he reloaded the mini-missile launcher. Spotting a pair of Anti-Air Wraiths taking aim at one of the Blisterbacks, he fired two missiles at each Covenant vehicle, hitting their primary plasma cores and causing them to erupt in bursts of purple flame.

He caught a glimpse of the Goblin approaching him from the corner of his eye, just barely rolling out of the way of its forward plasma beam. Waiting for the plasma beam to desist, he leapt onto the Goblin's shield bubble, using his wrist plasma gauntlets to hook into the body as he avoided the swinging appendages. The Goblin then leapt up into the air in an attempt to dislodge him, dropping down right between a pair of Ranger snipers, sending their twisted bodies soaring in opposite directions. Michael leapt off just before the Goblin hit the deck floor, rolling to lessen the impact. He turned to fire his Hydra, but was caught off guard by a Jackal Sniper's Needle Rifle shot from across the hanger. By this time a second Grunt Goblin had appeared from the lift and was moving to join its fellow battle mech. Apparently killing a Demon took precedent over all else, as both prepared to fire their grenade launchers and twin Needle Cannon.

Until both were engulfed by massive explosions from a pair or missiles fired by the Blisterback Michael had saved from the two Anti-Air Wraiths just moments before. While the missiles hadn't destroyed the two Mechs, it was soon evident that neither had escaped the barrage unscathed. The first Goblin's energy core was exposed and smoking heavily, and the second's Needle Cannon had been rendered useless. The latter of the two Mechs resorted to charging up its Shardstorm launcher to take out the Blisterback. Michael took a moment to fire a Hydra missile at the Jackal, watching for a moment as the projectile arced through the air and hit the Sniper from above. He used his armor thrust pack to leap over the smoking Mech and fired his last Hydra rocket directly at the exposed energy core. The poor Grunt jockey inside barely had any time to panic before the entire upper half detonated in a fiery explosion.

Michael then rushed the second Goblin and thrust a plasma grenade into the ruined appendage, rolling away as it detonated inside the still active Needle power core. That combined with the energy buildup for the Shardstorm launcher caused the Goblin to detonate, slumping to the floor in a smoking heap of scrap. A pair of Rangers roared at Michael's latest kills, though Michael merely reloaded his Hydra in silence.

The Rangers continued taking shots at the enemy reinforcements arriving from the hanger entrances. One Nor'illema Ranger pulled forth a Fuel Rod cannon and took out a pair of Covenant Ghosts trying to flank the rushing Elites. The resulting explosions took out a pair of Jackal snipers, with a third falling to a Nor'illema sniper's well placed headshot. Two more Rangers boarded a nearby Type-30 Locust, one of them taking the controls while the other provided covering fire. The Ranger turned the Locust toward the main hanger door…from which a large group of Covenant Elite Fireteam appeared with a pair of Revenants and a Wraith providing support.

This was for nought as the Locust fired a plasma beam capable of destroying entire buildings right at the center of the assembled Fireteam. Both Revenants detonated in a spectacular fireball, with the Elites all but wiped out in the process. A few shots from a nearby Ranger's Fuel Rod Cannon finished off the damaged Wraith. The commandeered Locust then turned its attention to another Type-30 being manned by a lone Heavy Grunt…and proceeded in turning it into a smoldering pile of scrap before it could unleash its wrath upon the Nor'illema warriors.

The two Lich's then began strafing the surrounding hanger platforms. A group of Skirmishers and their two Elite officers were wiped out in the first barrage. A barrage of plasma missiles took out a pair of Phantom gunships docked next to a line of Seraph fighters. One plasma burst scored a lucky hit on one of the Phantom's engines...

Which sent pieces of burning debris towards a large plasma pylon…right next to another row of Seraph fighters.

As well as one of the main ammunition depots close to two more Phantoms...which were still connected to the main refueling station.

And of course, a large ammunition depot next to eight Covenant Blisterback walkers on the far side of the hanger.

With a large plasma fuel cell landing next to a trio of Type-48 Artillery Platforms with their plasma cores exposed for maintenance.

…

Yeah, you all know where this is going.

A nearby pair of Grunts saw the flaming debris hit the plasma pylon, with one of them screaming at the top of its lungs, "WE'RE GONNA DIIIEE-"

KA-BOOOOOOOMM

Before the hanger was bombarded by multiple explosions that seemed to rock the entire ship from bow to stern.

Michael, Joram and the Nor'illema warriors activated their armor-lock just before the blast hit them, while the Ghosts and Wraiths used the wrecked Phantom and Scarab for cover. The Blue-silver Blisterbacks hunkered down, their armor absorbing most of the explosions. A few pieces of shrapnel left scorch marks and small dents in the front armor plating, but the six-legged machines held firm. The two Lich platform/gunships were buffeted by the shockwave, with one of them suffering some minor scorching damage from a piece of flaming debris. Fortunately, the Lich was designed for Slipspace travel and could take a heavy beating.

