Hey everyone, back with another
This is alot shorter than the others for reasons that will become known but things are starting to heat up
Citadel Council Chambers, High Earth Orbit
Sol System
August 30th, 2229 C.E. (3123 UNSC Calendar)
Although there were now 7 on the Citadel Council instead of the 4 just 45 years ago, they weren't all equal. That was justifiability indicated by the weekly private meetings held between the Asari, Turian, Salarian and Human councillors. They had been the ruling powers before the Reaper war and continued being so after victory was won.
What was unusual however, was for an impromptu meeting to be called, it understandably suggested that something had gone awry. So Vertas was very concerned as he made is way towards the chambers to begin the meeting.
Shepard was a practical man, frustratingly so, he was about as blunt as they came, he never dallied in the machinations of political office but somehow, he was still Vertas's favourite colleague. His saviour of the galaxy status may have something to do with that but that was not all, the man was genuinely hard to dislike and his attitude, although irritating at times was refreshing when having to deal with Irissa and Drul-Nod on a daily basis. Shepard also disliked Irissa and Drul, he had once heard him calling the Volus 'A Space Jew' to his husband in passing and never understood the reference and put it down to strange Human mannerisms until he looked it up. Once he did, he had to wholeheartedly agree with him, it even made him chuckle a bit. So when Shepard had called an emergency meeting of the inner council, he knew something was very wrong.
As he rushed into the room he noted that everyone was already gathered, ready to begin. Vertas took the time to apologise.
"Apologies for being late, I was held up by Xantan discussing import tariffs on the Elcor's shipments of heavy metals."
Irissa looked sufficiently annoyed, but then again, the permanent scowl on her face always made her look annoyed. Shepard had learnt to pay no mind to his eternally unhappy colleague and instead smiled at Vertas.
"It's no problem Councillor, we haven't been waiting long, however I suggest we get down to business immediately, there have been some troubling developments in Alliance Space recently." His tone was neutral, but it was laced with an undertone of distress that was rare for the man.
Quintus mandibles clicked in annoyance. "More problems? It was only 2 months ago we had Salarian probes disappearing off the face of the galaxy now this."
Shepard nodded. "I'm glad you brought up the probe losses Quintus because these latest developments may be directly related to the events of 2 months ago. Just 6 days ago Alliance patrols detected the same Cherenkov radiation in the Asgard System as well as the Antaeus System. As they may be related to the active stealth ship we saw destroying the listening post in the Tikkun System we believe all events are being perpetrated by the same people."
"Do we know anything about them?" Quintus replied.
"No, other than being able to penetrate our secure space without us being able to detect them, we don't know why they were in the Asgard system, however, it is not hard to assume it had something to do with Terra-Nova. What happened hours after we detected them has aroused suspicion about their intentions. After the time of detection, roughly 8 hours or so Terra-Nova planetary authorities in Scott were called to the residence of Charles Saracino, the leader of the Terra-Firma party. At 22:00 on the 24th of August there was an attempt on his life, he received injuries to his shoulder and arm while his deputy, Mrs Camila Bugoni was killed during the incident. We don't know if the two events are related, but seeing as they can actively camouflage their ships, it is not a stretch to say that they would be able to do the same with their soldiers. The question is, why?"
"Why would these people want to assassinate a known dissenter in citadel space? I know his party has become far more moderate recently, but it hasn't escaped the eyes of the Republics that the majority of his followers still adhere to its old doctrine. Do you think that means they would support us? None of this makes any sense. Why hide if you wish to support and join the galactic community? And why use such underhanded methods to achieve it?" Irissa questioned, although Vertas generally disliked the Asari's superior attitude he had to hand it to her, she knew how to talk and what to talk about.
Shepard had to contemplate that for a minute, Vertas could almost see the wheels turning in his head as he thought about what to say next.
"We do not know. Alliance intelligence is at a loss. Firstly they examined the security footage and found it to be doctored, that alongside the scrambling of the compounds external sensors suggest that these people have formidable cyber warfare capabilities. The security measures protecting Mr. Saracino's residence were state of the art, being produced by Serrice Council, and yes, the irony is not lost on me. The leader of Terra-Firma using an Asari company to protect his home while he spouts vitriol left, right and centre. But that is besides the point, we don't know anything about these people, they have stealth warships which bypass even our most advanced security, we need to be more active in countering them if they turn into a galactic wide threat. To that end, does anyone have any ideas?"
