Chapter 3: The Republic Science Expedition.
New Republic Nebulon-B Frigate 'Fearless' Deep space near alien artifact called 'HALO'
Captain Usiral looked at the main display screen that showed the massive ring that they had entered orbit around three days ago. The Mon Calmari officer was still in awe of the sheer size of the structure. Of course, the Death Star had been as large, but still, this ring seemed to present no threat. It looked like a peaceful ecosystem was inside it.
It was hard for Usiral to think of any kind of threat coming from the massive ring.
"Sir, sensor scans for the fifth section come up negative." The ops officer said after examining the most recent sensor reports.
Usiral nodded.
"Understood Lieutenant. Well, continue scanning." Usiral said. He turned his command chair about and looked at his charges. Resting off his starboard quarter were four New Republic science vessels. Two had already headed down to the planet below to conduct excavations and study the ecosystem on the world.
Most surprisingly was a small YT-1300 transport ship that had recently headed down to the world. The transport itself wasn't the interesting part; the six Jedi aboard it had been the interesting part. More interesting was the fact that the Jedi had been the ones to commission the science expedition. They'd come to the Senate and requested a scout team be sent to investigate an, 'ancient construct' as they had put it.
The scout team had discovered this ring world that the Jedi had referred to, as 'HALO' no one had understood why the Jedi called it halo. But the scuttlebutt through out the research fleet was that some ancient Jedi records had been found by Master Skywalker himself, and that the Jedi were very interested in this world. That was something that surprised everyone that heard the rumor.
Normally the Jedi spent their time avoiding direct influence in Galactic affairs.
Usiral shrugged. It was not his place to understand what the Jedi wanted with this world. His job was to defend them, and their expedition.
"Sir, Sensor scans for all sections come up negative." The ops officer said.
"Very good, concentrate scanning on the sections the science team ordered us to scan now. Apparently this 'Flood' isn't present on this planet." Usiral said. He wondered what exactly the 'Flood' was and why the Jedi were so concerned. But he dismissed the thought whatever it was; it wasn't present on this planet. The information they'd been instructed to find.
"Yes, sir." The ops officer said and returned to her scanning. Usiral looked at the Bulk freighter that held four companies of Naval troopers. It was changing course and heading towards the planet. Along with the other science vessels, it was going to be landing on the world.
Usiral looked at the giant ring as it spun slowly, effortlessly in space, and wondered why the Jedi were so concerned with it.
New Republic Science team Alpha Surface of construct called 'HALO'
Leedo Mitval was a scientist, not a construction worker. The Rodian was grumbling under his breath as he examined the rock fall that was blocking the massive ancient doors. The group of ASP-7 droids that were under his control were working on hauling the debris away. The droids were good for menial, mindless, backbreaking labor that cropped up in excavations. Leedo looked at the modified ASP-7 droid that served as the 'brain' of the team.
"Unit. Order the team to concentrate on this rock fall. It seems to be unstable from the previous excavations." Leedo said.
"Affirmative." The droid said and the others moved to work. Leedo glanced down at the rest of the pyramid the expedition team was working on. The large construct dwarfed the two science ships that were landed in the valley in front of it. He looked down at the small encampment at the base, and the other science personnel at the base and among the many-tiered levels.
The surprising part was that this was inside an immense cavern. The ships had enough space to maneuver and fly through the tunnel network and down into the structure of the construct itself. It was an immense chamber, larger than the Great hall of the Imperial Palace on Coruscant. There was easily enough space to fit a pair of Star Destroyers in it. Mitval looked at the long tunnel that led to the surface. It was so deep underground and there were so many turns to the tunnel, there was no way for someone to see daylight.
But that wasn't a problem. There was a massive artificial sun set into the cavern ceiling that cast a warm glow down on the science team and their ships.
"Mitval?" His comlink chirped. Leedo reached down and held it up.
"Yes Rigel?" The Rodian asked of the lead researcher.
"The Jedi are curious as to our progress." Lead Researcher Rigel asked.
"Slow. Perhaps if they would use their vaunted force powers to assist us we could make the progress they wish for." Leedo said.
"I've already asked them. No, we're stuck using the ASP droids." Rigel said with a chuckle over the comlink.
"Figured as much. Well, tell them that we're going to be breaking through this rock fall in about half an hour." Leedo said.
"Thanks Mitval."
"It will be another half hour before we break through the final rock fall. Although I don't know why you're so intent on excavating here Jedi Master." Rigel said to the Jedi that stood before him.
"I understand, Head Researcher." Jedi Master Lo'val said quietly. His hood was drawn back from his head. The Tei'lek nodded solemnly. His lekku twitched slightly.
"If you would assist, the progress would proceed faster." Rigel said. The Jedi padawan next to Lo'val shifted slightly, but remained still.
"I have made our stance clear researcher. We shall not interfere with the progress. It is a science expedition and we would not want to cause any undue damage to the research." Lo'val said and nodded again.
"Of course." Rigel said.
"If you would excuse us." Lo'val said. Rigel nodded and returned to overseeing the construction of the camp. The Jedi Master and padawan walked away from the others.
"Master, why are we here? Surely our skills could aid the progress of the science expedition." Jedi Padawan Osarka said. The green skinned Duro was new to the Order, but a deep thinker and scholar.
"We need to avoid direct influence in this expedition." Lo'val said.
"Why did Master Skywalker send us along with this expedition, all six of us. A master, two knights, and three padawan, that seems to be a large number for a science mission." Osarka said.
"Master Skywalker said that this construct, had harbored both a great power and a terrible plague. The Jedi of the Old Republic came here and destroyed the Plague. And they made sure that this place was not on any chart, except those kept by the Jedi archives." Lo'val said.
"So, if this Plague was destroyed, then why are we here?" Osarka asked.
"The Power still remains here. And we were sent to discover the purpose of that power. If it represents a threat to us, then we are to try and contain it." Lo'val explained.
