So a lot of people were triggered by the last chapter, or so I think at least, and I will address those things. Oh and about the interdictors, I will adjust it in the future but they'll still have some effect.
Harvest
UNSC base 'Shadow base'
Command center
"Enemy fighters approaching from the west, ETA two minutes. Wolverine 3-2 shift focus to them. Diverting anti-air fire to aid fending off the new squadron." An operator said tiredly at his station in the command center.
For more than two hours the base had been under assault by numerous walkers and storm troopers. The only reason why they could identify the enemy was because of the intel gathered by the Vipers. But of course it wasn't much of a help now that the imperials got their big guns ready.
When passage was secured at the highway the empire immediately sent reinforcements in the form of more tanks and their artillery. Self-propelled medium artillery, or SPMA walker, had a heavy turbolaser cannon capable of firing at a long range. It was no problem to destroy something with those heavy guns, especially with an immobile base that you could shell. Buildings and more lives were wasted with the constant barrage.
The other immediate threat that got the UNSC on the run was a new tank used by the empire. Adopted from the Umbaran militia that had aligned itself with the CIS during the clone wars, the mobile heavy cannon walker was very dangerous. The MHC walker was large with heavy armor but quite slow with its mass. It made up for that with an articulated electromagnetic plasma cannon and two twin antipersonnel laser cannons. The walker was causing havoc among UNSC lines while backed up with smaller walkers and infantry.
"Hostile tank just took out two of our Scorpions ma'am." A lieutenant told Stanfield who slammed her fist on the table.
"Where is that air support?" She demanded to know as another artillery shell hit close.
"Longsword bombers are encountering anti-air guns from the imperials. They can't approach without getting shot down." Someone answered quickly.
Stanfield growled with frustration and said, "Search other targets for them that might help. How is the evacuation going?"
"Ninety percent of the base has been evacuated. Only the engineers are left that are rigging the place to blow. They need five more minutes."
"Make it three and tell our marines to fall back at my command." Stanfield ordered sternly. The officer nodded and coordinated what needed to be done.
"Ma'am, I got word from brigadier general Knott. The southern cities have fallen but the capital and northern cities are holding out." The lieutenant from earlier reported.
"Good. Now get me that detonator so we can set it up here." She commanded as an engineer was busy setting up the main bomb.
He gave a curt nod and a salute before running off to grab the detonator from storage. Stanfield looked out of a shattered window for a moment seeing the HMC fire another shot at the base's walls. The very foundations of the wall shook and against such force the defenses crumbled down. The mines and marines were successfully buying time but the situation was dire.
"I've established contact with a scout party that has visual on the enemy anti-air emplacements. They say they can at least divert the enemy's attention for a minute or two." The lieutenant said with hope.
Stanfield capitalized at once.
"Tell them to get our flyboys as much time as possible." She ordered with renewed vigor before turning her focus on an aide, "Contact an available bomber wing. Target: sector M8 to M1."
Stanfield walked away and accessed the controls of the holotable.
The next minutes she had were devoted to ordering her troops. She marked positions that needed to be taken, reinforced and abandoned. Whenever a new threat arrived on the battlefield she found a solution and applied it. Biting her lip she watched as the bombers flew by. The entire command center cheered, Stanfield included, as the payload eradicated the imperials enough to break their lines.
"Ma'am, hostile tank is immobilized!" The lieutenant spoke up in glee and hope.
The HMC walker had one of its legs sparking and on fire while it couldn't move on anymore. The damage the walker sustained was too heavy and the cannon seemed to be offline as well. All in all it did turn the tide. Storm troopers stopped advancing and the marines could fight on.
"Enemy walkers coming from the forest followed by infantry. Targeting them with our artillery."
"We've got a breach. Marine squad foxtrot killed in action. Sending reinforcements to protect our flank."
"Multiple engineers carrying explosives reported. Putting up a warning to look out for them."
"Shit, we lost one of the Scorpions."
"Enemy is losing ground and regrouping."
Stanfield tightened her grip on the table. She frowned and absently checked the overall status. Some victories but losses as well. The news of a successful raid by some scouts behind enemy lines gave her some hope.
They weren't done just yet.
Harvest orbit
ISD Control
Captain Faro observed the planet from the safety of his ship and couldn't help but admire its beauty. He was a man who enjoyed nature, a trait common among his people, while being planet side or in space. He even kept a few plants in his personal quarters. That was the reason he sometimes hated destruction that unnecessarily damaged nature.
A few moments ago he had begrudgingly sent out a few VT-49 Decimators to raid a UNSC marine position. The fire bombs burned down the environment but also its occupants. Not a single trooper was killed in action because of the decision so he grimly accepted the results.
"Sir, admiral Monatt has given us the signal. We are allowed to break formation." An ensign reported from her station.
The captain gave a nod of acknowledgment.
"Helm, bring the ship into firing position. Weapons, ready our turbolasers." He calmly ordered.
The ship's engines flared as it slowly turned to the left leaving the blockade that the empire had formed. The captain had to balance himself a bit but after three years of experience he got used to it. The star destroyer went forward towards the planet until it reached a good position.
The crew hustled around at their stations working at an adequate pace. The captain himself simply stood there without any rush.
Faro pulled out his datapad showing requests of orbital bombardment. He scrolled down to find one that was more important than others to have an imperial-class provide support. His eyes scanned expertly and found a target.
'Orbital bombardment requested at supplied coordinates to eliminate cannon emplacements. Target's danger level: 8. Signed by shadow trooper CR-1089.'
The captain wasted no time. An orbital strike request signed by shadow troopers always had high priority. Level 8 was also enough for him. A tactic used by Monatt was to give danger levels to targets so the ones that proved to be quite dangerous were easier recognized.