The room silenced as each Councillor took their time to contemplate the issue before them. Nothing had been this mysterious or potentially threatening since Saren and Sovereign lay the building blocks for the Reaper war. Recent decades had mainly involved rebuilding the galaxy and ensuring prosperity flourished, there had been the odd issue with the Terminus but that was par to the course in the life of a Councillor.
Vertas was the first to speak up. "As their operations seem to be limited to Alliance Space so far and they haven't made moves in branching out I propose the use of STG stealth vessels equipped with newly updated FTL sensors which will be able to detect them minutes after they arrive. If we were to place them in strategic Alliance systems, it could be a sufficient early warning system, but STG is still unable to even fathom their active camouflage so therefore we have no deterrents for it."
Shepard nodded. "Neither have the Alliance, we just don't know how they do it or how to detect them when they're in stealth, the technology is completely unknown to us. Irissa what do the Republics have to say?"
The Asari contemplated that for a moment, she seemed almost reluctant to say something. "They have noticed something extremely suspicious regarding the assassination attempt on Saracino's life. About 2 days after the attempt, the Terra-Firma party started to receive numerous donations towards their campaign effort, its not enough to be illegal and Matriach Ishria confirmed that they were legitimate donations from various sources, but the timing is suspect. I may not be inclined to believe it but the Armali Council think that the assassination attempt was a cover, in order to draw us away from the fact that a party that was once bankrupt is now outspending the Liberals by a factor of two in your parliament."
Shepard hummed in agreement. "Yes, it is suspicious, Prime Minister Veritas contacted me regarding the issue. She already has Alliance Intelligence shadowing Saracino but she wants the big guns on this one. She has requested that 2 Spectre's be put on assignment to follow Saracino in order to document his movements and interactions. I believe it to be a genuine concern, do you all agree?"
A collective chorus of agreement was made by all 3 of them. They agreed, the Spectre's were still the top agents in Citadel space and had significantly expanded their intake following the destruction of order in the galaxy. They helped turn everything around and were instrumental in stabilising citadel space following the war.
Despite all that had been said Irissa was confused. "Why would they do this though? It makes no sense, firstly the attempt on Saracino's life would have been noticed even if Mrs. Bugoni hadn't been killed but secondly if this is all just an elaborate ruse, what is the end game?"
Shepard sighed. "I don't know Irissa but maybe Quintus's early assumption was correct, although it appears they have originated from the far rim blackspot, the human design of their ships and their covert support of Saracino could indicate a Human supremacist group not unlike Cerberus was. Could we be dealing with a covert organisation that has been hiding since the end of the Reaper war and has just now chosen to play its hand?"
After having dealt with Cerberus and the Illusive man in his prime Shepard really didn't want another organisation ran by a megalomaniac operating in Citadel space, especially one with such dubious motives.
"That doesn't explain their technology though, how could they, in less than half a century acquire active stealth technology and what is becoming increasingly apparent to be non-conventional FTL when were still a decade away at best from synthetic Eezo production? We have made significant strides as a society following the Reaper war but certainly not enough to warrant that level of technology." Vertas asked, he was like Shepard, although he truly discounted a shadow organisation as the perpetrator of these seemingly random acts, it was not completely unfathomable and therefore had to be considered.
"I think the only way were going to get that explanation is if we were to meet with these people, or at least capture one of them and examples of their tech." Irissa proposed obviously. "However we wont take this lying down, I have asked the scientists studying the Prothean Beacon and V.I. to focus their attempts on stealth detection, if we're lucky the Prothean's may have encountered something similar in their centuries long war with the Reapers, or perhaps even during the Metacon war. It is a stretch at best, but I don't see any better alternatives. If we don't have answers and neither do the Prothean's then I am at a loss as to what to do."
The room murmured in agreement; the council races couldn't just magic up a response to this but with the Protheans extensive knowledge there was a slim chance they had experience with what they were facing at this given time. But as Irissa said, it was a stretch at best.
Quintus spoke up, wanting to change the subject, it was going nowhere, and he had most certainly had enough of the meeting going in circles. "If we're going to be assigning Spectre's to shadow Saracino it is my belief that if both the Spectre's were Human they would have a better chance. You know what sort of circles Saracino runs in and it wouldn't do to have any of our Spectre's following, it would be far too suspicious. I'd recommend your son, John, but I know you'd want to make that call."