"But if this place was hidden, then why would Master Skywalker risk its discovery again?" Osarka said.
"I have long since ceased trying to understand how Master Skywalker makes his decisions. But they have long proven to be the right ones." Lo'val said. Osarka did not continue his questions. The two Jedi walked off towards the pyramid. It was a long walk to the top, even for a jedi.
New Republic Fleet Regiment 1348 Surface of construct called 'HALO'
Captain Merrywehther had been ordered to fortify his company on top of a butte that the Commanding major had called 'Strongpoint 1'. It was at the mouth of the long tunnel that lead down into the ring. The butte had sheer slopes and was a wonderfully defendable position. It commanded enough area that any attack would be seen coming from a fair distance. Along with that, the sheer slopes made it so that any assault had to be dropped onto the top of the mesa, or hike up the paths around it.
He was supervising the entrenching of his forces along the top of the cliffs surrounding the base. There was ample space to set up his forces without worrying about being closed in.
His troops had made use of the position and the buildings already in place to create a defensive bulwark that even an AT-AT assault would quail in fear of. He smiled as his men and women worked feverishly to establish their position. The General had ordered them to be ready for an assault. Whether or not it was going to happen was another matter.
Merrywehther cast a glance back at the tunnel. The other three companies were working to entrench inside the long twisting cavern that led to the science team. If anybody wanted to get into the tunnel, they had to batter their way past his unit.
New Republic Nebulon-B Frigate 'Fearless'
"Sir! I'm reading an anomaly in the sensor data." Ops said.
"What?"
"It's an energy spike emanating from, several different points on the planet. Wait, the points are coalescing into the center of the ring!" The Ops officer said and pointed out through the main view port.
Usiral looked at the spectacle. It was odd, seeing the white bursts of energy hitting an amorphous blob of white, seething energy. It was slowly expanding.
"Raise shields, all hands to action stations." Usiral said. His officers complied with his orders immediately. He watched as the orb expanded for a few more seconds, and then dissipated.
"I'm reading five ships in the location previously held by the energy orb. They match no known ship design encountered." Ops said.
"Heat up the weapons and launch X-Wings. Prepare for combat. Comms, hail them." Usiral said.
"Comm channel open sir."
"This is the New Republic Frigate 'Fearless'. I am Captain Usiral. Please identify yourselves and state your intentions in this system."
"Your destruction is the will of the Gods, and we are their instrument." Was the only message received before the shooting started.
Covenant Destroyer 'Quiet Service'
Ships master Ajat 'Olamntee was silent as his ship emerged from the transit orb and rematerialized in normal space. He was just as silent when his bridge crew announced that there were ships in the system, that they were not human, but nonetheless spoke the human language.
His only words were to broadcast the human message and open fire.
That was all. The Gold clad elite said nothing else for the remainder of the battle.
New Republic Nebulon-B Frigate 'Fearless'
"ENEMY VESSELS FIRING!" The Ops officer shouted.
"Evasive! What are they shooting?" Usiral asked looking at the five massive orbs that were rapidly approaching.
"Appears to be some sort of disruptor or plasma weapon." The ops station replied.
"Weapons, return fire on the lead vessel. Order our starfighters to engage!" Usiral said.
"Affirmative sir!" The weapons officer said, as he did so crimson turbolaser blasts began to dart forth from the 'Fearless'. They hit and destabilized the first Covenant plasma torpedo. The other four closed.
"HELM! EVASIVE!" Usiral barked with uncharacteristic urgency for a Mon Calamari. The 'Fearless' made a steep ascent and three of the orbs missed, unprepared for the rapid maneuvering. The fourth plasma torpedo hit in the engineering section, it smashed into the shields. They destabilized for a moment, and then dissipated the torpedo.
"Fire on those ships!" Usiral said.
"With pleasure sir."
X-Wing fighter, 'Lolibell' Red squadron
Wing Commander Logan was psyched for battle. His squadrons hadn't seen a good fight in a long time, this was just what he and his pilots needed for a good shakedown.
"Green Squadron; prepare to hook left around their fleet. Blue Squadron; hook right around their fleet. Red squadron; let's smash down the center on their fleet. Gold squadron; follow up on us, you B-Wings will be able to smack these boys pretty well. " Logan said. He heard the acknowledgements as his pilots lined up for battle.
"Red 1, this is Red 5, we've got incoming fighters. Some sorta funky teardrop shaped things. They've got lasers and they've got shields though. Little better than Tie fighters." Red 5 said.
"Okay, then same formation, let's smack their fighter wings then."
"Lot more fun than hitting ships. I likes a movin' target." Blue 1, his second in command said.
"Let's get some kills folks." Red 1 said and kicked his engines to full.
The three squadrons of X-Wings flew with skill wrought of fighting in a war for a very long time. The Covenant pilots hadn't faced any kind of opponents that could last long enough to hurt them. But these X-wings could, and proceeded to cut a swath through the Covenant Fighters. Both sides had energy weapons, and they had shields. But better pilots flew the X-wings.
The Covenant fighters broke their formations in a desperate attempt to swamp the enemy with spacecraft. But it was to no avail. Within a scant fifteen minutes the entire force had been wiped out.
"That was fun. Could they have made it any easier? Rookie Tie pilots perhaps?" Blue 3 commented.
"Now, now, it's the thought that counts. They tried to send a fighter screen against us." Green 2 said with a laugh.
"Stow it, let's get it on and clobber that enemy fleet." Logan said reorienting his ship on the enemy vessels.
"Which one?" Blue 1 asked.
"Well, let's go after that big one at the center. Looks like a command ship." Logan said, when in doubt hit the big one.
"Alright. Let's have some fun." Blue 1 said.
The X-Wings lined up into their formations with experience garnered from many such attacks. They dodged and weaved around the point defense weapons of the enemy vessels. Their speed and maneuverability better than those of the enemy's weapons.
