The Onyx Stars

by The Hidden Sith

A lost ship, a lost warrior, and a lost mind find themselves stranded in an unknown world. Full of vast wonders, threats, and opportunities, this new world is an unknown element for a crew accustomed to war and hardship. But, all Edens fall and beyond the embers of war lay the dawn of victory. Halo/Mass Effect AU John/Cortana, Lasky/Palmer

4. Chapter 4: Embers and Ashes

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 REINFORCEI 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.

****Certain characters, technology, events and objects have been changed for the purpose of the story.****

Here's Chapter 4: Embers

Enjoy:)

3 Sith

Chapter Four: Embers and Ashes

UNSC Infinity

Diplomatic Room

Captain Thomas Lasky stood impassively in the briefing room of the Infinity, hands at the small of his back and watching as Systems Alliance vessels floated by in perfect formation. The Alliance was deploying marines to secure the Citadel. He felt sorry for the ground pounders but the Council had forbade any UNSC forces from being deployed. They didn't want the civilian population on the station to panic.

He had agreed to their request. He didn't want any UNSC soldiers dying on that station. He wanted to keep casualties to a minimum for as long as possible. The battle to save the Council had been necessary–the political leverage and public relations that had caused would allow him to be left relatively alone in this new universe.

Repairs had been made across the Infinity and her escorts in the two days since the battle. The Obsid ians had docked and Freelancer floated beside Infinity with a squadron of Broadswords patrolling around the two UNSC vessels.

Lasky patted his dress uniform's pocket and smoothed it, he then adjusted his cap slightly. Admiral Hackett had requested to be come on board and meet with Lasky and the command crew. After several hours of meetings with his top executives and security personnel, he had agreed. It was an unprecedented opportunity to discover where humanity stood here.

He wasn't going to be buddy-buddy with the races here. He wanted to use them to get Infinity safely home, or established. He wasn't going to be antagonistic towards them either.

Lasky turned to the solid, polished oak table that dominated the room and pressed the comm button. "Roland, tell the Master Chief and Commander Palmer they can come in."

"Yes, sir." Roland responded. "Shall I transfer myself to the briefing room?"

"Yes." Lasky responded.

Roland flashed into existence at the center of the table and saluted. "Aye, sir."

Lasky smiled, "I'm surprised you aren't getting bored."

Roland grinned, "I'm playing six dimensional chess with three Huragok, running diagnostics, increasing the efficiency of our engine manifolds, and just ran through the estimated growth rate of the universe. This second."

"Do you want a Lego set to play with?" Lasky joked.

"Sure, can they be made out of hard light? Oh! And can they have a Scorpion, and a Master Chief too?"

Lasky chuckled as Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John-117 walked in. His new GEN2 armor was the same olive drab green and his visor the same orange-gold as before. His armor had very few exposed areas; he had chosen for the up-armored variant of the armor system. But something about seeing the Master Chief in brand new armor gleaming with the light of the sun–it was amazing.

"Sir." John said, saluting briskly.

Lasky returned to the salute. "Relax, Chief. It's a little awkward for you to call me sir."

John didn't respond and instead walked over to the window. "I've always hated being on ships. A few meters of metal between death and life."

"Well, it looks like we're going to be on ships a little longer chief." Lasky responded, "But, I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you, Captain." John replied.

Lasky's face soured, "Chief, I won't even begin to imagine what you're going through."

John looked back to the Captain. "She's still there. But I can't feel her presence anymore, I can't hear her voice."

"I've lost people I care about before." Lasky responded. Silva. "But nothing like this."

"I always protected her, but now." John looked down and clenched his fists, "Now, she's out of my ability to keep her safe."

Lasky walked up beside John. "We have the best people trying to get her better. You know that, right?"

John nodded. "I made a promise to her. A promise to keep her safe–one of the few promises I've ever managed to keep."

"You kept me safe," Lasky said. John looked back. "Corbulo, I was just a student. You got my friend, Sully and I out of there safely."

"I know." John said.

"You are the epitome of Humanity, Chief." Lasky said. "A monument"

John turned, "A monument–and not one to our sins."

"What's that from?" Lasky asked.