Shepard nodded gratefully. "Michael is currently on assignment protecting aid convoys travelling to the Crescent Nebula, the terrorist attack on Illium last week has shaken the colonial administration so they asked for our help. Although he does return within 2 weeks, I will ask him and see what he thinks about a tailing mission. If he does accept, I recommend his partner be Leanne Shea, they've worked well together in the past."
Despite the seriousness of the situation Quintus chuckled. "You're not using high risk missions to play matchmaker are you John?" Vertas was sure that if Turian's could raise their eyebrows Quintus would be doing so at that very moment.
Shepard chuckled back. "Well if he knows what's good for him, he'll listen. Now as I have reported all I have does anyone have anything they want to bring up?" All 3 of his colleagues replied in the negative. "Ok well that's it for this meeting and I will see you all back here in 2 days, have a pleasant evening."
Aboard the ONI Prowler Darkness of the Void, in Orbit above Reach
Epsilon Eridani System
September 20th, 2229 C.E. (3123 UNSC Calendar)
As Serin Osman gazed around the room she felt a feeling of contentment with how things were progressing. Everything was going according to plan, and she took joy in the fact that it was her meticulous planning that allowed for it to happen. She would not grow complacent, no she wouldn't, when the entire operations success depended on the UNSC remaining anonymous in the eyes of the Andromeda Galaxy. Currently only Charles Saracino knew of their existence and that was acceptable, the man was as sycophantic as they came and was laughably easily to manipulate. She had him wrapped around her little finger and the more he wanted the more she was able to control him, their arrangement so far had benefitted her significantly. Since their meeting over a month ago Terra-Firma had shot up in the polls, now 4th in the running, just a percentage point behind the drearily named 'Greens' Osman was now confident that the UEG would be able to successfully influence policy in the Alliance Parliament before their eventual meeting.
She sighed as her Contemplation was harshly cut short by the entry of the remaining General's, Harmon's arrogance easily showing in his entry, as if he owned the place, he truly was a pitiful individual. She suspected Margaret would have just had him killed to save herself the pain of having to deal with a man who was somehow a thorn in her proverbial side but also as nebulous as they come. She couldn't fathom it, how a man that rubbed her wrong in so many ways managed to do it so vaguely, it's almost as if his entire existence were just naturally rage inducing.
The entry of Fleet-Admiral Kasimov prompted them to stand to attention. She gave the head of the UNSC a once over, she hadn't spoken to him since their meeting regarding 'The Enterprise' and now he looked decidedly worse for wear, she suspected the reason. If the bags under his eyes were any indication, he had gotten little to no sleep in the last few weeks, and although it would be nice for her to be in control of the entire UNSC she never envied the man. His job was the hardest in UEG space, with so many people clamouring for his attention and him having to be accommodating to most of them. She liked being the head of ONI, she only had to answer to one person, the Fleet-Admiral, and he checked in with her so rarely that she was practically a free agent, fit to direct ONI in any way she pleased. Something she was very good at.
They sat down as Kasimov got straight down to business. "Thank you for coming on such short notice, before we proceed with the main purpose of this briefing, that being Operation Veil, we need to address more pressing matters." They all nodded in agreement. Kasimov took that as an indication to continue. He levelled his piercing gaze at the blond woman sat to his right. Despite his almost permanent frown, it was easy for Osman to tell that the man was not happy.
"General Haynes I would like for you to tell me how and why we have been pushed back on Sedra. You assured me that the planet would be back in our hand's weeks ago and yet the Sangheili insurgents continue to advance along all fronts. I would like an explanation, now." The rage in his voice was exceedingly apparent, it was rare to hear it Osman noted. The man was usually a picture of calm authority, but she could understand, the marines weren't meant to be beaten by the Sangheili in any theatre of war, especially under equipped insurgents, yet here they were, their advanced technology counting for nought.
Haynes gulped before speaking. "Well sir the matter is simple. Despite our advanced technology they had vastly superior numbers and their soldiers were tested in battle. Ours were too green and untested, as were their commanders. They fell for obvious ploys which encircled the majority of their formations which allowed for the Sangheili to capture and execute them."
