Please note: The next 2 chapters of Halo: Actium named Origins Part 1 and Origins Part 2 will be strictly prequel chapters. This note is made to minimimize confusion on dates. Thank you and Enjoy.
-Starwarsmast3r
Shipmaster Alei 'Komtaree- First fleet of Holy Respute
Covenant Holy City, High Charity
Ninth Age of Reclamation (Days before the Actium Campaign)
Alei marched down the halls of High Charity, on his way to the chambers of the High Council. He boarded a Phantom waiting to take him to the astute government of his Covenant. Today was trial day for a shamed Supreme Commander. Everyone in the capital would be waiting for the council's decision. It had been years since a case of heresy had been before the council, long before Alei's time. Alei thought what many thought and hoped the council would make the same conclusion. He hoped the council would think of him as a traitor; A Heretic. The worst type of branding for anyone who walks the path. But still Alei questioned his appearance at the trial. He had never met the commander, nor assist his fleet on any matters. He wondered if it was another trial by combat cases, Alei didn't like to brag, but was very adept at sword fighting, but wasn't exactly prepared to fight such a solider with many years of combat under his belt. The Phantom reached a large purple building with seven lights running along top the building. Alei had never had the honour of being before the noble leaders of his Covenant. As the phantom approached the landing area Alei noticed yet another light shining above the doorway to the Chambers.
"My thanks" Alei told the pilot as he stepped off the craft. The pilot nodded as the Phantom sped back into the air, joining many other Covenant craft flying around the Capital. He approached the large door, leading to the council halls. He could hear the yelling from out here.
"My thanks" Alei told the pilot as he stepped off the craft. The pilot nodded as the Phantom sped back into the air, joining many other Covenant craft flying around the Capital. He approached the large door, leading to the council halls. He could hear the yelling from out here.
'You're late" A voice snarled from the doorway. Alei turned around to find Tartarus standing in the doorway
"Tartarus?" Alei asked "You wield the hammer of your chieftains but your Uncle is not present"
"My Uncle was a disgrace to the pack, we are better off without him. The Hierarchs await your arrival, I would not keep them waiting" The Chieftain snarled. Alei agreed and started down the hall, walking by the Honor Guards that lined the hall to the chambers. Alei finally approached the main door and waited patiently as it spun open, revealing the large chamber of the High Council: 200 of the Covenants most important political leaders. Sangheili on one side, San 'Shyuum on the other. Three honour guards stood on either side of the path to the pedestal looking towards the Prophets. On the pedestal stood the Elite in question; Luro 'Taralumee
"The vote is cast. 80 against to 120 for a crime of Heresy" The Prophet of Objection said aloud, speaking for the San 'Shyuum
"We are in unison, Hierarch's" Soha 'Rolamee added. The counsellors clapped and chanted with joy over the decision that was made"
"There will be order in this Council" The Prophet of Mercy demanded, slamming his fist onto his chair
"Then so it shall be, Supreme Commander Luro 'Taralumee. You shall be stripped of your rank and status and imprisoned for the crime of heresy to the Covenant" The Prophet of Regret stated calmly. Luro lowered his head in shame and fell to his knees. Mercy raised his arm and signaled the brutes who stood at the council doors entrance. The Brutes came up from behind him and started to beat him, weakening him to be more easily transported and to be less of a threat. Eventually Luro gave up and the brutes dragged him away by his feet
"Ah Alei come before us" Truth stated in a glad tone, changing it to address the Council "The council is dismissed, leave us"
The councilors slowly got up and walked away, leaving the Hierarchs to their business. After a short amount of time the hall was empty of councilors and guards. Alei approached the pedestal where Luro once stood and and kneeled to show respect.