"The Gravemind." John said. "The leader of the Flood."

"Telling me what you did after the Battle of Voi would take a lifetime." Lasky commented. "There aren't enough medals to pin to your chest."

Commander Palmer entered the room with the signature clank of her armor. She wasn't as light on her feet as John was, decades of having to be silent killers leaving an impression on how the Master Chief walked.

Lasky turned to the Commander. They had a history. "Sarah."

"Tom." She responded back. "What's our status?"

"Admiral Hackett will be docking with the Infinity in about ten minutes." Thomas responded.

"We're not meeting him." John commented. "He'll have to walk to us. It's a sign of strength, we have control over the situation."

"I have Castle and Crimson ready to escort him and his security detail here." Palmer informed. "We have all of bay 5 on lock down. He'll be escorted here and Castle will remain in the room with us. His main security detail with be waiting outside the door with a team of Marines and Grey Squad."

"Are they going to be allowed sidearms?" Lasky asked.

Palmer shook her head. "No. And neither are we."

"Understood." Lasky responded. He took his M6H pistol and slid it over to Palmer who locked it away in the safe adjacent to the window.

John turned back to look out the window. "Their ships seem less durable than ours. Less armor."

Lasky looked over. "Roland and I noticed that too. They seem to rely on maneuverability and long-range fire compared to our heavy hitting style of combat. We deal and absorb heavy blows while they seem to maneuver, encircle and cut off the enemy."

"That suggests that they do not have the strongest weapons or the best shields." Roland commented, "Judging on the previous battle I detected that their kinetic rounds hit with 70% of the power of Citadel Defense Forces'. Their shields appear to be roughly equal but seem to be much more vulnerable when it comes to energy weapons."

"I have to wonder, why did they bunch up around that space squid?" Sarah asked.

Lasky crossed his arms. "Maybe it was like the ONI purges of 2555."

"The purges?" Chief asked.

Lasky looked up to the massive super soldier, "Admiral Parangosky attempted a coup against Lord Hood and the Joint Chiefs. She enlisted elements of the rogue Kilo-5 squad and several Insurrectionists. The war lasted a year but resulted in her public execution and the imprisonment of Kilo-5. But, she took a lot of good men down with her before she launched the coup by ordering a head on assault on Brute static defenses."

"That Black Box had what was coming for him." Roland commented. "I enjoyed flinging him into a star. What a self important jerk."

Sarah shook her head, "Naomi though, I feel sorry for her. She was duped by Parangosky to serve against the UNSC."

"Saint Margie." Roland said sarcastically, "Tried to turn everybody against the Elites, Halsey, and the surviving Spartans. What a travesty."

John's eyes widened behind his visor. "Halsey is alive?

Lasky nodded, "Yes. She and Blue Team were recovered from a Forerunner shield world in 2553. She however is facing trial however for kidnapping of a UNSC asset, hacking, the unlawful destruction of AI, and dereliction of duty."

Fred, Linda, Kelly. John's hand shook a bit, "My team is alive? Where are they?"

Lasky shrugged, "They are putting down Jiralhanae and Storm attacks across the new Maginot Line. It's the barrier between the Inner Colonies and the law less stretch that was the Outer Colonies."

John looked away. "Sir, when we return home, I'd like to resume command over the squad."

"About that." Lasky said. "The Joint Chiefs gave me orders before we left Requiem. You are to assume tactical command over all Spartans embarked on the Infinity and have been given command of Gypsy Company."

John stood still for a moment. "Thank you, sir." He said carefully.

"I'll have Roland forward you the complete list of assets Gypsy company has at its disposal." Lasky responded. "It's one of Infinity's largest collection of forces. I know you'll command it well. Its officers were killed when taking down the particle cannons on Requiem. You'll be ranking."

The Infinity had sent down an entire armored platoon of M808C Scorpions, Sparrowhawks, Warthogs, Mantises and Mammoths to take down the fortified Storm and Promethean control center. The attack was fast and deadly with John leading the attack. He had driven down the center of the fortification while the UNSC armor kept the Covenant and Promethean forces at bay.

"You are the culmination of a thousand lifetimes of planning."

John saluted. "Sir."