Kasimov gave the woman a hard stare. 'Was she really trying to absolve herself of the blame for this farce'? Osman mused.
"As you well remember General Haynes, I had given you free reign over the entirety of the operation, it was your prerogative to conduct it how you saw fit. I don't have time to deal with something as minor as some alien insurgents yet here we are almost a month later and a small incident has now turned into a border skirmish, with one of our planets paying the price. You are the one who chose the commanders so you are the one who will be held responsible for the absurd way this operation has turned out. I want an explanation for your actions, not the actions themselves."
By now Haynes was wide eyed, she dared to look to the others for support. They just stared back in indifference, the UNSC did not tolerate incompetence and unless her explanation was exceedingly good, she was definitely looking at a demotion.
"Sir…" Haynes's voice wavered noticeably. "The Sangheili on Sedra are fighting with a ferocity we have never seen before, it's almost as if theyre trying to protect something, some of our divisions have been charged by suicidal attacks in the forms of energy sword charges and suicide plasma bombings. It is unlike anything we ever seen, even during the Great War! There is something important on Sedra that these insurgents want, and my men have been hard pressed to advance under such furious resistance. The Commodore in command of the battlegroup orbiting the planet has suspicions they are protecting a sort of artifact or relic."
Kasimov kept his gaze level with Haynes's, it looked to Osman as if he'd accepted that explanation and was wondering what to do about it.
"Well, that is obviously unacceptable. Even if there is nothing on Sedra we cannot allow one of our worlds to be a warzone much longer, no matter how insignificant it is. If this were to get out, then there would be an uproar and I'd have the President breathing down my neck more than I already do." Kasimov took a deep breath before continuing. "So General Haynes here is exactly what you're going to do. The 87th fleet will arrive from New Jerusalem in exactly 2 days, once it has arrived you will pound their positions into dust from orbit, regardless of the infrastructure cost. I am permitting the use of nanite tipped missiles; however they are only to be used in areas where there are no Humans within a 10km radius, that is imperative. Once that is completed 12 contingents of Spartan Xs will infiltrate their rear guard and cause havoc before signalling for 6 divisions of ODST's to drop on their exposed positions. You will use that opportunity to advance your marines along all fronts. You will, and I repeat will have that planet back in UNSC hands in 3 days' time or you will find yourself in a much worse position than you are now. Do I make myself clear?"
The horror on Haynes's face was understandable, but she managed a meek "Of course sir" in reply.
"Very good General." Haynes calmed a bit before being shaken again. "But let me tell you this. The next time you use untested commanders in the field I will see to it personally that you are court martialled for criminal negligence and spend the next 10 years on Tartarus. Am I understood?"
Haynes's head jerked into a nod so quickly, Osman could feel the whiplash from here, she had to stop herself from letting a smirk grace her face, she wasn't a fan of Haynes but drawing the ire of Kasimov was not a sound move.
It seemed that Kasimov's anger was sufficiently sated for the moment. "Now, about this apparent relic, if there even is one, we know that it is not Forerunner. We have had the Janus Key for more than half a millennium and it indicated there were no ruins of the sort on Sedra. Have your soldiers search for it, and if any Sangheili are still alive, torture them for information. I know it doesn't usually work but sometimes there is one weak enough to break. Otherwise it is a minor issue at best."
"But sir." Harmon interjected. "What of the Sangheili? This is the 3rd time in a decade we have had to deal with some of their insurgents and this action is certainly the most aggressive we've seen them since the invasion of Sangheilios 200 years ago. Perhaps now is the time to make good on our threats of devolution, the Arbiter has been particularly careless in controlling his own citizens."
"No" Was the booming answer from 117. "We will not be treating them the same way we treated the Brutes, or the Jackals. It is obvious the Arbiter has no knowledge of these terrorists; he is a man of honour. I will speak to him myself and come to an arrangement. You will do nothing." He said with an air of finality, even Kasimov was slightly taken aback.
"John, I know of your fondness for the Sangheili, and its Arbiter but they have been a constant thorn in our side since we allowed them to remain. Perhaps this is the wisest course of action. The species will still live, albeit in a more primitive sense, they won't go extinct." Kasimov tried to placate.
"With all due respect sir, no. I can speak to the Arbiter to make sure this doesn't happen again, we don't have to destroy another species for it to happen."