"Hierarchs, I am honored that you requested me personally. How may I serve you" Alei asked
"You may rise, Alei. You are no heretic, however as more of our instruments falls to heresy, they leave behind a dishonoured and confused fleet. In this case, we need someone to infuse honour back into those who they used to command" Regret stated
"You wish for me to command...a fleet?" Alei asked again
"You have shown great devotion to the Journey" Truth replied
"And you shall be a great asset to us" Mercy Added
"I am honoured Hierarch's, what would you have me do?" Alei responded
"Through our scouts, we have learned of another human world. We think this will be a redeeming mission for you, and the Heretic we have sentenced" Truth added
"You want me to take him under my command?" Alei asked again
"We do not believe Luro 'Taralumee is a heretic, but we can't let the council know he will live. They made their decision with haste and to promote fear" Regret stated
"His use is of your discretion, but if you find that his services are needed, report to us about his performance. We may change our minds about his sentence" Truth added
"Of course Hierarch's, I will find a use for him" Alei replied
"As is custom in these circumstances, we will now read to you the Rite of Leadership" Truth responded
"You are our sword and shield" Regret started
"A culmination of all we have built" Mercy added
"You will lead your fleet with Honour, Distinction, and Retribution for those who would dare face you" Truth continued
"Those who are enemies of our covenant must be destroyed, and you will guide them to damnation from the gods" Regret said, repositioning himself in his chair
"You are our instrument, a means to walk the path of the great journey. The campaigns you will command are threatening and full of peril, but are necessary to ascend to the god's" Truth finished
"Do you accept your role as Supreme Commander?" Mercy asked
"Humbly, Hierarch's" Alei stated, again bowing his head
"Then go now Supreme Commander 'Komtaree, we unleash you against the humans with our blessing" Regret stated
"Show them the error of their ways" Truth finished
Alei kneeled one last time as the Prophets took their leave. One by one they exited the chambers and Alei returned to the landing platform outside. The purple door opened and a Phantom landed in front of stepped on board, expecting to leave when a voice called out"
"Commander, halt" Truth yelled, Honour guards following close behind
"Noble Prophet of Truth" Alei stated, bowing his head
"I wish for you to ignore the other Prophets and listen to me. Luro has desecrated his path and the ones around him. The gods will not accept his failure. His path must be corrected by your blade"
"You wish for me to kill him?" Alei asked
"His fleet will only listen to you out of fear, but make their leader bleed and they will cease to believe in him" Truth stated
"I will find a way. Hierarch" Alei said, raising his head
"I know you will, now go. You have a victory to earn for us"
Lieutenant Akono Minteith- 17th Light Infantry Marines
Planet; Reach, UNSC Omaha (Orbital Defence Platform)
March 1st 2526 05:30 hours
"Hey, Minteith. Minteith? Wake up princess" a voice said "Hey" the voice repeated, whacking Minteith with a rolled up newspaper
"Get lost Jack" Minteith said with some disappointment, pulling the sheets back over his shoulders
"Get up you lazy bastard, the squad is lined up outside. They have been for the last 10 minutes"
"Shit...fine. Fine, I'm getting up"
"Good, I'll inform the squad of the good news. Im sure that they will be delighted to know you've gotten your beauty sleep"
Jones turned around and exited out the door, closing it behind him. Minteith sighed and sat on the side of the bed, running his fingers through his semi-greasy hair. He reached to his left, grabbing his shirt off the hook attached to the bed. This is the fourth time he had overslept in the last month, but constant re-deployment will do that to you. It had been over a year since he had seen Earth, or his family. But someone needs to fight the insurrectionists, and Akono volunteered his service to the cause of peace. Akono walked to his bathroom and approached the sink splashing some water on his face. -He looked at himself in the mirror, he hadn't shaven in days. Minteith put his head under the sink wetting his hair. He turned off the tap and reached for Dry Spray Shampoo and sprayed it across his hair. Minteith finished getting ready as quickly as he could, throwing on his PT gear and getting a file of papers addressed to him.. He threw on his UNSC designate sneakers and found his squad waiting outside. Minteith thought a moment before addressing his men
"Well gentlemen, I hope you enjoyed watching the show" Minteith said
"What show sir?" A Marine asked
"Watching the grass grow corporal, what else?" Minteith replied
"We're on a space station sir, there is no grass" the Marine pointed out
"Really, is that so? Well I think a quick run to the habitation room will correct that statement, GO" Minteith yelled, watching the squad go off running. Minteith took a back route, by this rate he could reach the habitation room before the squad while simply walking. Minteith opened the file. They were deployment orders with the words "Confidential" stamped in red ink across the front. He ripped open the top and read out the details of the report
"17th light Infantry Division is hereby being deployed aboard UNSC Marathon Class Cruiser, Designate Avenger. Acting officer- Captain Marcus Roberts. Transfer to UNSC Omaha pending arrival of the UNSC Avenger for deployment at 06:30 hours" Minteith read to himself as he continued to read off the details and times. By the time he was done he arrived at the habitation module. Minteith took a seat, pending the arrival of a sweaty group of soldiers. However a sound caught his attention. as luck would have it a Marathon class cruiser flew by the window, making a starboard turn to a docking station 3 floors up. Its blue engines started to fade as a connection bridge attached itself to the hull. As Minteith looked back down the hall the soldiers were making the turn to the habitation module.