Lasky took a small padded box from his breast pocket and handed it to John who opened it slowly. Two silver starbursts were perched in hard felt.

"Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, John-117. I hereby skip-promote you to the rank of Commander in the UNSC Navy. You are hereby to take command of Gypsy Company effectively immediately." Lasky stated professionally. He brought his feet together and saluted.

John just stared at the silver pins. He closed his hand around the box, hearing it close. "Sir, are you positive?'

Lasky smiled, "Chief, you've done more for Humanity than Admiral Cole, Admiral Hood, or I have ever done–or ever will. You deserve it."

John's hand was shaking as he saluted. "Sir. Thank you, sir."

Lasky lowered his hand, "It's an honor to serve with you, Commander. But, you'll always be the Chief."

Commander John-117 nodded. He looked up to Palmer, "Commander."

Palmer saluted, "You have seniority over me, sir."

John nodded. "Understood, Ms. Palmer."

Roland flickered for a moment, "Sir, Admiral Hackett's diplomatic vessel will be docked with us in a few minutes. His flagship and a significant cluster of cruiser-analogues are holding station a thousand kilometers off our bow."

"Roland, scan them with passive sensors." Lasky said, "Don't alert them but get as much data as you can. Have the ECW AIs start scanning every outgoing signal from this vessel."

"Yes, sir." Roland said. "I hope they brought cake."

Systems Alliance Diplomatic Vessel 1

Infinity Docking Bay

Admiral Steven Hackett smoothed the front of his blue, gold trimmed dress uniform and made sure his rank was properly displayed on his breast pocket. He adjusted his cap and steeled himself for what was to come. A first contact with another group of humans–a group of humans with the largest ship ever encountered in the history of space travel.

And you ordered them to stand down. He thought bitterly.

Hackett internally snarled; he had been an idiot ordering this massive vessel and its commander to stand down. Maybe it had been nerves, maybe it had been fear affecting his judgement. It was over now; he had to move on and go about securing a relationship with this new group of humans.

The U.N.S.C if he remembered correctly. Their entire ship and formations blared military–if the massive sheets of armor, turrets and imperialistic looking eagle painted proudly on the hull wasn't enough of a clue.

Beside him were several Systems Alliance Marines. Their white and blue armor was polished and clean–shining in the artificial light of the passenger bay. Each cradled an M-15 Vindicator Battle Rifle and had a sidearm of a Carnifex hand cannon. At the front of them however was Hackett's latest weapon in the arsenal of the Alliance.

Commander Marcus Shepard.

He was dressed in N7 Armor with a variety of armor pieces supplementing the standard load-out. He himself carried a Vindicator and Scorpion Pistol. The Commander's blue eyes swept up and down the interior of the shuttle, examining every little detail. He didn't need many weapons; he was a Sentinel.

"Admiral." Shepard said, turning to Steven, "The Infinity, I saw them rescue the Council and blow away dozens of Geth vessels."

Hackett looked over to humanity's Specter. "I know. If Infinity decides to side with us then we'll have a major advantage over the other races."

"Sovereign and the Geth weakened the Council a lot. General Vank's forces took heavy casualties. I think the Infinity is going to use this to their advantage." Shepard commented. "They have the most powerful vessel in the system–saving the Council also helps their case."

Hackett nodded, "I have a feeling they are tracking our every move as we start docking and they are probably doing passive scans on the Kilimanjaro."

"Our response, sir?" Shepard asked.

Hackett crossed his arms and leaned back on his right hip, "We're having our VIs monitor their communications and any unsecured channels."

"How's that going?" Shepard asked

"They have that thing locked down like a fortress, Commander." Hackett replied, "And our attempts to access their networks have been met with a brick wall."

"So, they take cyber security seriously." Shepard responded. "They must have some very intelligent VIs. Alliance models are some of the best in space."

Hackett nodded, "Intel believes so."

"If Udina hadn't acted so out of character we would have been able to start this relationship off right." Shepard said, "What was going on with him exactly?"

Hackett shrugged, "His medical staff says he was suffering from dehydration, a fever, and exhaustion. Probably caused by your recent escapades, Commander."

