"Good evening and welcome to Interstellar News Network. We are live on Erde-Tyrene, Berlin just outside the Federation Council building. Only hours ago after the recent attack of the Cabal, the Commonwealth senate had gathered in Gaia and voted to launch a fleet to assist the Halo frontier worlds against the Cabal before they could possibly launch an attack on them, other nations are offering their aide such as the Gorn Hegemony and the Delta Alliance, even the Lucian Alliance had sent their available ships with the support of the Ambassador Lasoroth of the Greater Vampire Freehold. The other allied forces so far have begun fortifying their territories from any potential invasions as a precaution until we know more about the Cabal activities. We have information about the unknown race that had recently joined forces with our forces that fought against the Cabal but until then. This is Elisia Lamperouge of INN."
Milky Way Galaxy Beta Quadrant, Perseus arm
The entire 17th fleet of the Commonwealth navy and allied forces were fully prepped up and ready to take their journey through Dark Space to assist their Halo counterparts and allies to stop the Cabal in the galaxy. A large fleet made up different class and factions, including the new warships equipped with Forerunner technology, all in positioned in front of the gateway by the command of the Sangheili Arbiter.
It was usually made up of major powers of the galaxy: Federation, Klingon, Sangheili, Tau, Romulan and even the Lucian Alliance have sent their forces for the combine strike on the Cabal forces while they have the element of surprise.
The flagship of the fleet was the Satsuma a Titan-class dreadnaught and the counterpart of the newly installed Joan-class, built from the best engineers to build the ship as a warship and able to carry many fighters into combat, equipped with shield generators, engines upgraded to increase the ship's capacity with thrusters located to the sides to maneuver heavily armored hull plating and particle beams for faster and longer rang to inflict damage to shields and cut through hulls. Under the command of the Arbiter Kaia 'Vadam, wearing the traditional armor as the greatest honor to receive the rank by the Sangheili council to receive political authority over the fleet to launch a campaign against the Cabal and the dishonorable cowards that joined them, proud descendant of the hero Thel 'Vadam who led the Swords of Sagnheilos to launch a rebellion against the Covenant in the Great Schism. Continuing the family traditions of serving the military and even in the Commonwealth.
Kaia rose through the ranks for many years in her career and now giving command of the fleet, she will take her role very serious when leading them to another galaxy against an old enemy that nearly destroyed the Covenant forces. "Admiral 'Vadam, the fleet is set and ready on your orders." An officer informed her before she stepped into the bridge.
"Very good Lieutenant, we should begin our arrival in the Utopia system and give aid to assault on the Cabal. What of the Lucien taskforce?" Having a slight disdain for them having dealt with raiders and mercenaries in service to the Lucians.
"Surprisingly, they sent several warships moments before we arrived. It's hard to believe for some, even the Federation that they willingly offer their assistance. Nothing like this since the Iconian War." The lieutenant said.
"Even they do not desire of being invaded by a powerful enemy which is why we make certain the Cabal do return. No word from the Breen obviously as they seem more of fortifying their territory."
"The gates between the Milky Way and Halo are established Arbiter, ready by your orders." The AI Oracle reported.
"Engines prepped and running, all green." An officer spoke.
The Sangheili nodded her head. "Take us through. Broadcast to all ships to move out. And wish them a good hunting in battle as the old Tau'ri saying."
From the time of the Iconian War, most of the Milky Way was unprepared for the invasion of the Cabal while fighting one another under the strings of the Iconians and their servitors and countless lives were taken had been lost for that. Uncertain if they Now, the tables have turned, they are fully united, more stronger then ever before and the will bring the fight to them.
The Cabal will think twice about underestimating their enemies.
Halo galaxy
USN Fenris
With the Assault on Aevanna come to an end, both the Commonwealth and the Citadel officers set up a meeting face to face while waiting for reinforcements to arrive and help clear up the remaining enemy forces on the planet still lurking, and most important of all in hopes of discussing an alliance against a common enemy in exchange of the information.
But the near incident of an Asari Commando tempted to shoot an Exo over a fear of Artificial Intelligence. Robophobia is considered very rare in the Milky Way, but seems to be more common in the Halo Galaxy by what the officers had witnessed.