Kasimov nodded in acknowledgment, John didn't usually make requests, and the man was such a hero he couldn't help but agree with what he wanted.
"Ok John, I will give you a chance to speak to the Arbiter to smooth this over. However you are to inform him that if he cannot police his own population then it won't matter. Remind him of the stakes, that the insurgents risk the existence of his entire species." 117 looked pained but agreed with his superior officer. "Now, let's continue onto why were actually here, Vice-Admiral if you would please."
Osman took that as her cue and stood up, walking towards the holo-screen. When the screen flashed on the image represented an extremely ugly looking space station. It almost looked like High-Charity, if High-Charity was made of rusted metal and then encased in excrement.
"What the fuck is that? Did someone take a shit over High-Charity without telling me?" Harmon's voice boomed, Osman's eye twitched, not because of his crass language, she was used to that, no, it was how well he echoed her own thoughts.
Kasimov took a deep breath. "General Harmon the next time you make an inappropriate comment during this session I will ask you to leave. I will only tolerate so much today, and your foul mouth is doing you no favours. So. Be. Quiet." Kasimov's anger still hadn't abated apparently. Although Osman was slightly crestfallen at how tame his response was, she was hoping for a reprimand. However, she took it as an indication to start.
"This" She said while pointing to the image. "Is a space station in the Terminus called Omega. It can only be described as one word, lawless, the station is the hub of the sector of the Andromeda galaxy called the Terminus systems. The citadel alliance has no control there, there are innumerable independent colonies and commercial operations as well as a large number of criminal operations that operate there, with Omega at the centre. The station is a major supplier of Element Zero in Andromeda and it is for that reason that we are going to covertly infiltrate and take over the station."
"How?" Was the reply she received from Major-General 117. The fact that he spoke at all surprised Osman, he wasn't known for his talkativeness.
"The current ruler is an Asari by the name of Aria T'Loak, she is known to be ruthless and efficient at keeping control over her holdings." Osman plastered her face with a cruel smile. "ONI is better. To that end she will be assassinated by a team of Spartan's who will have covertly infiltrated a week beforehand. At the same time, the station will be invaded by Eclipse mercenaries we have hired through our friend Mr Saracino to clear out any of the remaining forces. It should go off without a hitch and there will be no loose ends. When the mercenaries go to collect the second half of their payment, they will all be executed. I have personally chosen an ONI operative to head up the follow up operation of controlling the station, he will be the new 'King' of Omega."
"And just how does this ONI operative fit in with your plan of us not being discovered? He will presumably have to be out in the open where he can interact with the scum on this station. Will this not ruin everything?" Harmon asked inquisitively.
Osman was surprised, Harmon did not ask intelligent questions, yet here he was thinking things through logically, it was a shame his mind for battlefield strategy didn't translate over to covert ops, or anything for that matter, he could have been one of the best.
"Ah well you see he is rather… vertically challenged shall we say. His appearance will not arouse suspicion, and to the population of Omega it will just look like a Human who enjoys going to the gym too much has taken over. You needn't worry about his work; however, he is extremely capable of stomaching however long he needs to stay in that vile place. To support him there will be 2 squads of Spartan Xs on station with him at all times, they will remain in the shadows and eliminate any opposition to his command of the station."
"But won't this still pose undue risk? You've personally told me that the council have sent some of own their agents to shadow Mr Saracino so wont his hiring of mercenaries look suspicious? News of Omega's takeover with Eclipse's help will surely come back to them. It is not a stretch for them to think he is already receiving outside help; wouldn't it just be better to control this T'Loak woman and rule from the shadows?"
Kasimov raised a good point, Osman begrudgingly acknowledged, but she wouldn't be in this briefing if she hadn't already thought everything through. It would be nice to control T'Loak but it simply wasn't possible.
"Well you see Fleet-Admiral my sources inside the Andromeda galaxy recognise that controlling T'Loak is almost an impossibility. Bar showing our fleet and threatening the stations destruction she will not believe that we hold all the cards. She is arrogant and power hungry, a combination that does no one any good, however you needn't worry about Saracino. All electronic data regarding the meeting has been erased, as has all digital data regarding his hiring and transaction history. Even if the Spectre's see that he has met with Eclipse there will be no evidence to suggest that he hired them in any capacity, and you've read the council's history, they have a penchant for wanting hard evidence. That coupled with the mercenaries meeting an unfortunate end will result in no loose ends. We will deal with Saracino if needed, but his weak-willed nature and greed make him decisively easy to manipulate to further our objectives. It would be a shame to remove him from the game before he's played his part."
