Hello again! theotherpianist is back with another chapter. Our first taste of action in the Galaxy! Reviews were appreciated. Last chapter was really fun exploring more of Will's back story and giving much more questions than answers. We revealed Noble Six to be alive, Will has family entering the story, and the tale of Ripa and Will is explored. Not bad for a filler I think.
I broke 10,000 hits on May 31st. Thanks to all of those that have read! This story will also break 30,000 words by the time it is done with this chapter.
To those of you who wanted more action this chapter is for you!
To answer a few reviews:
Noble7:Jun made it off Reach, probably by use of Prowler or something. Canonically he is alive. After all he did visit Spartan Palmer before she became a Spartan IV. Future explanations of all the minor details coming in a few chapters. Suffice it to say, she (Noble Six) made it off Reach.
Dirtcheepcheep:First of all cool name, second of all updates will try to be regular but I can never guarantee that. I hope you understand.
Loguslol, Brutus Silentium, EarthPatriot117(?): Glad you like it.
Guest 1: This "OP'ness" people speak about is intentional per se for the moment. It may appear skewed, and for the time being it is. I can't exactly just let the cat out of the bag and tell everyone what the heck my plan is. Thanks for the wishes of best luck.
Guest 2: Glad you liked it, just one request. When you are reviewing please do not call the other reviewers who have donated their time to make this better any derogatory names. Please, just don't.
Utterbotania: I wasn't planning on doing any romances between an OC and Ahsoka. That's already been done. No point in doing it again.
**NOTE** NAMES OF BROTHERS ARE NOT OFFICIAL, THEY ARE FILLING THE SPACE FOR THE TIME BEING
And now for the feature presentation.
Chapter Seven:
Allied Species Fleet orbiting Separatist Industrial Planet designated Andromeda-1,
UNSC Marathon Class Cruiser Morning Light
Tobali System, Outer Rim Territories, Andromeda Galaxy
November 25th 2558: 3:00 hours
Corporal Dean Gunther:
Corporal Dean "Deacon" Gunther was chatting among the members of his squad inside the Morning Light's Barracks.
"So what do you think the Republic's doing down on Alpha 1?" asked Private 1st Class Li Tao.
"Probably their having their butts kicked by whatever attacked the survivors of the Rising Flame." responded Specialist Will "Snark" Towson.
"They thing that scares me is the fact their entire army is made of clones of one bounty hunter." Responded Gunnery Sergeant Samantha (Sam) Hamilton who was looking at her data pad at some newly provided Intel on the state of the Galactic Civil War.
"No, it's the fact that the galaxy is possessed by crazy people who can do all sorts of things telepathically with their minds, from what I hear the Dark Side of the force is a pretty frightening thing." argued Lance Corporal Amanda "Magnet" Jackson.
"You guys really should be afraid of me." said Specialist Miguel "Castillo" Ramirez in his best overly fake Mexican Accent. The group assembled chuckled.
"Way to go Miguel." Corporal Clarissa Konstantinov said with a Polish blur to her voice. "It's always the Mexican that has to be the scariest thing alive."
"Really Miguel, its Sergei you need to be afraid of." Added Benjamin "Bee" Roberts pointing at massively built Russian.
"Sure, its the Russians and then the Mexicans." Sergei Brisbois rolled his eyes.
"Cut the chatter ladies, no offense meant to those who are." barked their Sergeant, Duncan McKenzie, a well built and powerful Scotsmen, at the assembled troops who had just entered.
The group fell silent and the formed up into a line.
"All right Angel, LISTEN UP." He said emphasizing the last two words for Ramirez and Towson.
"The freaks that bothered to tango with our boys on Rhen Var have built'em selves a nice little base on the planet below. We're droppin in with a couple o' ranger units. Yer objective is to kill me some artillery and AA emplacements on thee ground that 'er poundin' allied forces. Colonel Tarkov will brief us more as we drop."
"Sounds simple enough." said Amanda
"The only problem is that we have to do it quickly and preferably quietly." answered the Sergeant in return.
"How do we do that?" asked Samantha.
"We don't, which is we why I said we need to move fast so that we're not utterly violated in a gruesome fashion. Did I mention we got o' couple platoons of killer robots facin' us?" said the Sergeant with a smile.
"You don't say." Dean said concerned.
An alarm suddenly blared in the ship.
"That's our cue! Move it Angel!" The Sergeant barked.
Dean quickly followed the squad as they followed the Sergeant to one of the hangar modified for UNSC use their pods were through it and in another room. Dean saw a group of soldiers in Jetpacks awaiting a Pelican which was being fueled up. The Pilot kept cursing at how slowly the process was happening.
