A/N: I originally intended for the battle and the discovery on Gliese 411-d to coincide together in this chapter, but the battle, well, it 'grew' on me. As you can see, it's longer than the usual chapters, like Imperial Moon. That will happen on occasion. Heads up: This Chapter will get pretty violent.

That aside, I'm sure you're tired of hearing from old me. Without further ado, here's Chapter 6! Enjoy :)


Chapter 6: Skirmish Above Aurora

Gliese 411 System

Planet Gliese 411-d, "Aurora"

Covenant Fleet of Valiant Prudence,

Science Lance Alpha

July 3rd, 2551

1:00 AM

"Shipmaster! We've detected multiple starship drive signatures originating near this system's third planet, they are not any of ours!."

Shipmaster Bavo 'Moramee slammed his massive fist into a nearby console. "Is it the Heretics? There were not to be any of their filth in this system!" The enraged Sangheili declared.

"Negative Shipmaster. It appears to be of different design than any known Human vessels. Their engines are also giving off signatures quite unlike those of Heretic ships. They match those of the ships we destroyed. Your orders, my liege?"

"Their kind has tampered with holy relics of the Gods' without approval from the Covenant. They shall all be exterminated for this blasphemy. If they prove as tenacious as the Human vermin, perhaps some will be spared for assimilation to the Covenant. Await for their arrival and then annihilate them."

"It will be done, Shipmaster, shall we inform Fleet Master 'Barutamee of this new species?"

'Moramee let loose a cruel snicker. "There won't be anything left to show him, after we're done. Don't bother."

"As you wish, Shipmaster."

The ships of the Science Lance, dispatched by the Fleet of Valiant Prudence, held position over the icy world of Aurora. Their force consisted of 1 CAS-class assault carrier, 3 CCS class battlecruisers, and 5 SDV-class heavy corvettes.

The Covenant vessels moved into formation as the unidentified species' force, which appeared to be the size of a typical UNSC battlegroup, approached. They were approximately 15 vessels of varying size, the lead vessel, however, was comparable in size to a CSO-class Supercarrier

"They are in range, Shipmaster."

"Fire all plasma cannons! Incinerate the blasphemous vermin!" Shipmaster 'Moramee bellowed.

The ships under his command complied, charging their weapons, and adjusting shields to allow for fire.


Equestrian Imperial 2nd Fleet

EIN Divinity

Command Deck

Luna had seen the alien vessels ahead of time thanks to their ships' efficient on-board sensors.

"Your highness, the Covenant ships have spotted us, they're charging weapons!" A human officer reported.

"Very well. Order all ships to assume formation. Staggered line."

Luna then spoke to the rest of her force over the comms. "I want all Capital Ships in the center to draw their fire, and all frigates to the sides to probe the enemies' defenses. I want the carrier Supernova to maintain a safe distance from the enemy, and provide local fighter support. As for the Divinity, tell our pilots to focus their attention on keeping any Covenant fighters well away from our twin Sovereign cruisers and the Harmony battlecruisers. Were going to need them in tip-top shape when we engage their capital warships. As for the enemy carrier, feel free to drop her shields, but leave her open for the Divinity to engage. I have a hunch their commander is on that carrier, and I would enjoy to share with him the full might of Imperial firepower! For Equestria! For the Empire!"

Her orders were met with cheers all across the comm lines.

The Equestrian vessels lined up in Luna's formation as instructed.

The Princess of the Night stood with bated breath as the enemy ships began their salvo of Plasma rounds.

"Route power to shields!" She bellowed.

The first few bolts struck the Sovereign-class cruiser Eclipse, ignited her shields in a brilliant aurora of heat and light. The other bolts missed or were absorbed by the Harmony battlecruisers Helios and Ares. All in all, the first salvo did no damage, merely lowering the capital ships' shield percentages.

"Time to return the favor. All ships, open fire, main cannons!" Luna shouted.

Her order was met with the report of Magnetic Accelerator Cannons and particle beams. The latter ripping through the Covenant shields like paper, the former puncturing the weak armor of the vessels unlucky enough to have their shields down or recharging.

As the Imperial salvo ended, 1 of the 3 Covenant cruisers had been crippled, and 2 of their 5 corvettes were obliterated, the other 3 taking medium to heavy damage.

The Covenant opened up for a second volley of plasma, this time accompanied by torpedoes. Their lone carrier began deploying Seraphs and space banshees in swarms to try and disable the Equestrian cruisers, just as Luna had predicted.

"Deploy Longswords!" The Princess bellowed.

