When the nondescript Aide entered the formal meeting room, the only greeting he received was the low uninterrupted buzz of subdued conversation. Glad that his delayed arrival had not coincided with the meeting that should have commenced a while back, and even more thankful that their tardy entrance was apparently unnoticed by the ones present, he quickly walked around the long polished table lined with briefcases to their spot against the wall, found his seat and waited for the meeting to commence.
A surreptitious quick glance around the room showed all the major figures were present, bar one. By the head of the table, Fleet-Admiral Lord Hood was conversing quietly with Rear-Admiral Lynch, the older man's lined face calm as he listened to his subordinates' information, occasionally nodding his head and softly enquiring for further clarification.
Beyond them at the great floor-to-ceiling window overlooking Sydney was General Strauss of the army and General Dellert of the air force. The two of them were admiring the view as they quietly talked, although both were careful to be angled so they could see the only door into the room. Strauss looked as formal as ever, uniform freshly starched and stiff, although his face was somewhat at ease and there was even the hint of a smile at the discussion. By contrast Dellerts' long face and receding hairline only exacerbated the dark shadows under his eyes, yet despite his apparent exhaustion he seemed calm enough as he gestured to some of the few stars visible in the glow from the citys' lights.
On the far side of the room, leaning on the thankfully sturdy drinks dispenser was the giant figure of Marine General Hogan, a steaming cup in one hand and the other casually tapping his datapad against his leg.
A few minutes passed before the doors swung open and the figure of Colonel James Ackerson paced in, the only sign that The ONI reprentitive had been rushing was the last vestiges of a flush being chased off his face and a flare of his nostrils as he controlled his breathing. His hand remained clenched around his own briefcase as he moved towards his own seat.
In acknowledgement Hood closes the conversation with Lynch and the latter moves to his own seat further down the table. The Generals quickly followed suit, although Strauss was noticeably more stiff, both in expression and movement as he recognised Ackerson.
Having waited for all of them to be seated Lord Hood officially started the meeting.
"Very Well. Rear-Admiral Lynch, kindly summarise the report from Lieutenant Wagner."
Lynch didn't even need to shuffle among his papers to find what he needed.
"As stated before in my earlier communications, Lieutenant B-312's report is quite thorough. Reach was in the process of being glassed and has likely been totally destroyed. While the majority of their attention was focused on Reach it is likely that the other planets in the system, Tribute and Beta Gabriel, have also been glassed. It is presumed that the majority of Spartans present on-world are KIA, with only one known survivor at this time. It is unknown whether the Pillar of Autumn had any onboard other than Linda-058 and John-117 onboard before she jumped away from the system. The status of Dr Halsey is also unknown."
At this Ackerson couldn't seem to maintain his glee at the situation, despite the level stare coming from the head of the table, although he could likely see the beginning of a grin form on Hogan's broad face.
"She's dead you mean. Last report we had of her location was in CASTLE base, hours before it was destroyed and glassed. She and her outdated project both died on Reach."
"Colonel Ackerson, now is not the time for you to continue a personal vendetta. Admiral Parangosky might insist you represent ONI here today, but that does not prevent me having you removed. Kindly act your rank."
Ackerson tried to look defiant at Lord Hood's admonishment, yet he didn't attempt to stare the older man down as he shifted in his seat. Unfortunately that meant he could see the slight shakes of Hogan's shoulder as his grin spread across his reddening face. Fortunately, for both parties, his focus on Lord Hood meant he couldn't see Strauss's lips curling into a ghost of a smile behind him or Dellert's raised eyebrow. His focus returned to his papers and he continued.
"The only SPARTAN IIs I can confirm that remain are the three members of Grey Team. Jun-A266 was last seen escorting Halsey by B-312 to CASTLE base before he left via a Pelican. As of now, he is the only other NOBLE team member to actually be MIA."
Lord Hood didn't seem too surprised by the news although both Strauss and Hogan looked morose at the prospect of defending Earth with only a single SPARTAN. They exchanged looks before Strauss spoke up, with one eye respectfully on Hood, and the other suspiciously on Ackerson.
"With respect sir I still feel that sending a small recon team to check for survivors is a good choice. Despite claims to the contrary."
"Very well. We can only hope more might trickle in with those who've survived Reach. The decision made at the last meeting has been enacted and all combat capable ships of the Navy are inbound for Sol. They will be adhering to the Cole Protocol, as every day we can delay the Covenant's arrival is another day to prepare. Rear-Admiral, what is the current Status of the Orbital Defence Platforms currently under construction?"
