UNSC ARMAGEDDON

DATE: UNKNOWN

LOCATION: UNKNOWN

After he signaled Sigurd to close the link to this Galactic Empire, Turnbull allowed his posture to loosen as he turned to face the AI. A certain sense of relief was felt by Turnbull after the situation was dissolved peacefully. As he watched the countdown for sensors diagnostic and reboot reach zero he spoke.

"Sigurd, get me everything you can on that vessel and our location."

"Aye sir."

Turnbull was never comfortable with new unknowns, and that is what this Galactic Empire was, an unknown force that managed to construct the largest vessel he had ever seen. His mind raced as he did his best to reason how it was possible that an apparently more advanced human organization had gone unnoticed by the UEG, UNSC, or ONI. He was reminded of the first contact Humanity had with the Covenant and so far only saw one difference, these were humans.

His train of thought was derailed as Sigurd answered his request with only a slight delay. "Sir, our scanning of the vessel indicates it to be nineteen kilometers in length. I have also detected a shielding that is protecting the vessel from stellar radiation and will effectively protect it from energy weapons. It is unlikely that this shielding would effectively protect them from projectile weaponry. I have been able to make out nine thousand seven hundred fifty external energy readings that I believe to be weapons mounted to the hull."

Turnbull gave a slight chuckled as he realized that while he could nearly demolish the large vessel with his three MACs, the large vessel appeared to have enough firepower to devastate a small Covenant fleet. His thoughts were once again interrupted by Sigurd, who was now informing him of their current whereabouts.

"Sir, from what I have been able to gather, the wormhole has deposited us into either another galaxy or another universe altogether, and I am inclined to believe it is the latter. I cannot recognize any the stars, constellations, or nebulae within our sensory range."

Shocked expressions were etched onto the faces of every person on the bridge. Several crewmen leaned back from their various monitors and turned to face the AI. After several seconds, the silence was broken by Turnbull after he mulled this new information over in his head. "These differences make this another universe?"

"No sir, it is the difference in the density of the quantum mesh indicates this to be a different universe."

"How will this alter the Armageddon's capabilities, should we find ourselves fighting this Galactic Empire?"

"I have worked together with Engineering AI Jordy to analyze the effectiveness of our Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine under these circumstances. We have determined that traveling through slipstream space here will cover a relative distance one thousand forty levels of magnitude faster than in our home universe."

Confused conversation and stunned gasps were heard throughout the bridge as Turnbull contemplated the implications of this, rather beneficial, new development. "Help me understand how these circumstances make slipspace faster."

"When a SFTE is activated it creates a black hole which is then used to fold and tare a hole in the quantum mesh that determines and binds space, time, and matter. The SFTE expands this hole, to allow an object to enter slipstream space intact, and sustains this hole until the object reaches its end destination. With the quantum mesh of our home universe being one thousand forty times as dense as the quantum mesh in this universe, time and space in this universe can be folded more tightly to make the gap between points of entry and exit shorter. This shorter distance between folds allows us to travel more accurately and more quickly."

The Vice Admiral's expression returned to its normal look of seriousness. "Send Colonel Zuider and Lieutenant Colonel Schäfer to a Pelican, they will accompany me to this meeting. Oh, and get me two of our Spartan IIs and four Spartan IIIs for security."

"Aye sir, they are preparing and on their way now."

It had been roughly fifteen minutes from the time that the link between the two ships was severed to the time the Pelican landed in a hanger on the port side of the vessel. Upon the opening of the rear ramp; Turnbull, Schäfer, Zuider, and two Spartan IIs exited respectively; flanked on either side by troops in a reflective white armor. As the group moved forward, the four Spartan IIIs remained unseen in the Pelican, thanks in no small part to the Mark II SPI armor they were equipped with. The Spartan IIIs remained still, their weapons sighted in on the four nearest Imperial Troopers as the ramp lifted back to its closed position.

