For the veteran readers: I Have replaced chapter 1 with a new prologue that I highly suggest you read. Except for a few grammatical changes the chapter has not changed a bit. Thank you and my apologies for the inconvenience of a re-post. thank you again for your continued support. God Speed.
-Starwarsmast3r
Commander Akono Menteith- 53d Armored Division, 1st Regiment
ONI/UNSC Joint Command Headquarters- Actium Spaceport
May 6th 2545 1:06 hours
"Not listing a planetary attack on human population center is a serious offence, why wouldn't Joseph report it?" Winters asked
"Your guess is as good as mine" Minteith stated
"What about this other woman from ONI, Dare was it?" Winters asked
"Yes sir" Minteith confirmed
"Yes, here she is. Agent Veronica Dare. ONI section 1. Assignment: CLASSIFIED" Winters started "Her assignment is classified, but she's with the ODSTS. Who is their CO?"
"I think his name was Buck?" Minteith replied unsure of his answer. He had only had a formal meeting with him when he arrived yesterday.
"Good, that helps. Ahh, here we are. The 11th ODST division is currently under the command of... Vice Admiral Hieronymus. Michael. Stanforth" Winters said slowly
"Thats a mouthful" Minteith stated, taking a seat while he processed the situation
"And he's a handful" Winters stated "He makes breaking regulation routine"
"Sounds like you to have history"
"Yes, and not all of it good. I will bring this before the security council for review, however there is one snag"
"What's that, sir?"
"Proper channels dictate how this will go and who will see this request. one of those people is Wright's father"
"That complicates things"
"I can deal with the General, but I need substantial proof to convince him that his only son in unfit for duty, not to mention having this report shoot through the channels"
"He ordered us to fire on civilians"
There was a long pause of silence on both ends. Neither person liked what was just said
"That will do, I'll get the paperwork started. I will need your help here son"
"What would you have me do, sir?"
"Colonel Wright is hereby relieved of duties pending a Court Martial and investigation into charges of treason and war crimes, henceforth I am promoting you to acting CO of the 53rd Armored Division and the 34th Marine Division stationed as the local defence team. What you do from this point forward is up to you, Colonel Minteith."
"Thank you sir" Minteith stated giving a salute
"I'll be in contact, Winters out" The Admiral said, giving a quick salute before disconnecting
Minteith took a seat and thought about what he had just done. Arresting the Division CO in the middle of a combat scenario wasn't good for morale or building trust. Minteith wasn't sure about how they would take it either. Sure Wright was a dick at most points through his career but he was still in charge, or, as far as they knew he was. However Minteith had new orders, orders that made sense, orders he would see through to the letter. Minteith got up and got an idea
"Dallas?" Minteith asked
"At your service, partner" Dallas responded, while winding up a digital whip around his arm
"There are cameras and voice recorders spread across the base correct?" Minteith asked
"Yes sir, per UNSC regulation…" Dallas started
"Yes thats fine, are there any cameras in the Colonel's office?"
"Yes sir but access is restricted"
"Override with my new clearance"
"Oh, my deepest apologies pilgrim, I wasnt aware of the sudden promotion. Your access is granted"
"Thank you Dallas that will be all"
Video and audio was projected on a small terminal behind the Holotable.
"Ok, Wright what are you hiding?"
The video loaded, time stamped; May 5th 2545 19:30 hours
"Michael? It's Dare. They're here"
"On Actium? This is unfortunate but, we been preparing for this. How many?"
"1 ship; Cruiser class"
"Are your troopers ready?"
