A/N: Just in time for the end of the weekend (Edit: Now it's Monday, since the site went down last night). I'm trying out new transitioning/time and location notifiers because Doc Manager was screwing my double dashes, but it can't even seem to comprehend single-spaced bold font... Also, I think I made a mistake in here where I gave someone two last names. If someone could find it and point it out, that'd be of great help. I've also consolidated the backstory elements into longer chunks as per greed11's suggestion. Also, I edited the last chapter according to Eipok's information about the Supercarrier. I wrote the chapter before the data from Reach came out, but I should have checked back. It's my error. Oh, and in response to greed11, MACs are spinal mounts because of the massive amount of magnets required to reach that level of acceleration. Coilguns (and railguns) do not produce recoil, because there is no gunpowder being detonated.
Chapter 12: Gunpoint Politics
April 13th, 2653
Sangheili Empire world Harmonious Coexistence
Current Status: Occupied
Remaining Military: 1,000 survivors in hiding
David Xiang stood with his hands clasped behind his back over the world. Even from space, massive firestorms could be seen engulfing well over half of the planet's major cities. Scans showed that a severe population reduction had taken place, and there was almost no resistance left on the planet. However, there were only about twenty-thousand hostiles, and David was itching to have a full combat test of his drone technology.
He was aware of Vas standing behind him. David knew that he couldn't truly comprehend what the alien was feeling, as he never really had a planet to call home. The world really had been remarkable, and it was a pity that it was this one that had been attacked. David knew that he could use the planet's unique history to his advantage, though, in lobbying for his ultimate goals. Everything was a power game, he reflected. It was his nature to win those power games.
"Governor, are you ready to reclaim your world?"
Vas turned, with a look almost approaching sadness in his eyes. "Yes."
David didn't even blink. "Atlantis command online. Raptor drones online, preparing for low-level strikes across the board. Limit kinetic ordinance dispersal to reduce collateral damage. Follow up with hard deployments of non-SecFour marines via pelican dropships to mop up ground operations."
In their slots across the ship, hundreds upon hundreds of AI-guided drones activated and whirled out of their cradles at speeds that would kill a human operator. They streaked down towards the surface in strict formation, free of the thoughts that a human would feel. The dumb AIs that coordinated them didn't, and couldn't feel anything remotely resembling remorse as they configured the ultra-high velocity slugs in the electronically fired assault guns mounted on the front of the drones. As they swooped through the atmosphere at Mach 7, they left a trail of fire in the air behind them.
Three broke formation, targeting a group of defensive artillery emplacements on a ridge. The tanks fired into the air, but flack was never designed to hit such fast moving targets. The assault gun rounds slammed into the ridge, filling the landscape with a tremendous roar and literally pulverizing the entire natural formation. As the rest of the formation split to attack different cities, they reconfigured their guns to fire in half-second, hundred round bursts, to safely eliminate small targets without hitting anything nearby. In minutes, ninety percent of effective hostile forces across the world were annihilated. The marines that followed had the easiest mop-up operation of their careers.
A single Pelican flew into the capital city unescorted. On board were Vas and Admiral Xiang. With resistance largely eliminated and the planet secured, the long process of rebuilding could begin. As the pelican soared above the city, Vas felt his heart fall at the sight of the destruction wrought. The city was in ruins. The pelican set down atop the palace complex, where plasma burns, craters, and heaps of bodies were still lying. Vas took a few tentative steps out, and stood tall, facing the city.
David peered after him. "Will you be alright? The colony needs someone to guide it now more than ever."
Vas nodded.
David saluted, and the pelican took off to head back to the Atlantis. David still had a ship full of marines who needed to go home.
April 14th, 2653
New York City
UEG Capital World Earth
Current Status: Fortified
Available Military Assets:
UNSC Home Fleet
400 Super-MAC platforms
1,000,000+ Personnel
-United Earth Government Capital-
"We can confirm the existence of a potential hostile force across this Forerunner slipspace device. I recommend using military force to secure the device and prevent any further incursions." Admiral Xiang wrapped up his report to the Secretary-General.
She looked quite perturbed at the information. "If it's any consolation, ma'am, your military spending bill that was in all reality pointless and wasteful in peacetime is now good for something."
