Another note, some of you may notice that I am bending timelines for some
of these Games, books, etc. I'm doing this for a more interesting plot
line, heh.
Chapter 7: A meeting that will decide the fate of the Galaxy
Earth [Forerunner Test galaxy 624], Cheyenne Mountain Complex, Stargate Command, On base quarters of Colonel O'Neill.
Colonel Jack O'Neill, commanding officer of SG-1, the flagship team of Stargate Command was getting something that he rarely had a chance to enjoy; sleep. At least while he was on duty. Normally he spent every moment that he was on-world doing that endless torment known as paperwork....
Or bugging Carter....
Or bugging Daniel....
Or bugging Teal'c....
But besides that it was all business. Yep, every waking moment the pillar of professionalism.
Okay, he can't even think that with a straight face.
But he didn't sleep much, especially after a five daylong off-world mission that included a day of listening to Daniel translate tablets, and four days of running from natives that weren't too keen on Daniel translating tablets.
Fun, fun, fun.
But right now he was busy recovering from Doc Fraiser's usual post mission examination. Ah, such fun! But now sleep, and later the Simpsons, no paperwork in sight for a while either. Hey, he might even go bug Carter for a while in her lab.
Ah, the day was set, and now all he had to do waaaa-
And cue ringing phone.
-ssss get up and answer the phone.
Jack grunted in annoyance and grabbed the receiver.
"O'Neill."
"I hope I'm not waking you Colonel." General Hammond asked across the phone line, although he was somewhere in the base.
"Yes and no sir. What's happening?" Jack asked sitting up and looking at the small digital clock in the room. He groaned as he saw that he hadn't really had any sleep at all, today, or in the last week.
"The Asguard have decided to stop by." General Hammond replied.
"Really? And they decided to speak with you rather than beam me up why? No, don't answer that." Jack said.
"I need you in the briefing room as soon as possible Colonel." Hammond ordered. Jack hung up and stumbled through the darkened room, dressed and then headed off towards the briefing room, grumbling quietly as he shambled along. Jack stepped into the main elevator to be confronted by the rest of his team. For the most part they looked fully alert and ready, he was the only groggy one.
"Any ideas why the Asguard have decided to show up?" Jack asked as the door slid shut behind him.
"I do not O'Neill." Teal'c said in his normally stoic self. Carter and Daniel shrugged they didn't have a clue either, and judging by their appearance they hadn't even attempted to sleep yet.
They stepped off the elevator in silence and headed to the briefing room. Jack yawned slightly and then turned the corner and spotted Thor right off the bat. It was hard to miss an Asguard, the completely bald skin, giant black eyes and stature that was the equivalent of a husky nine year old kinda ruled out missing them in a crowd.
"Thor, buddy, what brings you to this neck of the universe? Need some more help with the Replicators? Goa'uld plot you want to warn us about? Some massive, horrific disaster about to befall the Asguard that we can help with?" Jack said.
"Greetings O'Neill. I have come with, good news and bad news for you and your people." Thor said from his throne-like seat that he always sat in.
O'Neill looked at Thor for a moment.
"Well, nothing new them." Jack mumbled.
"No, something entirely new. The bad news is that for all intents and purposes the Goa'uld have abandoned this Galaxy entirely." Thor said. Even Teal'c was shocked at this.
"First, how is that even possible? And second, why is that bad news?" Carter asked sounding amazed.
"They are both due to the same factor. We believe that they were compelled to do so." Thor supplied.
"They were 'compelled'? Someone forced the Goa'uld system lords to abandon their possessions and territory in such a relatively short time?" Daniel asked.
"From what we have ascertained, yes." Thor answered.
"Such an entity would need to command substantial forces to effect such an act." Teal'c said grimly.
"That is what concerns the Asguard High command. If such a force can overwhelm the Goa'uld so completely.... they have the potential to overcome the Asguard as well." Thor said.
"What do you know about them?" Jack asked sitting in the chair next to Thor.
"Very little. We've investigated several Goa'uld worlds that we know of, they were found decimated and reduced to flattened glass. Others were simply devoid of inhabitants, or devoid of Goa'uld." Thor said.
"Do you have a name for this mysterious foe?" Jack asked.
"Yes. An Asguard warship recovered a disabled Goa'uld mother ship. The sensor logs and data gave us our first glimpse of these foes." Thor said and his diminutive hands manipulated a control panel on his chair. A hologram sprung into existence. It was of a smoothed elegant starship. The purplish hue of the hull flared as massive orbs of plasma leapt forward from points on the hull towards the Goa'uld ship.
"A transmission sent from the aggressor ship was in the Goa'uld language and was brief." The harsh, deep sounds of the Goa'uld language echoed through the room.
"Your subjugation...is the will of the gods...we are the instrument of their divine will." Daniel translated.
"Yes, from what we can determine the aggressors refer to themselves as the Covenant Hegemony. They managed to completely usurp and remove the most powerful force in your galaxy in the span of a few weeks." Thor said.
"Maybe they're friendly." Carter said.
"No." Thor replied abruptly.
"No?" Jack asked
"No. I did tell you I had good news, and more bad. We have received a message from another...society." Thor said and again he made a few motions with his hand and another hologram appeared in view. It was of a human, dressed simply in what looked like a military uniform. It was unadorned without any insignia or medals.
"Greetings to all Sentient peoples that receive this message. I am ambassador Hidelburg of the United Nations. If you have received this message than I humbly implore you to consider what my Government asks in this transmission. I represent the United Nations, a united force of humans from the planet Earth. We are a civilized and cultured people who wish for peace. Right now we are embroiled in a war with a group known as the Covenant Hegemony. They assaulted and annihilated innocent Civilian colonies without provocation. They have murdered billions of Civilians and millions of military personnel, and have laid waste to hundreds of worlds. The sent only one message to us, informing us that they were going to annihilate our race. This was unprovoked Genocide." The hologramatic figure said.
"The UNSC implores that any race who receives this message responds to it and meets in a summit. If we do not receive aid the Human race will be obliterated from the universe." The figure finished and bowed. The image vanished.
"We received this message by a wavelength and transmission method unknown to your people. Nor do the Tollan or Tok'ra use this method of transmission. We were at a loss considering the references involved. 'Humans' and 'Earth', those words are unique to your planet. Along with 'United Nations'." Thor said.
"Well, that's just odd." Jack said.
"Yes O'Neill. After the message is a set of coordinates and instructions to follow. A warship was sent to investigate." Once again, Thor brought up another Hologram. It looked like a Stargate.
"It's a Stargate." Jack said.
"It is approximately one hundred thousand kilometers across, in your measures." Thor said.
"It's a really, really big Stargate." Jack said.
"Yes, that is the function of this device. The Asguard warship studied the device for a brief amount of time and discovered that it functions much the same as a Stargate. Although information on the message, and the structure refers to it as 'HALO'." Thor said.
"What are you going to do?" Jack asked.
"I am taking a small fleet to meet with this Ambassador at the Summit proposed. A Tollan vessel and emissaries and a Tok'ra emissary are going as well. I came here to offer you transport to attend this summit as well." Thor said.
"General?" Jack asked.
"You have a go Colonel." Hammond replied without hesitation.
Earth [Forerunner Test Galaxy 172], United States Military High Command: The Pentagon, MILCOM HQ Conference Room 1-Alpha
It was a tense meeting of the Joint chiefs. They'd been gathered together in the middle of the night to muddle over something big. Just how big it was, no one was saying that. The officers sat in silence, the room darkened as they watched the hologramatic display in the center of the circular table glow and project the message. The unease in the room was thick; every single officer was trying to assimilate the information that they were getting.
Other Humans in the Universe.
Sentient Aliens.
Sentient Aliens that could wipe out the Human Race.
No one wanted to voice what they were all thinking. No one wanted to say a word. They were content to sit in the dark, watching the message repeat. No one wanted to admit they were scared.
The hologram ended and the lights came back on.
"Gentlemen and Lady...the President has asked us to review this message and formulate options." The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs said. He was an army man. General Chang was on a multi colored nameplate on his chest.
"The ramifications of this..." The General that represented the Colonial Marine Corps said.
"...are monstrous." The General from the Aerospace forces finished softly.
"The President has asked us to present what we can possibly do to combat this threat." General Chang said.