The Rangers all stood in full combat gear. As Dean looked over the faces of the Rangers one stood out to him.
"Eric?" he asked questioningly as the Ranger turned to face him.
A similar look of surprise showed on his brother's face.
"When did you get on board?" he asked surprised.
"About a couple months ago, you?" Dean questioned eagerly.
"Only a week or so ago." responded Eric.
At this point both the Ranger and ODST squads were looking at the two brothers intrigued.
"And just who do ye think ye are?" the Scottish Sergeant asked to Eric squinting his eyes."
"Lay off it Sarge, he's my bro." said Dean after a moment.
The Sergeant took a good look at the two of them, "Well I'll be. Suppose the two of you joined up to protect each other right?" Said the Sergeant after a moment.
"Yes, but also to avenge our brother. He died innocently, a victim of a Covenant mortar attack on a colony." said Eric hardening his face.
"Now we're here to help maintain freedom in the UEG. William always spoke of the need to preserve independence and freedom." Dean added.
The Sergeant's face fell from its usual stern look. "I'm sorry Corporal; I didn't realize that had happened to you." he said awkwardly The only thing to do now is to make sure these Separatist idiots realize how much of a mess they got themselves into. You'll do that Corporal; you can avenge your brother that way."
"Yes sir." Dean said after a moment.
"Now go get yerself in the pods Laddie before I forget that you are on me squad."
Dean sent a wave to Eric who returned it before heading off and climbing in one of the SOIEV's. The door closed behind him and the pod descended and twisted so that he had a clear view of the planet below. He caught a glimpse of Eric with the rest of his squad entering a group of Pelicans. His view quickly shifted to the planet again.
It seemed to be completely covered in machinery and factories.
"Dang Sarge!" Samantha said over the squadcom.
Ramirez whistled loudly.
"No doubt this is why we were tasked with helping the Republic try and capture the planet. Just look at it! The entire planet is a factory!" Li said with some degree of awe.
"Stow it Angel, how do we jump?" asked the Sergeant.
"Feet first!" yelled each member of Angel loudly.
A red light lit up the inside of Dean's pod. He clenched the controls and watched as the lights lit up.
Red…
Yellow…
Yellow flashing…
Green,
"Here we go!" said Dean to himself.
He felt his stomach drop and watched as the pod dropped downwards. It started to shake as it started encountering the outermost layers of the atmosphere. Dean watched as a destroyed Republic "Venator" class cruiser drifted lazily in front of him. Debris hung around the destroyed vessel like some ghostly apparel.
The Republic had been fighting hard to secure this planet, (designated Alpha 1 by the UNSC) that was a source of enemy materials and assets. From the looks of things in high orbit it was very clear that the battle was costly for both sides.
He yanked on the controls to avoid a piece of a Munificent class star cruiser that had become tangled within the hulks of several Acclamators. Apparently the ship had used itself as a weapon with grisly results.
"Rest in peace Republic soldiers." Dean said as he looked at the carnage. The pod's comm unit came alive suddenly.
"This is Colonel Tarkov here. I'll be brief for all our sakes. On the ground is a dozen heavy artillery and AA emplacements. Our objective is to detonate all of them to lessen pressure on the Republic Clones who are trying to capture the main command center. The Army has a Ranger Unit guarding a pass that will enable you to proceed with our mission. As soon as your emplacement is gone contact me for further orders. Tarkov out." He finished in his Hungarian accent.
"Angel, sixty to ground!" said the Sergeant over the squadcom. Meet at my position and we take out those guns!"
"Copy that." said Dean as he prepared for final drop procedures.
"This isn't a movie Corporal Gunther." The Sergeant responded.
Dean blushed slightly. He looked down at the ever approaching ground. He mentally counted down and slammed his hands on the brakes.
The pod jolted as the airbrakes released in conjunction with the rocket thrusters firing from beneath. The pod lost speed instantly. Dean steeled himself and the pod struck with violent force against the ground. He yanked his BR55HB SR out of its holster and popped the seal on the pod doors.
A Battle Droid stood right in front of him eyeing the pod curiously. The door blew off and smashed the droid into a heap of sparking scrap. Several others angered at the sudden loss of their comrade started firing ruby red bolts at him.
"WOAH that's hot!" he yelled as a blaster bolt flew past his helmet. He ducked behind a boulder jutting out of the ground. He heard a burst of gunfire and the enemy fire ceased."
"Hey Deacon, you owe me one." Specialist Towson as he emerged from his own pod.
"Thanks Snark." Dean said after a moment to catch his breath.