"Yes sir"
"Good. I will be there in 48 hours. I've mobilized a lot of resources for this mission Dare, I expect results upon my arrival"
"You will sir, I promise"
"Good, You have a green light to engage by whatever means you feel necessary. I'll see you two days, good luck Dare. Stanforth out"
"Dare? interesting" Minteith thought to himself
"Sir i've flagged an outgoing transmission to the same destination as the one in the video, transmitting location to you now"
"Good, broadcast this live to Admiral Winters, We've got them"
6 Hours later
Minteith marched across the yard of the firebase. The 34th where prepping to move out into the city to keep Covenant ground forces from reaching the refugee camp. The 34th gathered into squads and got their orders for deployment. After getting deployment location they gathered their gear and moved out into the city. some stayed back as point defence and others would patrol the Glasslands, just south of the Super-Carriers gravity lift. Minteith had a plan, it was still in the rough stages but in order for it to work; he needed the ODST's. A group of the 11ths officers had gathered outside the mess hall. they were whispering and got real quiet when Minteith approached.
"Gunnery Sergeant Buck?" Minteith asked
"Yea, thats me" Buck responded
"Colonel Akono Minteith, 53rd Armored Division. I don't believe we've had a proper introduction" Minteith stated, extending his hand. Buck accepted, shaking hands with Minteith
"Pretty ballsy what you did, arresting your CO like that, i see you got a promotion out of it though" Buck stated
"I did what needed to be done, I hope you will do the same" Minteith responded
"Why dont you get to the point Colonel, I never liked guessing games"
"We need your help, Sergeant"
"Well, now that you've asked politely, No"
"Im sorry?"
"When you hauled away your CO you brought ours with him, and I only take orders from her"
"Captain Dare is facing treason charges, I'm not just going to let her go"
"Then I'm just going to sit right here, your choice, Colonel"
Agent Veronica Dare
On-Base Holding Cells
May 6th 2545 05:45 hours
Dare sat alone in her holding cell, there was a cool breeze coming from a barred window above her bed. She started to rub her hands together hoping to generate some heat to her freezing cold hands. She took a seat on the provided bed. There were no sheets or pillow, just a metal rectangle held up by 4 steel bars. She layed back on the bed trying to get some sleep, she was closing her eyes when, from behind the steel door entrance came two marines, followed by Minteith.
"Unlock the door" Minteith ordered ordered to one marine. He nodded and pulled out a key card, swiping it into an electrical box beside the door. a little light on the side flashed green and the door unlocked. Minteith opened the door and moved inside.
"Im afraid I need your help" Minteith stated
"Really, you drag me off to the gallows then you ask for my help" Dare said, crossing her arms
"I heard the transmissions you sent to Stanforth, you weren't 100% on board for whatever it was you were planning. This is your home, your neighbors. Im giving you a chance. ONLY a chance" Minteith stated
"Ill take it. But can you really trust me?" Dare asked
"In my books, trust is earned" Minteith stated, handing Dare her an M6C "So earn it"
Dare looked down at the Sidearm and took a sigh of relief. Perhaps all was not lost. Perhaps she could redeem herself for the wrongs she had done.
"You're crazy, you're all crazy" Wright stated from his cell "You've fucked us all over Minteith. not just the 12 MILLION people on this heap of rock but HUMANITY. You haven't even asked what we did, asked what we were planning. Ask her, ask her what we were willing to do to defend humanity"
Minteith walked over to Wright's cell, putting his arms through the cell bars and leaning against it, looking him in the face
"This isn't about her, about me and is sure as hell isnt about you. This is about Actium and undoing the shitstorm you're responsible for" Minteith said slowly "Come on we need to get moving, Covenant ground teams are getting closer to the elevator, we need to move those civilians"
"You think you're one of the good guys Minteith, but I've got a news flash for you asshole; THERE'S NO SUCH THING!" Wright yelled back in a last ditch attempt to get into Minteiths head
The pair paid no attention to Wright as they moved towards the exit and was buzzed out of the Base Holding Cells. There was an awkward silence in the air as they approached the main field. Dare couldn't stand it anymore: the silent judging coming from the man in front of her
"You never told me what your problem was" Dare stated. Minteith chuckled and turned around
"Your soldiers are too damn loyal, Perhaps for their own good" Minteith responded
Dare grinned, she knew Buck would have a problem with her being hauled away and he would have questions. He couldn't know, none of them could"
"Commander...Colonel, sorry. Can I ask a question?" Dare asked
"Make it quick" Minteith asked
"Can you not mention that I'm ONI to my team?" Dare asked
"They don't know?" Minteith responded
"Soldiers don't react to highly to someone from Naval Intelligence, not to mention having to take orders from them. And i've developed a...relationship with one of the soldiers" Dare stated
Minteith crossed his arms "That's against regulation"
"I know, but when you work with these people 24/7 you develop a, bond of sorts. Its nothing serious I swear"
The Elevator arrived on the main floor of the Command centers main floor. They exited outside and walked out onto the main field. The 34th was gone without a trace and the 11th was geared up and ready on the main field.