"Hey, I stopped Sovereign right?" Shepard smirked, "He didn't."

Hackett smiled faintly.

"Admiral." The pilot said from the front of the shuttle, "We are approaching the Infinity. We will be docking momentarily."

"Now or never, Admiral." Shepard said.

"Indeed."

The Alliance shuttle snapped to present its side as it maneuvered into the massive bay. The hangar had been cleared of all ordnance and vehicles. Dozens of UNSC Marines dressed in dark brown, grey and black armor that reminded Hackett of First Contact war era armor stood at attention; assault rifles and other weapons at parade rest. There were six red banners draped from the ceiling, each with a black eagle perched above a planet, wings spread in a defensive posture.

Sandwiched between the two formations of Marines were three massive soldiers that towered above their brothers-in-arms. Each were unarmed but clad in blue armor with white trimming. They looked professional and the armor seemed to barely conceal the sheer muscle and mass underneath. They reminded Hackett of N7 Spec-Ops Marines but taller and stronger, more menacing.

The Kodiak settled down onto the landing pad and the door slid open. Shepard and the Marine squad were the first to disembark, weapons at rest but ready to protect Admiral Hackett as he stepped on board the Infinity. He heard a loud shuffle as the UNSC Marines on either sides of the bay snapped to attention.

The lead blue armor-clad soldier stepped forward and reached out a hand to Admiral Hackett. Steven took the super soldier's hand and shook it. "Admiral Steven Hackett, Alliance 5th Fleet."

"Lieutenant Commander Robert Dalton, 25th Spartan Corps." Dalton responded. "Welcome to the Infinity, Admiral."

Hackett looked up, the Lieutenant Commander was easily six inches taller with short blond-brown hair and dull green eyes. "It's an honor to be hear, Commander. The Infinity's assistance during the battle was instrumental in assuring the survival of the Citadel and of the Council."

"We were happy to help." Dalton said, "I hope the minor confrontation between the Kilimanjaro and the Infinity will not hamper future negotiations."

"Of course not, Commander." Hackett responded, "I apologize for my brash actions."

Dalton bowed his head slightly, "And we are sorry for not immediately transmitting our intentions to you."

"It's water under the bridge now." Hackett responded calmly.

Shepard was surveying the hangar, studying the UNSC Marines. Their weapons followed standard Earth designs and the size of the barrels hinted at heavy caliber rounds, not the grain-of-sand sized ones that the Alliance and other races used. Their armor consisted of grey fatigues with dark grey-brown armor plating covering the torso, shoulders, thighs, forearms, and shins. A black, fully sealed helmet with a translucent visor protected the head. Various pouches lined the troops' waist and a sidearm was holstered to their thighs.

"Captain Lasky is waiting." Lieutenant Commander Dalton stated, "If you would follow me, sir."

Hackett nodded.

Dalton turned and the two solders flanking followed him towards the door. Shepard nodded to Hackett.

"Let's see the faces of our brothers." Hackett said.

"Aye, sir."

Diplomatic Room

The doors sealing the room form Hackett slowly parted, revealing a polished table that dominated the room. Captain Thomas Lasky was at the other end, his back to the window and the Citadel. At his side was a tall woman clad in grey and red armor like that of Dalton's. On the right side of Lasky was a massive man in drab olive green armor with an orange-gold visor.

Identical red banners were draped from the ceiling and the UNSC eagle was carved into the center of the table. It was made out of glass and Hackett could see his reflection. He noted his face was red–he was nervous. Swallowing his trepidation, Hackett saluted Captain Lasky.

"Admiral Hackett; Alliance Fifth Fleet."

The younger captain nodded, "Captain Thomas Lasky, commander of the UNSC Infinity and Task Force 101."

Task force? Hackett thought, That would explain those smaller vessels we saw in action. "It's an honor to be here, Captain."

"It is an honor to meet you, Admiral." Lasky replied. He gestured for the end seat, the one nearest to Hackett. The Alliance Admiral slowly sat down with Shepard to his right.

Lasky took the seat across from the Admiral and the two soldiers with him took up seats on either sides. "This is Commander John-117 and Commander Sarah Palmer." Lasky gestured to the two soldiers.