"You heard the Princess, show time ladies! Time to show these Covie bastards the might of the Airforce!" A squadron leader said over the comms. Numerous human and pegasi pilots cheered and roared their battle cries over their radios.

Hundreds of Longswords disembarked from the Supernova and the Divinity. As they headed out to meet the incoming bogies, the second Covenant salvo slammed into the Imperial formation.

With the torpedoes included, actual damage was inflicted this time. Two of the ten frigates took serious damage, and the shields failed on the second Sovereign, the EIN Everest.

The Covenant fighters, despite taking a heavy beating from Imperial Longswords, were still able to muster enough force to target the frigates, putting a third's weapons out of commission and killing some of her crew before finally being annihilated.

Only 7 of Luna's frigates were now fit for battle, and the Everest had to be protected while her shields recharged. She decided on another general order.

"I want all Capital ships to focus their attention on the remaining CCS-class Battlecruisers. All fighters, move to support them, deploy the Nightwings as well! Frigates, obliterate the remaining corvettes, then move to support the Everest, Eclipse, Ares, and Helios. Supernova, maintain position, deploy damage control teams as needed. As for the Divinity, we are going straight for the Covenant Carrier!"

The crews acknowledge her instructions and moved to carry them out.

The Imperial Capital ships moved to engage the remaining Covenant CCS- class battlecruisers, while the Frigates mopped up the Corvettes, which were promptly turned to little more than molten metal by Imperial particle beam fire.

The point defense beams of the cruisers of both sides erupted out at one another. Within seconds, the crippled Covenant Battlecruiser exploded in a bright blue explosion. It's melted battle plating drifting in every direction.

The EIN Eclipse fired its main particle beam, scoring a hit dead center in the second Covenant battlecruiser's energy projector, destroying the vessel's forward section instantly. Eclipse finished the rest of the vessel off with a flurry of archers and particle beams.

The remaining enemy cruiser attempted to put up a valiant stand like it's sister ship, but it was futile. The Equestrian cruisers' cannons and archer missiles were doing a number on her main plasma launchers, and her point-defense lasers had too many targets to keep at bay. It too erupted in a spectacular blue ball of flames as the massive silhouette of the Divinity streaked past them, heading straight for the lone Covenant assault carrier, now horribly outnumbered.


Covenant Assault Carrier, Divine Crusader

Command Center

"Shipmaster, they have us outgunned! Shall we retreat?"

'Moramme gave out a guttural growl. "I should kill you where you stand for such cowardice. Elites of the Covenant do not retreat! Fire the energy projector, burn the their lead carrier to ash!"

"But Shipmaster, it is the size of.."

"FIRE THE PROJECTOR!" 'Moramee' had drawn his energy blade in fury.

"Firing now, Shipmaster."

The Crusader's energy projector fired, striking the massive enemy vessel amidships, completely bypassing her shields. It impacted the carrier's armor, melting through it and parts of at least seven decks.

"Fire, aga..." Before the Shipmaster could finish, a face appeared on his main command screen. The face was undeniably feminine, and contorted in rage.

"Thou gazes upon Princess Luna of the Equestrian Empire! Thou have trespassed in Imperial space and murdered Imperial citizens without provocation. Surrender thine vessel or we will have no choice but to board thine ship and take it deck-by-deck." Every single one of Luna's words dripped with venom.

"Hubris! Blasphemy! We will never surrender to a lesser race, no force has ever stood against our holy Covenant! I dare you to send your 'warriors' to engage us. We will proudly decorate our corridors and bulkheads with your blood, vermin!" Shipmaster 'Moramee shot back.

Luna's face changed from anger to one of pity. This unsettled many of the Unggoy and Kig Yar present.

"So be it, we offered thou mercy, wretch. Now you will bear the brunt our wrath. Oh, and before I forget...Humanity sends its regards." Luna replied simply, her voice just above a whisper.

At this 'Moramee struck an Unggoy with his blade in blind rage, killing the unfortunate creature. His roars and growls of fury echoed across the ship .

"Shipmaster, boarding craft inbound!" Moramee struck the Elite officer as well, knocking him out cold.

"GET ALL FORCES TO THE HANGARS! PUSH THE VERMIN STRAIGHT BACK OUT INTO SPACE!"

The Sangheili and Jiralhanae officers complied, trying not to show their apprehension, for fear it would be seen as weakness.


Imperial Pelican 057

Inbound to Covenant Assault Carrier,

Divine Crusader

Luna had decided to lead the boarding parties directly. Her sister's warning to not take any unnecessary risks echoed intensely in her mind.

