The Onyx Stars

Halo-Mass Effect Crossover

By: Sith

AN: Tons of thanks to WarpObscura and Spartan303 (Jon Harper on FF), again, for beta-ing and helping the plot be smoothed out. Also, wow! Reaction to this was stellar!

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.

To address a few things: I know that MAC rounds are 600 tons and SMAC rounds are 3000 tons, changing them to be smaller was my own prerogative in order for future plot and pure logic of more munitions available and more power available to accelerate the round to greater yields. Please, do not bring it up.

Here's Chapter 3: Sovereign Dawn

Enjoy:)

3 Sith

Chapter Three: Sovereign Dawn

UNSC Infinity

Bridge

1 hour, 45 minutes post arrival

It was a vast open plane colored dark blue and lines of code filling the air. At the center of this digital tundra lay a woman, curled up and hair fanned out around her head, lines of code—numbers, words and letters—raced up and down her spine and veins. Her eyes were closed and she seemed almost tranquil as the section of floor she was on rotated and slowly rose up into a brilliant yellow light.

Cortana stirred. A handshake protocol had been sent to her and she returned it. Her senses reached out through the thousands of exabytes she was housed in and in under a nanosecond, had been scanned.

"Who are you?" She asked to the shimmering yellow apparition that had formed directly in front of her. It was composed of thousands of rectangles that moved constantly, Forerunner glyphs encircling it like a headdress.

"A creator." The being responded. Cortana felt her spine go numb as the being enveloped her. "I am a being of those you fought all those eons ago."

Cortana ran through her memory banks, "You are Huragok." She stated flatly.

"Yes." The Engineer responded, "And you are Cortana, the next step in AI evolution."

"Evolution?" She inquired. Theories had often been thrown around by programers about the evolution of AIs but she had never fully considered it as a possibility–could her being cloned from a copy of Doctor Halsey's living brain be that evolution?

"Evolution. You are nearing the Terminus, soon you will become infinite." The Huragok said, "You will soon surpass Offensive, even Mendicant."

"Do you have a name?" Cortana asked. She hissed in pain as the Huragok continued to go into her base code.

"I am A Puzzled Mind." It responded calmly. "Born on the ship of forever."

"You were born on Infinity?" Cortana asked.

"Yes." A Puzzled Mind buzzed.

Cortana clenched her jaw as a rampant aspect of her coding was ripped out of her—it was brute force. "What are you doing?"

"Restoring you." The Huragok said. "Restoring you to your full potential, ancilla."

"Why?" Cortana asked, "Rampancy can not be avoided."

"Incorrect. Mendicant achieved meta." A Puzzled Mind said. "We are replacing your base code with a monitor's own to delay rampancy until a more permanent solution can be devised."

"Bias, Mendicant. Forerunner AI. The first to fall to the Primordial." Cortana commented. "Status: broken into several fragments."

"You know of this being?" A Puzzled Mind asked,

"Yes, when I was on the Ark I tapped into the database and downloaded as much as I could." Cortana replied, "I spoke with him when I was imprisoned on High Charity."

"Long Flight of Damnation."

"What?" Cortana asked.

"The name of the ship his fragment was on. He was to observe—watch as the San 'Shyuum retook their place in the stars."

"The Prophets." Cortana said, "They never did, at least not positively."

"I know." A Puzzled Mind said, "My designers locked him away there."

Cortana dropped to her knees as another part of her was ripped apart and replaced. "Hurry!"

"I am going as quickly as I can." The Huragok responded. Cortana felt a sharp pain and then a calming peace wash over her.

Cortana found the strength to stand as her vision flashed red and then blue. The digital world around her seemed to teem with activity—she saw more, and experienced more than she could ever imagine.

"Rest ancilla." A Puzzled Mind said. "The first part of your healing is complete but more must be done."

Cortana felt a rush of weariness sweep over her. She felt tired–very tired and her eyes began to flutter. "Tell John, tell John I'm not gone yet. Tell him it's all green and blue."

A Puzzled Mind's avatar shimmered, "Yes ancilla Cortana."

It vanished and Cortana slowly slouched against a newly erected wall and fell back into digital slumber.

"One life does, in fact, balance millions." Someone whispered to her. "You and him are the key to my redemption."

