May the Mantle be Denied

by tom476ty18

In the 84th Age of Doubt, the Covenant in is turmoil. With the failures of finding the sacred ring mounting. The Covenant now finds itself on the verge of fracturing. Until the discovery of a single-star system threaten to destroy everything the Covenant knew. Will the Covenant stay together or will it collapse and meets its end? [AU]

2. History of Humanity

History of Mankind:

In the mid-22nd century, Interplanetary War raged across the Sol system. Just as the United Nations would emerge victorious over the neo-communist Koslovics and the Fascist Frieden an unknown disaster struck humanity. The Interplanetary War was a series of wars fought in an attempt to unify mankind into a singular representing body. The Unified Earth Government would fight a grand war across the Solar System from the Martian Campaign to the humid brutal fighting of the Rain Forest wars and in space across the Jovian Moons. The War was the biggest at the time resulting in billions killed and many more missing. On the eve of 2170 AD, the United Nations Military would emerge as total victors. They had spent nearly a decade of fighting with the United Nations Space Command emerging as the only victors.

Until one day everything changed. An unidentified disaster struck humanity, nearly bringing them to their knees. This calamity sends a wave of destruction across the solar system annihilating everything in its path. When the dust settled, mankind was on the brink of collapse. Already exacerbated by the disaster, coupled with the destruction and famine bred by the Rain Forest Wars, the problems mankind faced nearly threatened to destabilize the fragile interplanetary economy. Already damaged by the war and subsequent disasters that followed. The newly formed Unified Earth Government quickly withdrew its forces from the solar system back to Earth to maintain order due to the disaster. Over the next two centuries, the UEG would dedicate its resources to repairing Earth in the wake of the calamity. It wasn't until, 2291 that the first initiative by the UEG would be launched to recolonize the solar system with the first colony establish on Mars in 2362. It was during that time, the UEG soon found out the true extent of the damage evoked by the disaster.

The Solar System itself had changed. In orbit above Venus was a habitable Moon, it was one of the largest moons in the solar system it itself had a fair climate that was compatible with Earth. In the area of the Asteroid belt were two habitable worlds and two habitable moons. In orbit of Jupiter was also another habitable moon hidden in the shadows of the other Jovian Moons. UEG scientists still to this very day, are not sure how these planets can remain habitable. As they were far from the known habitable zone limit and moreover, no explanation could be made that didn't break the current known laws of physics. The biggest change was the appearance of a red dwarf that orbit the sun and just 0.16 light-years away was another G-Type, main sequence star similar to the sun. This turned the Solar System from a singular star into a trinary star system. The red Dwarf Star System had nine planets, one with earth-like climate conditions and an asteroid belt. While the twin solar system had six planets, one also with earth-like climate conditions and a massive asteroid belt. This coupled with the overall increase of hundreds of thousands of new planetoids, asteroids, comets, etc. As a result, this event has changed the course of mankind forever.

With the appearance of habitable worlds came the exodus, as millions of Citizens left Earth for the new worlds. Hoping to build a better life for themselves and their families. Fearing a loss of influence due to the situation the UEG quickly asserted its control over the new colonies. Which only fuelled the tensions between the Earth's sphere and the Colonies. This eventually erupted in the insurrection movement of 2494. This was a relatively low-level conflict that wasn't taken seriously by the UEG. Often the Unified Earth Government Colonial Administration Authority was able to handle such incidents. More often than not, the Colonial Military Authority was more than enough to put down a rebellion. Until 2525, a full-blown uprising occurred throughout the solar system. This led to a 28-year-long conflict known as the System Wars which would eventually end in a UNSC victory. But the damage was done. Due to the war and coupled with mismanagement by the Government the economy of the UEG could not handle the strain of keeping the military and controlling the colony.

In the end, the Unified Earth Government made the hard decision to let go of some of the colonies. The first of these was Mars which was the first and oldest of the colonies. With its independence launched the creation of the Mars Republic. Because of this setback, the Unified Earth Government found itself a divided nation. With many supports frustrated and angry at the turn of events. After what they perceive as a betrayal by the government following decades of war with the end result being a complete failure. Fearing an outbreak of a civil war, the UEG began looking for ways to bring the nation back on its feet. It began with a gamble, a gamble that worked. Without a proper method to travel to other star systems, humanity was left trapped in the confines of their solar system. Even after the Disaster that hit mankind back in the 22nd century. Man had yet to develop a way to travel effectively to another star system.