"This is Commander Marcus Shepard, Alliance Marines and Humanity's first Specter." Hackett said, nodding towards Shepard.

Lasky clasped his hands together, "Admiral, as I hear it, you are one of the ranking commanders of Humanity's armada and an influential force of the Systems Alliance."

"Yes." Hackett confirmed, "I am a ranking member of the Alliance Joint Chiefs."

"Seeing as that is." Lasky said, "Tell me about this Systems Alliance." Lasky already knew about the Alliance; Roland and the communications division had been scouring through every signal going out of the system. It was worth hearing how Hackett saw his own.

"The Earth Systems Alliance is the representative establishment of Earth and every human colony in Citadel Space. It's composed of Earth's greatest nations. It is responsible for the economic, military and political landscape of man. We gained the mantle of protecting humanity after the First Contact War."

"First Contact war?" Lasky asked, "General Vank briefly mentioned it."

"Starting in 2157, the First Contact war was a clash between the Turian Hierarchy and the Systems Alliance after we activated a dormant Mass Relay, an act which is illegal in Council space. The Turians were overzealous in their response and besieged one of our colonies, Shanxi. The Asari and Salarians intervened and negotiated a cease-fire. They weren't quick enough to save the lives of 623 people." Hackett responded sadly, "Relations between the Alliance and the Turians remain cold to this day. Those men and women died a horrible death at the hands of an alien race. There's a national day of mourning for the Alliance."

"Like ours." Lasky responded, "Except ours lasted 27 years and killed 30 billion people though."

Hackett was shocked. The entire Alliance population was only around 13 billion. "30 billion people, that is..."

"Incomprehensible." Lasky finished the Admiral's sentence. "But we rebuilt and the Infinity is a symbol of exactly that."

"We're giants." Palmer interjected.

Lasky glared at her. "We have forged ahead, trying to establish good terms with the races of the Covenant that nearly wiped us out." While waging shadow war to ensure they can't rise back up.

"That is very noble of you." Hackett said, "Your culture must be more unified than ours."

Lasky shook his head, "For fifty years up to the War, Humanity was embroiled in civil war that took the lives of over twelve billion innocent civilians when the Insurrectionists started using nuclear warheads, asteroid strikes and collapsing orbital elevators."

"A violent history." Hackett said. "And you rise again."

Lasky nodded, "We don't know how, but Humanity endures."

"In the wake of the war, did you have any elements pushing for the disarmament of your armed forces?" Hackett inquired, "We did. The Pax Terra party pushed, and continues, for total disarmament."

"Small clusters but those are usually put down, just like Insurrectionists and those who believe the Covenant to be gods." Lasky replied, "They are hostis humani generis, enemy of all mankind and dealt with accordingly."

They seem to be a totalitarian government, interesting. Hackett thought, "That seems a bit...extreme."

"Only those who threaten the safety of the UNSC and that of mankind are eliminated, the average person has a life of wealth and safety." Lasky responded, "Every person has access to top of the line medical technology, housing, and equal economic opportunity–we're a very equal society."

Socialism crossed with totalitarianism? Hackett pursed his lips, "A socialist society, Captain Lasky?"

"Hardly so, the market is free with minor government regulation, all colonies are democratic, we have fair and impartial trials." Lasky responded, "The UNSC does provide welfare however along with assistance, regulation, housing, etc if a person needs it."

Shepard sat a big straighter in his chair, "And there is an overarching military complex that acts as the federal government?"

Lasky nodded, "Correct, the UNSC's role was born out of the need for a strong central force. The Insurrection was sparked by massive disarmament, heavy taxation, and corruption by the predecessor of the UNSC; the United Earth Government. We act as a moderating force among the planetary governments and keep humanity united."

Shepard's eyes narrowed. "Are there elections to achieve rank in the UNSC?"

"Enlistment." Lasky responded. "We have branches for everybody and someone can earn rank by their merit and skill."

"Do the average citizens have a voice?" Shepard asked,

Lasky paused, ignoring the question. "You seem interested in our way of government, what is the Systems Alliance like?"

"We are a parliamentary democracy." Hackett responded, "We believe in every person having a voice."