The three X-Wing squadrons swooped in with finesse and precision. They launched volleys of Proton torpedoes into the prow and flanks of the large ship that seemed to be in command of the enemy fleet.
The glowing blue-white projectiles slammed into the energy shields around the Covenant vessels and collapsed them quickly. After the silvery energy shield dissipated, the torpedoes began to send blossoms of fire across the hull.
As the X-wings began to peel off for another run, the B-wings made their run. The lumbering heavy starfighters were specifically designed for anti-ship missions. They disgorged their payloads of Proton torpedoes along a small target box at the spine of the ship. They continued to harry the vessel with Ion cannon fire, playing havoc with the electronics and control systems of the vessel.
The X-Wings lined themselves up for another torpedo run and emptied the remainder of their munitions into the vessel. Even after sustaining such a massive pounding the vessel wasn't destroyed. It still managed to maneuver slightly.
New Republic Nebulon-B Frigate 'Fearless'
"Taking evasive." Helm said again as he maneuvered the 'Fearless' to dodge another plasma volley. Three of the orbs missed due to the erratic dive, but two slammed into the command section. The shields held for the most part, but one orb's remnants made it through the shields and began to boil away some of the armor.
"Hull breaches, decks two, three and four." Operations said and began to seal off decks.
Usiral scowled. The Fighter squadrons were hammering the enemy ships, but they only had so many torpedoes. The 'Fearless' couldn't withstand the enemy barrage. It could barely fire from its maneuvering.
"Comms, send a message to the research teams telling them we're with drawling. We'll try to bring back reinforcements soon. But we can't maintain this battle. Helm; prepare to make the jump to Hyperspace. Starfighter command, order the fighters to jump to hyperspace as well. We'll rendezvous in orbit around Dantooine." Usiral said.
There was silence on the bridge.
"Now." Usiral said with soft fury.
Covenant Destroyer 'Quiet Service'
Ships Master 'Olamntee watched his displays with calculated silence.
"Lord, the enemy ships are withdrawling." One of the elites said.
'Olamntee nodded. He was silent for a number of factors. Foremost was the glaring inability of his fighters to deal with the enemy single ships. He would have to report that to command. Right now the only thing keeping the 'Honorable Goals' together was the diehard labors of it's engineers. The withdrawal of the enemy forces would be welcomed.
The second most prominent feature of this battle was the fact the enemy employed energy weapons. That was amazing. Couple that with their shielding systems, and their FTL capabilities of even their fighters made this very unusual.
This was strange. The enemies were not all humans, but they spoke the human language.
"Order the ships to prepare to land and investigate the Forerunner construct." 'Olamntee said.
"My lord." His bridge crew responded.
The massive Covenant ships moved towards the ring as the New Republic vessels withdrew from the fighting.
Strongpoint 1 HALO Construct
Captain Merrywehther had his men entrenched and ready. His heavy weapons commanded the approaches to the cavern, although he wasn't as happy with his position now. He felt very exposed. Even though his men could make it into the cavern, it was across about a mile of open terrain with no cover. If they had to fall back they'd be slaughtered.
He hadn't been concerned with his position until he'd been told that there were enemy forces in the area. Now he was concerned. He'd seen the space battle earlier and was worried. The enemy ships had come down into the atmosphere and were setting something up. Scouts reported that large, no, massive amounts of troops were being assembled.
That was five hours ago. Now he could see the enemy force-marching towards his position. That was very bad. He could make out the enemy through his Marco-binoculars. There were so many of them it was impossible to count. From tall, sauntering humanoids, to small scuttling creatures with breathing apparatus. Even strange birdlike creatures, there was a diverse army marching on his position.
Merrywehther sighed, he was confident he could hold his position against those numbers for about two to three hours. After that he would be running out of blaster gas and energy for his weapons. Then it would be hand-to-hand.
He silently wished the Jedi were out here, but instead they were inside with the scientists.
"Sir! Look!" One of the troopers said and pointed. He looked and saw what looked like a swarm of insects descending on their position. He raised his binoculars and examined the black dots. They weren't dots. They were aero fighters and transports. Hundreds of them, and they were closing on the butte fast.
"Order all forces to be ready." Merrywehther said solemnly. The orders were shouted out amongst the men. He hunkered down in the nearest weapons put and watched the approaching aircraft. They would hit first. Maybe a half hour later the enemy ground troops would attack, and then they would push into the caverns and face those forces.
Merrywehther knew his forces wouldn't stop this horde of enemy troops. But he would sure as hell try. By the Force he would try. He and his men waited for the first ships to arrive. It was maddening, knowing that your death was coming, but you couldn't do anything other than wait for it.
It was an hour, an entire hour before they attacked. The aircraft had waited until the ground forces had gotten close enough before attacking. They wanted to simply overwhelm the forces there with numbers.
But Merrywehther had been ready. He had two Anti Aircraft emplacements set up with light blaster cannon. They opened up on the enemy ships as soon as they were in range. The smaller 'fighter' craft had gone down quickly. But the strange U shaped craft had taken quite a beating. A rolling volley of Apex inscisor anti aircraft missiles had taken down a good number of them. But it wasn't enough. The transports landed and began disgourging their forces amongst the Fleet troopers.
It had turned into a pointblank firefight from the moment the battle had begun. The enemy forces trying to swamp the New Republic forces with sheer weight of numbers, but being beaten back by E-Web repeating blasters and light repeater fire. Most of the enemy forces were killed but regardless of the slaughter, more and more transports continued to land on the mesa.
Slowly but surely the Fleet troopers were being forced out of their entrenchments. There was no stopping the Covenant horde as is pressed forward.
Merrywehther centered his defenses on a small compound of structures at one end of the mesa. It commanded the two ascent points up the mountain and had good lines of sight. Of his four platoons of Fleet troopers, he'd lost two in the defense. His remaining two reformed and dug in at the compound. The remaining two E-Web blaster emplacements were set up along with the remaining light repeaters and grenade launchers.