"Fire a salvo at this location. Comms, alert any ground forces in the proximity." He said and walked towards the windows.
After a few moments the ship shook as the main turbolasers opened fire. Faro saw the green lances of energy depart with flashes. All of them went straight for the surface somewhere in the north. He tore his gaze away for a moment to look for more targets. While scrolling down the comm officer spoke up.
"Our forces report that the target has been neutralized sir."
"Excellent," Faro responded, "new target coming up."
"Coordinates received." The weapons officer said when the captain gave them.
"Open fire." Faro ordered calmly as ever.
Once again lances of green shot towards the planet. On the ground the UNSC marines could only sink in despair as the deadly energy obliterated their platoon. Bodies were flung away or disintegrated and craters adorned the landscape. A few survivors gathered their bearings and ran away as the bombardment stopped but the hostile ground forces advanced.
"A few survivors sir. Also one of our own squads got caught up in the attack." The comm officer reported with some sympathy for the imperials on the ground.
The captain nodded slowly.
"Unfortunate, very unfortunate." He said truthfully.
He turned his attention back to the datapad and pulled out a few more targets. The star destroyer would be raining down a lot on the planet.
He gave a humorless chuckle. Hopefully no forests would be targeted, that would also be most unfortunate.
Earth
Sydney, UEG senate
President Ruth's staff meeting
"If the situation is as dire as admiral Kovalic says," The minister of defense said, "then we must mobilize our forces and publicly declare war."
"But maybe we should see if diplomacy works." Another politician offered.
Then another one looked outraged at the man, "They attacked us! This is a declaration of war. Simple as that. We cannot afford to be unprepared like we were back when the Covenant attacked us."
"Madame president?" Another minster said softly.
They all looked at president Ruth who had her hands folded while staring at the table. When the woman finally looked up there was a grim determination in her eyes.
"We are at war. Any peaceful resolution will be accepted but for now we must prepare. Fleet admiral Hood is not here because he is rallying our forces. While he is working his ass off to give humanity a chance we are bickering about whether we accept the facts or not." She said sternly as her gaze swept over each every one of her staff. They looked ashamed of themselves and muttered apologies.
"What is our plan?" The man on her left asked quietly.
The president narrowed her eyes and ordered, "As of now we will fight the entity called the Galactic Empire. We will spread word to each and every one of our colonies. We will even spread word to the Sangheili. We will endure, survive and win this war."
Her words carried conviction and determination which her staff could hear clearly.
The minister of defense looked a bit apprehensive however.
"Should we really involve the Elites? They might stab us in the back while we are weakened by the empire."
Ruth glared at the man and said fervently, "The Sangheili are the reason we defeated the Covenant. They were misled and know that, but still accept the blame and guilt that they fought us. Some are still set in their ways but other like the Arbiter are loyal. Because of our joint operations we forged an alliance and if there is one thing they would never do is go back on their honor. Besides, I doubt that the empire will stop with simply us."
The minister nodded slowly and wisely shut up.
"Madame president we have established a connection with Sanghelios." A man in a suit spoke up as he stepped into the room.
"Speak of the devil." One of the politicians muttered.
"Go ahead." The president said as she stepped towards the communicator.
A few seconds passed before the screen came to life and showed the visage of Thel Vadam. The Sangheili sovereign leader in his golden armor gave a nod to the president while clicking his mandibles.
"Greetings president Charet." The male Sangheili greeted in his deep voice.
"Greetings to you as well Arbiter. I have called you because of a very important issue that might affect Sanghelios and its colonies as well."
The Arbiter's eyes widened before narrowing.
"And what would that be if I might inquire?" Thel questioned neutrally.
The human president took a deep breath before she explained their situation.
"A couple of hours ago an alien fleet arrived at our colony of Harvest. Our intelligence branch suspected there would be an attack after an incident on another colony. Our concerns were justified. The fleet told us it was there on behalf of a society called the Galactic Empire. Apparently they come from beyond our borders and those of the former Covenant. Their emperor wishes to conquer us and we suspect our entire galaxy. Harvest is under siege as we speak. Our fleet was forced to retreat after heavy casualties and now we turn to you. We know our alliance with the Sangheili is new and young but we hope that you would consider joining us in our strife. With the knowledge they gathered by now it is likely they will spread throughout our systems and yours. We request your aid." Ruth told the Arbiter with a steady tone.
During the whole talk Thel listened attentively. He was glad it was short since politics were frustrating for him. On numerous occasions he preferred talking with the human politician instead of his own. They had a simple but important understanding of each other. Now that she told him about this new threat his face morphed into a scowl.
"Did this empire gave any form of warning or an attempt at peaceful negotiating?" He asked after a few moments of silence.
"According to admiral Kovalic they stated 'Me and my fleet are here to inform you that your world will be absorbed into our glorious empire. I ask for your immediate unconditional surrender.'"
Thel scoffed and immediately noticed a few familiar things that he saw in the Covenant.
"I cannot tell you at the moment if we will join you or not." Thel said slowly seeing the expression of the president falter and added reassuringly, "But I believe that once I have spoken to my own people we will gladly fight such a foe. It is as you said, they will not stop with humanity alone. Their comparative traits to the Covenant say as much. I will contact you as soon as I can."
The president let out a sigh of relief and nodded.
"We will await your decision." She said respectfully.
Thel gave a nod and said, "May your ancestors be with you in your battles."
And with that the connection was ended. The president turned around and began her discussions with her staff how they should break the news to the population.
Harvest
Capital
Command AT-AT
General Durame fixed his gaze on the last true obstacle in front of him: the capital of Harvest.
Now as he stood there behind the AT-AT drivers in his combat armor he gave one final prayer to the force that he would emerge victorious. The last of the marines had gathered in the capital to fight to the last man.