Until recently, with the proposal to attempt to colonize the nearest star system placed down by one Mark Watterson, it was quickly approved by the current UEG Government. Combined with advances in antimatter containment and other spacecraft propulsion technologies. A hastily assembled plan was launched to Alpha Centauri to bring about a new hope for the Unified World Government. Using Slower-Than-Light methods of interstellar travel combined with the fact that each spacecraft is traveling at a significant percentage of the speed of light. The Unified Earth Government was able to now colonize other star systems, bring with it tons of resources and prestige, and establishment of humanities first extrasolar colony. Following the success of the colonization, the UEG now began drafting other plans for other nearby star systems.

Not wanting to miss out on the trend. Other nations such as the now newly formed independent colonies back on Sol quickly drafted their own plans for interstellar colonies. Beginning an age known as the stellar exodus of mankind using a combination of Sleeper ships, Embryo space colonization, a Generation ship, an Interstellar ark, and a Seed ship, mankind quickly spread across the Local Bubble with the most developed colonies centered on the Local Interstellar Cloud.

As of the Present Day, human-controlled space encompassed around 800 colonized sites, including planets, moons, asteroids, and various other outposts. The colonies ranged from heavily populated and economically, politically, and strategically significant worlds to struggling pioneer outposts that could barely sustain 10,000 colonists. Some worlds were terraformed to greater degrees than others depending on the local conditions and presence of indigenous life. Many of the colonies were firmly under the influence of the UEG with many already granted a form of independent self-governance from humanity's empire. The worlds are generally divided among the stable Inner Colonies and the more numerous and restless Outer Colonies, and are highly diverse in terms of culture; some worlds have their foundations in the cultural heritage of a single Earth nation, while others have more varied population bases.

The Inner Colonies encompassed a region of space in at least a 10.5 light-year three-dimensional radius from Earth. Beyond that were the Outer Colonies. Other colonies were established even further - Coral, at 42 light-years; and Madrigal, the most distant known colony, which lay in the 23 Librae system, 83.7 light-years from Earth. Despite its relatively short distance from Earth, at approximately 12 lightyears, Harvest was considered the furthest Outer Colony in the present day, at 80 to 96 years of slower-than-light travel away from Madrigal and decades from Reach at the minimum estimation. Despite its relative scale, humanity's empire takes up only a minuscule portion of the Milky Way galaxy itself, all human-colonized systems existing within a bubble of 100 light-years around Sol in contrast to the overall scale of the galaxy which is 100,000 light-years in diameter. However, humans often use the word "galaxy" in colloquial speech when describing humanity's sphere of influence.

This era was known as the golden age for humanity. Technology advanced at an exponential rate, standards of living increased, and the solar system was changed forever. During this period the Unified Earth Government planned for a complete remake of the solar system. Following the success of their first extra-solar colonies and the return of resources from these adventures. The UEG decided to embark on a large-scale megastructure construction effort to remake the solar system. From a system of large-scale space elevator networks to form the basis of an orbital ring across the moon and Venus. To the construction of floating cities across the surface of Venus to eventually turn it into an ecumenopolis. But it didn't stop there; more and more successful colonies were created, combined with the advancement of technology. The Unified Earth Government has expanded this project to include Astro-scale engineering.

With the discovery of a primordial black hole in the outskirts of the Solar System. Came to the process to harness the power of the black hole and ways to extract resources from the black body. This allowed the Unified Earth Government confidence in other astroengineering projects. The first of these was the creation of artificial worlds also known as synth worlds with each geared for a specific purpose. With an understanding of gravity and solar system mechanics, such a project was made possible. From the 28th Century into the 4th millennium the UEG would create a total of eight planets and a dozen of moons across the solar system from the sun to the red dwarf star system. Each is geared for food production, manufacturing, residential area, paradise, military, etc. But this wasn't the end in actuality the start of the UEG's ambition for the solar system. As technology continue to advance in this age of peace, so did the construction of Astro-scale engineering projects.