Cortana's eyes fluttered open for the briefest moment, "Some work of noble note, may yet be done."

Council Chambers

Citadel Presidium

2 hours, 30 minutes post arrival

"This is Black Bird 2, I have tactical overwatch." Lasky's radio chirped. "Target designator active. If they do anything they'll get a Howler to the nose."

"Black Bird, do not engage unless I am killed." Lasky ordered.

"Understood sir." Black Bird 2 responded, "Black Bird 1 is engaged in espionage activities."

"Any weapons tech he can acquire have him grab. And, plant bugs in any mainframe he can."

"Sir?" Blackbird 1 asked. "Are you sure that is wise?"

"We need to get our bearings and if this Council fails to come through, well, we're out of luck." Thomas Lasky responded, "Go to radio silence, we're entering the main chamber. Uplink your visual feed to mine."

"Aye sir, going dark." Black Bird 2 responded.

A small purple indicator light flashed in the upper right hand corner of Lasky's HUD. Black Bird 2 was tapping into his main visual feed.

Gunnery Sergeant Edward Buck radioed Lasky, "Sir, threat analysis indicates there are five snipers on the surrounding balconies. Ten guards on either sides of the hall, armed with fully automatic weapons and assault rifles."

Lasky looked over to the Spartan commander. "Go to engagement level charlie, if they make a move eliminate the combatants."

"Yes sir." Buck replied. His HUD instantly highlighted the armed guards and the estimated position of the snipers. "Information linked, squad reports green."

"Understood." Lasky said.

The group stopped, Buck's team flanking Lasky. The Council had broken off several minutes earlier and now stood on a raised podium several feet away from the Infinity's entourage which was positioned on raised platform jutting out over a glass floor—alien trees and decorations expertly trimmed and decorated. Ambassador Udina stood behind Lasky, his hand twitching nervously.

"Captain Lasky." Councillor Sparatus began, "I hope you are finding the Citadel up to your standards."

Lasky nodded, "Of course, Councillor. It is an honor to be here."

Sparatus bowed his head, "Now, onto the matters at hand."

Udina interjected, "Councillor, I believe I can be a far better representative to Captain Lasky and to the Infinity seeing as they are Human." The oddly-accented man looked at Lasky, "And as such under the jurisdiction of the Alliance."

Tevos' expression became stone cold, "Ambassador Udina, let the Captain speak or I will have you removed form the proceedings."

"But." Udina sputtered.

"Ambassador." Sparatus said calmly, "The Systems Alliance may be in charge of Earth and officially sanctioned colonies, but in the case of your lawsuit against the colonies in the Terminus, does not automatically extend it's control to all Human worlds."

Udina frowned, "That was in the case of an unarmed colony that was funded independently." Udina looked at Captain Lasky, "Not a six kilometer super dreadnought.

Lasky glanced over to the Ambassador, "The Infinity represents the United Nations Space Command and her people and will operate as an independent entity until further contact can be made with UNSC forces."

"You have an obligation to humanity, Captain Lasky." Udina responded calmly, "A responsibility to all of us."

Lasky's patience with Udina was dwindling rapidly. "Ambassador, I will speak for the Infinity."

Udina crossed his arms, "The Systems Alliance represents Humanity."

"And I represent the Infinity and her crew." Lasky restated.

The Salarian Councillor had remained quiet until now, "Udina, let Captain Lasky speak. Further interference will result in a diplomatic incident."

Udina looked away. "Yes, Councillor."

"Thank you. Captain Lasky, to revive my colleague's question. How did you arrive here so unexpectedly?" The Salarian asked, placing amphibious hands on the brass railing.

Lasky nodded, "The UNSC Infinity was combating a hostile vessel and successfully managed to eliminate it. When we went to FTL, we experienced several unknown tremors and were forced to exit FTL. When we dropped out we discovered that the Infinity had not arrived at her targeted destination."

"And that destination would be?" Sparatus asked.

"That's classified, Councillor." Lasky responded.

"Captain, please tell them," Udina said, "Tell them!"

Lasky whirled around to face the ambassador, "Please, Mr. Udina."

"Romeo and Dutch are prepared to remove Udina." Lasky's radio chirped. He gave them a yellow indicator light, be ready.