It had been over an hour of heavy combat and night was falling. The Covenant assault slackened for the most part, but took another platoon with it during the final phase. Merrywehther had one platoon left, about 25 men and a handful of wounded. The Covenant waited for about two hours until night had fallen before launching their final assault upon the beleaguered defenders of the butte.
The assault was made up of troops from the top of the butte and others from the plain in a two front assault. The tide of Covenant swept up and over the remaining defenders, killing them to the last man. Merrywehther was the last defender of the butte to die. He remained defiant throughout the entire siege, and died firing at the enemy until an Elite's plasma rifle ended his stubborn defense.
Merrywehther and his company were slaughtered, 102 defenders of the butte had taken over 700 Covenant soldiers with them and destroyed 15 Covenant Drop ships and 47 Banshee fighters.
The Covenant held their positions for roughly an hour before pushing forward into the caverns.
The Covenant push into the caverns cost them even more than their assault on the butte. The Three companies of Fleet Troopers that were dug into the caverns gave the Covenant nine kinds of hell as they pushed forward. Two of the Companies were annihilated at the cost of 204 men. But almost three thousand covenant troops lay dead for those 204 defenders. But regardless of the horrific losses by the attackers, they pushed forward, a massive weight pushing forward against the defenses. Spurred on by their proximity of the control center, they pressed forward.
HALO Control Chambers HALO Construct
The New Republic Science team had excavated the entrance to the Control center, and was working feverishly to find some way to halt the enemy attack. They were desperate, and were trying to do something, anything to stop the slaughter. The remnants of the last Fleet Trooper Company had set up inside the massive entrance to the Control center. The Jedi were also ready for a fight. They were ready to mount the last line of defense for the defenseless scientists.
Even as the Covenant attackers battered their way into the command center entrance hall, through the immense doors, the Jedi were calm. The Covenant tide washed over the final, last line of Fleet troopers and then charged the Jedi.
There were six Jedi. One Jedi master, Two Jedi Knights, and three Jedi Padawan.
There were six thousand Covenant. One thousand to one.
The Covenant didn't stand a chance.
Jedi Master Lo'val stood calm. His lightsaber ignited and it's green blade held ready before him. Jedi Knight Ewellle, the human was calm as well, her blood red sabers both held steady, one high, one low. Jedi Knight Oviedo was a ZeHebra, his black and white fur rippled slightly as he twirled his double bladed saber staff in an intricate patter, it's blue light making erratic shadows. Jedi Padawan Osarka stood with his saber raised before him, it's purple blade cast an odd glow over the surroundings. Jedi Padawan Newman stood with his single yellow bladed saber in an odd cross body guard. Jedi Padawan Gordon waited with his orange blade held behind him.
The Jedi stood.
Before the six of them, the Covenant warriors paused as they finished the remaining Fleet troopers. They halted as they watched the strange warriors stand fearless before them.
A low battle cry rang up from the Covenant. It was strange and alien, a warble as it gesticulated and morphed in tone as they charged.
The Jedi stood.
The Covenant flood stampeded forward. Some of the slower ones being crushed by the larger, faster warriors.
"Feel the force." Lo'val said.
The Jedi moved.
It was a flash of motion and twirling sabers as the six Jedi made their move and attacked. The Covenant were confused by the sudden, unexpected flurry of movement. Lo'val stepped back, braced and gestured with his hand. He channeled the force and used it as a brute force weapon to batter the advancing covenant line back slightly. He charged forward into his disoriented section and his saber sliced and hacked apart the enemy with the utmost precision.
Jedi Knight Ewellle made a dash forward into her section. One of her sabers thrown ahead of her, cutting a path through the covenant, mowing them down like brush. Her other saber parried the plasma bolts fired at her. She skillfully directed one back into the faceplate of an Elite, sending a gout of purple blood spraying fourth.
Jedi Knight Oviedo leapt in a high arch over the approaching horde. His Zehebra muscles augmented by the force he was carried far into the mass of Covenant. His saber staff flashed and darted about with a fury of motion and light. Each swing, each movement simply disemboweled or decapitated a foe.
Padawan's Osarka, Newaman and Gordon simply charged forward into the same section, swinging away as they charged. They relied on the sheer shock of being charged by three opponents with swords so fast to take care of their opposition. It worked. The Covenant soldiers that attacked them were simply mowed down by the Jedi.
The Jedi continued with their grim, systematic slaughter of the Covenant forces for over an hour. The bodies of the Grunts, Elites, Jackals, even Hunters piled high enough that their brothers had to climb over the mounds to attack the Jedi.
The walls were covered in blood, as were the Jedi. Their robes soaked with Purple, blue, and orange blood from their fighting. It was too much; the Covenant did not give up. They merely paused for reinforcements before throwing themselves at the Jedi defenders once more.
The Jedi were about to break.
Until reinforcements arrived.
New Republic Assault Carrier 'Generous' Far Orbit, HALO construct.
Captain Usiral's mission for reinforcements was very fortunate. The Assault Carriers 'Generous' and 'Steadfast', along with the Dauntless Cruiser 'Liberty' had been on their way to reinforce the Research group at HALO. The Force was watching over the beleaguered defenders.
They had jumped in system with the 'Fearless' and prepared for a naval engagement. But the enemy vessels had landed and disgorged ground troops. The Gunners on the 'Fearless', 'Generous', 'Steadfast', and 'Liberty' had no qualms about hitting ships that couldn't shot back.
The four vessels reduced the Covenant fleet to ashes from orbit. With the destruction of the Covenant fleet, their ground forces were efficiently eliminated by a Wookiee assault Regiment and Six Army regiments. The HALO construct was declared secured.
The New Republic had fought it's first battle in their war with the Covenant. And they had nearly lost. They fought the Covenant face to face, although, the Covenant were targets for others who preferred, discretion in their battles.
And they preferred their trophies to winning engagements.
Keep a sharp eye for Chapter 4: Hunting the Hunters.