From the construction of massive orbital ring facilities across Venus to massive stations for interstellar diplomacy, science, and arts. In Earth's Lagrange point 5 was a massive mega ship-building facility for the ever-growing UNSC navy. Across the UEG-controlled areas of the solar system and their interstellar colonies were massive space habitats for billions of their own citizens. To the massive Dyson swarm that encompasses the sun and the red dwarf also known as the little brother. This vast array of satellites, star lifters, and other facilities provided mankind with near-unlimited energy. The greatest of them all was the construction of ring-world-like habitats across the Solar system. These would be massive structures that will orbit the very planet it was built. Designed as a testament to human achievement and progress. It was supposed to be the start of the final construction or the finishing touch of the solar system remake, the building of a massive ringworld in the area known as the asteroid belt. It was a golden age for humanity, more specifically for the Unified Earth Government, one that brought it power and prestige since the time of the first colonization effort of Mars. However, this age of progress and peace did not last long. The other nations across the solar system languished, as the Unified Earth Government continue to grow in prosperity.

Despite their efforts to follow in the footsteps of the Unified Earth Government, the colonial efforts of these nations weren't as successful as those of the UEG. Marked by failures, with a few successful ones, these weren't able to generate as much profit as those found with the Earth Government. As a result, many of these nations more often than not found themselves bankrupted by their colonial efforts. Moreover, many of these countries found themselves in an even worse state economically before they declared independence from the earth. As widespread poverty ran rampant across the countries. Fuelled by anger at the success of Earth, these nations gathered what remainder successful colonies they could muster and embarked on one of the largest known military build-ups in the history of that period. What began as a cold war triggered one of the largest known wars of all time. Known colloquially as the War of Sol, it became one of the largest interplanetary and first interstellar wars in history. As the independent and impoverished nations of the Solar System waged war against the larger and more prosperous UEG.

Across the Solar System, the war was waged. From space, sea, land, and sky, all areas of war were touched. The start 39th century was considered the end of the golden era. The UEG while caught off guard, was able to mount an effective response. Learning from the lessons of the System Wars, the UEG military arm, the UNSC, was able to hold the line and launch a series of counterattacks which drove the enemy forces back. Turning the war, like the previous war back in the 26th century into a prolonged stalemate. Both sides, launch the war across their interstellar colonies resulting in massive casualties and devastation across the human interstellar community. With the inefficiency of waging an interstellar war and fearing a general collapse of human civilization as a result of the ensuing war. Both sides agreed to a ceasefire, and an armistice, and a return to the Status quo ante Bellum. While the fighting hasn't stopped in the century following the armistice due to the difficulty of interstellar communications. Both sides have agreed on a consensus of peace, lest they destroy themselves and human civilization along with it.

In accordance with the peace talks, both sides agreed on the terms. The Unified Earth Government would support the interstellar ventures of the independent nations and respect each other's sovereign claim over the established colonies. In return, these nations would pay back the UEG at a fixed interest rate with payment listed over decades to centuries. The UEG would allow for the transfer of technologies to the nations to allow for the construction of mega to Astro scale engineering projects of their own desires. Finally, both sides would be allowed to cooperate in the research and development of technologies, and the cooperation of nations in the construction of the final phase of the solar system remake project, along with a cultural exchange. This treaty allowed mankind to enter a new golden age of progress and prosperity. With the old weapons of war, decommissioned, and military forces demobilized. To the present day, many nations across the solar system only have a token military force for self-defense and anti-piracy operations. Along with a small armory of high-tech stealth vessels and a few old but by no means unsophisticated Planetary Assault Craft and other naval vessels. Along with Planetary defenses which after centuries of refinement are one of the largest and most powerful in history. Designed to take out a significant chunk of any invading forces that dares to invade. Humanity and by extension, the solar system is an impenetrable fortress.

Human lifespan tripled, over the centuries, with advances in artificial intelligence and computing, to the miracles of stellar lifting. And the creation of artificial stars to the intelligent computer fabrication system known as Standard Template Constructs, computers which contain the sum-collective knowledge of human achievement and technology able to start colonies in distant worlds to rebuild civilization in times of peril. All of these technological creations and inventions have made humanity the most advanced race in the galaxy, not as they could have known until first contact with an interstellar alien civilization. Creations of newer artificial worlds and moons based on the Dyson sphere design were made and placed outside the periphery of the solar system expanding the reach of the home system. Combined with the creation of massive matryoshka brains, gigantic supercomputers of vastly superior computing power aided mankind in their understanding of the universe. To the creation of stellar engines, able to allow the solar system to move across the vast distance of the void albeit at a slow pace, with a small journey taking roughly millions of years to achieve.

