respective owners.
"speech"
"radio/hologram/etc. communication"
Ship Names
'thoughts'
You get the point.
Chessuschrist15 and connormce10: I know my grammar sucks ass, I tried getting a beta but each I contacted either refused or failed to get back to me. I am still actively looking for one but so far not much luck.
The Prime Chronos: No shepard isn't dead
Janny092: Specifically Tevos is playing with fire. The Salarians aren't that stupid and the turians are working with the Humans so far.
"I will ram my own ship into the sons of bitches before I let a single one of their damn tentacles touch earth soil"
- Fleet Admiral Steven Hackett to his bridge crew during the first battle for earth of the Reaper War. 2596 October 9th
2584/2174CE July 6th, Amada System, Omega Nebula, Alien ship
A bullet hit Carters helmet harmlessly being stopped by his shields as he ran for cover. "Damn, Noble 3 and 4 move to the right flank and help the marines there before the bugs breach our defenses!" he gave out orders to his 2 squamates as the aliens assaulted their position wave after wave after wave.
Noble 2, or more commonly known to her squad as Kat, ran next to him hiding behind the same wall he did reloading her magnum, her rifle running out of ammunition long ago. "Didn't work out as we thought huh?" she asked as she peaked around the corner taking out 2 bugs before hiding as their comrades returned fire.
"Not now Kat, you can chastise me after we are out of here" he said as he emptied his magazine into 4 Bugs trying to flank 2 marines behind cover. He glanced at Noble 5 and 6 seeing as they had the most ammo left he came up with an idea. "Five, Six! Move down the center and get to the door and close it. Three and Four assist them from the right. Kat you are with me" he said as he ran out of cover to the left.
Kat quickly ran behind him taking out every bug that stood in their way as 5 and 6 ripped and shot their way through a literal horde of bugs and weird abominations. The marines noticing this quickly moved to help the Spartans. Either by taking down entire groups of bugs from behind of cover or drawing fire away from the spartans.
Noble 5, or Emil to his squad, had to admit he enjoyed this a bit too much. It was like fighting nothing but grunts with rocks. He was stuck in a endless cycle of using his shotgun until he emptied it and switching to his knife as Six covered him until he loaded his shotgun again. Which he did fast. Six only having his MA37 and a magnum as spare wasn't doing so bad either as they pushed through the horde to the doors.
Getting closer to it both 1,2,3 and 4 supported them from both flanks as they worked on getting the door shut just like the last 2 times seeing as Emil wasn't that good with tech he let Six handle it, the door closing withing a few seconds as Six already remembered what had to be pressed to close the door.
The rest of the bugs got wiped out rather fast as they were not cut off from reinforcements and the spartan-marine force wiped out the rest earning a short break before the doors would open again with a new horde to kill.
The spartan team got together Carter asking how much ammunition was left and the answer didn't make him happy at all. Kat was down to her last 2 magnum magazines. Jun down to his last DMR mag then 3 magazines to his magnum. Emil had enough shells for 2 full shotgun loads. Six was down to his last MA37 mag then it was his magnum with 2 magazines giving 1 of them to Kat. George was on his last 60 rounds for his gun with his bare fists remaining after that.
The marines weren't any better as they also were fighting with either their last or second to last magazine. 3 Grenades was all that they had in terms of explosives for a group of 15 Marines and 6 spartans.
As luck would have it. The UNSC arrived contacting Carter. "Noble leader, this is Rear Admiral Shepard of the UNSC Enterprise. We are currently moving into position to assist you all as soon as possible, what's the sitrep?"
Carter smiled under his helmet "Admiral, this is Noble leader, we are low on ammunition and have 3 wounded with us. We stopped the Alien attack for a moment but in a few minutes they will resume their attack on us."
"Copy that Noble leader, we will send reinforcements as soon as possible" no sooner did the admiral close the comms channel did the doors they just close start creaking, not from trying to be opened but because something was hitting it on the other side.
The doors started to glow a faint orange before turning to red and then exploding outwards leaving a big hole where the doors used to be. Out came a flying dark grey bug with skulls inside of its mouth. Its 4 eyes started glowing a shade of blue before it shot out lasers from them at Noble team. All 6 of them jumped away from it quickly regaining their stance and running for cover while shooting back at the thing.
As the grey flying thing cleared the now destroyed door, aliens started rushing in, one of them stopped abruptly before rising in the air with golden trails and ripples appearing on its skin and a booming voice declaring "Assuming direct control" followed by a small explosion from the alien and it falling back to the ground.