New Republic Nebulon-B Frigate 'Fearless' Deep space near alien artifact called 'HALO'
Captain Usiral looked at the main display screen that showed the massive ring that they had entered orbit around three days ago. The Mon Calmari officer was still in awe of the sheer size of the structure. Of course, the Death Star had been as large, but still, this ring seemed to present no threat. It looked like a peaceful ecosystem was inside it.
It was hard for Usiral to think of any kind of threat coming from the massive ring.
"Sir, sensor scans for the fifth section come up negative." The ops officer said after examining the most recent sensor reports.
Usiral nodded.
"Understood Lieutenant. Well, continue scanning." Usiral said. He turned his command chair about and looked at his charges. Resting off his starboard quarter were four New Republic science vessels. Two had already headed down to the planet below to conduct excavations and study the ecosystem on the world.
Most surprisingly was a small YT-1300 transport ship that had recently headed down to the world. The transport itself wasn't the interesting part; the six Jedi aboard it had been the interesting part. More interesting was the fact that the Jedi had been the ones to commission the science expedition. They'd come to the Senate and requested a scout team be sent to investigate an, 'ancient construct' as they had put it.
The scout team had discovered this ring world that the Jedi had referred to, as 'HALO' no one had understood why the Jedi called it halo. But the scuttlebutt through out the research fleet was that some ancient Jedi records had been found by Master Skywalker himself, and that the Jedi were very interested in this world. That was something that surprised everyone that heard the rumor.
Normally the Jedi spent their time avoiding direct influence in Galactic affairs.
Usiral shrugged. It was not his place to understand what the Jedi wanted with this world. His job was to defend them, and their expedition.
"Sir, Sensor scans for all sections come up negative." The ops officer said.
"Very good, concentrate scanning on the sections the science team ordered us to scan now. Apparently this 'Flood' isn't present on this planet." Usiral said. He wondered what exactly the 'Flood' was and why the Jedi were so concerned. But he dismissed the thought whatever it was; it wasn't present on this planet. The information they'd been instructed to find.
"Yes, sir." The ops officer said and returned to her scanning. Usiral looked at the Bulk freighter that held four companies of Naval troopers. It was changing course and heading towards the planet. Along with the other science vessels, it was going to be landing on the world.
Usiral looked at the giant ring as it spun slowly, effortlessly in space, and wondered why the Jedi were so concerned with it.
New Republic Science team Alpha Surface of construct called 'HALO'
Leedo Mitval was a scientist, not a construction worker. The Rodian was grumbling under his breath as he examined the rock fall that was blocking the massive ancient doors. The group of ASP-7 droids that were under his control were working on hauling the debris away. The droids were good for menial, mindless, backbreaking labor that cropped up in excavations. Leedo looked at the modified ASP-7 droid that served as the 'brain' of the team.
"Unit. Order the team to concentrate on this rock fall. It seems to be unstable from the previous excavations." Leedo said.
"Affirmative." The droid said and the others moved to work. Leedo glanced down at the rest of the pyramid the expedition team was working on. The large construct dwarfed the two science ships that were landed in the valley in front of it. He looked down at the small encampment at the base, and the other science personnel at the base and among the many-tiered levels.
The surprising part was that this was inside an immense cavern. The ships had enough space to maneuver and fly through the tunnel network and down into the structure of the construct itself. It was an immense chamber, larger than the Great hall of the Imperial Palace on Coruscant. There was easily enough space to fit a pair of Star Destroyers in it. Mitval looked at the long tunnel that led to the surface. It was so deep underground and there were so many turns to the tunnel, there was no way for someone to see daylight.
But that wasn't a problem. There was a massive artificial sun set into the cavern ceiling that cast a warm glow down on the science team and their ships.
"Mitval?" His comlink chirped. Leedo reached down and held it up.
"Yes Rigel?" The Rodian asked of the lead researcher.
"The Jedi are curious as to our progress." Lead Researcher Rigel asked.
"Slow. Perhaps if they would use their vaunted force powers to assist us we could make the progress they wish for." Leedo said.
"I've already asked them. No, we're stuck using the ASP droids." Rigel said with a chuckle over the comlink.
"Figured as much. Well, tell them that we're going to be breaking through this rock fall in about half an hour." Leedo said.
"Thanks Mitval."
"It will be another half hour before we break through the final rock fall. Although I don't know why you're so intent on excavating here Jedi Master." Rigel said to the Jedi that stood before him.
"I understand, Head Researcher." Jedi Master Lo'val said quietly. His hood was drawn back from his head. The Tei'lek nodded solemnly. His lekku twitched slightly.
"If you would assist, the progress would proceed faster." Rigel said. The Jedi padawan next to Lo'val shifted slightly, but remained still.
"I have made our stance clear researcher. We shall not interfere with the progress. It is a science expedition and we would not want to cause any undue damage to the research." Lo'val said and nodded again.
"Of course." Rigel said.
"If you would excuse us." Lo'val said. Rigel nodded and returned to overseeing the construction of the camp. The Jedi Master and padawan walked away from the others.
"Master, why are we here? Surely our skills could aid the progress of the science expedition." Jedi Padawan Osarka said. The green skinned Duro was new to the Order, but a deep thinker and scholar.
"We need to avoid direct influence in this expedition." Lo'val said.
"Why did Master Skywalker send us along with this expedition, all six of us. A master, two knights, and three padawan, that seems to be a large number for a science mission." Osarka said.
"Master Skywalker said that this construct, had harbored both a great power and a terrible plague. The Jedi of the Old Republic came here and destroyed the Plague. And they made sure that this place was not on any chart, except those kept by the Jedi archives." Lo'val said.
"So, if this Plague was destroyed, then why are we here?" Osarka asked.
"The Power still remains here. And we were sent to discover the purpose of that power. If it represents a threat to us, then we are to try and contain it." Lo'val explained.