"Yeah, don't mention it. Sarge's pod landed a half mile from here. Let's hightail to him and blow some stuff up."
"Lead the way." Dean said.
The two turned west and began a brisk jog. They encountered no resistance although the two were introduced to more than a few destroyed Republic Gunships. At least that was what their Intel said they were. They seemed to have dropped in the only part of the planet not covered in industry.
The "Larties" as they were known by Republic Soldiers were extremely versatile and well-armed. Although they certainly didn't look that way now as the two passed the wreckage of one still on fire giving off a lot of smoke. A large ridge presented themselves in behind the smoke and wreckage.
"Towson, Gunther, where the heck are you two?" asked the Sergeant over the radio.
"Sorry Sarge, Snark answered. Deacon and I are coming up on a ridge. Where are you Sarge?"
A yellow highlighted point lit up on their HUD.
"That answer ye laddie's questions?" McKenzie spoke gruffly.
"Roger, we'll be there in 5 minutes." said Dean looking at the highlighted area, which was conveniently placed on top of the very same ridge that they were running to.
"Make it two ye overrated women." said the Sergeant impatiently. "I see the objective and we're runnin behind on time. Rest o' the squad's up 'ere. Mack out."
"Thanks Sarge." said Dean and cut the connection.
"He never changes does he?" said Snark as the two picked up their pace and started up the ridge.
Dean shrugged and the two started jogging up the side of the incline weaving their way on a path beat into the side by some sort of vehicle.
"Hey, look at that!" Dean said stopping Snark as he rounded the bend. Before them lay the ruins of the vehicle that had beat in the path. It possessed six legs and had a main gun on top as well as four secondary guns next to the cockpit. Several white bodies lay strewn around on the ground.
He knelt over the body of one of the clones. The white armor was blackened with streaks of gray smoke and dust somewhat hiding the blaster shot that killed the clone. The clone had white armor that was joined together in many pieces. A black body suit, most likely vacuum capable lay underneath. A helmet with a T-shaped visor covered the clone's face. The helmet also had a fin on top that was swept back.
"So this is a clone…" said Dean as he examined the body.
"There is a lot more behind the tank. I don't understand the bodies back there; there are slash marks like any energy swords but it doesn't look like any energy sword wound I've seen.
Intrigued, Dean stood up and walked over to where Snark was pointing. Sure enough at least a dozen more bodies lay there all in the action running away. He examined the nearest one where indeed some sword like device had sliced through the armor and burned away at the man's skin.
"We shouldn't stay here." Dean said quickly. Looking at the surrounding terrain and imagining how someone could hide himself in the cavities surrounding the tank.
Snark hesitated but then agreed.
The two started running up the side again. The two sensed the top was near so they picked it up running slightly faster. They rounded the bend at the top to run smack into Amanda.
"Oww!" she protested as she was shoved into the rock face.
"Ugh… sorry Magnet." Dean said rubbing his helmet where she had collided as she got to her feet and glared at him.
"Geez, you really are a magnet Amanda!" Snark laughed aloud.
The rest of the squad emerged around the corner.
"Yer late." the Sergeant said angrily.
"Sorry Sarge. We decided to stop by and shop at the nearest convenience store and then go buy food for the squad." Snark said with his trademark sarcastic comments.
"Uh huh," he said not amused. "I saw you and Gunther stop and see the sights down at the bottom.
Snark's face fell; he opened his mouth to retort.
"Stow it Snark." The Sergeant said simply prompting Towson. "Now, to everyone else what do you see over there?"
The rest of the team looked over to where the Sergeant pointed. Below the ridge a good quarter of a mile out stood two AA positions as well as a proton cannon artillery piece.
That's not what caught their attention however. Scattered among the emplacements and area were several large groups of what could only be droids. They were all moving west to where the Rangers were supposed to be set up.
"Looks like the Army is going to be caught in an anvil." noted Ramirez.
"But what's that over there?" asked Li pointing at another group of objects.
"Let me find out." said the Sergeant.
Dean took grabbed a pair of binoculars from a pair of hands and looked at the group Li had pointed out.
He was vaguely aware of the Sergeant talking to Intelligence aboard the Blinding Doubt.
"Tanks." Was all he said turning to the group.
"Those guys are gonna be screwed if we don't remove those guns." said Sergei.
"Agreed, let's get the guns taken out." The Sergeant gruffly said.
The team nodded and they moved off into the night.
Allied Species Designated Planet Alpha 1:
Tobali System,
Andromeda Galaxy, 3:30 hours December 3rd 2559
CAS Class Carrier Blinding Doubt
William paced around the bridge of the Carrier Blinding Doubt while monitoring the battle around the planet displayed on a holographic projector. Several smaller ones displayed the ongoing surface battles. Another monitored the battle between the Republic and Separatist Naval forces.