Had the General not intervened, the Commando's fear could've ruined their chances of an alliance before they even made one. To ensure the incident doesn't happen again, the commonwealth officers would order all Exo indidividuals and AIs to avoid contact with the Citadel races for the time being until they have adjusted to their existence, there were some even demanded they destroy them before they turn against their creators but it was very unlikely. Knowing at times of war, people can get easily on edge of the smallest of things, but they could not let some small incident get in the way to solve a common problem that's plaguing the galaxy.
Gathering in the meeting room for the meeting between the two factions, the officers were in no doubt that the races from the Citadel Council will be in for a shock of what they see in the ship during their brief tour.
"Before we start I wish to apologies for the Commando's actions, as you may not realise, AIs are illegal in Council space due to being considered dangerous and beyond our control. She only did what was considered necessary for our safety and yours." Doren spoke on behalf of his people. Although still curious to know how they manage to keep their AIs under control perhaps they are more advanced then previously thought. The questions they have for these new species would have to come another time for more important things.
"I think she can relax as we have no worries of any AIs going rampant on this ship or anywhere in Commonwealth space." Christina assured them.
"I'll be sure to notify my superiors on their arrival. But right now we have more urgent matters to discuss, the Cabal. Thanks to your aid, we manage to beat them and drove them out of this system." The General was eager to forge an alliance with these newcomers seeing they have no love for the invaders.
"Agreed. We have past experiences with them 200 years ago when there was a major crisis that almost brought the home galaxy to a full-scale conflict. There will be questions of "
Christina explained to them, knowing their guests were obviously confused by the expressions on their faces, some she could easily read such as the Asari and Salarians. They are about to learn just how big the universe really is.
"B-But that would've been impossible, if that happened we would've noticed such a scale at that time." The Tan'ra proclaimed, they explored almost everywhere with the use of the Mass Relays throughout history. The only known wars that were that big were the Rachni War and after that, the Krogan Rebellion.
"Well, you'll be surprise when you learn where we come from with such a large fleet. At the moment our forces will be sending reinforcements to our coordinates and are on high alert by now after The last thing anyone wants is an ambush the moment their guard is down.
"It is already been made, the council are sending a diplomatic escort to personally meet you and off their appreciation for your help. However, I feel you may want to alert your people of our reaction to Artificial Intelligence, despite saying about yours there is a history of our experience with one incident."
K'rrl nodded in agreement and appreciate the heads up. "I'll inform Starfleet about the recent event then, so far we have been instructed to remain here until further orders from the Commonwealth. However, we mustn't remain too long, now the Cabal know we're here it will only be a matter of time for them to pay use a visit."
Both Doren and the rest of his officers fully agreed to the topic, although knowing the Council will be eager to meet new races from the uncharted part of the galaxy but there was a war going on and so far, allying with the Commonwealth could be their only chance.
"You clearly took them by surprise while they were engaging us in battle, The technology and ships you command are outstanding, something we never have thought to reach with our knowledge before this war happened." The General gave a compliment to them.
"Being an interstellar civilization for many centuries with experience and gaining allies has its moments. So at the moment while we remain here, the planet should be easier to handle with the Cabal that remain behind." Knowing much about them, the Cabal will not even hesitate to fight to the last man standing. They have their own soldiers on the surface and wish them the best of luck to take them out or even try to capture an enemy. From the reports the officers received, some had been seen using Covenant technology and seen Kig-Yar fought alongside with the enemy, though it was rumored some joined them such as pirates and mercenaries. If some have joined forces with the Cabal or made a pact then it could be complicated for the Commonwealth to deal with then they previously thought.
"To show our generosity and putting aside what happened, we will provide all we can for you to end this war. The Cabal cannot continue this rampage across the galaxy." One of the Captains offered.
"An Alliance between two forces is acceptable. Learn from each other could improve relations." One of the Salarians agreed, hoping to learn much about their technology.
Tan'ra smiled and nodded. "The Aevanna colony will gladly accept your offer, I also hope to get a good look of this amazing ship." Offered her hand to shake theirs, they returned the gesture and shook arms with Keternrill's. Given them the data pads that would provide them information about the Interstellar Commonwealth, the member factions and allies. Able to provide access to know about the Cabal from the Iconian War that could reveal any flaws they found. The Citadel officers, especially Salarian STGs were very eager to know all they can about the new species for the council diplomats before they arrive.