It looked at Carter and spoke "Human, your struggle is pointless. You are delaying the inevitable by being in the way of progress" Carter attempted to shot the bug in the head but for the first time on this ship the bullet got stopped by a shield of sorts "Pitiful attempt at destroying this form. Know this as you die in vain, your worlds will fall, your leaders will bow before us as is their fate"
When it stopped talking it threw a fire ball in carters direction. He tried avoiding it and he narrowly did as the thing had some sorts of homing system on him. Even with a miss it passed very close to his armor and his shields activated quickly being drained to 50%
He stood up and quickly returned fire at the alien, Kat and Six doing the same while the others focused on the gray flying machine. The 3 of them broke whatever shields the bug had and as they killed him he turned to ash and spoke again "Kill one and one hundred will replace it" before overtaking another bug.
"I am the harbinger of your destruction; I bring punishment for your and the disappointments crimes" is said as it threw 2 fireballs at six and kat and opening fire at carter with its rifle.
"This is getting harder and harder" stated Kat as she emptied her magazine into the bug and loaded her last magazine into the magnum.
"I know Kat, we just need to hold out long enough for our reinforcements, we cant leave the marines behind" replied Carter
"Your time is at its end Human, give up and your salvation-"
the glowing bug was cut short as something crashed through the roof right on top of it throwing up a large dust cloud
A silhouette of a figure could be seen in the smoke alongside of 4 red lines where its eyes should be. A cold robotic voice said "Target acquired, opening fire" as it let out a hail of bullets on the flying machine. As it walked out of the smoke they Spartans spotted a robot in UNSC Marine green with the UNSC logo on its chest holding a SAW machinegun.
Quickly 5 More things crashed through the roof of the engine room all 5 being these robots that moved unto assisting the Marine and Spartan force. One of the newly dropped robots held a rocket launcher that he pointed at the roof they just came through and spoke "Friendlies detected, move to minimum safe distance. Use of High Explosives imminent" some marines moved away from their cover as it was right under the roof of where the thing was aiming.
It shot out 2 rockets and threw the launcher to the side taking the shotgun it had on its back and joining its brethren in fighting the aliens. The 2 rockets impacted the roof destroying the now weakened structure opening a hold to space. In the hole they saw the familiar underside of a UNSC frigate and SOEIV pods flying their way.
The pods crashed into the ground throwing several marines off balance as they did. Then followed by the sound the marines never thought they would love to hear. The small explosives of the hatch being blown open and men in jet black armor running out of them, weapons raised and firing at anything unfortunate enough to stand Infront of them.
Many marines slumped down as they knew that with the arrival of the ODSTs the robots and most definitely more marines and supplies. Their job was done. Carter could only sigh as he knew the real job began here, the ship needed to be cleared out and then they would return to the UNSC to fight some other threat. The job of a spartan was not an easy one.
2584/2174CE July 22nd, Trebia System, Palaven
Normally the sight of Non-Turian warships in orbit above Palaven would mean one thing. That the citadel species were losing a galactic war and they were losing it hard as the last time it happened was during the krogan rebellion that ended as they began. In bloodshed.
Parked between Palaven and Menea was a detachment of the UNSC 5th Fleet and a detachment of the Fleet of Glorious Retribution, flanked on all sides by Turian warships. But unlike during the krogan rebellion centuries ago. These ships weren't here to conquered the Turian homeworld as in the capital city down on palaven talks were taking place.
Siting around a large round table reminicint of an old human tale of knights were the leader of the Turian people, Primarch Fedorian, and his most trusted advisors.
The Admiral of the 5th Fleet, Admiral Hackett flanked by 2 of his rear Admirals, Admiral Shepard and Admiral Mikhailovich, alongside the General in Charge of All Marines, ODST and N7 forces in the Mass Relay network, General White.
The Fleetmaster of the Fleet of Glorious Retribution, Fleetmaster Rtas 'Vadum, flanked by the Commander of Special Operations Xoso 'Muhamee.
The 3 Parties were currently waiting until the Human technicians gave the greenlight that the room was secure. Which unfortunately it wasn't as up to that point 6 listening devices were found. 4 belonging to the STG while 2 were unknown. Eventually the go ahead came as no further bugs were found and the meeting could begin in ernest.
The 3 parties started with their first agenda, joint patrols. To that Admiral Hackett pulled out a small chip from his uniform pocket placing it on the table where it showed a hologram of the known galaxy with rough lines in different colors that symbolized borders. With the Turians having the largest territory on paper due to the nature of Mass Effect technology.