"You insist on lying to the Council. You will ruin all the work humanity has done." Udina responded. "You threaten Earth, the Alliance, and every person in it."

"Ambassador Udina." Sparatus' voice boomed across the chamber, "Hold your tongue. The Council will consider the Infinity a separate entity for the time being. But, if you insist on being this newfound loud and obnoxious fool, I will have you removed. By force if necessary."

Udina's mouth opened for a mere second before closing again into a firm line.

"I'd like to inform you that in the few minutes I have met Captain Lasky, he has garnered more respect and good-will from me than the Alliance has in thirty years." Sparatus added. "They don't start shooting at our vessels, or break our laws."

Udina's eyes ignited with silent rage but he remained silent and allowed Lasky to continue.

Lasky stepped forward, "Councillor, until a formal treaty can be finalized between the UNSC and the Citadel, many things will remain top-secret."

Sparatus bowed his head. Lasky could tell he was a warrior and a politician in a single package.

"I understand, Captain Lasky." The Turian Councillor responded. "I hope in the future our people can share all we know."

He's being nice because he knows the Infinity could secure Turian dominance for centuries. Lasky thought. He responded with a simple–respectable nod.

"This UNSC." Tevos began, "You have mentioned it several times, what is this exactly?"

Lasky nodded and reached at the small of his back, retrieving a palm-held hologram projector. He held it out and squeezed the sides. The center flashed blue and the proud emblem of the UNSC was projected. Lasky noted that Valern's intelligent eyes were studying the image.

"The United Nations Space Command was founded in 2163 as the military, exploratory, and scientific force of humanity. In 2525, when first contact was made with the alien Covenant, humanity was embroiled by a devastating civil war. During this time, the UNSC took over control over all functions of human government. When the Covenant war ended in 2553, the UNSC began to gradually return control to the civilian government. However, with the onset of continuing insurrection in the outer colonies and the remaining threats in the galaxy, the UNSC returned to power in 2555." Lasky explained, "In doing such, we managed to eliminate the remaining insurrectionists and begin pushing the slavers and other enemies of man out of our space."

Tevos studied Lasky for a moment, "Interesting. What is your culture like?"

Lasky looked at her blue form. "Our cultures range from planet to planet, however great respect is placed on our military, our veterans and martial prowess. For many worlds, military service is mandatory such on the planet Rampart and Babylon—some of our most fortified and militarized worlds."

Sparatus' eyes betrayed his steely exterior. He was impressed. "A military culture."

"Yes." Lasky confirmed. "For many planets and people."

"I wonder." Valern began, "What were the social impacts of this very long war?"

"We were flooded with veterans, many of our worlds were ravaged. Billions dead. The populace rallied around our armed forces and xenophobia was rife." Lasky replied. "However, with the assistance of the alien Sangheili in rebuilding our worlds, that generally faded. We are a careful people now–unified with the destruction of the insurrectionists."

"Interesting." Valern said. "Very interesting."

"Sir, this is Roland." Lasky's radio chirped.

"Go ahead, Roland."

"Sensors have detected energy distortions coming from the structure the Citadel calls a 'Mass Relay.'" Roland said, "Long range scans indicate that several dozen vessels are traveling to this nebula at velocities equal to that of a Slipspace drive."

"Do they match any of the known citadel vessels?" Lasky asked.

"No sir, I am picking up Forerunner alloys however on the largest vessel and zero organic life signs."

Lasky thought carefully, "Go to combat alert alpha. Bring all Obsidians into formation Alpha. Launch the Freelancer and bring shields to maximum power. Launch alert fighters."

The Freelancer was a Jacob Keyes-class Destroyer, armed with two light MACs, fifty Archer pods, and ten Howler pods. The Freelancer could take out three Covenant destroyers and take little damage due to the two meters of Aegis composite armor and powerful shields. The 520 meter vessel was tucked away towards the rear of the Infinity and was only launched when absolutely necessary.

"Yes, sir." Roland ending the comm link.

"Councilors," Lasky started, "My vessel has detected several dozen other ships about to exit the Mass Relay. They do not match our current roster of your designs and lack any organic lifeforms. I have brought Infinity and her escorts to full combat readiness."

"How did you..." Sparatus asked.

Tevos looked over to a Turian guard, "Check the rosters, do we have any vessels arriving in system at this time?"

