A/N: I bet you guys have been waiting for this chapter to arrive. Admit it! You were!

Anyway I am dedicating this chapter to a friend and fellow HALO fan, who passed away this week. This is for you Ange, I hope we will meet again.

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[ The Stand ]

"Damage report!" admiral Morrison called out over the alarms, as he and everyone else within the command and control center began to pick themselves off the floor. For just moments ago the Reach was struck kind energy based weapon that caused t he massive vessel lurch violently and knock everyone on board off their feet and onto the floor. Not an easy thing to do to an Infinity-class vessel.

Slowly but surely one of the downed crewmen there managed to pick himself up and get to his console to give his commander a status report. "Shields are down to 40 percent, MAC cannons are off line and the Fortress II defense system is not responding!"

"Sir!" another voice called out from the chaos, "Multiple contacts inbound! Republic gunships!"

"Son of a bitch." the admiral cursed, as he got to the center console and saw the holographic display before him. Which was now show a large number of red, highlighted icons that were on an intercept course to the Reach. "Six, what did they hit us with?" Morrison asked the ship's artificial intelligence.

It took a few seconds longer for Six to appear, but when he did the "Spartan" stated, "It... It appears that were have been hit by a concentrated blast of ionized particles. It... has disrupted a number of systems on board... and it appears that... it has affected me as well."

"What is the status of the evacuation site?"

"It's... it's not looking good." Six replied, as his avatar flickered a bit. "Our shields were able to deflect most of the impact,, but the blast has caused a number of the evacuation ships to... crash."

"My god... do we have any systems on line?"

"We still have communications online, as well as helm and navigation." Six replied.

"Do we have any weapon still online?"

"I still have control of the Onager turrets on the upper decks."

"Target that ion cannon and take it out before it takes another shot at us!" the now enraged admiral roared out, as he slammed his fist down on the panel in front of him.

"Sir, Yes Sir!" Six barked out, as he stood at attention and began to glow bright red. Meanwhile on the exterior of the Infinity class vessel, two Mark/2488 1.1GJ turrets (a.k.a. Onager), suddenly came to life and began to turn into the direction that the ion cannon was located.

Suddenly two small yet thunderous explosions were heard, as both cannons unloaded their 15cm ferrio-tungsten slugs and sent them at their would be attackers with 1.8 gigajoules of energy behind them. Seconds later both rounds found their mark, with devastating results.

The first round struck the base of the cannon with predictable results, as the round smashed through the reenforced concrete with ease and caused the weapon to become off balanced. But it was the second round's impact that finally did the weapon in, as the slug struck the main power couplings of the cannon and caused an unstoppable chain reaction that climaxed with an massive explosion that destroyed the weapon and the building complex it was housed in.

"Target destroyed." Six reported, as the image of the collapsing complex was broadcast on the main holographic projector there.

"That takes care of one problem." Morrison stated, "But we still have to deal with those Republic forces that are en route. How long before we will be in firing range of their vessels?"

"At their current speed, 8 minutes." Six replied with a somber tone. "We still have slip space capability, if we leave know we can escape before the Republic fleet arrives."

"Negative!" Morrison replied sternly, "Those people on the ground are expecting us to rescue them and I will be dammed if we leave any one behind! How long will it take before we can get the Fortress system back on line?"

"At current rate of repair, 45 minutes."

"How many people are still on the ground?"

"35OO, including Trinity team sir."

"Shit." the admiral muttered under his breath, as he began to run through all the facts that he was given to him. Some how the Republic had managed to disable the Reach and leave his vessel almost defenseless. The evacuation operation had been shot to hell and right now there was an overwhelming enemy force that was now threatening to destroy the 3500+ people that were still on the ground.

He could have just done what his AI had suggested and leave the planet immediately. But if he were to do that, then the admiral would have to look in the mirror every single day for the rest of his life, knowing that he left thousands of innocent people behind to an unknown and possible terrible fate. It was a price that Morrison was not about to pay, especially if he could help it. Morrison took a deep sigh and said, "Get me into contact with the Jedi Council and Trinity team."

