My ability to write fight scenes isn't the best. I apologize before hand. This story is more for Reaper bashing than it is Realism.
October 9th, 2913, (UNC)
UNS-HT0947 (Caballus Class Troop Heavy Transport)
Objective: Deploy with the 2309th Unified Assault Regiment and retake a comms tower.
Sergeant Kal Reegar watched in awe as several Coalition Tanks and Mechs were marched into formation on the massive troop transport.
Just mere days ago, they were on the verge of being overrun by Reaper forces only to be rescued by flying angels of death and falling tanks. Now, he and a group of Quarian and Turian soldiers under his command were being attached to the supposedly legendary 2309th Division.
Along with himself and an ad hoc platoon of Turians and Quarians, he was also supposed to get a UN specialist as a liaison and fire support coordinator. Currently, he was waiting near a large dropship as the group was observing UN armoured units prepare for another drop.
"Keelah, these Humans. I thought the Systems Alliance was insane but these people just drop armoured vehicles from several kilometres up." one Quarian says as a Templar Mech stomps into a drop tube.
"They make the rapid deployment combat doctrine of the Alliance look like child's play. Look at them! It's been less than twenty-four hours and after some sleep and food, they're joking as if this is normal for them!" one of the Turian points out.
"Kind of is the norm if you're a part of the Steel Emerald Maidens. Where the Field Marshal goes, we go as well. And he goes to some pretty extreme places" someone says from behind. The Citadel soldiers turn towards the voice and a Human appeared, all wearing standard UN armour.
"Wait a second, since when did Humans have a second pair of ears?" The Human had dog ears? Not that the Quarians or Turians knew what a dog was, it was still very weird seeing a female Human with a second pair of ears.
"Uuhhh, I have memorized the entire codex and I don't seem to remember Humans having a second pair of ears." one of the Turians voiced everyone's thoughts.
"Oh, I'm actually not Human, I'm Fanus. We look very alike by Humans have had nearly the same DNA but are considered a completely separate species due to our animalistic traits." the Female hu- sorry Fanus shrugged, though admittedly was getting uncomfortable with the stares she was getting.
"Ah, sorry about my men. This is….an extremely unusual situation for us." Reeger said. "Sergeant Kal Reegar, Quarian Fleet Marines."
"Specialist Navi Skyler of the Remnant 1st Expeditionary Regiment. I'm assigned as your Liaison and fire support specialist for this mission. And I don't mind the stares, Remnants has been a part of the UNSS for 50 years and most species are still slightly creeped out by my ears." Navi shook Kal's hand.
"Nice to meet you, Lieutenant. Say, why are you carrying a sword?" Kal asked, pointing to the sword on her belt.
"Oh right, my weapon. This is Downpour, an extremely modified assault rifle that can shift into a sword. See?" At that moment, the sword was transported into a long and blocky assault rifle, not too dissimilar to ones used by the Humans during the 21st century or even the standard-issue weapons used currently by UN troops.
"Spirits, what..what made you need a weapon like that?" one of the Turian asked in shock, with everyone else in amazed shock at how quickly the weapon transformed.
"Uh, giant black, people-eating monsters on my planet. Was simply impractical to be carrying two weapons so my people designed weapons that had a melee and ranged mode." the weapon transformed back into a sword before Navi put on her helmet and motioned for the platoon to embark. "Come on, get on the ship. I can tell you more about my planet on the way down."
The platoon was then ushered into the surprisingly spacious transport and took a bunch of empty seats, with Navi sitting next to Kal Reeger. Kal had to admit, Navi was beautiful, but stowed those thoughts for now.
"What's the mission?" Kal asked. Then on all the heads up Displays on their helmets or their omnitools with information. Thank the ancestors that the UN and the Citadel forces linked their systems together.
"The Turian and Krogan forces in the city of Practis require support. One of their communication towers has gone down, which is vital for them to direct air support against Reaper fleet assets. Our platoon, along with a team of engineers are heading to this location to fix it. Without those comms, Citadel forces are unable to properly coordinate precision airstrikes against Reaper Destroyers or request supply drops. Our unit has been designated Gamma 4, Squad numbers have been given, and waypoints marked. We're landing a klick from the tower due to the tower being surrounded by heavy Reaper forces so we will have to fight our way in. Any questions?" Navi asked, looking at the assembled platoon.