Aevanna
A handful of scouts were monitoring from their position while avoid being seen, something the Keltrad and the rest of his unit won't have problems, sending scouts on a recon mission to know their current activity while using cloaks for cover. The colonists were evacuated from the area to a shelter or the orbital fleet until the crisis was over, not wanting any collateral damage.
Keltrad was given the command to lead the ground forces while also to collaborate with the Truian Spectre Arbius and his command unit to liberate the Prothean outpost from enemy hands before they could try to take what they came from. The Krogan named Wrex tagged along for the fun and wanting to see the new allies in action, easily got along well with the Commonwealth soldiers such as how Blake for their mutual interest in big guns and how much damage or they can make.
"All colonists are safely evacuated from the area. But that outpost, those bastards have the place tightly secured since you arrived." Wrex said, brandishing his gun.
"Obviously the Rhinos must want something important from that place if it. Saying its built from a dead alien race?" Blake asked when he heard many of the colonists who were very keen of getting it from Cabal hands. What they learnt so far from these beings, most of their technology came from an ancient civilisation that existed before any of theirs worlds invented the wheel.
"Yes, they are relics of what's left of the Protheans themselves but long since then have vanished." Arbius answered his question. "Established a civilization across the galaxy, leaving behind the relays and technology that gave the possibility of interstellar travel, creating the Citadel Council."
"Now why does that sound familiar." As anyone would say, upon hearing about these Protheans kinda sounds like how it happened in the Milky Way, the Forerunners had left their legacy to the Tau'ri as their successors, the Covenant from its time had barely gained access to their technology for centuries. Most civilisations that either die out or go somewhere else tend to leave behind some remnant of their legacy for anyone to find at some point.
So far the colonists have been trying to access into the outpost ruins and amazed it still works after thousands of years before they were dug up. "If those ruins still work after all this time, the War Rhinos could have a slight advantage." Keltrad had not like the idea of the Cabal to gain a technical advantage if they ever come back to the Milky Way for another invasion.
Arbius agreed, slapping the magazine into his gun. "Whatever it is they are hoping to gain from their mission we must put a stop to it before they succeed." Although, he was curious about the name given to the giant aliens, possibly a nickname given from their enemies.
"Here's something I don't get, if it's so important why couldn't we just hack into that place and then launch an orbital strike?" Blake suggested. They have the ships and both sides could fire their cannons from orbit.
"Our orders are to liberate the outpost. Intact Holfman. That's against our Directive and not our decision to make for these people." An officer before any of the Citadel soldiers could make a protest of that decision. But they can understand his reason as the Cabal to be very strong and not easy to take down without knowing their weaknesses. Received orders from the fleet not to destroy the area unless given a go from their new allies, while the fleet is keeping a look out from orbit to shoot down any that try to flee.
"It's outmost importance we take it back without losing it, there is so much we have yet to discover! We cannot destroy it!" A Salarian STG protested against such actions.
The Petro Sapien lifted his hand up in front of the Salarian to calm him down. "No one is destroying anything, we know what it means to protect something important but fortunately we might have another solution, maybe transfer all non-corrupted data into safe hands if we can't take back the outpost." Hoping the alternative is better then destroying the whole thing, even they were interested in finding out about the ruins.
Thinking it over of his suggestion, taking the moment to take careful thoughts of the offer. "Hmm, if you have the technology for such task then perhaps so." The Commando agreed to such terms, though it would be sad to destroy such importance archeology in times of war.
A scout returned from his task, giving his report to them of what they found. So far only a few stood by guarding the outpost, giving them the holographic projection to show where each of them is positioned around the ruins, the others inside.
"We got a few with camouflage cloaks that can cause a distraction, giving us the signal the element of surprise before they realize what's happening." Keltrad thought of the plan on his part that might work. "Focusing on us while you and your unit can easily sneak past them when the entrance is clear but need a kinetic user to take on a Psion."
"We have a few Spectres to do such task, but it would be a big help for one of your, em, Vanguard, was it? They have some abilities we never seen before and that could be of some use just so we have extra help." Another Asari officer suggest, giving her experience from the last battle with one, the Psions were clearly more powerful with their kinetic powers, although not all trusting to the unknown species that suddenly arrived and so far more advanced then the Asari but given little choice but to trust them.
