Here it is guys chapter 2. im sorry if it seems dialouge heavy but it seemed like a smooth transition to the haloverse but then agaian you guys can tell em your thoughts on that. also im very sorry for the delay classes got in the way as well as work and just simply kept me away from my computer i do hope you all understand. Now on to the goodies DISCLAIMER: Star Wars and Halo are owned by their respective owners and i in no way take ownership of them. I only own my original characters and ideas as well as plot for the story. enjoy.

Chapter 2 And the Horse You Rode In On

Republic Venator Cruiser Adjacent: June 5, 19BBY

Having a bad day was an understatement for Admiral Tolkov. First he's told the chancellor's a Sith and now here he is opening fire on the people he used to call friends. He watched as cruisers of his fleet and the now dubbed 'loyalist' clone fleet fired relentlessly at one another. Fighters flew to and fro firing with all their worth at each other. Explosions and blaster fighter dotted the space as battle raged on with a ferocity unknown as the clones killed one another whether it be by cruiser or fighter. Tolkov jumped slightly as a friendly fighter careened out of control on fire while a enemy fighter flew behind it ending it's flight in a small explosion.

"I'm getting to old for this garbage." He announced as watched one of the enemy cruisers explode. The Adjacent fired its batteries as it revealed its strength. The cruiser slowed its advance as it opened the large bay doors on its sides releasing its own swarm of fighters to join the fray. Though the fighters released were helpful, they were hardly noticed as the battle was on much greater scale.

"Sir, General Shaak Ti and her accompanying clones have made it onboard and are en route to the bridge." A lieutenant announced.

"Good now that they're here we can finally leave this place." What's the status on the Ambient?" a different clone responded to the admiral this time.

"They gave us all their cargo and troops with a few battalions to spare sent to the Vindicator. They're heavily damaged and are using a skeleton crew to the pilot her sir. The Admiral, Vermil insisted on staying with his ship sir."

"Vermil's a good man, will they be able to jump with us to Naboo and meet with the rebelling 501st members?"

"Vermil believes he can sir, but I don't know if the Ambient will even survive hyperspace." The lieutenant voiced.

Tolkov glanced out the viewport at the battered Ambient. Fires dotted the entire cruiser as pocketed holes showed the consistent hull damage she had sustained. Her fighters fought to keep the cruiser standing but were fighting a losing battle as the final squadron had returned to the Corsair before they were wiped out. Her engines sputtered as they signified power was being lost to the cruiser.

"If they believe they can make it they'll make it." Tolkov said.

"Yes S-"

The ship rumbled as if it were being bent slightly as the crew all fell or held on to something. Outside, the enemy cruisers began their advance concentrating fire on the Adjacent. The ship rumbled as its shields tried to hold as best as they could. At the sight of the cruisers advancing the Adjacent's allies moved forward spewing forth lasers of their own at the assaulting cruisers.

"Status!" Tolkov yelled as he held onto a railing for support.

"We lost an engine and are bleeding oxygen in the Mess hall. Thankfully no one was in there" the lieutenant said.

"We've got to leave now or we'll be floating in these oversized coffins. Tell all fighters to recall and prep the forward canons and hyperspace drive were leaving now!"

"Negative"came a voice over the comms. We'll clear a path for you Tolkov, you just get out of here." Vermil announced

"What are you doing Vermil! We are all leaving this place together."

"Sorry Tolkov but a hit took out our hyperspace drives we aren't going anywhere." The gravity of the situation hit Tolkov. Without the hyperspace drives a ship couldn't travel the great distances the others could.

"No…." he deadpanned.

"We aren't gonna get far even if we had the drive. Our ship would get torn apart in mid hyperspace Tolkov. Its over for us, we'll use whatever fight Ambient has left in her to make sure you all make it out. alright?" Tolkov shuddered as he thought of losing his good friend. He tightened his hold on the railing all the while glaring at Vermil's cruiser.

"You make sure you give them hell you hear me?" He ordered more than asked.

"Wouldn't have it any other way, oh and sorry I couldn't keep that promise." Vermil said sadly.

"Cant believe you still remember that." Tolkov said as he closed his eyes in remembrance.