"Uh yes, are we getting air support?" one of the Turians asked.
"The light carrier UNS Chicago and her battlegroup have been sent to assert air superiority but haven't had the skies completely under control. We may get some fighter cover to take down Harvesters but gunship support won't be available for the time being. We'll have tanks and mechs, but those are in high demand so we will be lucky if we even get a few." Navi replied. "Any other questions related to the mission?"
No one asked. "Right then. Watch your heads." That was when the restraints came down on the platoon, briefly startling some of them.
The comms activated and a familiar and famous voice appeared. "(Comms) All 2309th assets and accompanying Citadel Liaison forces, welcome to Palaven, the Turian homeworld, the lynchpin of the Coalition's combat operations, and our next destination on this fine vacation of ours. We're dropping the entire division at the city of Practis to support Krogan and Turian forces in the region. Check your six, don't shoot and friendlies, and most of all, show what the United Nations Planetary force can do to these squids. Orraah?"
"ORRAH!" The comm lines were filled with yells and cheers, including from Citadel forces.
"(Comms) Do us proud. We're routing additional carriers to your AO so when they come, don't be shy to call on them. Good luck and good hunting. Comanche Actual Out."
"So Specialist, What can you tell us about your homeworld?" one of the Quarians asked.
"Do you know what Earth looks like?" everyone nods. "Think Earth but smaller in size, one very fucked up and shattered moon, and a bunch of horrifying monsters that eat people as your neighbours. The UN thankfully got rid of the last problem, mostly." Navi shrugs.
"Monsters? What kind?" one of the Turians asked. Navi promptly sends them a video showing several Grimm attacking a VDF patrol, including one Beringal. Then the video cuts to UN tanks duelling with Grimm behemoths.
"We call them Grimm. Giant black animals with a partial psionic ability. They can sense negative emotions such as fear, anger, hate, etc. Most are somewhat easy to kill, but they come in vast numbers. Reproduce using these terrible spawning pits. Had the UN not been observing our world and had several divisions on standby, we would have certainly lost." Navi growled.
"Wait, I thought you were a colony of your Humanity?" Kal asked.
"No, not actually. My world was apparently testing ground by an ancient race that was mostly wiped out during the Unbidden war. Bastards changed our DNA from our Terran brothers, gave us Psionic powers, and dumped us onto a world that kills everything. Hell, they corrupted one of the Humans, gave her Grimm power, pretended to be god, and watched the world tear itself apart. We would have never been discovered by Earth if they hadn't been clearing out some Ancient resistance movements. Hundreds of millions died throughout thousands of years, all because they wanted to toy around with science." Navi muttered.
Everyone gave the Fanus a sympathetic look. It had appeared that the outsider species had it rough as well.
"Wait, psionics?" one of the Turians asked.
"Oh right, we call those semblances and Auras. Auras were known as the manifestation of one's soul, which isn't completely off with psionics. Basically, we have an organic/natural Energy shield that also helps us rapidly in combat. Semblances are unique superpowers that vary from person to person. Some can increase their strength and durability for a short time, others have cloaks, and some can teleport." Navi's happy mood seemed to have returned.
"Wait, what? Sup-" at that moment, every Turian and Quarin unexpectedly felt weak and depleted of energy.
"Thank you for being the first Citadel Species to experience a Semblance. My semblance nullifies and weakens enemies of my choosing. That my friend is you feeling your energy being siphoned off." the feeling of weakness disappeared and the Quarians/Turians were left panting.
"You know what? I quit. You guys win this war for us." one of the Quarian grumbled.
"You can't be serious, just when the war's gonna get good," Navi said with mock surprise, with the Turians and Quarians chuckling.
"(Comms) Gamma 4, this is Spaceman 4, your dropship pilot. We are go for launch."
"Spaceman 4, copy that. We're ready when you say so." Navi said back.
That was when the dropship shuttered, and it was released into the void. Through cameras and omnitools, they watched from the dropship's Cameras as several UN cruisers duelled with a swarm of Reaper destroyers.