"What can we do? We're not exactly in fighting trim to fight a full- scale war. Let alone combat an alien invasion. It would take us a few months to mobilize to any efficient degree." General Phillips said. He spoke for the US Army.
"The Marines are ready. The Colonial Marines are always ready." General Monroe said. She was the only woman in the room. And she was the only Colonial marine in the room too. That made her the toughest person in this entire building.
"Of course General, but your Marines can't be expected to fight a full scale war on their own can they?" General Thomas said, his Aerospace uniform looking far more refined and immaculate than General Monroe's.
"Unlike you flyboys we marines actually know how to fight." Monroe snarled at the Aerospace General.
"I bet." Thomas replied.
"Please, can we concentrate on the matters at hand? We are facing what could be the single greatest threat to humanity." General Chang said, the anger in his voice readily apparent. General Monroe and General Thomas quieted.
"The Army will need time to organize for any kind of action." General Phillips said flatly.
"The Aerospace assets we have are ready to fight. We can pull forces off of patrol duties and marshal some significant fleet assets." Admiral Thomas said.
"The Colonial Marines are always ready." General Monroe said with pride.
"That's good. The President has ordered us to begin full preparations for a full-scale war. He's sent an emissary to this summit the 'UNSC' has set up. And he says that we can expect to come to the aid of a beleaguered group on the verge of annihilation." General Chang said. The officers nodded grimly. They knew exactly what they were getting into. Full scale war on a scope larger than any the United States had ever known.
They knew exactly what they were getting into, but nothing of the horrors of the war they were joining.
Coruscant [Forerunner Test Galaxy 953], Imperial City, The Imperial Senate Chamber/New Republic Senate Chamber
For once, the Senate Chamber was silent.
Dead silent.
It was unheard of. The Senate chamber could never command silence. Even when the loudspeaker system was turned off there was noise. But now, it was quiet, there was not a sound to be heard in the epic space. Every single representative in the room could understand what was going on. Yes, they'd been contacted by a Human race from outside the Galaxy, and yes, the Yuuzhan Vong had come from outside the galaxy...but this was a new threat, a powerful threat.
"Now, a brefing from New Republic Intelligence on the validity of these statements." The Speaker said, and surrendered his podium to a Rodian clad in the simple uniform of the NRI.
He stepped up, and looked around. His bulbous black eyes gazed out at the representatives.
"NRI Ferret craft have investigated the Yuuhzan Vong strongholds at Belkadan and Helska. Both worlds were taken early in the war and have been long out of contact with New Republic Forces. NRI Ferret Spy craft were sent to investigate the complete lack of contact with any Yuuhzan Vong vessels in the past months. Every world that was investigated was devoid of Yuuhzan Vong influence. For one reason or another. Some worlds were found to be simply devoid of Yuuhzan Vong flora and fauna. Others were found decimated by some sort of superheated plasma." The NRI agent said.
"At Helska we located two Yuuhzan Vong worldships, which were under the 'guard' of ten vessels known to belong to the Covenant Hegemony. They are approximately the same type as those found at the 'HALO' construct. The vessels were observed to jump to Belkadan in formation. The Ferret spy craft followed to the system and found this." The Spook said and a massive hologram sprang to life in the void above him.
It was an armada the size that could have dwarfed the Imperial Fleet back at its prime. The Fleet was so large it spread beyond the limits of the massive image. Its contents were more diverse than a Hutt's entourage. The shapes ranged from sleek and lethal looking ships that were similar, yet wholly different to the Covenant, to the massive asteroid ships of the Yuuhzan Vong. There were even Yevetha ships amongst them, and Imperial Star destroyers with Yevetha markings. Ships that looked like giant pyramids coasted about rapidly along the periphery. Saucer shaped vessels darted about the interior of the formation.
This armada was larger than the New Republic and Imperial fleets combined at full strength. It looked capable of having a run of destruction greater than that of the Yuuhzan Vong's conquests. A fleet that could smash the might of the Empire in its prime.
A fleet that could squash Coruscant if it wanted.
"This armada then jumped out of the Belkadan system and towards an unknown location slightly outside the galactic plane. The Ferret was unable to follow the Armada." The Spook said.
"We have investigated the Yevetha systems, and all Yuuhzan Vong worlds.... They are empty." The NRI officer said and stepped down.
The speaker nodded and retook his podium. Still, the senate chamber retained its air of silent panic. The speaker looked about, those faces that he could see and with expressions he understood.... he saw horror and disbelief.
"My fellow beings...we have been vested with a great duty. We stand at the cross roads of not just galactic history, but Universal History. We have seen the Yuuhzan Vong. We have understood that there is life beyond our own Galaxy. We have proof of the violence of such species, and the cruelty with which they operate. And now, we hear a plea for help. No, a plea for an audience in a great meeting that could decide the fate of an entire race." The speaker said; he was making up this entire speech on the fly. No scripting, no rehearsal, pure and raw emotion, being broadcast to trillions of beings over the holonet.
"I ask you all to take a vote, a vote to decide whether or not we should come to the aid of a peoples that did nothing to bring upon the senseless slaughter that they have suffered through. I ask you to vote to meet with them and to see what they wish in aid. I ask you to help them, to do what we so wished for during the days of the Rebellion and the war with the Empire, during the war with the Yevetha and the Vong, I ask you to help them." The speaker said.
It began as one single clap. The sharp noise nearly lost in the cavernous dead spaces of the senate. The applause was deafening, and yet it was only a single being clapping. Then another....and another....and another...
The applause ripped through the senate chamber and truly was deafening, the ear splitting din heard outside the massive building, heard over the noise of Coruscant's day traffic.
For the first time in over 100,000 years of the senate, a resolution was passed without a single dissenting vote.
Earth [Forerunner Test Galaxy 419], Mega Primus City 1, X-Com Corporate Headquarters
Mega Primus stretched out into the distance beyond the boardroom windows. It was a vibrant, thriving city. Originally this had been called New York, decades ago before the Second Alien war. But New York had been...less complicated than Mega Primus. The Megalopolis was thriving and vibrant, it bore no traces of the decimation that had befallen the world after the destruction of the Alien colony ship that ended the Second Alien War.
X-Com Corporate President Henry Williams sat at the end of the black glass table that had to be twenty feet long. The twenty other seats at the table each occupied by one of the lower level executives that ran the X-Com Sub divisions. They were looking at the hologram pod that had just cut off.
The room was quiet. But not silent, a low chatter permeated the room.
"Ladies, Gentlemen and Androids, the City Senate has asked us to investigate this transmission and have made overtones that they feel it would 'be in the best interests of all parties involved' if we figured something out." Williams said looking around the able. His dark skin and large black eyes set him apart from most of the people seated at the table.
He was a Hybrid, a product of alien experimentation during the First Alien War. Of course, his kind had to struggle with adversity, and becoming the head of an organization that had waged war against his ancestors was thanks in no small part to his savvy as a soldier and a businessman. "The transmission is genuine from all we can tell. It matches no known transmission medium and was broadcast from a large, ring like structure. It's been referred to as 'HALO' and is made of an alien alloy unlike any we've encountered." Xiana said. She was a Hybrid as well, and the head of X-Com's R&D division. "Sir, if this message is accurate, and a full scale interstellar war is going on...then it's definitely worse than the First or Second Alien wars." High Commander Murray said. That's what his name was, Murray. He was a sentient machine. Originally designed as an advanced combat unit in the battles to defend Mega Primus, he'd become self aware and risen to the rank of Supreme Commander of all X-Com Combat forces, both ground teams and fighter wings on the frontier. "The moral thing to do it to assist them of course..." Williams said. "But can we afford to? That's what you're asking." Yuri Toleraov said. He was a normal human and head of the Financial division of X-Com, responsible for picking apart every transaction, from electro flares to deep space bases, he decided who got funding for what. "Well, fiscally we could make a bundle selling Elerium and weapons to the warring parties. Hiring out our combat teams and fighter wings for a tidy sum would also result in net gain. If we set ourselves up as the sole weapons supplier to this 'UNSC' then we could make a killing!" Toleraov said gleefully. "Well, we have the accountant's okay to make war." Williams said and sent a ripple of laughter around the table. Even Toleraov laughed. "From a military standpoint, can we fight this?" "Yes, so long as we fight isolated actions and avoid full frontal assaults, we can conduct an effective military campaign and do some good. If needed we can begin large scale hiring and training of combat personnel should the need arise. Although we do have next to no information on the foe, I am confident that we can do some good." Murray said with the android equivalent of a smile. "Well then, let's send a company rep on a Patton Class Cruiser, along with a fighter wing and a suitable honor guard of course. They let's offer our services." Williams said.
