Chapter 7 Arrival
Hyperspace 26th June 2535
RRS Resolute Hanger
The operation to rescue Ahsoka Tano has gone as well as anyone could've hoped. However, the fact that they still suffered a causality weighed heavily on Erwin's mind. Now all he could do is hope that it didn't become a fatality. I just hope that we were able to get him here in time. He thought to himself as he entered the med bay.
"How is Private doing?" Erwin asked while looking at Davis and Clone medic.
"Hard to tell. At the same time, we've managed to stop the bleeding. Our biggest issue is that the med bay here is mainly set up for how they fight wars that and I don't know how much the equipment here works, and I can't read anything of theirs. Kix here is trying to help with that." Davis replied while looking at Davis, who was deathly pale.
I wish Romuald or any of the ais were here this. Erwin thought to himself while looking at the slowly dying private.
"Keep me updated on his condition Davis," Erwin stated as he left the med bay.
Hyperspace 20 BBY
RRS Resolute Bridge
Yularen looked at the report handed to him for the operation on Wasskah. In contrast, the Republic efforts turned up no survivors or Hunters.
According to Captain Smith, the UNSC efforts were very much a different story as they not only found Commander Tano but two other Jedi survivors and were eventually able to recover the body of a third. Unfortunately, it did come at a cost as one of their men is now in serious condition, and it's unknown if he'll survive his injuries or not. Yularen lamented the fate of the ODST and hopped that he would be able to hold out long enough till they reached Coruscant. Here, the UNSC could be taken to proper medical facilities with Battle Group Carolina or on the planet itself if the UNSC would allow it.
"For what it's worth, Captain, I am sorry about your man. I just hope that we're able to make it in time for him." Yularen said the Erwin as he walked towards him.
"So do Admiral. But right now, we have a slightly bigger problem that'll make diplomacy and any future combined operations difficult, and that's language." Erwin said to the admiral leaned slightly on to the holotable.
"Yes, I believe Kix and your medic said there was something of a language barrier for the written word," Yularen replied.
"Yes, you're correct. I feel like it'd be appropriate to ask for a copy of the alphabet also in addition to a star map." Erwin replied.
"Of course. Though it might be against protocol, I should be able to give the information now if you have something to hold the data on; if not. I should be able to find a spare data disk to store it on whether your systems will be able to read it is a different question. Yularen said as he walked to a nearby terminal and started typing at a few things.
"Will this work for the data?" Erwin said as he held out a data crystal to Yularen.
"In theory, it should as what is sent through isn't too large data-wise. But as to whether or not our system even recognizes it is another matter." Yularen said he as inspects the data crystal and looks it over before taking it before attempting to place it in the terminal.
After fielding around with the UNSC chip attempting to get it to work, Yularen said, "While the system recognizes that there's something connected to it. I'm unable to transfer any of the data to it." At the same time, pulling the crystal out of the terminal and handing it back to Erwin.
"Would've made things too easy. If you're able to spare a datapad and card, we should be able to figure things out on our end as we have a few engineers that should be able to figure things out." The ODST captain said he took back the data crystal and plugged it back into the tac pad mounted on his left arm.
"Ensign, can you locate an unused Datacard and pad for Captain Smith here. We should have a spare set somewhere nearby." Yularen said to a nearby clone as he got out of the chair.
"Of course, sir, I'll start looking immediately." The clone replied as he started to leave the bridge.
"Sir, we'll be exiting hyperspace in a few minutes." A different clone reported. Looking up from his console.
RRS Resolute Crew Quarters
"Tell me, Rex, based on their report on what happened against the Trandoshan's and what Ahsoka has said, what're your thoughts on these ODSTs?" Anakin asked the clone Captain as he was working on his lightsaber.
"Well, General, based on how they performed in taking down the Trandoshan compound, I'd have to say that those ODSTs performed extremely well given their circumstances as the ODSTs had no intel on their opponent, were on the offensive, and they took no causalities. I'd say that is pretty impressive in itself. If what Commander Tano told was true, then they're also an insane bunch of troopers. Dropping in from orbit is just insanity," Rex replied to the Jedi as he was checking his armour over.
"If worst comes to pass. Do you think your squad could take them?" Anakin asked.