The Turian Admiral, Admiral Kandros, began talking "Our most patrolled routes that we are hopeful for your help are currently The Batarian Border" The batarian border quickly got highlighted on the hologram displaying how it bordered both Turian and Human space "As well as the border with the Terminus systems" The rough border of the Citadel and Terminus space appeared on the Hologram cutting the Galaxy in Half.
Admiral Mikhailovich stood up to ask a question and all eyes turned to him "If I may be so blunt admiral, but if the Terminus is such a problem why not just resolve it by going in and cleaning up the region? From what we have learned and you told us the past few days over 85% of Pirate gangs operate out of the Terminus. The 3 largest mercenary gangs operate out of that part of the galaxy as well. Wouldn't it be better to go in and clear out the Terminus systems once and for good?"
General Desolas spoke up in defense of Admiral Kandros "Admiral Mikhailovich, if we would go in and 'clean up' The Terminus systems, Millions would die not to mention of the economic requirement to do it as well as potentially starting a war with the Geth and while we would love nothing more then actually clear the Terminus systems out, the rest of the council might not agree to it. Compared to the UEG and Sangheili Sovereignty we have rules that we need to follow"
"Are you suggesting we don't have any rules General?" Mikhailovich spat out
"Torfan is a clear example that you don't" responded Desolas
This remark brough a angry expression unto the face of the Humans and especially the Sangheili "You should watch your tung Turian, do I have to remind you who here doomed a species to a slow extinction twice over?" remarked Rtas
Fedorian was already fed up with the bickering "Enough! We are not here to discuss ethics of our militaries. We are here to discuss joint Military deployments"
Hackett spoke up "Indeed we are" he motioned for Mikhailovich to sit down as now Hackett stood up "My fleet is already patrolling our batarian border and we can spare a few dozen frigates to help cover the Turian-Batarian border if you extend the same curtesy" Admiral Knadros nodded to that "The Terminus systems is another matter entirely.
The Turian Hierarchy only borders a part of the eastern border sharing the border with the Salarians while the western border entirely belongs to the Asari. The Turian navy might be allowed to operate in those areas but the UNSC isn't. Our reputation inside of the Citadel Space is not the best and our Opinion of the Asari and Salarians is less then stellar. As such we can only provide assistance on the small section of the Terminus border that belongs to the Hierarchy nothing more"
Fedorian responded to that "That is understandable and we are thankful for even the slightest help"
Rtas stood up this time "We are too far away to provide ships for patrol of these borders but we are more then willing to help in patrolling our joint border Turian. I have receive reports that Kig-Yar pirates have already attacked several of your transport ships. My crews are ready to fight the trash at any time if you give us the permission to enter your border region"
Fedorian looked at Kandros and Desolas who both nodded to him "That is acceptable Fleetmaster. We are happy for the help"
Hackett spoke up again "What my colleague said regarding the pacification is true. The Patrols on the border are only a temporary measure and while I understand that you cant send a fleet in to deal with the problem there exists the possibility of a dedicated strike force made up of our 3 nations to deal with the Terminus systems"
Kandros "We cant spare any ships at the moment as we are stretched thin with barely any ships to assign to patrol routes. I would be more then happy to deal with them but I am missing ships to even cover our own colonies and borders, attacking the Terminus will be the breaking point for our Navy"
Rtas spoke up with his idea now "How about we assign Special forces to deal with the trash. My Warriors would be more then happy to work with the Imps perhaps even demons of the humans and Turians, you seam a honorable race"
Desolas responded "That could work, small strike teams composed of joined Special Forces teams would require a minimal ship presence. That wouldn't demand high ship numbers and provide us with deniability in case the Asari decide to move from their blue behinds to whine about it. But that comes with its own problems. Mainly each of our forces don't know eachother or how the other operates. A Joint training regime would have to be set up to allow for such operations"
General white spoke up for the first time since introducing herself "That is a interesting proposition I am willing to assign a commando group in training to this project and even a whole training facility to accommodate the training regime. If it bears fruits I will be willin to assign more teams to this joint deployment"
"A single commando Team? We are talking about the whole of terminus against them and you are willing to provide only a single commando team that hasn't even finished training?" Asked Desolas not sure if the Human was joking with him or not
"I don't trust you turians just yet. Until I see results I am not going to assign any more teams to this. They are busy enough as it is. A Single commando team will suffice for now" responded White.