The two fleets were hammering away at each other leaving a stream of wreckage and decompressed floating hulks of scrap. Even though it was really late the ship and the rest of the fleet that had been gathered had been brought up to immediate combat alert. All Allied Species operations were being directed by the UNSC Infinity.
"Commander, you're going to burn a hole through the plating at this rate." Remarked Chelsea as she observed the scene.
"Remind why, we're not down on the ground?" asked William as he came to a stop.
"You're not down there yet because I requested it and your ship the Dauntless has still not completed repairs." said Moram as he observed the progressing battle.
William said nothing but inside was tensed up. Ripa had left a half hour ago to engage the CIS in space combat, his brother Eric wasdown on the ground virtually surrounded and had yet to make contact with Republic forces around them. The Shipmaster had only requested that he remain behind in case of unforeseen variables.
"Fleetmaster, we are requested to move into position." said Communications after a second.
The Fleetmaster considered his options for a moment.
"Move the ships into position and charge weaponry."
Far off a Venator turned into a miniature sun as turbolaser weaponry set off the reactor.
Another Acclamator was trying to flee from the Separatist warships.
"Fleetmaster! We have an incoming transmission from the Corrusca!" Communications yelled above the din of the bridge.
"Play it." He said after a moment.
"Attention all Allied Species Warships! This is the Acclamator Corrusca! We're carrying a payload of wounded soldiers! We're under heavy fire and we're about to break up! Requesting immediate assistance!"
Moram quickly strode over from his gravity chair.
"RSS Corrusca! The is under way, help is arriving!" he strode over to the hologram of the space battle."
"Helm set course 029 by 67 and increase burn to 150% Get us to pass right behind the Corrusca!" He said staring at the hologram.
The hum of the ship grew louder and jolted somewhat as it leaped to the rescue of the Republic Assault Ship.
"Shipmaster, we are in range of weaponry!" said the Weapons Officer.
"FIRE TORPEDOES!" he roared.
The ship shook as the torpedoes launched themselves at the Banking Class frigate that was trailing it. The torpedoes splashed across the hull cutting through the shields as they winked out. The second one gouged itself through the vessel and blew it apart leaving molten wreckage.
The Acclamator now relieved of the pressure joined the rest of the outside perimeter of the Allied Species Ships.
The bridge roared in triumph as they fired another salvo and eliminated a Munificent class Cruiser that tried pursuing the Acclamator.
Their triumph soon turned into fury as a SDV class Corvette crossed paths in front of the Blinding Doubt exploded in a ball of plasma as a Providence class Carrier retaliated with vengeance.
"Charge Energy Projectors and aim at their bridge!" roared Moram as the ship flew past the wreckage of the Corvette.
A beam of concentrated superheated plasma erupted from one of the energy projectors as the Carrier passed by it. Turbolaser bolts erupted from it and impacted the Glorious Salvation shaking it and making the lights dim briefly. The ship responded with a healthy dose of pulse lasers, plasma turrets and plasma torpedoes.
The Providence Class Carrier fared much worse as the shields collapsed. Beams of plasma carved their ways into the ship causing explosions on multiple decks. The energy projector had the greatest effect of it as it completely burst apart the bridge and proceeded cut the ship in half leaving two violently decompressing hulks. As the two halves drifted apart the bridge was shocked to see numerous small troop transports that were hiding behind it that were landing additional reinforcements.
"Fleetmaster! I count at least 400 troop transports, scans indicate with Republic Intelligence that's at least 2,000 additional troops!" a minor roared.
"Track their descent! I want to know possible landing locations! Helm get us away from the center of this, I want to be on station to provide aid!"
"Aye Sir!" said the Bridge in general.
Moram turned to William who had been watching the entire time.
"Spartan, you're cleared for ground contact. Report to the hangar at once, a SpecOps Team and lances of infantry will accompany you in transports to the surface."
"Yes sir." He said with a hint of relief. He quickly exited out of the bridge with Chelsea and ran to the hangar as Moram 'Katar started barking out orders in rapid Sangheili.
"Commander, where do you think the reinforcements are going to land?" asked Chelsea.
"If I had to guess, I would assume they would ever reinforce their main command and control center or deploy the troops to remove the threat the Ranger and ODST units are to their defensive capabilities."
"I bet they'll love that." Said Chelsea as they rounded a corner and proceeded through a door.