Tears moved down Tolkov's face as remembered their meeting like yesterday. They flowed freely as Tolkov recalled the events from himself first meeting Vermil, to the wonderful friendship they had made and strengthened over the years. They were always there for each other no matter what happened and here he was about leave him for had even promised each other to always watch over one another. It tore Tolkov up inside as he looked at the limping cruiser of Vermil's.

"Vermil you make sure we have an exit when you let em have it." Tolkov ordered

"Wouldn't have it any other way old friend. Sorry I couldn't stick around for the rest of the party Tolkov." He said finally as the Holo-com line cut.

"Sir! The Ambient is on the move sir she's preparing to clear us an exit, recommend all cruiser hyperspace drives be prepped for activation." A clone lieutenant advised.

"Noted. Inform the cruisers of our exit strategy and make sure all fighter squadrons have recalled. I want the General and her squad up here ASAP, and prepare all forward cannons and divert power and to the rear shields. When we push through I want to make sure our engines are secure." Tolkov ordered with efficiency.

Tolkov and his fellow cruisers laid back and prepared themselves for the battle to come. Whilst they did this one cruiser that was on its last leg moved to the front and pushed through firing its turbo lasers to and fro and taking hit left and right. Though it fired with a viciousness that could not be replicated its mission was simply to distract these naïve clone ships just so Tolkov could escape. While on the bridge of this mere distraction ship the captain, Vermil Taurun accepted his fate, for he knew his death would come and did not try to escape. He looked at the crew piloting the ship. They all had a slight joy to them, as they knew they made sure their brothers survived, at the cost of their own lives. An explosion rocked the cruiser knocking some over and killing others. He looked at them all, though they would die today, others would live because of their sacrifice.

"Men, it has been an honor to serve in countless battles with you." Vermil stated

Another explosion happened taking out one of the bridges. They didn't dare try to pilot their dying cruiser as the fight was over and they did their part. Explosion after Explosion happened as the Ambient was pelted with laser fire until, Vermil and a few clones were the last people alive on the cruiser. Battered and bleeding he limped over to the Holo-table and tried to open a com to Tolkov. He saw out the only viewport that wasn't sealed off that Tolkov and his cruisers had gotten past the Clone loyalists and were preparing to jump to HyperSpace. He looked back at the Holo-table as he saw Tolkov appear. His good friend widened his eyes at Vermil's battered and bloody appearance.

"Tolkov." He said slowly, struggling to stay conscious. Tolkov looked at his friend with great sadness at the uttering of his name.

"Goodbye. My friend." Tolkov finished as his friend cut the line. He watched through the viewport as the Ambient finally succumbed to its wounds and exploded from the turbolaser fire but not before taking three loyalist cruisers with it.

"Jumping to Naboo in 3…2…1… Mark" the navigation officer declared as the small fleet jumped in to hyperspace. Tolkov silently shed tears as he looked at the exact spot where his friends ship would be.

"Goodbye my old friend, May we meet again soon." He wiped his face of the tears and turned back to look at his bridge crew.

"Somebody give me a SitRep on our status and the current Status of friendly forces at Naboo."

"Sir! All ship status's are green and most of the fighter squadrons checked in from the last enagagement though many are K.I.A. or M.I.A, Our ship suffered a critical hit to one of our engines but where still green the other 5 cruisers. The, Vindicator, Corsair, Vera, Royal, and the Warrior have suffered minor damage as well. Friendly forces have deemed Naboo safe for now and will continue to use it as a rally point for the jedi and rebelling clones. Rebelling members of the 501st have reported to be on Naboo as well as the 327th Star corps. Most of the 41st legion has checked in and are en route to Naboo and ½ of the 91st recon corps troopers have reported entering Naboo's space, only a few squads of the 187th with their commander have shown themselves and are in transit. We have full support of the 212th attack battalion as well as Delta and Omega squad who should arrive in the next hour or so. The 442nd siege battalion has fully checked in as well as the Lancer battalion and the Muunilinst 10 Arc troopers and are 3 hours out sir. A few squads of the sky corps have reported in Naboo space. The artillery regiment of the 82nd and the repulsorlift of the 317th have just now entered Naboo space sir." The lieutenant informed.

