Chapter 18
The carrier groups exchanged fire with the Imperial warships at near close range. UNSC formations were holding strong, but the smaller crafts were getting shredded by concentrated Imperial fire. Battleships used their MACs to cripple or destroy entire ships and it didn't take too long for the Imperial battle groups to be eliminated.
"Captain, our carrier groups are cleared of combat," a comm officer reported.
"Push the entire fleet up. We need to break their lines," Lasky ordered. "Separate battle groups aren't going to work very well from here, are they?" he asked Rex.
"Not likely," Rex replied. He activated the holotable again and simulated a stable formation. The four carriers would be positioned in a spearhead formation, with Infinity as the point. The battleships, cruisers, and frigates would be layered around the whole fleet, battleships being closest to the carriers. Cruisers, destroyers, and frigates would form an outer perimeter, providing a first line of defense against incoming fighters or missiles.
"So two Punic carriers on both sides of Infinity?" Lasky asked.
"Yup. Sort of like a spearhead," Rex said.
"Alright, so four Punic-class supercarriers, two on each side, all 8 Vindication-class battleships spread out all around the fleet, all 8 Marathon-class heavy cruisers, the other 8 Halcyon-class light cruisers in similar formation as the heavy cruisers, all 18 Halberd-class destroyers, 20 Paris-class and 20 Strident-class frigates as the outer shell... that right?" Lasky asked.
"Yes, sir," Rex nodded.
"May I recommend our Punic ships form more of a square formation? Two high and two low?" Ezra asked.
"Not a bad idea, actually," Rex said.
"We can do that," Lasky said. "Roland, relay the formation coordinates to the fleet."
"Already on it, Captain," the AI replied.
Moments later, every single ship in the UNSC battle fleet was moving into formation.
"If this formation works, we might just have to add it to our own tactics," Lasky said as he looked around. "All ships, advance. Slowly. Order targets by range."
…
"Our star destroyer groups were destroyed, sir, and the enemy fleet is advancing at a slow pace," an Imperial officer reported to the Mandalorian.
"They certainly have impressive weaponry, for being a more primitive race," the Mando captain said.
"What are your orders, sir?" the officer asked.
"Keep the fleet in position. We'll need some help since their flagship is here."
"Sir, if we take out their flagship, the fleet will be in disarray. You of all of us should know that," the officer said. "With all due respect, sir."
"No, I understand that clearly. But look at the size of that ship. If we take control of it, we could do more damage to our enemies than our own super star destroyers," Saxon said.
"Maybe if we hit their battleships and carriers, we can take out their fighter support?"
"No, those ships are too heavily covered by those smaller vessels. Alert the fleet; tell them to fire at anything they wish," Saxon said.
"Yes sir!"
…
The enemy fleet began firing on the UNSC cruisers and destroyers, but they also were met with heavy fire. MAC guns from the Paris-class frigates filled the space between the two fleets, their trails leaving an almost beam-like appearance in the empty area. Missiles were flying at high speeds towards the Star Destroyers and dealt considerable damage to their shields and armor. The battleships held their fire until they were at a closer range, or aligned to the nearest starships.
The Broadswords did a great job keeping the TIEs off the larger ships and also even escorting the Longswords with their bombing runs. Several ISDs lost power and began falling towards the planet's surface, but several UNSC frigates, destroyers, and light cruisers were also destroyed. Nevertheless, the UNSC continued their push towards the Imperial line. Lasky ordered the fleet to maintain current course and speed, but focus fire on the center of the blockade.
"We only need to clear the way for the ODST units and our Pelicans. If we can destroy or cripple every Imperial vessel, that would be more preferable," Lasky said.
The MAC guns on the frigates, cruisers, and battleships all began firing as fast as they could. Missiles were being reloaded and launched from their launch tubes at a slightly faster rate as well. They needed to throw everything they had at this blockade.
As another Imperial ship began to fall, Roland noticed a hole in the blockade.