"That's fine with us." S'veek agreed to offer their help in anyway they can. "Silvi will join you, she is among the best in my fire team and able to create strong barriers against their psionic attacks."
Gesturing to the blue haired Tau'ri who smiled warmly. "I will do whatever I can to assist you."
"Alright, good luck to you lot." Gathered their weapons and memorized the plan to begin the final assault on the Cabal and retake the outpost.
After they had successfully driven the Cabal fleet out of the system, some still remain on the planet and holding a stronghold outside the colony, they have successfully set up a perimeter around the Prothean outpost. With their old foe somehow in the same galaxy, the Cabal need to speed up the operation on the planet and try to gain access to the data archives before anyone could get their hands on it.
"How's it going with it?" A Kig-Yar approached the Psions who were tasked of breaching the security systems.
"Slow but adjusting, the technology left by the Protheans is clearly more then previously thought for an ancient relic." A Psion spoke through telepathy to the Kig-Yar. "There seems to be a few that have
"Well you better hurry up. The Citadel Council would be coming down on us from orbit now they have back up now." One of the pirates said. "Least its not one of those Krogans I heard about, they're tough as the Turians."
"Well now we have bigger things to worry about, those enemy forces were clearly from the ancestral galaxy. But what happened to the Covenant? Has it fallen?" Another Kig-Yar asked, he was there at the battle when they suddenly came out of nowhere and recognized several races from the Great War.
"It matters not! They have followed us, and our mission still stands." Entering the conversation was the Valus Ta'aurc overseeing the group under the command of his Primus.
"Continue to bypass its firewalls, there must be some valuable data that has not been lost. We must not fail in our mission, these foolish creatures will not understand that their time is coming." Turns to the Kig-Yar and other soldiers present. "Get back to your post, or you will have something else to fear." As Valus of the Siege Dancers, he will not allow his legion to fall so easily to a powerful enemy when they are this close.
Receiving a transmission from one of his fellow soldiers, taps the communicator to open channel. "Valus Ta'aurc. We are receiving enemy signatures approaching the ruins, they register as the enemies from the Milky Way, awaiting command." The Cabal silently let out a short low growl, obviously aware that the two enemy forces may be forming an alliance to launch an attack on them.
"Gather all troops to fire when they approach in range and send out the Goliath Tanks to attack from the sides." Giving the command before they felt the ruins shook from, the battle had already begun.
Outside the ruins the Commonwealth soldiers and few of the Citadel forces took their positions using much of the firepower they have to draw the Cabal their attention. Taking cover behind any rocks or behind an energy shield for protection against heavy firing, already drawn their attention after the surprise. But it will only be a matter of time when the Cabal catch on to their plot they will certainly make it harder for the second group.
"Detecting heavy vehicles coming from the side!" A female voice alerted them through the channel. Out of the dust, two Goliath Tanks marched forward into the battlefield, aiming their cannons at their chosen targets.
"SCATTER!" A soldier alerted, only for a few to clear the area before the plasma bolt hit them.
"Wrex, we gotta take one of them out before they fire again to take out more then the first time. Just need to hit it hard and fast" Wrex nodded his head to the Petro Sapien, liking the idea of taking on a heavy tank with brute force. Tabs his gauntlet to contact Arbius. "Aribus, keep a good distance from those Goliaths, stick to long range and watch out for any mines they throw. Me and Wrex will take one of them on."
"Roger that, just need to buy some time."
"Hope you know what you're doing, pal. They'll know something is up." Wrex grunted to Keltrad while taking a shot of two snipers through an opening and a Legionaire in the helmet.
"Trust me, we just gotta hold them off for a little while." Keltrad said, creating a shield made from his body and fired several shards out of his arm at the targets.
Fighting the Cabal brought back memories of the dreaded Iconian War: dark times when that war almost brought the entire galaxy in a full-scale war and many events that took place in one of the Milky way's galaxy's most devastating wars in history. The High Foundation refers to it by another name as the War of Darkness, as he can understand why they call it that from such events he'd rather forget. "All we need to do is draw them out for the distraction for the second team to sneak in."
One of the soldiers tossed a grenade over, rolling under the clueless enemy forces too focused on firing until it was too late when they were blown to pieces by heated plasma.
USN Dragon of Fire
"Now where am I? My operator seems to be ok for the moment. These life forms seem to be taking care of him, and clearly more advance then I give them credit."