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The dark lord that was Sideous could not believe what his Sith eyes were telling him. Somehow, even after being struck with an Ion cannon, the Terran's battleship had not only managed to stay in the air, but was also able to destroy the weapon that was supposed to render it inactive. Sure the cannon used was a lot smaller that what what would have been fielded by the GAR, but it still had enough power in it to disable a standard Republic cruiser. True the ship may have been weakened, but apparently it still had a lot of fight left in it.

But the Ion cannon still managed to have it's desired effect, as the blasted had caused a number of those ugly Terran landing craft to lose power and fall out of the sky. How many Jedi were killed by this, Sideous could not say for sure. But the very idea that he had caused so many Jedi deaths in this one attack, gave him some pleasure.

Now it was time for his clone troopers... no, Storm Troopers, to finish off what was left of the joint Jedi/Terran force that was left on the ground. With all their landing craft disabled, there was no way that these Terrans would be able to rescue their people on the ground and they would be forced to leave them behind if they were to be able to escape.

This disaster would force the Terran government and their allies to the peace table, where he would be able to seek an agreement that would be both beneficial to his new empire and place the Terrans at an disadvantage. It would be a "win-win" situation for him. Another wicked smile began to form on his wrinkled face, as he turned his back on the seen that was taking place and began to make his way to meet up with the rest of the remaining senate. Where he would bring up a motion to seek a cease fire with the Terran government, once the battle had ended.

But as he made his way out of the room, the Sith could not have that the battle he had created was far from over. As a matter a fact, it had only just begun.

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Within a matter of minutes, the first wave of Republic fighters and gunships had entered the airspace around the Reach. With ARC170's leading the Republic charge and BTL-B "Y-wing" bringing up the rear, the first wave was met by the Reach's compliment of F-41 "Broadswords" and SCF-44 "Vampire" fighters. But despite being briefed about the Terran fighters and being told that their ships were "primitive" when compered to theirs, the clone pilots soon found out the hard way that the Terrans were more than a match for them. As soon their flight helmets were filled with the panicked cries of pilots, who soon found themselves on the receiving end of those "primitive" fighters.

But the clones pilots were quick to regain their composure, as they began to take the fight back to the Terran fighters. As soon the sky around the Reach was converted into one massive dog fight.

As this was going on the second wave consisting of gunships began to swarm the landing site below and began to fire on the would be defenseless Jedi and their Terran allies. But no sooner had the first flight of LAATs came in, they were met with ferocious ground fire which came in the form of the UNSC marines that had survived the Ion cannon attack. Within a matter of minutes a number of LAATs were forced to break off their attack, trailing smoke as they tried to get away from the relentless and murderous fire of the UNSC ground troops. But their were still many more that were ready to take their place and soon, hundreds of Republic boots were on the ground and were advancing on the Jedi Temple.

The Jedi who were there soon found themselves in an position that they could have never imagined. Here they were now forced to fight off the very same clone solders, who had loyally served beside them for the last three years. The same solders who they had befriended and formed bonds with, and had even risked their lives to save on many an occasion. Now these very same clones were here to carry out Darth Sideous' evil commands and destroy them once and for all. But some how the Jedi were able to overcome this shock and snap into action, as many of them ignited their light sabers and began to engage their former solders.

Still in his spot within the Temple Daniel could see the entire battle take place in front of him, as he occasionally let lose with his SRS-99-5S sniper rifle, in support of the Jedi and marine force below. With predictable and devastating results.

At one point he saw a young, female Jedi with orange skin and head tails, become surrounded by a number of clone troopers and even though it looked as if she was well versed with the two light sabers she had, (the second saber being much smaller), it was only a matter of time she would he overwhelmed and cut down. With the quickness and efficiency and accuracy that came with being an Spartan, Daniel fired seven rounds in succession and dealt several clone troopers a quick and painless death. Giving the young Togrutan enough room to maneuver and regroup with the rest of the Jedi.

But no sooner had he done his good deed, the Spartan IV noticed that a flight of gunships were headed towards his location and from the way they were approaching, Daniel could instantly tell that they were going to make an attack run on his location. Pushing himself effortlessly off of his position, Daniel grabbed his sniper rifle and began to run down a near by hall way for safety. Just moments later the balcony that had once been his perfect sniping spot vanished in a pillar of smoke and flame, as a large explosion echoed throughout the temple.

