Chapter 2
Calm Before the Storm
12:15 am Standard Universal Time OSG
UNSC Daedalus - Class Warship Temperament
Admiral Thomas Lasky
Admiral Lasky was quietly watching the fleet surrounding the Temperament with muted interest and unspoken worried thoughtfulness. Like the other 5 ships of the line, the Temperament was 27 km long, the largest in the UNSC Navy. Capable of taking solar system's by itself, only Forerunners ships could take it on and win. Armed with 6 Forerunner-Enhanced Energy Projectors, which fired a thin scintillating beam of charged particles, capable of cleaving most, if not all, ships in two. Several smaller energy projecters dotted the hull for close range "knife fights." The ship had a Forerunner Metal/Titanium A6 Alloy armour, underneath dual layers of Hard-Light Shields. It made the famed Infinity - Class look like an ant. Localized Slipspace portals provided transport, and one new feature was that the bridge was actually buried in the heart of the ship, with cameras and scanners rendering an incredibly accurate picture that could be altered to show different settings, like infrared or the holographic "Battle Mode" (Similar to the simulator from Ender's Game).
After several minutes of this mindless task, he was roused from his musings by Roland, who had not only been upgraded with new software to prevent Rampancy and allow him to attain meta-stability, but now served with Lasky on the Temperament. It had been made law that any AI that was sentient was a full citizen of the OSG, granting more peace and stability to the already settled and powerful government.
"What are you thinking about, Admiral? You look... troubled." Roland stated as his avatar appeared full size behind Lasky, courtesy of the micro-projectors seeded everywhere, which allowed for full colour, rather than just blue or orange.
Lasky sighed as he turned around to meet his old friend and assistant.
"Just about what going to come around. I knew that at some point or the other, we would disagree, but who would have thought of full fledged war?"
"I understand what you're trying to say, but at least it's not like the H/C War, where we are horribly outclassed, wouldn't you say?"
Lasky pinched his nose as he turned back to the holographic screen showing the fleet, preparing for the imminent Republic offensive.
"I know, but this time it's different. We're fighting against not only aliens, but HUMANS! Our own kind. And the fact that we are on equal levels only means a longer war." We outgun them, but they outnumber us."
Roland smirked. "I think you forgot something. We have them. More importantly, we have him. With him fighting, with the other Spartans around him, that Jedi Council will know the wonderful thing we call fear."
For the first time that day, Lasky laughed.
"Quite true, which is probably why Chief is here today. Intel says a Jedi Knight, and a Master, are on the Attack Fleet. Chief and Cortana's mission is to infiltrate the flagship, kill or capture the Jedi, and secure Admiral Yularen. And ground teams planet side will be charged with the enroutment of the Republic's elite 501st Legion."
Roland whistled. "They sure are pretty serious 'bout this. By the way, about how Intel got all that info. According to Cortana and Black Box, who hacked the Republic servers, their security could be punched through by a drunk marine." Roland laughed. "Cortana's got it easy when she and Chief get on the ship."
"Yeah, but it's the Fleet that concerns me. We've got 81 ships here, including the one we are standing one right now. The Republic Fleet has around 250. They outnumber us 3 to 1."
Roland smirked again. "Honestly, you need to calm down. You're only 139. A fraction of your lifetime. That much stress in your young years could ruin retirement."
Lasky didn't respond, but smiled and instead summoned someone over the Intercom.
"Sierra 117, please report to the bridge, Adm Lasky out."
12:20 Universal Standard Time OSG
UNSC Daedalus - Class Warship Temperament
Sierra 117 Private Quarters
John at the moment had been doing the same thing as Lasky had been doing. Thinking. About his upcoming mission, to the rare distaste that he had felt for the Republic, and the Jedi, about Cortana's recent resurrection. The fact that he had been called to Onyx to be told that they had managed to bring Cortana back with full Sentience... it was one of the few times in the Spartan's life that he had been joyfully surprised. Of course, that surprise came again when news of the Republic came. He remembered his anger when he had been told of the Clone Army, and how the Jedi had been war-mongers, essentially, for so long. Of course, now he got to release that distaste in his mission.