"That's a good portion of the Grand army, and the fleet status?" Tolkov asked.

"Fleet size of twenty, twenty-six when we arrive, of acclamators and Venators. 8 Venators and 12 Acclamators on standby sir. Scratch that sir. Kamino defense fleet just arrived. I count 6 More Venators and 8 more Acclamators filled to the brim with troops sir."

Tolkov thought over this information while the crew worked on keeping the ship running rebelling fleet was nothing short of a Armada but when at war with the entire galaxy a meager armada will not do. As Tolkov still mused on this General Shaak Ti and Commander Cody and Commander Fox entered the bridge area. Tolkov looked at the General and Clone commanders with a impassive face.

"General, Commanders, we will be arriving shortly to Naboo and meet with the rest of the Republic troops. I believe Palpatine's Empire will no doubt try to stop us. If you wish to see all Clone units that are accounted for you may check the holo-pad."

He said as he handed her said holo-pad. Shaak Ti looked over the accounted for clone units as Fox and Cody looked at the list over shoulder not to be rude and take it from her.

" Only ½ of the 91st recon and a few squads of the 187th, what happened?" Fox asked confused

" I assume with Master Windu gone they don't have anyone to rally behind and the 91st recon were locked in a firefight against CIS droids. When the order was given those who defected had no place to turn. A larger portion had defected but were gunned down on both sides by our own brothers and droids. It's a miracle they even made it out alive." Cody replied respectfully.

"Though this is a matter of life and death not some petty argument if the chose to elimate our brothers during a battle and choose to follow Palpatine so be it." Fox replied.

As they conversed Shaak Ti skimmed over the list of jedi and noticed many were missing or were killed. Tolkov seemed to notice her sadness.

"Is there something wrong General?" he asked heart fully

"So many of us gone, I never thought I'd see the day where so many of us perished in an instance." She said sadly

"I'm sorry for the jedi losses general you have my condolences I've lost good friends too." Tolkov replied truthfully

"I just would love to know when the killing would end" She stated.

"I hope soon General, for all our sakes." Tolkov replied

"Sir! We're coming out of hyperspace now, You may wanna see this!"

A lieutenant said. Tolkov, Shaak Ti, Fox and Cody moved to the viewport to see the commotion. The small fleet of escapees from Coruscant pulled out of hyperspace to see a small fleet of ships float about confused and disorderly. Cruisers flew past one another as if asking to be fired upon just to fire back as they flew all around Naboo.

"Lieutenant get me connected to the comms I wanna know what the hell is going on, by yesterday." Tolkov ordered.

"Yes sir." The communications officer did what he did best as tried to get word out to the friendly forces and establish a comm Network to them.

"What the fierfek are they all doing were supposed to be here to rally together, not to goad each other into killing ourselves." Fox observed the scene and disorder among the "fleet" and was disappointed to see such disorganization.

"Comms are online in 3….2…..1… your clear to speak sir." the communication officer said.

Tolkov was appalled as he listened to the other Admirals bicker at one another like children. Their rash decision making would no doubt cause havoc amongst their meager forces unless he rallied them behind something. Tolkov turned as Cody joined his side looking out at the ships float about with disorder.

"From what I hear Admiral they need a leader desperately. Troops cant function without some type of guidance or we lash out at everything around. Take us for example. We were bred to follow orders to the letter from the chancellor. Take that away and you lot have a bunch of very confused clones. Confusion gives way to fear Admiral and men do rash things when they are afraid."

Tolkov could only listen as Cody spoke. His words while wise brought forth much meaning to Tolkov as he pondered. He wondered if he was actually cut out to lead something larger than a fleet. Could he lead a Armada of troops to the unknown let alone to battle if need be. Could he carry the weight of the deaths of his own troops that would be caused by his hand? These were the thoughts that raced through his mind as he watched more and more cruisers enter Naboo space.