With his forces in the air occupied Durame decided to pull out the big guns. With additional forces following him his group of ten AT-ATs marched forward waiting for an attack. He had no doubt the AT-AT would shrug off most hits. The HMC back at the UNSC base was taken down after a bombing run but the newest imperial heavy unit still destroyed many of the enemy tanks. That meant these Scorpions as the marines called them were going to do little damage to the AT-AT unless they went for the weak spots. Its armor and weaponry was far more superior.
It felt good to be in the field again. He began as a commander and ended up being a general which meant fieldwork was already rare but by the force did it feel good. Sitting behind a desk back at the base never sat well with Durame. How Monatt could stand it was incomprehensible.
"General Durame sir, our walkers are almost in firing range." One of the drivers said snapping Durame out of his thoughts.
The general nodded and straightened up a bit.
"Very well. You may fire when ready."
"Yes sir."
The walker wasn't particularly fast but its armament made up for that. In the distance he could see fortifications and walls. Foxholes and MG nests littered the area along with a few armored units. Durame spotted a few anti-air vehicles that their prisoners kindly identified as Wolverines. After an interrogation droid or two their captives were eager to comply with requests.
"Target their armor and stationary weapons first." Durame ordered stretching his neck.
After a few seconds the first shots were fired but not by the empire. The Scorpion tanks unleashed their destructive capabilities upon the AT-AT walkers. Now the corps was very proud of these tanks. They could even defeat the heaviest of covenant armor with them. Therefore it was quite the surprise when the shells simply bounced off the walkers. The imperial tanks were only scratched and now they could retaliate.
The AT-AT drivers expertly aligned their chin mounted laser cannons with the targeting resolutions provided by the walker's targeting systems. The ten walkers simultaneously opened fire on the UNSC lines. The heavy laser bolts threw dirt and metal up in the air with loud noise. The Scorpion's armored plating was sturdy but the heavy laser fire melted straight through the plating. It was a gruesome sight as the tanks and stationary weapons were completely decimated.
As the imperials came ever close the rest of them followed. After reaching a good spot the imperial officers deployed the fear of all rebel pilots. The AT-AA walkers' guns swiveled to the air unleashing torrents of lasers on the Shortswords up in the sky. The defenders were skilled but against such anti-air fire they stood little chance. Entire squadrons were eliminated by the walkers. All while the few storm troopers standing guard at them cheered when another fighter went down in flames.
"Target the city walls. Reduce them to rubble and then I want the rest of our troops to charge in." Durame ordered curtly before activating his holocommunicator.
The figure of captain Morix soon appeared, the captain in charge of the arquitens-class light cruisers that were going to besiege the city from above. Morix's uniform was slightly wrinkled, no doubt from the situation up in the sky.
"General Durame sir." The captain greeted in a salute.
"At ease captain. Have you reached your destination?" Durame asked getting to the point.
Durame's strategy was to assault from the south while the light cruisers would begin an aerial attack on the western side with fighter squadrons and turbolaser batteries. With the eastern district in shambles from orbital bombardment he assumed it would be unnecessary to dedicate an entire attack force to that side.
The captain nodded in affirmation, "We are in position within one minute sir."
"Very well captain." Durame said giving a slight grin. "Then commence the drop."
"Yes general."
The cruisers flew closer to the city until they hovered over the district. Instead of beginning a bombardment a few hatches opened up revealing almost humanoid grey machines. Without hesitation they all jumped out of the ships falling through the air. Like a swarm over a hundred of these machines descended upon the city.
The marines on the ground were stunned for a moment before some regained their senses and tried to do something. A few of the machines were shot down, landing as nothing but scrap, but most successfully landed using jetpacks in their backs. The marines on the streets looked in amazement at the two meters tall robots that had a single red light on the left side of their chest. From observation it was clear they were quite armored and lethal.
Without delay the droids raised their arms showing built-in blasters. The droids targeted the nearest targets and started blasting any hostile in their way. UNSC soldiers responded equally filling the armored machines with bullets. As droids and marines fell the droids kept on going not bothered with their comrades being destroyed. Since the super battle droids were scattered all over the place it was pure chaos.
The imperials under Durame's command took the opportunity to invade the city through the holes that the AT-AT walkers had created. The human defenders were stubborn and highly effective but they faltered beneath the staggering amount of troops that the empire possessed.
Durame's walker casually walked through one of the destroyed walls blasting marines as soon as they came in view. The drivers skillfully used the machine's destructive power while soaking up all the damage. Beneath the tank squads of storm troopers exchanged fire with marines.
"Target the marines on the left and destroy the building next to them." Durame ordered as he stood behind the two drivers.
"Yes sir."
"We have hostile reinforcements coming in!" A trooper reported over the comms.
Durame saw three Warthogs approaching with the middle one shooting rockets. The heavy caliber rounds and missiles were devastating to the imperial advance. A fact that Durame found irritating for both the holdup and the loss of his men.
"Take them down." The general commanded in annoyance at the enemies that popped up everywhere.
The drivers of the large walker heard the annoyance in the general's voice and hurried up to ease the man's tensions.
The blaster cannons of the heavy walker roared to life blasting a Warthog into smithereens. The other two drove around evading the blaster bolts but the imperial drivers were experienced with such tactics. Fighting rebels driving around in land speeders tended to give one such experience. Another Warthog failed to dodge and in one shot exploded. Seeing the futility of charging forward the last jeep turned around hoping to escape destruction. The AT-AT would have none of it. Blaster bolts hit the concrete beneath the vehicle flinging it in the air before crashing in a house.
"General we have an incoming transmission from delta company." The driver on the left reported when the comm pinged.
Durame acknowledged and answered the call. The hologram of a trooper with a pauldron quickly materialized.