"I don't know, general. It'd be an extremely close fight, given what we know so far. It'd also be a hard adjustment as the men are used to fighting droids, unlike their men. It's not a fight I'd personally want to get into, sir." Rex replied as he started to examine his helmet.
"What are you guys talking about?" Came the voice of Ahsoka as she entered the room.
"Me and Rex here are just having a chat about our new friends here and to see if Rex thinks he and the boys can take them in one-on-one snips." Replied Anakin as he put down the tools and picked up his lightsaber.
"Do you think you can take them, Rex?" Ahsoka replied, looking a little unnerved at her master. 'I hope he was only talking about in a training match and not actual combat.' She thought to herself.
"Truthy, Commander, I'm not sure if we can take them in a fight. Their actions rescuing you speak for themselves to clear the compound with no losses and take only a single causality. They also seem nearly as professional as any clone I've seen." Rex replied, continuing to work on his helmet.
"Say Snips; you've interacted with one of them while the UNSC was rescuing you. Maybe you can add some insight to this?" Anakin asked.
"Sorry, Skyguy, I don't have much to add. The only thing I could probably add is that they have a heck of a lot more combat experience if I were to guess since I think they've been seeing action for around forty years. So, depending on who it is, they're going to have more experience than any clone. Sadly, I can't add anything else as what I know only pertains to the one I interacted with when getting rescued." Ahsoka replied while looking at his master.
"Well, being a Jedi also does mean learning new things. Anything you want to share?" Anakin asked.
"Well, for starters, he said that he was born on their home planet more septically in a place called Canada, which is part of this thing called the United Republic of North America. He told me it had warm summers and cold winters. He smiled when he said I'm not sure if it was because of me or because he was thinking of home. Ahsoka said with a slight smile as she wondered what the homeworld of the UNSC was like.
"He enlisted because in his words, he 'wanted to kill aliens and defend Earth." But now he's not sure what to think as friendly aliens like me complicate things. Once again, I'm not sure if he was talking about me, or I guess friendly aliens would be the word to describe it. She continued moving her thumb and index finger to her chin, contemplating what Marcus told her earlier.
"The last thing of note is something that he didn't quite understand till now. On one of his first deployments, one of his squadmates said the "he kills the enemy but does not hate them." It sounds kind of Jedi-like if you ask me anyway. He said he never really understood it till now. He said that just because the covenant are aliens doesn't mean that the UNSC should hate all aliens. That's about all I got from him before having the questions flipped onto me. Though when he was asking me about how I became a Jedi, I did detect a hint of unease in his voice." She finished.
"Well, at least that gives us some idea about one of them. Hopefully, more of them will start reconsidering their beliefs about nonhumans, or there's going to be problems. I remember the stares that Master Plo got when he, Rex Yularen, and I were in their ship Though whoever told him that must've been a very wise man. Anakin said as he thought about what the ODST was told during his early deployments.
"Oh, almost forgot to mention, but we're going to be coming out of hyperspace soon. So, we better get ready to meet with the council and Chancellor." Ahsoka replied as she started to rush off to prepare.
Hyperspace 26th June 2535
RRS Resolute Hanger
"Get the equipment loaded up and remember to keep enough room for our wounded man," Erwin ordered as ODSTs started moving the few crates that were around their encampment.
"Davis, when we exit hyperspace, I need to move Private Yeon ready to move," Erwin ordered the medic in a stern tone.
"Yes, sir," Davis replied as he started to head off to the Republic med bay.
"Sir, my squad, is packed up and ready to go," Sargent Mayr said as she saluted Erwin.
Marcus looked around as the ODSTs packed up the encampment. He was slowly walking to walking to his Pelican thinking to himself. If there are more aliens like Ahsoka, then what reason did I join the UNSC? There is no covenant here, and I'm not sure if we're even able to get home or continue our original mission. For now, at least, I'll continue to follow both the Captains and Rear Admiral orders. He thought to himself as he stepped into the Pelican and took a seat by the wall separating the crew compartment from where the pilots were.
Looking up, he saw that the rest of his squad has entered the Pelican and that Captain Smith was standing on the boarding ramp.