"Do you believe I could lead them all Cody? Lead them into another galactic war as if the first wasn't bad enough. We've lost more today than we have in the years of this war. You know it and I know it. This, what we're doing, wont be easy. I'll be one the sending you all to their deaths in this war for freedom in which our backs are already against the wall Cody. Do you understand? You all will be sent to fight the very people you were bred, trained, and fought beside everyday. Do I have the right to do so?

Cody simply stood in silence as he stared off into the depths of space his helmet hiding all the facial expression Tolkov desperately looked for.

"Sir if I may speak. This isn't a galactic war anymore. This is a civil war sir. It is a civil war on a grander scale for we are all brothers. Out there are men and women who we have fought with on a daily basis and have stuck by us to the end. Even now with this new reign coming down on us we have chosen to fight for what we believe is right. I'm a clone sir. I was the tip of the spear on Geonosis when we were first unleashed and I'm still here today. Because I was ordered to fight and I did so. You may think you are ordering us to our deaths but why do we have to listen to you? The republic is gone, even if everyone here around us refuses to believe so it is. You're not ordering us to our death Admiral for we willingly follow you. And death is just part of the job, you and I both know that. We all lost people Admiral. Friends, family, mentors, these are all the prices of war we pay. Even now we continue to pay them as we are now sent back into the fray against our brethren. But it is something we must do. They serve a tyrant who planned for this to happen. And I rather him not be in power anymore sir. So with all due respect if I needed a leader sir, I'd damn make sure it was leader who cared for us like you do."

Tolkov listened to Cody throughout his entire speech never once interrupting him. His words while carrying weight touched Tolkov as the clone expressed that he favored Tolkov as leader. His words could not have been more right to the former republic admiral as he continued to stare on at the cruisers mill about. The time for worry is over

"I'll do it. Lieutenant patch me through. It's time we reeled our forces in. I don't know who I talk to but patch me through to a Admiral with some sense. This myriad of cruisers milling about is something I don't want be looking at for much longer. I want these cruisers in a formation and calm down these Admirals for God's sake."

As Tolkov's orders were carried out to the letter he continued to listen on as the Admirals continued to bicker like children.

"Where do we go from here if the chancellor's a sith?"

"What if this rally point is nothing but a trap?"

"Great more ships just entered Naboo space maybe they know whats going on."

"You fools what if their with Palpatine prepare the guns!"

"Delay that order they could be friendly, let them come."

" We need to just leave this place and turn ourselves in while we can."

"I'll never go back to that tyrant scum I called a chancellor!"

Tolkov listened to the pile of trash he so gloriously called a Comm-Network. The friendly commanders were truly lost on what to do. Instead of establishing some sort of command they began to just sit here throw harsh words at each other. Something had to be done before they ended up killing each other. Tolkov acknowledged a comm officer alerting him that all clone battalions and commando's had arrived. Though Tolkov was glad for their support, he watched as their ships joined the fray making the situation worse than it was. Giving a silent prayer he could reel in the trigger happy admirals he turned to Fox and Cody for a moment asking for their opinion on the matter

"This disorganization is unacceptable they should all be ashamed" Fox said he shook his head. Cody nodded his head with him as pointed at a few cruisers beginning to slowly group into a somewhat sensible formation.

"I agree, clones know how to adapt, these admirals should at least act like they can." Tolkov had enough of the mockery he called a Comm-Network

"Quiet! This is Admiral Tolkov Vasiley of the Former Republic cruiser Adjacent I carry precious cargo of clones, jedi, kaminoans, and cloning equipment and issued the order for us to meet at Naboo to rally together and form a plan" Tolkov waited as the Comm-Net became deathly silent and no one spoke

"Well Admiral Tolkov seeing as you're the most level-headed here, what are your orders." A small grin appeared on Tolkov's face

"Well first things first form up on us Echelon formation, cruisers up front frigates in back." The republic cruisers now with a working command became a well-oiled machine as the cruisers moved from nearly attacking one another to moving into a organized formation.

"That's more like it eh Cody?" Fox said happy that all was going well. Cody grunted his approval as he stared on at the fleet.

"Good, now that that's settled whats the status of the 501st and the 327th Star corps on Naboo." Cody and Fox waited eagerly for a reply to the question they've been waiting forever to hear.