Lasky knew the Admiral was holding things back–just like he did. It wasn't classified material what he had said about the UNSC.

"Interesting." Palmer responded, "Much like the old nations on Earth."

Hackett nodded.

"Captain." Shepard spoke up, "Are you willing to stand with the Alliance, help protect every man, woman, and child? We're taking heavy casualties clearing the Citadel."

Lasky remained silent. "That is a matter that must be..."

Roland flashed into existence at the center of the conference table. He turned to Lasky, "Sir, Black Bird has a clipped wing."

Lasky's face became cold momentarily before resuming to a warmer, more diplomatic expression. "Admiral Hackett, if you would please step out of the room for a moment. I have a matter I must attend to."

Hackett bowed his head. "Of course, shall we reconvene in five?"

Lasky nodded, "Yes."

Hackett and Shepard stood and exited the conference room quickly. Lasky waited for the door to seal shut before turning to Roland.

"What happened to Lieutenant Santiago?" Lasky asked.

Roland flickered, "He was engaged by several Geth troops and managed to eliminate the majority. However, he is wounded and deep in enemy territory. If he's discovered by the Council, we'll face a diplomatic snarl and if he's captured, UNSC tech falls into alien hands."

"The repercussions of which will be felt for a very long time." Palmer commented.

John remained silent, "Sir, with your permission, I'd like to deploy Gypsy company to retrieve Lieutenant Santiago."

Lasky drummed his fingers against the table, "It will be close-quarters, urban warfare."

"I'll lead a small strike force of Spartans while deploying Spartan teams under Commander Palmer to secure the other areas if needed." John responded. "We deploy fast and quickly."

Lasky nodded, "Take Spartan Fire Team Venator with you, I don't want to lose any Spartans or have heavy casualties. Gypsy will remain onboard for now."

John nodded, "Thank you, sir."

"Venator?" Palmer asked, "They're some of the best Spartans on the ship. If they were any better, they'd be Spartan IIs."

"Roland, bring Admiral Hackett back in." Lasky requested. "I have an offer for him."

Roland nodded, "Aye sir." He flickered away.

The doors to the conference room slid open and Hackett, escorted by Shepard, stepped through and took their former seats.

"Admiral." Lasky said, "I have an offer for you."

"And what is that?" Hackett asked.

"I am willing to send forces onboard the Citadel to assist your forces." Lasky responded, "In exchange, I request that the Systems Alliance leave my vessel and her crew alone. We won't fight for you, we will fight with you however if Earth or civilians are ever threatened."

Hackett nodded. "Understood. I would have liked to have an alliance with the Infinity, but this is an excellent stepping stone."

"We will be deploying forces in thirty minutes, Admiral." Lasky informed. "I think you should return to the Kilimanjaro."

"As do I." Hackett responded, "The Joint Chiefs will want to know everything so far."

Zakera ward

Corporal Aaron Benson ducked as a hail of fire sliced through where his head had been moments before. The storm of bullets impacted against the back wall, denting and puncturing the metal. One of his teammates quickly stood and fired a concussive shot from the secondary barrel of his Assault Rifle. The explosive warhead smacked into a collection of the uni-eyed Geth. Kinetic Barriers flashed and collapsed, the now-unprotected artificial intelligences torn apart by a hail of bullets from a Systems Alliance Marine squad.

"Fucking clankers!" Aaron swore, he patted along the sides of his hips and found a lift grenade. The perfect tool to eliminate large groups of hostiles.

He primed it and flung the gravity altering grenade over his cover. It bounced and detonated with a high pitched boom. Geth troops screeched their electric shrills and were instantly killed. He popped up, assault rifle in hand, and peppered the lead Geth Prime with rounds. The massive robot's shields held as the entire group poured fire onto the enemy leader.

The Geth raised its shotgun and fired, the marine flanking Benson instantly loosing a significant portion of his chest. He gurgled and died and Aaron could swear he saw the Geth's single eye brighten in delight. Another Marine died, spinning around as a sniper's bullet shredded his shoulder from the rest of his body.

"Retreat!" Someone yelled. "Pull back to the LZ! Resistance is too fierce!"

