Down on the streets of Coruscant, in Denny's Diner, Confederate, UNSC and New Covenant troops were taking shelter. One of the serving droids fell, a smoking hole in its head. The rhythmic crack of assault rifles was punctuated by the occasional whoosh click of SPNKr Rocket Launchers or Warhammer Class AA/AP Rocket launchers, or maybe the thump of silenced S-207R Rail-Sniper Rifles.
The Coalition troops were supposed to take out or capture one of the surface based anti-ship weapon batteries. The soldiers had breached the outer walls of the compound, but were routed by the superior in numbers Republic forces, outside the diner, bodies were piled up, restricting the fields of view on both sides. A LAAT Tank floated past a burning M808B Scorpion, the turret vaporized. A Confederate MHT-0672 Praying Mantis class tank uncloaked and fired one of her two Pincer class Medium Assault Particle Cannons, then opened up with the 70MM chain gun, peppering the LAAT with bullet holes, one of the two particle bolts found its mark and blew a large hole in the tank, sparks and streaks of electricity were coming out of the hole, the tank fell to the ground with a solid thump.
Three Security Walkers stepped over the piles of mangled bodies and began firing at the windows on the diner, one of the walkers fell to a Sparrowhawk Class Interceptor, another stepped on a Lotus mine, blowing its foot off. The third was undamaged, it continued spraying the inside of the diner with blaster fire. Marines, Sangheili and Confederates fell. One of the rocket jockeys fired at the turntable, the rocket left a trail of white smoke and smashed into the walker. The shaped charge detonated, locking the turntable in place. A Crusader ran out, wielding a mono molecular-energy blade. He jumped and dug the blade into its back, then sliced the legs into eight pieces, and finally cut the cockpit off. Republic soldiers and clone troopers fell, one had his legs torn apart, he managed to crawl a few feet before dying of blood loss, one fell to the blade of a Crusader, he lived long enough to catch his guts. Puddles and pools of blood, spent shell casings, discarded plasma weapons, fragments and shards of armor, splinters of bone and bodies were scattered about on both sides. A UNSC marine had her head blasted off, blood flowed like a fountain from the stump that was once her neck.
Confederate Capitol Planet, Nova Beta Armeston
Date: March 32, 2570 (UNSC Time)
Rustenberg City, Hubnester Square.
"It has been six weeks since the disappearance of the Confederate First Fleet "Liberation" under the command of High-Admiral and President Kazimir McDougal. Princess Meygan of the Royal Sovereignty of Aralonia has just arrived at the council meeting."
The camera follows the news reporter as she runs to catch the princess.
"What will you do to help?" she asked
"As allies of the Confederacy, we will do all that we can to find that fleet. We will contribute all available resources to find Kazimir and prevent him from falling into enemy hands!" Meygan answered
"Thank you." the reporter said "This is Laika O'Connor, now signing off!"
Back at the broadcasting studio, the cameras panned to show the two reporters.
"Now as always, we will end with the section we call the Bright Side!" he said as the screen behind him switched to a different background "Today, there have been significant breakthroughs in the field of biotechnology, a start up firm named Phoenix Rising has developed a new kind of bio-organic circuitry in the form of a tattoo, they call them OC-Tattoos. They allow normal, un-augmented people to interface with electronics ranging from Visual Display Glasses and Multipurpose Wrist Mounted Computers to Starship Controls, these OC-Tattoos are also compatible with several implants like the Virtual Vision Implant from Makayev Interstellar Corporation, or the Data Crystal from Xavier Data-Storage and Processing."
USAF Daedalus, Low Earth Orbit
Earth, Unknown Alternate Dimension
02:32.06 PM
"We've detected several unknown contacts at the edge of our system, profiles show that they're not Jaffa, or Goa'uld, Asgard nor any other race for that matter, sir." the sensor officer said "I estimate five hundred in total, they're heading in."