"The Reapers are attempting. They know that they are gonna lose the space war, whether at close range or far, so they are using the cities as meat shields. Can't use our heavy ships and pound them from orbit so our air squadrons and escort ships have to enter the atmosphere to do the job." Navi grumbled.
"And it's our job to give your people the chance to bring those monsters down. Only wish he had you, people, at the beginning. Then maybe Khar'shan, Our Earth, Palaven, and Sur'Kesh wouldn't be warzones." Kal muttered.
"We'll avenge your people, don't you worry," Navi replied.
The trip was mostly silent as they cruised through the air. They listened to the comms for the next several minutes.
"This is the UNS Morithinus, 3 Reaper destroyers on approach. Moving to engage."
"This is Hawk Lead, Oculus drones 3 klicks out. Locking on."
"This is Hawk 3, I got tone. Fox 2 Fox 2."
"Fuck, someone get those Turians to stop shooting at me, my shields just took a hit."
"UNS Litharni, this is UNS Taipei. We got your request for a fire mission against advancing Reaper Capital ships. Standby."
"All fighter elements, be advised. Several Turian gun crews have been indoctrinated and are firing on friendlies. At least four gun crews have been comprised. Sending bombers location for bombing runs. All light fighter elements"
"This is Spooky 9, we've reached the A.O. To any Citadel forces on the ground and in need of heavy fire support, call it in."
"Good kills, good kills. Splash 4 Reaper Destroyers."
"Whoever was on the AA gun near the large park, good hits. Thanks for getting those drones off us."
"Got a flock of Reaper Oculus drones, 60 of them. CWIS is opening up."
"Woah, several of those drones tried to ram the UNS Johnston. They may have forgotten our shields can take the hit."
"All 2309th elements, additional Huntsmen, Huntresses, Rangers, and Crusaders are being deployed. Watch your fire."
Then, they approached the city. Allied anti-air positions lit up the sky, with UN and Hierarchy fighters duelling against Reaper Oculus drones. Warthogs were also seen through the cameras, strafing Reaper positions and troop locations. Several tanks and mechs could be seen being dropped from orbit, while dropships and drop pods landed, disgorging companies and battalions of soldiers and marines onto the surface.
"Keelah, this place used to be so quiet when the Reapers got here. Now it's a full-blown warzone again." a Quarian muttered.
"Most of the city was taken by the Reapers. It appears that the UNSS' appearance has rallied allied forces in the region. Several city blocks have been retaken thanks to the help of allied carriers." a Turian commented.
"(Comms) All Gamma elements, this is Spaceman Actual. We're 40 seconds out from the drop zone. Watch your sides people, moderate level of Reaper troops in the region."
Soon, the dropships were landing and the restraints holding the platoon in their seats were lifted.
"Alright people, get off the bus," Navi yelled as everyone picked up their weapons and lept off.
Once the platoon had disembarked from the transport, the aircraft left, leaving several platoons of infantry and armour.
"(Comms) Gamma Company, this is Spaceman 1. We're pulling back. You're on your own for the time being. Oculus drones are 15 mikes out so we're hightailing it back to allied airspace."
"(Comms) Spaceman, this is Gamma Actual. We hear you. Good luck."
"Right, the rest of Gamma is gonna engage and distract the Reaper forces. Let's move." Navi said.
So the platoon moved towards the communications tower. About halfway there, they encountered their first Reapers.
"Contact front. Husks and Brutes." one of the Turian said.
"I see them. Weapons free." that moment, the mass accelerator rifles of the Citadel forces opened up. Slamming into the unprotected bodies of the husk, many fell quickly.
That was when Navi's rifle-sword gun thing, Kal wasn't entirely sure what to call it, opened fire. Kal was somewhat shocked to find it was still using chemical-propelled rounds. And he couldn't argue with the results, Several husks went down with ease.
"Why exactly are you using chemical propelled rounds?" one of the Quarians asked.
"Tradition, proven reliability, less weapons maintenance, easier to turn into a sword, less logistical needs, stuff like that. Regular troops use hybrid Magrail and Chemical weapons but spec ops, marines, security personnel, and hunters prefer to use old-fashioned weapons." Navi repelled as another short burst slammed into Reaper husks. When the weapon clicked empty, Navi quickly swapped the Magazines for a fresh one and continued firing.