The rest of the Covenant-Loyalist vehicles in the hanger bay…not so much.

Once the explosions finally ceased, the Nor'illema warriors continued pressing forward. The few surviving Loyalist defenders were easily picked off by Ranger snipers and the Wraiths' arcing plasma bursts. The captured Locust used its plasma rotor to wipe out the last group of Jackal mercenaries, thus securing the hanger bay for the Nor'illema assault teams.

"Ha, the wretched cowards didn't stand a chance against us!"

"Was that all? I was hoping for more of a challenge!"

"Wort wort wort!"

"Great Gods, I love this thing! Do you think we can take this when we leave?"

The gathered Sangheili cheered and bellowed in triumph, with the Ranger-turned driver showing particular interest in his new steed. It was custom for the Nor'illema warriors to collect/capture enemy weapons and vehicles and add them to their ranks.

"Warriors" Joram's bellow silenced everyone around him, "we have struck a critical blow to the Covenant. But the fight remains unfinished, for we have yet to take the bridge. For every minute we delay, the Covenant are granted more time to accomplish their objectives. No doubt they are aware of our presence, and will attempt to prevent us from leaving with their prize."

Michael spotted and walked up to a nearby circular holotable. He then reached up and pulled the data crystal from his helmet and inserted it into the data relay.

Diana stretched her arms in a show of exasperated relief. "By Hera, it feels good to stretch my limbs once in a while. Too bad this ships data-net is less organized than that of the Warrior's Courage; there's so much cluster in here it's a wonder they managed to organize this attack in the first place."

Michael chucked, "I'll make sure to tell Ship- sorry, Fleet-master Hara' you said so. Can you pick up where the Covenant took the sarcophagus?"

"Already on it…It looks like their moving it up towards the bridge. I'll stay in the system and try to scramble their systems so they can't jump into slipspace. I can also show you the quickest route to the bridge and any patrols you may encounter along the way."

Michael nodded in thanks as he turned to a Spec-Ops elite clad in silver-bluish armor. "Choral Tc'Chall, we need you and your Spec-Ops to clear out the hallways and chambers close to the hanger; just in case some of the surviving crew get any ideas. Diana can use the ship's intercom to guide you around any patrols or ambushes."

The Spec-Ops commander thumped his chest in salute and nodded his head. "A sound plan, Spartan Prime; we shall make haste in achieving our objectives in this battle. May the Gods grant you speed and good fortune."

"And to you, comrade" Michael saluted in kind as the Spec-Ops activated their stealth modules and vanished into thin air.

"Spartan Prime and I shall lead an assault on the enemy's bridge, where we shall take control of this vessel and turn its weapons against it fellow ships. Raptor, you and your Rangers will remain here and defend the landing zone. Position the Wraiths and Ghosts to provide suppression fire for the Blisterbacks; we will need them to fend off the enemy's inevitable counter-attack. And do not let any damage fall upon the Lich's, for they are our only means of returning to the Warrior's Courage once we are finished."

"By your word, Joram." The Ranger Commander thumped his fist on his chest and bowed his head. He then turned and began issuing orders to the other Rangers. "Warriors, take up sniper positions along the higher platforms. Deploy your portable shields so that the enemy will be forced to manoeuver into the open. And N'tho…I'm sure you will put the Locust to good use!"

The Nor'illema Ranger/pilot, N'tho All'om chuckled in glee from within the Locust as he saluted his Commander. "With pleasure, Commander Raptor!" He then began moving the Locust into position while the Lich's deployed several weapon-ammunition containers.

The Spartan and Joram turned to the remaining assembled Sangheili warriors. These were the Nor'illema Lancers – the elite rank of the Nor'illema Warrior Clan, well trained in close-and medium-range combat. They were quite literally the best of the best.

And they would follow Joram, and now Michael, into the pits of Hell and back. Without a moment's hesitation.

Joram turned to his personal guard with his "Ready yourselves, for now we take the fight to the enemy's command center. To victory!"

"TO VICTORY!"

With that, the assembled strike team made their way to the hanger's main entrance/exit. Michael and Diana gave each other a nod before he moved to join the Elites and she disappeared into the ships data-net.

"Here's hoping our comrades out in space are having as much good fortune as we are," Michael said as he and Joram stood on either side of the doorway.

"If anything my friend," Joram stated as the doorway opened, gaining them entrance to the bowels of the ship. "It is Fleetmaster Hara'-Sharem and his warriors who are having greater fortune."

With that, they pushed forth into the bowels of the ship. Ready for whatever the Covenant would throw at them.

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Well, third times the charm...I hope.

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