Once again Lynch didn't even need to shuffle his papers, the relevant report was neatly on the top as he recited the facts, barely glancing at the document.
"Cairo will be fully operational within ten days. Malta and Athens at one month and one and a half months respectively. However with the fall of Reach, our supply of Titanium for the foundries on Mars has been reduced by sixty percent. This will slow construction down on the later stations and ships, even if a majority of titanium currently used in the construction of other vehicles is reassigned."
While neither Strauss nor Dellert looked happy at the idea it was Hogan who countered first, heat in his voice as he stared at Lynch, who to his credit was seemingly not bothered at the sight of the huge muscle-bound marine's glare.
"Sir, that's not possible, all of our best equipment was concentrated on Reach, without upping production we won't have the hardware to contest the Covvies on the ground, outdated tanks and mothballed aircraft are better than nothing, but at this rate Dellert will be flying his antique Spitfire against the banshees, and all our heavy equipment is already with the army. My boys have only got small arms and some outdated warthogs." He turned to the amused Airforce general ignoring the indignant splutter coming from Lynch. "Although I reckon that'd be a great morale booster, and I'd certainly pay good money to see it."
"Maybe I'll be able to satisfy you there Hogan, but even though I'm willing, I'm afraid even one ace is no match for a swarm of Banshees and Seraphs."
Here he turned back to Lord Hood having caught a look of disgust from the disgraced Ackerson.
"However I must agree with the leather neck Fleet Admiral, without more aircraft we will struggle to defend the power generators and infrastructure supplying your platforms, and when the Covenant get past them they will immediately target their power sources. Maintaining aerial superiority will be critical if we wish to mount a defence planet side. As that is only barely possible if we strip the remaining aircraft from Mars, Luna and Europa, even then we would completely lack any reserves."
Lord Hood acknowledged his point and turned to the so far silent army general in the room. Seeing the attention he too gave his report.
"I must concur with my colleagues. While on paper our strength is formidable, much of it is from drafted stock or recovered soldiers and much of our weaponry is outdated, while our armour is present, the lack of many modern tanks worthy of a the name is likely to result in severe losses when engaging with their counterparts. As for lighter vehicles we are currently outfitting all Warthogs with weaponry and converting hardier civilian vehicles into transport. But as it is it's insufficient. As for weaponry itself, we still have a serious shortfall of all types. Although it is less acute with regards to heavier equipment thanks to the requisitioned marine equipment, it does not change the overall issue. The various law enforcement agencies are armed with lighter weaponry than the marines and will not last against an attack without rapid and strong reinforcements. We'd estimate that we could complete the training and preparation within two months time at the quickest. However it will mean nothing if there are not enough weapons for the troops. Even if we concentrate our best efforts to defend the critical infrastructure, we will effectively have surrendered the rest of the planet to these barbarians."
With his report complete Strauss straitened even further if it were possible and fell silent. Although both Dellert and Hogan agreed with him as the entire table looked to Lord Hood to hear his opinion, although he had steepled his hands in front of them they didn't hide his frowning face, nor was he resting upon them.
"Very well, we will finish construction on Cairo, Athens, and Malta along with any other platform that can be completed in two months or less. Along with repairs to Navy ships that have suffered damage and can be repaired up to intra-system combat capability in the same time-frame. Otherwise focus on the provision of weaponry and equipment to the other branches, you can make your requests gentleman and we'll see what we can do. General Hogan, can you increase the number of marines stationed on each of the platforms? If the Covenant want to get through them, boarding them is an obvious option."
Hogan nodded in confirmation and started to note a few entries into his data-pad.
"Rear-Admiral, what is the status of the ocean going navy?"
For once Lynch seemed caught by surprise and actually had to rummage through his documents to find the relevant ones. Ackerson almost seemed to sneer in derision at Lynch before he remembered that Hood's quickly waning patience was the only thing keeping him in the meeting. It didn't help his mood that Hogan was clearly smirking at the ONI official either.
"Well... There are twelve retrofitted Regan class supercarriers currently operational. eight of which have been modified to hold three Mark 2488 Magnetic Accelerator Cannons each, all of which are left over from the defences established around critical areas, including the power plants for the ODP's. The other four have retained their role as aircraft carriers. And are patrolling in areas where we have few airbases. The Victory for example is set to be on station around Antarctica once her modifications are finished in a few weeks time. The others are currently scattered around the planet with one Mac-carrier currently docked in Pearl Harbour to help provide support to the Hawaiian power plant. There are also approximately a hundred refurbished missile submarines around the world's oceans that will help plug any holes in the ODP net that may appear. However they can only hit targets far outside the Covenant's preferred glassing range."