"I, believe we can answer that question better than anybody sir." A familiar voice said.

"Rex is, is that you?" Cody asked

"Who else brother."

Rex appeared on the Holotable with a clone standing behind him who seemed to be patiently waiting his turn to speak. Rex remembered the task at hand and quickly nodded towards Cody and Fox before speaking back to Tolkov.

"Sir. The 501st has, seen better days to say the least. Only a ¼ of us chose to defect sir and the others well, you know the rest."

Rex gave the information with great disappointment that he and his brothers will soon be fighting each other.

"What happened to the rest of the 501st, I assume they didn't just let you defect without stopping you." Tolkov questioned.

"We fought each other yes, but the firefight only lasted a few hours before Appo deemed us not worth the manpower and tried to leave us stranded here and return to Coruscant. After he left we were on our own for the time being confused about the order. Were still trying to wrap our heads around it Admiral. Not long after that Bly and the 327th star corps showed up and told us of the rallying point meant to be here. One thing lead to another and here we are sir." Rex stood back, arms crossed behind as he awaited their reply.

"And your take on this Bly?" Shaak Ti asked curiously.

The clone that stood behind Rex now stepped forward until he stood beside him. With his arms behind his back and standing at attention stared at the others before responding.

"We have pledged our full support to General Secura, Master Jedi. This ordeal has been a hard hit to us clones ma'am. We were created for the soul purpose to wage war and here we are coming to find out the only thing we had was a lie. We are all hurting just as much you Master Jedi and have been betrayed beyond forgiveness. Our brothers fought and died for a false purpose, a lost cause. Followed orders without question, went in to battle without a thought. We were nothing but puppets on strings. The Jedi, the clones, the droids, the Confederacy, we were all nothing but puppets and strings to be toyed with. I guess we finally got tired of being toyed with and cut our own strings. The best we can do now is figure what to do with ourselves before they begin to hunt us like animals." Bly visibly relaxed as he got his thoughts out in the open.

"I see." Shaak Ti mused on all what Bly had said while the others began to plan an objective.

"All right what's the fleet status Yolt?"

A new admiral appeared on the holo-table. He was of average height while his skin color was a light brown ,with trimmed black hair, his face had a goatee with a scar running down his left jaw. His build was bulky to say the least, and you wouldn't be wrong if you mistaken him for a clone.

" The muunilist 10, whats left of the Lancer battalion, and 442nd siege battalion have just linked up with us, Tolkov everyone's here. The jedi would also like to be a part of this sir, patching them through now."

The holo-comm fizzled as more figures appeared. Tolkov smiled slightly as he saw a good portion of the Jedi survived this ordeal

"Ahh Master Secura, General Kenobi , Master Plo Koon, Padawan Tano, Master Yoda, and Master Luminara Unduli I am pleased to see you all came out of this atrocity intact." He said

"Indeed although I hoped more Jedi would survive, being turned on by your own troops isn't an easy thing to escape." Kenobi stated.

"I for one am more interested in our current clone presence" Luminara stated while eyeing at Bly's hologram.

" Stated this before I have, betray us our clones will not." Yoda scolded.

"I agree with Master Yoda, Luminara if they wanted to kill they would have already done it and I for one trust Bly and his men completely." Secura said while smiling at Bly's hologram.

"Thank you General" Bly said as he fidgeted under his General's caring gaze. Rex chuckled as he watched his best friend and brother fidget like a child. Tolkov chuckled at this scene at well before focusing at the task at hand.

"Master Jedi I believe we must come up with a solution to our current dilemma."

"Yes we must hide from Palpatine to build up our strength. And fight him another day." Plo koon declared.

"Yes, with our current status we must find somewhere to call home and use as a base of operations for the time being. But, where could we go and be away from Palpatine's prying eyes?" Tolkov inquired.

" We could possibly go to Tantooine but with the amount of troops we have we'll be noticed and reported immediately. Maybe kashyykk but Palpatine will probably have a close eye on the wookies, The separatist home world might be a good choice but sneaking us all there would be a challenge"

The admirals and Jedi tossed ideas left and right until all the planets they could possibly go to were denied. Rex, Fox, Cody, and Bly silently conversed as the others tossed around ideas

"It could possibly take us somewhere nice and cozy" Rex stated.