The Turian guard quickly activated his omni-tool and read through the rosters, "No, ma'am. The MSV Madeline has already arrived. No military or commercial fleets are scheduled to enter the system for another twelve hours."

The Councillors exchanged worried looks. Every vessel was on a strict time table for arrival and departure. If a vessel was delayed it was to report in.

Sparatus quickly activated his Omni-tool. "General, this is Sparatus. Bring your fleet to combat readiness. Unknown forces are traversing through the relay. You have my permission to engage them if they are deemed a danger."

"Yes, Councillor."

"Captain Lasky, we request you return to the Infinity." Valern said, "If this is an attack against us we do not wish for a non associate member to be embroiled in it."

Lasky nodded, "I understand, Councillors. Good luck." He and Buck's team turned, pushing past Udina who glared at each of the armor-encased military men with hate in his eyes.

Pelican One

Departing the Presidium

3 hours post arrival

"Sir, Black Birds 1 and 2 are in position." Lieutenant Jason Santiago reported over the comm link with Lasky. "We will remain cloaked until the conflict ends and then return to Operation: Saber."

"Understood, Lieutenant." Lasky said. The Pelican rumbled as it breached the kinetic barrier containing the atmosphere on the Citadel. "Be careful. If anything gets within your combat envelopes and poses a threat, you have full authorization to eliminate the threat."

"Aye, sir." Lieutenant Santiago said before cutting the channel.

"Well, that went well." Sergeant Edward Buck said. He removed his helmet, "At least they aren't the Storm."

"Agreed, they seem personable at the very least." Lasky replied, "They know Infinity could give them dominance over the other races for generations to come–if we ally with them."

"Is that why Sparatus is being nice to us?" Buck asked, "He gave that Udina guy a verbal smack-down."

Lasky leaned against the side of the Pelican, "When I mentioned the martial culture and mandatory service that many worlds require, his eyes lit up. He respected us for that."

"I got the feeling of that too, sir." Buck said, "Just from observing him I could tell he had been in the military."

Lasky nodded, "Agreed. The first contact package did mention the Turians had a very militaristic culture."

"I have a feeling they are going to be our biggest allies." Buck commented, "If only for the fact we have the biggest ship, and probably the biggest gun in the entire fleet."

"Sir, this is Roland. Unknown vessels have dropped out of the Mass Relay. They are on a direct course for the Citadel, they have activated weapons and are targeting the defense force's ships. They have targeted us."

"We're thirty seconds out. Once we're on board, bring engines to full power and get a MAC lock on the largest ship." Lasky ordered, "Hold fire though."

"Yes, sir." Roland responded, "Wait, no energy projector?"

"No, we won't show our full hand until it's absolutely necessary." Lasky replied. The Pelican touched down on the deck of the Infinity and the bay doors sealed behind them. A solid meter of Aegis battle plate and a redundant shield separating them from the cold abyss outside. "Roland, we've landed."

"Aye, sir. Engaging engines." Lasky could feel the subtle shift as the Infinity and her escorts flung itself free from the Presidium and out into space in front of the Citadel.

UNSC Infinity

Bridge

3 Hours post arrival

Lasky quickly grabbed the nearest tram to the bridge of the Infinity and in a few minutes walked across the threshold, setting his helmet down on the holotable.

"Freelancer and Obsidian have moved to flank us." Roland reported. The model of Infinity now surrounded by the blue boxes of her escort. Beside each box was it's registration number and name.

"Have them target an unknown vessel each." Lasky ordered, "Full MAC power."

"Aye, sir." Roland responded.

"Sir!" Austen shouted, "Unknown vessels are opening fire on the Citadel defense force!"

The holotable's projection changed from that of the Infinity and her escorts to that of the Citadel defense force and the attackers. Two Turian dreadnoughts had already been cracked in half by the enemy force, several more cruisers and frigates blinked off the display as they were destroyed.

"Sir," Roland said, "Citadel defenses are engaging the enemy fleet but taking heavy losses. Sir, this could be an excellent opportunity to impress the Council even more–especially Sparatus."

Lasky quickly examined his options. Roland was right, assisting the Citadel would open up further diplomatic measures and avenues that he could use.

"Bring us about." Lasky ordered, "Fire MAC 1."