Earth [Forerunner Test Galaxy 652], Capital of the Human Alliance, Presidential Mansion
President Nilla Momar sat behind his desk and read the reports that had been laid out before him. Most of it was trivial information, fleet and troop movement for defensive efforts along the border with the Antarans. Recent Psilon breaktroughs in nano technology. Increased production from the Klaclon Hives at Damocles XIV. Nothing new. But, near the bottom of the stack was something different.
The President reached out and picked up the holodisk listening to the message that was sent out from an unexplored patch of space. The presidential science advisor stood stiff and silent in his hover chair. The Psilon was rigid, or as rigid as his frail, weak body could manage. But he was one of the smartest beings in the Galaxy.
The name 'Human Alliance' had long since become an inaccurate title. During the brushfire wars of the 230's after those wars most of the Humanoid races had been brought together beneath the Human flag. The Evon, the Psilons and the Humans had united under a common flag. A century later the Saurian Confederacy was conquered, and after that the Sentient Machine Empire joined the Human Alliance through diplomatic means. They formed one of the most powerful united governments in the Orion sector.
Next to the Harvester Empire and the domain of the New Orions, or rather Antarans by any other name... They held the greatest power imaginable.
"Can we test the accuracy of this?" President Momar asked as the Holo finished playing.
"Yes." The Psilon rasped through it's withered lips.
"So, how can we interpret this?" Momar asked.
"Antaran...ploy...humans...are not...found.... outside the....Orion sector." The Psilon wheezed.
"How can you be sure, this report says that it wasn't broadcast on a frequency known to us." Momar said. The Psilon shifted uneasily, literally with great difficulty in it's chair.
"Yes...true..." It rasped slowly.
"And what gives you cause to doubt the validity of this statement?" Momar prompted.
"Facts do....not...support...it." The Science advisor wheezed.
"No, they don't but it has been analyzed as being valid. Hasn't it?"
"Yes...but..."
"I have no reason to doubt this message, and these Humans clearly are making a final plea for help. They're facing complete extinction. I intend to send aid." The President said. The Science advisor wheezed softly.
"If...you...would excuse...me...Mr....President..." The Psilon said and hovered out of the office. President Momar sat at his desk then called the High Commander of the Human Alliance Military into his office.
The Human Alliance's military forces were a potent force. They had the resources to wage a full-scale open war against any aggressive actions by the Harvesters. They could even combat the full might of the Antaran White fleet if they had too. But if they embarked upon a military action against an extra-galactic threat...
The prospect of disaster was high.
HALO Fortress world [Forerunner Test Galaxy 895: UNSC], UNSC led Summit meeting of Sentient Peoples, Room designated 'Council Chamber'
The UNSC had decided to send out a blanket message through the HALO gate network. The UNSC couldn't hope to visit every single world that the HALO network reached. Rather they decided to draw every possible group to them. The message had reached countless worlds, inhabited by both Humans and other species, many of which were incapable of attending this meeting, and others incapable of realizing that a message had been sent.
But those that came... They gave the UNSC hope. Hope that they could fight.
The meeting hall had been one of the countless Forerunner structures that littered the inside of the HALO structure. Whatever it had been, it had long since been abandoned. The Large vaulted room was emblazoned with Forerunner iconography; the original meaning of the symbols only understood by the few AI's that had the translation software. The room itself was breathtaking. It was so large that it's own ceiling was shrouded and hidden from eyes that looked up. The smooth, open nature of the room meant that a large, council table could be erected along with a series of 'humanoid' suited chairs and seating. Standing beyond the end of the table was Ambassador Bueller. He stood silently gazing at the table and it's strange seats. He was steeling himself for what was to come. For he truly did not know what to expect, he was worrying over what was going to happen. From what they'd learned about the races that had been contacted, the room had been arranged accordingly. There were twelve seats at the circular table. One each for what could be considered the 'major' powers involved. Each race powerful and capable of rendering significant assistance to the war effort should they choose to fight alongside the UNSC. The Federation, the Klingon Star Empire, the Asguard, the Human Alliance, the 'X-Com' organization, and the New Republic, along with two different United States, the Tollan and the Tok'ra. Other seats, tables, and benches, sat around the main table, seating for the entourages that each ambassador brought along. Ambassador Bueller had been a part of the UNSC diplomatic Corps for almost thirty years. He had extensive negotiating experience and the ability to meld the wills of many different and diverse groups into a common, unifying goal. He had an innate gift for diplomacy, a gift that would be worth more than a moon made of pure gold right now. Not that gold would be worth anything if he failed...if he failed the Covenant should be handed earth since there was no way that they could be stopped. Bueller hung his head and prayed for some divine miracle to unite these diverse groups. The Federation, progressive explorers and scientists. The Klingon Star Empire, a military oriented culture. The Human Alliance, a massive government made of many different and highly diverse species. The Asguard, and alien race with highly developed technology and culture, yet slowly dying off. X-Com, a group with a long history of fighting technologically advanced alien races with meager assets, and culling victory from it. The New Republic, a loose collection of alien species and systems, based on a government that had collapsed. The US, its armies and fleets a powerful force to be reckoned with. The Tollan were scientific savants, and the Tok'ra were apparently good spies. Each group with extremely valuable assets that could be utilized. But with such diverse and differing cultures and governments, the form of co- operation needed could never truly manifest without a truly tremendous effort. Bueller shuddered. He looked up at the guards by the door. The Spartans. They stood stiff and at attention. They were armed, and probably had a lot less to worry about right now than he did. Even though this was a 'summit' meeting for lack of a better term. But there was still a massive amount of apprehension on the part of every single 'delegate' attending. Although there really wasn't a term that could describe those that were here right now. What do you call someone that you're begging for help with a losing war? Bueller frowned. He'd dealt with diplomatic problems more akin to trade disputes. Not intergalactic negotiations. Especialy not intergalactic negotiations that held the fate of his entire people on the line... No sir... But for some reason unknown to the gods he was stuck in here, negotiating for aid. Military, Scientific, Economic, anything he could get, no matter what the cost. For a brief moment Bueller envied those Spartans. Compared to what he had to do, it was simple. They just killed. That was all. They didn't have to worry about interpreting the motivations and reasons behind their enemy. No, just pull the trigger and that was that. Simple. Bueller grunted and sighed. Well...he'd better get on with it. "Okay...let them enter." Bueller said to the Master Chef. The armor clad Spartan nodded imperceptibly and the doors that he and the others were standing by slid open. The first through the door was the Federation ambassador, striding in next to the Klingon representative. Behind them was the United States representatives from the 'SGC' was the Asguard representative. He kept pace with the larger human, despite his small stature. Well... 'It' kept pace. Behind that pair was the Human Alliance ambassador marching along side the New Republic envoy. Walking along behind the New Republic and Human Alliance reps was the Ambassador from the 'other' United States, and beside him the X-Com corporate Representative. The Tollan and the Tok'ra emissaries followed behind them. The walked in silently and moved to the different chairs around the table. Each representative sat down and looked around at the other delegates. Silently the entourages and escorts for the delegates followed. There were quite a few of them; every chair and table in the room was filled with people.
Bueller inhaled and nodded to the Spartans, they walked out of the room and shut the doors.
"My fellow beings..." Bueller began his speech.
John looked around the aliens and other humans that sat around the room. He was fighting his curiosity. A good soldier knew that they should learn everything they could about something new. But not to become so fascinated with it that he couldn't focus on other things.
He looked about at the other humans in the room. The Federation had proved their worth; John had seen that first hand. They could fight, and they could fight well. He didn't know about the Human alliance representative. Likewise with the two US reps and the X-Com rep. He hadn't seen them in action. Of course, he had seen their escorts, and they looked capable enough.
He was about to study the alien representatives when Bueller nodded. The signal for him and the other Spartans to leave; he saluted and headed out of the room. The other Spartans trailed along with him and they shut the doors. The Spartans headed back to the surface to meet with the other troops that had accompanied the UNSC delegation, and to observe the other troops.
One lift and several ramps later, they were on the surface. The Forerunner bunker was situated in a wide open grassy field. There had been nothing there besides the bunker. Right now it looked like a cross between a military encampment and a bazaar.