"Alert the fleet, we only have twelve ships, if they have hostile intentions, then show them what we're made of. But for now, raise shields and power up the weapons." Captain Steven Caldwell said
"They're hailing us captain!" an officer called out
"Put it on."
"This is Admiral Mandala of the Twelve Colonies. You are the Thirteenth Tribe of Kobol, join us in brotherhood." a voice came over the speakers.
"Sir, intercepted communications indicate that they want to subjugate us!" the same officer called out.
"This is the United States Air Force Daedalus, we do not wish to join you. Please leave us in peace, you have ten minutes." Caldwell replied.
"No, there is only one answer, join us please. Reconsider!" Mandala stated
"Leave us alone, you have five minutes."
The Colonial fleet opened fire, railgun rounds streaked through space, followed by nuclear tipped missiles in the Gigaton range. The Earth fleet replied with their own salvo, their railgun rounds merely scratching the massive Battlestar's armor, they were only slightly better against the Warstars. The Daedalus Class ships opened fire with their particle projector cannons, eviscerating the Battlestars and punching straight through them. Fireballs blossomed on both sides, railgun rounds and nukes harmlessly detonating on the Earth Fleet's shields. Several F-302s loaded with naquadah enhanced missiles launched their payloads at the Colonial fleet, fighter bays exploded. A lone naquadah enhanced nuke from the Daedalus. The nuke passed point defense screens and exploded within the edge of the Colonial fleet, a fireball brighter than the sun expanded outward, ripping even the mighty Battlestars apart with its fury, ships exploded, showering their sisters with shrapnel, others were smashed into their comrades, fusing their superstructures together. The fireball dispersed and faded, the fifty odd ships that were engulfed by the firestorm were nothing but floating pieces of scrap. The Colonial fleet paused momentarily, everyone shocked by the destruction they saw, some of the captains considered pulling away from the fleet and initiating jump procedures. After a few seconds of silence on both sides, the Colonial fleet reluctantly opened fire.
Imperial Surprise Attack Fleet, in dry dock
Uncharted Areas, Unknown Outer Fringe World
1200 Hours
"The Confederates have softened Coruscant into pulp. It's time to attack!" A fleet commander announced. Hundreds of blurs sped across space, reaching near relativistic speeds before entering hyperspace.
Confederate Scout Fleet, near Intermis-Galacticum Portal
Thor VII Geosynchronous Orbit, Thor System, Core-Thirty-Two
1100 Hours
"Okay, this is Commodore Alain McHutcherson. Are all ships green?" Commodore Alain asked, they have been tasked to locate the First Confederate Fleet "The Opportunity is ready."
"This is CUS-FFG recognition code Nadazero-Unaone-Kartefour-Niner. Seraph Class "Pathfinder" all systems green."
"This is MRA-FFG recognition code Alpha-Delta-Hotel-Charlie Unaone. Retribution Class "Truthseeker" all systems go!"
"This is the Royal Aralonian Navy Frigate recognition code Halo-Delta-Epsilon-Kartefour. Viscount Class "Raleigh Burke" we are cleared, weapons on-line, scanners are at full resolution, shields active and at full dissipation, sub light drives are at maximum efficiency."
"This is CUS-FFG recognition code Kartefour-Bissotwo-Terrathree-Setteseven. Wraith Class "Spirit" all systems checked!"
"Okay then!" Alain said "Form up around the gate. Activate when ready!"
The five ships formed up around the gate, the Pathfinder transmitted the activation codes, eight yellow beams grouped into two lanced from the ring and stopped at the center, the ring slowly began to rotate. Three bright red beams came next, the ring picked up speed. Five bright blue beams lanced towards the center of the ring. A faint glow appeared in the center, it expanded outwards and grew in intensity until it outshone even the stars! The Pathfinder, followed by the Truthseeker, then the Raleigh Burke and then the Spirit, and finally the Opportunity plunged into the gate, each disappearing in the glow. A static ridden message came from the gate
"-ate malf- s beau-ul"
Confederate Scout Fleet in orbit around H-Congruous planet
Unknown system, Unknown Galaxy
Mission Clock out of sync
"The gate has malfunctioned, we are in unknown territory. But scanners indicate that there is an H-Congruous planet nearby." Alain addressed the fleet "We will send a landing party to see if it is suitable for an outpost. Dismissed."