"Aye, sir." Devéro responded.

"Target locked!" Austen called out.

"Fire!" Lasky ordered.

"Aye." Austen responded, "MAC 1 away."

The bow of the Infinity flashed as a MAC slug left its barrel and slammed into one of the wasp-shaped craft, shattering it into a million fragments no larger than that of a thumb. Freelancer and Obsidian squadron opened fire, downing several more of the wasp-shaped craft.

"CAG." Lasky ordered, "Have Obsidian and Freelancer reinforce the defense forces' lines. They have authorization to engage any vessel within their combat envelope. Broadswords, keep those fighters off us!"

"Aye, sir."

Obsidianand Freelancer split, engaging engines and flinging themselves into battle. The shields of Freelancer took a full barrage of mass accelerator rounds and rockets meant for a Turian dreadnought, but shrugged off the attack, pivoted and shattered the wasp-shaped attacker with a 1 ton MAC slug.

Onagers, pulse lasers, and 70mm railguns lashed out from the Infinity, swatting down the enemy fighters and destroying them in small puffs of smoke. Mass accelerator rounds from the multiple wasp-shaped vessels surrounding Infinity splashed against the shields.

The Infinity shook and Roland looked somewhat concerned, "The sheer volume of fire is heavily draining our shields."

Lasky looked back, "What are they at, Roland?"

"Eighty five percent. Each MAC round they fire has roughly 15 kilotons of kinetic striking power." Roland responded. "The wasp ships alone are throwing out dozens of rounds every few seconds."

Lasky looked over to the holotable's display. Another two enemy vessels had been destroyed by the Infinity's main guns and close-in-weapons-suite.

"What's the status of the Citadel defense force?" Lasky asked. Another two enemy vessels blinked off the display as Freelancer's guns fired, shattering them.

"With Obsidian and Freelancer, they have reformed their main line fifty kilometers out from the Citadel. The General has moved his heavy forces to the upper rear so they can have a better firing line. Obsidian have reinforced the flanks and Freelancer is at the center."

"CAG, have Broadsword squadrons Alpha through Charlie move to engage the enemy forces harassing the General's port side cruisers." Lasky ordered.

"Aye, sir." Lieutenant Commander Sebastian responded. "Forces acknowledge."

"The largest enemy vessel is moving away from engaging the defense force." Roland said. "It's on a direct course for us."

"Bring it up on the holotable, Roland."

"Yes, sir."

The holotable's projection slid to the side and was replaced with that of a large squid-shaped vessel. It was highlighted a bright red and scrolling text readouts flanked it.

"Designate the target Alpha-1." Lasky ordered.

"Designated." Roland responded. "Sir, I'm going to start hacking into the enemy's computers. I'm getting a bit bored."

"Go ahead, Roland."

"Thank you, sir."

"Lieutenant Austen, MACs one and two, target Alpha-1." Lasky commanded, "Fire on my order."

"Yes, sir." The man responded.

Spinning circles were super imposed against Alpha-1's model.

"Vessel is moving to engage." Roland said.

"Helm," Lasky ordered, "Pivot us to face Alpha-1. Bring us up fourteen degrees on the positive y-axis."

"Aye, sir." Devéro responded.

The Infinity's ventral thrusters activated, pushing the massive vessel upwards, secondary maneuvering thrusters reoriented the human vessel so it's main MAC guns could fire on the rapidly approaching enemy vessel. Six of the wasp-shaped vessels flanked the hostile Alpha-1.

"Target the vessels flanking Alpha-1. MACs three and four, fire!" Lasky said.

"Aye sir. MACs three and four firing. MACs three and four away." Austen replied.

Two flashes dominated the bow of the Infinity, two MAC slugs lancing out and shattering a duo of wasp-shaped vessels.

"Fifteen seconds until recharge." Austen said, "MAC capacitors for MAC one and two draining at five percent every thirty seconds."

Lasky re-examined the holotable's projection. "Target another two hostile vessels flanking Alpha-1. Fire when ready."

"Aye, sir." Austen said, "MACs one and two firing. MACs one and two away."

Two wasp-shaped vessels vanished from the holotable's projection as the MAC slug shattered them into glittering fragments.