"But if this place was hidden, then why would Master Skywalker risk its discovery again?" Osarka said.
"I have long since ceased trying to understand how Master Skywalker makes his decisions. But they have long proven to be the right ones." Lo'val said. Osarka did not continue his questions. The two Jedi walked off towards the pyramid. It was a long walk to the top, even for a jedi.
New Republic Fleet Regiment 1348 Surface of construct called 'HALO'
Captain Merrywehther had been ordered to fortify his company on top of a butte that the Commanding major had called 'Strongpoint 1'. It was at the mouth of the long tunnel that lead down into the ring. The butte had sheer slopes and was a wonderfully defendable position. It commanded enough area that any attack would be seen coming from a fair distance. Along with that, the sheer slopes made it so that any assault had to be dropped onto the top of the mesa, or hike up the paths around it.
He was supervising the entrenching of his forces along the top of the cliffs surrounding the base. There was ample space to set up his forces without worrying about being closed in.
His troops had made use of the position and the buildings already in place to create a defensive bulwark that even an AT-AT assault would quail in fear of. He smiled as his men and women worked feverishly to establish their position. The General had ordered them to be ready for an assault. Whether or not it was going to happen was another matter.
Merrywehther cast a glance back at the tunnel. The other three companies were working to entrench inside the long twisting cavern that led to the science team. If anybody wanted to get into the tunnel, they had to batter their way past his unit.
New Republic Nebulon-B Frigate 'Fearless'
"Sir! I'm reading an anomaly in the sensor data." Ops said.
"What?"
"It's an energy spike emanating from, several different points on the planet. Wait, the points are coalescing into the center of the ring!" The Ops officer said and pointed out through the main view port.
Usiral looked at the spectacle. It was odd, seeing the white bursts of energy hitting an amorphous blob of white, seething energy. It was slowly expanding.
"Raise shields, all hands to action stations." Usiral said. His officers complied with his orders immediately. He watched as the orb expanded for a few more seconds, and then dissipated.
"I'm reading five ships in the location previously held by the energy orb. They match no known ship design encountered." Ops said.
"Heat up the weapons and launch X-Wings. Prepare for combat. Comms, hail them." Usiral said.
"Comm channel open sir."
"This is the New Republic Frigate 'Fearless'. I am Captain Usiral. Please identify yourselves and state your intentions in this system."
"Your destruction is the will of the Gods, and we are their instrument." Was the only message received before the shooting started.
Covenant Destroyer 'Quiet Service'
Ships master Ajat 'Olamntee was silent as his ship emerged from the transit orb and rematerialized in normal space. He was just as silent when his bridge crew announced that there were ships in the system, that they were not human, but nonetheless spoke the human language.
His only words were to broadcast the human message and open fire.
That was all. The Gold clad elite said nothing else for the remainder of the battle.
New Republic Nebulon-B Frigate 'Fearless'
"ENEMY VESSELS FIRING!" The Ops officer shouted.
"Evasive! What are they shooting?" Usiral asked looking at the five massive orbs that were rapidly approaching.
"Appears to be some sort of disruptor or plasma weapon." The ops station replied.
"Weapons, return fire on the lead vessel. Order our starfighters to engage!" Usiral said.
"Affirmative sir!" The weapons officer said, as he did so crimson turbolaser blasts began to dart forth from the 'Fearless'. They hit and destabilized the first Covenant plasma torpedo. The other four closed.
"HELM! EVASIVE!" Usiral barked with uncharacteristic urgency for a Mon Calamari. The 'Fearless' made a steep ascent and three of the orbs missed, unprepared for the rapid maneuvering. The fourth plasma torpedo hit in the engineering section, it smashed into the shields. They destabilized for a moment, and then dissipated the torpedo.
"Fire on those ships!" Usiral said.
"With pleasure sir."
X-Wing fighter, 'Lolibell' Red squadron
Wing Commander Logan was psyched for battle. His squadrons hadn't seen a good fight in a long time, this was just what he and his pilots needed for a good shakedown.
"Green Squadron; prepare to hook left around their fleet. Blue Squadron; hook right around their fleet. Red squadron; let's smash down the center on their fleet. Gold squadron; follow up on us, you B-Wings will be able to smack these boys pretty well. " Logan said. He heard the acknowledgements as his pilots lined up for battle.
"Red 1, this is Red 5, we've got incoming fighters. Some sorta funky teardrop shaped things. They've got lasers and they've got shields though. Little better than Tie fighters." Red 5 said.
"Okay, then same formation, let's smack their fighter wings then."
"Lot more fun than hitting ships. I likes a movin' target." Blue 1, his second in command said.
"Let's get some kills folks." Red 1 said and kicked his engines to full.
The three squadrons of X-Wings flew with skill wrought of fighting in a war for a very long time. The Covenant pilots hadn't faced any kind of opponents that could last long enough to hurt them. But these X-wings could, and proceeded to cut a swath through the Covenant Fighters. Both sides had energy weapons, and they had shields. But better pilots flew the X-wings.
The Covenant fighters broke their formations in a desperate attempt to swamp the enemy with spacecraft. But it was to no avail. Within a scant fifteen minutes the entire force had been wiped out.
"That was fun. Could they have made it any easier? Rookie Tie pilots perhaps?" Blue 3 commented.
"Now, now, it's the thought that counts. They tried to send a fighter screen against us." Green 2 said with a laugh.
"Stow it, let's get it on and clobber that enemy fleet." Logan said reorienting his ship on the enemy vessels.
"Which one?" Blue 1 asked.
"Well, let's go after that big one at the center. Looks like a command ship." Logan said, when in doubt hit the big one.
"Alright. Let's have some fun." Blue 1 said.
The X-Wings lined up into their formations with experience garnered from many such attacks. They dodged and weaved around the point defense weapons of the enemy vessels. Their speed and maneuverability better than those of the enemy's weapons.