His Mission. He was actually excited, because he would be trying out for the first time in-combat - the new Aegis III Powered Armour. Reverse - Engineered from Forerunner Promethean Armour, it retained the same look, capabilities, and such, but with a matte black colour. He had also wanted to know if it could withstand lightsaber blows, so that it would not fail him in combat with Jedi's.
"Having fun, Chief?"
John whirled around to see Cortana appear behind him, almost scaring him.
"Cortana. I was just thinking about what's gonna happen when we both blow our way onto that ship."
Cortana nodded."I known that you're worried about if you'll be able to complete it successfully. And ya know what I gotta say 'bout that?
"What?"
"DON'T WORRY! You've been through much worse, facing the Didact and all. You've fought against the Covenant for so long and refused to fall, and your inhuman luck only helps. We are going to finish this mission together. Promise?"
John smiled, and stood up, wearing the Aegis III bodysuit. "Promise."
"Sierra 117, please report to the bride, Adm Lasky out."
John streched. "Guess we'd better go then."
12:50 Galactic Standard Time
Republic Venator - Class Star Destroyer - Unstoppable
Jedi Knight Aayla Secura
Aayla Secura walked over to the window of the Unstoppable, offering a view of the twinkling engine lights of 251 ships that made up the Anti-UNSC Fleet, that was to take an OSG controlled world called Edwin II. As she took in the sight, she let her mind wander into the Force.
An entire species. Without a single inkling of Midichlorians in them. How was it possible?
She had been as surprised as everyone else when the council had realized the shocking truth. But this soon turned to worry when the OSG stared criticizing the Republic about their usage of clones, and more importantly, the Jedi Council itself. They had argued that the Council was corrupt, and was the main lighter of wars. Several Jedi, like Anakin, had been outraged, at the accusation. But none of them had expected things to change so quickly when the OSG declared war on them after a training mishap.
She was still musing about this when Shaak Ti walked up beside her, joining her in her viewings.
"You are thinking about the coming battle, no?" she inquired.
Aayla let herself laugh a little. "Not just that. About everything, how so much has changed in so little time."
Shaak Ti also laughed, but immediately became serious. "I hope all goes well in this battle. I heard that we outnumber the UNSC largely."
"But we should not underestimate them. Remember the damage the few ships at the War Games caused. Those were supposedly outdated ships according to the OSG."
Shaak Ti merely seemed to concede the point, and at the point; someone called out: "Admiral on deck!"
Both Jedi turned around to see Admiral Yularen walk onto the bridge.
"Jedi. I presume all is well?"
"Yes Admiral. We're just worried about the upcoming battle."
Yularen's face tightened as he walked over to the windows.
"While I know it is new, we must teach these scoundrels that they cannot support the CIS, disrespect the GAR, and then criticize the Jedi Council, without repurcussions. We must teach them a lesson."
And with that, he activated the comms, and broadcasted a meassage to the entire fleet.
"All ships, prepare to jump, to battle stations. May the force be with you!"
Soon the place where 251 mighty ships had once stood was now empty, as they all transitioned to hyperspace.
None of them saw or detected the stealth probe hovering, watching their every move and communication, which jumped to Slipspace as soon as the fleet left.
12:40 am Standard Universal Time OSG
UNSC Daedalus - Class Warship Temperament
Admiral Thomas Lasky
Admiral Lasky was running over the diagnostics, when an alarm blared through the ship, and throughout the whole 81 ship fleet.
"Roland! What's going on?!"
Roland materialized beside Lasky. "The ONI probe just confirmed that the Republic attack fleet just departed into hyperspace. They're moving."
"How long till they are here?" questioned Lasky.
"Calculation say an ETA 3 hours, due to the inferiority of hyperspace." Hyperspace was not actually slower than OSG Slipspace drives, but it was affected by gravity, making quick travel difficult.
Lasky grimaced. Just then, John 117 arrived on the bridge.