The multitude of different military cultures in one place had meant two things. First, they all felt a certain kinship since they were all soldiers and had been in battle. And second, they were all curious as hell about just what the other guys were packing.
The troops mingled about gawking at what the other soldiers had. Either out of envy or out of humor at seeing what passed for weapons in some groups. Small groups of troops stood around others, their multitude of different uniforms showing that they weren't concerned with any kind of threats right now.
A similar scene was probably going on in orbit amongst the navy boys. Probably gawking at each other's hardware and looking to see who had the biggest ship.
About twenty troopers seemed to be extremely fascinated by a short stocky female Colonial Marine demonstrating what she called a 'Smartgun'. She carried the massive weapon easily and panned it around slightly as a pair of towering Wookiees studied the weapon intently, roaring and growling between each other; they were commenting on the design and construction of the weapon. About five ODSTs were looking open mouthed at the weapon, one even asked how it worked.
"I dunno' I just know that it finds things for me to shoot." The marine said and seemed as though she cradled the weapon lovingly.
Another group of Federation marines were examining an X-Com soldier in his black sculpted body armor.
"So, what kind of power source do you use?"
"Elerium power core. It can keep me fully powered for 72 hours of constant combat. A week of basic functions at low power mode."
"What's Elerium?"
"Uh...you're kidding right?"
A rather large group of troopers stood watching a Klingon warrior and a Sakkaran from the Human alliance in full armor sparring. The Klingon was slightly shorter than the towering saurian warrior in armor, but it was turning into a furious fight. They were both good, and the flurry of motion and speed on such a large scale was a sight to see.
It wasn't just the soldiers that were examining each other's gear and skills, the pilots were doing the same.
The two pilots from the Colonial Marine UD-4 dropship were talking with the pilot of the UNSC Pelican dropship. The pilots were engaged in a furious debate over which ship was more maneuverable. The Weapons officers in each couldn't care less, they were more concerned with which ship had more firepower. The pair of pilots seemed to be close to coming to blows.
"That bugger couldn't make a Mach 4 turn if it's existence depended on it!" The UNSC Pelican pilot shouted.
"And you think that hulk could?" The Colonial Marine UD-4 pilot shot back.
"So, you only have that chaingun?" The Colonial Marine weapons officer asked looking at the Pelican.
"Yeah, sometimes we get missiles." The UNSC WO said.
"Bah, we've got just about anything you could want on a UD-4 Cheyenne. Rockets, Missiles, guns, you name it we've got it, standard." The Colonial marine said.
"Wow, how do you get that thing to fly?" The UNSC WO said.
"That's his problem." The Colonial marine replied nodding at his pilot. Both weapons officers rolled their eyes as the two pilots continued to argue.
Everything was odd to say the least, so many different military groups interacting, and comparing each others weapons was coming close to comical. They all seemed like kids in a candy store, whether drooling over the technology or the skills that the other troops had, they were all fascinated with what every one else had. But even if the fleet personnel and the soldiers were intensely fascinated with each other, that wasn't necessarily the same attitude.
HALO Fortress world [Forerunner Test Galaxy 895: UNSC], UNSC led Summit meeting of Sentient Peoples, Room designated 'Council Chamber'
"So, let me get this straight, you've been fighting a war against an alien race that is far in advance of anything you can be capable of. And they've managed to wipe out nearly all of your off world colonies?" Colonel O'Neill asked.
"Yes. That's the bulk of it." Ambassador Bueller said.
"Okay, I just wanted to clarify that point."
"We can sympathize with your plight Ambassador. The Human Alliance was conqured by the Antaran race millennia ago, our worlds were destroyed and we were herded back to our homeworld." The Human Alliance Ambassador said, he was a portly man who answered to the name Halladu.
"Yes. The Asguard have also faced the prospect of Extinction at the hands of the Replicators." Thor said.
"Gentelmen, and...beings... You can sit there and sympathize all you want with our plight. We don't need sympathy. We need help. We need ships, soldiers and weapons. Not sympathy. We'll save the sympathy and emotion for after this war is over." Bueller said.
The delegates at the table looked around slowly.
"We sent out a message asking for help. Not for some hollow words. From what I've learned, you've all fought the Covenant, or you're fought their 'allies'. You've seen how they operate, you've even seen what they've done to our worlds. The UNSC cannot stop this on our own. We can't save what few people we have left on our own. The UNSC fleet is in tatters. The ground troops we have available can't do much against a Covenant Cruiser glassing a planet." Bueller said.
"The UNSC's naval assets are spent, we can't defend earth. Hell, we can't even hurt the Covenant if they head for earth. They'll come to earth, and they'll annihilate the few ships we have left. After that, they can either land troops or glass the world from orbit. And we won't be able to do a damn thing to stop them."
"Surely your warriors will give their lives in glorious battle?" The Klingon ambassador with an unpronounceable name said.
"But it's usually better to make the other guy's warriors lay down their lives in glorious battle than your own warriors isn't it?" Colonel O'Neill said. The Klingon sent a murderous look at the human.
"Of course, we can see the problems that exist with a mass mobilization of forces, can't you? Surely...their could be a diplomatic solution couldn't there?" The Bothan New Republic ambassador said, his name was Borsk'Fey'la
"Diplomatic? Diplomatic?" Clearly, you do not understand what the Covenant is." Bueller said, Fey'la cut him off quickly.
"From what we can ddeduce from your reports, no dedicated effort has been made to negotiate with them. Perhaps that avenue should be explored before we commit resources."
"Excuse me ambassador, but what kind of fool are you?" The Human Alliance ambassador said being very blunt.
Fey'la sat there, unaccustomed to such straightforward comments.
"Tyrants and oppressors will take what they want until they have what they want. Appeasement and negotiation are foreign to them. The only language such creatures know is that of force. The UNSC needs the forces to save their people. Forces that the Human Alliance is willing to commit." Halladu said.
"You're willing to help us?" Bueller asked.
Halladu stood and bowed.
"Yes Ambassador, our armies and fleets will aid your people in their struggle." Halladu said.
"Thank you Ambassador. You have no idea the gratitude that our people fell for your nation." Bueller said and returned the bow.
"The Federation is more that willing to aid those that are being unjustly persecuted and annihilated. The United Federation of Planets will render whatever aid is needed to end the UNSC – Covenant War." The Federation ambassador said.
"The Klingon Star Empire shall honor our commitments to the Federation and render assistance to the UNSC in glorious battle." The Klingon ambassador added.
"Thank you, thank you both." Bueller said.
"Well, we'll help out how we can. But it won't be much. The US is on your side." O'Neill added with a shurug.
"The United States of America will also come to the aid of the UNSC. Our fleets and soldiers will uphold the longstanding traditions of the US in protecting freedom and Democracy." The other US ambassador said.
"His sounded better." O'Neill muttered.
"The Asguard owe a great many debts to the Human race for their aid in preventing the extinction of our race. We shall gladly aid any Human culture in it's own defense." Thor said.
"I thank you." Bueller added, he really couldn't say much more than 'thank you' right now.
"The X-Com Corporate office has authorized me to offer our substantial military and technological experiences in this war. We have a longstanding tradition in fighting alien forces with limited resources. This of course, will come at a price." The X-Com corporate rep said.
"What price?"
"Technology and materials. X-Com isn't a non-profit organization."
"Of course." Bueller responded.
"If it is as you say, and the Goa'uld have joined the 'Covenant' than we are sworn to eliminate them, as well as the Goa'uld. The Tok'ra shall assist your plight as best we can." The Tok'ra ambassador said.
"Despite the longstanding policy of the Tollan people, we shall not give technology, but we shall provide resources needed to defeat this foe." The Tollan Ambasador said.
All eyes at the table turned to the Bothan that sat there, it's fur rippling slightly as it looked about.
"The New Republic cannont allow any sentient species to be destroyed by such a foe. We will render as much aid as possible." Borsk'Fey'La said, he sounded as though it were forced against more natural inclinations.
"Gentlemen and Beings. The forces united in this room shall spell doom for the Covenant Hegemony, and all that may deign to serve their twisted ends. May this Coalition defeat the evil in the Galaxy, and truly create a golden age for all Sentient Peoples." Bueller said.
Okay, I'm sorry this took sooooo bloody long. But don't worry next chappie should be faster and much more combat oriented.