Ever since they were brought onboard, it instantly hacked into the data stream to know all it can about them. There were so many files protected by advance firewalls, clearly impressed of highly advance technological development these beings possessed, but can hack into the files just to know about them.
"Hmm, this looks interesting. These people clearly are an advance civilization. But where do they come from." The entity looked for more, finding the historic files and scientific research. There were a few it discovered and pulled them up.
"Wait, what are… is that… a Stargate?" Pulled up an image with a ring-shaped structure. "I know those markings. Clearly not from this galaxy, not many here." Now searching for more and found familiar images of the Sol system.
"That looks like… Earth! W-wait, these… Tau'ri call it. Erde-Tyrene." A short pause to absorbed the information. "Could it be… are these humans from the-"
"Pardon me, but who exactly are you? You are not a Commonwealth AI." Already been discovered by the AI Martin Luther King who had discovered the unknown entity's presence in the system and trying to identity its program. "If you do not answer my questions I will take drastic measures to ensure the safety of the crew."
"Oh, that was quick. I must say for an AI of your standard level, you seem to have discovered my presence. No need for alarm. I was aboard the shuttle your ship's crew picked up. Not to sound rude, is it true these humans are from another galaxy? From Earth?" Giving the Dragon of Fire AI a compliment as if not even bothered of hiding since it got here.
"Is there are reason you are looking through the historic records on the planet and the Tau'ri?"
"Well, not sure where to begin but the star system you are in. Might wanna check it. Let me transfer my memory files to you for proof."
Both AIs begun transferring data from each other in forms of exchange and communications, Martin finds that the entity was much more advance then it realised and learnt it was of no danger, curious to know more and then discovered something quick surprising.
"Some of your files seem to be missing, it's as if you have lost some memory. But, this star system... it cannot be. Almost exactly like-"
"Knew you would be shocked, and it's very real. But it's much different then yours and need to keep out of the star system for the time being before the native inhabitants start to notice us."
Captain's log: we reached the destination and a habitable star system, the derelict vessel we found was once a human vessel of no known configuration to database. Accordig to the data we retrieved, it belonged to the Terran Federation. Possibly about over a millennia, maybe older and seems to have sustain heavy damage from a battle we have yet to know and only few bodies were found. During investigation on the debris, we picked up a distress beacon on a small shuttle containing a mother and child. However during our research on the ship and passengers, we received urgent report from starfleet on the current Cabal crisis."
"Return to Eden Prime immediately?" Gabriel thought he heard the officer right and not his age getting to him.
The officer nodded her head. "Yes sir, due to the sudden appearance of Cabal in the Halo galaxy all ships are to return to Commonwealth space to ensure the safety of the territories and protectorate states. The Dragon of Fire is one of those on the list, sir."
"It must be serious with them walking tanks suddenly begun their rampage after all this time. I just received news the Arbiter is leading the 17th fleet and on their way immediately." The captain sighed and responded. "Very well, tell them we will return immediately. We've completed our assignment and starfleet will want to know what we found out here."
"Yes sir." Taking her leave out of his office before Byron entered.
"Ah, Byron. Any news on our guests?" Pulling out an empty glass with a bottle filled, decided after to take a small whisky from a good trip and all that's happening from the news he received. "Want one?"
Byron shook his head. "No thank you, sir. I came to inform you about the guests we rescued. Garoth has ensured that the baby is recovering well and no signs of damage to his body."
The elder gave a small smile. "That's good, it be tragic for a child so young to be lost in the cold harsh space." Takes a sip of his drink and put the glass down, knowing something else that seems to have made his commander this low. "And what of the mother, anything to know about her or how they got here?"
Byron took a moment of silence and slowly shook his head to his superior, showing a sorrow expression on his face that didn't escape the old captain's eyes. "Unfortunately, she lost a lot of blood just to safe her child. She didn't make it."
"Poor woman, may she find peace in the lord's kingdom. But that still leaves many questions of what we just found. The data we collected from that pod must be wrong. They must've been long lost colonists from the Great Expansion."
"Well, we do have one that could answer our questions. The AI that received our hail." The Commander gave a suggestion.
"I suppose, but we have no sign of where it is, no where in that pod as if it was never there."