"That is all well and good, but what of the aftermath?" Osman was surprised that 117 had spoken again. Despite being around him for upwards of half a millennium that strong gravelly voice of his still surprised her sometimes. "What are we hoping to achieve with this?"
"Well, after Thessia, the Asari Home-World, Omega is the largest supplier of Element Zero in their galaxy. The station controls around 19% of the entire market share and its imports into citadel space are vital to the smooth running of the entire Citadel economy. We are looking into the future with the stations control, a few weeks before we contact the Systems Alliance, we will cut all exports of Element Zero from the station to Citadel space. Their economy will go into meltdown, our economists predict it will take less than a month for it go into recession, the hope is that it will cause the System's Alliance to be more amenable to our overtures and their allies to be more accepting of the nature of our proposed agreement. Remember we are doing this to try to avoid all out conflict with another Alien polity, we don't want to destroy the planets that we will eventually hold dominion over. Of course if it does come to war, we all know who the victor will be, but it could take years for it to end, whereas a diplomatic agreement of subsumption would be a lot quicker and cleaner."
The other 3 in the room echoed her sentiments. A war would be messy, not to mention drawn out, it would be much simpler if they could get the Alliance to agree to their demands on the spot, thus saving their planets and much of their population and infrastructure.
Harmon, however, was incredulous. "What sort of government allows such a vital player in their economy to remain outside their direct control? How inept are these people?"
Osman gave him a hard glare. "Harmon, commenting on things of which you have no knowledge is foolish. For us, capturing and controlling the station is simple because we are an unknown entity with practically endless resources, the Citadel Alliance does not have that luxury. If they were to move against Omega, they would do major damage to their economy in the process, and because the Asari are so naïve and peace loving, public opinion would be quick to turn on them. The relationship between the two is one of dependency, do not be so reckless as to discount their political prowess, the entire situation shows intelligence on both sides."
Harmon shrunk back, sufficiently browbeaten. Osman continued with her briefing.
"With that being said, I believe that as we cut the exports of Element Zero from the station you place the UNSC navy on a partial war footing and begin moving fleets over to Andromeda Fleet-Admiral. While just a precaution it would be, in my eyes, a wise course of action to pursue. To that end there are a number of systems in and around Alliance space in excess of 100 LY from the nearest relay, I believe pre-emptively setting up supply outposts and forward operating bases a necessity. It will allow us to be completely prepared if hostilities do break out and allow us to take the initiative in our offensive on their space. The other races are another matter, but it is not a cause for concern, our contingency currently being constructed in the Cipher system will deal with them."
Kasimov nodded, obviously pleased with the plan of action.
"That is perfectly acceptable Vice-Admiral, I will need you to provide a list of ideal systems so that the UNSC can begin starting operations at the given time. When is the takeover of Omega expected to Occur?" Kasimov asked.
"The Spartan's will be inserted next week. They will board a Batarian slaver vessel inbound to Omega in the Lenal System, their A.I.s will vent the ship of all atmosphere before charting a course to Omega. The A.I.s will impersonate the Captain of the vessel as it docks with the station, the docking authorities on Omega will obviously find the ship to be empty bar the slaves we assuming it will be carrying. If there are Human slaves on board they will be rescued and taken back to Frontier with the Prowler. When they inspect the ship the Spartan's will leave and begin to infiltrate T'Loak's network on board the station, once they have found the location of her private residence they will wait until the ONI team and the mercenaries are in position. When the ONI team arrives the Spartans will accompany them to T'Loaks residence and assassinate her. It should go off without a hitch."
"What about the Human slaves? What happens to them after they get to Frontier?" Harmon asked
"They will be treated for injury and sufficiently rehabilitated. Once we make contact with the Systems Alliance we will return them as a gesture of goodwill. Believe me Harmon I have thought everything through, no need to worry yourself with questions such as that."
"Well then Vice-Admiral." Kasimov spoke up. "If that is all for today, we shall reconvene once Omega has been taken. You are all dismissed."
A chorus of "Yes Fleet-Admiral" was heard and they left the room, Operation Veil was accelerating and Omega would see if Osman's planning truly was good enough.