Chapter 8: How long can we hold?
Chapter 7: A meeting that will decide the fate of the Galaxy
Earth [Forerunner Test galaxy 624], Cheyenne Mountain Complex, Stargate Command, On base quarters of Colonel O'Neill.
Colonel Jack O'Neill, commanding officer of SG-1, the flagship team of Stargate Command was getting something that he rarely had a chance to enjoy; sleep. At least while he was on duty. Normally he spent every moment that he was on-world doing that endless torment known as paperwork....
Or bugging Carter....
Or bugging Daniel....
Or bugging Teal'c....
But besides that it was all business. Yep, every waking moment the pillar of professionalism.
Okay, he can't even think that with a straight face.
But he didn't sleep much, especially after a five daylong off-world mission that included a day of listening to Daniel translate tablets, and four days of running from natives that weren't too keen on Daniel translating tablets.
Fun, fun, fun.
But right now he was busy recovering from Doc Fraiser's usual post mission examination. Ah, such fun! But now sleep, and later the Simpsons, no paperwork in sight for a while either. Hey, he might even go bug Carter for a while in her lab.
Ah, the day was set, and now all he had to do waaaa-
And cue ringing phone.
-ssss get up and answer the phone.
Jack grunted in annoyance and grabbed the receiver.
"O'Neill."
"I hope I'm not waking you Colonel." General Hammond asked across the phone line, although he was somewhere in the base.
"Yes and no sir. What's happening?" Jack asked sitting up and looking at the small digital clock in the room. He groaned as he saw that he hadn't really had any sleep at all, today, or in the last week.
"The Asguard have decided to stop by." General Hammond replied.
"Really? And they decided to speak with you rather than beam me up why? No, don't answer that." Jack said.
"I need you in the briefing room as soon as possible Colonel." Hammond ordered. Jack hung up and stumbled through the darkened room, dressed and then headed off towards the briefing room, grumbling quietly as he shambled along. Jack stepped into the main elevator to be confronted by the rest of his team. For the most part they looked fully alert and ready, he was the only groggy one.
"Any ideas why the Asguard have decided to show up?" Jack asked as the door slid shut behind him.
"I do not O'Neill." Teal'c said in his normally stoic self. Carter and Daniel shrugged they didn't have a clue either, and judging by their appearance they hadn't even attempted to sleep yet.
They stepped off the elevator in silence and headed to the briefing room. Jack yawned slightly and then turned the corner and spotted Thor right off the bat. It was hard to miss an Asguard, the completely bald skin, giant black eyes and stature that was the equivalent of a husky nine year old kinda ruled out missing them in a crowd.
"Thor, buddy, what brings you to this neck of the universe? Need some more help with the Replicators? Goa'uld plot you want to warn us about? Some massive, horrific disaster about to befall the Asguard that we can help with?" Jack said.
"Greetings O'Neill. I have come with, good news and bad news for you and your people." Thor said from his throne-like seat that he always sat in.
O'Neill looked at Thor for a moment.
"Well, nothing new them." Jack mumbled.
"No, something entirely new. The bad news is that for all intents and purposes the Goa'uld have abandoned this Galaxy entirely." Thor said. Even Teal'c was shocked at this.
"First, how is that even possible? And second, why is that bad news?" Carter asked sounding amazed.
"They are both due to the same factor. We believe that they were compelled to do so." Thor supplied.
"They were 'compelled'? Someone forced the Goa'uld system lords to abandon their possessions and territory in such a relatively short time?" Daniel asked.
"From what we have ascertained, yes." Thor answered.
"Such an entity would need to command substantial forces to effect such an act." Teal'c said grimly.
"That is what concerns the Asguard High command. If such a force can overwhelm the Goa'uld so completely.... they have the potential to overcome the Asguard as well." Thor said.
"What do you know about them?" Jack asked sitting in the chair next to Thor.
"Very little. We've investigated several Goa'uld worlds that we know of, they were found decimated and reduced to flattened glass. Others were simply devoid of inhabitants, or devoid of Goa'uld." Thor said.
"Do you have a name for this mysterious foe?" Jack asked.
"Yes. An Asguard warship recovered a disabled Goa'uld mother ship. The sensor logs and data gave us our first glimpse of these foes." Thor said and his diminutive hands manipulated a control panel on his chair. A hologram sprung into existence. It was of a smoothed elegant starship. The purplish hue of the hull flared as massive orbs of plasma leapt forward from points on the hull towards the Goa'uld ship.
"A transmission sent from the aggressor ship was in the Goa'uld language and was brief." The harsh, deep sounds of the Goa'uld language echoed through the room.
"Your subjugation...is the will of the gods...we are the instrument of their divine will." Daniel translated.
"Yes, from what we can determine the aggressors refer to themselves as the Covenant Hegemony. They managed to completely usurp and remove the most powerful force in your galaxy in the span of a few weeks." Thor said.
"Maybe they're friendly." Carter said.
"No." Thor replied abruptly.
"No?" Jack asked
"No. I did tell you I had good news, and more bad. We have received a message from another...society." Thor said and again he made a few motions with his hand and another hologram appeared in view. It was of a human, dressed simply in what looked like a military uniform. It was unadorned without any insignia or medals.
"Greetings to all Sentient peoples that receive this message. I am ambassador Hidelburg of the United Nations. If you have received this message than I humbly implore you to consider what my Government asks in this transmission. I represent the United Nations, a united force of humans from the planet Earth. We are a civilized and cultured people who wish for peace. Right now we are embroiled in a war with a group known as the Covenant Hegemony. They assaulted and annihilated innocent Civilian colonies without provocation. They have murdered billions of Civilians and millions of military personnel, and have laid waste to hundreds of worlds. The sent only one message to us, informing us that they were going to annihilate our race. This was unprovoked Genocide." The hologramatic figure said.
"The UNSC implores that any race who receives this message responds to it and meets in a summit. If we do not receive aid the Human race will be obliterated from the universe." The figure finished and bowed. The image vanished.
"We received this message by a wavelength and transmission method unknown to your people. Nor do the Tollan or Tok'ra use this method of transmission. We were at a loss considering the references involved. 'Humans' and 'Earth', those words are unique to your planet. Along with 'United Nations'." Thor said.
"Well, that's just odd." Jack said.
"Yes O'Neill. After the message is a set of coordinates and instructions to follow. A warship was sent to investigate." Once again, Thor brought up another Hologram. It looked like a Stargate.
"It's a Stargate." Jack said.
"It is approximately one hundred thousand kilometers across, in your measures." Thor said.
"It's a really, really big Stargate." Jack said.
"Yes, that is the function of this device. The Asguard warship studied the device for a brief amount of time and discovered that it functions much the same as a Stargate. Although information on the message, and the structure refers to it as 'HALO'." Thor said.
"What are you going to do?" Jack asked.
"I am taking a small fleet to meet with this Ambassador at the Summit proposed. A Tollan vessel and emissaries and a Tok'ra emissary are going as well. I came here to offer you transport to attend this summit as well." Thor said.
"General?" Jack asked.
"You have a go Colonel." Hammond replied without hesitation.
Earth [Forerunner Test Galaxy 172], United States Military High Command: The Pentagon, MILCOM HQ Conference Room 1-Alpha
It was a tense meeting of the Joint chiefs. They'd been gathered together in the middle of the night to muddle over something big. Just how big it was, no one was saying that. The officers sat in silence, the room darkened as they watched the hologramatic display in the center of the circular table glow and project the message. The unease in the room was thick; every single officer was trying to assimilate the information that they were getting.
Other Humans in the Universe.
Sentient Aliens.
Sentient Aliens that could wipe out the Human Race.
No one wanted to voice what they were all thinking. No one wanted to say a word. They were content to sit in the dark, watching the message repeat. No one wanted to admit they were scared.
The hologram ended and the lights came back on.
"Gentlemen and Lady...the President has asked us to review this message and formulate options." The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs said. He was an army man. General Chang was on a multi colored nameplate on his chest.
"The ramifications of this..." The General that represented the Colonial Marine Corps said.
"...are monstrous." The General from the Aerospace forces finished softly.
"The President has asked us to present what we can possibly do to combat this threat." General Chang said.
"What can we do? We're not exactly in fighting trim to fight a full- scale war. Let alone combat an alien invasion. It would take us a few months to mobilize to any efficient degree." General Phillips said. He spoke for the US Army.