The three X-Wing squadrons swooped in with finesse and precision. They launched volleys of Proton torpedoes into the prow and flanks of the large ship that seemed to be in command of the enemy fleet.
The glowing blue-white projectiles slammed into the energy shields around the Covenant vessels and collapsed them quickly. After the silvery energy shield dissipated, the torpedoes began to send blossoms of fire across the hull.
As the X-wings began to peel off for another run, the B-wings made their run. The lumbering heavy starfighters were specifically designed for anti-ship missions. They disgorged their payloads of Proton torpedoes along a small target box at the spine of the ship. They continued to harry the vessel with Ion cannon fire, playing havoc with the electronics and control systems of the vessel.
The X-Wings lined themselves up for another torpedo run and emptied the remainder of their munitions into the vessel. Even after sustaining such a massive pounding the vessel wasn't destroyed. It still managed to maneuver slightly.
New Republic Nebulon-B Frigate 'Fearless'
"Taking evasive." Helm said again as he maneuvered the 'Fearless' to dodge another plasma volley. Three of the orbs missed due to the erratic dive, but two slammed into the command section. The shields held for the most part, but one orb's remnants made it through the shields and began to boil away some of the armor.
"Hull breaches, decks two, three and four." Operations said and began to seal off decks.
Usiral scowled. The Fighter squadrons were hammering the enemy ships, but they only had so many torpedoes. The 'Fearless' couldn't withstand the enemy barrage. It could barely fire from its maneuvering.
"Comms, send a message to the research teams telling them we're with drawling. We'll try to bring back reinforcements soon. But we can't maintain this battle. Helm; prepare to make the jump to Hyperspace. Starfighter command, order the fighters to jump to hyperspace as well. We'll rendezvous in orbit around Dantooine." Usiral said.
There was silence on the bridge.
"Now." Usiral said with soft fury.
Covenant Destroyer 'Quiet Service'
Ships Master 'Olamntee watched his displays with calculated silence.
"Lord, the enemy ships are withdrawling." One of the elites said.
'Olamntee nodded. He was silent for a number of factors. Foremost was the glaring inability of his fighters to deal with the enemy single ships. He would have to report that to command. Right now the only thing keeping the 'Honorable Goals' together was the diehard labors of it's engineers. The withdrawal of the enemy forces would be welcomed.
The second most prominent feature of this battle was the fact the enemy employed energy weapons. That was amazing. Couple that with their shielding systems, and their FTL capabilities of even their fighters made this very unusual.
This was strange. The enemies were not all humans, but they spoke the human language.
"Order the ships to prepare to land and investigate the Forerunner construct." 'Olamntee said.
"My lord." His bridge crew responded.
The massive Covenant ships moved towards the ring as the New Republic vessels withdrew from the fighting.
Strongpoint 1 HALO Construct
Captain Merrywehther had his men entrenched and ready. His heavy weapons commanded the approaches to the cavern, although he wasn't as happy with his position now. He felt very exposed. Even though his men could make it into the cavern, it was across about a mile of open terrain with no cover. If they had to fall back they'd be slaughtered.
He hadn't been concerned with his position until he'd been told that there were enemy forces in the area. Now he was concerned. He'd seen the space battle earlier and was worried. The enemy ships had come down into the atmosphere and were setting something up. Scouts reported that large, no, massive amounts of troops were being assembled.
That was five hours ago. Now he could see the enemy force-marching towards his position. That was very bad. He could make out the enemy through his Marco-binoculars. There were so many of them it was impossible to count. From tall, sauntering humanoids, to small scuttling creatures with breathing apparatus. Even strange birdlike creatures, there was a diverse army marching on his position.
Merrywehther sighed, he was confident he could hold his position against those numbers for about two to three hours. After that he would be running out of blaster gas and energy for his weapons. Then it would be hand-to-hand.
He silently wished the Jedi were out here, but instead they were inside with the scientists.
"Sir! Look!" One of the troopers said and pointed. He looked and saw what looked like a swarm of insects descending on their position. He raised his binoculars and examined the black dots. They weren't dots. They were aero fighters and transports. Hundreds of them, and they were closing on the butte fast.
"Order all forces to be ready." Merrywehther said solemnly. The orders were shouted out amongst the men. He hunkered down in the nearest weapons put and watched the approaching aircraft. They would hit first. Maybe a half hour later the enemy ground troops would attack, and then they would push into the caverns and face those forces.
Merrywehther knew his forces wouldn't stop this horde of enemy troops. But he would sure as hell try. By the Force he would try. He and his men waited for the first ships to arrive. It was maddening, knowing that your death was coming, but you couldn't do anything other than wait for it.
It was an hour, an entire hour before they attacked. The aircraft had waited until the ground forces had gotten close enough before attacking. They wanted to simply overwhelm the forces there with numbers.
But Merrywehther had been ready. He had two Anti Aircraft emplacements set up with light blaster cannon. They opened up on the enemy ships as soon as they were in range. The smaller 'fighter' craft had gone down quickly. But the strange U shaped craft had taken quite a beating. A rolling volley of Apex inscisor anti aircraft missiles had taken down a good number of them. But it wasn't enough. The transports landed and began disgourging their forces amongst the Fleet troopers.
It had turned into a pointblank firefight from the moment the battle had begun. The enemy forces trying to swamp the New Republic forces with sheer weight of numbers, but being beaten back by E-Web repeating blasters and light repeater fire. Most of the enemy forces were killed but regardless of the slaughter, more and more transports continued to land on the mesa.
Slowly but surely the Fleet troopers were being forced out of their entrenchments. There was no stopping the Covenant horde as is pressed forward.
Merrywehther centered his defenses on a small compound of structures at one end of the mesa. It commanded the two ascent points up the mountain and had good lines of sight. Of his four platoons of Fleet troopers, he'd lost two in the defense. His remaining two reformed and dug in at the compound. The remaining two E-Web blaster emplacements were set up along with the remaining light repeaters and grenade launchers.
