May 1st
20 BBY
10:12 am UNSC Time
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine's Private Office
Corusant
Nobody's POV:
Much had happened since the Chorusan Massacre, which is now being considered the worst battle in the Galactic Republic's military history.
After that infamous battle, many other smaller battles had occurred, evening the playing field somewhat. The UNSC's better technology and far more seasoned soldiers still give their side an edge, but the Republic's vast armies and the Jedi, along with the CIS's even greater numbers, the war is at a complete stalemate. Whenever one side gains a victory, one of the other sides rise to the challenge and snatch the victory away.
But today, the only Jedi Masters that are still on Corusant, Mace Windu and Yoda, are once again taking a break from the exhausting war and return to the Chancellor's Office. He called both of them hours before, saying that he needs to tell them something urgent that just came up. The doors to the office slide open and Chancellor Palpatine is standing behind his desk.
"Master Jedi. Please, have a seat." Palpatine says in a calm manner, after bowing to the Jedi and waving a hand to the seats before his desk. Windu bows in respect, with Yoda just nodding, and take their respective seats.
"The UNSC are up to something, aren't they?" Yoda asks curiously.
"Yes, Master Yoda, they are. Thanks to our hidden outpost on Esfandia, I have been alerted to some most disturbing information. Apparently, they have constructed a new starship. According to what intel we have, it's been confirmed that the ship is an Infinity-class starship that is named the 'Pillar of Winter'. Now, because this is a new ship, it might have sensitive intel that will greatly benefit the Republic's fight against them." Palpatine says, clicking his fingers together. He is right, since everything that the Republic knows about the UNSC is common knowledge in the UNSC public. To win this fight, they need serious information on who they are up against.
"So you're suggesting we send a Jedi to lead an assault to capture this ship?" Windu suggests.
"Precisely, Master Windu."
"Very well, then. I will gather my fleet and prepare for capturing this ship. Maybe we can reverse-engineer their technology and gain the edge we need." Windu responds, standing up. The Jedi had been struggling with the CIS for over a year, but now that the UNSC is in the picture, the Jedi are just barely keeping up.
"Thank you for taking this mission. The Republic is grateful for your assistance." Palpatine says as Windu walks out of the office. As the Jedi Master is leaving, the holo-device on Palpatine's desk flares up and Obi-Wan Kenobi's image appears.
"Ah, Master Kenobi. What has happened?" Palpatine asks.
After several minutes of walking alone in silence, Windu arrives at the vast ship port. Even after all the clones and ships that were destroyed in the war, the port is still full to the brim with Acclamator ships, with clone soldiers and AT-TEs boarding it. Windu stares at the ship, lamenting on how the Jedi had transitioned from being the galaxy's most famous peacekeepers to generals in a war so quickly.
Shaking his head a little, he walks to one of the new Acclamator ships called Foehammer where he sees his 2nd-in-command going over a data pad. "Commander Ponds." Windu greets.
The clone looks up and turns around to see who spoke. "General Windu." Ponds states, saluting the Jedi. "The last of our men are boarding the ship now, sir. I had just received word about our ship. Permission to speak freely, General?"
"Permission granted, Commander."
"I would normally think that pitting 5 Acclamators against 1 enemy ship is serious overkill. But since we're talking about the UNSC right now; I'm beginning to wonder if what we are bringing to the fight will be enough." Ponds too had fought against both the CIS and UNSC in combat and his former thoughts on their 'measly' fleet had died long ago.
"I can assure you, Commander, we will take everything they throw at us." Windu said, then walks to the ship, Ponds behind him. No matter how tough he sounded to his Commander, Windu is doubting his own words. As the Jedi Master gets to his cabin, he gets into a meditative position and prepares to sink into the Force's embrace to search for anything that will help them in the battle. Below him, the starship's engines roar to life and the ship leaves the ground.
'Well, there's no turning back now.' Windu thinks, before closing his eyes and entering an inner peace.
11:30 am UNSC time
Bridge of the 'Pillar of Winter'
Outside UNSC space, 30,000 klicks from Esfandia
Floating alone in the middle of space is the 19,000 feet long Supercarrier, with the name 'Pillar of Winter' written on the side in bold white letters. While it is dangerous to be doing so, the UEG had agreed days after the ship's completion and unveiling that the best method of testing their ship after 10 years of construction is to pit it against a Republic fleet.
So, to make it happen, the Sangheili sent out a broadcast in the language the rest of the galaxy calls 'Basic' that the Republic outpost would intercept and mobilize a fleet, giving the 'Pillar of Winter' a chance to test out all of the most advanced technology the UNSC can produce.
The UNSC and Swords of Sanghelios have yet to find the Republic base on that world, but Shipmaster Rtas 'Vadum had volunteered at that meeting to take his fleet and burn the base once it's found.
Standing in the middle of the bridge, talking with the holographic projection of UNSC leader Terrence Hood, is Admiral Jeremy Winter. Jeremy is a tall man, with the soldier's muscular build, short black hair and piercing light blue eyes.