"The Marines are ready. The Colonial Marines are always ready." General Monroe said. She was the only woman in the room. And she was the only Colonial marine in the room too. That made her the toughest person in this entire building.
"Of course General, but your Marines can't be expected to fight a full scale war on their own can they?" General Thomas said, his Aerospace uniform looking far more refined and immaculate than General Monroe's.
"Unlike you flyboys we marines actually know how to fight." Monroe snarled at the Aerospace General.
"I bet." Thomas replied.
"Please, can we concentrate on the matters at hand? We are facing what could be the single greatest threat to humanity." General Chang said, the anger in his voice readily apparent. General Monroe and General Thomas quieted.
"The Army will need time to organize for any kind of action." General Phillips said flatly.
"The Aerospace assets we have are ready to fight. We can pull forces off of patrol duties and marshal some significant fleet assets." Admiral Thomas said.
"The Colonial Marines are always ready." General Monroe said with pride.
"That's good. The President has ordered us to begin full preparations for a full-scale war. He's sent an emissary to this summit the 'UNSC' has set up. And he says that we can expect to come to the aid of a beleaguered group on the verge of annihilation." General Chang said. The officers nodded grimly. They knew exactly what they were getting into. Full scale war on a scope larger than any the United States had ever known.
They knew exactly what they were getting into, but nothing of the horrors of the war they were joining.
Coruscant [Forerunner Test Galaxy 953], Imperial City, The Imperial Senate Chamber/New Republic Senate Chamber
For once, the Senate Chamber was silent.
Dead silent.
It was unheard of. The Senate chamber could never command silence. Even when the loudspeaker system was turned off there was noise. But now, it was quiet, there was not a sound to be heard in the epic space. Every single representative in the room could understand what was going on. Yes, they'd been contacted by a Human race from outside the Galaxy, and yes, the Yuuzhan Vong had come from outside the galaxy...but this was a new threat, a powerful threat.
"Now, a brefing from New Republic Intelligence on the validity of these statements." The Speaker said, and surrendered his podium to a Rodian clad in the simple uniform of the NRI.
He stepped up, and looked around. His bulbous black eyes gazed out at the representatives.
"NRI Ferret craft have investigated the Yuuhzan Vong strongholds at Belkadan and Helska. Both worlds were taken early in the war and have been long out of contact with New Republic Forces. NRI Ferret Spy craft were sent to investigate the complete lack of contact with any Yuuhzan Vong vessels in the past months. Every world that was investigated was devoid of Yuuhzan Vong influence. For one reason or another. Some worlds were found to be simply devoid of Yuuhzan Vong flora and fauna. Others were found decimated by some sort of superheated plasma." The NRI agent said.
"At Helska we located two Yuuhzan Vong worldships, which were under the 'guard' of ten vessels known to belong to the Covenant Hegemony. They are approximately the same type as those found at the 'HALO' construct. The vessels were observed to jump to Belkadan in formation. The Ferret spy craft followed to the system and found this." The Spook said and a massive hologram sprang to life in the void above him.
It was an armada the size that could have dwarfed the Imperial Fleet back at its prime. The Fleet was so large it spread beyond the limits of the massive image. Its contents were more diverse than a Hutt's entourage. The shapes ranged from sleek and lethal looking ships that were similar, yet wholly different to the Covenant, to the massive asteroid ships of the Yuuhzan Vong. There were even Yevetha ships amongst them, and Imperial Star destroyers with Yevetha markings. Ships that looked like giant pyramids coasted about rapidly along the periphery. Saucer shaped vessels darted about the interior of the formation.
This armada was larger than the New Republic and Imperial fleets combined at full strength. It looked capable of having a run of destruction greater than that of the Yuuhzan Vong's conquests. A fleet that could smash the might of the Empire in its prime.
A fleet that could squash Coruscant if it wanted.
"This armada then jumped out of the Belkadan system and towards an unknown location slightly outside the galactic plane. The Ferret was unable to follow the Armada." The Spook said.
"We have investigated the Yevetha systems, and all Yuuhzan Vong worlds.... They are empty." The NRI officer said and stepped down.
The speaker nodded and retook his podium. Still, the senate chamber retained its air of silent panic. The speaker looked about, those faces that he could see and with expressions he understood.... he saw horror and disbelief.
"My fellow beings...we have been vested with a great duty. We stand at the cross roads of not just galactic history, but Universal History. We have seen the Yuuhzan Vong. We have understood that there is life beyond our own Galaxy. We have proof of the violence of such species, and the cruelty with which they operate. And now, we hear a plea for help. No, a plea for an audience in a great meeting that could decide the fate of an entire race." The speaker said; he was making up this entire speech on the fly. No scripting, no rehearsal, pure and raw emotion, being broadcast to trillions of beings over the holonet.
"I ask you all to take a vote, a vote to decide whether or not we should come to the aid of a peoples that did nothing to bring upon the senseless slaughter that they have suffered through. I ask you to vote to meet with them and to see what they wish in aid. I ask you to help them, to do what we so wished for during the days of the Rebellion and the war with the Empire, during the war with the Yevetha and the Vong, I ask you to help them." The speaker said.
It began as one single clap. The sharp noise nearly lost in the cavernous dead spaces of the senate. The applause was deafening, and yet it was only a single being clapping. Then another....and another....and another...
The applause ripped through the senate chamber and truly was deafening, the ear splitting din heard outside the massive building, heard over the noise of Coruscant's day traffic.
For the first time in over 100,000 years of the senate, a resolution was passed without a single dissenting vote.
Earth [Forerunner Test Galaxy 419], Mega Primus City 1, X-Com Corporate Headquarters
Mega Primus stretched out into the distance beyond the boardroom windows. It was a vibrant, thriving city. Originally this had been called New York, decades ago before the Second Alien war. But New York had been...less complicated than Mega Primus. The Megalopolis was thriving and vibrant, it bore no traces of the decimation that had befallen the world after the destruction of the Alien colony ship that ended the Second Alien War.
X-Com Corporate President Henry Williams sat at the end of the black glass table that had to be twenty feet long. The twenty other seats at the table each occupied by one of the lower level executives that ran the X-Com Sub divisions. They were looking at the hologram pod that had just cut off.
The room was quiet. But not silent, a low chatter permeated the room.
"Ladies, Gentlemen and Androids, the City Senate has asked us to investigate this transmission and have made overtones that they feel it would 'be in the best interests of all parties involved' if we figured something out." Williams said looking around the able. His dark skin and large black eyes set him apart from most of the people seated at the table.
He was a Hybrid, a product of alien experimentation during the First Alien War. Of course, his kind had to struggle with adversity, and becoming the head of an organization that had waged war against his ancestors was thanks in no small part to his savvy as a soldier and a businessman. "The transmission is genuine from all we can tell. It matches no known transmission medium and was broadcast from a large, ring like structure. It's been referred to as 'HALO' and is made of an alien alloy unlike any we've encountered." Xiana said. She was a Hybrid as well, and the head of X-Com's R&D division. "Sir, if this message is accurate, and a full scale interstellar war is going on...then it's definitely worse than the First or Second Alien wars." High Commander Murray said. That's what his name was, Murray. He was a sentient machine. Originally designed as an advanced combat unit in the battles to defend Mega Primus, he'd become self aware and risen to the rank of Supreme Commander of all X-Com Combat forces, both ground teams and fighter wings on the frontier. "The moral thing to do it to assist them of course..." Williams said. "But can we afford to? That's what you're asking." Yuri Toleraov said. He was a normal human and head of the Financial division of X-Com, responsible for picking apart every transaction, from electro flares to deep space bases, he decided who got funding for what. "Well, fiscally we could make a bundle selling Elerium and weapons to the warring parties. Hiring out our combat teams and fighter wings for a tidy sum would also result in net gain. If we set ourselves up as the sole weapons supplier to this 'UNSC' then we could make a killing!" Toleraov said gleefully. "Well, we have the accountant's okay to make war." Williams said and sent a ripple of laughter around the table. Even Toleraov laughed. "From a military standpoint, can we fight this?" "Yes, so long as we fight isolated actions and avoid full frontal assaults, we can conduct an effective military campaign and do some good. If needed we can begin large scale hiring and training of combat personnel should the need arise. Although we do have next to no information on the foe, I am confident that we can do some good." Murray said with the android equivalent of a smile. "Well then, let's send a company rep on a Patton Class Cruiser, along with a fighter wing and a suitable honor guard of course. They let's offer our services." Williams said.