"Sir we have successfully captured the commercial district and are fortifying our positions. We also have prisoners. Part of them are soldiers but a lot of civilians. Orders?" The commander of the troopers reported after snapping a salute.
Durame stroke his chin in thought before answering coldly, "Round all prisoners up and hold them there. Anyone who resists gets executed. Anyone who tries to escape gets executed. Anyone who fails to follow our demands gets executed. Am I clear?"
The officer saluted while replying, "Yes sir."
"Very well then. General Durame out."
The hologram disappeared and the imperial general turned his attention back to the battle in front of him.
For more than an hour they would slowly progress like that. They would attack, the UNSC would somehow retaliate, Durame would get a report and so on. Just as Durame considered bombarding more of the city they finally reached their destination; the city hall. In front of them was a large square full with UNSC defenders ready to make a last stand. Behind all those soldiers was the city hall were the general would obviously find the enemy commanders.
Before he could even give an order the marines opened fire with everything they had left. Battered up tanks and vehicles were added to the mix. Soldiers on both lines fell with either bullet holes or blaster marks.
"Use the walker to spot targets for the cruisers." Durame said as another rocket hit the AT-AT.
After a few seconds a Warthog was wiped away by a laser bolt from a cruiser in the air. The familiar sound of a TIE was heard over the battlefield as multiple TIE fighters made a strafing run. When the fighters were done they lost three fighters to the marines with rocket launchers. The MG gunners ripped the storm troopers apart covering the square in blood and body parts.
"Incoming!" A marine warned before a heavy laser bolt hit the ground throwing the soldiers away like ragdolls.
One of them got up and came face to face with a trooper in red tinted armor. The nuzzle of a flamethrower aimed at the marine. The scream of the unfortunate soldier echoed around them as the flame trooper burned her alive with sadistic glee. Another trooper in red tinted armor shook his head and killed the other surviving marines with his heavy blaster.
Durame felt the walker tremble again. He was getting annoyed with these marines. Before he could give another order his personal comm went off. The contact appeared to be Monatt upon closer inspection. He wasted no time to answer.
"Monatt is there something? I am in a firefight at the moment."
The admiral tugged at his collar and answered grimly, "I just got word our reinforcements will be here soon. Scanners also indicate the UNSC has ships on approach. I'd say we have less than a minute before they arrive while it will take more time for our own."
"Kriff…" Durame muttered rubbing his scalp.
"However there is more." Monatt said.
Durame frowned in confusion when he saw his friend look very uncomfortable. It made him wonder what could be wrong.
"Do tell me."
The admiral took a very deep breath before releasing it.
"Lord Vader is with our reinforcements and is angry about the result of our boarding action."
"That is," Durame began rubbing his neck as if Vader was already in position to choke him, "very unfortunate."
It was indeed too bad that upon capture of the disabled frigate it had somehow self-destructed once the bridge was captured. Few had made it off the ship and almost everyone including most high-ranking captives were killed.
"I am preparing the fleet and recalling all ships. I can't promise I'll be able to keep them off your back. From what I have seen and experienced these UNSC ships and starfighters are very sturdy. Not to mention that they will be the aggressive ones this time." His counterpart said shifting the topic away from the man with a lightsaber.
Durame nodded in agreement, "Their ground forces as well. So far our numbers and the fact they don't know much about our military have given us the advantage over their soldiers. Those slugthrowers are very deadly."
"You saw what they have on their ships. Just two shots and you lose a destroyer."
"Indeed. I'll capture the capital before lord Vader arrives. My troops are clearing the last resistance as we speak."
"I guess that they somehow knew we were coming but had no knowledge of who we really were. The fast response in the form of ships and the fleet that was placed here proves that much." Monatt added in thought.
"I agree. Their ground forces were always ready and waiting. Some fortifications couldn't have been placed in only a few hours. Don't worry, the capital will fall within half an hour now I captured the city hall and their leaders."
"Alright then. Monatt out."
Slipspace
Autumn-class heavy cruiser Ranger
Bridge
"ETA is one minute admiral." The navigation officer announced from his station.
Admiral Alexander Reaves gave a curt nod and loudly ordered over the PA system, "All hands on deck! Man your battle stations! All pilots to their craft and all gunners to their assigned stations! We will engage the enemy within one minute!"
The reinforcements sent to make an attempt at freeing Harvest was made out of multiple cruisers and destroyers along with a few carriers and frigates. Not as large as the original fleet of Kovalic but still enough to deal damage. Especially now they had intel on their enemy.
The elderly admiral then sat down in his command chair and waited for the ship to exit slipspace while the crew members on the bridge hurried at their stations. While he waited he made one last mental list of important things to remember.
The enemy has ships longer than a heavy cruiser, their weapons are energy-based and more effective in close range combat, they have superior numbers when it comes to fighters but far less quality, their shields could take only one MAC shot before failing unless it was one of their larger ships, they were already on the ground and lastly but not least there was no certainty he could win. Kovalic's efforts proved that much.
"Exiting slipspace in five, four, three, two, one…" An officer called out alerting him of their arrival.
The light of the slipspace tunnel was soon replaced by the view of Harvest. To the relief of many it was not being glassed or destroyed in another way like the Covenant did during the war. The only thing that was out of place was the blockade looming over the planet. One of the ensigns gave a whistle at the imperial ships as the scans were completed. The imperial fleet counted a hefty amount of warships including some that were even larger than an Autumn-class heavy cruiser.
Reaves gave credit where it was due. The wreckage of destroyed imperial vessels drifted between his fleet and his enemy's. Kovalic didn't go down without a fight.
"Admiral the enemy is not moving to attack but scans indicate they are powering up their weapons." An ensign spoke up hands working on a console.
The ship's AI appeared on its console as a woman in a lab coat stating, "The enemy has assumed a line formation. The larger ships form the bulk while the smaller vessels are spread around them. In addition to that every imperial warship is spread out but is able to converge on one position quite fast."