"Yea, or it could take us right into a star and kill us all" Cody replied.

"I don't know Cody, with the ideas being tossed around its all we got left" Fox stated.

"Yea at this point we've got to be ready to take risks or we're never going to make it." Bly declared.

"Fine, But if the trip kills us I'm kicking your asses in the afterlife." Cody replied stubbornly. Cody and Fox stepped forward as the Generals stopped conversing. Rex's hologram stepped forward while Bly waited behind him as he began to get their attention.

"Umm Generals we believe we've come up with a solution to our problem" Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at rex as he began to tell the clone's idea

"Well Rex go on" Kenobi urged.

"Yes sir, we believe we should go into Dark space."

Everyone widened their eyes at the mere mention of that territory. The entire crew and Jedi stared at the clones as if they were crazy which wasn't far off. Dark space was the untraveled, unmapped, and unclaimed portion, and very large portion at that, of the galaxy. Those who ventured into Dark Space never have returned though no one knows why. The fact that the clones were suggesting they walk right into unknown territory was nothing short of mad.

"That's insane no one has ever-" Master Luminara voiced her objection but was cut off by Master Plo.

"Hold on Master Luminara Let him finish?" Plo koon asked

"We believe it is perfect because no one has ever gone into dark space and it will most likely be a while before Palpatine believes we jumped there. Also with it we could find new planets, some able to sustain life and house us." Rex finished

"It seems well thought out and it is all we have to go off at the moment." Ahsoka said.

"I for one believe this is a good idea as well, and as Tano stated it is all we have." Secure claimed.

"Master Yoda what are your thoughts on this" Kenobi asked. Master Yoda did nothing but meditate for a moment before opening his eyes and answering.

" To Dark Space we must go" Yoda stated while looking at Tolkov. He nodded before giving orders towards the crew and fleet.

"Alright everyone get to your stations, and prep for hyperspace. I want all systems checked and green before we head out and-"

"Sir incoming Hyper space readings coming from our flank and it's a big fleet sir biggest I've ever seen!" The nav officer said.

"Ahh Screw It! Prep the drives were making a blind jump. I want the rest of the fleet to be ready to jump with us on my mark." Tolkov looked at the Battle-map as he saw the fleet prepare for jump.

"Sir, that fleet is gonna be here any minute"

"Are we prepped for launch?"

"Yes sir, ready to leave on your mark."

"Alright then jump on Mark 3…2….1…Mark!"

"Hyperspace drives spooling up sir leaving republic space…Now." The nav officer and his crewmates powered the hyperspace drives as they looked out into deep space as well.

"We home free yet?" Tolkov asked.

"I think so sir we-scratch that! Contacts! on our right side. Their trying to get within firing range!"

"That's it I've had enough this we are leaving now!"

"On it sir!" The nav officer replied as the ships hyperspace drive reached full power. Cody and Fox stared out the viewport as the enemy fleet gained on them.

"Cody, if we don't make it-" he was cut off as Cody spoke.

"We'll make it." As if tempted by fate the ship rocked heavily.

"What the Sith! Status!"

"I don't know whats going on sir. The drive its malfunctioning, I cant input coordinates and the drive stability during hyperspace could be catastrophic. It's happening to the rest of the fleet as well." The Nav officer said frantically.

"In Basic lieutenant?" Tolkov asked.

"Meaning when us and the fleet enter hyperspace we could exit anywhere or the drive could fail during hyperspace killing us all" Tolkov stared at the officer with wide eyes.

" Well anything is better than here so do it! Tell the fleet to jump."

"Yes…Yes sir." The nav officer said. The fleet of rebel clone ships powered up and zoomed out of sight right before the very large fleet of loyalist ships could fire on them. Though the rebels didn't notice it a large portion of the enemy fleet of loyalist ships jumped into dark space after them.

