A/N: Lets face it, I'm not putting in enough comedy for this to classify as such. That's why it is now strictly "Action." I'll still squeeze in a few laughs if I can. I do not own Star Wars or Halo except for the characters I created.
Chapter 13: The Defense of Earth II: The Sequel
"I think he's coming to," a gruff voice echoed.
Ehren opened his eyes, and then immediately shut them again as sunlight stabbed his cornea. He swallowed; then opened his eyes slowly as he tried to sit up. Miranda and the Spartan quickly forced him back into a lying position.
"You've been injured, lie still as the medics treat you," Miranda said calmly, her face composed but drained of any color.
"How long have I been out?"
"Only about five minutes," Master Chief said.
The battle still raged around them. The chatter of automatic weapons mixed with the whine of plasma weapons. Overhead X-wings and Longsword Interceptors clashed with Banshees and Seraph Fighters. The fireball of a Wraith mortar flew over the resting Marines and shattered a nearby building.
Ehren motioned to N-6, "Call the Gnat and bring me my armor."
"Yes, Sir."
"Admiral," Miranda shouted, stunned. "You are far too injured to even consider returning to battle. What you need to do is get back to the Iron Wolf and receive medical treatment."
Ehren waved her away from him as he sat up. "No, that is what I should do. What I am going to do is kill as many covenant bastards as I can." The Mandalorian stood, grimacing as he put weight on his leg, but quickly composing himself and banishing the discomfort from his mind. "My sword."
The Arbiter handed the saber to Ehren, who latched the sword to his belt. Not long after the Gnat touched down in the middle of the street. Ehren walked up the gangplank, followed by K-17, N-6, A-9, Miranda, Master Chief with his Spartans, and Sergeant Johnson.
"N-6, can you pilot this ship closer to the battle. Anywhere that looks like it needs reinforcements will do. A-9 you take navigation. K-17, would you be so kind as to direct the Marines to the cargo hold, they are sitting ducks in those buildings. Sergeant Johnson, take A-9's position as rear gunner. Captain, could you go wait with the Marines? Spartan, help me with my armor."
After he had gotten his armor on, Ehren assessed the situation on a tactical hologram. He had no idea where Major Sunderman and Commander Brinks had gone. They could be KIA for all he knew. However Ehren searched for their transponder signals as well as summarizing how the battle was going. So far the covenant hadn't given up the space battle yet, despite their numerous casualties. The Iron Wolf as well a several UNSC battle cruisers was keeping the covenant ships from glassing the planet. The ground battle however was, for once, going badly for the Marines. Covenant forces had already captured most of the major cities.
The Admiral immediately knew why. The brute shock troops had quickly demoralized the UNSC infantry, and combining that with incompetent CO's made the covenants job that much easier. All of the best generals were in the outlying systems—unable to assist with the decisions of generals who had less experience.
The other problem was Ehren's fault. His mercenaries hadn't been deployed to the ground. Ehren knew he should have given the order the second he saw the Brute looming the doorway. Angry with himself and Captain Mendoza for not thinking for himself, Ehren keyed the comm.
"Captain Mendoza, order all infantry to go planetside. The Marines need all the help they can get."
"Acknowledged, Admiral. Where are they to deploy?"
"Their orders are to deploy in and take cities: New York City, Cairo, Athens, Tokyo, Moscow, Baghdad, Baltimore, the District of Columbia, Los Angeles, Berlin…"