Behind enemy lines
Alpha 1:
"Well this is just great." Amanda said as she spied three dropships coming in through the still black sky with her VISR. They had just set the charges on a large artillery emplacement that was doubling as an AA gun as well. The group was running away again. They had already gone and taken out two of the guns opening up a wide swath for air support. They ducked behind a large rock Amanda hit the detonator. The emplacement lit up and exploded sending fragments of the gun everywhere. Li yelped as a particularly large piece came down in front of him.
The large twisted piece struck right in between his legs and fell over on top of them pinning him down.
"Umm, guys? A little help?" he yelled as he struggled to move his legs from under it.
"Li! Do you want the entire world to find out we're here?" hissed Snark.
"Shut it Snark! Everybody, we need to move! Get this metal of him and let's fall out!" the Sergeant said ending the outburst.
The squad moved and slowly heaved it off Li who was grunting in pain as he tried to free himself.
Finally with a massive grunt the squad lifted it off Li long enough for him to scramble out from underneath.
"Well, I think we're good." Dean said.
The world suddenly turned white as a massive explosion lit up the night and rocked the world right behind them sending all of them flying.
"Tanks!" screamed Clarissa over another two explosions that lit up the world again.
Dean's HUD immediately polarized itself as another flash tore through the sky. Through the view of his VISR and Nightlight mode he saw the fifteen quickly approaching objects in the distance. Preceding the wall of armor was innumerable rows of battle droids.
"Mother Russia…" Sergei gasped.
"Oh my…" gasped Amanda.
All at once the turrets on the tanks swiveled to their position.
"RUN!" yelled Dean as they all simultaneously fired.
This time explosions rained down all around them. They were only saved by their rocky cover again.
Dean took off running, Miguel leading them as they weaved their way around more rocks.
"Where's the rest of the division that dropped?!" Yelled Dean as he struggled to stay alive among the firestorm of explosions raining down all around them. "ODST's and Rangers are supposed to be falling back to the south side of a canyon."
"And where is that?" asked Miguel over the TeamCom."
"10 clicks." McKenzie said reluctantly. Bee and several others cursed as they ducked behind another rock to catch their breath.
"We can't stay here in the open." Said Amanda.
"Way to state the obvious Amanda!" Ben said as he readjusted his SPNKR launcher over his shoulder.
"She's right." Snark said as he bent down and readjusted his gear as well.
"Closest place is the factory over there." said Clarissa depolarizing her visor.
"That also happens to be the one that's heavily guarded." Sergei pointed out.
Another explosion sent them huddling down again.
"Do we have any other choice?" asked Towson.
"I'd rather take my chances over there then here." Said Miguel.
Sergeant McKenzie stared at the slowly approaching armor, the canyon way further to the south, and the borders of the industrialized complex.
"Right," he said breaking the silence between the team members. "We're running for the factory. We're going to try and skirt it and make it over to the Republic's battle line. Bee, think you can take a couple of the tanks out? Create a distraction of some sort?"
He sat and pondered a second. "You guys have any of the cluster missile mines on you?" There was a pause while several of the squad members checked themselves.
"Got a few." Sergei said retrieving four half foot-long tubular war heads. "I was hoping to save them for a firefight but now's a good time as ever."
"Deacon," the Sergeant barked.
"Sir?"
"Stay behind with Bee paint some targets for him."
"Got it." He said feeling a pit grow inside.
"Okay, the rest of you on Bee's mark we double time it for the factory. Don't stop unless we have to. Bee?"
Dean looked over to see Bee remove the ammo from his SPNKR and replace it with the mine.
He finshed and handed a laser designator to Dean. He flipped it on and carefully poked out behind the rock.
"Deacon," said Bee carefully. "As soon as I give the word you are to select the four biggest groups of armor you can. Point it at four different locations that will cover as many tanks as humanly possible. Highlight number one….now."
Dean squinted through the scope and painted an area in the relative middle between the first line and a cluster.
"Marked." He said.
"Highlight confirmed." Bee said. "Sarge start running."
"Go go go!" Duncan yelled as Bee took aim at an angle and fired. A thump was heard as the rocket propellant ignited and the charge took flight arcing high up in the air. The rest of the squad tore out of their cover and made a beeline for the buildings.
"Deacon! Mark another!" Bee roared over the noise of armor suddenly opening up. Dean quickly selected another group relatively close to the the first painted area.
"Mark!" he yelled.
"Sync! Fire!" Bee yelled instantaneously. A second thump drowned out the noise of the armor for a second. Dean saw the first mine strike into the great throwing up a cloud of dirt. Seconds later the second one buried. They repeated the process throwing the last two mines at the group.
"Now what?" Dean asked. "How big is this thing going to be?"