"Captain, we have successfully punched a hole in their blockade, but their fleet is already moving to close the gap."
"All cruisers, move up ahead of the fleet. Keep that hole open for as long as you can," Lasky ordered.
All the Halcyon-class light cruisers and Marathon-class heavy cruisers pushed ahead and opened up every single gun and missile silo they had; effectively slowing the Imperial maneuver.
"Captain, all cruisers are in position. We are holding them back for now, but I don't know for how much longer," a captain of one of the Marathon's reported through the comms.
"Acknowledged," Lasky replied. "I need our frigates to move up and support them. Fighter and bomber wings, support them. We need to push them apart."
…
"Sir! Our center is gone. They've broken through, but they don't seem to be making a move towards the surface as of yet," an officer reported to the last living Saxon leader.
"Push them back! We need to keep this blockade solid!" Saxon barked.
"They've already formed a perimeter in the gap. We can't focus on them and the main fleet at the same time!"
The officer had a point. If they focused their fire on the cruisers separating the blockade, the primary fleet would be able to approach without taking fire. If they focused all their fire on the advancing UNSC fleet, the cruisers and frigates separating the two Imperial fleets would be pushed back easily. If they fired half at the cruisers, and half at the advancing fleet... either way, they're screwed.
"Fire half at the UNSC on our flank, and everything else at the advancing fleet," Saxon ordered. He turned to another officer. "Prep my shuttle. I'm going to the surface to prepare our ground troops."
The officer saluted the Mandalorian and rushed back to his station to contact the hangar.
…
"Several escape pods have been detected all around the fleet, Captain," Roland reported.
"Let's finish this fight and then send out SAR," Lasky said. "There's still too much enemy fire to operate. Continue to press the assault."
"We are approaching the gap, Captain. The Imperial fleet is being pushed apart," a tactical officer reported.
"Keep everything clear for our ground troops. I need Longswords to bombard the surface, but do not target civilian areas."
"Sir, there'll be a lot of anti aircraft fire down there," Sabine began. "If you send down your bombers, they'll get shot down."
"I suppose… Prepare for orbital bombardment, then," Lasky said.
The Infinity, along with the rest of the fleet, maneuvered into position. The UNSC fleet was now fighting a battle on two fronts, but the Imperial blockade was already broken and scattered. No more than 15 ISDs were left on either side of them.
"All ships reporting in position, Captain," Roland said.
"What's the status of the enemy fleet?"
"They're broken and disorganized. We've almost got all of them, but there's still heavy resistance on both sides. Our battleships down to the frigates are engaged in close quarters combat as we speak. Our carriers are standing by."
"Tell all ships to regroup with Infinity and that we'll clean up the rest of the ISDs," Lasky said.
"Already on it," Roland said.
Lasky turned to Sabine.
"Before you deploy to the surface, I'll need you to relay suitable bombing coordinates. We need to secure the landing zone with minimal civilian casualties."
Sabine nodded and turned to Ezra. "I'll meet you in the hangar."
Ezra nodded and followed the marines to the hangar. He was going to be deployed with the last group this time since the landing zone is likely to be 'hot' or something like that.
"You never heard of that term before?" a marine asked Ezra as they were gearing up. Ezra was given some specially designed UNSC military grade body armor. Same protection, but not as much coverage since he needs the arm room for using his lightsaber, which is a weapon the marines are still fascinated about.
"I don't think I've heard it like that before, no," Ezra admitted.
"It mean the landing zone is dangerous. Lot's of incoming fire," another marine replied.
"Oh... okay," Ezra muttered as the marines laughed.
…
"We should fire here," Roland said as Sabine pointed to a heavily defended area of the surface on the holotable.
"That's why I pointed there," Sabine said. "There's a lot of anti aircraft guns there, so your drop pods and Pelicans wouldn't make it down in one piece."
"Not to mention a lot of other big guns on legs patrolling the area," Palmer noted as she magnified on a squadron of AT-AT walkers.