"Admiral, you've been complicit in a wide variety of deceptions and operations that compromise the integrity of the U.N. Charter. I've let you keep your job because of your invaluable political support from the military-industrial complex, but I'm beginning to think that you're more trouble than you're worth."
David mentally sighed. He knew that any dealings with the civilian government would be difficult. Many still held a grudge against the UNSC for the military takeover of government during the Human-Covenant war. "I apologize again for hijacking your science expeditions ma'am, but this was of vital importance. Rest assured, ONI is not withholding any further information. Also, we've secured two high-ranking prisoners. You may wish to negotiate with them as you wish. That's not my job."
The secretary-general shook her head. "David, what am I ever going to do with you?"
The admiral allowed himself the hint of a smile. "You're going to kneel over and admit my undeniable genius."
She scoffed. "If I didn't know you better, David, I'd call that hubris. As it stands, it is insubordination."
David motioned at the entrance to the Secretary-General's office. "I'd love to keep arguing with you, Nicole, but the prisoners have arrived."
Jedi Master Darrus Jeht and his apprentice, Artrus Orkun, were ushered into the plush room by a team of ODSTs. The Secretary-General wished she could see the troopers' faces behind their polarized visors.
David spoke again, "These are prisoners captured in a short but fierce battle with Spartans. They held their own fairly well. They're the Jedi we mentioned in the report. It's fortunate that we managed to download so much information from the systems of the derelict vessels."
The Secretary-General looked at the robed men. The older one projected an aura of calm and serenity, matching the file's description of a caste of warrier-monks, people dedicated to peace yet unparalleled in war. "Darrus Jeht is your name, yes? I am the Secretary-General of the United Earth Government and United Nations, the sole governing body of humanity in our plane of existence. We possess dozens of worlds, though few are settled. I apologize for having to conduct our diplomacy at gunpoint, but would you like to become an ambassador to us? We wish to have no conflict with anyone on your side of the Gateway."
The younger Jedi exploded. It was quite a contrast to the master's reserved calm. "How dare you insult us! We are Jedi, and your act of war will bring the might of the entire Republic down upon your worthless heads!"
Darrus held up a hand and slienced Artus. "I apologize on the behalf of my padawan. He is young, and easily excitable. I would be honored, but I request that my lightsaber be returned to me, and that I not be held prisoner." Privately, Darrus felt an increasing sense of unease at his inability to discern the Force in any of these humans.
David stood up from the wall he was leaning against. "Ma'am, I don't think-"
"David, you never think when you're around me. You're request is granted... Ambassador. We will send your padawan back to your capital with the Admiral as a sign of goodwill. Where did you get that monster ship anyway, David?"
"Sorry ma'am, but even you don't have security clearance for that, but I do thank you for making sure that the readings on the Solar System scopes didn't make it back to Admiralty. Are you sure the Atlantis is not visible behind the moon?"
Nicole huffed. "Since when does the Secretary-General of the UEG not have clearance? Of course it's of the scopes now. We still haven't replaced all the lunar sensors fried during the Covenant War."
"Since when do Full Admirals in the UNSC have to perform babysitting duties for telekinetic juvenile delinquents?" retorted David.
"Don't speak with such disrespect of a battle-honed Jedi!" Artus protested.
"There's one more thing." David mentioned.
"What's that?"
"In precisely five minutes, there will be an attempt on your life by a suicide cargo freighter." David informed her calmly.
"What? You just sat on that information?" she practically screamed.
David shifted around uncomfortable, "Well, not really. But there's a complex plan in motion that I'm incapable of stopping at this point. Suffice to say, the Second Insurrection is beginning. You'd best evacuate critical personnel. Do it quietly."
The Secretary-General seemed off-balance, unable to believe what was going on. "What about everyone else?"
"The Innies have got spies everywhere. They'll realize that we know. These aren't the fractured rebel groups that have been left over since the War. This is a genuine Insurrection. Ambassador, get yourself out of here."
Darrus nodded calmly and left with the ODSTs.
"Ma'am, please follow me up to the 1,501st floor." David said as he moved towards the other elevator.
Nicole looked around in confusion. "This is the top floor. There is no floor above here."