It may be risky, but it is necessary. Leaders that actually manifest in person, who face the same conditions as those who fight for them, gain the most respect and are the most inspirational for their warriors.

"Princess, we're entering the ship's hangar now! The first few teams have softened the defenders, but they're putting up one heck of a fight! We're going to be leaping straight into the frying pan!" One of the pilots shouted at her.

"Fear not, soldiers. They shall fall before us yet." Luna shouted back over the drone of the pelican's thrusters. Accompanying her were the 25 most elite members of the Divinity's marine compliment. Five Humans, three Pegasi, five Unicorns, and twelve Earth Ponies. All of them wore the black armor of Imperial Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, and all were armed to the teeth.

Luna was garbed in near identical matte-black armor, with the exception of her helmet being similar to an Army centurion's, but without the crest. There was also an image representing her cutie mark, scrawled across her suit's chest plate.

All 26 of them had personal shielding, and most of the Earth Ponies and Humans were equipped with M90 tactical shotguns and MA5B assault rifles. A few others sported BR55 battle rifles. The Pegasi trio had armed themselves with dual wielded M7 caseless SMG's along with the standard M6G pistol everypony in the Imperial Marines wielded. The Unicorns, however, chose to use their horns as their main armament, it didn't require ammo, and could be specialized for anything from healing a soldier's wounds and deploying extra shields, to disarming explosives and tossing grenades, and even blasting enemy combatants with raw, destructive magical power.

Princess Luna was the only combatant, who chose to go completely unarmed. She had insisted that her horn's magic would be enough.

"Ready to deploy, your Majesty?" The Pilots asked.

"Yes. Troopers, to Me! Now, we shall contest our hated foe within thine own halls! Art thou prepared?"

The assembled ODST's all nodded vigorously.

"Onwards to Battle then, brave Equestrian warriors!" Luna bellowed. In her armor, she greatly resembled Nightmare Moon, but minus the evil aura. She was nevertheless still equally as imposing.

The door of the troop bay opened, and the large squad poured out into the Divine Crusader's cavernous main hangar. Several squads of Imperial Marines were pinned or advancing as Luna and her force appeared. With their Princess on their side, they all began to drive the Covenant defenders further back into their ship.

Pegasi flew around the hangar. Armed with SMGs, prototype M739 light machine guns, and confiscated needlers, the fliers cut through hordes of the aliens, as well as the swarms of buggers that tried to knock them out of the air. The floor, platforms, and balconies were soon littered with dead or wounded Yanme'e.

"That's right my brave warriors, crush them! Show no mercy for all those who resist us! Make them pay for their transgressions!" Luna shouted in the Royal Voice.

Plasma fire met bullets and magic beams as the battle in the hangar raged on. Equestrian shields could shrug off energy weapons far better than Covenant ones, while the Elite's shields were almost useless against the Unicorns' destruction magic.

Dozens upon dozens of Sangheili fell as their shields ruptured from spells, only to then be cut down by Imperial bullets. Kig Yar defense gauntlets were almost as equally useless and they, with their Unggoy compatriots, were killed in droves alongside their Elite commanders.

On the opposite end, very few marines, Pony or Human, were killed. Most who were became so when they got too cocky and attempted to rush enemy barricades, getting overwhelmed. The floors of the hangar bays were running with purple and fluorescent blue blood.

The only areas of the ship that could hold the Equestrians back for any effective length of time were those guarded by Hunter pairs, Jiralhanae, and Sangheili Zealots armed to the teeth with energy swords, plasma grenades, plasma repeaters, and fuel rod cannons.

As Luna stormed through the ship's massive corridors with her ODST's, massacring whatever Covenant they came across that put up a fight, they encountered one such group of zealots after 30 minutes.

This group was a particularly large one that had taken cover behind numerous energy shields and stacked purple crates. They were backed up by over two dozen spec-ops Unggoy, a Jiralhanae chieftain with his pack brothers, and Kig Yar majors, and all were guarding a central massive door.

Looks like we've found the rat's hiding spot. Luna thought with malice. Upon seeing the defenders, the Moon Goddess unleashed her most intense battle cry yet.

In the Royal Voice, she bellowed, "We are upon thine doorstep, insolent worms! I now, give thou one final chance to surrender and accept our generous mercy, or meet thine doom at our hands and hooves!"

A zealot in blood-red armor, who appeared to be the group's leader, answered back.

"We are the Shipmaster's most favored warriors. If you wish to face our commander, you must first face us, Heretic."

"THOU DARE TO DEFY OUR OFFER OF MERCY A SECOND TIME! IS THEIR NO LIMIT TO THINE ARROGANCE AND PRIDE? VERY WELL THEN, 'WARRIORS'. FACE THE MIGHT OF OUR EMPIRE!"