"Those are another priority. After the anti aircraft guns are knocked out, we should send those Longswords of yours to hit those walkers. Broadswords should clear the skies as well."
"The Broadswords will be escorting the Pelicans to the surface. The bombers will be moving ahead of the main force to, like you said, hit the walkers," Lasky said.
"What about the TIE fighters?" Sabine asked.
"Our Longswords are capable of defending themselves. They're not primary bombers, but multi-role. They're interceptors and heavy fighters. Just because they carry a lot of bombs and missiles, doesn't mean it's a pure bomber," Palmer said.
"In other words, it's primary function is a fighter, but it's capable of supportive roles such as interception or bombing," Lasky said.
"Ok then," Sabine shrugged.
…
"All hands stand by. All hands stand by."
The automated voice kept repeating those words to the entire ship. Ezra was about to ask what they were doing, but before he could ask, the warning stopped and was replaced by Lasky's voice.
"All anti aircraft facilities around the landing zone have been destroyed. All available Longswords are green for launch."
"That answers my question," Ezra muttered.
…
Four flights of Longswords, each flight consisting of 4 craft, were grouping together in high altitude of the Mandalorian atmosphere, west of their targets. The lead flight, Reaper flight, began to call out to the other three flights before beginning their bombing runs.
"This is Reaper 1 to Reaper flight. Call in," the lead Longsword pilot said to the rest of his squadron.
"Reaper 2, checking in."
"Reaper 3, checking in."
"Reaper 4, always."
"Reaper 1 to all flights, call in."
"Stonewall flight, all wings reporting."
"Epsilon flight, reporting."
"Titan flight, all here."
"That's everybody, Reaper 1," Reaper 2 said.
"Reaper 1 to all flights, form up on me. Tight formation, we're going in."
All the Longswords tipped their wings and decreased their altitude and approached at high speeds towards their target, which was a large complement of Imperial tanks, walkers, and artillery.
The Longswords all leveled their wings at about 500 meters above the ground and increased to bombing speed.
"Target in sight, ETA 30 seconds."
…
The Stormtroopers were running everywhere, all of them carrying weapons or supplies, trying to strengthen their fortifications before the UNSC ground assault began. Saxon himself, as promised, was supervising the operation, though he was a little ways away.
One of the Imperial engineers stopped working, however, as he heard an interesting sound coming from the West. He looked up and saw a formation of some sort of aircraft he's never seen before. Though he never heard or saw these crafts before, he knew it wasn't Imperial.
"Incoming from the west!" he shouted, but he was too late.
Just seconds after he shouted, bombs began raining down on their position with devastating accuracy. The bombers flew over their heads at high speeds, the shockwaves of the bombs, and the passing jets, knocking boxes, crates, and people all over the compound. The bombardment continued for what seemed like an eternity before the UNSC aircraft disengaged. It was only after the smoke cleared when they saw the effects of the bombing runs. More than half of the walkers and tanks were destroyed, and all the artillery were in pieces.
…
"Good run, Reapers. I'm out of munitions and almost bingo on fuel," Reaper 1 said. "All wings, report RTB. Our jobs are finished."
"Epsilon 1 to Reaper 1. We have bogies inbound at high speeds from the North."
"Yeah, I'm seeing that, too."
"Infinity, Reaper. We have several bogies inbound on our position at high speeds. Can you confirm there are no other friendly craft in the vicinity?"
"Reaper, this is Infinity. We can confirm. We are sending Broadswords to intercept, ETA 10 minutes."
"Copy, Infinity. We are RTB, targets are destroyed."
"Acknowledged, Reaper. Well done."
"Reaper to all flights, bandits are confirmed Imperial TIE fighters. Stay on guard."
"Epsilon."
"Stonewall."
"Titan."
…
"TIEs are on us. We can barely evade their fire!"
"Reaper 3 is down. Repeat, Reaper 3 is down."
"Epsilon 2 is critical."
"I got a TIE behind me!"
"I see him, Reaper 2. I'm on him."
…
"Thanks Stonewall."