Bee smiled and pulled out the detonator. He held up in his free hand five fingers and counted down.
Dean looked over.
For a moment nothing happened. Then all at once hundreds of fiery red contrails burst out of the ground from the four locations and into the air then they all exploded simultaneously downwards sending white hot armor piercing shrapnel and explosive shells into the armor convey while at the same time the mines all exploded lifting the earth up and filling the area with fire. The resulting explosions and heat knocked Dean and Bee back into cover as there HUD's whined angrily their helmets dampening the shock and concussion of the blast.
After a second they peeked back. For a second the area was covered with thick smoke. Then the smoke cleared and a smile broke on Dean's face as he observed almost every tank in the column either ripped apart or disabled. Dean and Bee broke out into wild idiotic cheering. They were interrupted by a very gruff but satisfied Sergeant ordering them to regroup.
The two ODST's after replacing the ammo in the SPNKR took off at a fast pace to try and rejoin their squad. As they entered the outskirts of the complex they became more wary and cautious with weapons out and at their sides. They ran silently past ghostly and silent machinery. They were tense and on edge. "Hold up! What's that noise?" Asked Dean holding up his hand signaling Bee to stop.
The faint sound of the howl of a vehicle(s) came drifting towards them and got progressively louder.
"Deacon! Bee! Hide yourself! You got contacts heading towards to you."
"Shoot!" said Dean to nobody in general as he saw a column of Battle droids on a programed patrol.
They both dove behind a stack of crates and waited ready to spring into action and run if need be. They waited a tense minute and a half as a column of STAP's and droid riders hovered past . The two soldiers waited for an eternity while the column advanced slowly. Dean felt an eerie prickle down his back. He peeked out for a second with the VISR mode on his helmet activated and immediately ducked as he saw a pale white woman walk by highlighted in the low light by an orange outline. She stopped for a second, silently Dean, gestured to Bee, and motioned that they would need to make a quick getaway. They both tensed as the mechanical clanking of the droids stopped suddenly.
Fear rose in Dean. They needed to get away. The woman gave him a really, bad, feeling. On three, he gestured with his hand and a square of C4 he had removed from his rucksack. Bee waited, gesturing that he would tell when.
Suddenly the crates they were hiding behind flew forward exposing the two ODST's.
"Crap!" Dean yelled aloud as he threw the explosive material towards the group of enemies. It landed near the woman and group of droids he promptly shot at it. The plastic explosive lit up in a fireball and deafening blast.
A cloud of smoke rose up between the ODST's and the Confederacy.
"Run!" yelled Bee seizing the opportunity. The two fired a burst or two with their weapons and dashed wildly away.
Behind them a sudden whoosh sent the smoke away.
"Bee?!" asked the Sergeant over their helmet-coms. "What in tarnation was that ye bleedin fools?"
"We're kinda in a situation Sarge!" yelled Dean as he turned a corner with Bee,
Straight into a group of Droidekas.
Bee cursed and yanked Dean sideways into a narrow alley out of the torrent of ruby red bolts that erupted suddenly.
The two stopped for a second to catch their breath but suddenly ducked as a crimson blur flashed over their heads. Dean felt the heat of it as it passed inches over his head. They dropped again to the ground as it returned like a boomerang back from its origin.
Bee swore again and the two of them yanked themselves up as the Woman from earlier sprinted around the corner in pursuit.
Dean screamed. It wasn't the manliest thing to do but considering the fact that there was a mad sword wielding woman moving at extremely fast speeds towards them he figured it was only natural. Dean brought up his Battle Rifle and sprayed lead at her. Bee did likewise. Then in a jaw dropping display the Woman caught the lightsaber (it looked like one) and ignited another one and spun around catching every single bullet fired liquefying them to molten metal in a frenzied series of spins and twirls with her body and blades.
Out of ammo for their rifles they stopped dumbstruck. "Who the heck are you?" said Bee weakly the red glow from the blades outlining both of them and in crimson light.
The woman smiled and spoke in a sinister voice saying, "Awwh, how nice that you were to ask me. I am fear. I am the queen of a blood-soaked planet and an architect of genocide. I have helped to crack the galaxy in half with this war and conquered every enemy I have ever faced—including death. All except for you and your otber friends in the UNSC. I am Asajj Ventress now you will join the thousands that I have slain." Smiled and twisted both sabers in a reverse grip.
"Aw crap." Dean said regretfully as he waited for his final moments. Suddenly the wall next to her on Dean's left exploded outwards sending big chunks of rock and metal. The woman turned towards the explosion only to be caught by a giant piece of rubble that sent her through the wall of the other building.