"I had gone through your files, Admiral, and I know that you are one of the UNSC's best Admirals, but know that it will take a while for help to arrive if you encounter any of those Jedi." Lord Hood said, finishing up their conversation.
"Don't worry about it. If a Master's on his way, I might call for help. If not, I will deal with them personally." Winter responds, staring at his superior with rapt attention.
"Very well, then…" Lord Hood is interrupted by loud beeping from the bridge. One of the technicians runs up to them.
"Sirs, our scanners have picked up 5 ships with Republic signatures pulled out of hyperspace seconds ago. One of them is hailing us, but we can't figure out which one."
Winter looks at the projection of his superior officer, one he has respect for. "It's time. Send the word for everyone to get to their battle stations. Lord Hood, remain on hold. We'll find out who we're up against soon enough."
Lord Hood nods and his projection cuts off.
11:40 am UNSC time
Bridge of Galactic Republic Acclamator-class cruiser 'Foehammer'
Border of UNSC Space
Standing at the bridge of the Foehammer, 2 Acclamtors flanking on either side, is Mace Windu himself. Being the epitome of a Jedi, he decided to try and hail the ship first and see if he can negotiate a technicality with whoever's in charge.
While his request to speak is being put through, he looks out at the monster of a ship. Windu wondered deep down how long it took to build it. Windu had seen many impressive ships in the past, but this one is a ship that tops all others. After a few seconds, Windu considers recalling the transmission since they wouldn't pick up, but is slightly surprised when the projection of a tall man in a UNSC military uniform appears, standing at attention the way the clones would.
"My name is Admiral Jeremy Winter. I would send my greetings, but considering our current position right now, I'm going to hold the pleasantries." The man, Jeremy, says in a calm manner, unfazed by the Republic fleet before him.
Windu stares at the man calculatingly for a few seconds before deciding to respond. "My name is Jedi Master Mace Windu. I am hailing you to see if we can come to an agreement. I don't want to kill your people; I just want your ship. So, I'm offering that if you surrender your ship now, I promise to spare all of your people and no blood needs to be shed."
Jeremy stares at them as if he's serious, then thinks over his next words while maintaining a neutral face. After a few seconds, he responds. "Do you honestly expect me to surrender a ship my people built to keep them and their allies safe from the likes of you? Well, we'll surrender something to you alright. The destruction wrought by nuclear power. Have a nice day in hell." With that, the transmission cuts off completely.
11:42 am UNSC time
Bridge of 'Pillar of Winter'
"All right people, we're going to keep our word. Let's see how they react to an M5000 Hyperion missile." Jeremy shouts to the technicians. They all nod and immediately get to work ensuring the missile is loaded and is ready to fire.
"Admiral Winter." Lord Hood said, his projection pulling up again, "I will send some UNSC ships to help you. I fear that even with the Spartan IVs at your side, even Fireteam Osiris, you won't last long against a Jedi veteran of the Bitter Wars, what they call the Clone Wars. But know that your courage against them will not be forgotten."
"Thank you, Lord Hood. I shall show them what decades of war has made us." Winter responds, then salutes Lord Hood, who returns the gesture as his transmission cuts off.
"Sir, the Hyperion missile is ready!" A technician calls up to the Admiral.
"Fire."
11:43 am UNSC time
Bridge of Foehammer
Windu is staring at the carrier ship, wondering about what the Admiral of that ship told him. He knew he heard the term nuclear before and remembers that it isn't good.
"Commander, get all Acclamator ships to set all deflector shields at maximum, then scramble all fighters and then have all Acclamators concentrate fire on the side of the ship." Windu barks, springing to action.
Alarms go off on the ship as his orders are relayed. "General, the carrier ships just launched something at us." A clone technician screams up. Windu's attention snaps to the front, where a long grey cylinder that gets wider the farter it goes down is flying right at the Acclamator on the far left. The clones man the side cannons and try to fire at the missile, but it jerks around the shots like it's being guided. After a few seconds of attempted firing, the missile touches the side of the ship. A horrible moment of silence passes before the missile explodes. The raw power of the explosion sends the Foehammer rocking a little, but the 2 Republic ships are caught in the massive explosion and their reactors go critical, setting off chain reactions all over and resulting in an even larger explosion.
The explosion is so devastating, the Foehammer pulls to the right, risking bumping into the other ships just to stay out of the way. "I…I've never seen any missile do something like that before." Ponds murmurs, awed and horrified at the UNSC's power once again.
Windu stares out before coming to a decision. "Scramble all fighters. I will take the lead and try boarding that ship and once I get inside, open the docking bays so you can land. If we can pull it off, we can end this quickly." He then runs down the hall and after passing by numerous cabins and clones running to their battle stations, Mace arrives at the docking bay. Running past the vast activity of the ship, Windu uses the Force to open his cockpit and jumps in. After getting settled and closing the cockpit, his fighter flies out of the now-open docking bay and towards the enemy ship. Behind him, all the fighters of the other ships also launch and fly out in a swarm. As they approach the Pillar of Winter, something happens that would haunt Windu for a long time.
