4th Febuary 2738

Molina Talgor-II System

UNSC Strident-Class Heavy Frigate, Light of Day

Captain Jon Denov sat in his office, grumbling as he shifted through piles of paperwork. A tall and fair man with quirks. His Lieutenant, Dimitri Revnov, stood at the doors of his office, about to knock when he heard he grumbles. Chuckling softly, he knocked and at the acknowledgement, he walked in. After a crisp salute, he says "Sorry to disturb you, sir. We have received reports from HQ to hold position until the Storm Fleet arrives."

"Oh quit the act, boy. I know what you are trying to do here and its not working!" The Captain told him, clearly annoyed. Yet, the Lieutenant continued.

"Im sorry, sir. I forgot to ask permission to speak and … MMPH!" The Lieutenant said surprised at the sudden appearance of a ball of paper in his mouth.

"Boy, you are in for hell if you try that again. Now tell command that orders are received and relay the message to the other ships." The Captain said, grinning at the younger man's look of disgust as he tasted the freshly imprinted ink on the paper.

"Ugh… yes sir." He replied.

Half an hour later, he reappeared at the office, but this time he did not knock or say anything. He simply pointed to the report on the paper he was holding. The Captain, shocked, quickly tore the paper from the Lieutenant's hand and read it quickly.

========For Eyes Only=======

Start File

Slipspace abnormality detected at probe Alpha 1. Approach vector to probe Delta 3. Time to collision, 10 minutes.

End File

Captain Jon's face paled upon reading it. Quickly, he pushed a hidden button and out came 2 M8H pistols. Motioning to the lieutenant to take one, he took one himself and moved to the emergency intercom system. "Attention crew. This is not a drill. All crew into Battlestations Alpha. Possible Covenant engagement. Prepare Fireteams to repel boarders."

At impossibly fast speeds, both he and his Lieutenant moved to the Bridge where the crew is frantically activating combat systems. Sitting in his chair, he asked for the system report.

"Sir Shields are at 100%, MAC gun at 40% and rising at 1% per second. Point-Defense-Guns are online." The Weapon's Officer answered.

"The Ship's Main Thruster at 70%, Combat thrusters are being brought online. Emergency Thrusters are at engagements notice." Another Officer said.

"Good. We are ready for them, whoever they may be." The Captain said. Then realized something. They are with Colony ships. "Comms Officer! Inform the Colony ships to engage their Point-Defense-Guns!"

3 minutes later, a single Purple-Coloured Covenant Corvette appeared. Taking note of the colour, and understanding that it means that it is a Loyalist ship, Jon began giving orders for combat. "Ready the MAC gun! Release safeties on Archer Missile Pods A1-B7! Give me a firing solution on that Corvette and fire!"

"Solution obtained. Firing, sir." The Weapon Officer said. "Follow-up, Sir?"

"Yes. Fire Pods C1-C7." 420 Missiles streaked towards the Corvette and just behind them, a singular 600-ton slug of glowing hot Ferric Tungsten followed. Then, another 210 Archer Missiles came from the Frigate.

"Missile salvo 1 has a confirmed hit, sir. 120 impacts detected. MAC round hit, Salvo 2 hit. 40 impacts detected." The Weapons Officer said. "MAC Capacitors charging at 3% per second."

"Good." Jon said.

Suddenly, a loud bang was heard throughout the ship.

"What was that?" The Captain shouted.

A.N. Ohhh! Cliffhanger! Never tried it before. Please Comment!