Earth [Forerunner Test Galaxy 652], Capital of the Human Alliance, Presidential Mansion
President Nilla Momar sat behind his desk and read the reports that had been laid out before him. Most of it was trivial information, fleet and troop movement for defensive efforts along the border with the Antarans. Recent Psilon breaktroughs in nano technology. Increased production from the Klaclon Hives at Damocles XIV. Nothing new. But, near the bottom of the stack was something different.
The President reached out and picked up the holodisk listening to the message that was sent out from an unexplored patch of space. The presidential science advisor stood stiff and silent in his hover chair. The Psilon was rigid, or as rigid as his frail, weak body could manage. But he was one of the smartest beings in the Galaxy.
The name 'Human Alliance' had long since become an inaccurate title. During the brushfire wars of the 230's after those wars most of the Humanoid races had been brought together beneath the Human flag. The Evon, the Psilons and the Humans had united under a common flag. A century later the Saurian Confederacy was conquered, and after that the Sentient Machine Empire joined the Human Alliance through diplomatic means. They formed one of the most powerful united governments in the Orion sector.
Next to the Harvester Empire and the domain of the New Orions, or rather Antarans by any other name... They held the greatest power imaginable.
"Can we test the accuracy of this?" President Momar asked as the Holo finished playing.
"Yes." The Psilon rasped through it's withered lips.
"So, how can we interpret this?" Momar asked.
"Antaran...ploy...humans...are not...found.... outside the....Orion sector." The Psilon wheezed.
"How can you be sure, this report says that it wasn't broadcast on a frequency known to us." Momar said. The Psilon shifted uneasily, literally with great difficulty in it's chair.
"Yes...true..." It rasped slowly.
"And what gives you cause to doubt the validity of this statement?" Momar prompted.
"Facts do....not...support...it." The Science advisor wheezed.
"No, they don't but it has been analyzed as being valid. Hasn't it?"
"Yes...but..."
"I have no reason to doubt this message, and these Humans clearly are making a final plea for help. They're facing complete extinction. I intend to send aid." The President said. The Science advisor wheezed softly.
"If...you...would excuse...me...Mr....President..." The Psilon said and hovered out of the office. President Momar sat at his desk then called the High Commander of the Human Alliance Military into his office.
The Human Alliance's military forces were a potent force. They had the resources to wage a full-scale open war against any aggressive actions by the Harvesters. They could even combat the full might of the Antaran White fleet if they had too. But if they embarked upon a military action against an extra-galactic threat...
The prospect of disaster was high.
HALO Fortress world [Forerunner Test Galaxy 895: UNSC], UNSC led Summit meeting of Sentient Peoples, Room designated 'Council Chamber'
The UNSC had decided to send out a blanket message through the HALO gate network. The UNSC couldn't hope to visit every single world that the HALO network reached. Rather they decided to draw every possible group to them. The message had reached countless worlds, inhabited by both Humans and other species, many of which were incapable of attending this meeting, and others incapable of realizing that a message had been sent.
But those that came... They gave the UNSC hope. Hope that they could fight.
The meeting hall had been one of the countless Forerunner structures that littered the inside of the HALO structure. Whatever it had been, it had long since been abandoned. The Large vaulted room was emblazoned with Forerunner iconography; the original meaning of the symbols only understood by the few AI's that had the translation software. The room itself was breathtaking. It was so large that it's own ceiling was shrouded and hidden from eyes that looked up. The smooth, open nature of the room meant that a large, council table could be erected along with a series of 'humanoid' suited chairs and seating. Standing beyond the end of the table was Ambassador Bueller. He stood silently gazing at the table and it's strange seats. He was steeling himself for what was to come. For he truly did not know what to expect, he was worrying over what was going to happen. From what they'd learned about the races that had been contacted, the room had been arranged accordingly. There were twelve seats at the circular table. One each for what could be considered the 'major' powers involved. Each race powerful and capable of rendering significant assistance to the war effort should they choose to fight alongside the UNSC. The Federation, the Klingon Star Empire, the Asguard, the Human Alliance, the 'X-Com' organization, and the New Republic, along with two different United States, the Tollan and the Tok'ra. Other seats, tables, and benches, sat around the main table, seating for the entourages that each ambassador brought along. Ambassador Bueller had been a part of the UNSC diplomatic Corps for almost thirty years. He had extensive negotiating experience and the ability to meld the wills of many different and diverse groups into a common, unifying goal. He had an innate gift for diplomacy, a gift that would be worth more than a moon made of pure gold right now. Not that gold would be worth anything if he failed...if he failed the Covenant should be handed earth since there was no way that they could be stopped. Bueller hung his head and prayed for some divine miracle to unite these diverse groups. The Federation, progressive explorers and scientists. The Klingon Star Empire, a military oriented culture. The Human Alliance, a massive government made of many different and highly diverse species. The Asguard, and alien race with highly developed technology and culture, yet slowly dying off. X-Com, a group with a long history of fighting technologically advanced alien races with meager assets, and culling victory from it. The New Republic, a loose collection of alien species and systems, based on a government that had collapsed. The US, its armies and fleets a powerful force to be reckoned with. The Tollan were scientific savants, and the Tok'ra were apparently good spies. Each group with extremely valuable assets that could be utilized. But with such diverse and differing cultures and governments, the form of co- operation needed could never truly manifest without a truly tremendous effort. Bueller shuddered. He looked up at the guards by the door. The Spartans. They stood stiff and at attention. They were armed, and probably had a lot less to worry about right now than he did. Even though this was a 'summit' meeting for lack of a better term. But there was still a massive amount of apprehension on the part of every single 'delegate' attending. Although there really wasn't a term that could describe those that were here right now. What do you call someone that you're begging for help with a losing war? Bueller frowned. He'd dealt with diplomatic problems more akin to trade disputes. Not intergalactic negotiations. Especialy not intergalactic negotiations that held the fate of his entire people on the line... No sir... But for some reason unknown to the gods he was stuck in here, negotiating for aid. Military, Scientific, Economic, anything he could get, no matter what the cost. For a brief moment Bueller envied those Spartans. Compared to what he had to do, it was simple. They just killed. That was all. They didn't have to worry about interpreting the motivations and reasons behind their enemy. No, just pull the trigger and that was that. Simple. Bueller grunted and sighed. Well...he'd better get on with it. "Okay...let them enter." Bueller said to the Master Chef. The armor clad Spartan nodded imperceptibly and the doors that he and the others were standing by slid open. The first through the door was the Federation ambassador, striding in next to the Klingon representative. Behind them was the United States representatives from the 'SGC' was the Asguard representative. He kept pace with the larger human, despite his small stature. Well... 'It' kept pace. Behind that pair was the Human Alliance ambassador marching along side the New Republic envoy. Walking along behind the New Republic and Human Alliance reps was the Ambassador from the 'other' United States, and beside him the X-Com corporate Representative. The Tollan and the Tok'ra emissaries followed behind them. The walked in silently and moved to the different chairs around the table. Each representative sat down and looked around at the other delegates. Silently the entourages and escorts for the delegates followed. There were quite a few of them; every chair and table in the room was filled with people.
Bueller inhaled and nodded to the Spartans, they walked out of the room and shut the doors.
"My fellow beings..." Bueller began his speech.
John looked around the aliens and other humans that sat around the room. He was fighting his curiosity. A good soldier knew that they should learn everything they could about something new. But not to become so fascinated with it that he couldn't focus on other things.
He looked about at the other humans in the room. The Federation had proved their worth; John had seen that first hand. They could fight, and they could fight well. He didn't know about the Human alliance representative. Likewise with the two US reps and the X-Com rep. He hadn't seen them in action. Of course, he had seen their escorts, and they looked capable enough.
He was about to study the alien representatives when Bueller nodded. The signal for him and the other Spartans to leave; he saluted and headed out of the room. The other Spartans trailed along with him and they shut the doors. The Spartans headed back to the surface to meet with the other troops that had accompanied the UNSC delegation, and to observe the other troops.
One lift and several ramps later, they were on the surface. The Forerunner bunker was situated in a wide open grassy field. There had been nothing there besides the bunker. Right now it looked like a cross between a military encampment and a bazaar.