While both Ackerson and Hood seemed satisfied to hear this, the other's looked less pleased. Dellert seemed to sum up their feelings on the matter.
"Might I ask why we are wasting perfectly good equipment on antiquated vessels?"
"Because Dellert, they are available weapon platforms that in the case of the subs only needed new missile systems and in the case of the carriers allow us to have mobile MAC cannons, surely even a pilot can see the advantage of keeping mobile? Besides..."
"Thank you Colonel."
While Hood had seemed to be considering his answer Ackerson jumped back into the conversation, his voice was incredibly patronizing and he had a twisted smile on his lips when he answered, only leaving when Hood cut across him.
"While I understand your frustration gentleman, the crews are almost entirely volunteers. As for use of badly needed resources, their equipment is Navy surplus, mostly from salvaged vessels. The subs have no protection other than stealth and the oceans. The carriers have had some light armour fitted to them, but it can't even stop a bombardment of Wraith's shells for very long. Any other issues that need discussing?"
While it looked like Hogan, Dellert, and Strauss were annoyed over the delay in getting more equipment none of them commented further. Ackerson just shook his head mutely as he shuffled his papers. Seeing their consent in the matter Lord Hood decided to continue.
"Very well what is the current food situation Rear-Admiral?"
"It is not good sir, rations have become smaller, if they are decreased much more we will be reduced to starvation rations. Generally they have been accepted due to the popular belief that we are being honest with them over how dire the situation is. As such, black marketers in food, both buyers and sellers are being publicly shamed by their communities over it. However, discontent will continue to grow the longer these restrictions are in place. Our efforts to increase yield here on Earth have only had marginal success but Earth is incapable of feeding it's current population without a large amount of time and resources being sunk into it, neither of which we have."
"And what of potential methods of evacuation from Earth to the few safe worlds left?"
"There are a dozen ships each with cryo-pods for 3000 people. Each ship will be pre-programmed to take a long and circuitous route to its destination to throw off tracking by the Covenant. The chosen colonies themselves have agreed to go dark until they are contacted by us again to confirm it is safe to emerge."
"What is the progress on the construction of the fallout shelters?"
"All the major population centers have facilities that are capable of housing approximately thirty percent of their population in the event of a glassing. Many also have underground transportation that can serve as a short term refuge, although they will be heavily dependent upon the supplies the refugees themselves bring down. Unfortunately the rural areas have much more varied protection, some have taken old fallout shelters which should offer protection, some are just converted mines. Regardless they will not be able to shelter many people for long. In all about twenty five percent of the population have modern shelters. Another fifteen percent have old and potentially unsuitable shelters, and another five percent might be able to survive in the deepest tunnels they can find. This means that fifty five percent of the population has no protection from glassing."
If anything the mood became grimmer in the room, with the loss of planets like Harvest and New Llanelli, the supply situation had become increasingly tenuous despite their best efforts. Combined with the lack of safe worlds and the potential for half of Earth's population at risk of glassing the situation seemed insurmountable. Lord Hood didn't allow them to dwell on it long before he turned to Ackerson.
"Colonel what is the Status of the MJOLNIR project?"
"It's currently undergoing testing with S-062, a suitable enough candidate and should be ready for service within months. I am planning on outfitting Spartan B-312 with the recon variant as per his skill set, as he officially filled out his requisition for it months ago, though it never arrived before the Winter Contingency was declared. It has been updated for use on the Mk.VI and is also being tested."
Ackerson seemed happier to be talking about the project, even if he seemingly couldn't resist taking another shot at Dr Halsey and her SPARTAN's. Unpleasantly put as it was though, he was right. Given the failure of REDFLAG, the number of SPARTAN II's remaining was nearly zero. It was now up to the III's.
Strauss and Hogan by contrast looked distinctly horrified and angered. Surprisingly it wasn't the more impulsive Hogan who spoke first, instead Strauss spoke up his steel grey eyes angrily glinting.
"Sir, surely you don't mean to outfit him with our latest MJOLNIR? Given his current associations there is surely good reason to doubt his loyalty."