"Your just full of secrets, aren't you. anything else you want to share?" Minteith asked
"If you have the time and clearance" Dare said jokingly
"Well I have one of those things…" Minteith stopped analyze an event happening behind Dare. The large crowd was making a hole in their group to make way for a 16 wheeler transport truck driving towards the base.
"Ill be right back" Minteith started, running for the front entrance. Dare looked back for a second until someone called her name
"Dare?" the voice called
"Buck" Dare responded
"I didn't think they would let you out" Buck said with a smile on his face
"So this IS your doing?" Dare snapped back
"Of course, i wasnt gonna let these clowns drag you away. Did you want me to let them?"
"Yes!"
"Jesus, Veronica..."
"Now the Colonel knows, I told you when we started this that it was supposed to be a secret"
"I just saved you from false imprisonment and you're going crazy about it'
"I know, I'm sorry Buck. There's just a lot going on right now"
Colonel Akono Minteith- 53rd Armored Division
Actium Space Elevator
May 6th 2545 05:45 hours
Minteith ran to the front gate of the base and kicked open the chain-link fence leading to the camp of refugee civilians. Minteith proceeded to push through the crowds of people watching in awe. The Marines at the gate drew their weapons at the truck ready to fire. Minteith jumped out in front of the truck, holding his arms up in the direction of the oncoming truck
"Troopers stand down" Minteith ordered. the Marines looked at each other with confusion and slowly lowered their weapons in compliance. The truck continued to speed down the road, blowing a loud air horn to signal Minteith so get out of the way
"Aint moving you son of a bitch" Minteith said under his breath.
As if the driver heard those words the truck through on its air brakes and rolled to a stop a few feet from where Minteith was standing. The drivers side door flew open and Roberts dismounted the truck, slamming the door behind him. Reginald opened the passenger side door upchucking on the ground below
"Minteith you crazy son of a bitch" Marcus yelled
"I would say the same thing" Minteith said, taking some deep breaths
"You either get that door open or get out of my way" Marcus responded
"We can't get a hold of the company" Minteith replied
"Then ill get it open" Marcus stated, moving back for the truck
"No need, crowbars on its way"
"You went behind Wright's back?"
"He's sitting in a cell as we speak"
"You arrested him? For what?"
"War crimes and Treason"
"That requires the signatures of…"
"The UNSC defence council"
"How did you get them?"
"I didn't. They don't come back together again until the Strategies Summit on Reach next week"
"Then how did you… Akono you beautiful bastard"
"What he doesn't know won't hurt him, we will have a real warrant in no time, we just need to survive this first"
"What about this crowbar you promised?"