"They must be using this formation to combat our MAC weapons." Captain Donnelly pointed out as the XO stood at his commanding officer's side.
"Fast forward. Target the largest ships and launch our fighters but have them stay with us." Reaves ordered and in an instant the bridge came to life.
The ship's engines shook and roared as the heavy cruiser went forward with its fellow UNSC vessels following. The hangars opened up launching dozens of aircraft that poured out of them. All of the flyboys stuck close to their warships while the weapons of said ships warmed up. A wave of starships charged into battle intent to free the colony world of Harvest.
"Hostiles are moving sir." The AI, Eva, announced drawing the admiral's attention.
Just as the AI said most of the imperial star destroyers banked to the right to meet the enemy head on. The line of destroyers and frigates spread out even further while those in the back seemed to only change their position so they faced the UNSC. Yet the TIEs were already on their way to attack their foe immediately.
"Enemy fighters are coming for us. They outnumber ours a little more than two to one." Eva continued.
Reaves gave a nod and ordered loudly in anticipation, "I want all point-defense weapons aimed at those eyeballs. We'll punch right through them and those ships. Let's blitzkrieg their asses!"
"Yes sir!" The bridge crew chorused focusing on their jobs.
Just before the swarm of starfighters came into firing range the sensor officer called out, "The enemy's reserves are powering up their engines. Unknown readings."
"What do you mean unknown readings?" Donnelly asked taking a look at the energy readings himself.
Before any other comment could be given the imperial ships flashed out of existence only to reappear a mere second later at the fleet's starboard side. Reaves eyes widened considerably as the imperials floated so close to his own fleet.
"Shift weapons to those ships now!" He commanded with urgency knowing what would come.
While the UNSC escorts swiveled turrets around to target the enemy the Victories along with three Imperial-class star destroyers merely fired when ready. A starboard barrage was unleashed upon the UNSC dealing a heavy blow to both shields and hulls. The heavy turbolasers installed on the ISDs tore through hull plating as if it was simply tissue paper. Slugs were shot back pounding on the imperials draining their shields.
With most point-defense weapons aimed at the swarm in the front the launched TIE fighters and bombers had more of a chance to hit the important ships. A few bombers already tore away the hulls and weapons of a single destroyer. The TIEs also engaged the surprised Broadswords. TIE interceptors chose their targets and pursued relentlessly. Pilots had to watch out if they didn't want to collide with another fighter or a capital ship. Squadron leaders rallied their men and women to counter the surprise attack that had already claimed many lives.
Two heavy frigates altered their direction and fired their MACs at a Victory punching through shields and hitting the reactor along with the engines causing the destroyer to go supernova. Chunks of debris was scattered around and more than one pilot in the vicinity of the destroyed vessel died in the explosion. As retribution one of the other Victories fired ion cannons along with heavy turbolaser batteries at the two frigates. The smaller warships endured the punishment but soon became crippled under the barrage.
Then the initial swarm of TIEs hit the UNSC fleet head on. The ion torpedoes along with endless streams of green laser bolts slammed into the bulkheads of both large and small ship. Cruisers and destroyers could take the hits but the frigates were less lucky. Even while surviving they lost armor and weapons which would prove to be disastrous if the rest of the imperials reached them. Slugs were shot in all directions fending off the tsunami of TIEs in an attempt to prevent major losses.
Admiral Reaves felt his blood boil and gave a single command that promised retribution.
"Fire all MACs and archer missiles! Blast those imperial scumbags to kingdom come!" He yelled with sheer defiance and determination.
The UNSC fleet let a rain of massive slugs leave their cannons with the imperials as their targets. Smaller vessels like the Venator and Victory suffered greatly when the MAC shots hit their shielded hulls. Evaporated shields and torn hulls resulted in the destruction of said star destroyers. It was a punch straight to the gut of the imperial naval commander. Losing more than one ISD also inflicted great losses that would diminish the chances of imperial victory.
When the main imperial fleet reached firing range they were evenly matched by the UNSC. With the surprise attack wearing off it became a deadly fight between two navies with neither giving ground. One had quality and the other quantity but when it came down to tactics and leadership the two opposing admirals found themselves evenly matched. Some of the TIE pilots were actually veterans and some of the UNSC pilots were rookies recruited after the human-covenant war. It was a stalemate.
"Admiral," An ensign began drawing the man's attention aboard his bridge, "the Spartan IVs are ready for deployment."
That was like music to Reaves' ears. If they couldn't get Harvest they would get the enemy commander or another high ranking officer in the imperial navy.
"Have you found out which ship is their command ship?" He asked to be certain.
Eva manifested on her pedestal to answer the question immediately.
"I believe it is the capital ship in the middle in the third line. Its identification tag reads as 'ISD Grievous'. The pelicans containing the boarding party that consists out of marines and Spartans has its coordinates and should be able to board if we provide enough support." The AI explained formally.
Reaves sent a doubting look at the star destroyer that had two smaller dagger shaped corvettes around it. The move was risky but the results would be highly rewarding.
"Alright, do it. Give them both fighter and frigate support. I want those teams on those ships now." The admiral instructed convinced.
"Aye sir." The AI responded already sending the approval.
Autumn-class heavy cruiser Ranger
Hangar bay C
"Departing now. You guys should strap in back there. It's going to be bumpy ride." The Spartan pelican's pilot yelled from his seat in the cockpit with excitement.
"Thanks for the heads-up." A Spartan in brown colored ENFORCER-class armor with a few tools attached to it answered sarcastically. His BR85 heavy barrel service rifle in his hands with a slight modification namely the scope.