The multitude of different military cultures in one place had meant two things. First, they all felt a certain kinship since they were all soldiers and had been in battle. And second, they were all curious as hell about just what the other guys were packing.
The troops mingled about gawking at what the other soldiers had. Either out of envy or out of humor at seeing what passed for weapons in some groups. Small groups of troops stood around others, their multitude of different uniforms showing that they weren't concerned with any kind of threats right now.
A similar scene was probably going on in orbit amongst the navy boys. Probably gawking at each other's hardware and looking to see who had the biggest ship.
About twenty troopers seemed to be extremely fascinated by a short stocky female Colonial Marine demonstrating what she called a 'Smartgun'. She carried the massive weapon easily and panned it around slightly as a pair of towering Wookiees studied the weapon intently, roaring and growling between each other; they were commenting on the design and construction of the weapon. About five ODSTs were looking open mouthed at the weapon, one even asked how it worked.
"I dunno' I just know that it finds things for me to shoot." The marine said and seemed as though she cradled the weapon lovingly.
Another group of Federation marines were examining an X-Com soldier in his black sculpted body armor.
"So, what kind of power source do you use?"
"Elerium power core. It can keep me fully powered for 72 hours of constant combat. A week of basic functions at low power mode."
"What's Elerium?"
"Uh...you're kidding right?"
A rather large group of troopers stood watching a Klingon warrior and a Sakkaran from the Human alliance in full armor sparring. The Klingon was slightly shorter than the towering saurian warrior in armor, but it was turning into a furious fight. They were both good, and the flurry of motion and speed on such a large scale was a sight to see.
It wasn't just the soldiers that were examining each other's gear and skills, the pilots were doing the same.
The two pilots from the Colonial Marine UD-4 dropship were talking with the pilot of the UNSC Pelican dropship. The pilots were engaged in a furious debate over which ship was more maneuverable. The Weapons officers in each couldn't care less, they were more concerned with which ship had more firepower. The pair of pilots seemed to be close to coming to blows.
"That bugger couldn't make a Mach 4 turn if it's existence depended on it!" The UNSC Pelican pilot shouted.
"And you think that hulk could?" The Colonial Marine UD-4 pilot shot back.
"So, you only have that chaingun?" The Colonial Marine weapons officer asked looking at the Pelican.
"Yeah, sometimes we get missiles." The UNSC WO said.
"Bah, we've got just about anything you could want on a UD-4 Cheyenne. Rockets, Missiles, guns, you name it we've got it, standard." The Colonial marine said.
"Wow, how do you get that thing to fly?" The UNSC WO said.
"That's his problem." The Colonial marine replied nodding at his pilot. Both weapons officers rolled their eyes as the two pilots continued to argue.
Everything was odd to say the least, so many different military groups interacting, and comparing each others weapons was coming close to comical. They all seemed like kids in a candy store, whether drooling over the technology or the skills that the other troops had, they were all fascinated with what every one else had. But even if the fleet personnel and the soldiers were intensely fascinated with each other, that wasn't necessarily the same attitude.
HALO Fortress world [Forerunner Test Galaxy 895: UNSC], UNSC led Summit meeting of Sentient Peoples, Room designated 'Council Chamber'
"So, let me get this straight, you've been fighting a war against an alien race that is far in advance of anything you can be capable of. And they've managed to wipe out nearly all of your off world colonies?" Colonel O'Neill asked.
"Yes. That's the bulk of it." Ambassador Bueller said.
"Okay, I just wanted to clarify that point."
"We can sympathize with your plight Ambassador. The Human Alliance was conqured by the Antaran race millennia ago, our worlds were destroyed and we were herded back to our homeworld." The Human Alliance Ambassador said, he was a portly man who answered to the name Halladu.
"Yes. The Asguard have also faced the prospect of Extinction at the hands of the Replicators." Thor said.
"Gentelmen, and...beings... You can sit there and sympathize all you want with our plight. We don't need sympathy. We need help. We need ships, soldiers and weapons. Not sympathy. We'll save the sympathy and emotion for after this war is over." Bueller said.
The delegates at the table looked around slowly.
"We sent out a message asking for help. Not for some hollow words. From what I've learned, you've all fought the Covenant, or you're fought their 'allies'. You've seen how they operate, you've even seen what they've done to our worlds. The UNSC cannot stop this on our own. We can't save what few people we have left on our own. The UNSC fleet is in tatters. The ground troops we have available can't do much against a Covenant Cruiser glassing a planet." Bueller said.
"The UNSC's naval assets are spent, we can't defend earth. Hell, we can't even hurt the Covenant if they head for earth. They'll come to earth, and they'll annihilate the few ships we have left. After that, they can either land troops or glass the world from orbit. And we won't be able to do a damn thing to stop them."
"Surely your warriors will give their lives in glorious battle?" The Klingon ambassador with an unpronounceable name said.
"But it's usually better to make the other guy's warriors lay down their lives in glorious battle than your own warriors isn't it?" Colonel O'Neill said. The Klingon sent a murderous look at the human.
"Of course, we can see the problems that exist with a mass mobilization of forces, can't you? Surely...their could be a diplomatic solution couldn't there?" The Bothan New Republic ambassador said, his name was Borsk'Fey'la
"Diplomatic? Diplomatic?" Clearly, you do not understand what the Covenant is." Bueller said, Fey'la cut him off quickly.
"From what we can ddeduce from your reports, no dedicated effort has been made to negotiate with them. Perhaps that avenue should be explored before we commit resources."
"Excuse me ambassador, but what kind of fool are you?" The Human Alliance ambassador said being very blunt.
Fey'la sat there, unaccustomed to such straightforward comments.
"Tyrants and oppressors will take what they want until they have what they want. Appeasement and negotiation are foreign to them. The only language such creatures know is that of force. The UNSC needs the forces to save their people. Forces that the Human Alliance is willing to commit." Halladu said.
"You're willing to help us?" Bueller asked.
Halladu stood and bowed.
"Yes Ambassador, our armies and fleets will aid your people in their struggle." Halladu said.
"Thank you Ambassador. You have no idea the gratitude that our people fell for your nation." Bueller said and returned the bow.
"The Federation is more that willing to aid those that are being unjustly persecuted and annihilated. The United Federation of Planets will render whatever aid is needed to end the UNSC – Covenant War." The Federation ambassador said.
"The Klingon Star Empire shall honor our commitments to the Federation and render assistance to the UNSC in glorious battle." The Klingon ambassador added.
"Thank you, thank you both." Bueller said.
"Well, we'll help out how we can. But it won't be much. The US is on your side." O'Neill added with a shurug.
"The United States of America will also come to the aid of the UNSC. Our fleets and soldiers will uphold the longstanding traditions of the US in protecting freedom and Democracy." The other US ambassador said.
"His sounded better." O'Neill muttered.
"The Asguard owe a great many debts to the Human race for their aid in preventing the extinction of our race. We shall gladly aid any Human culture in it's own defense." Thor said.
"I thank you." Bueller added, he really couldn't say much more than 'thank you' right now.
"The X-Com Corporate office has authorized me to offer our substantial military and technological experiences in this war. We have a longstanding tradition in fighting alien forces with limited resources. This of course, will come at a price." The X-Com corporate rep said.
"What price?"
"Technology and materials. X-Com isn't a non-profit organization."
"Of course." Bueller responded.
"If it is as you say, and the Goa'uld have joined the 'Covenant' than we are sworn to eliminate them, as well as the Goa'uld. The Tok'ra shall assist your plight as best we can." The Tok'ra ambassador said.
"Despite the longstanding policy of the Tollan people, we shall not give technology, but we shall provide resources needed to defeat this foe." The Tollan Ambasador said.
All eyes at the table turned to the Bothan that sat there, it's fur rippling slightly as it looked about.
"The New Republic cannont allow any sentient species to be destroyed by such a foe. We will render as much aid as possible." Borsk'Fey'La said, he sounded as though it were forced against more natural inclinations.
"Gentlemen and Beings. The forces united in this room shall spell doom for the Covenant Hegemony, and all that may deign to serve their twisted ends. May this Coalition defeat the evil in the Galaxy, and truly create a golden age for all Sentient Peoples." Bueller said.
Okay, I'm sorry this took sooooo bloody long. But don't worry next chappie should be faster and much more combat oriented.
Chapter 8: How long can we hold?