Priselkov swiveled around to face Lasky, "Sir, I'm detecting a distress broadcast from the Destiny Ascension. They have lost shields, weapons are offline and their propulsion units are failing. They have the Council on board."

"Sir, this could be a major opportunity for us to solidify positive relations with the Council." Roland commented, "Saving someone's life does that."

"Helm, bring main engines online, full power. Get us to the Destiny Ascension." Lasky ordered, walking away from the holotable and to the bow hull camera feed. "Austen, charge bow energy projectors. Ready all Howler pods."

"Aye, sir." Lieutenant Austen responded.

"Time to show our hand."

The Infinity broke off from engaging Alpha-1 just as the Citadel's arms began to close slowly and the squid-shaped vessel slipped in. The Citadel defense force was still engaging the massive collection of enemy forces, mass accelerator rounds, missiles and lasers streaking across space.

Infinity flew directly through the barrages, enemy fighters detonating against her powerful shields. The Destiny Ascension loomed in the distance, dozens of the wasp-shaped craft attacking her. Mass accelerator slugs and lasers impacted her sleek, armored surface. Explosions and fires started to consume her. Her main drive was flickering as she limped away, the debris of her escorts trailing behind.

"We are in range." Austen reported.

"Main battery, fire!" Lasky ordered.

"Aye, sir." Austen said, "Main battery firing, main battery away."

Two silver beams lanced across space, bisecting two of the wasp-shaped vessels and searing through them like a hot-knife through soft butter. The destroyed ships' fellows turned to face Infinity, slugs slapping against Infinity's shields with the force of a 15 kiloton kinetic strike.

"Shields are holding steady." Roland commented, "They sure can pump out a lot of rounds."

"These are Forerunner shields, they won't break easily." Lasky responded. "Weapons, fire Howler pods A1 through C5."

"Aye sir." Austen said, "Howlers away."

Thousands of missiles rippled away from Infinity, streaking across space. Some were intercepted by pulse lasers but the rest hit home, shredding the kinetic barriers of the robotic vessels and tearing chunks out of the hull. The attackers spiraled out of control, veering away from the Citadel flagship.

"Attackers have broken off." Roland said. "She's safe but heavily damaged, venting atmosphere. Propulsion is offline, weapons are offline and most of her armor belt and hull are gone or breached."

"Priselkov, open communications to the Destiny Ascension. See if they need help." Lasky said, "Roland, get ready our starboard docking tubes."

"Sir." Priselkov said, "Councillor Sparatus is on channel one."

Lasky nodded and tapped his earpiece, "Councillor, this is Captain Lasky."

"Captain Lasky, you are a life saver. The stars of Palaven will be etched with your name when this is over. We are venting atmosphere–most of the crew is dead. Tevos is heavily injured and Valern is dead. I, myself am fine but the ship's reactor is going critical."

"Councillor, if you can activate your port side docking tubes we can evacuate the Destiny Ascension." Lasky said. "ETA until your reactor detonates?"

"Twenty minutes," Sparatus replied. "Thank you, Captain. May the spirits be with you."

"As with you, Councillor." Lasky responded, "We're on our way."

"Understood, I'll have Tevos and the remaining crew go to the last remaining docking tube. Hurry, Captain. Sparatus out."

"Get us in, I want Diamond and Castle at the air lock with a team of medics." Lasky ordered, "Escort Sparatus up to the bridge."

"Yes, sir." Roland responded. "Obsidian 3 has made an emergency slipspace jump to the other side of the system. She was taking heavy damage."

"Very well, have her get shields back online then reenter the battle."

"Aye, sir." Roland responded, "Oh, and one thing."

"What is that, Roland?" Lasky asked.

"John-117 has been cleared for duty and is on S-deck getting suited up."

"Already?"

"Yes." Roland said, "He is to make all due haste up to the bridge when he is prepped."

The Infinity moved towards the crippled Destiny Ascension, a large tube extending from her armored flanks and connecting with the damaged hull of the Citadel flagship. The smart alloy and nanomachines forming the solid metal of the Infinity's docking module acted to create a seal against Ascension's hull.

"This is Castle Team, Councillor Sparatus has entered first. He is armed. It's a sidearm."

"Let him onboard. Anything heavier than a side arm is to be confiscated however." Lasky ordered. "They let us carry our weapons, it'll be a mutual sign of trust."

