0900 Hours, November 21st, 2552 (Military Calendar)/ UEG Capitol Building/ Quezon, Planet Reach / Epsilon Eridani System

Senator Jeffrey Blaire rested his hands on the wooden counter ahead of him, looking up at the elevated platform at the center of the chamber. This was his second time at this particular facility, the first being a tour of the building after his election four months prior. Most of the Senate was on Earth at the time of the attack, and those that were were either dead, or in bunkers deep underground. Six years ago, the situation of the war was relaxed enough that the UNSC reinstated the civilian government, who could now set taxes, and take back many of the powers it held before the war. This building was never used by the UEG, as it was never thought that the need would arise. Now, with the old United Nations building contaminated by radiation, the government would have to function on Reach. All of the Senators were convened in the chamber, waiting on President William Martin to arrive for a special session. The chamber was very loud, and laughter filled the air. Blaire ran his hands along the smooth briefcase sitting on the counter in front of him, and he watched a trio of soldiers in dress uniforms file in, taking up guard at the end of the aisle.

"All rise for the president of the Unified Earth Government!"

Everyone in the chamber rose to their feet, and began clapping as President Martin entered, followed by Senate leader Larry Reid. The two took their seats in the front of the chamber, and waited for the applause to stop. The President looked around, and then said, "You may be seated." All Senators then sat down, and waited for the President to speak. Blair made eye contact with Senator Reid for a moment, who shook his head very quickly.

The President opened his mouth, "I... I am sorry."

Eyebrows rose, and people began whispering among each other. "But I cannot assume responsibility for this crisis."

The whispering got louder. "Quiet!" shouted one of the soldiers. And so it went.

"It is the fault of nobody. No single person caused this to happen. It was a combination of things. We became too arrogant. Too... relaxed. We let our guard down. Were it not for the Elites and Admiral Harper arriving when they did, nor I, or many of you would be here. To them, we owe our thanks. However, this campaign underway by Vice Admiral Whitcomb will require more ships as it continues. Therefore, I am requesting that all newly assembled warships be crewed, armed, and sent to the rally point."

Murmurs of discontent went through the Senate floor.

"It will also require our Elite allies to have access to our worlds in case of any attacks," the President said.

"Of course not!" Blaire shouted. All eyes fell on the young Senator, who got up and strode down the main aisle. The President looked at him with sympathetic eyes, and a slight smile came across his face. Blaire looked at the President sternly, and then turned to look at the Senate. Senator Blaire was only around 5'9", and had thin brown hair. He was only twenty four years old, the second youngest Senator ever. Part of the extremist right wing party, Blaire was elected on the promise of a strong leader, and the finishing off of the Covenant.

"Ah, Senator Blaire with his scheduled rebuttal. You may proceed," the President said.

Blaire nodded, and then looked over the crowd, pacing back and forth. Finally, he halted just in front of the Presidents platform.

"Twenty seven years. Twenty four years. September 2nd, 2528. My birthday. This war has already extended into the next generation. It has gone on long enough, I think we all can agree?"

Many Senators nodded.

"When I was the ripe age of sixteen, I falsified my documents and got into the Marine Corps. Seeing the horrors of war, and-" he rose his right sleeve, revealing a synthetic arm, "-losing my arm to one of our so-called 'allies', I fully agree that this campaign is one of the better ideas of the war. Coinciding with whatever Fleet Admiral Cole is up to, it is a definitive move towards an end to this war," Blaire said, looking up at the President.

"I am glad that you agree with us," the President smiled.

Blaire stuck up a finger, "But not on the real issue. Earth is gone. Just after we became buddies with the Elites. We got weak. We thought that the Elites would take the burden off of our shoulder. And it seems as though the military, and especially you have forgotten what they have done to us. How many of you-" he looked back out towards the crowd, "-have lost someone or something to the Elites?"

Nearly everyone in the Senate rose their hands, with all of Blaire's party members hands shooting up.

"Now, what do you think would have happened if all of sudden Hitler showed up at Churchill's door, begging for help after his country turned on him. Do you think Churchill would accept Hitler in with open arms? Or would he put a bullet in his brain, right then and there? This... Thel 'Vadam is the straight equivalent of Adolf Hitler, times one thousand. Imperial Admiral 'Wattinree... bah, a genocidal fanatic," Blaire spat.