"Alright ladies, new plan. Turn around and get your gear, our rides here early" Minteith yelled
The group moaned and groaned as they turned themselves around. Jones walked toward Minteith and took a seat, wiping some sweat from his forehead
"Whats the plan?" Jones asked
"We are boarding the UNSC Avenger, captained by one Marcus Roberts for further deployment"
"Seriously? And I was starting to like it here" Jones said sarcastically
"We will get food on the ship, but right now I need the squad ready"
"Your wish is my command, Sir" Jones finished, jogging off to the barracks behind the rest of the squad
Minteith looked back down at his orders and memorized them just in case. Insurrectionists were moving fast. They were well equipped and well funded. This was going to be a long war, and nothing short of a miracle would stop it.
"Leiutenant? I thought that was you sitting there alone" A voice called. Minteith looked up with surprise, recognizing the voice of is CO
"Captain Smith?" Minteith asked 'What are you doing here sir?"
Smith extended his hand and Minteith accepted the courtesy
"Thought I'd come check up on my favorite second-in-command. You read the briefing packet yet"
"Yes sir, just straight forward really" Minteith replied lifting the packet in the air to show Smith
"I agree, except for the part thats missing our deployment location"
"I guess i didn't read that far ahead"
"Thats quite alright son, thats what Im here for. That our ride?" Smith asked, pointing to the ship docked outside
"I assume so, pretty big coincidence if it's not" Minteith replied
"Well then, I'll check on the other squads, Meet you on the docking deck then?"
"Wouldn't miss it, sir"
Both men stood up, giving each other a formal salute and then going their separate ways. Minteith stopped to look out at the Avenger. Her engines had finally cooled showing the thrusters themselves. green and red lights continued to flash on the hull of the ship signifying that the ship was in dock. By now, the crews were being exchanged and the food re-stocked for another deployment. HIS deployment. Minteith had been on a lot of deployments for his age, especially for lying on his deployment form. Since his father's arrest when he was 14, Minteith was looking for a way out, a way off the streets. Until he met Captain Smith, Smith got him off the streets and into UNSC basic training when he was 15. He could sell that he was a year older easily, He had a January birthday so it made it easier. Minteith couldn't stand his father, so it was easy for him to reflect his anger onto any" innie" he may come across. Basic was hard work, harder than Minteith imagined, but one person stuck with him throughout the whole thing; Jack Jones. Jones was from the streets as well so the two got along smashingly. Jones was the only person in basic that knew of Minteith's true age and kept the secret even after graduation. Smith knew of course, but didn't care, he saw potential in him as a soldier, and as leader.
Minteith collected his things and started running towards the barracks to get changed, looking out into space every now and again. Still mesmerized that he had gotten to this point. As he arrived to his room of the barracks, he found a note taped to his door
"Squad was ready to go and the Captain wanted us to get moving so im taking the guys to the ship. See you there. Jack" Minteith read in his head. he tore the note down and moved inside. The whole room was spotless. Minteith's bags were packed and his uniform pressed and hung up. Minteith didn't give much time to think about who did it, just accepted it and got ready. He threw on his Marine uniform, checking it for wrinkles or rips. Minteith checked himself one last time in the mirror before leaving for the Avenger. He thought he looked stunning in uniform, smiling at his own joke he grabbed his bags and left for the ship. Keeping a light power walk, a thought popped into his mind
"Shit" he thought, looking back for his room "I forgot to brush my teeth"
Captain Marcus Roberts- UNSC Avenger
Avenger Bridge
March 1st 2526 06:30 hours
Marcus marched his way to the bridge of his new Marathon class cruiser, data pad in hand. A helmsman walked up to im, indicating he wanted a signature but Marcus shrugged him off, pointing to the earpiece in his ear. The helmsman nooded and walked to his post
"No sweetheart I didn't forget about our anniversary" He told his wife, who was on the other end of the call
"Then why aren't you here?" Julie asked
"Because we are at war with the insurrectionists and i'm in the military, which implies i need to fight the bastards" Marcus replied hastily, taking a seat in the captain's chair
"You promised you'd be here"
"And the Innies promised to be present at peace summits, their lack of attendance is the reason for my lengthy tour"