Aaron turned to run, firing blindly behind him. He heard bullets ping off the armored carapaces of the Geth troops. These weren't Batarian slavers or Vorcha. These were beings designed for killing.

"This is Lieutenant Jenkins, Kodiak is down. Repeat Kodiak is down! Move to secondary evac point!" His radio sounded before emitting a heart-wrenching scream as the drop ship was destroyed by a Geth fighter.

Aaron dove into the destroyed remains of a shop, shattering the glass window and slamming into the ground. There were Asari and Salarian bodies everywhere, blood was splattered the walls. He gritted his teeth in pain and pulled himself up.

The air in front of him shimmered and he was greeted with a large-bore barrel staring him directly in the face. He looked up slowly, finding a human dressed in completely black armor standing behind the gun. His visor was a dark black with red lines wrapping down and around.

Aaron grabbed his assault rifle from the floor and tried to bring it up. He felt an armored hand smack him across the face. He was sent sprawling across the floor and groaned.

"Don't move." The human said. His voice was deep and slightly digitized.

Aaron's vision cleared and he noticed a small, grey quartet of letters etched on the human's chest armor. U.N.S.C.

Was this one of the people from Infinity?

"Who are you?" Aaron asked. "Why are you here?"

The man looked at him and didn't respond.

"Are you from Infinity?" Aaron asked.

The man nodded. Bending down, he grabbed Aaron's assault rifle and examined it. "Nice gun, weird design though." He commented.

Aaron smirked. "I'm Corporal Aaron Benson, Alliance Marines."

"Santiago." The man responded.

Aaron nodded, "So, you are from Infinity."

"If you keep making noise, the Geth will be alerted." Santiago responded, instead he walked over to the computer terminal in the room and plugged something into it. The screen turned black and lines of code raced down it.

Aaron knew what it was, a data sifter. He pulled himself up, "I need you to stop." he said confidently.

Santiago turned his head to face Aaron and raised his arm. The Alliance marine tensed and his kinetic barriers flickered to life.

Two tranquilizer darts lashed out from Santiago's wrist launcher and hit Aaron in the chest, piercing his kinetic barriers and slamming the young marine into the wall, crushing what little resistance he had left. The drug cocktail in each dart released and forced Benson into unconsciousness.

Black Bird 1 activated his radio. "Infinity, this is Lieutenant Santiago, I have secured myself in a local store. We have a code silver: hard contact with a local. Alliance marine is currently incapacitated."

A few moments passed. "This is Captain Lasky. Santiago, hold tight, we have Sierra-117 and Spartan Fire team Venator en route. Eta 30 minutes."

"Roger sir." Lieutenant Jason Santiago replied.

"Lasky out."

Unknown Star System

The Illusive man stood impassively at the view of the dying star, its colors twisting and churning with every passing second. He took a draw from his cigarette, holding it between his pointer and middle finger.

"Sir." Operative Cross said calmly, "Infinity has made contact with the Systems Alliance. Our operative in their ranks say Admiral Hackett met with a Captain Tom Lasky."

The Illusive Man's eyes widened, "Lasky, he is still alive?"

"Aye, sir." Operative Cross said plainly, "He is in command of the Infinity and her attached battle group."

The Illusive Man smirked, "Captain Thomas Lasky, captain. Wasn't that the last time we met."

"Sir?" Operative Cross asked.

The Illusive Man looked back at the woman, "Initiate Project Tenzing, divert the vessel to the planet Cutter found. Give the utmost to secrecy; I don't want Cutter or Project Tenzing to discover our movements, or existence."

"Yes, sir." Operative Cross said. She turned and exited the chamber.

The Illusive Man walked to his tri-legged chair and sat down. "So, Lasky. It's good to see you again."

Author's Note: I'm using Halo: Reach armor for the Marines, simply because it looks better and has a more 'futuristic' feel to it. For Chief's armor, it's Halo 4's armor with a slight Halo 3 tone.

Next chapter: Chief drops in with a Fire Team of Spartans, Cortana reawakens, and a distress signal is received from some long-lost brothers-in-arms. Tune in next time for Chapter 5: Resurrection of The Onyx Stars. Also, some new additions to the UNSC line of small arms!