I.S.A. Fleet Undying Light

June 5, 2574

Edge of I.S.A Space

Shipmaster Tova,Navumee stared out into space as his mixed crew of humans and sangheili made sure his ship, A CAS class assault carrier the Dawn of Repentance, ran smoothly. His ship with the rest of the fleet Undying light were on a small expedition mission to see if there were more planets for his people and the I.S.A. to colonize. Joining the military shortly before the Great War ended Tova had killed humans left and right for the "Great Journey" but he didn't see them as weak as his people used to think. No, humans were crafty and vicious when they wished be, he learnt that first hand. As he mused on his history he rubbed a scar running from the top of his left eye going as far down as his lowest mandible. He earned said scar from a Human-no Demon with a skull on is helmet that engaged him in close quarters combat with a large knife. The Demon was a deadly he'd give him that, but in the end It was Tova that prevailed. His Ultra Armor shined in the bridge light as he eyed his mixed species crew working diligently to keep the ship running well.

"I do not deserve such a crew, if they knew the things I did in the short period of that war they would look at me much differently." He muttered.

At that moment a Human female standing at about 5'7 with a thin body and short orange hair stepped in front of Tova and awaited his acknowledgement. He looked up from his musings and stared at her his eyes softening as he stared.

"Ah little Angel, I expect you must have news for me."

Angel, the communications officer, smiled a little as she spoke to the shipmaster.

"Yes Shipmaster, its about our current mission."

Angel flinched as she was expecting to be yelled at by her commander

"Angel, do you not wish to search the stars for more planets for us to inhabit or more forerunner relics to be found?"

Tova asked gently as he waved his arm out to the vast darkness of space.

"Of course I do shipmaster, its just we've been searching the edge of I.S.A space for some time now and have only found two habitable planets. I simply believe we may need to head back to the Visari System and resupply." Angel hoped her telling him this wouldn't make him dislike her for thinking of the well being of the crew. The shipmaster, however, was far from disliking angel as he thought about what she said. His ship and the other 7 that made up the very small fleet had been out here searching for some time. He looked back down at Angel

"And the rest of the fleet? What is their condition?" Angel jumped when asked that as if she had been in a trance.

"The Spectrum, Dagger, Aurora, Unyielding Fate, Malevolent Justice, Little Rascal, Arbiter's Dagger are green, but in the same boat as us for supplies. The Little Rascal got the short end of the stick and is running dangerously low."

As she was about to continue she was interrupted by a disembodied voice.

"The Spectrum is running low as well now Angel. With the Aurora not too far behind."

On a pedestal right next to Angel and the Shipmaster formed a sangheili A.I. with Ranger armor on and his helmet at his side. Angel sighed as she looked at the smug little computer.

"Thanks Alei' what would I ever do without you."

She said sarcastically. The A.I turned and looked at her before chuckling.

"Probably crash us into a star little one."

He said smiling. Shipmaster smiled slightly at their bickering but returned his thoughts to the task at hand.

"Enough. Angel how long would it take the fleet to reach the Visari System and be back here to continue our search?"

He asked with seriousness in his voice. Angel knew it was no time to joke around now and did the math.

"It would take us approximately 3 hours to get there from our current position and would take us at least 6 to get back."

Tova squinted his eyes in confusion while Alei' Lunjasse nodded in acceptance.

"Why is there such delay my beloved one?" He asked. Angel blushed a little at the use of the name from the Shipmaster and tried to hide it as she spoke.

"Slip-Space drives seem to cut travel time to any destination in half if they have not been used for a while sir."

Alei' also chose this moment to step in as well.

"Though she is correct not even our top scientists can figure out why. They believe the Huragok may have tampered with them when no one was around but other than they have no clue brother."

Tova thought about the floating, pacifist, living, supercomputers known as the Huragok. He got up from his command chair as he began to give out orders

"That is the only sound theory, as you already know the Huragok enjoy repairing or upgrading technology they may have done so to the drives. That doesn't matter right now though our only goal currently is resupplying. Tell the fleet to set a course for the Visari system. I want the engines checked and ready and our slip-space drive powering up for long-distance jump. Make sure the fleet gets the message we are leaving and someone relay a message to the I.S.A council on High Faith that our mission is going well so far. Tell the brothers in the armory I want a full weapons inventory list when we reach Visari"

Alei' nodded and disappeared off the pedestal, most likely to relay to the other cruisers they're leaving. As the Shipmaster watched his orders being carried out and bridge crew worked diligently to power up the drives and relay to the fleet, he turned back to Angel and stood beside her his hand holding hers.