"Its already here" Minteith stated, pointing behind him
Sitting idle in front of the Elevator doors was a M8088 MBT locked and loaded. Jones sat in the driver's seat waiting for a signal to be given by the Colonel Minteith jumped up on the wreckage of a burning Civilian vehicle
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, COULD I HAVE YOU ATTENTION PLEASE. IN A MOMENT THE ELEVATOR DOORS WILL OPEN AND YOU WILL BE TAKEN ON-BOARD AN ORBITING UNSC WARSHIP, PLEASE LINE UP SINGLE FILE WITH WOMEN AND CHILDREN LEADING THE GROUP. AND PLEASE, FOR YOUR SAFETY; COVER YOUR EARS"
MInteith jumped down and gave the thumbs up in Jones' direction. Jones sat down completely into the seat and closed the entrance hatch. There was a small computer terminal listing the tanks health status, ammo capacity and other useful combat data. he lined up the shot in a small targeting computer and grasped the joystick in front of him; resting his index finger on the release trigger. He slowly turned the head of the tank until the cross-hairs lined up in between the gap in the doors. If he didn't hit that spot directly the doors wouldn't be able to be opened manually. He took a deep breath and fired an AP shell at his target. The ground shook as the shell was released from the barrel of the tank. As the shell hit the target the Elevator shook and swayed, a couple unprepared civilians screamed from the ringing of their eardrums. Luckily, Jones had sound resistant Ear Phones. The hole made by the HE shell made almost a perfect hole in the main doors. Minteith jumped through the hole and approached the interior security console. he slid his finger across the screen and opened the main door control program. The doors slid and hissed as they slowly opened to reveal the darkened interior of the Space Elevator. The UNSC logo still looked new on the cargo doors leading to the elevator. Roberts stepped inside taking a look around
"People are lining up outside like you said. And for the record, i'm glad you came to your senses" Roberts said, patting Minteith on the back. Roberts approached the main computer console and switched on the lights. Marines stood at the doors and started to let groups of women and children inside. Roberts started to count the people as the walked in, letting 40 in at a time. Dare and buck stepped inside and approached Minteith.
"Everyone's assembled in the field sir, awaiting your orders" Dare stated
"Good. Buck, prepare a squad of your best men and then wait for us here. Dare, with me"
"What's the plan?"
"I want that Super-carrier out of my skyline"
"How do you propose we do that? The things 5x bigger than any other UNSC ship in active duty"
"Dont worry, i've got a plan" Minteith explained as they entered back into the base
"ALRIGHT, LISTEN UP" Minteith yelled "Admiral Winters will be arriving to relieve us and get us out of here which means we need to be ready when he arrives. Which also means that Covenant ship has to go or none of us are leaving here in one piece. I need a team of specialists in data retrieval, explosives training and CQB combat"
"I have explosives training sir" A Marine said from the adjacent building
"Well get over here Marine" Minteith said "What's your name soldier?"
"Connor sir, Connor Grey"
"Training?"
"Bomb squad back on Earth. 5 years"
"Welcome aboard, Marine. Anyone else"
Two Soldiers were fighting off to the side. One soldier was trying to get the other to listen but she kept dismissing him. Minteith made his way through the line of soldiers and stood in front of them which made them stop completely
"Is there a problem here?" Minteith asked
"Sir, Corporal Jenny Tomson is refusing to volunteer her combat services" One marine said. The female Marine tensed up, making a ball out of her fist
"Is that so Corporal?" Minteith asked
"Not anymore sir" She replied
"Glad to hear it, Im sure you'll do and Mister Grey can wait outside the Space Tether with the ODST's
"Yes sir" she responded walking off with Connor following close behind
"I have experience in data retrieval and alien linguistics sir, i would like this chance to earn your trust"
"Alright Dare, I'll bite" Minteith said grinning
"As for the rest of you. Im aware that the sudden changing of rank and orders is a lot to take in given the present circumstances. But we've been through worse, On Harvest and on Mars . I have trust in each and every one of you. Good luck" Minteith stated, addressing the rest of the 53rd
"What are our orders sir" Jones asked
"Mobilize the decision and hit 'em hard and push them back to the ship. We can take it from there" Minteith repled
"Yes sir" Jones said happily
"Sir, Slipspace ruptures detected. Admiral Winters fleet has arrived and is collecting the civilians" Dallas said over Minteith's earpiece
"Good, hail him" Minteith replied
Supreme Commander Alei 'Komtaree- The Resplendent Fervor
Directly over Actium Capital
9th Age of Reclamation
Alei walked onto the Bridge of his Carrier and sat down, appreciating the calmness of the bridge. Even though they were embroiled in a war below, the bridge was quiet, too quiet.