David ignored her. "Authorization code Winter-Charlie-Four. Override Xiang-Alpha-Alpha-Seven."
The elevator chimed. "1,501st floor access authorized. Xiang override of security protocol accepted. Activating emergency contingency."
"David, what's going on?"
"Nicole, get in right now. Prisoner, follow us." David pulled out his M6H service pistol as the elevator doors closed.
The group stepped out into a sterile-looking room, devoid of any features except a blue interface that Admiral Xiang quickly stepped over to and interacted with. The back wall popped outwards, revealing sets of armor and a few very narrow pods. The front wall separated as well, showing a small ring that lit up with intense blue light.
Over in the back, Admiral Xiang was already equipping one of the suits of armor. He gestured towards a smaller, less overtly militaristic looking suit. "That one's yours, Nicole. It's already fitted." As she suited up as well, David manhandled Artus into one of the cylindrical pods.
"Atlantis, stand by to receive packages."
"Atlantis confirms, Admiral. Standing by."
David pushed the pod through. "See you on the other side, ma'am."
He flipped backwards through the gate.
The Secretary-General of the United Earth Government stood in a suit of armor she had never seen before, about to step into a machine using technology the likes of which were supposed to be alien to humanity. She dived in.
Intermission: A Memory
Young David Xiang carefully examined the bee perched precariously on a flower in the lovely garden in the sky. He was thirteen, and yet his careful, unimposing movements suggested a veteran diplomat under his outside appearance. He carefully made a photorealistic sketch of the bee, without so much as making a noise, labeling each body part carefully. It wasn't often that the man whom his father had watch over him saw fit to bring him to Earth, and he was going to make the most of it. He was aware of movement behind him. Light. Carefree. It must be a young female.
"Strange child. What're you doing?" she asked.
"I am categorically analyzing this bee." he replied with a hint of an unusual accent, not bothering to turn.
"Aren't you afraid of getting stung?" The girl was persistent.
"It will not sting me. If it did, it would not hurt me."
The girl seemed irritated at his responses. "Hey, you're right next to the edge. Do you know how many floors it is down to the ground?"
It was David's turn to grow irritated. "There is mechanical netting installed to prevent accidents."
He stood and turned to face this person. She was blond, light-skinned, dressed as formally as he was. David noted in his mind that she must have been the daughter of one of the patrons of the hotel. "Who are you?"
"My name is Nicole. What's yours?"
"I am David. David Xiang. Who are your parents?"
She shaded her delicate face with her hand as the sun crossed the threshold of the skyscraper. "My daddy's an engineer, and my mom is here with him on a business trip. He said we could have a vacation while he worked. What about you?"
David felt hollow. "I don't have a mother, and I have never met my father."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. He is a great man, greater than I will ever be."
They talked until the sun in the distance glowed a deep orange on the horizon.
Nicole rose as her parents called her. "I'm glad I made a friend here, David." She ran to her parents, leaving David with his thoughts.
"A friend..."
April 14th, 2653
In Lunar Orbit
Dreadnaught Atlantis
David left to pod lying unceremoniously on the floor and palmed the control panel on the blast door before him, revealing the bridge. He heard the portal generator behind him shut off. "Glad you could make it Ma'am. Let's watch the unfolding footage, shall we? We only require a wait of approximately ten seconds before detonation."
She numbly watched the feed as several freighters abruptly altered course, angling towards the UEG capital building. A luxury liner dropped out of the sky as well, and the ships converged on the building in a blinding flash of light. When it was over, the building still stood, but the entire structure was gutted.
David put a hand on the Secretary-General's shoulder. "I've already issued a dispatch confirming you're fine, but you need to come with me. There's something you need to see."
She nodded numbly.
"Helm, prepare for slipspace departure at Sol's inferior jump point. Set a course for Olympus. In addition, please inform Mr. Murloc that I will be needing the people on the list."
April 16th, 2653
In Orbit
Coloniae Primarii Capital World Olympus
Military Assets Unknown
Population: 14 Billion
Nominal Affiliation: UEG
David peered down the wide wall panel viewscreen at Olympus. It was the crown jewel of Project Renaissance, a project that he felt he should no longer keep hidden from the highest civilian authority in the UEG.