"That is a shitty excuse and you know it"
"Uhh...sorry honey were entering slipspace your uhhh, breaking up"
"Don't you dare…"
Marcus hung up the call and lied back in his chair, letting out a sigh of relief
"Corporal, word of advice. Dont. Get. Married. Worse decision of your life I guarantee it" Marcus stated, running his hands down his face
"Its a bit too late for that sir" the Corporal replied
"My condolences. Helm, you wanted to talk to me?" Marcus asked
"Sir, the marines are prepared outside, awaiting your orders to board" Helmsman Makkenna stated
"Good, Helm, you have con" Marcus said, practically jumping out of his seat
"Yes sir" Makkenna replied
Marcus got up out of his chair and started for the elevator down the the connections deck. After a short elevator ride up two floors the elevator bell gave off a short *ding* and the doors opened to the bridge connecting the Avenger to the Omaha. The floor was cold in comparison to the rest of the ship as well as narrow, just enough space for two lines of soldiers to march back and forth. As he reached the end of the tunnel he found just that. Two lines of marines were standing at attention with their commanding officer having a word with the Avenger's Executive Officer
"Emily, These them?" Marcus asked
"Yes sir" She replied, stepping out of the way
"Captain Benjamin Smith, 17th light infantry, you must be Captain Roberts" Smith said giving a salute
"Its a pleasure captain" Marcus said giving a quick salute in response
"This is my second-in-command" Smith said, pointing to his left
"Lieutenant Akono Minteith, at your service sir" Minteith replied, giving a salute
"Pleasure to meet you son, if you don't mind Captain I would like to address your squad and get underway as soon as possible" Marcus stated
"Be my guest" Smith replied
"Good morning, my name is Marcus Roberts, I'm the captain of the UNSC Avenger. Once we are underway my XO: Commander Emily Prentiss, will brief you about mission parameters. Until then the mess hall is open and the food is hot, Im sure you gentlemen are starving. On behalf of the entire crew, welcome aboard the UNSC Avenger. Dismissed"
Marcus dismissed himself from the group taking Emily with him as they both entered the elevator. Marcus first pushed the button for the Hangar, followed by the Command Deck
"I'm not coming with you to the bridge sir?"
"No, you need to brush up on the op at hand, i want these guys on the ground and ready afer we arrive"
"Yes sir"
The elevator rang its bell again revealing the hangar deck. Emily took her leave and started for a briefing room off to the side. Marcus pressed the button for the bridge and the elevator and waited as the elevator crawled up the ship to its destination. Marcus reached into his pocket and pulled out his smartglass communicator and opened the lock screen showing 5 missed calls from his wife along with a long line of infuriated and provocative texts. Marcus shrugged it off, putting his communicator away as he entered the bridge
"Helm, status?" Marcus asked, taking a seat in his chair
"Sir, Engineering reports ready for launch" a Helmsman replied
"Good, let's get a move on. We have a schedule to keep. Helm thrusters" Marcus replied, spinning his seat to face the front of the bridge
"Docking clams retracted, firing thrusters, seperating from spacedock" the Helmsman replied
"UNSC Avenger, this is Omaha flight control, Our bridge has been retracted and you're clear for launch. Happy trails" Flight control stated
"Copy that Ohaha, thanks for the hospitality" Marcus replied, turning to the left "Corporal, I want both MAC's and Archer pods heated and ready for when we arrive"
"Yes sir, spinning up accelerators"
"Nav, set course for Harvest"
"Aye, aye sir setting course. Course laid sir, ready for jump to slipspace"
"Punch it"
The helmsman nodded, turning back to his station and laid in the request to the computer. After a few seconds the ship jolted forward and came to a stop. The bridge crew looked to the front of the ship with confusion
"Where is Helmsman Makkenna?" Marcus asked
"He took an emergency leave sir, I'm his relief" the helmsman replied while swiping and typing away at his console
"You are a pilot arnt you" Marcus asked
"Yes sir, very much so sir, I don't seem to know what is wrong" the helmsman chuckled as he tried to find the source of the problem
"Is the parking break still on?" Marcus asked jokingly
"No sir, ill figure it out its just..." the helmsman gave a light chuckle as he was cut off
"Have you released the external initial dampener?" asked the Corporal who stood beside the Captain
The helmsman rolled his eyes and followed the recommendation
"Ready for jump sir" the helmsman reported, swallowing what was left of his pride
"Lets punch it" Marcus stated