"Status" Alei yelled
"Commander, a human fleet has arrived above the planet and are taking the humans below to safety" An Elite reported
"Their cowardice was expected and plays no part in our plans. Let them run, they will not get far. We must find the Relic before the Hierarchs arrive" Alei ordered
"Our scan is nearly complete commander" Another Elite responded
"I hope for your sake it is" Alei replied
"Commander! I'm getting a signal from one of our ground forces; emergency broadcast" The first Elite yelled
"Put it through" Alei said calmly
"...this is Ranger Luro 'Taralumee…" The signal continued to crack and eventually fell silent
"Static in the area is interfering with the signal" The Elite continued
"He can't be… I'm going down there. send a ship to retrieve me when the scan is complete"
Alei ordered as he marched off to the hanger. He commandeered a banshee and powered it up, flying out the starboard side.
"Shipmaster, do you require an escort" An Elite asked over the radio
"I can handle myself" Alei snapped back, disabling the radio
"If you want something done right…" Alei thought as he got closer to Luros position. Alei flew farther from the glasslands and he finally approached a large white house on the cliff and landed in the driveway. A black SUV was poorly parked in the driveway and its doors were wide open. A Mailbox on the street said "Rober.." the rest was blown off. With a flick of his wrist, Alei ignited his energy sword and processed inside. The front door was wide open and riddled with plasma burns. The hardwood floor was full of blood and shell casings. A woman laid dead on the floor with a Energy sword burn through her torso.
"Luro, come out of hiding" Alei yelled. A distortion in Aleis view came from around the corner and Luro un-cloaked himself and kneeled down infront of Alei
"I have failed, you know what must happen now" Luro stated, not wanting to look Alei in the eye
"I do, but i'm not one for tradition, stand up Luro" Alei ordered
"I am full of dishonour, i must be punished" Luro insisted
"I will not kill you Luro" Alei stated
"Then the prophets will. They will hang me by my entrails and parade my carcass around the holy city"
"If that is what they desire, Then it will be done. I will not lay a hand on you. Now come back to the ship. The Prophets shall want to know of your survival" Alei started for the balcony when he heard the ignition of an Energy sword
"You dare cross swords with me Luro"
"You took EVERYTHING from me. Im not going back there. And if i am i will be rewarded for your death. Perhaps giving your head to the Prophets will make me worthy again. It won't hurt to find out. Well, not for me at least"
Alei ignited his Sword and immediately clashed swords with Luro. They interlocked their swords, not moving an inch. Alei ignited the second sword on his belt and swung it at Luro quickly jumped away regaining his footing. Alei lowered his swords on either side of his and slowly approached Luro. Luro ran at Alei in an attempt to get him off guard. Luros slash was deflected by one of Aleis swords as the other one passed on his right. Luro ducked just in time and Alei's slash removed Luros helmet clean off his stood back up and tackled Alei to the ground and punched him in the face, although Alei's armor took most of the damage, Luro raised his sword for a ceremonial kill. Alei was trapped underneath Luro. Luro was taller and heavier than Alei which didn't help
"Forgive me Alei" Luro said
Alei wasn't done yet. Alei gathered strength and headbutted Luro which freed Alei from Luro's clutches. Both warriors stood up and grabbed their weapons. This time Alei took a charge running at Luro with a full force of anger. Luro effectively blocked Alei's swings and both Elite's weapons were interlocked. Alei disengaged, spinning around having his back face Luro and igniting his second sword into Luro's torso. Luro dropped his weapons and looked down and his killing blow and chuckled. Alei stood back up and slashed Luros body in an X form. two diagonal lines now poured purple blood as Luros lifeless carcass fell to the floor Alei put away his second sword and picked up Luros body by his head.
"For the Prophets" Alei said, slicing off Luros head with a single clean stroke. The headless corpse fell back to the floor, letting out more blood than before. Alei looked into Luros eyes and smiled
"You are forgiven, Heretic"
End Chapter 4