"Do not speak poorly of our allies, Senator," Reid spoke up.

"Why? Are we afraid of them? Do we fear the Elites? They are on their knees right now! Their Covenant has turned on them, already doing half the job for us. We are acting like their bitch, when we hold all of the power," Blaire yelled.

"Language, Senator!"

"The Elites must be destroyed! They have slaughtered billions of us, and now we, under the guidance of the fool Lord Hood, had fallen into their trap. Now, we have an opportunity to do what we do in war!"

The members of Blaire's party, twenty six Senators, rose in applause, cheering on their leader.

"I propose that we enter back into a state of war with the Sangheili!" Blaire shouted, going back to his seat.

President Martin and Senator Reid looked at each other in shock as nearly half of the two hundred seat Senate rose in applause.

...

1000 Hours, November 21st, 2552 (Military Calendar)/ UNSC Knossos/ Over Planet Earth / Sol System

"He proposed what?!" roared Fleet Admiral Harper.

"Senator Blaire asked for a declaration of war between us and the Elites, sir. It didn't pass, it only got one hundred of the one hundred and ten required votes. It probably would have been delayed by the President, and I don't think it would pass regardless," Rear Admiral Cain explained over the communications line. The bridge crew of the UNSC Knossos was confused, and were shocked that the UNSC almost went to war with the Elites again. Half of the remainder of the former Home Fleet were still at Earth, finding survivors. Elements of the Second Fleet were there too, led by Admiral Cain. Twelve Separatist ships hung over the planet, its air now brown and toxic.

"I think Fleet Admiral Cole would dissolve the civilian government if that happened. He wouldn't allow it," Harper replied.

"He'd be stupid to do that. God, if us and the Elites went to war-," Henry began.

"They'd know just where to hit," Admiral Harper interrupted.

"At least it didn't pass. President Martin was supposedly shitting himself when half of the Senate voted for the measure," Admiral Cain said.

"I'd understand that. I would honestly do the same," Harper said.

Suddenly, the operations officer shouted, "Sir! We have activity from Mombasa! Looks like the Covenant are up to something!"

"Cain, you know what to do. Harper out," Steven said, cutting the line.

"Right, I want all guns in the fleet trained on that area! All ground forces within a two hundred kilometer radius are to converge and set up firing positions. Set the fleet to TACCON Alpha 2!" shouted Admiral Harper.

The ships of the fleets turned and began plotting firing solutions on the Covenant. East Africa was one of the few areas on Earth not subject to the nuclear holocaust, but the energy shield remained up and running. Thousands of UNSC ground troops, clad in anti-radiation suits, rushed to vehicles and sped towards the ruins of Mombasa. Around three hundred Sangheili warriors in Phantom dropships linked up with UNSC forces and set up gun emplacements facing the Covenant shield. Suddenly in space, a single ship jumped in through Slipspace, and approached Earth quickly.

"This is cruiser Bull Run, we are engaging the hostile vessel!"

"Squadrons Echo through Juliet, you are clear to engage!"

"Battlegroup Munich, form up and fire at will!"

Admiral Harper brought the Knossos so it was facing the approaching ship, charging its MAC guns. The UNSC Washington lumbered ahead, taking a forward position in front of the fleet. Six frigates descended into the atmosphere of Earth, around three hundred kilometers away from the energy bubble. The UNSC fleet waited for the ship to enter visual range.

When it did, everyone realized that the ship was neither Covenant or human. It was shaped like a pyramid, with one long pole-like bow, and three legs sticking out from the back. The UNSC Bull Run fired its MAC gun, quickly followed by the Washington. Just then, the entire fleet opened up, firing MAC guns and missiles at the lone ship. Just then, Harper detected a UNSC transponder on the ship.

"Unknown UNSC contact. Please identify," Admiral Harper said.

"This is Spartan-043. Hold your fire," a gruff voice shot back immediately.

The bridge fell silent, and then Admiral Cain said, "All ships hold. We've got a Spartan on board."

"Spartan, are there any HVT's on board?" asked Harper.

"Yes, sir. The Prophet of Truth. I was captured in the battle for High Charity. Cannot execute the target. I need to get off this ship," Will-043 replied.