While the men in white armor maintained their composure quite well when Turnbull, Schäfer, and Zuider walked down the ramp; even under their helmets their surprise at the Spartans was evident. A certain nervousness could be seen in several of the Imperial troops as some of them had tightened their grip on their weapons and worked to maintain their composure.

A shorter man in a gray uniform, not dissimilar to the uniform Ozzel wore, approached the UNSC party and introduced himself. "I am Captain Firmus Piett. I will escort you to the briefing room for your meeting with Lord Vader." As soon as the man saw the large Spartans behind Turnbull, his mouth opened slightly as he returned his gaze to Turnbull almost instantly. "This is your security escort? These men look prepared for war, not security."

"That is the only focus of the UNSC," Turnbull responded. It was only then that he realized the truth in his statement. Fighting the Covenant seemed to be all that mattered to them now. The majority of UNSC personnel awoke, worked, ate, and slept with their thoughts consumed by how they could more effectively kill Covies and protect themselves and others from the Covenant juggernaut.

"Reguardless," Piett began, "I must ask that you and your men relinquish your arms for secur–"

"That's not going to happen."

Piett was flabbergasted. "I'm sorry?"

"Under no circumstances are UNSC personnel permitted to surrender their weapons," Turnbull stated flatly, disguising his order as an informative statement. "If I meant any harm, it would be foolish for me to come in person. We have a meeting scheduled with this Lord Vader that I intend to get underway. So lead the way."

Piett took a look at Turnbull's escort then looked at his own storm troopers, who were present on either side of the group. He satisfied himself in knowing that, if this UNSC Admiral started something, his men would gun them down in an instant. Besides, if by some miracle that didn't work, Vader could always use his sorcery to handle them.

"Follow me then," Piett said as he turned to hide his scowl. "But keep that arrogance of yours in check."

"While we may seem arrogant to you," Turnbull responded as he followed Piett, his men silently in tow. "You have yet to dissuade me of the your own pompous conceit, as demonstrated by your superior. Ozzel, if I am not mistaken."

Piett suppressed a groan. You have no idea.

Clearing his throat, Piett habitually straightened his hat and then his posture. "Very well then, but know this; should you attempt to violate our hospitality in any way, my soldiers will blast you to smithereens in an instant, and that is only if Lord Vader doesn't get to you first. Now come," he turned and motioned for them to follow, "it is best not to keep Lord Vader waiting."

Without another word on the matter, Turnbull, and those with him, followed the Imperial officer through a door at the rear of the hanger that opened to a dull gray, yet brightly lit, hallway.

As they walked, Turnbull watched another man, in a similar uniform to that of Piett, walk past him eyeing him and his escort with obvious suspicion. Upon turning a corner, he saw several men in a white plastic like armor jogging towards them, each step in perfect unison. Down at the end of the hall was a three way intersection guarded by two men, who stood at perfect attention on either side of the closed blast door directly ahead of them. The discipline of this Empire was somewhat refreshing to Turnbull. I can work with this, he thought to himself as they turned left at the intersection.

As they continued down this hall towards a door guarded by four men, they passed two more officers discussing something while examining a tablet. Upon reaching the door, the guards stepped aside to allow them to pass through the now opened door which lead into the apparent meeting room.

As they entered, Turnbull's attention was immediately drawn to the familiar figure in black, who looked up from the holographic image of the Armageddon being projected above the table, which vanished with the push of a button. This 'Lord' Vader rose from his seat at the far end of the table as they neared the table themselves. At Vader's right hand side sat Admiral Ozzel and at his left sat another yet to be identified officer.

"Lord Vader," Piett began, "I have brought them as per your orders."

"Why do they still have their weapons," Ozzel questioned with rage as he stood from his chair.

Before Piett could respond, Turnbull stepped forward to draw the room's attention. "In the UNSC we believe that mutually assured destruction is the best way to preserve peace."

Ozzel fumed as he took a step forward. "Secure their weapons at once!"