Combined rifle firing from the platoon brought down all the husks, and Kal immediately pulled out his rocket launcher. "I got the Brute! Firing!"
He pulls down on the trigger of the rocket launcher. Great exhaust of gas belches out from the tube and one very large projectile speed out. The armoured piercing warhead of the rocket slams directly into a Brute, killing it instantly.
"Reegar! To your left!" Reegar turned to see one very pissed-off Brute just about to pounce on him when a sword suddenly pierced its stomach area from behind. The brute collapses and the shocked platoon finds one Specialist Navi, with Reaper blood on her sword-gun thing, and one very happy look.
"Huh, guess swords do work." one of the Turians commented.
"Alright, settle down-" before Navi finished, another Brute roared as if appeared out of nowhere and attempted to smash a poor Quarian. Before it could, however, Navi ran, lept over its head (with a somersault for style points), landed on its back, and executed with one precise cut to the neck.
"Grimm was tougher than this." That was when Navi looked at the Turians and Quarians, who were all in shock as she lept from the back of the Brute. "What? At Atlas, I did crap like this all the time."
"I..uh...what...how" one of the Turians muttered. Kal Reegar just shook his head.
"Let's just get to that comms tower." Everyone agreed, though the Quarians and Turians had to wonder, what else were these newcomers capable of?
15 minutes later (some more Reaper beheading and shocking moments)
After fighting their way through a few groups of minor Reaper forces, the platoon finally reached the comms tower. Luckily, no one had suffered any casualties thanks to the shield upgrades provided by UN engineers. Now they simply were waiting for the comms tower to be brought back up to operational status.
"So Specialist. Can anyone become..what was it you called yourself, a Huntress?" Kal asked.
"In theory, yes. The main thing is Aura, we call it the manifestation of one's soul though that is subject to debate about the soul part. Alien races have been known to have their Auras unlocked. The main issue is the species itself and training. Some species like the Kaolum can have their auras unlocked but because they are literally lumbering rocks, it simply isn't worth it for them to have. The second part is training. It takes at least four years for one to properly use their Aura and semblances. You could train and equip an entire assault division for the cost of training a thousand Huntsmen." Navi said, keeping an eye for Reaper forces.
"Wait, so aliens can technically be Huntsmen as well?" Kal asked for clarification.
"Yes, however, few have proven to be adept at using such abilities. So far, Humans and Fanus make up over 90% of the Huntsmen force. It also doesn't help with the fact that only the United Nations of Solar Species and Commonwealth of Man are the only nations that operate their own Huntsmen Academies, both of whom hold the largest Human populations and large economic resources. So yeah, most of the Huntsmen force is Human or Fanus. Though maybe we could train Quarians and Asari as well. Just need to see if Eezo affects Auras." Navi shrugged.
That was when the communication tower activated and released the large high pitch squeal.
"What in Oum was that?!" Navi yelled, more affected by the activation.
"Sorry, the system activated and that happened. The good news is the tower is fully activated" one of the Turian engineers yelled.
"(Comms) Gamma 4, this Spaceman 1. Do you read me?"
"Spaceman 1, this is Gamma 4, we hear you. What is it?" Navi yelled.
"(Comms) Gamma 4, comms are back up and the Turians are thankful. However whatever you did pissed off the Reapers in this part of the city. We're reading hundreds of Reaper lifeforms en-route to your location, potentially several regiments strength. Gamma has intercepted some of them but they won't be able to get all of them. Allied forces are too depleted to help. I'm transferring you over to AWACs Heavy Cloud for air support, over."
"Shoot, good copy Spaceman. RTB. Gamma 4 out." Navi turned to Kal. "Sergeant, We got a ton of Reapers heading our way."
"Keelah. Defensive positions! Snipers, get on the rooftops of the communications tower. We need to hold this tower. Specialist, are there any reinforcements we can expect.?" Kal asked.
"One moment. Awacs Heavy Cloud, this is Gamma 4. We've got a lot of Reapers heading to our location. The location is the big comms tower in the city. Any chance for air support?"
"(Comms) Gamma 4, this is Heavy Cloud. I hear you. I've got a Spectre gunship and a couple of Warthogs I can send to your location. Don't be shy to use them. I'll let you know if we can get access to any more air assets."