Hogan followed straight after Strauss with his own vehement objection to the idea, one meaty fist clenched above the table, as if he wanted to smash it down to enhance his point but didn't quite dare too.
"Gotta agree with the square-head there, how do we know he can be trusted, we ain't never had a covie defect before. Hell they take death over capture. What makes this one so damn special?"
With a slight tilt of his head Strauss acknowledged his colleague's contribution and continued to vocalize his doubts as he determinedly looked towards the far wall, avoiding eye contact with Ackerson.
"Indeed, why would one of such a high rank, a Zealot no less, defect to us now? Surely the Covenant must be aware of the former importance of Reach, and assuming it's defection is genuine, why defect to a Spartan of all of our assets?"
"And why in the good Lord's name did he bring it straight to Earth? The Cole Protocol explicitly forbids this."
At this latest outburst, Ackerson quickly leapt on the chance to correct the marine, and likely to try to diminish him in the other's eyes. Although he clearly wasn't going to neglect the impudent army general either.
"With regards to the Cole Protocol, section 1 requires that any vessel retreating from Covenant forces must enter Slipstream space with randomized vectors NOT directed toward Earth, the Inner Colonies, or any other human population centre. The navigational computers onboard the Prowler utilized by S-B312 confirm this. As for the harness the alien is clad in, Article 7 only applies to captured Covenant vessels as no captured Covenant craft may be taken to human controlled space without an exhaustive search for tracking systems that could lead the Covenant to Human bases. It does not cover defectors there or elsewhere in the protocol."
Hogan looked suitably aggravated at Ackerson's counter-arguments, in particular his lawyerly way of weaselling out of Article 7. Strauss was also infuriated although less visibly, his only sign the tensed muscles in his neck as he fought to keep from glaring at his nominal inferior.
"Surely that is only a mere technicality, Article 7 refers to any captured Covenant equipment. Restricting it's interpretation to only space-faring Covenant vessels is a grossly literal interpretation of its purpose, Colonal." The marine general's tone was unusually cold as he spoke. "Members have been court-martialed over their possession of Covenant equipment and I see no reason for this situation to be considered differently simply because the hinge head is still wearing it's armour."
"Indeed General," Ackerson responded, with extra emphasis on the latter word. "However for S-B312 to be court-martialed as you demand, we would have to ignore the precedent set by one army colonel Urban Holland regarding Article 7 and it could be inferred the entire protocol. When ONI informed him that one of the soldiers under his command kept a collection of Covenant weaponry, specifically Emile A-239, his response was that the Army does not need to follow a navy general order."
His grin only became more prominent as he saw Strauss's face whiten, the only colour the bruising purple of veins snaking across his face. Even Dellert's attempt to dispute his claim was met with the Ackerson's sneering retort.
"Surely it is not possible that they were able to follow the Cole Protocol in the given time frame, they only arrived just after Lieutenant Wagner, who himself came directly from Reach."
"We were working on an experimental drive for one of our Prowlers on Reach, as can be seen from the testing performed it's capabilities are far in advance of the standard model available. While the slip-space drive was non-functional prior to the evacuation of the facility it seems that the split lip was capable of completing the modifications, thus allowing this feat."
Here he turned from the general's to face Lord Hood, successfully keeping his face professional as he faced his superior.
"Our best mind is already studying the drive and we will doubtless soon have the information we require. From intercepted and decrypted messages it is believed that our prisoner is, or at least was, in fact one of the commanders who presided over the latter half of the destruction of Reach following the death of the previous commander in battle. I recommend it be moved to a secure facility to facilitate the extraction of information."
"No."
It didn't even take Lord Hood a moment to consider Ackerson's request before he rejected it.
"Our prisoner has by all accounts remained perfectly well behaved with no signs of aggression reported either by Noble Six in his report or the testimony from the marines guarding it. Given it's currently cooperative nature, I fail to see any inherent security risk that would be corrected by moving it to a more secure detention facility. Or are you concerned that some of the personnel aboard Cairo are Covenant spies likely to stage a rescue attempt?"
Seeing the pinched frown appear on Ackerson's face, Hood waited for his verbal acknowledgement before he returned the conversation to its original question. Although Hogan couldn't resist taking a metaphorical swing at the arrogant ONI agent.
"Oh dear colonel, has his Lordship spoilt your fun? You don't get to haul the squid head away for some fascinating torture and live dissections in you little mad scientist lab. What a shame."
Ackerson looked furious, although this time it was Lord Hood who spoke first.