Desolas huffed "Fine, we accept"
Rtas responder "As do we"
"That only leaves who will be in charge in question but that can be decided at a different time" said Hackett as he took the stage "I suggest we conclude the talks for today and reconvene tomorrow" He gave a look to Rtas who nodded and then both of them looked at fedorian who understood what they wanted. The 3 of them waited for everyone else to leave and for the door to close.
"How long?" asked fedorian
"Harper said new estimates give us 15 years at best, but the more realistic outlook is 7 years now" said Hackett
Fedorian stood up and walked up to the window of the room looking unto the setting sun over the city. "What do you plan to do?"
"We plan to fight whatever is to come" Responded he and Hackett approached Fedorian each standing at either side
"And because of that, we have this" Said Hackett as he turned around to go back to the table they were talking just a few moments ago.
"Jeanne if you could show the ship" Said Hackett which caught Fedorian off-guard especially since a female voice soon answered.
"Naturally Admiral" and the Galaxy Hologram was replaced by a ship with a similar design to the Human frigates in Orbit.
Now Fedorian approached the table alongside Rtas. Rtas for his part was very familiar with the ship and honestly thought he would never see it again after its production was discontinued and the Navy pulled it out of service.
"This, Primarch, is a Paris-class Frigate. It has been pulled out of service a good time ago after a long service life. You probably already heard about the war between Humanity and Covenant from Asari learning our history. This ship alongside 2 others was the workhorse during the war. Its design was refined many times to ease production as such, we believe it shouldn't be a problem for you to build. Ofcourse we would have to train the first crews, engineers and technitians on how to operate, repair and build the ship. Not to mention teach you about Slipspace." Said Hackett
"What brought this up now Admiral? I cant imagine you are giving this out of the good of your heart, especially since our alliance is new and many inside of the hierarchy still don't trust you" asked fedorian.
"We are giving it to you because we don't know what is coming, we don't want to be caught with our pants down and have the Turians be a liability rather then an asset. This frigate has firepower comparable to some of your dreadnaughts while also being faster, move maneuverable and better protected. You bypass the treaty of farixen since it is the size of your cruiser.
And before you ask Primarch, we are aware that the STG will likally get their hands on this. But for them to understand it and adapt this technology will take decades, and if not, then they will also have a weapon to fight the unknown. If this joint deployment works out fine, then we can sell this as a joint Human-Turian design after some artistic work is done on it. Make the people believe in the alliance"
"Make the people believe huh? Give Admiral Harper my thanks for the heads up" he said as he turned back to the window. "I hope we aren't misplacing our trust in you Human"
"The Humans are honorable enough not to attack us after the war and keep the peace treaty in check, they are trustworthy, even if some like Admiral Harper appear less trustworthy he is doing everything for the survival of his species" said Rtas.
"I just hope it doesn't come at the cost of mine" said Fedorian as he looked at the city with fear in his eyes.
2584/2174CE July 23rd, Serpant Nebula, Citadel, Zakera Ward
The Door opened before Garrus as he walked into his apartment, the lights automatically turning on. He approached his terminal to check for new messages. Looking at the usual ads, pyramid schemes and other scams. He stopped reading when his eyes landed on a particular one and for a moment, time stopped for him
"Mister Garrus Vakarian
Citadel Zakera Wards Apartamane block 9C, Apartament 15
Dear Mister Vakarian
We hereby inform you that due to recent tensions and mounting danger to the Turian people you are hereby recalled to active service in the Armed Forces of the Turian Hierarchy. Please report to the Turian Navy dockyard in dockingbay D42 for transfer to a training Facility.
Navy Headquarters, Admiral Kandros"
"Inform the Admiral, something is approaching Eden Prime, tell him to move to threat condition Yellow and send him what we have here" said a technician as he looked at his screen. Another person in the room quickly ran out to do as he was told
Quick info regarding a few things. The group that entered the collector ship numbered 6 Spartan III and 15 Marines. The reason they didn't get stasised by the seaker swarms was because of the Human armor rated for EVA operations that the Marines were wearing seeing as they were entering a unknown ship and the Spartans having not only shields but also their bodyglove.
Now unto why 3 Admirals and a General were representing the UNSC. Hackett had to be there as the commander of the entire 5th fleet seeing as it is his fleet that is being assigned to these tasks. Admiral Shepard and Admiral Mikhailovich seeing as their frigate forces will be the ones that will make up the Patrol ships and General White as she is the one that has to agree for Special Forces training and greenlight the use of UNSC training gear.
Till next time.
Edit 1: Removed the original chapter to rewrite large parts of it
Edit 2: This story is going to the backburner for a while while I focus on one that the first chapter is almost complete on. I will be working on them in rotating fashion