"Roger that, we will deploy rescue birds after your transponder clears the ship," Admiral Harper said.

...

One hour later...

The shield dropped, and the Forerunner dreadnought landed in what looked to be an excavation site. When the shield dropped, the fleet rained fire down from above, coinciding with hundreds of artillery shells and tanks attacking. Ten Covenant ships fell to the surface of the planet, leaving around thirty ships left. When the dreadnought landed, it fired a beam up into the sky, and began descending into the ground. The six frigates began their approach, escorted by a fleet of Longswords. Their rounds did nothing to the dreadnought. Then, pillars began rising around the dreadnought, and the beam solidified. Suddenly, it flashed, and the frigates were temporarily disable by a rush of wind. Moments later, the sky darkened even more, and a large dark orb hung over the ruins of New Mombasa. The dreadnought then lifted off, and entered the orb, disappearing.

"What the hell did Truth just do?! Did he activate the rings?!" Admiral Harper exclaimed.

"No sir. But he certainly did something," Commander Miranda Keyes, on board the Forward Unto Dawn, replied.

Will-043 stood with a squad of UNSC marines outside the Traxus Facility inside Voi, finishing off a team of Brute stragglers that were defending an AA gun. The majority of Voi was inside the shield barrier, and the Covenant had set up defenses inside the city. They were completely caught off guard by the UNSC attack, and were overrun by the assault. With a Spartan leading the charge, there was no way the UNSC could lose. They stood by a destroyed anti-aircraft cannon, watching the Covenant fleet disappear through the portal.

"Gather the wounded for evac and regroup. We're gonna-," Harper began.

"Sir, new contact slipping in!"

A CCS-class battlecruiser jumped in, sporting a disgusting looking brown color. A sort of green cloud followed it as it roared overhead, slamming into the ruins of Voi. All eyes watched the cruiser, and the six frigates above struggled to stabilize. Far away, gunfire and screams of marines filled the air, and the Spartan stared at the tail end of the cruiser.

"What is it? More Brutes?!" exclaimed one of the marines.

Will maintained his stare at the cruiser, and then solemnly said, "Worse."

...

The Knossos fell into a holding position over Africa with the fleet, prepping its marines for insertion. Admiral Harper flipped through reports of what transpired, from the assault on Voi to the sudden portal over the skies. He had just gotten the first report from the Forward Unto Dawn; an unknown had slipped in, bringing unknown hostiles to Earth. Even if Earth was mostly uninhabitable, it was still home. And on the bright side, the Elites had used Forerunner technology to decontaminate some areas of Earth, beginning with the city of Portland, in North America. In a few months, Earth could once again sustain small numbers of humans. But that was all at risk.

"Someone get me some new damn reports! Figure out what the hell just happened!" Admiral Harper yelled.

"Sir! We've got some radio contact from Commander Keyes!" the communications officer shouted.

"Patch it through," Harper said.

"The Flood- it's spreading, all over the city," the woman said quickly.

Harper held his breath, and then said lowly, "How do we contain it?"

"Find the crashed Flood ship; overload its energy core. We either destroy this city, or our entire efforts here will be forfeit," she said.

Suddenly an Elite voice barked, "Negative! Our noble ships can glass the area after your ground forces are evacuated!"

Harper sat quietly, and asked, "What's the status of the ground forces?"

...

Will stood on a ledge overlooking the large crater; across the way, two marines retreated backwards, firing their weapons. From the fog that was quickly enveloping the area came a dozen Flood combat forms. The marines screamed as they gunned down their former friends. The Spartan was silent, and the leader of the squad of marines with him, Sergeant Oliver, walked next to him. The other marines watched the two across the way be overrun, and then turn into the things. Many of the young marines gasped, and gripped their rifles tightly.

"What the hell are those things?" asked Sergeant Oliver.

Will turned around and put his BR55 battle rifle back in his hands, saying, "The enemy. We've got to move, Pelicans will be inbound."

"This is Admiral Harper. All ground forces, if you can hear me, regroup at Rally Point Echo. I repeat, regroup at Rally Point Echo. Rescue birds are inbound," the comm barked.

"Shit, that's a few clicks away!" one of the marines exclaimed.