"At least we're getting some action wouldn't you say Tonkovich?" Another Spartan IV wearing VENATOR-class armor said checking his M739 light machine gun. The heavy weapon was polished to the point it glinted in the pelican's light.
Again another man wearing the same armor chuckled lowly and nodded curtly. His M45D tactical shotgun sitting in his lap while a large Fixation Bowie combat knife strapped to his left arm. The five grenades on his belt furthered his intimidating appearance.
"Alright let's go over the mission objectives one more time." Their fireteam leader spoke up with his M392 designated marksman rifle in one hand with the tip of his gun resting on his shoulder. This Spartan IV had SOLDIER-class armor with yellow stripes over the brown on his helmet.
Half of the five man fireteam groaned in exasperation.
The final squad member equipped with the DEADEYE-class armor and a brand-new SRS99-S5 AM sniper rifle at the ready voiced the team's opinion in a rather dry tone.
"We went over our objectives four times already. Lighten up Donatello, we were already soldiers before this but now we're IVs. You think these invaders stand any chance against Spartans?" The sole female member said rolling her eyes beneath the helmet.
"That attitude will get you killed one day Rose." Fabio, their sarcastic engineer, stated with a mocking tone.
"You first dickhead." Rose retorted quickly.
"Alright stop it you two. Fine if you guys know everything I'll just summary it to be sure. We get in, locate the highest ranking officer we can find and evacuate. Transport will be waiting and if it's not there we hijack the enemy's craft. Any questions?" Donatello interjected.
One hand shot up.
"Yes Jansen?"
"Who's gonna buy the first round when we get back?" The Spartan with the SAW joked with a large grin plastered on his face.
The rest chuckled but Donatello simply shook his head.
"If you manage to do this mission without one of your terrible jokes I'll buy." He answered exasperated.
Jansen and Rose high-fived with shit eating grins making their leader curse them silently.
The pelican shook heavily before regaining balance. More and more laser fire passed the aircraft as it got closer to its destination. The pilot had to make some risky maneuvers to avoid getting shot down. When the group of pelicans almost reached the star destroyer the two light cruisers aimed their turbolasers at them. Again heavy laser fire rained down upon them taking out two pelicans before they finally reached the hangar.
When they entered the hangar the dropships' front guns roared to life harassing the storm troopers guarding the place. The boarding party wasted no time jumping out and running for the nearest cover. Both marines and Spartans assumed positions before returning fire on the troopers.
Two troopers manning e-web heavy repeating blasters were blasting away at the boarders but the Spartan IV with the sniper rifle silenced them as soon as she got to action.
"Marines, show how we deal with alien scum!" The marines' commanding officer cheered on ripping another trooper apart with her SAW.
The troopers that had been guarding the hangar stood little chance against trained Spartan IVs and veteran UNSC marines that saw combat during the human-covenant war. For every trooper that scored a hit two others were on the ground lying in their own blood. As soon as a gap in the storm trooper lines appeared the Spartans dashed forward slipping into one of the corridors.
"Alright get us a path to the bridge of this ship." Donatello ordered sweeping the small hallway with his rifle at the ready and his finger on the trigger.
"On it." Rose complied bringing up the results of a scan that Eva made. It was a rough sketch but clear enough to have general sense of direction. "We need to follow this corridor which should lead us to some sort of lift. From there we can ascend to the bridge tower where we'll find our target."
"Fabio and Tonkovich take point. The rest follow suit. Let's move out people we're on a tight schedule."
And so the five Spartans moved on with haste yet caution. Their augmented reflexes were sharp enough to react to any surprise. Even a mouse droid got spooked the instant it rolled up and five weapons were aimed at it.
Their augmented hearing alerted them to footsteps further ahead. With a few gestures the fireteam took positions and were ready for the troopers that poured into the hallway. Before blaster bolts were fired bullets found their marks with amazing precision. The storm troopers could only throw themselves at the elite soldiers in the hope of pushing them back. A futile attempt as the shields of the Mjolnir armor fended off the deadly ionized gas.
"We need more reinforcements! Some sort of UNSC super soldiers with shields are tearing us apart!" A trooper reported using his commlink but got silenced by a sniper shot that pulverized the helmet and the head. The corpse fell backwards missing a good chunk of his face.
"More hostiles incoming." Jansen commented spinning around covering their backs as storm troopers came from behind attempting to flank the intruders.
With his rifle barking the augmented soldier tore storm trooper armor apart splintering the white plastoid. Blood painted the grey walls and floor creating a horrific sight. At one point two troopers threw thermal detonators but one got thrown back at them while the other only eliminated shields. It wasn't looking good for the troopers.
Jansen cursed when a blaster bolt his right leg scorching the armor. The heat managed to seep through giving him a very unpleasant and painful experience.
"Almost there! The lift is in sight." Donatello said once the turbolift appeared on the end of the corridor. Only six storm troopers and one heavy trooper armed with a rotary blaster cannon stood in their way.
The heavy fire coming from the heavy trooper forced them to take cover but Tonkovich decided to get up close and personal. With incredible speed he closed in on the nearest trooper and placed a shotgun shell right into the man's breastplate. The piece of armor caved in immediately just like the dead trooper's actual chest. Then he proceeded to fire another shell hitting the second trooper in the leg before shooting the left side of his breast. Three troopers tried ganging up on him but with a shotgun in one hand and a combat knife in the other the Spartan IV killed them with relative ease. The two remaining troopers were so distracted by the danger only a few footsteps away that two well-placed DMR shots hit them in the head.
A frag grenade was all that was needed to eliminate the last obstacle in their path allowing them to take a breather.
"These guys don't know when to quit." Fabio spoke up reloading his rifle.
Jansen scoffed and showed his back where a large scorch mark was placed.