"While some of you are expecting time off after returning to the Bonaventure. That won't be happening; instead, we'll be returning for a few hours before departing for The Planet that we'll be orbiting. There you'll be serving as onsite security for The Higher-ups and Lance Corporal Anderson. Erwin stated as he started walking to Marcus.
"Lance Corporal Marcus, when we land on the Bonaventure, you are to retrieve your dress uniform and prep or meeting with the Leadership of the Republic Senate and Jedi Council. Erwin said as he Marcus before taking a seat.
It wasn't long before Marcus heard the groan of the Venators central hanger opening, telling Marcus that they'd be returning to the Bonaventure.
Orbit above Coruscant 26th June 2335
UNSC Bonaventure Bridge
Rear Admiral Charles Nelles looked at the planet below in awe. Despite being in orbit above it for a few days, he still couldn't believe its scope an entire world that's one big city. Charles couldn't even begin to imagine the population on it, but it had to be trillions.
"Sir Captain Smith and the two squads that we sent to the Resolute have returned," Romuald stated, interrupting Charles's thoughts.
"Good. What's the status of the two squads that were sent out," Charles asked as he started to walk toward the meeting room.
"Captain Smith reports that Beta-Five has suffered no casualties; unfortunately, Beta-Nine wasn't so lucky as Private Yeon has suffered severe puncture wounds to the abdomen along with severe amounts of blood loss. It's currently unknown if he'll survive his injuries. Captain Smith also reports that he could get a galactic map along with a copy of their writing system. The latter of which will greatly help our translation efforts while the former should help us figure out where we are," Romuald reported
"Least we were able to get something out of Smith's crazy idea. Have Captain Angelos and his men, along with Captain Smith and Colonel Glenn, meet me in the meeting room here. Charles stated as he entered the meeting room.
I hope that Private Yeon pulls through makes he thought to himself as he took a seat on one of the chairs that were in the room.
UNSC Bonaventure Bridge Meeting Room
"Captain Smith, now that everyone is here, your report on the mission and what you have brought here," Charles stated as he looked at the ODST Captain, who was still in his armour."
"Right upon landing in the Republic ship, we quickly set up a temporary encampment and discussed strategy for the coming operation. Who goes where and the like. Once we dropped out of their FTL method of transport, we quickly divided into two teams as, on the way down, we saw that the enemy had a floating compound, and I tasked Beta-Nine with taking it down while Beta-Five continued with the original mission. Erwin said as the holotable lit up and started to show the two pelicans' descent into the planet and the Trandoshan sky fortress.
"For the moment, I'll continue with Beta-Nine before moving onto Beta-Five. After landing the squad onto their fort, Beta-Nine quickly and effectively took out the Trandoshans. However, a few were able to get off the platform and go to the ground. Beta-Nine gave chase, and this is where Private Yeon got attacked by one of them," Erwin stated as the holotable showed a few Trandoshan vehicles move off the platform with a Pelican soon following.
"As for Beta-Five, their mission went better than we were expecting as one of our men. Lance Corporal Marcus Anderson was able to find Ahsoka Tano rather quickly. Also, Tano was able to lead Ander to two additional survivors of the hunt. As for my mission, I was able to secure a piece of their equipment along with a copy of their galaxy map and language system. Hopefully, this with help efforts that are underway by the AI Vitaly and Romuald," Smith explained as he pulled up both the Republic Datacard and pad. Before handing them to Gabriel.
"Thank you, Captain Smith. These will be of great value to our efforts. Admiral, I believe you have something that you wish to add or are we sticking to the original plan of meeting with their governing bodies and this 'Jedi Council'". The ONI officer said as he looked over the devices.
"Three is something. I want the men that you brought on board with you to also come with us. We'll be able to look less suspicious that way." Charles ordered.
"Of course, sir. Brisko, I want you to take the lead on this. Vitaly, how long till we'll have a rough translation of their language and how long till you'll be able to get into their systems."
"With this. It shouldn't be too long to be able to translate. As for getting into their systems. I'd need more time." The ONI AI replied with a Russian accent.
"While I'd love to wait till you're able to get into their systems. We don't have time for that. We leave when we're able to get a translation set up. Charles stated.