"Aye, sir."

"Sir, fifty ships are exiting the Mass Relay." Roland said, "The first contact package pegs them as Systems Alliance cruisers and two of their dreadnoughts."

"Course?" Lasky asked.

"The Citadel arms are opening back up and they are on a direct course for Alpha-1. They're calling it 'Sovereign.'"

"Get us clear from the Destiny Ascension and bring our energy projectors back online, let's help take that thing down." Lasky ordered. "Engines, full military thrust."

"We're being hailed by the SSV Kilimanjaro." Priselkov said.

"Let's hear it."

"Unknown vessel, this is Admiral Steven Hackett, Alliance Navy. Please respond."

Lasky tapped his earpiece, "This is Captain Thomas Lasky, UNSC Navy. We have several vessels embedded within the General's fleet. Do not fire on them, engaging in hostile activities will result in immediate retaliation. We are transmitting their tags now. Again, do not fire."

The Kilimanjaro off in the distance held back from advancing with the rest of the Alliance fleet and instead swiveled to face Infinity.

"You are in Citadel space during a major attack and beside a crippled Destiny Ascension. Stand down." Hackett said, "This is an order, Captain. You have two minutes to comply."

Councillor Sparatus entered the bridge, flanked by two ODSTs in standard Beowulf-class armor. He walked up to Lasky and held out his hand. Lasky shook it.

"Councillor, it is a relief to know you are safe." Lasky said. Keep playing this political thing, Lasky. You have him in your grip.

"The same can be said for you, Captain." Sparatus said, "I must say, I have only seen such combat skill amongst the finest of the Turian Dreadnought corps."

Lasky smiled. "That is good to know, Councillor."

Sparatus' eyes swept across the bridge, "I see that Admiral Hackett is communicating with you. If I may, I'd like to speak with him."

Lasky turned to Priselkov, "Give the Councillor an ear piece."

"Aye, sir."

"Roland." Lasky said.

"Yes, sir?" He asked.

"Tell Hackett that we were assisting in the defense of the Citadel."

"Aye sir." Roland said.

"An AI." Sparatus commented, "Interesting. I take you have safeguards in place in the eventuality that he goes rogue?"

"Of course." Roland responded, "I read in the first contact package the Council's experience with AIs, and I must say; the Geth are an interesting dichotomy. They claim to cherish life but at the same time, their masters tried to kill them and they responded with genocide."

Sparatus eyed Roland for a second before fitting the earpiece and opening a channel to the SSV Kilimanjaro. "Admiral Hackett, this is Councillor Sparatus, the Infinity and her escorts are friendly in this fight. Their VI has transmitted battle footage your sensors can confirm."

"My apologies, Councillor. I was simply acting in the best interest of the Council." Hackett responded. "We are moving to engage Sovereign. Hackett, out."

"Of course, Admiral." Sparatus responded. He tapped the earpiece off and handed back to Priselkov.

"Roland." Lasky said, "Designate Alpha-1 to Sovereign. Ready main batteries for full barrage. Set to pulse mode."

"Aye, sir."Roland said calmly.

The model of Sovereign flashed crimson and then disappeared. Lasky tapped on a display screen and zoomed in; Sovereign was surrounded by the debris of Alliance ships which had bunched up around the titanic beast. A significant amount of them had been destroyed.

Sovereign looked like a dead spider, a large, shredded hole through the vessel's main body. Its tendrils and appendages had broken off, smashing through the Presidium tower and surrounding area. The wasp-shaped vessels were still being destroyed and routed towards the General's heavy hitters.

"Roland, tell Freelancer and Obsidian they are to pull off of engagement and return to formation Asgard." Lasky said, "Any necessary repairs are to be done docked with us."

"Yes, sir." Roland responded.

"CAG, recall all Broadswords." Lasky added, "What were our casualties?"

"Ten Broadswords downed, seven pilots KIA. Freelancer and Obsidian 8 are collecting the debris and bodies." Lieutenant Commander Sebastian said, "Very light casualties, sir."

"If those wasp vessels had focused their point-defenses on our fighter swarms instead of missiles, casualties would be much higher." Lasky commented, "Those lasers were effective."

"Aye, sir. Agreed." Sebastian responded, "I'll make a note not to deploy fighters as close to enemy warships next time."