Several scout drones had been launched, they revealed that there was life on the planet, "scaly four legged chicken thingies!" an ensign commented. The animals were seen feeding on a type of grass, which were feathery in appearance, those scaly creatures were supposedly the largest form of animal life on the planet. They also seemed restless, fidgeting here and there.
A single drop ship was launched from orbit. Its hull glowing red hot during re-entry. It stabilized and communications returned. The ship descended through the clouds and hovered a meter above an empty field. Six explorers in powered exoskeletons and armed with an array of data gathering instruments jumped out of the open bay door.
"Okay, someone will have to get a specimen of that animal we found. Preferably alive. We'll get some clippings and soil samples. We should send a spider drone to check out that tree over there!" a scientist ordered.
Intersolar Commonwealth Navy ship Second Chance, orbiting rejected H-Congruous Planet
HK-22165, Milky Way. Second-56
+1800 Hours.
Captain Wilson Kime looked at the hysdar screen. It displayed six unknown vessels in orbit around that damned planet. The unknowns had emerged from a massive energy spike and quantum disturbance. The Second Chance had been sent to investigate. Kime had not yet given any orders regarding the unknowns.
"Sir, I'm reading several unencrypted transmissions from the unknown vessels to the exploration team and vice-versa. I'm tapping into the feed now." an officer said, she touched an icon in her virtual vision. Voices drifted in from static.
"Damn, I wish I could join you down there. Looks like fun." a gruff voice said
"You know the regs sir. And don't use Kazimir as an example!" another voice said, sounding slightly younger than the previous one.
"The spider drone is ready doc!" a female voice announced
"Good, we'll leave drop it before we leave. And Kat, do me a favor, check the air for any toxic chemicals the scanners might have missed." 'doc' ordered
"Aye sir!" Kat said "The air is safe sir. We can take our helmets off."
Several hisses were heard.
"Damn, this beats recycled air!" an even younger voice said
"Geez, Ric! You'll get used to it, that is unless you're a sissy!" Kat teased.
"Okay kids, stop insulting one another. You'll make the doctor mad." doc said in a tone that was used by lecturing parents.
"Sorry dad." Kat joked.
"Ah, sir? I've got the animal." another female voice said
"Good, Beth hand it over." doc ordered, the clink of metal on metal was heard "Geez, this thing is ugly."
"Um sir?" an apprehensive voice asked "The grass is moving."
"Nonse- oh shit! It's carnivorous."
The hiss of acid being sprayed out was heard.
"Shit! Shit! Shit! Everyone move out, we'll leave the spider drone here."
The sounds now heard were drops of water hitting flesh and metal were now heard on the transmission.
"Sir. This planet is unsuitable for an outpost. We'll have to find another one." doc said
"Okay, once you and your team get aboard. We'll start planetary bombardment, those acids are extremely corrosive and could be used as a weapon by our enemies. Alain out."
"Shit!" Kime cursed "Hail them on all channels!"
"Done sir."
"This is Captain Wilson Kime of the Intersolar Commonwealth Navy Ship Second Chance to unknown alien vessels. Cease your planetary bombardment. You are in Intersolar Commonwealth territory. Bombarding that planet is an act of war! I repeat. Bombarding that planet is an act of war!" Kime said
"This is Commodore Alain McHutcherson of the Confederacy of United Suns Navy frigate Opportunity we are standing down." the person on the other side of the line said.
"Good, state your intention of being here." Kime ordered
"We are searching for our President and High-Admiral. Our jump gate has malfunctioned, we are trapped here in another galaxy or possibly in an alternate dimension." Alain answered.