"Of course, Admiral." The ai ordered
Coruscant 20 BBY
Republic Executive Building
Palpatine watched the sky as he saw the UNSC dropship slowly make its way to the platform that he, a few senators, and Jedi were standing on. When he heard that Anakin and his forces encountered an unknown force, he had two reactions, the first being his mind was filled with anxiety about how they could endanger his plan. Especially after hearing that they were voids in the force that Anakin and the Jedi gave him. The second was being the same grandfatherly expression he has always had—one of wanting to meet these outsiders and establish relations with them. Though meeting them was something both his personas wanted to do.
As craft came closer, he felt an off, and slightly unnerving feeling comes across him looking to where the Jedi were; He suspects that they, too, were feeling the same thing based on what he observed. This is valuable information he thinks to himself as he can at least detect when they're close, but several questions remain in his mind still. The most pressing being is how much of a threat they'll be.
Senator Padmé Amidala took note of the craft in front of her as it made its final descent onto the platform. While it looked very different from the Republic's gunships, she could still tell it was military in origin. Thinking about what they were briefed on earlier about the UNSC, she found it strange that they chose to UNSC a military vessel instead of a civilian one. Maybe they decided to establish some formal presence with the Republic before sending proper diplomats. Who better to send than people who have already interacted with the Republic in some capacity. Her thoughts were soon interrupted as the dropship landed and the door opened.
Once the doors on the dropship opened, she saw nine men in black body armour step out of the ship. The men proceeded to scan the area before shouting clear. Odd, but she could understand it as to them this was an unknown situation to them. As the rest of the men left the craft, any hope she had for interacting with any non-military personnel was quickly dashed as all but three men wore the same clothes as those in Anakins and General Plo's report. The only clothes she didn't recognize were the three wearing a black uniform. If she had to guess, they were with the one that was identified as Captain Angelos.
"Greetings, Chancellor Palpatine. It's a pleasure to have finally meet you," Charles said, interrupting any thoughts Padmé had.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Rear Admiral finally. For someone so young to have such a rank, you must've done great things for your people." Palpatine said, trying to gauge the man's reaction to his comment.
"Thank you, Chancellor, your words mean a lot to me," Charles said as he took a step towards the group.
"Thank you for such kind words Rear Admiral. Charles replied.
"Of course. Now, where are my manners? I've yet to introduce the Senators that have come with me on this special day," Palpatine replied as he motioned towards two senators that were with him.
"With me are Senators Padmé Amidala of Naboo and Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan. Along with Jedi Masters Yoda and Mace Windu, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, and his Padawan Ahsoka Tano, who I'm sure you're already partly familiar with. He stated as he motioned towards each of the senators and Jedi.
"As for the people I've brought with me. I have Colonel CHastly Glenn, Captains Erwin Smith, and Gabriel Angelos, Lance Corporal Marcus Anderson. Also, we've brought a few of Angelos's men to provide assistance and a team of ODSTs for security. Charles said as he motioned towards everyone.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you, even your security personnel. After all, one can not be too careful those days," Palpatine replied with a soft smile.
"I'm sure that you must have many questions you'd liked to ask. However, let us head inside before we continue." Palpatine continued as he started to head towards the building.
"Of course, Chancellor. Sensitive matters such as these should be discussed inside." Charles replied as he started to follow Palpatine.
A.N
We're finally at the Coursant and all the fun that comes with that.
I don't have much to say, but next chapter, we will be getting talks with the Palpatine and the senators.
Now to answer some reviews.
SilverExcell115 we shall be seeing Halo Wars equipment as anything that was in service and had widespread usage by 2535 will have a chance of appearing in the story.
Psihopatul. Thanks for the praise on my take on this. Honestly, I was surprised myself that no one has decided to use earlyish war era UNSC for the basis of a story. I find it interesting as we have a humanity that's going to be very xenophobic with the younger generations and fractured as the only thing keeping it together was the covies, so what happens when the covies are gone? Do the innies stay loyal or not. It has been a few years for my grammar and spelling since I really had to do any sort of writing. Hopefully, by enlisting the help of Grammarly will help improve things.
Guest1 Honestly, I'm not sure yet. Though I doubt it'll be CMA as they don't really exist at this point as they have been absorbed by the UNSC nearly a decade before the start of the story.