"Daniel! Daniel!" a voice filled the Spartan's helmet, "Are you alright?!"

"Yea, I'm fine." Daniel replied, "Was long gone before those things fired."

"That's good!" Raymond called out, as the Mantis next to him fired once gain. "Get down here now!"

"Sir, Yes Sir!" the Spartan sniper barked in reply, before he began to sprint down the hall and out of the temple.

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Within a few minutes all four members of Trinity team had reassembled near the wreckage of a downed Pelican and were joined by both Masters Kenobi and Yoda. So far their combined forces had managed to hold the line and keep the enemy from overwhelming them, but the price had been very high indeed. Dozens of Jedi were now dead with hundreds more starting to show signs of battle fatigue, while the UNSC forces were beginning to run low on ammunition and were taking casualties of their own.

All four Mantis' had been knocked out of action by this point and it looked as if the Republic was getting ready to deploy heavy armor, in an attempt to crush them once and for all. But just as things looked as if it were to get even more complicated, a series of loud explosions was heard above the temple grounds. When everyone looked up to see just what was the cause, they were all met with a sight that had them in both surprise and awe.

Bursting through the clouds at an high rate of speed, hundreds upon hundreds of small craft that were of exotic design suddenly appeared over the skies above the city and began to engage the many Republic fighters that had been menacing the UNSC fighters for the last hour. Stunning a number of the clone pilots and causing them to lose focus on the battle. A mistake that cost many of them their lives in a hail plasma.

But no sooner had these new "fighters" joined the battle, more craft that were much larger but just as exotic in design, began to descend from the sky and engage the clone ground forces. Bolts of blue and green plasma shots raining down from the sky and dealing the clone troopers a painful and horrific death.

Soon many of these vessels came to a hover just a few feet over the battle field, large doors on the side of them began to slide open and no sooner than they did, large, humanoid creatures that were dressed in armor that looked almost similar to the ones being used by the marines on the ground, leaped out their craft with plasma swords fully ignited and into the mass of clone troopers below.

"What are those... creatures?" Ahsoka asked Raymond, as she had now joined Kenobi and the rest of the assembled Spartan team at the downed Pelican.

"Those creatures are called the Sangheilli." Raymond replied, as he looked on as the Sangheilli force began to cause major havoc to the clone army. "And I do believe that they have save our skins."

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"Sir, we are receiving an transmission." Six announced, as he blinked into existence on his platform.

"Put it on." the admiral replied, as he moves away from the holoprojector that showed the battle raging around his vessel. Suddenly the image of Sangheilli Zealot appeared in front of the UNSC admiral, Morrison had to do everything in his power to hide is dislike of the warrior species as he said, "The is Admiral Morrison of the Andromeda first fleet, to whom do I have the... pleasure of speaking too?"

"Admiral," the Zealot began, "This is Fleet Master Ka Varkan of The Fleet of Righteous Purpose. We have been sent by request of Admiral Lasky, to help your people in any way possible. What is the status of your vessel?"

"Those bastards hit us with some kind of Ion, energy cannon." Morrison began to explain, "Most of our weapon systems are down and we have been unable to take on any more refugees." at that moment an idea came to the admiral's head, "Fleet master, have your men coordinate their assault with our people on the ground. I have an idea!"

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Within minutes of the Sangheilli's arrival, the momentum of the battle had changed in the favor of the combined forces of the Jedi, UNSC marines/Spartans and now the Sangheilli. With these 3 forces pushing against them, the once mighty clone assault had once again come to a complete halt in as many days. But yet the clones were still putting up serious resistance. Even as the Sangheilli began to slaughter their ranks with little to no effort.

Suddenly a low rumbling began to fill the air around the temple, leading many to wonder just what was going on. It was when some one shouted and pointed into the air did everyone realize just what was going on. The Reach had begun to descend once again, even as the mother of all air battles was taking place around the massive vessel.

Then in an impressive show of skill and maneuverability and skill, the Reach came to a hover just feet above the Jedi temple, destroying the last remaining tower on the building. Suddenly several small yet still impressive doors opened up underneath the vessel to reveal hundreds of heavily armed UNSC navy personnel lined up on the openings. Who then proceeded to fire all their weapons in an attempt to give cover to the marines and solders below.