Kime found this hard to believe.
"Ha!" he scoffed "You must be one of the Starflyer's agents!"
Denny's Diner, Coruscant.
Coruscant, the Galaxy
0100 Hours (1 AM Local Time)
B-Wings were strafing the diner, a few proton torpedoes had struck the ground close to the diner, leaving wide, shallow craters. Bodies were piled on both sides, the Confederates had resorted to using Sentinel, Enforcer and the new Guardian drones to reinforce their dwindling forces. Lasers and crystal shards were streaking through the air to hit home. The Confederates were also beginning to land ever increasing amounts of firepower, the most noticeable of which were the bipedal walkers, most of which looked like birds. Some sporting missile racks, arms crammed with all sorts of weapons. Ranging from slugthrowers to lasers, others bearing artillery pieces, some were huge anthropomorphic giants.
Delta Squad ducked into an alleyway as on of the smaller and faster walkers thundered by, it had the size of an AT-ST yet could reach speeds even speeder-bikes were jealous of. It was chasing down a pack of speeders, their pilots being foolhardy enough to attack it. Projectiles were leaving their barrels at an incredible rate. Lasers sizzled through the air, leaving burn marks wherever they hit. Even missiles were streaking through the air. One of the speeder bikes turned around, and was crushed by seventeen tons of metal. Fixer had attempted to hack into their controls, but to no avail. He was kicked, banned, booted and even counter-hacked by some unknown entity. A Republic Gunship intercepted the walker, and was blown to bits by an even larger, more fearsome walker. Two projectiles flew eagerly at the gunship with a dominant sounding bang, the projectiles left shock waves in their wake, air seemed to flex and distort. The projectiles struck the unfortunate gunship one after the other, the craft bucked one way then the other before exploding.
In the skies, the Confederates were also gaining dominance. The mixed craft ripping X-Wings, A-Wings and B-Wings into shreds before they could get shots at them. And if the shots hit, they just dissipated on the strike craft's shields.
Confederate Flagship Shadow of the Day's Bridge, High Orbit above Coruscant
Coruscant, the Galaxy
0122 Hours
"Black sheep wall!" came over the radio. The voice was requesting a sensor scan.
"Request granted. Power overwhelming!" Kazimir said "We'll break the compound walls for you. Particle Lance in thirty." Kazimir added "WEPSCOM, No glues!"
"Aye sir!" the officer said "Particle lance on your mark, the FROSCH bolt has left the barrel and will impact in thirty."
Kazimir waited three seconds
"Mark!"
A searing white particle lance left the accelerator just before the FROSCH bolt hit the compound's shields, bringing them down. The lance seared through the thick compound walls like a white hot knife through butter.
"Sir, Operation C-Wal." the soldier said, he needed reinforcements "Even though the compound's walls have been breached, they're still routing us. Bring in the Timberwolf II units, hell even the Atlas Mk X units!"
"First Mate! Take command, I'm going in." Kazimir said, the doors slid shut behind him a second later.
Kazimir took the transport system to the mechanized armor bay. Seconds later, he disembarked. He typed in the code, slid his pass card and had his DNA scanned. The large doors slid open with a groan, the lights flickered to life and Kazimir picked out his prized Timberwolf Mk. II, or more commonly known by the Confederacy's enemies as the Mad Cat Mk. II, instead of the silver, yellow orchre and purple markings, it was black, purple and silver. He climbed into its cockpit and began flipping switches, turning dials and pressing buttons here and there. It rumbled to life, screens flickered on and the machine straightened. Kazimir pushed the throttle forward slightly and walked the machine out of the bay. It thundered into the launch bay, a dropship was waiting for him, the ramp down. Kazimir slowly guided the machine into the cargo pod, the ramp closed and Kazimir shut the 'mech down. The dropship accelerated into space heading towards Coruscant.
AN: Don't worry, the Beast's coming soon.
