Chapter 4
Repercussions
Author's Note #6 - Apologies and stuff:
First of all, thank you to all of those who continued to read what I wrote. I still get alerts on my email saying people are reading. Thank you everyone. Next, I want to formally apologize for the lack of writing for the last few months. I haven't had much time to write in between an ever-busier school schedule, and the like, and eventually it just kinda slipped from my [forgetful] mind. So, I'm sorry. However, to make it up to you guys, I am releasing several chapters at once to make it up to you guys! So, without further ado, let's continue on!
Epsilon Eridani System
Reach (Terraformed)
3:00 PM Standard Universal TimeA
The city of New Alexandria was once more a jewel in the Reach landscape. After it's reconstruction was completed in 2610, it was subsequently recolonized by 2615. Now, not only was it the home to some of the largest companies and defense contracters in OSG space, it was also capital of the OSG itself. Under the shadow of the 5 kilometer tall headquarters lay one of the first joint-species city, where Human, Sangheili, Unggoy, and even Brute members could conduct business, talk to eachother, and simply live their lives in peace. However, despite it's peaceful facade, the city, and indeed the planet itself was, as before, a military fortress, with over 50 orbital guns in place, multiple groundside gun batteries protecting the cities, and divisions of Sentinels and soldiers ready to go at a moment's notice. And as of late, the military industry at Reach had been revved up, shipyards doubling their production rates, cadets being graduated out of the many academies across the planet. And now, in the aftermath of the Battle of Edwin II, OSG HIGHCOM was being spurred to action as well.
Reach
OSG Headquarters, HIGHCOM Tower
3:30 PM Standard Universal Time
"We have to go on the offensive! Crush their bodies into pulp! Grind their bones into dust!" shouted Kerberos, the Brute representative on HIGHCOM. "They dare to attack our world! I demand to know what the retaliation will be!"
"Patience Kerberos. Vengeance will come in it's own time." stated the Sangheili representative. Gal'en 'Sarum. Unlike previous holders of his position, Gal'en was unusually calm and collected for a Sangheili, prefering wise strategy over the prideful tactics of his predecessors. And even more unusually, he had once been a part of OSG Intelligence, which was rare for Sangheili. Nonetheless, his ideas and wit made him a valuable addition to the group.
At that moment the Human and Lekgolo (represented by Mgaelekgolo) representatives walked into the room, obviously having just finished a discussion.
The Human member, Benjamin Abrams, was a seasoned tacticion who had served on the frontlines of the H/C War for at least a decade, a neatly combed head of black hair combined with dark skin making look somewhat sinister, though many of his friends knew him to be quite jovial when the time called for it. "Ikon and I have just finished our talks. Humanity, and the Lekgolo, have decided on a proposal for a course of action for our current predicament. We propose one last message of peace. A final attempt to stop the War. However, should that fail, as Ikon here is certain, we will begin rearmament. All fleets are to be mobilized, re-armed, re-equipped, and made ready for war. All colonies will undergo the necessary precautions.
Notably, Ikon here suggested the construction of underground bunkers for civilians, in the event that another Republic Commander goes crazy like in Edwin II. We don't want that happening again. All Spec-Ops units, especially the Spartans and Ghosts, will be mobilized and made ready for any necessary mission." With his part complete, Ben sat and looked around the now silent table.
It was the Unggoy rep that broke the silence. "I for one have been reviewing video feed from Edwin II. I noticed we seem to have the upper hand in terms of technology, and weapon systems, most notably longe range ones. However, the enemy has the numbers to make that advantage null. In terms of ground combat, it seemed no Republic ship made it close enough to deploy their troops. However, as OSG Intel has revealed, Spartan 117 was sent on a spec-ops mission in an attempt to capture the enemy Admiral, and send a message to the Jedi.
While I wouldn't consider it fair to the clone soldiers on the ship to compare them to a Spartan II," light chuckles went across the group at this. "I would say that our troops won't have any huge disadvantage in ground combat, other than being outnumbered."
"So in my opinion, I feel like we should try for diplomacy more than war, although I can understand why the Republic would refuse peace at this point."
Keberos stood up. "So are we declaring war, or what? We're just gonna wait until they tell us? I say we launch a pre-emptive strike on their maj-"
"Kerberos sit down and calm down. Their are other ways to do this. Believe me when I say that if it comes to it, we will fully back the war proposal. However, why waste resources on another war when we can try for peace?" said an exasperated Ikon, representative for the Lekgolo.
"You just killed one of those Jedi freaks. The council no matter what you think of them, will not take that lightly. I didn't spend 3 decades trying to bring my species together without learning that if kill someone in another clan, that's like painting a bullseye on your chest and standing on a platform with no armour. The Republic, no matter how cowardly or idiotic they are, aren't going to take this lying down."