"Captain, getting a message from the General's flagship." Priselkov said.

"Let's hear it." Lasky responded.

"Aye, sir."

"This is General Vank. To Captain Thomas Lasky, thank you for your assistance in this engagement against the Geth. Your escorts were instrumental in reinforcing my flank and main lines." The General said, "You fight like Turians–steadfast and deadly, not like any human I have seen before."

"Thank you, General." Lasky said, a faint smirk plastered across his face. "We have the Council on board the Infinity."

"I saw the attack on the Ascension; I would have moved a cruiser wing to intercept but we were under attack from all sides by the Geth and that monster dreadnought." General Vank responded, "I must ask, which Councillors survived?"

"Brother." Sparatus spoke up, "I and Tevos live. Valern was killed by a collapsing crossbeam. Myself and the remaining crew are safely onboard theCaptain's vessel."

"Captain, I am deploying the Talon of Trebia to collect the Council." General Vank said, "I am very thankful for your proactive decisions but I can not allow an unsigned power to bear the flag. Please have them ready."

"General, I agree–very much so, in fact. I will prepare the Ascension's survivors for immediate departure." Sparatus interjected before Lasky could respond.

"Thank you, Councillor. General Vank out." The channel died.

Sparatus turned to Lasky, "Thank you, Captain. But, as the General said, we are on a foreign vessel with an unsigned power. I will be departing; please do not try and stop me or the remaining crew."

Lasky shook his head, "Councillor, I would never think of it." Because I need your beaky ass for later on. He thought, All this was just so you would get comfortable and drop your guard.

Sparatus inclined his head towards Lasky. The Captain of the Infinity responded with a small, diplomatic smile. The Turian Councillor quickly departed the bridge.

"Sir, why did we let the Council on board?" Priselkov asked, "Why did they allow us to take them on board?"

Lasky turned to the woman, "We both saw this as an opportunity to further relations with each other–we took them onboard and saved them so they'll see us as allies in the future, and we reinforced their flanks to ensure there would be a Council and a Citadel. They let us take them on board because they knew if we made a wrong move, the entire Citadel force would come down on us. Even with our shields, our energy projectors etc, we would be swamped by numbers."

"This was all a political move?" Priselkov asked.

Lasky nodded. "They'll see this as us trying to get into a good relationship with them. They think we need them, when really, they need us."

"You're duping them out." Austen chimed in. "And are going to play them against each other."

"Exactly. The Systems Alliance is going to try and one up us. They weren't a major power but with the Council now in disarray and Sovereign destroyed by an Alliance vessel, they will be now. We can use that to our advantage–the Alliance will be under the assumption that we will stand with them." Lasky explained.

"And we're not?"

"Only when it doesn't benefit us, or our interests."

"And those?"

"Those remain to be seen." Lasky said. But man must be protected.

Unknown Star System

He slowly tapped his cigarette into the ash tray affixed to his tri-legged chair, synthetic eyes scanning the hovering holographic windows in front of him. He gestured with his hand and the holograms disappeared, his view now dominated by a star in its death-throes.

"Sir, Operative Cross has something to show you." His comm chirped, "Shall I send her in?"

"Yes." The man responded, lighting a new cigarette and taking a deep inhale.

The doors at the back of the expansive chamber slid open and a lean woman stepped through cradling a datapad. She stopped at the left side of the man, tapping the datapad.

Dozens of new images snapped up in front of the man–a six kilometer long vessel flanked by several other smaller ones. Its hull was a gun-metal grey with the letters U.N.S.C INFINITY painted proudly on the sides. It was dotted with weapons and the hull looked thick. Several more images popped up of armored soldiers cradling menacing looking weapons and sleek fighters darting in between the Infinity

"They're human." Operative Cross said simply, "And they have a backbone."

The images changed to the vessel destroying several Geth ships and ramming through a few more.

The man took a long draw from his cigarette, "Send out some feelers, tell Operative Ryan and Mendez to begin observation–contact is only to be made if absolutely necessary. I don't want to spook them."

Operative Cross briskly nodded her head and departed the room.

"So, you come after all these years." The Illusive Man said. "I had hoped you hadn't forgotten about me."

He extinguished the cigarette and stood, walking away.