"And if we stick together, we'll make it," Will said, jogging down towards the facility.

The marines followed him, and they started to reenter the city. The fog filled the streets, and the pace of the squad slowed, as they heard screeching and growling in the distance. Then, a marine over the com barked, "All squads, report!" Just then, two Flood combat forms leaped from one rooftop to another, receiving a volley of fire from the marines, who all missed. Will shoved his arm back, and then said, "Only shoot when they're charging you."

"Multiple contacts, unknown hostiles," another marine replied over the com calmly. Then, more screeches were heard, and the squad could see four marines jogging backwards, firing their weapons. Then, the same marine yelled, "There! Over there! We're surrounded, Sergeant!"

The squad rounded a corner to find another squad of around ten marines standing on a loading ramp. Will ran up to them, and yelled, "Sergeant, we need to move! Follow us!"

Suddenly, from above, Flood infection forms and combat forms appeared over the top of the warehouse, jumping down onto the ground. The humans immediately opened fire, gunning down the combat forms, but many were infected. Will was the first one to turn his weapon onto the humans that were mid-infection, shooting them.

"What the hell?! That was the Sarge!" one of the new marines cried.

"Not anymore!" Sergeant Oliver yelled, rushing backwards.

"Go! Go! Everyone inside!"

Around seventeen marines fell back into the warehouse, Will going in last. They entered the main room to find three marines holding out behind a sandbag wall, under attack by the Flood. The survivors engaged, and saved the holdouts. Now having twenty one members, the group continued through the warehouse, until they exited. When they did, they were in for a surprise.

"Hail, humans, and take heed," an Elite voice boomed over the com. "This is the carrier Sublime Transcendence." Above, four CCS-class battlecruisers sat over city, as a colossal CSO-class supercarrier sliced overhead from Slipspace, flying over the city. "Clear this sector, while we deal with the Flood." Four dozen Orbital Insertion Pods dropped ahead of the group, and four dozen Sangheili warriors jumped out, attacking the Flood.

...

"Well, I owe you two," Steven joked.

The Imperial Admiral chuckled, and said, "You owe me nothing but the continuance of our alliance."

The UNSC fleet sent down hundreds of Pelican dropships and Gladius fighters, whose engines would turn on when they entered the atmosphere. Quickly, the fighters controlled the skies, strafing the Flood. Ten Pelicans landed at Rally Point Echo, unloading heavily armored soldiers who rapidly formed a perimeter around the LZ. Will's group was the only one that arrived, and they quickly jumped into the Pelicans. The dropships lifted off five minutes later, under constant Flood assault. Immediately after the dropships cleared, the Elites immediately started glassing the city, melting away the parasite. A two hundred mile area was glassed, and any Flood that were there, weren't anymore.

Xytan growled, looking at the portal via the bridge screen. "Where have you gone?" The six human frigates took places over the glassed area, taking in Gladius fighters and dropships. The Sublime Transcendence was in the highest orbit, directly under the portal. He looked at his crew, determined.

...

"The ship broke our line over Halo. Our ships pursued," Imperial Admiral 'Jar Wattinree explained, sitting in his command chair, overlooking a holographic table where a group of Sangheili and humans stood.

Fleet Admiral Harper crossed his arms, and said, "That doesn't answer how they found Earth."

"The coordinates for the planet were probably in the ships database," the Imperial Admiral replied.

"And this... portal. Where does it lead?" asked Rear Admiral Cain, standing at ease.

Then, 343 Guilty Spark appeared from behind the Rear Admiral, saying, "The portal leads to the Ark. This is where your foe has gone!"

"So, Truth's headed to the Ark. I think I know enough already. Our fight is through the Portal, with the Brutes and the bastard Truth!" the Imperial Admiral shouted.

"Very well. We'll have to hold off on that, gather resources and get more ships," Admiral Harper said, stroking his chin.

"Truth is probably at the Ark right now! All he needs is a...," Xytan began, before stopping and looking at the ground, "... a Reclaimer."

"The Arbiter will want to take part in this. We need him here," another Sangheili said.

"Indeed. We may have to hold off on this large campaign of your Admiral Whitcomb's," the Admiral said to Harper.

"Then it's settled. We go through the Portal," the Fleet Admiral said.