"I'm sure that was made in jest by General Hogan, although in ill taste. Just as I am equally sure that Colonel Ackerson is well aware of the legally and ethically defined standards for the treatment of prisoners of war. The Covenant may be barbaric but I see no reason to sink even further to their level. I do hope I'm understood?
Seeing Hogan's gruff grunt and Ackerson's tense nod as acknowledgement of his orders he continued on as if Hogan had never spoken.
"As regards to Noble Six's being equipped with the latest Mjolnir armour, by all accounts his original suit is beyond repair, it only makes sense to equip him with a new suit, as I believe we can all agree gentleman that a MJOLNIR suit greatly enhances the Spartans that use it."
Once again seeing the acknowledgement from all those seated at the table Lord Hood seemed about to continue before he acknowledged General Strauss's non-verbal request to speak.
"In that case sir, as I currently have command of Lieutenant B-312, and given consideration of the aliens strength and martial prowess might I offer that operational command of the Spartan be given over to the Navy, more specifically you, Fleet Admiral, as you would have far more information then I would as to where his talents are required."
"Your offer is most kind General Strauss, I'd be more than happy to accept it. Effective immediately?"
Strauss nodded slightly, "Of course Sir."
No one at the table could miss the way that Ackerson's jaw quivered, but on seeing Lord Hood's face he held his peace and did not interfere. Hogan and Dellert were also unhappy, although for different reasons, after a shared look it was Dellert who spoke first.
"With due respect Sir would not the Spartan be more useful on Earth preparing for the invasion?"
The head of the table acknowledged their point and answered calmly, conviction in his voice.
"The Battle for Earth will be won or lost in Space. Given the insufficient numbers to form a fire team, It's my belief that he'd best serve in an ODST role for where the fighting is thickest, in addition any boarding squads would also be much more efficiently killed by a fully armoured Spartan rather then a small army of navy personnel wearing coveralls and shooting pistols. As we have learned to our cost, the Covenant only need control of the space surrounding the planet to destroy it."
While neither Dellert nor Hogan looked any more pleased by the response as evidenced by the former's creased brow and the latters drumming fingers, they acknowledged his logic and accepted his decision. With the matter resolved Lord Hood turned to the sullen faced Ackerson.
"Colonel, given the prisoner will not be leaving Cairo station what assets can be brought to help our acquisition of information?"
Ackerson's sullen look disappeared, swallowed by his poker face as he responded to the question.
"Sir, we have an... expert on the split lips main language we would normally utilise to aid in the interrogation, as our translation software is still not up to our standards… However he is currently out of the system right now. We have another asset that can be used, but it is a bit more complicated and would require your approval first. If the TSV-442 software proves ineffective, I shall have an operative submit a formal request to use this… asset."
Hood appeared a bit intrigued by his dodging of exactly what the asset actually was, but did not verbalize his curiosity.
"Very well, I believe that concludes this meeting. Any further points to discuss?"
As the chairman looked around the room, he found the occupants had no further topics they wished to discuss.
"Very well. Make no mistake people, this is the calm before the storm, and this one just might be the worst one yet. If we are not ready when it comes, then we will lose everything we have ever fought for. You have your orders. Dismissed."
Lord Hood rose from his chair, signalling to the others that they may now do so. Hogan, Dellert, and Strauss left the room almost immediately, deep in conversation, with Dellert between his two fellow generals. Colonel Ackerson had not moved, instead Rear-Admiral Lynch moved next to him as the two of them presumably discussed the contents of their data-pads, Ackerson clearly dominating the conversation.
By contrast Lord Hood had moved away from the head of the table to the great window and was gazing out at the view of the hundreds of stars in the sky floating next to the many starships now in orbit over the planet. Slowly moving dots of light drifting around the night sky, as a calm facade to the destructive power they possessed. His lined face faintly reflected in the glass as he stared thoughtfully up into the darkness.
\/\/\/ AUTHORS NOTE \/\/\/
Verbus here, hope you've enjoyed this bonus chapter and my thanks to Pyre for his help on it. Have to admit it was really fun writing the different characters parts.
As always Read & Review.
Hey it is Jtf0012, just wanted everyone to know I hope everyone is staying safe in these dangerous times. Please fav, follow and review. Me and my group work hard for those reviews and when we only get five for the hundreds of viewers this story gets it makes me personally feel that I am doing something wrong. Let us know how we did and make my day. I work for those reviews.
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