"There's our way out!" Daniel yelled out, as he switched to his BR85CG rifle and began to lay out cover fire to the retreating Jedi. Who were now proceeding back into the temple, to board the Reach.

As soon as the first group Jedi arrived at the top of the building, the Reach's crew began to help them on board. Where they either were rushed to the ship's many sick bays, or decided to stay behind and help with the evacuation. But with the UNSC and it's allies now in full retreat, the clones were able to rally their forces and press forward with another attack.

Slowly but surely the evacuation continued and soon all of the surviving Jedi were safely on board. Now it was time for the Marines then finally the Spartans to evacuate themselves, while the Sangheilli would be evacuated by the same drop ships that had brought them in. Then after what felt like an eternity, the last surviving marines made it on board the Reach, which left Trinity the only UNSC personnel left on the planet.

"When I say 'go', Mary, Jack, make an bee line for the ship! Me and Beast will cover you!" Raymond barked, "GO!"

Without much of an protest, the medic and the demo expert began to run into the temple and towards the Reach in a hail of red blaster fire. "Beast, your next!"

"No can do sir!" the sniper protested, "I am not leaving you behind!"

"Don't give me that heroic crap!" the Spartan countered. "I gave u an order!"

"and I respectfully refuse to follow!" Daniel called out, as he let loose with another burst from his battle rifle.

"Fine! We go on three!" Raymond replied, as he ejected another empty magazine from his weapon and inserted a fresh one. "Three!"

Soon both Spartans popped out from their positions and began to unleash a constant stream of hot lead. Dealing a swift death for some of the advancing clone troopers and causing many more to dive for cover. This break in the fighting was long enough for the duo to leave their positions and make a run towards the safety of the of the Reach.

Finally after what must have been the longest two minutes of their lives, the two Spartans could see the opening on the Reach and it looked like they were going to make it, when suddenly there was an explosion and the ground beneath them began to give way. With no other choice the duo were literally forced to make a leap of faith towards the Reach and they were just barely able to make it, as they were able to grab on to the hull of the Reach climb into the safety of the exposed hanger bay.

"Whoa..." Daniel panted, "I don't think I could leap that high again, even if I wanted to."

"Your lucky you are getting married." Raymond replied, "Because I would not want to be confronted by your girl, after I killed you."

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"All Spartans are accounted for! All fighters and Sangheilli ships are inside!" Six announced excitedly, "We should get going now!"

"That's everyone! Helm, get us out of here!" Morrison barked out. The young office at the helm did as he was told, as he brought up the full might of the Reach's engines online and began to maneuver the massive vessel away from the planet's surface. Leaving the smoking remains of the once proud Jedi Temple behind it.

Within minutes the Reach was able to escape the planet's gravitational pull and was now in orbit around the city planet. Where a joint Sangheilli, UNSC and CIS fleet was currently engaged with hundreds of Republic warships.

"Sir enemy vessel is trying block our escape route. MACs are still off line and the vessel is not moving." Six informed the admiral, as he brought up the holographic of the offending warship. Sure enough, an Ventnor-class cruiser had moved into the flight path of the Reach and had begun to open up with its multiple DBY-827 Turboblasters. Apparently the captain of the cruiser did not want the Reach to escape but unfortunately for him and his crew, he was not aware of one of the Infinity-class' more unique traits.

Moving at top speed and diverting all available power to it forward shields, the Reach kept its course as it began to close the gap between itself and the hostile vessel. One could only imagine the absolute feeling of horror that the vessel's bridge crew must have felt, as they saw the massive Terran war ship coming at them, showing absolutely no signs changing course. Chances were that was the last thing many of them would ever see, as the Reach slammed head first into the Republic cruiser, causing the Ventnor to break apart in a massive explosion and instantly killing everyone on board.

The Reach for its part was not even phased by the general impact, its shields glowed a golden color as absorbed most of the shock and held. Allowing the vessel an its Jedi passengers to escape via slip space portal. No sooner had the Reach made its escape, the other ships in the fleet began to break off from the battle and began to make their escape as well. Leaving behind a stunned Republic capital and fleet behind to lick their wounds, as well as second guess their next form of action.

The battle of this new war had come to an end and for the Republic, it was a defeat they would not soon forget.