The sides of the ship open up and dozens of Broadswords fly out, along with 2 Strident-class frigates. To top it all off, Windu notices 4 cannons activate and point at the fighters. The cannons glow white before unleashing a blast of energy only their front cannons make, blasting through a pack of Republic fighters. Windu speeds his fighter up, going as fast as the ship can, racing the hull, which is closing up.
But after a second, he clears the closing doors and flies right into the docking bay, where numerous UNSC marines jump out of the way to avoid being crushed. The marines raise their weapons and fire at the fighter but the cockpit opens up and Windu leaps out, lightsaber activated.
The marines back up and fire while they start running to stay out of his blade's way. Suddenly, the Force screams at Windu, who jumps to the side, narrowly avoiding a missile striking his spot. The Jedi looks up and notices a giant green machine staring down at him, one arm shaped like a turret while the other is in the form of a rocket launcher.
Windu Force pushes the machine towards the soldiers who either just barely jump out of the way or get crushed as he runs to a terminal near the edge of the bay. The Force is telling him that's the control panel. He pulls the lever and the doors groan as they open up. Sensing another attack, Windu raises his lightsaber to deflect the bullets, but receives a punch to the side of his face. The power behind the punch sends Windu sprawling a little before regaining his composure and looking at his assailant. He is a tall man with grey armor, the symbol of the ONI on his left breastplate, and a helmet with a light blue facemask.
"I am Jameson Locke, Spartan of the UNSC. You will pay for nearly killing one of my teammates and many UNSC marines." Locke says then points his pistol at the Jedi and fires. Windu dodges and slashes the pistol in half with his. Windu doesn't want to kill them since they are humans like him, so he believes beating them into submission is the best way to go, unless he is required to end them. Locke jumps back to avoid the next lightsaber slash, then grumbles as he drops his pistol and charges at Windu with his fists raised. Seeing no choice, the 2 get into a fist fight, one trying to gain an advantage over the other as the docking bay opens up completely, but because there's a shield up, the vacuum of space doesn't pull the crew out.
The fist fight goes on for another few seconds before Windu's Force-enhanced reflexes allow him to gain an edge and knock the Spartan to his knees. Windu activates his lightsaber and points it at Jameson's head, seeing no other way around what needs to be done. "You fought valiantly, Spartan. But now, I'm afraid you must die." As Windu is about to make the killing blow, a battle rifle goes off and Windu dodges out of the way, but one of the bullets grazes his shoulder. Windu turns around and sees an armored Admiral Winter pointing a battle rifle at him.
"I don't think so. All the men on this ship are under my protection so I will fight you myself." Winter growls.
Suddenly, the comms flare up on Windu's communicator. "Sir, thank you for getting the docking bay's open but we can't get inside. Their weapons are just too powerful for our fighters and UNSC reinforcements have just arrived."
Windu closes his eyes. He now realizes it's foolish and exhausting to continue this fight, so he does the one thing he doesn't want to do, but has to. "Commander. Send me an LAAT to pick me up. Tell all surviving Acclamators to pick up any fighters left and get out of here." He then kills the comm line then raises his lightsaber to deflect the bullets of the rest of Fireteam Osiris's members, who are covering for the Admiral as he pulls a weary Locke to safety.
Sinking into the Force's embrace, he activates his lightsaber and holds his ground, deflecting shot after shot until an LAAT lands behind him. The blast door opens and the clones fire as Windu backs up and walks onto the gunship, which immediately closes up and flies out back towards the Foehammer. Its side weapons are blazing at full power, keeping the UNSC ships at bay. Soon, the LAAT lands in the docking bay, which immediately closes up. Once settled, the Foehammer enters hyperspace.
Windu gets off the LAAT and looks around. "General." Ponds shouts, running to him. "It's good to see you still alive. But we lost so horribly…"
"I know. I will report it to the Chancellor immediately." Windu responds sharply then takes the slow walk back to the bridge. He passes by the clones who are looking down, talking with each other. The very air is full of pure fear at how horribly outmatched they were.
But soon enough, Windu returns to the bridge where the projection of the Chancellor is active and waiting. "Ah, Master Windu. I hope your mission went well?"
Windu shakes his head. "No, Chancellor. We never stood a chance against that ship. It's obvious that it was made for war and it obliterated our ships. I even fought one of those Spartans I've heard rumors about, and they are certainly live up to their reputation. All of them fought with everything they had."
Palpatine looks down for a second before looking back up. "Well, that's most unfortunate. At least you'll be happy to hear that we managed to gain a foothold in UNSC territory. We captured a forest world they call Hope and are trying to enter Sangheili space, which isn't going as well. But thanks to our new outpost, we can scout out more UNSC worlds and see who we are up against."
AN: Well, that's all today, folks.
Yes, I wanted to mess with the Republic a little by giving the UNSC a 2nd Infinity-class supercarrier. Anyway, things are about to get heated up even more. Next time, some very iconic Halo characters make an appearance.
Well, I will see you all later!
PS: Did anyone get the reference I was going for?