"Warwolf 1 to all Longsword flights, initiate full burn to Infinity. We'll cover you."
The Broadswords entered the aerial battle and began to clear the way for the Longswords to get out.
"We owe you guys," Reaper 1 said to the Broadsword flights.
"When this is over, drinks are on me," Reaper 2 said.
"Looking forward to it, Reaper 2. Now let's get you boys back home," Warwolf 1 said.
A/N: By the way, I couldn't really think of any other good wing callsigns so I borrowed Warwolf from Ace Combat: Assault Horizon. Just so you know.
"Reaper 1 to Infinity. The skies are cleared and all ground targets are destroyed. ODST drop is a go."
…
Several ODST drop pods were launched from the hull of Infinity and flew straight for their designated drop zone. Seconds after they were launched, the Pelican teams were ordered to head down to the surface as well.
Pelican after Pelican flew towards the surface, each carrying their own complement of soldiers, supplies, and vehicles. Mantis, Scorpions, and everything else selected for this mission was launched. Infinity even began a temporary descent to safely deploy the Mammoth, which was to be under the command of the Master Chief.
Due to the likely severity of this ground assault, the Mammoth would not be leading the charge, but would be positioned behind UNSC lines. Lasky has also taken into consideration the chances that the garrison from the nearest town would attack them, which would force them to fight on two fronts, and has a cruiser ready for an orbital bombardment.
The Pelican dropships deployed their complement of Scorpion and Kodiak tanks, the Scorpions taking defensive positions to defend the Kodiaks as they set up. The Mantis units were deployed around the tanks, to cover any blind spots the Scorpions have and for anti infantry defense. Sure enough, just as the Mantis' were being deployed, Imperial forces began their attack, forcing the Pelicans to use their roles as gunships to enable the Mantis pilots to power up.
The Imperials threw speeder bikes at the UNSC tank formation, and though many of the bikes were destroyed by missiles and gunfire, some got through and destroyed two of the Mantis units and damaged a few tanks. Nevertheless, the tanks were still operational.
"I need a status report of our condition!" the leading tank commander shouted to all other tank commanders.
"Two Mantis units are down and a couple more damaged, and several tanks have taken minor damage. One of our Kodiaks is missing a track," an officer reported.
"I suppose that's better than what could have been. What's the ETA of those ODSTs?"
As soon as he asked, several drop pods landed around their position and the ODSTs jumped out. All of them were armed to the teeth with guns and ammo, but some also had the ODST medical patch on their uniforms. The medics approached the tank crews.
"Is anybody hurt?" one of them asked.
The tank commander shook his head, "I don't think so, but we have two Mantis pilots dead over there."
...
"This battle isn't going to be like Lothal," Roland said. "I'm guessing Mandalore's liberation could span the entire length of our war."
"Let's hope it won't," Lasky said. "Though it is likely this is where an official frontline engagement could take place."
The Infinity was returning to orbit after the Mammoth's departure was confirmed. On the holotable, Lasky was watching the Mammoth's descent. Where the fight began, it's still a ways from the Mandalorian capital. There's several other towns and villages in the path, but even after taking control of the capital, they'll need to hold it.
Not long before Ezra and Sabine were deploying, they received a transmission from Sabine's mother, Ursa. She didn't sound happy about the sudden news of the UNSC invading their homeworld and requested that Sabine meet with her. Ezra wanted to go with her, which Ursa didn't object to, and Lasky sent Fireteam Osiris to provide extra security for them, which Ursa heavily objected to.
It was a quick debate, which ended when Sabine explained what the Spartans were. Ursa actually seemed anxious to meet with the UNSC super soldiers and allowed them to go with.
"Blue Team to Infinity, the Mammoth has touched down, we're mobile," Chief said through the comms.
"Acknowledged, Blue Team. All tanks are on the ground. You are green for Academy assault," Lasky said.
...
The Pelican was flying at high speeds towards the coordinates Sabine's mother provided and Sabine was getting nervous. She was pacing around the troop bay, muttering something to herself in her native tongue.