"You can tell they don't have a good aim but once a bolt hits you it does a lot of damage. I can still feel the heat coming off from it." The gunner said unhappy with the fact that his armor had a black mark on it. He never liked battle scars. It didn't matter whether they were on his armor or body.
"You think that's bad?" Rose said showing her left shoulder plate. It was almost unrecognizable and was molten to the point it was completely disfigured.
Donatello shook his head and told them, "We'll moan about our armor later. For now we have an objective to complete."
Just as he said that the three turbolifts opened revealing a dozen of super battle droids. The B2s immediately raised their arms and began blasting at the IVs. Said soldiers didn't hesitate to return the favor. The bullets obviously had less effect on the armored chassis of a B2. The defeated droids toppled over while their allies simply walked over them showing no sign of stopping their advance.
One of the droids in the back raised its rocket launcher arm aiming it at Tonkovich. The rocket was launched in an instant soaring through the corridor. Behind his polarized visor Tonkovich widened his eyes in surprise and rolled away. It saved him but the blast still knocked the air out of his lungs as he was flung against a durasteel wall. With his dazed condition and depleted shields a laser bolt easily penetrated his armor wounding his right leg.
"Cover fire!" Fabio yelled as he sprinted for his downed teammate.
Rose placed a round in the last droid as Fabio checked on Tonkovich. The close quarters combat specialist hissed in pain with the burning sensation enveloping his senses. The laser bolt had gone through his unshielded armor and left a nasty burn wound on the now aching leg. Fabio pulled out a small med kit before applying medicine. After Donatello gave a sign to the rest to secure the area he too checked up on Tonkovich.
"How bad is it?" He questioned without delay.
Fabio gave a small sigh and shook his head.
"The leg is useless at the moment. I treated his wound but he'll need a real doctor. Luckily his armor protected him enough so it only tore some skin and muscles apart." The Spartan replied while putting the small med kit away.
"Sorry for being careless sir." The older man spoke up through the now numbing pain.
Donatello shook his before responding, "Not your fault soldier. Those things weren't easy."
Rose walked up to the three asking, "What now?"
"Fabio you get Tonkovich back to the hangar. Defend those marines and pelicans. The rest of you with me. This elevator will get us to our objective." Their leader ordered.
The Spartans gave curt nods and while both Tonkovich and Fabio headed back to the hangar the others entered the elevator.
Jansen pressed on the button on the wall and soon they felt the elevator ascend. They stood there in complete silence with only the mission occupying their thoughts. Rose checked her clips to see if they were still full while Jansen proceeded to run a quick diagnostic of his systems.
As the turbolift came to a halt the three Spartan IVs raised their weapons. The door opened with one trooper in front of it. By the looks of the storm trooper's surprised posture he was about to use the lift himself and didn't expect three tall armored soldiers to be in it. Before he could raise his blaster he felt his neck snap and then everything went dark. Donatello dropped the dead body and sprinted out of the elevator followed by his companions.
Just as they were about to continue their comms went off. Donatello answered the call as admiral Reaves' ID tag appeared on the HUD.
"Admiral?"
"Spartans we have a problem. A few minutes ago another imperial fleet entered the system. Our sensors picked up several craft flying towards your position. Snatch whatever officer or soldier you can find and get the hell out of there." The admiral alerted with haste and anxiousness.
The Spartan's eyes widened a bit but replied curtly, "Affirmative. We'll wrap this up as soon as possible."
"See that you do Spartans. Retaking Harvest is out of the question at the moment. That intel you can get us could possible become a huge advantage when we receive reinforcements from command. Reaves out." The admiral said and cut off the comm.
Jansen let out a soft curse as Donatello gestured for them to move up. They ran through the corridors watching their surroundings for any possible encounter. Eventually they came upon the bridge. Before they could do anything an officer at the end of the spacious room looked away from the officer he was talking to.
"Close the blastdoors and deal with this threat!"
As soon as the words left the man's mouth the heavy doors began to close. The three Spartans ran forward but just as they were about to make it six troopers came from the sidelines with weapons drawn. The UNSC augmented soldiers opened up killing the first troopers before they could even let loose a single blaster bolt.
But alas they weren't fast enough since the doors finally shut and more troopers jogged up to their position. Followed by the squad of storm troopers two tall droids with cloaks also walked forward. They were humanoid in shape but looked completely different from the machines that the Spartans encountered earlier. The red optics seemed to glare at their enemies and with a quick motion they activated their staffs. At both ends electricity began to sparkle in a purplish light.
Jansen grunted against the powerful yet fast hit from one of the droids that knocked the SAW out of his hands. He ducked under a horizontal sweep from the machine that then threw a punch at the heavy gunner. He parried using his forearms as a shield but the blow still drained his shields and pushed him back a little. The magnaguard proceeded to slash at him with the bottom end of the staff from the right. This time Jansen dodged and threw a punch of his own at the droid's chest. Even with the augmented strength it only forced the sturdy IG-series droid back. The two then continued battling each other.
By now most troopers were downed and Donatello engaged the second magnaguard. Meanwhile Rose dealt with any other troopers that came after them.
The Spartan fireteam leader fired at the droid but it showed to be far more agile than he thought. With a display of superhuman acrobatics it closed the distance and swiped with its staff at him. The movements were fast but to a Spartan's eye it was a normal pace. Donatello evaded as much as he could but again to his surprise the droid seemed to adapt. It started to predict his movements and it became more difficult to block the magnaguard's attacks.
"Take them down as soon as possible! They are able to adapt to our combat style." He warned his team.
"Noted." Jansen replied barely dodging another attack.
Once more the magnaguards pressed on using spins, slashes and stabs. And again the Spartans were forced on the defensive. Jansen saw his LMG out of the corner of his eye. When the magnaguard attacked he dodged and rolled over to the weapon. He grabbed it but felt electricity course through his body. The magnaguard scored a hit against him wounding his left side. Jansen endured the pain as he stood up and opened fire on the droid. Its metal body got dented by the rain of bullets but countered by spinning its hand with the electrostaff in it.