The midnight-colored Alicorn finished her final word 'empire' with a stamp of her armored hoof. It hit the metal floor with such violent force that it left a dent four inches deep.

"ODST's, Marines forward advance! Crush these prideful fools so that we may confront thine vile ringleader!"

Her command was met with a massive chorus of "Hurrah!" from all the Ponies and Humans who now stormed down the corridor. As they did so, many of the humans tossed fragmentation and magic grenades, as Unicorns raised shields to aid their advance.

Fuel rod rounds slammed into the shield Luna had erected around herself and her squad. The shield appeared whenever it was needed, saving dozens of the Marine's lives.

The Unggoy and Kig yar fired their needlers and plasma pistols, many fired off charged shots in a desperate bid to break the Equestrians' shields, but to no avail.

Despite the firepower arrayed against them, the Marines slowly advanced ever forward until they were finally upon the enemy's makeshift barricades. The next few moments would see violence nopony would have ever thought the Equestrians capable of before.

Entire squads of Marines went hand to hand against the sword wielding zealots with magical energy broadswords and combat knives. Shotgun wielding Humans and Earth Ponies blasted hapless grunts and Kig Yar to pieces, while many more were cut down by assault rifles. Fragmentation Grenades detonated, obliterating energy shields and their users, denying the Covenant precious cover. Luna herself cast several attack spells, killing specific elites who appeared to be directing the smaller aliens.

A stray Sangheili swordsman attempted to end the Princess' life, managing to just graze her flank with his blade before her forehooves struck him with enough force to shatter his torso and damage numerous vital organs. The Elite warrior still managed to stand, though and lunged at Luna once more. She finished her assailant with a charged spell attack, disintegrating the alien's body above his waist. Her graze began bleeding as the cauterised flesh broke open. Luna quickly healed it with a spell, then the wound was gone.

One human began violently punching a wounded zealot in his mandibles. "This..is for Eridanus II...this one's for.. Actium! Circinius... IV! This one's for Arcadia! And this... THIS ONE'S FOR HARVEST, YOU COVIE PIECE OF SHIT!" Purple blood sprayed everywhere as the older woman buried her knife deep in the alien's skull.

Luna paused to watch as two humans and two pegasi worked together to tackle the Jiralhanae Chieftain. One of their human squad members was on the floor, crushed to death by the Brute's massive hammer. The Chieftain was able to bat one pegasus to the ground before they all dug their knives into the massive ape-like alien, who finally toppled over like a brick wall.

By now, only a few zealots and three surviving brutes still stood with their backs to the massive door. The slaughter had stopped as both sides stared at each other with white-hot fury.

Princess Luna approached them, her coat and armor a sickly rainbow as it was splattered with red, purple, and blue glowing blood. She had a spell charging in her horn.

She stared at the aliens as a cat would a fat, juicy mouse. "We will at last, one final time, extend our hand in an offer of mercy. Such fierce fighting is admirable, but what thou fights for is not even worthy of our pity. I OFFER ONE FINAL CHANCE FOR SURVIVAL. LAY DOWN YOUR ARMS!" Her voice was firm as a granite cliff, and her gaze was enough to make the mightiest Jiralhanae quake with fear.


Divine Crusader,

Command Center

Shipmaster 'Moramee and the remainder of his crew had heard all the fighting, shouting, and gunfire outside the main entrance.

Many of the Elites present silently wondered why they had not been allowed to join their brothers in honorable combat. The Unggoy shivered and shuffled around nervously. The Kig Yar chattered quietly amongst themselves, their shields and pistols trained on the main door.

What they had heard the booming voice shout next had truly put them on edge. It was clear the enemy would be on them at any second.

"I OFFER YOU ONE FINAL CHANCE FOR SURVIVAL. LAY DOWN YOUR ARMS!" The mighty voice bellowed.

Then, an unnatural silence reigned for several seconds. It was summarily broken by a murmuring of voices, then, the sudden detonation of the door in a torrent of blue-purple energy.

Through the smoke stormed Princess Luna and her ODST's, carrying their zealot and brute captives with them. The staff of the room raised their weapons, but hesitated to fire for some reason.

"Shipmaster Bavo 'Moramee! It is you we have come for. Surrender thyself and all thine crew in this room shall be spared!"

'Moramee let loose an insane chuckle in response.

"You really think we will betray the Hierarchs for the likes of you and the Human filth? We will all fight you to our last breath! Is that not correct, my brothers?" 'Moramee turned to his fellow Sangheili. None of them moved or said anything.