"Kid, what's she saying?" the Osiris leader, Locke, whispered to Ezra.
"I don't know," Ezra admitted. "I don't speak Mando'a."
"I thought this was your home, too," Locke said.
"Actually," Buck said. "Lothal is his home. Mandalore is her home." He pointed to Sabine, who didn't hear the three talking.
"My mistake," Locke said. "Pilot, how much farther?"
"We're about there, sir. ETA 2 minutes," the pilot replied.
"Sabine?" Ezra said to her, getting her attention.
"What is it, Ezra," she grumbled.
"Are you ok? You've never been this nervous on meeting your family before."
"Truthfully, Ezra, I'm not ok. I don't want to explain it right now," she said.
"Alright, suit yourself," Ezra said with a shrug. Still, he didn't leave her side.
"Do you mind?" she asked him.
"I'm not going to leave, Sabine. You're not going to go through all this alone. Not again," Ezra said.
Sabine was silent and she looked down to hide her face from Ezra. She didn't realize that Buck and Locke could still see her face in the slightly darkened troop bay.
"What's up with Sabine?" Locke asked Buck, knowing he's worked with them before.
"She's uh... she has a thing for Ezra. I'm not at liberty to say in detail," Buck whispered.
"Ah, ok. If that's the case, then I'll leave it be," Locke said. He glanced at the time in his HUD and spoke up. "We're here, let's move!"
The Pelican landed and the pilot opened the doors and the Spartans just calmly marched off the boarding ramp, Sabine and Ezra walking out first. Mandalorians were standing ready, their blasters trained on the Spartans.
"That's far enough, Spartans," one of the Mandalorians shouted.
"We'll comply," Locke said. He drew his MA5D assault rifle from his back and told his team to form a perimeter around the Pelican. They didn't rush as they didn't want to startle the Mandalorians. "Buck, stay on me."
"Yes sir."
"Stand down, Clan Wren," a female, yet very authoritative voice, called out from behind the Mandalorian line.
Reluctantly, every Mandalorian holstered their weapons, except for the security group, and stood aside as Ursa approached Sabine.
"Mother," Sabine muttered.
"Sabine, you actually found the time to make it," Ursa said. She glanced at Ezra and nodded politely. "Ezra Bridger. I assume you're doing well?"
"I am, Countess. You look well, yourself," Ezra replied, trying not to say something wrong.
"As polite, yet slightly awkward as always, I see," Ursa joked. "Come. We have much to discuss."
Locke glanced at the Pelican cockpit. "You can go, but stay nearby. We may need a quick escape in any case the Empire shows up."
The pilot nodded and powered up the engines.
...
"If you don't mind, Bridger, I would like to speak with my daughter in private," Ursa said.
"It's not a problem," Ezra said. "I mean, it is your planet we're on."
Ursa and Sabine disappeared behind the closing doors of the building and Ezra just sighed.
"You feeling stressed," Tristan said, approaching him.
"It's that obvious, huh?"
Tristan removed his helmet and grinned, "You're an open book, Ezra. I saw how you were looking at my sister."
Ezra blushed, "W-What? It's not what it looks like, I'm just worried..."
"About my sister," Tristan said.
Ezra let out a sigh, "Yes. I know how much her homeworld means to her... to all of you for that matter."
"Your concern is appreciated, but it's our business," Tristan said.
"I know that. It was Sabine's idea to come here."
...
"You understand that your idea of freeing Mandalore by bringing outsiders from another galaxy is highly frowned upon by our customs. Their arrival here is only making things worse," Ursa said.
"Mother, you don't understand," Sabine began. "They're not trying to free us because it's our homeworld, they're freeing us because the Empire attacked them first. Our world is under Imperial control through Saxon and that alone is why they're here."
"This is our world, we should have a say in what happens," Ursa said.
"Do we have a say in anything we want to happen anymore?" Sabine argued.