Dean and Bee looked around to see their saviors when Sergeant McKenzie and their squad emerged from the building on the left.
"Come on you bloomin' idiots!" yelled the Sergeant. Dean and Bee both scrambled in after them and entered the building. They ran into a large open silent assembly hall that had fallen silent. Ahead of them another hole had been blasted through the wall and they ran through the breach.
"Shouldn't we be calling in for back up?" asked Clarissa as they all vaulted over a giant metal beam that had fallen ages ago.
"Yeah, who was that creep back there?" asked Li?
Dean toggled the general broadcast function of his comm and spoke as he ran.
"This is Corporal Dean Gunther of the 350th! We are being pursued by a crazy witch lady! We need some serious back up! I repeat this is..."
Spartan "Will" Gunther
Phantom en route to surface of Alpha 1:
The bay of the Phantom was oddly silent as the Phantom descended into enemy territory. The Phantom had just overheard a communication from an ODST squad (apparently Dean's since he had given the message) that had gotten stuck behind enemy lines and was currently being pursued by what Intel had reported to be a dark Jedi. Personal feelings aside he was rather tense and worried. As a precaution they had contacted the Republic and a flight of Gunships with Clone sappers and Generals Tano and Skywalker were in route right now. In addition, a duo of Pelican's with a Ranger Squad was en route to help in a pincer movement from the extreme flank of the battlefield. Two Spirits flanked behind them.
"We are approaching." The Phantom's pilot said, "Warriors, prepare yourselves for battle."
The group of SpecOps Elites and their Carbine wielding Kig-Yar comrades checked their weapons. The grunts in the bay prepared themselves. Shields were activated, Charges loaded, and the bay doors on either side of the Phantom swung down with a grunt manning each of the Type 52 Plasma Cannons.
William shouldered a MA5D, checked that it was loaded and gestured to Chelsea on the far side who was shouldering a M45E Tactical Shotgun. The Phantom descended until it was hovering over the ground. A light lit up in the bay and everybody disembarked. William jumped first, being the leader of this operation to rescue those behind enemy lines and cause some damage. A second Phantom came in and more Sangheili and a couple pairs of Hunters disembarked into the eerily still night.
"We all accounted for?" William asked over the team-com.
Various replies reached him. Satisfied everyone was ready he scanned around.
"I want a lance of Jackals and Skirmishers on the tops of those buildings. Break off a couple Sangheili and have them join with them, everyone else we need to move quickly to figure out where they are. Keep the Hunters on our flanks and I want a Phalanx of Infantry at the rear. Let's move quickly and silently. Don't engage unless seen." He finished.
Again grunts and words of acknowledgement reached his ears and the group of fifty or so moved to their assigned locations. A group of Sangheili and the Hunters moved to the rear with some of the grunts wielding Fuel rods or Needlers. A large number of the Jackals and Skirmishers moved quickly to the upper levels using their incredibly agility to get into position. Everyone else separated into two groups with William leading the first and Chelsea leading the second.
They moved quickly and stealthily.
"This place seems abnormally quiet." He spoke to Chelsea.
"Think we were too late?" he asked.
"Don't think so, we would've heard."
"This is Pelican Yankee Foxtrot Niner; we are entering the complex on foot now where would you like us." The voice of a Pilot came over the radio.
"Roger Foxtrot Niner, what's your position?"
"Currently they are disembarking on a large flat piece of land in front of the ravine you guys passed. They're on top of the buildings right now as we speak. Quarter click away." The pilot responded smartly.
On cue an explosion was heard far off in front of them and a pillar of smoke quickly rose in the dark sky blotting out any light from further ahead.
"Move towards the smoke." William ordered concealing his sudden alarm and worry.
"This is Major Crespo, we're the Ranger Detachment disembarking." came a female voice over the radio. "Do you want us to move towards smoke?" she asked.
"No, hang over there and stay low. We'll drive them towards you."
"Acknowledged. Crespo out." The Army Major replied.
"Hang on Dean, We're coming!" he thought as they all sprinted towards the smoke.
Corporal Dean Gunther
"You have got to be joking!" yelled Towson frustrated as they launched a volley of SPNKR rockets, courtesy of Bee at a Tank that had been following them.
Dean ducked back around the corner as a trio of Super Battle Droids launched miniature rockets from their non-blaster arm at the squad. The rockets connected with what a tank that was filled with something very flammable and explosive creating a massive fireball that wrecked the tank and droids sending a cloud of smoke and creating a massive BANG that their helmets thankfully dampened.
"Come on amigos, we gotta run!" said Miguel fearfully.
