Author's Note
This is my first ever fanfic and reviews would be much appreciated.
Halo belongs to Bungie and Dune to the Herbert Ltd Partnership.
Prolouge – The Exodus
--The Ecaz--
"Michael, open up a channel to the fleet." said Admiral Brian Ecaz as he entered the bridge of The Ecaz.
"Channel open sir and I also ordered the commanders to send the address throughout their ships." replied Vice Admiral Michael Young
"Thank you Micheal" Brian said as he approached the largest of the viewports on the bridge. He took a few seconds to prepare before he bagan to speak. "Men and women of the fleet, as you know, never since the death of the Tyrant have the ships of House Ecaz gathered in such numbers. Once again we have gathered to protect ourselves from harm. Recently, families loyal to House Ecaz have returned from the scattering. They bring back disturbing news of an approaching tempest that will destroy House Ecaz and the remanents of the Imperium." He paused to allow those in the fleet a small respite, continuing he said, "The factions wielding the power of death wish to destroy us. My father the Honerable Duke Simon Ecaz decided to order a significant portion of our star navy and people to escape into the uncharted territories where we can make use of the annoynymity to escape and continue our lives. We will blaze a new trail for mankind and we will prosper after each challenge that we face." Brian quickly turned around and looked the bridge crew. "All ships, prepare to jump in one hour with the co-ordinates provided by your commanders." He began to head to his quarters when a voice spoke over the silent channel, quickly looking at Michael for an answer he said,
"The captain of the HES Wellington has piggybacked on our channel and is addressing the fleet himself."
"Those of you who doubt the decision of our Duke do not anymore," Captain Johno Prebble thundered, "Our Duke has sent us on the easy mission, we will only have to fight nature where we are going but, our Duke will be facing a sealed fate. All of you know the history of our glorius House and for the past 500yrs, each Duke has been more impressive than the last. Our Duke will give these devils a scar they will never forget. If you think that we're running away don't. Each and every one of us that knew in advance tried to stay behind and fight but the Duke ordered each of us to go. House Ecaz will live on and we will survive and prosper. THREE CHEERS FOR THE DUKE AND HIS SON OUR NEW DUKE! HIP HIP!"
"HORRAY!" The Ecaz rumbled as each and every crewman shouted at the top of their lungs.
"HIP HIP! HORRAY! HIP HIP! HORRAY!"
Brian quickly walked to his quarters after informing Michael to call him to the bridge when the fleet was ready to jump.
Sitting at his desk 10 minutes later, Brian looked at the final tally of the ships accompanying him into the scattering. Over a million souls were now under his direct command. After Prebbles speech they would follow him into death itself without a second thought. Sighing, Brian stood and approached the sole window in his office. Touching the sensor plate on the wall, the lights dimmed, the curtains drew back and the armor plating on the outer hull rose.
There it was, the largest fleet ever gathered by House Ecaz. Every type of ship was represented, Battleships to Frigates, Corvettes to Carriers, Colony ships to the ever present lighter.Over 1000 fold capable ships at last count and that figure was over two hours old. Brian had counted 50 more ships since then and those were the ones he saw. Serenly, four fighters flew past his window heading towards the main landing bay. In the distance he could see hundreds of shuttles and fighters heading back preparing for their escape.
Lost in thought, Brian stood staring out of the window for over half an hour until he heard his console beeping in the background. As he turned around, he touched the sensor plate again to close the window. After reaching his desk he touched the mouth icon, seven seconds later Micheal's face flashed onto the screen.
"Admiral" Micheal said acknowledging Brian, "The fleet will be ready shortly, I recommend you proceed to the bridge presently."
"Thank you for informing me Micheal" Brian replied with a slight feeling of sadness heard in his voice.
Locking down the console, Brian stole a quick glance at the curtained window. Knowing that he would never see any of the old Imperium again. He headed to the door.
As Brian walked through the corriders of The Ecaz, he saw the apprehension and hope in every person he passed. They all knew they would never see their birthplaces again, but they would not die without giving it their best shot. They would not let House Ecaz die now.
Entering the bridge, Brian saw that the new watch was already on duty, and that Micheal had chosen the best on the ship for this rotation. He silently thanked his friend for that. It would be hard enough leaving his farther behind to die.
"Operations, inform me when when all ships have signaled ready." Ordered Brian.
"Aye sir"
Looking once more out of the bridge viewport. Brian watched as the final ships came into formation around The Ecaz.
"Sir, all ships report as ready." Said the operations officer.
"Affirmative Ops. Comms, open a channel to the fleet."
"Aye, sir. Channel open."
"Men and women of the fleet, we will return someday. All ships, Jump."
The Ecazian feet disappeared into the realm of foldspace, leaving the troubles of the returning scattered ones behind and headed into a war of survival they never expected.