"A Spectre gunship? That's amazing. We'll hold. Gamma 4 out." Navi turned to Kal. "We got some heavy fire support in this airspace. We'll hold Sergeant."
"What kind of support?"
"The ones that can devastate entire divisions on its own." that was when an explosion occurred.
"Brothers, Reapers are here. Open fire!" Kal ordered as he loaded another rocket into his launcher.
A fierce firefight broke out, with allied soldiers letting loose a cacophony of mass accelerator rounds and rockets. Navi added in her own fire, bullets smashing into Husks and Cannibals alike.
"Can someone get that Marauder please?" Kal asked. Some of the allied snipers targeted the Marauder, causing its head to explode.
"Thank you," Navi called out as she gunned down a Cannibal, tungsten rounds penetrating and killing it with a few shots.
The firefight continued, with allied forces holding but slowly running out of thermal clips and grenades.
"Spirits! Why didn't we just stick with the old heat sinks system? We wouldn't have had to deal with running out of thermal clips?" one of the Turians yelled as they slammed another thermal clip into their rifle.
"If feel like this was an extremely large plot by the Reapers to hamper your supply lines. Now you have to worry about running out of ammunition and things that allow you guns to work." Navi yelled as she slammed another magazine into her rifle.
"You think your people can upgrade our weapons to something like the Pred-Eden Prime war weapons?" Kal asked as he launched a missile against a Brute.
Probably, though our weapons are magnetic accelerators. Might take some time." Navi said, unleashing a barrage of bullets onto a Cannibal.
"(Comms) Gamma 4, this is Spooky 09. We're in the airspace, awaiting fire mission."
"Finally!" Navi yelled as she pulled out a smoke grenade. While the Coalition used advanced IFFs and other systems to identify friend and foe, a good green smoke Grenade was still very useful. "Marking our location with Green smoke! Everything else is good to kill. Danger close, I repeat, danger close fire support requested.
Spooky 9 (Spectre AC-250 Heavy Orbital Gunship)
2 Kilometers above Gamma 4's location.
Gunner Greene Cloverfield
"I hear you Gamma 4. Crew, friendly forces have hunkered near the Comms tower and green smoke. You are clear to engage." the gunship's crew chief reported.
Greene nodded. One of the first Fanus to enter the UN military, he became a crack gunner onboard the famed orbital gunships of the United Nations Planetary Force. A Veteran of the Dust war and against Ancient Imperial Remnants, he could smite any target with the arsenal of weapons onboard.
"Gunner, there appears to be a horde of Husks heading from the South. Prioritize those targets."
"Copy, standby." activating his console, he brought up the anti-infantry plasma weapons and aimed the cannons at the growing horde.
"Target sighted, firing." Pulling down on the trigger, he series of blue plasma bolts erupted from the multi-barrel cannons on the left side of the gunship. Plasma rounds rained down from above, burning up several husks. It was kind of like a video game, and unlike Remanet Ancient forces or insurgents, Greene showed no mercy.
The cannons swept the entire street clean of Human and Turian husks, with any Kinetic barriers they had useless against the thousands of plasma bolts burning them up.
"Crew, there appears to be what appears to be Banshees and Brutes on that Western street. They're approaching the Comms tower quickly. You are authorized to use the Stormfie on them."
The Spectre gunships' Stormfire autocannons whirled like the plasma cannons and unleashed a true hellstorm of metal unto the ground below. 40-millimetre rounds, thousands of them and at the same rate of fire as the poor reapers down below.
Several Reaperified Banshees screamed in pair as it was brutally ripped apart by hundreds of explosive rounds. Brutes stood no chance as many simply were vaporized by the sheer velocity of the rounds that hit them.
"Good hits. A good 2 dozen KIAs. Mostly heavies."
Greene smiled. Not bad for his first battle against the Reapers.
"(Comms) Spooky 9, this is Heavy Cloud. Come in Spooky 9."
"We hear you Heavy Cloud. What's up?" the crew chief asked.
"(Comms) A Reaper destroyer is en route to the comms tower. It appears that they are trying to land additional reinforcements. The landing zone is two klicks from the tower. You are authorized to use Ion cannons and 105 shells on said Destroy and accompanying Reaper ground forces."