"David, what the hell is this place?" the civilian in question demanded.
"Did I ever mention to you that you look absolutely smashing in that armor?" he mused.
"What? Hey! Focus! What exactly is this planet?"
"This is Olympus, capital of the Coloniae Primarii. These colonies are the most important brainchild of my father, William Xiang. You know him as the man behind the massive tube-born baby program to seed Earth and re-terraformed worlds like Reach with life. This is an extension of that program on a much larger scale, across countless systems. There were still sizable human populations on small colonies far away from Earth after the War, and we tapped into those. The other surviving colonies are now the Coloniae Secundi. My father's data projections indicated that with neglect by the UEG during the reconstruction process, they might have formed their own governments. Both groups are governed by ONI SecFour, and by extension, me. We employ advanced social techniques here, where we were free to experiment without traditional moral constraints. Crime is almost zero, and the societies SecFour created are far advanced beyond Earth's. Part of it is the culture. If we raise children from the hour of their births to behave a certain way, to value certain things, and we make sure we do it right, they grow up into the society we want them to. The government here is extremely powerful, yet we don't have people complaining about violated rights. It's wonderful when humanity gets a chance to start anew with the leadership of the old."
"How?"
"Well, we had unlimited resources because of the UNSC martial law. We had the means, and we wanted a better future for humanity, beyond the grievances of old. The government here is ruled by a council that chooses its members from the best and brightest. There is no democracy, no politics, but we ensure the system functions within the rights of man by keeping it in check with an advisory council of AIs. AIs also preside over all judiciary and bureaucratic positions. The disadvantage of an expansive government used to be massive inefficiency. That problem no longer exists. Welcome to the closest anyone's gotten to utopia in a long, long time."
Nicole smirked. "So much for no more secrets, David."
He winced. "Oops."
"What is SecFour, anyway?" she asked.
"It's the newest section of ONI. The entire goal of it is to control the Coloniae, and to ensure humanity's continued dominance and survival from behind the scenes. We will eventually revert control of the Coloniae to the UEG and reveal their existence, but only when we see fit."
David paused. "And ma'am, there is no need to tell anyone else this."
"The things I do for you, David." she sighed.
"And Mrs. Secretary-General, how much would you like to visit Sanghelios?" he asked.
Her jaw practically dropped to the ground.
"I'll take that as a "Very much, David." "
April 17th, 2653
Sangheili Capital Sanghelios
Estimated Military Assets:
200 Capital Ships
50 Defense Stations
Unknown Ground Assets
Admiral Xiang pulled up a viewscreen with the not very happy Imperial Admiral on it. "Xiang, I would very much like to know why human weapons were fired on one of our colonies!"
"I humbly apologize, Imperial Admiral. Harmonious coexistence was attacked by unidentified forces a week and a half ago. I'm sure you received the distress call recently. I authorized a counteroffensive operation after receiving the distress call."
Xylan's features softened slightly. Only a trained human such as David would have noticed the difference. "Then we are ready to proceed with the tribunal."
"Agreed. I had not expected to start stage two this early. I would have assumed that the council wouldn't be as... receptive... to the plan."
"Things were worse than we expected. The circumstances have changed."
"Very well. Initiate stage two."
-2 Hours Later, Planetside, Inner Sanctum of the Sangheili High Council-
Secretary-General Nicole Amandin was completely lost in the architecture of Sangheilios. Vadam was a beautiful state, and the city of Vadam was certainly one of the most beautiful she had ever seen, from the small, rounded structures that served as homes on the outskirts to the graceful and absolutely massive spires that dominated the central districts of the city. The highest of these spires was the Keep of Thel 'Vadam, the center of power in Vadam and indeed Sangheilios, perched atop the range of mountains and facing the large harbour thirty miles away. The purple and silver hues of the smooth, curved structures was contrasted by diverse light and colour. After the War, sangheili culture may still have been militaristic and function-driven, some semblance of culture had finally returned. The phantom climbed up towards the high spires of the Vadam Keep. Nicole knew that under the facade of elegance lay a fortress teaming with enough weaponry to annihilate a battlegroup, but that didn't make it any less wondrous and beautiful.