"I remember when you tried to sell out my friends to Saxon back on Krownest, and even then you were wrong about them. I've seen the UNSC in battle and they know what they're doing. They've been through countless wars as well," Sabine added.
"You've been to their world?"
"I didn't say that..."
"Then is it destroyed?" Ursa asked.
"Well... not like Mandalore, but there are patches of uninhabitable terrain on the surface from Covenant attacks in their past," Sabine replied. "We were taught a small amount of their history; they've been close to total destruction countless times, in ways similar to our own destruction. Unlike us, they knew when to hold back and stop the fighting from growing to that point."
"And what of their technology?"
"It's a bit more primitive to ours in matters of weaponry, but they have ships that can destroy super star destroyers in one, well placed shot!"
"Define primitive."
"Instead of energy, they use ballistic guns. Their super soldiers, the Spartans, are able to withstand several direct shots from an Imperial blaster and not stop fighting. Personal shielding, they call it," Sabine said.
"So their soldiers have armor and shields?" Ursa asked.
"Well... not all of them, just the Spartans."
"Alright, I've heard enough about the UNSC," Ursa said.
"You don't trust them still, do you..."
"Not really. Give me a good reason why I should!"
Sabine sighed.
"They saved my life more than once," she said. "First time, it was a Covenant attack on one of our CR90s that Ezra and I were in command of. I was captured by a faction known as the Banished and they..."
Sabine winced at the memory. "They tortured me in ways I wasn't prepared for..."
"They didn't... do anything like that, did they?" Ursa asked, worry filling her features.
"Not like that," Sabine said. "I just wasn't prepared for their tactics. Anyway, a UNSC taskforce, led by Ezra, found the Banished base on Hoth and got me out of there."
"And what of the second time?"
"Ezra and I were stranded on a Covenant weapon called a Halo Array, but this particular weapon was compromised with a kind of virus called the Flood. Remnants of the Banished were there as well. We barely escaped with our lives, all thanks to the UNSC."
"Where is this weapon?" Ursa asked.
"It's somewhere in their galaxy. We were... transported there by mistake," Sabine said.
Ursa was quiet for a few moments before she turned to a guard.
"Bring in Ezra Bridger and... Fireteam Osiris," she said.
The guard nodded and left to retrieve their guests.
When they entered the room, Locke and Buck were escorting Ezra into the room.
"My daughter explained how your people saved her life two times. Both times, Bridger was there as well. I need you to confirm what she said is the truth," Ursa said.
"Respectfully, madam," Locke began, "I can't really confirm that as my team and I weren't a part of those operations, however a rival team of mine, Spartan Blue Team were."
"Identify yourself," Ursa ordered.
"My apologies," Locke said. "I am Spartan Jameson Locke, service number 73808-3153-JL, of the UNSC Spartan Corp."
"I am Spartan Edward Buck, service number 92458-37017-EB. I helped give your daughter and Commander Bridger a glimpse of ODST training," Buck said.
"ODST?" Ursa asked slowly.
"It's an elite group within our Marine corp. It stands for Orbital Drop Shock Troopers. I was an ODST before becoming a Spartan," Buck replied. "Any further details are classified."
"Understood," Ursa said.
"Countess, if I may," Ezra began. "Like Sabine mentioned, I was there for everything. I can confirm everything."
"I believe our commanding officer, Captain Lasky, can confirm as well," Locke added.
"Very well," Ursa said. "Considering that war has come to Mandalore, we should get to work. I may have information that will help this UNSC."
"We're listening," Locke said.
"Let's not discuss this here. We have a war room ready just down the hall," Ursa said.
"Very well. Lead the way," Locke said.
Everybody followed Ursa into the Mandalorian war room, Tristan also joining them. Bo Katan of Clan Kryze was standing over a holotable in the center of the room.
"I'm afraid we should go straight to the point, ahead of anything else," Ursa said. "We have Clan Kryze joining us on this operation. Will your Captain Lasky be joining us as well, Spartans?"