"Sir?"
Lasky turned to see him. "Good to see you, Chief. Probes just confirmed that the enemy has left. ETA 3 hours. I need you to get all the Spartans suited up, get suited up yourself, and meet me back up here before the Republic arrives. I wanna see the clown leading them, and I want you to represent the OSG along with me."
"Sir Yes SIR!"
"Then get to it, Spartan!"
1 1/2 hour later
Chief had just finished getting everyone else, including Blue Team, suited up, and he headed down to the Science Division to get suited up himself. As he stepped into the immaculate white room, a lone scientist greeted him.
"Hello Chief. I assume you're here to get the new armour I know you're dying to get on?" said the scientist with a smile.
Master Chief let himself laugh a bit. "I guess you could say that."
"Good. See that raised platform? Yeah that one. Step on it, and let the machine do the rest!"
John did as he was told, and the moment he stepped on the circular platform, a blue light scanned him.
"Sierra 117, acknowledged." Initiating Aegis III Attachment Sequence."
With that, the ceiling and floor broke open, and arms holding peices of armour extended out of the holes. Chief hovered a foot above the ground as the anti-gravity repulsor activated. He felt armour fly off of the arms and attach themselves to his bodysuit. The last piece, the helemt, flew into place, immediately giving Chief a new awareness of his surroundings. He didn't feel like he was in armour. A rendering of his surroundings surrounded him, and holograms also rendered themselves in. A slow pulse constantly emanated from him, and he realized that this was the new motion tracker, and he could tell that the suit had flight capabilities, and Active Camo as well.
"Like it? That armour, with full shields could take a Jedi's lightsaber wacking on it almost indefinetely, so you should be good for your mission." In fact, you can do almost anything in that armour, within reason of course. Don't go around nuking yourself. That won't end well for anyone." he chuckled.
Master Chief stepped off the platform, his suit somehow making almost no sound. "It's so light, compared to the older Mjolnirs."
"Yeah, joking aside, you could actually do flips and what not in this without any difficulty. Lifting capacity for you is now at around 15 tons in that. Max speed is around 60 or so miles an hour."
"Sounds all good. Room in their for me, Chief?"
Cortana appeared in the lab, right at the door.
"Come on in, Cortana." said Chief, and held out his hand. Cortana stepped up and touched it, and immediately disappeared. Chief felt the familier chill as she entered the suit.
"Very roomy. Well, what're we waitin for, let's get to the bridge before the Republic arrives. Maybe scare their Admiral into leaving us alone.
3:50 am Galactic Standard Time
Republic Venator - Class Star Destroyer - Unstoppable
Jedi Knight Aayla Secura
"ETA 1 Minute to arrival!"
Aayla Secura and Shaak Ti both walked up to the bridge windows and screens. They had been requested by Yularen to stay by his side when he hailed the OSG fleet when they arrived. And now, here they stood, waiting for the first battle of a war.
At that very moment, the dull grayscape of hyperspace made for the jarring colour bound reality of realspace. All eyes were drawn to the planet, which wuite apparently was undergoing terraforming.
"It still amazes me how they can terraform so quickly." said Shaak Ti as she gazed at the planet. Yularen was the first to spot the OSG fleet. They knew that this one was a full UNSC fleet. Unlike the Republic fleet, it was obviously not meant to look good in promo pics. It was meant war, conquest, and exploration. Matte Grey with Blue lights dotting the hulls, they sat in a triangular formation, menacing the outnumbering Republic Fleet with sheer Firepower.
Yularen grunted. "Do they actually expect to win with so few ships? We outnumber them 3 to 1."
Even with the advantage, Aayla didn't feel secure. The UNSC fleet looked advanced, capable of destroying at a moment's notice. It was then that the Communications Officer spoke up, somewhat quietly.
"It seems they're waiting. Orders, Sir?"
Yularen was quiet for a moment, before responding. "Hail them. I wanna see their scared faces."
"Doing it right now Sir."