It had been over an hour of heavy combat and night was falling. The Covenant assault slackened for the most part, but took another platoon with it during the final phase. Merrywehther had one platoon left, about 25 men and a handful of wounded. The Covenant waited for about two hours until night had fallen before launching their final assault upon the beleaguered defenders of the butte.
The assault was made up of troops from the top of the butte and others from the plain in a two front assault. The tide of Covenant swept up and over the remaining defenders, killing them to the last man. Merrywehther was the last defender of the butte to die. He remained defiant throughout the entire siege, and died firing at the enemy until an Elite's plasma rifle ended his stubborn defense.
Merrywehther and his company were slaughtered, 102 defenders of the butte had taken over 700 Covenant soldiers with them and destroyed 15 Covenant Drop ships and 47 Banshee fighters.
The Covenant held their positions for roughly an hour before pushing forward into the caverns.
The Covenant push into the caverns cost them even more than their assault on the butte. The Three companies of Fleet Troopers that were dug into the caverns gave the Covenant nine kinds of hell as they pushed forward. Two of the Companies were annihilated at the cost of 204 men. But almost three thousand covenant troops lay dead for those 204 defenders. But regardless of the horrific losses by the attackers, they pushed forward, a massive weight pushing forward against the defenses. Spurred on by their proximity of the control center, they pressed forward.
HALO Control Chambers HALO Construct
The New Republic Science team had excavated the entrance to the Control center, and was working feverishly to find some way to halt the enemy attack. They were desperate, and were trying to do something, anything to stop the slaughter. The remnants of the last Fleet Trooper Company had set up inside the massive entrance to the Control center. The Jedi were also ready for a fight. They were ready to mount the last line of defense for the defenseless scientists.
Even as the Covenant attackers battered their way into the command center entrance hall, through the immense doors, the Jedi were calm. The Covenant tide washed over the final, last line of Fleet troopers and then charged the Jedi.
There were six Jedi. One Jedi master, Two Jedi Knights, and three Jedi Padawan.
There were six thousand Covenant. One thousand to one.
The Covenant didn't stand a chance.
Jedi Master Lo'val stood calm. His lightsaber ignited and it's green blade held ready before him. Jedi Knight Ewellle, the human was calm as well, her blood red sabers both held steady, one high, one low. Jedi Knight Oviedo was a ZeHebra, his black and white fur rippled slightly as he twirled his double bladed saber staff in an intricate patter, it's blue light making erratic shadows. Jedi Padawan Osarka stood with his saber raised before him, it's purple blade cast an odd glow over the surroundings. Jedi Padawan Newman stood with his single yellow bladed saber in an odd cross body guard. Jedi Padawan Gordon waited with his orange blade held behind him.
The Jedi stood.
Before the six of them, the Covenant warriors paused as they finished the remaining Fleet troopers. They halted as they watched the strange warriors stand fearless before them.
A low battle cry rang up from the Covenant. It was strange and alien, a warble as it gesticulated and morphed in tone as they charged.
The Jedi stood.
The Covenant flood stampeded forward. Some of the slower ones being crushed by the larger, faster warriors.
"Feel the force." Lo'val said.
The Jedi moved.
It was a flash of motion and twirling sabers as the six Jedi made their move and attacked. The Covenant were confused by the sudden, unexpected flurry of movement. Lo'val stepped back, braced and gestured with his hand. He channeled the force and used it as a brute force weapon to batter the advancing covenant line back slightly. He charged forward into his disoriented section and his saber sliced and hacked apart the enemy with the utmost precision.
Jedi Knight Ewellle made a dash forward into her section. One of her sabers thrown ahead of her, cutting a path through the covenant, mowing them down like brush. Her other saber parried the plasma bolts fired at her. She skillfully directed one back into the faceplate of an Elite, sending a gout of purple blood spraying fourth.
Jedi Knight Oviedo leapt in a high arch over the approaching horde. His Zehebra muscles augmented by the force he was carried far into the mass of Covenant. His saber staff flashed and darted about with a fury of motion and light. Each swing, each movement simply disemboweled or decapitated a foe.
Padawan's Osarka, Newaman and Gordon simply charged forward into the same section, swinging away as they charged. They relied on the sheer shock of being charged by three opponents with swords so fast to take care of their opposition. It worked. The Covenant soldiers that attacked them were simply mowed down by the Jedi.
The Jedi continued with their grim, systematic slaughter of the Covenant forces for over an hour. The bodies of the Grunts, Elites, Jackals, even Hunters piled high enough that their brothers had to climb over the mounds to attack the Jedi.
The walls were covered in blood, as were the Jedi. Their robes soaked with Purple, blue, and orange blood from their fighting. It was too much; the Covenant did not give up. They merely paused for reinforcements before throwing themselves at the Jedi defenders once more.
The Jedi were about to break.
Until reinforcements arrived.
New Republic Assault Carrier 'Generous' Far Orbit, HALO construct.
Captain Usiral's mission for reinforcements was very fortunate. The Assault Carriers 'Generous' and 'Steadfast', along with the Dauntless Cruiser 'Liberty' had been on their way to reinforce the Research group at HALO. The Force was watching over the beleaguered defenders.
They had jumped in system with the 'Fearless' and prepared for a naval engagement. But the enemy vessels had landed and disgorged ground troops. The Gunners on the 'Fearless', 'Generous', 'Steadfast', and 'Liberty' had no qualms about hitting ships that couldn't shot back.
The four vessels reduced the Covenant fleet to ashes from orbit. With the destruction of the Covenant fleet, their ground forces were efficiently eliminated by a Wookiee assault Regiment and Six Army regiments. The HALO construct was declared secured.
The New Republic had fought it's first battle in their war with the Covenant. And they had nearly lost. They fought the Covenant face to face, although, the Covenant were targets for others who preferred, discretion in their battles.
And they preferred their trophies to winning engagements.
Keep a sharp eye for Chapter 4: Hunting the Hunters.