"Oh shit." Jansen deadpanned as he failed to dodge in time.
The spinning staff hit him straight in the face sending shocks throughout his body once more. The visor of his helmet cracked with a piece of it falling off. His exposed blue eye looked up seeing the droid with its staff raised to finish him off. Using the last of his strength he avoided the finishing blow and grabbed a discarded blaster next to a trooper corpse. The droid turned its emotionless head to him and came face to face with the blaster. The blaster roared to life and soon the droid went offline, a small smoking hole where its right optic used to be.
Jansen sighed and threw the blaster away. He stood up slowly and focused on regaining his balance. His body ached all over especially his chest.
"Jansen are you alright?" Donatello asked as the man steadied him.
The gunner nodded, "Yeah I'm fine. Think I got a few broken ribs but I'm okay. These things are a pain in the ass man."
"Hate to interrupt but we got company!" Rose yelled placing another bullet in a storm trooper.
"We can't get through. Fall back to the hangar, we'll pick up some imperial goon on our way." Donatello ordered with regret as he regarded the closed doors one more time.
For the next few minutes they sprinted through the hallway they took initially with great haste. On their way Rose knocked out an officer by the looks of the uniform and threw the guy over Jansen's back. They kept up the pace and finally reached the hangar. Upon arrival the surviving marines along with Tonkovich and Fabio perked up. It appeared they were ready to leave as well.
"Isn't that just a regular officer?" Fabio asked confused by the unconscious man on Jansen's shoulder.
"There were complications." Rose simply answered.
"Everyone get in! We're leaving this place!" Donatello ordered loudly pointing at the pelicans.
The marines piled in taking over the unconscious imperial. Only a few marines that were spread over the area to cover them and the Spartans remained. The first pelican with the prisoner onboard departed leaving only the marines and Spartans behind with another pelican. Before anyone else got the chance to enter the transports a blastdoor opened with a hiss.
The UNSC soldiers aimed their weapons but were surprised by the unknown individual in front of them.
The man, or at least they assumed he was, was clad in black. He was covered in black armor and a black cape as well. There was some sort of device on his chest and in a gloved hand he held some sort of cylinder. Yet what unnerved the soldiers was the head. It was covered by a mask that eerily looked like a skull. The black lenses where his eyes should be were quite ominous. The entire posture of the man was intimidating. His very presence seemed to cool the air and bathe the hangar in darkness.
At his sides multiple robots stepped forward with their weapons at the ready. One even carried a sword on its back.
Then they heard the slow repetitive sound of a breather. A slow deep inhale followed by a slow deep exhale. So on and on. The sound of rhythmic mechanical human breathing created by breathing through a scuba tank regulator was a very good description of what echoed throughout the hangar. The dreadful silence lasted for a few seconds, no one moving a muscle seemingly paralyzed by the very presence of the armored individual.
Then the man spoke in a deep baritone that sent shivers through the soldiers' spines.
"Your UNSC has impressed me. Never before encountered we such advanced slugthrowers nor such powerful armor. They will make fine additions to the empire once we have crushed you." The black clad man rumbled with praise yet menacingly.
"Too bad we can't say the same about your forces." Fabio shot back keeping his weapon aimed at the figure's head.
"You will soon see why you should fear the might of the empire. It appears I will have to give a demonstration of the empire's strength and that of the dark side." The imperial said coldly scaring one of the marines to the point that the man pulled the trigger of his DMR.
The bullet harmlessly deflected off the man falling on the ground. The marine seemed to understand what he had just done as the black helmet stared straight at him. The UNSC soldiers tensed as the man brought up his right hand. Suddenly the marine felt his throat constrict. His squad mates watched in horror as his hands clawed at the invisible attacker. With a single fist motion the marine's neck broke. With lifeless eyes the corpse fell on the floor just like the bullet had done.
The UNSC soldiers turned their attention back to the man who pushed out his arm with the cylinder in it a bit before saying with that same deep cold voice, "Now witness the power of the dark side."
And with that a blade of pure red energy extended out of the weapon.
As soon as the man advanced the marines and Spartans opened fire like the commando droids did. Yet no matter how much they fired at him the bullets deflected harmlessly off him when they got close. He brought up his arm pointing it at a marine and then pulling back. Shockingly the marine also got pulled back by an unseen force. Her face displayed horror and surprise as she flew at the man before getting slashed in two by the blade.
A marine charged him with a shotgun enraged by his squad mates their demise. Before getting close enough the imperial threw the sword at him. He felt the burning hot weapon lodge itself in his chest before being pulled out of it. As the dead body dropped on the cold durasteel floor the blade flew back into the man's outstretched hand.
The Spartans watched helplessly as the marines got cut down without mercy. One of them even got thrown high in the air before descending with a loud crack. Needless to say the marine's bones were shattered on impact. The droids proved to be tricky as well as they jumped across the room with ruby bolts leaving their weapons.
Donatello realized this was useless. He did what he had to do.
"To the pelican now!" He shouted while stepping back and firing at the advancing killer.
Everyone piled in but suddenly Fabio found himself unable to move. His fellow Spartans saw it too late as they entered the pelican before a red blade appeared from his chest. Numbly he watched the red line of energy sticking out of his body. He looked up trying to say one last thing but he couldn't. The red disappeared and he fell on his knees. With one last glance at his team he closed his eyes and let out his final breath.
"You bastard!" Rose roared as Jansen and Donatello restrained her.
The pelican rose up and just before it left they could hear one last thing.
"I am the supreme commander of the imperial military, dark lord of the sith, and your executioner."
"I am Darth Vader."