"It's magnificent, isn't it?" said David, as if reading her thoughts, "The Sangheili never actually permitted me to set foot on the planet."
The phantom gently set down on an extended platform. There was a softly glowing purple path leading to a massive arched door. The path was lined with sangheili that looked like Honor Guards. "Lights of Sanghelios" David whispered.
"Welcome, my friend." a Sangheili said in a low rumble. He was resplendent in shining gold and black armour, with a traditional cape of doarmir fur. "The hearings will begin shortly. We have already brought Vas Jadarn here."
"Have you brought the other representatives?" David inquired.
"Yes."
As they strode through the massive doorway, Nicole whispered, "Friend?"
"Sorry. Did you think you were special? Not that you're not. He father was a friend of my father."
The Council Chambers were filled with quiet murmurings as dozens of the most powerful leaders of every former Covenant race, with the exception of the Jiralhanae deliberated on random matters. A deafening silence fell over the room as the Imperial Admiral and the two humans entered. An indignant kig-yar spoke up, "Why do you bring humans into our presence, sangheili?"
Xylan glared at the offending council member. "They saved the colony, and are vital witnesses to the events that happened there. Or have you forgotten your position, scavenger?"
The Unggoy delegation burst into catcalls and cheering, while the rest of the kig-yar shook their heads and booed.
Xylan mounted the raised podium in the center of the chamber. "My colleagues, we are gathered here today to examine the events surrounding a criminal, cowardly, and utterly pathetic attack on one of our most important colonies: Harmonious Coexistence. Many of us were there when that colony was founded as a sign of progress and peace to come, and the defiling of such a world cannot go unpunished."
Several members of the assembly nodded in agreement, especially the sangheili. The unggoy looked ill at the thought of more fighting.
"Planetary Governor Vas Jadarn has already provided us with testimony on the attack, and we shall now hear from the humans that rescued them. Full Admiral David Xiang, UNSC, please recount your knowledge to our honored council."
David stepped up. "My ship was on our way back to Earth after a meeting with the esteemed Imperial Admiral when we made a short stop. During this time, we were relatively near Harmonious Coexistence, and picked up the distress call from a local comm buoy. We immediately headed to the planet, destroyed one of the two attacking ships, and rescued the planetary governor. We were unable to take on the large battleship that remained over the planet, so we retrieved a much more powerful force. However, by the time of our return, only enemy ground assets remained, which we neutralized with minimum civilian casualties."
The kig-yar looked discontented at having nothing to nitpick about.
"Near the location of the destroyed Ark, there is another large Forerunner construct." David continued.
"I'm sorry, human, but what does this have to do with the invasion?" the lead kig-yar delegate interrupted.
"It creates an interdimensional slipspace portal. This is where our enemies came from. My gathered intelligence suggests a fully populated galaxy, much more expansive than our own, with massive wars being fought with thousands upon thousands of ships at a time, like the grand fleets of the old Covenant before it was destroyed in the Greatest War. Alone, we stand no chance. But if we all stand together, side by side as brothers in arms, we can save each other. Let not the grievances of the past stand between us. The War has been over for a hundred years, yet we still resent each other, and prepare for possible conflict against each other. Can you not see that we aren't the real threat, that by fighting amongst ourselves we let others destroy us? You have all already chosen to loosely work together in the spirit of the old Covenant, but I say we form an entirely new alliance, one that will make the stars tremble in fear and awe."
Xylan stood up and roared. "The State of Vadam seconds this motion!"
Two of the sangheili representatives left, but all the others stood. "Long have our fathers respected your prowess, your tenacity, and you bravery and heroism in the face of infinitely insurmountable odds. We are proud to stand with you."
The unggoy clamored for several minutes before one stood. "The sangheili, they're always really really nice to us. If they think this is good, so do we! We never want to fight, but we will to defend our homes."
A deacon rose in the back. "The Lekgolo agree. They think the benefits outweigh the problems."
The kig-yar snapped at each other, and over half of the delegation left. "Those of use that remain will help you. There were never many of us here anyway. Too many have gone with the Covenant."
A yanme'e flittered up in the background. "Most of our kind are with the Jiralhanae as well, but we will join you."
David elbowed Nicole. "This is the part where you stand up and pledge humanity's support."