Gal'en spoke up. "As Sangheili representative, I for one support the given proposal. Wait for a response, and if things go south, prepare for war. I can't see any better option. You have my support, Ben and Ikon. Better to test diplomacy, and then take further measures, than be rash and fight a war that could be avoided."
"Mine as well. The Unggoy have your back." squeaked the Unggoy representative.
All heads now turned to Kerberos, obviously waiting for his decision. He seemed fairly disgruntled that they were willing to wait, but muttered out something that sounded like an agreement, and sat down.
Benjamin Abrams stood up. "It seems we are in agreement. We will attempt to avert further war with the Republic, but if, or when, those talks fail, we will mobilize. This meeting ajourned. Dismissed."
All 5 members of HIGHCOM scrapped their chairs backwards and left the room. While the AI representative, Legion, had not attended due to more important matters, he had already discussed the matter with the Human and Lekgolo reps, and after consenseus had been reached within the AI's themselves, he had agreed to the proposal. As of now, all AI's were being self-upgraded with military protocols and cyber-warfare packages, just in case. After all, you can never be too careful.
Core Worlds
Coruscant, Capital of the Republic
Jedi Temple
Normally, the Jedi Temple's interior was a peaceful, calm abode, a serene environment for the Jedi that lived their. However, today, chaos took place on it's highest level, where the disheveled Jedi Council debated the recent happenings in the Battle of Edwin II. The fact that one of their most experienced Jedi had fallen was a cause for great concern.
"This is deeply worrying. Shaak Ti was one of our most veteran members. The fact that one of these... Spartans... took her out, along with Captain Rex, is highly worrying." exclaimed Ki-Adi-Mundi.
"Not only that, the soldier managed to wipe out the entire clone complement on the ship, and gravely injure Master Secura. And not to mention, capture Admiral Yularen. Definetly not good." added Obi-Wan. He and Anakin had been invited to attend the emergency meeting.
The council once again erupted in discussion at this news, while Master Yoda sat quietly, contemplating the recent turn of events. His musings, along with the ongoing discussions, were cut short when Master Windu walked in. The dark man stood in front of the council.
"There has been news. Master Secura's life-pod was found exiting Hyperspace near Alderaan. The pod also happened to contain recordings of the entire fight on the ship. I think this will be most useful in learning more about our attackers." said Windu, as he inserted the data chip. The council fell silent as the holo-projectors flickered to life, and played their disturbing images...
Orion Arm, Unknown Sector
Unknown Planet
ONI Res/Recon Vessel, Eye of Minds
Dr. Catherine Halsey, despite the 'late' hour, was still up and awake, tapping out her findings on her tacpad. She had been assigned to the Eye of Minds as a civilian contracter. A few weeks ago, an ONI Slipspace probe had picked up a strange signal. It's identity had matched nothing. Not human, not OSG, not Forerunner, not anything. They had never found anything like it. However, BB had determined from its structure that it was a distress call. A beacon.
And so Halsey, an expert at such things, had been assigned to the research vessel looking for the origin of the signal. They had spent 3 days combing deep space until they reached a world. A garden world to be precise. Native animals were present, but no intelligent life was found. The signal seemingly was emanating from just inside the crust. From this, Halsey had hypothesised that whatever was sending the signal was inside a deep cave of some sort.
After a day of searching the caverns, they had finally found something. A huge door, mechanical in makeup. Normally this wouldn't have been a cause for alarm but strangely enough, the door was rather intricate. Gold filigree and smooth shells of silver adorned its surface. In the middle of the door, at eye level, was what Halsey figured was the keyhole. A circular depression with absolutely nothing in it. Due to the time that they found it, the team had decided to get back at it in the morning.
And so, Halsey though. A distress signa indicated that whatever species or individual had sent the signal was in some form of trouble. That meant that a fireteam of Spartans would be accompanying them.
She sighed as she shut off her tacpad and changed into nightclothes. As she lay there in bed, she realized something. The tune of the of message. It was almost... musical. Like a mother, singing to her child as they slept. Yet, something was missing. She could feel it. Somewhere at the back of her mind, she realized that whatever lay behind that door could either be a blessing, or a monster. She prayed as she slept that it was the former.
Orion Arm, Unknown Sector
Unknown Planet
Unknown Location
As Halsey slept, the being in the cryopod stirred. The sensors in his resting place had picked up activity. That could not be good. As the cryopod made preparations to open, the mind of the being awoke. The knowledge of the Orokin flew through it like birds in the woods. The power of a thousand suns warmed his muscles.
For the first time in a year, the ancient warrior stirred.
...
Authors Note #7: More stuff:
Again, I want to apologize for my lack of writing, as life has been getting increasingly stressful. Sorry this chapter isn't too long, but things will get heated the next few chapters as negotiations take place between the various factions. Yes, I said factions. For those who know what the last paragraph was referring to, I hope you like it! The next few chapters are already on their way, and I hope that you guys enjoy them!
Till next time!
-PVonTuckIII