03:50 am Standard Universal Time OSG
UNSC Daedalus - Class Warship Temperament
Admiral Thomas Lasky
Master Chief, Lasky both stood at the bridge, with Roland beside them. Cortana had decided not to show herself, and instead use the communications to gather any last-minute data about the Republic Fleet, which currently was drifting 320, 000 km away.
"Sir," called out the comms officer. "It appears that they are hailing us. Orders?"
Lasky called out, his voice clear in the tense air of the ship. "Patch 'em through. I wanna see these guys."
"Done, Sir."
With that, the holoprojectors whirred, and an image of the bridge of the Unstoppable appeared, and the talk began.
04:00 am Galactic Standard Time
Republic Venator - Class Star Destroyer - Unstoppable
Jedi Knight Aayla Secura
Aayla waited nervously while they waited for the UNSC flagship to respond. She had noticed that they seemed to be giving off very little energy. Either they were extremely good masking it, or they were extremely efficient with their usage. Then, The screens lit up as the UNSC responded.
Firstly, she was quite surprised about the size of the bridge. It was around half the size of the Venator's, and only 15 or so people sat at tables, staring at the screen. Also, unlike the large amount of electronics found in the Venator, the UNSC bridge had almost none, with huge holographic projections replacing them. Her attention then turned to the three strange people facing them directly in front of the screens.
The first was obviously the leader of the enemy fleet. He wore a white, formfitting uniform, with a few lines denoting his rank. A small cap was on his head, with a bird holding a banner was emblazoned in gold. He looked quite young, with dark brown hair, and intelligent eyes, and at the same time she could sense a strategic mind at work.
The other two characters were much stranger. The second thing on the bridge was massive. The figure a wore sleek, angular, futuristic armour of sorts, and must have been 8 feet tall. One of it's arms was a long, sleek barrel, of a no-doubt lethal weapon. It seemed to notice her, and although she could not see it's face, or feel it through the Force, she could sense anger and distaste in it.
The Final being was for all intents and purposes normal, but then it flickered, and she realized it was a very accurate hologram.
She was interrupted in her analysis by Yularen. "And who do I have the pleasure of talking with, from the primitive goverment known as the OSG?"
It had meant to anger the enemy, but when the first figure answered, she was surprised at how it answered.
"UNSC Admiral Thomas Lasky. The two gentlemen beside me are Commander Sierra 117, and this is RLD 0205-4, or Roland, the AI commander of this ship. I think we all want to know why you are invading sovereign OSG space, and why you haven't been smart enough to retreat. We WILL blow your Grand Fleet to Oblivion and back if necessary."
Yularen laughed. "Are you actually threatening a force that outnumbers you three to one? We are more than you, and you will know that you can't go around criticizing the Republic without consequences. After we finish mopping up the space that will be filled with the debris of your ships, your mighty goverment will fall."
"Excuse me, Admiral. While you were still in combat school, I was around fighting a genocidal alien hegemony. We, the UNSC, were nearly wiped off the face of the galaxy. It was only because of our persistance and forgiveness of our enemy's ignorance that we prevailed, and soon created the OSG. We have faced worse than you, and we are not afraid. If you do not leave the system, I will be forced to eradicate your fleet. And I promise. It will NOT end well for any survivors."
"Well, we are under orders to destroy you and take the planet, so I am afraid that we cannot comply." Yularen said with a smirk.
To their surprise, the Admiral sighed, like he had wanted to avoid conflict. "So be it. You have made your choice, and I cannot change that. My condolences."
With that, the screen went dark, and all on that bridge knew that their galaxy would be changed forever.
Author's Note # 3 - Stuff
Hey people, hope you're enjoying the story. Next will be the battle itself, and in later chapters, I will include the New Covenant in the war, with it being told from their PoV. Also, 'bout the armour that John is wearing, search up Forerunner Armour on Google Img, and the first one is what the Aegis III looks like. The gun on it's right hand can switch between the gun and a normal hand. Of course, the suit can operate normal weapons too. The left hand has similar capabilities. More info to come. Enjoy!
Yours,
PVonTuckIII