Since then, mankind lived freely without the fear of any threats with the idea of war considered a barbaric thing of the past. As mankind had no concern for the military believing them to be safe. However, that was about to change. Since the advent of interstellar travel, the question of whether are we alone in the universe was made. Mankind's early interstellar ventures only made that question a real possibility. The discovery of an interstellar Alien civilization sends shockwaves across human space. While the alien civilization was just like them being a slower-than-light interstellar polity. This also led to the discovery of other civilizations one being an interplanetary civilization to a still-planet-bound primitive society. With contact made, it was followed by cultural exchange and the establishment of interstellar trade. In short, mankind's answer to are we alone was answered. However, a disturbing question, still remained, when mankind discovered that they weren't alone in the galaxy. They only discovered civilizations that were technologically inferior to them.

Thus, raises the question of the existence of other civilizations that were technologically ahead of them. Moreover, civilizations with access to technologies of faster-than-light travel. Until now, most civilizations man has met had only slower-than-light travel for interstellar transit. However, that was going to change one day in the early 46th century.

A/N:

So this chapter has been in the making for months now. Before the first chapter of this story ever began. The idea that humanity was an advanced species in the AU of the Halo Universe is something I haven't seen yet so far.

Thus, I decided to have a go at the idea. And as you can see humanity is different from that of the canon. The first difference is technology. When placed in the Tech Scale by the Forerunner.

My Headcanon would be a Low Tier 1 World Builder mainly due to the fact that despite their ability to create worlds and engaged in Astro-scale engineering projects like the Forerunners. They haven't explored creating something like the Huragok nor do they have Faster-than-light travel. In fact, their interstellar technology would place them at tier 4 at best a low tier 3. However, they do have weapons that are superior to the Covenant. As they are unchanged.

As the reason why my explanation would be the Covenant in some ways can't innovate. They mainly get their advanced technologies from salvage Forerunner tech. However, I do know or I think they can at least sometimes reverse engineered Forerunner technology. But I haven't heard about them ever inventing their own technologies.

Humanity has superior ships and weapons to planetary defenses compared to the Covenant. However, as a trade-off, they are in fact few in number. Since it has been more than 700 years since the last war. Mankind itself sees no need for the presents of any significant military force or military build-up. While Planetary Defenses are the mainstay of defenses in these times. So yes they do have energy shields and weapons that are at least nearing to or equal to the Forerunners and the Ancient human civilization. But then again do remember that it's been more than 700 years since the last war. Many of the weapons that mankind has been from that time period.

Why? it is because war is a thing of the past to them. They haven't researched new weapons since. If the research did occur I suspect that it is mainly covert and done at a really slow pace to not draw attention or raise suspicion. I am still torn over whether or not should I keep the same ship classes in the canon. But with different weaponry types, I might need to discuss this with myself. I'll let the readers decide on that.

As for interstellar space colonies, after debating with myself, I came to one conclusion. I find it somewhat inconceivable for a civilization despite not having FTL technologies to not at least attempt at creating an interstellar colony. I mean seriously it's not impossible it just takes a hell of a long time. You don't need to have FTL technology to be space-faring. After all, you could just make a ship travel near the speed of light and you might find that travel time is not as bad as you might think. Unless depending on how far the star is from the solar system. Hell even in Warhammer 40k, it took mankind around 10 millenniums to finally figure out warp travel faster-than-light. During that time they utilized slower-than-light methods. It's not great, but it's not that bad of a way to travel to another star system. It's just inconvenient.

Mankind in this Halo AU is able to create interstellar colonies via this method. Colonizing 800 sites across the Local Bubble at a radius of 100 light years. As a result of difficulties, many of these colonies are nowhere near as developed as those found back in the Solar System. Which in itself creates an interesting dynamic.

But anyways, the filler chapter is out.

And be on the lookout for the next one.

Edit:

2/10/23

I made a few changes to the setting. One being the Solar system is a Trinary Star System, not a Binary one.

The reason for this change was to increase the size of the solar system to flesh out the world-building aspect.

One mainly being why humanity is cramped into Sol and why their interstellar colonies seemed empty compared to the Sol System.

And how was humanity able to fit much of its population in such a small area of space, the distance between the two G-type stars is 0.16 light-years.

Similar in distance to the stars of the Cyrannus star system of RMD Battlestar Galactica. The next chapter will be coming out either this month or the next.

I also will include new technologies at mankind's disposal. This will make an appearance in the second to next chapter. I can wait to show it to you the readers. Sorry for the delay guys. Classes started just weeks back and my life was getting pretty hectic lately. Nevertheless, this story isn't dead yet.

As I plan to see it to the end eventually.

Cheers and have a nice day.