"You know I can't do that!"
"I already rigged the upcoming vote that you'll push. Just do it."
"You did what?"
Admiral Xiang unceremoniously shoved her forward.
"I am the Secretary-General of the United Earth Government, the government of humanity. Today, I am glad to join you all in this new venture to preserve peace in our galaxy. Humanity will do its part to help the common good."
Xylan stepped forward. "All willing to join, sign this ratification document. Today, we witness the birth of the greatest galactic power in our histories. We witness the birth of the United Coalition of Species."
The sound in the grand chamber reached a roar as members from every species cheered. David shook the hand of Xylan, who grabbed him in a bear hug. "Stage two is complete as planned."
Intermission: A Memory
Gates High School in New York was a beautiful campus, high-tech and urban in some places and overflowing with decorative vegetation in others. David strode up the steps. It wasn't often that he had a chance to savor the world around him like this, purely because it wasn't often that there was a world around him. Knowing the nature of his work though, he could care less if he had a normal childhood or not. At 17, David was already on the path to becoming one of the most powerful humans in the galaxy, yet his father had just died without ever meeting his son. ONI refused to disclose where and when; they only said that there would be no body and no funeral. William Xiang never existed. David sighed as he perched on a slab of concrete unadorned by flowers.
The bell rang, signaling the end of school. The students came out, some fools, some geniuses, all human. Seeing them only steeled David's resolve, for it was for these people's future that he would fight to preserve. One particular group of young females caught his eye, one of whom was still familiar after so many years. They were busily chatting away about school, friends, and life. David approached them. "Excuse me, but would one of you happen to be Nicole Amandin?"
A girl giggled. "You have a weird accent. Do you go to our school?"
"I do not attend this school. My basic education was completed years ago. Again, I ask, is one of you named Nicole?"
A girl stepped forward, with a curious look in her eye. "Do I know you?"
David let a ghost of a smile grace his face. "Yes. Ego nomen David Xiang est."
The outspoken girl piped up again. "Is that Italian or something?"
"You are irrelevant. It is Latin."
Nicole suddenly recognized him. "You?"
"Upon my 18th birthday, I will no longer be under ONI stewardship," he handed her a datapad, "you may contact me here. I have an important message for you. You see the world around you, you see what you perceive to be wrong, things that should change. You are more right than you realize, but there are precious few who are willing to spearhead change. Follow your convictions, or they are meaningless. If the world's wrong, fix it. I look forward to conversing more with you soon."
He strode away.
"David!" she called.
He paused.
"Who are you?"
For a moment, he had no response. "That, is an excellent question. Perhaps you can answer it."
Nicole was left pondering that statement as the pelican roared into the sky, bright with the afternoon sun. She would continue to ponder it for many years to come.
-4 Hours Later-
"David, you've been planning this all along."
"Have not."
"Yes, you have."
"Nice dress. I'm surprised we had something like that aboard. Did you see that kig-yar councilor? He rather enjoyed the fruit salad, which even I must say was quite delectable..."
"Stop. I hate it when you do that, you know? How long."
"How long what."
"How long has this been planned for."
"Since the day my father died."
For once, Nicole noticed that David's face registered real, unconcealed emotion. He had never known his father, yet he could still weep for him.
He turned to her again. "The Guardian of Sanghelios will return you to Earth. I'll go drop that idiot kid off and begin diplomatic relations."
As the Secretary-General departed, she said, "Try not to do anything stupid, will you?"
David nodded, and waited until he was sure she couldn't hear.
"29th fleet, battlegroups New York through Shanghai, prepare to mobilize."
A/N: I'm finally bringing the two universes into full contact. Expect plenty of political machinations and atypical outcomes. Personally, I think it's going to be quite interesting when Admiral Xiang and Chancellor Palpatine meet. When there are two smooth operators in one room, things can get... messy. And no, I will not do the thing where all the "good guys" get together and kick ass unrealistically. People just don't work that way. That also means that the United Coalition is not going to be all fun and laughs. Again, please review, and for those of you reading this, thanks for sticking with me from the beginning. I know the initial quality was not the greatest, and some chapters have fallen flat on their faces, but hopefully in the end it will have been worth it.