When he was only halfway through his order, the Spartans aimed their MA5s at the nearest two imperial troopers and drew their sidearms, aiming them at two more. Turnbull, Zuider, and Schäfer drew their sidearms as well; the Colonels putting the last two troopers in their sights while the Vice Admiral placed his weapon against the back of Piett's head, Piett now shaking slightly.

"If you still want peace with the UNSC," Turbull stated with an uncanny calmness about him, "you will order your men to stand down."

Despite how tense the situation had suddenly become, Vader, like Turnbull, was seemingly unperturbed by this turn of events. He folded his hands behind his back, and for the several moments everyone remained frozen in place. The only sound that could be heard in the room was the heavy mechanical breathing coming from Vader himself.

Turnbull directed his gaze toward the Imperial Admiral, his eyes locking with Ozzel's. Go ahead, Turnbull thought to himself as the right side of his lip curled into a faint grin. Your move. Ozzel stormed over to within reach of Turnbull, only stopping when he felt the Vice Admiral press a previously unseen combat knife into his gut the sharp tip beginning to puncture his otherwise pristine uniform. Turnbull's mouth now held a full grin as he spoke through his teeth.

"Go ahead, make my day."

Ozzel facade of confidence finally cracked as he stared open mouthed at the Vice Admiral. His brow had just begun to perspire before Vader decided to remind his subordinates who was really in charge.

"Stand down."

There was a brief pause before the Imperial troopers lowered their rifles and returned to their previous stances. The UNSC personnel, however, kept their weapons pointed towards their selected targets, lowering them only slightly.

"Admiral," Vader began, "you are dismissed."

It appeared as though Ozzel finally remembered to breathe as he slowly turned to face the armored form of his superior. "My lord, we cannot allow them to get away with–"

Vader then slowly raised his hand, his fingers curling as if grabbing something invisible in mid air. Without any obvious provocation, Ozzel began to choke, Turnbull's left brow raising in mixed curiosity and surprise.

Is it getting colder in here, the UNSC Vice Admiral asked himself as he watched Ozzel collapse to his knees, the color draining from his face as he struggled for air.

"You are as clumsy as you are stupid," Vader growled.

Turnbull then heard an unsettling 'snap' as Ozzel's now lifeless body collapsed to the floor in a heap.

Vader lowered his hand, tucking it beneath his cloak. "Remove him."

A pair of Imperial soldiers approached Ozzel's corpse, fastening their rifles to their belts before each took an arm of the lifeless form. The two then dragged the body out of the room as Turnbull looked toward one of the Spartans with his eyebrow raised, signaling his question to the AI residing in his helmet. His attention returned to Vader as he began to speak.

"Admiral Piett..."

Out of the corner of his eye, Turnbull saw Piett's eyes widen. Did Vader just promote him? Is this how one rises through the ranks in this empire?

"Y-yes, my Lord?" The former Captain stuttered.

"You will be taking Ozzel's place for the duration of this meeting."

Piett coughed as he attempted to further straighten his already pristine uniform. "Thank you Lord Vader."

"Now then," the dark armored man said as he gestured to the table. "Shall we begin?"

Turnbull took one more look around the room before finally holstering his weapons and approaching an open seat. As he sat the others in his group followed suit. Zuider and Schäfer took their seats, followed by the two Spartans coming to stand directly behind the Vice Admiral; their MA5s held them across their chests, keeping them at the ready.

Vader, taking his seat after the others, rested both hands on the table with their palms down.

"Answer me this," the 'Lord' began. "From what system do you and your 'Space Command' originate?"

Turnbull folded his hands on the table. "The only thing I can tell you is that we are not native to this galaxy, or any of the galaxies nearby."

"That does not seem likely." Vader's tone was obviously incredulous. "I do not tolerate those who withhold important information from me."

"While you may not tolerate subordinates who withhold things from you, the details of our current situation here remains privileged information." Turnbull retorted. "Were I to begin giving you anything more, my subordinates would silence me without hesitation."

Vader remained still, seemingly taking time to process Turnbull's statement and its implications. He then reached over and pressed a button on his side of the table. Almost instantly the holographic projector flared to life once again, revealing a detailed yet lacking display of the Armageddon.