"Copy that, the crew you are cleared hot for Plasma, Stormfire, and 105 shells on all Reaper forces. Swarmer missiles are online as well."
Greene switched to the Plasma Cannons and continued to pour bolts into a Reaper column.
"(Comms) Spooky 9, this is Gamma 4. Priority Fire mission. 400 meters ahead of us, Brutes, Cannibals, and a Banshee. Urgent fire mission requested."
"Good copy. Gunners, focus your fire on the street. Got another horde of Reapers in that region."
Greene angled his sights onto a glob of red boxes outlining several Reaper lifeforms. Deciding to play a bit dirty, he activated one of the swarm missile pods and fired. From the cameras, Green watched as over 3 dozen missiles sprang forward, accelerated quickly, and slammed into the Reaper horde. A mixture of synthetic Dust and Volatile motes instantly ended any threats of the Reaper powerhouses.
"(Comms) Hot damm Spooky. That was a good kill. BDA is 100 over a 100."
"Copy that. Hand on, I see a Maurader. Engaging." Greene turned to one of the more iconic weapons of the Spectre Gunship, the old but reliable 105mm Railcannon. Evolved from the ancient but reliable Howitzers from old gunships, the 105 proved to be extremely effective against Large hordes of enemies or hardened targets.
"105 Ready. Fire!" the Railgun charged up and spat out one very fast warhead.
The massive explosion was the equivalent of 5 tons of TNT and instantly wiped out the Reaper command elements.
"Hey uh, where's that Reaper destroyer?" that was when the 170 metres tall Reaper smashed down onto the ruined city below.
"Ah, here it is. Charging ion cannons….. Cannons primed and ready." one of the weapons officers reported
"Gamma 4, this is Spooky 9. We're going to be busy with a Reaper Destroyer. Give us 5 mikes to kill this thing." the crew chief reported.
"(Comms) copy that Spooky 9. Not that we need any more support, you've killed most of the Squids. We'll hold."
"Crew, you are cleared to fire the ion cannon." Greene smiled and swapped to the ion cannon. Considered more of a last resort weapon, the ion cannon was only used on energy installations or ships.
"Firing" Greene depressed the trigger, and one large ball of energy came out of a stubby cannon on the underside of the gunship. Said ball of energy slammed into the Reaper destroyer. Nearly losing its footing and Barriers down, it was now vulnerable to the smaller but deadlier gunship.
"Gunners, dump everything you have onto that thing."
At that moment, everyone weapon turned towards the Reaper and unleashed a dead torrent. Plasma, Stormfire rounds, swarmer missiles, and two 105 mm railguns rained absolute hell onto the Reaper. It screeched and scream as plasma and explosive rounds slammed into the hull, ripping to the Reaper and its insides.
"Crew, hold fire. Warthogs coming in for an attack run." the firing stopped and a flight of 4 Warthogs came in, guns blazing.
They unleashed a barrage of cannon, pulse, and missile fire, filling the Reaper destroyer with enough munitions that it wouldn't harm anyone else.
"Good kills, good kills. Scratch a destroyer." Greene reported.
"Alright, we're turning back to the comms tower. No need to stick around here."
The comms tower.
Sergeant Kal Reegar and the rest of his platoon could only stare in shock as the gunship, which was half the size of a frigate, decimated several Battalion size Reaper swarms.
"Spirits….. I think the Reapers are done for." one of the Turians muttered.
"Agreed." every Turian and Quarian replied. Only Navi was silent as she was listening to the comms.
"(Comms) Gamma 4, this is Spooky 9. All Reaper heavies KIA. Drones haven't found any Reaper light units so you're in the clear."
"Thanks for the save. So what now?"
(Comms) Heavy cloud has pulled us to support one of the Turian-Krogan units in one of the towns liberating holding camps. We're going to provide support. Warthogs are going to remain on station but we're pulling out. The rest of Gamma company is pulling up to guard the comms tower until the Turians can get a force down to guard it."
"Understood Spooky, we'll hold this position. Gamma 4 out. Reegar turned to face Navi, who was brimming with happiness.
"You just got to see one of the most advanced ground support aircraft in the United Nations Arsenal besides the Warthog. How did you enjoy it?" Navi smirked.