The Shipmaster looked to each of them in disbelief. "What cowardice is this! Fight them, they are Heretics! FIRE YOUR WEAPONS, OR BY THE PROPHETS, I SWEAR I'LL..."

'Moramee's tirade was cut dead short as he fell to the ground, beheaded by one of his own officers' swords.

Every living thing in the room, even Luna, let out a gasp of surprise.

The Elite officer who had ended the Shipmaster's life approached Luna, who instinctively tensed up as he drew nearer. He stopped and addressed her.

"We apologize for our Shipmaster's arrogance and his cowardly conduct. On Sanghelios, he would be considered one of the lowest dregs of society. Unfortunately in the Covenant, it would seem such behavior is fit for prestigious leadership. I and my colleagues here have decided that any Covenant that would consider such vile scum a hero, is not worthy of fighting for. It has brought me great pleasure, but little honor, in having to dispose of such a nishum,* as Bavo 'Moramee."

The Princess took this startling turn of events all in.

"I see. As promised, you will all be spared, but thou will not be granted amnesty. Thou shalt all be taken as prisoners of war for the duration of this conflict. However, if you were to tell us what it was thine ships were looking for here, we could consider making thine interment, far more...accommodating."

The Elite nodded at this. "We were dispatched here by our fleet master to hunt down a Forerunner facility said to be interred within this world's ice sheets."

Luna pointed her foreleg down, indicating the planet they were orbiting above. "You mean planet Aurora?"

He nodded once more. "Indeed. We were told that the facility possessed many gifts that our Lords had left for us when they passed beyond. We were to excavate the facility and confiscate anything of value discovered within for study. When we discovered your surveying team, 'Moramee did not hesitate. Instead of trying to initiate peaceful contact, he ordered us to bombard their research outpost."

The Elite tried to look at Luna with an apologetic expression. "I assure you, we were greatly appalled by his order, but none of us were in any position to defy him, until your arrival. And we did not realize you were sided with..Humans."

Luna gave a deep sigh. "What is thine name, Sangheili?"

"You may call me Toyah Kusovai, my lady. The 'ee' no longer carries its honor to us." The Sangheili aristocrat bowed at Luna, his comrades following suit."

"Very well, Kusovai. Prepare thyself for questioning and internment in Imperial facilities. As I have said, the more thou cooperates with us, the more pleasant thine imprisonment shall be."

"Thank you, o' graceful One." Kusovai replied.

"Sergeants, escort these aliens to the Divinity's brigs. Do so with the remaining crew as well. Once cleared, I want this ship cleaned up, searched for any tracking systems, and then towed back to the Moon for decommissioning and study."

The Imperial Marines saluted with their hands and hooves, and complied. They confiscated the aliens' weapons and ushered them out of the room under heavy watch. Luna then turned to one of the leaders of the Corps' tech specialists, a Unicorn.

"Have thine specialists begin scouring and studying this vessel and it's data banks. I expect at least partial data on its interior workings, vehicles, and weaponry, as well as data on Covenant fleets and worlds by the impending sunrise."

"Yes your Highness, we shall commence examinations at once!" The Unicorn acknowledged.

She then turned to a nearby Marine officer. "Major, what are our losses?"

"Your Highness, Of the 300 marines who boarded the vessel, medics report at least 28 marines are confirmed KIA, and just under 100 are being treated for plasma burns or minor injuries." Luna nodded, indicating she understood.

"This is Princess Luna to all Imperial ships. I want all able vessels to assume defensive formation above Aurora. Marines are to establish forward outposts on the surface, and stand by to receive researchers from IMTECH* and Imperial Intelligence. All damaged vessels are to report to the Supernova for escort back home. Oh, and Divinity actual?"

"We read you, your Majesty. How can we be of service?"

"Prepare thine heavy lift gear. We are dragging this captured vessel home in a few hours' time, and send me a D-77 Pelican. I wish to return to Canterlot immediately to inform the Empress of our victory, and of what we've learned about Aurora."

"Of course, Ma'am. Divinity Command, over and out."


*Nishum is a Sangheili word meaning "worm" or "intestinal parasite". It was originally used to refer to Humans by some Covenant Elites.

*IMTECH is the abbreviation for the Imperial Ministry of Technology. The researchers in question will be part of the Ministry's new Xenoarchaeological Division.

Hope you liked it! To tell you the truth, this is my first true battle scene I've ever written, so if you see anything that could be improved, don't hesitate to leave suggestions in that handy little box below, or PM me. Thanks!