"Angel, little one, tell me where are my sons currently?" Once again she blushed and looked flustered as he called her by the name again.

"Well, if I know James, Zakl' Navumee, and Onme' Navumee seeing as their my brothers they're probably on the range seeing who is the better shot."

Tova chuckled as pictured his sons doing exactly that.

"I wouldn't put it pass those three, stubborn to a fault they are." He said. Angel giggled as she looked up at Tova.

"Like Father, Like Sons." Tova chuckled as well at the use of the joke.

"Well you better-"

Tova was interrupted as a blue minor elite and dark skinned human yelled out over the usually quiet work of the bridge.

"Shipmaster we have unknown signatures coming to our location fast!"

"He is correct brother we count, By the Gods!, 40 signatures coming straight to our location with 30 more following behind those."

Tova's eyes widened as he thought about what was going on as Angel looked up at him.

"And you are sure these signatures are unknown their not just some leftover brutes causing trouble."

Tova hoped their answer would be brutes as he silently prayed in his head. Even with 40 ships if these contacts were brutes they would be heavily outgunned. Ever since the formation of the I.S.A. they've been shunned back to their planet with remnants of their forces popping up here and their using age old great war technology. Though compared to the weaponry the combined forces of the I.S.A were using they didn't stand a chance.

"No Brother, they have never been seen before none of the signatures match anything on record. I- I believe we are in a first contact situation brother."

The bridge visibly quieted and no one moved at the utterance of those words. Tova squinted his eyes in deep thought.

"Alright, prepare the guns, I want all fighter squadrons ready for combat. Get the seraph and broadswords squadrons on standby. Prepare the slip space drives for short burst jumps if we need to use them in combat. Relay to the fleet we are not leaving and to prepare themselves as well. Brothers, thank you for giving me this information. I need you to relay to the Visari defense fleet to send one,no, 3 of their killamanjaro class crusiers with a fleet of supporting frigates. We don't know how powerful these new beings may be but I'm not gonna have us sit here and wait to find out."

Tova's orders were carried with renewed speed and the elite minor and human kneeled and nodded before going to carry out his order. Tova looked down at Angel as she looked a little scared but tried to hide it by standing at attention.

" Little one, go find your brothers and tell them what is happening before you return to engineering. They must know what is going on."

Angel blushed once again at the name before nodding and hugging Tova and leaving. Though he was surprised by the hug he had different matters to attend to as he watched her leave.

"I do not deserve such a daughter or her brothers."

He turned back to the bridge crew as he watched them work and the approaching contacts showed on his pedestal as well as the already halfway there Visari fleet.

"They know the importance of this as well as I do. May the Gods help us during this perilous time, and here I thought we were gonna have peace for a while longer. He pulled his type-1 energy sword off his hip and inspected it closely.

"these trespassers will taste my blade and their ships will be reduced to nothing but ash if they do not tread lightly. We are not ones to be trifled with."

He rubbed his scar as he mused of what he said. Remembering his days of the covenant, he replayed the events of countless battles, numerous kills, many glassings, all the screams, all were remembered as he replayed his false life.

"Not anymore." He said as he watched their signatures approach closer.

Well there it folks. I hope you all liked it. and if you liked it enough to do so leave a like and a favorite and perhaps a review leaving your thoughts. Now on to more pressing matters seeing as this was the only chapter i had pre-written i have come up with a schedule i hope you all wont kill me over. I do plan hope to keep to my word on this have a chapter uploaded every week if not two as i wish for the quality of these chapters to go up as well as the word quantity if not stay the same go up as well. Though i hope you all understand i do know how suspenseful it can be waiting on a chapter for a story.(trust me ive been there.) but anyways i hope you all enjoyed the chapter and have a good day. RC-5555-Sektor signing off