Everyone just stared at the insane Fanus.
"Why do you build these things?" Kal asked.
Navi shrugged. "I don't build them, just direct where they're shooting at."
Kal just shook his head. He wondered if how the Reapers were faring against Coalition forces around the galaxy.
Somewhere on the other side of the galaxy.
Harbinger couldn't believe it. Things were going extremely poorly for the Reapers.
In the span of less than two weeks, they had lost the Geth, the ability to kill off the Quarians, the opportunity to demolish the Alliance 2nd fleet, and now they had effectively lost control of the Trebia system. This Coalition numbered in the millions of ships as more fleets poured into the galaxy.
Worst of all, he had never expected the Coalition to have such a high diversity of weapons and extremely large numbers of willing soldiers to throw at the Reapers. The kill death ratio was extremely in the favour of the Coalition.
Harbinger winced (or did the equivalent for a Reaper) as several United Nations and Federation automated escort ships ripped into one of the remaining Reaper battlegroups in the Terminus system. Nowhere was safe in this part of the galaxy for the Reapers.
And to the absolute horror to most of the Reapers, they discovered that the Coalition was immune to indoctrination. It was due to combination of Humans having nanites that protected their minds, this weird thing called Auras, sheer determination, and other technologies they had come up with. In short, indoctrination was impossible.
"The Coalition and their allies have taken back the Trebia system. All efforts to hunt down Alliance forces have been obstructed by this United Nations and Commonwealth of Man, the two major Human powerhouses of the Coalition. All forces directed towards the assualt on the Salarians have been routed and we have several large fleets moving to Asari space." one of the younger Reapers reported.
"Order all forces to retreat to Sol and to the Batarian holdings. We shall use the Human homeworld as a shield." Harbinger ordered.
"And what of our Cerberus Thralls?" the Reaper asked.
"Leave them for Shepard to take care of them. They are a lost cause." Harbinger ordered.
Hoping to use Sol as a meat shield, Harbinger hoped he could at least stall the Coalition before they could reclaim it. It would take several weeks before they could complete the move but Harbinger was somewhat confident that they could complete the move without Coalition interference."
It was going to be a shame that Commander Shepard and the Coalition would see it this way.
AC-250 Heavy Orbital Gunship (nicknamed Spectre)
The concept of taking a cargo plane and strapping a ton of guns onto it had proven quite effective against ground targets. The United Nations and later the Commonwealth have thus pioneered several designs of heavy support gunships for the single purpose of raining death onto the ground. The AC-250 gunship is the latest design to come out of a modernization project under both the UN and Commonwealth, introduced a mere half a decade before the Dust Wars (2852).
It shares many design features with Avian like corvettes used during the age of conflict. At 100 metres long, it would have been considered a patrol craft or corvette by Citadel standards. However most of it's weapons are orientated to ground support and and anti-ship combat. It is also very fast, capable of keeping up with the Warthogs of the UN. However, it lacks the agility or extremely heavy armour and shields of the Warthog so crews prefer to keep the craft high in orbit.
Heavily armoured and armed, the Spectre is armed with 4 multi-barreled plasma rotary cannons, 4 Stormfire Autocannons, 2 105mm Railguns, 1 Ion Cannon, and 8 Swarmer missile pods (each pod housing 3 dozen mini-missiles). The weapons (barring the ion Cannon) are split between two housing on either side of the craft. All are controlled by 2 gunners, which have access to advance fire and control systems similar to the ancient AC-130.
The Spectre has proven effective at routing out several terrorist and resistance organizations that wished to bring down the Pact. However they would receive much of their fame during the Dust War, where they supported the 2309th and 34th Divisions in pushing the Grumm and White Fang out of the City of Vale. Many of Remnant's locals see the Spectres as an omen of good and today, over 10% of the Spectre Gunship fleet is controlled by Remnant locals, most of whom see it as their duty to repay the UN for their sacrifice to save hundreds of millions. In fact, the gunship earned the nickname Spectre for it's role of wiping out Grimm forces where it simply is inadvisable to send in Warthogs. Many villagers see a dark flying craft bringing a wave of death onto the Grimm before disappearing into the night. This had garnered the Spectre both a feared and respected reputation.