"Your ship is of a most peculiar design." His tone had shifted to minor curiosity. "For what reason was it built?"

Turnbull's response was short, simple, and resolute. "War."

Vader's hands clenched ever so slightly. "With whom?"

"Anyone foolish enough to become our enemies."

Vader regarded him for a moment. "I recall your statement from earlier, when you said that you had experience fighting with rebels.

"Ours, not yours."

"Hmm, you seem very proud of your capabilities. Does your United Nations Space Command intend to challenge the Empire?"

Turnbull's expression and tone became increasingly serious as he answered this question. "We do not instigate wars, but our victory in war is inevitable. There is no alternative."

"Apart from 'mutually assured destruction'?" The Imperial commander recalled.

Now grinning slightly, the Vice Admiral leaned forward and placed his elbows on the table. "Precisely."

"Your confidence in your abilities is commendable, but misplaced," Vader derided. "The Galactic Empire controls millions of star systems, one of which you are trespassing upon. That places your fate in my hands."

As soon as Turnbull opened his mouth to respond, Vader cut him off and rose from his seat.

"And should you resist, know that whatever damage you inflict on us will be re-payed a thousand fold. If you run, we will pursue. If you attack, we will annihilate. I would strongly advise that you not throw away your lives so recklessly."

Turnbull now placed his hands on the armrests of his chair. "I find your threats rather meaningless. Before you make such threats you should ask yourself; do these threats hold water? While you may be able to carry out a threat against my vessel, the UNSC will remain safe from harm. We are, as I have informed you, based in an entirely separate galaxy. So, before you toss a possible alliance with us aside, you should consider what we can bring to the table. Now let us continue with the understanding that the goal of this meeting is peace."

Another tense and eerie silence followed their exchange. Piett looked back and forth between the two leaders, his forced sternness masking his trepidation. He half expected the whole room to erupt in a firefight should their visitors not yield to Vader's will. What he did not expect was Vader's next choice of words.

"Admiral Piett, inform them of the information we gathered on the Hoth system."

Pietts jaw hung slack before he closed it with a click "Y-yes my Lord."

Piett approached the table and began to type at same terminal Vader used before. In little time, the holographic display change from the image of the Armageddon to an image of what appeared, at first glance, to be four disk like structures interconnected by a large tunnel, and the entire complex appeared to be surrounded by snow.

It looks like a set of generator turbines, Turnbull considered as he committed the image to memory."What am looking at Captain?"

"Admiral," Piett corrected through clenched teeth. "And you are looking at the shield generator for the Rebel Alliance's primary base of operations on the planet Hoth."

"Alliance?" Turnbull questioned with a raised eyebrow. "What do you mean by rebel alliance? How many insurrectionist factions are we dealing with here?"

"They are a large conglomerate of rebel cells dedicated to usurping the Empire's dominance in this galaxy," Piett answered. "They have been a thorn in our side for several years. They must be eradicated for order to be restored."

"Understood," Turnbull responded with a nod. "The UNSC holds the same stance; insurrectionists cannot be allowed to remain."

"Agreed," Piett consented. "And if you assist us with our coming assault on this Rebel base, the Empire will pardon your incursion into our territory."

This is progress, Turnbull thought as he prepared his answer. Fighting innies would be a walk in the park compared to the Covenant.

"I don't want a simple pardon, I want a mutual alliance," Turnbull stated, directing his attention back to Vader. "That being said, how can we help? Fleet support? Boots on the ground?"

"Firstly," Vader began, "you should know that this will be your one and only chance to prove yourself a worthy ally to the Empire. And we do not tolerate failure. Am I clear?"

"Yes, you are. The UNSC doesn't tolerate failure either. A failure in battle costs valuable resources, good men, and time; none of which we can afford to lose."

"No, we cannot," Vader agreed as he once again took his seat. "Now, here is what I need from you..."

AUTHORS NOTE:

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