"I'm with the Mexican!" Sergei declared. Miguel took point and led the squad forward with Clarissa and Dean at the back of the squad.
"Hang a left!" the Sergeant yelled as they approached a T intersection. They vaulted around the corner straight into another group of Battle Droids which proceeded to fire instantaneously at the group which backpedaled around the corner again.
"Scratch that! I'm NOT with the Mexican said Sergei collapsing behind cover. Dean brought up his Battle Rifle and fired three bursts. The rounds caught off a trio and ripped open their metallic bodies and shredding circuitry. Li and Towson joined in with continuous fire from their Assault Rifles and the rest of the patrol lay sparking and smoking.
"Next time we stick with Magnet then, growled Miguel. "I'd hit you Sergei but now's not the time or place!"
Li chuckled but that was short lived as they heard a faint buzzing and then leaped out of the way as a red lightsaber impaled the building where Li had just stood.
"****!" cursed Li and the rest of the squad were moving again. Behind them the lightsaber twisted and shot out of the wall back to where Ventress stood from afar.
"RUN!" yelled Amanda with newly found fright taking off running. The rest of the squad ran behind.
"Holy crap!" Dean yelled again as another saber flashed overhead nearly decapitating him. He was saved by a small stumble. The rest of the squad turned left and sprinted into an open stretch of land. Amanda suddenly skidded and flailed about as the edge of a ravine roared up at them. She caught herself as well as the other members.
"Oh no! We're screwed! We're screwed!" said Clarissa losing control of her emotions.
Dean's heart dropped. It was by no way a survivable fall. At the bottom Dean could faintly see sharp jagged rocks looming up at them. He turned around as a faint red glow, illuminated the night behind. Striding forward to them with the moon illuminating her pale white skin was Ventress a satisfied gleeful smile etched upon her face. Both Sabers held to the side angling down. Behind her an army of droids marched mechanically, a LOT of droids. The sound of their feet clanking was a death toll in Dean's ears.
"Nice knowing ye laddie's." said Sergeant McKenzie defeated yet still trying to keep some of his Scottish fire in his voice.
She slowly moved closer forcing the group back until they were on the edge of the cliff. She stopped and the army stopped behind her.
"Fools!" she sneered. "Did you really think you could escape this place, or me?" she cackled triumphantly. "This entire planet was a testing ground. You came here for nothing! This planet has nothing of strategic value, a testing ground to see how much of a threat you really were. I can see it now! You and your UNSC will all fall before the rising darkness; and right now you will learn who I am. I am Asajj Ventress; I am the slayer of thousands, the burner of worlds, and the extinguisher of life in this galaxy!" She yelled in contempt. She softened slightly and sickeningly sweet. "Now it's time for you to die, you have evaded me far too long."
She raised a hand and spread it outward or up. Li suddenly screamed and dropped his weapon and began flailing around as he was lifted into the air six feet. The rest of the team scrabbled and tried yanking him down. Dean noticed an extreme look of concentration arose on her face.
Suddenly he was released and collapsed on most of them.
"How?!" asked Dean as he got up to his feet.
"This is but a taste of the power I hold!" Ventress cackled again. "This is the power of the Force. And I wield it. Would you like to be the first to die?" She laughed again and spread forth both hands. Suddenly arcs of electricity shot forth and engulfed Dean and the squad. He gasped as a sensation unlike any he felt before shocked him into oblivion. Then the pain engulfed him.
It wasn't normal pain or electricity, no, as Dean writhed on the ground as electricity crackled all over the ground he could feel it being molded, twisted, fueled by an immense hatred and contorted to make him suffer. Dean's vision went red and he started to lose consciousness.
Ventress screamed and laughed maniacally as she watched them thrash about with pain their screams a heavenly chorus in her ears. Suddenly many things happened and time slowed down.
Through Dean's blurry vision he saw what looked like half a dozen Republic Gunship diving for them. Behind Ventress the unmistakable shape of a hunter pair from behind fired a volley of shots from its cannon. And everything exploded into chaos.
Well there you go! One more chapter to join the ranks! This story is now 30,000 words!
We have Ventress make an appearance, the Spartans off to the rescue, and Moram being a pretty beastly Fleetmaster, and a second brother of Will to join the ranks! Dean goes into combat against the droids and is facing a cliffhanger! Literally! I thought I did a nice job writing that section of the space battle.
Continue to read and review to notate any questions or otherwise! One question for the audience. It has again been put forth it might be a better story should it be in first person perspective. What sayest the audience?
This chapter has been edited to relflect the official names for Will's two brothers who were introduced in this chapter. Enjoy!
Yours in writing,
theotherpianist