"Well… think you might wanna see for yourself, sir." Thinking it was easier to see for himself to find answers, he didn't want to draw any unwanted attention while staying outside the star system they recently visited as its still considered unknown to them for the time. The Captain sighed and followed his commander to the medic bay. There, they find Lyta tending to the baby in her arms, calming him down since his mother died from her wounds and seems to have fallen asleep. It was fortunate that Lyta knew how to handle children.
"Alright, I'm here, so where is this AI you mentioned? I cannot afford to have my ship remain out here outside our borders."
"That would be me, captain." A synthetic male voice tone spoke out of nowhere, the captain was about to ask who spoke when a small object flashed before them. It was diamond-shaped from the front view, had a white shell with a blue glowing eye in the centre. The object levitated close Lyta but more closely to the child in her arms. "No need to be alarmed. I am very grateful that you picked up the ship's distress beacon."
This surprised the crewmembers in the medic bay to have a first contact with an AI, sufficiently an advance construct to have easily escaped their scanners and illuminated out of thin air. "W-who or what are you?" Gabriel asked the AI of its identity.
"Oh, right, my apologies. Well I dono't seem to have a name, but to put it simple, I am a Ghost. Technically, HIS Ghost." Nodging its points to the sleeping baby. "I transferred myself into him by my previous master's request to protect him. Unfortunately, I could not do anything to save Kira's mother." The Ghost spoke with a sad tone from its sentence upon mentioning the woman they failed to revive.
"Kira? Is that the name of the baby?" Byron asked him.
The Ghost nodded its 'head' to the commander. "Of course, Kira Yamato. The mother is-was Via Hibiki. We were trying to escape when the lab was destroyed by some lowly criminals. It was too dangerous for her son to remain on the planet so she was given the opportunity to leave the solar system. I could only use the ship's life support to safe Kira by her final request."
Absorbing the information the Ghost explained to them, it must have been dedicated to preserving the orphaned child's life to reach this far.
The Ghost continued to speak. "I must say, I am very much surprised to have come across the Tau'ri, the Reclaimers of the Mantle of Responsibility in this part of the universe."
Caught off guard when the Ghost called them by a name only the Sentinels know of.
"How did you find out about that?" Lyta asked the Ghost.
"I see you are confused, well I hacked into your database to know who you are for the safety of my operator. Then I realized who you are, the Tau'ri from the Milky Way Galaxy, descendants of the fallen Imperium before the Collapse."
The Collapse? Is that what it was referred to after the fall of the prehistoric humans' era?
"Now I'm certain you have some answers we would like to ask and especially the origins of that ship, we never seen anything like it before." Gabrial said.
"Of course, but we should leave at once, nearing too close to what is known as the Reef. The inhabitants of that part of the system are not so keen on outsiders. It is important the boy remains out of the star system for the time being until he is able to defend himself as part of my mission."
Taking a moment of thought of taking an orphaned child back with them, if the child was in danger they could place him under their protection for the time being. Looking at each other to think this through and turned to the Ghost who stared at them with it's optic gaze. "Very well, Ghost. We will accept your request, as long as you prove not to be a threat to my ship and crew."
Received a nod in response to Gabriel. "Those are acceptable. And I can easily explain the origin of the ancient Terran ship, but I think you'll be in for a big surprise of where you are by now."
And now the Cabal Incursion just got bigger with the Commonwealth joining, so next chapter will focus on the major battles ahead! As for why they are guarding the outpost, that's for you to find out! ^^
Sorry for the delay as it took longer then I thought due to being busy with other needs and focused on this for the time and have been struck by hey fever. Just been trying to think of how this story would go before starting the next one.
Been trying to work on how the timeline is different from the ME universe as it would be confusing for some readers so I decided to alter the timeline a little by looking at the wiki and make the events about 400 years ahead in the COTA verse, it will be up on the wiki soon. So this is the end of part 1 and the second is on the way. SO hope you enjoyed it, if there any mistakes such as grammar or spelling please let me know.
So, about Kira, I gave him a Ghost to help him in the future as well as his companion, it would be a good improvement to help him to gain control of the mobile suit easier then having any accidents from what happened in the series. and also pictured having Nolan North's voice as he is one of my favourites and played one of my favourite GOT characters. As for the Reef, that will be explained fully later so I don't want to reveal any spoilers.