Locke shook his head, "He will not. His attention is focused on our war effort not far from here."
"Very well. Kryze, the table is yours," Ursa said.
Bo Katan nodded.
"My spies have taken notice of strange activity within Saxon's inner circle, especially after the UNSC's arrival in our galaxy," she began.
"What kind of activity?" Buck asked. He and Locke had already removed their helmets.
"We're not exactly sure, but we suspect they have been spying on you. We've been monitoring the blockade over our world; this wasn't just a blockade. They were waiting for you," Kryze continued, staring straight at the Spartans.
"Waiting? How?"
"This blockade wasn't built to keep people from leaving or entering, it was formed to draw your attention."
"They're baiting us?" Sabine asked.
"It's just a theory, but it's possible. What was the status of the Imperial fleet after the orbital engagement?" Kryze asked Locke.
"They were in full retreat," Locke said.
"The Empire doesn't give up easy," Ursa said. "I have contacts of my own and they said there was something planned for the UNSC forces. Whatever this plan was, however, we never found out."
"Captured?" Buck asked.
"No. Killed. My contacts were just going to return to the Imperial barracks and attempt to find out more, but they never left the base. Whoever killed them wasn't Imperial, either."
"Are you saying we have a spy in our own ranks?" Sabine asked.
"It makes sense," Tristan said. "Wherever we attack, the Empire focuses the bulk of their forces to us."
"Do we know who this spy is?" Sabine asked.
"As of yet, no. We're waiting for a clue before suspecting anybody," Ursa said.
"What I want to know is how the Empire knew we were going after Mandalore," Locke said.
"That's the other thing," Ursa began. "Saxon is likely spying on you as well. How he's doing it, we don't really know. All we know is that he's been spying on something since before the USNC..."
"UNSC," Locke corrected.
"My apologies, UNSC declared war on the Empire."
"They fired the first shot," Buck said.
"They always do," Sabine grumbled.
"We've caught a cloaked ship following us just before the Empire attacked us, but we've calibrated our scanners to find anything cloaked."
"They figured that out," Tristan said.
"What?"
"They know you calibrated your sensors to catch them, so they've started rotating their cloaking frequencies regularly," Tristan said.
"If that's the case, they probably know about our Gate," Buck said.
"Infinity's never been to the gate," Locke said. "Chances are, they still don't know about it."
"I'm sorry," Ursa interrupted, "But what do you mean by a Gate?"
"We were first transported here via wormhole, or so we think. Since then it has collapsed and we can't find anything else here to get us home," Locke said.
"I'm afraid the details of the Gate are classified. Not even the Rebellion should know about its location or purpose."
"It sounds like it's used to transport ships to and from this galaxy from your own," Bo Katan said.
"Well, uh... yes," Buck said.
"So also by the sound of things, you have this Gate completed?" Ursa asked.
"Yes, but location is classified," Buck said.
"Then why are you and your people still in this galaxy?" Tristan asked.
"We got involved before the Gate was an idea for us," Locke said. "We attempted to stay out of any conflict so we can get home safely, but the Empire had other plans."
"Knowing them, they're wanting to invade your galaxy and annex it to their Empire," Ursa said.
"I'd like to see them try to invade our home," Buck said.
"Oh they'll try," Sabine said. "If they find this Gate and get through, the Rebellion wouldn't be able to help you."
Buck grinned, "Well we do also have the Covenant back home."
"That reminds me," Ezra began, "Whatever happened to the Arbiter?"
"He's been under radio silence lately. My guess is he's doing some reconnaissance," Locke said.
"Tristan, if you will take Commander Bridger somewhere else?" Ursa requested suddenly.
"What, why?" Sabine asked.
"There's something I'd like to discuss with you and these Spartans. Your boyfriend should have no part in our affairs."
Sabine's face turned a bright red, "Mother! He's n-not..."
"Tristan," Ursa said.
"Yes, mother. Ezra, if you would follow me."
"Okay then..." Ezra said.
