Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my Halo/Star Wars short story crossover.

Thank you all for your wonderful patience and support. I deeply appreciate it.

I've noticed from the reviews for the main story that all of you really want to see a new chapter. All I have to say is continue to be patient. Once I've discussed with my beta-readers the plot and execution of the upcoming game Star Wars: Jedi Survivor, then new chapters will be coming out. Just hang in there. Your patience will be rewarded in due time.

As always, leave a review, and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Halo or Star Wars franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of Microsoft Studios, 343 Industries, Bungie, Lucasfilms, 20th Century Fox, Disney Films, etc. Any material original to the franchises belongs to their respective developers and publishers. Any material not original to the franchises is of my own invention. I do not own any music listed in each chapter. Any music listed belongs to its original composers and/or artists.


Pantora System

Approaching Orto Plutonia

June 4th, 0BBY, 1030 Hrs (December 18th, 2559, 1030 Hrs)

The Condor shuddered as it traveled closer to Orto Plutonia, turbulence buffeting it every inch of the way. Inside, Melody was checking her cold weather outfit for the umpteenth time. She tugged at his gloves, made sure her thick, heated jacket was working properly, and even made certain that the cloth mask over her mouth was snugly fit and ready. "You OK, ma'am?"

Melody turned her attention towards the source of the question. Inside the Condor was herself, Riyo, her guards and Fireteam Osiris. All four Spartan-IVs were wearing the FOTUS-class of MJÖLNIR Armor, which was optimized for cold weather. "Yeah," she said. "Just making sure that my outfit is ready to go."

"I'm certain it'll be fine," Locke reassured her. "What I'm more concerned about is what we might find on the planet. Riyo?"

Riyo, also dressed for freezing cold temperatures, nodded. "You're quite right to be concerned," she said. "Orto Plutonia's home to a number of predatory species, but the ones you should be worried about are the Talz."

"Why?" Olympia asked.

"The Talz are incredibly hardy hunters. They grew up on a cold world like Orto Plutonia, so they're in their natural habitat. They've got long claws, two pairs of eyes, and a single proboscis on their face which they use to eat and breath. They have a penchant for taking things they need from their neighbors and giving away things they don't need, so if you set up a base here, make sure they don't find it."

"Anything else I should be worried about?" Locke asked.

"There might be some lingering resentment over what happened last time," Riyo said.

Locke nodded. The briefing on that bit of galactic history had made that loud and clear. "Understood. Once we've landed, we'll form a perimeter and launch the drone. Hopefully, the Talz get the hint and follow it. If not, we'll find where they are and head there."

"I know where they're at, Locke. I can guide us there if need be."

"Good," Locke said.

"We're approaching the planet," the pilot informed them. "ETA to LZ: 3 mikes."

"Helmets sealed, people," Locke ordered. "Make sure your machine translators are ready. The Talz should be able to understand us, and we should understand them as well."

All of the Spartans put on their helmets, while Cleese, Riyo's guards and Riyo made certain that their antarctic-rated gear was snugly fit and ready. "You ready?" Melody asked Riyo.

"I've been ready for some time," Riyo said. "The Talz might have a positive opinion of me. I did send them supplies that they requested from us when they asked for them. Until we get there, though, it's pretty much up in the air."

"It'll be fine, Riyo. I'll bet that they've got a warm opinion of you. I certainly hope that their homes are not too cold. While this gear is comfortable, I'd rather not wear it all the time."

"Same here," Riyo agreed.

While those two were talking, Tanaka said, "What did we do to end up going to a frozen wasteland?"

"No idea," Buck said. "Personally, I'm actually happy that we're getting something to do."

"Enough," Locke said. "Let's focus on that later. Right now, we have a job to do."

"Yes sir!" the others shouted.

Any further conversation was stopped when the Condor landed on the ground with a muted thump. "We're down," the pilot said. "I hope y'all are bundled up tight. The temperature outside's below freezing."

"We are," Locke said. "Open the hatch." There was a slight hiss as the internal troop bay equalized it's pressure with the outside atmosphere's. A moment later, the ramp unlocked and lowered the ground.

As soon as it did, Melody felt a blast of frigid air slap the exposed portions of her face. Putting a pair of goggles on, she could feel the heating element strips inside of her jacket activate, banishing the cold with soothing warmth. "Damn, it's cold out here," Riyo muttered before putting her goggles on.

"You two good?" Locke asked. When Melody gave a thumbs up, he turned to the others. "Osiris, advance and take up formation around the VIPs!"

"Wilco!" the others replied. Marching outside, they kept their weapons out and at the ready. Following behind them, Melody and Riyo stepped outside.

Calling the place frigid was an understatement. While the sun was shining and the sky was clear, the ground was literally covered in meters of thick, white snow. Stepping out into it, Melody found that the snow came up to her waist. Damn, that's really thick, she thought. Not as thick as some places, but thick all the same.

"How are we going to move around in snow this thick?" Riyo asked.

Locke, who wasn't burdened by the snow, walked over to the three vehicles the Condor had been carrying. "This," he said. "The Arctic Warthog. AMG Dynamics replaced the wheels with tracks. Should give us a nice bit of mobility out here.

"Then let's go," Melody said. Wading through the thick snow, she clambered into the first Warthog's passenger seat.

"Let's go," Locke said. Helping Riyo into the second Warthog, he and Fireteam Osiris split up between the first Arctic Warthogs, while Riyo's guards got into the third. Getting into the driver's seat for the first one, Locke said, "Takaka, drone."

Tanaka took out a small, four propeller drone. Extending the propeller arms, she activated the UAV, then gave it a good toss into the air. The drone came to a steady hover roughly 200 meters into the air. "Where to?" she asked Riyo.

"Head west," Riyo said. "The Talz built their village at a canyon roughly 20 kilometers from here. We'll see a bridge extending to their village when we get there."

"Understood," Locke said. "Osiris, move out!" Three roars filled the air as they drove from the Condor.

"Good thing we're wearing antarctic-rated gear," Melody said. "Temperature's at negative eighty."

"That's really cold!" Riyo said over the TEAMCOM. "We never get winters that cold below the sub-arctic zones. How you guys manage to make clothes that keep me warm here is beyond me!"

Melody smiled. I'm really glad that I decided to get survival training after Carrow. Before that place, she would've been very much lost out here. Now, she knew where they were.

As they continued to drive through the area, Melody noticed something odd. For one thing, they hadn't seen any lifeforms other than themselves so far. For another, she remembered looking at an image of a Talz. "Locke?" she asked. "Has anything odd happened?"

"No," Locke said. "Why?"

"I haven't seen any animals in the area so far, and I just remembered that the Talz have white fur. Did we pass by any?"

Locke looked outside. "I don't think so. Tanaka?"

"I haven't seen any Talz yet," Tanaka said. "They might be white, but I know what they look like. The FOTUS-class of MJÖLNIR also gives us increased situational awareness and it distracts any predators in the area. If there were any Talz in the area, I would've immediately called them out to Locke."

"I see," Melody said. That would explain the lack of wildlife in the area, and why we haven't run into any Talz yet. "Thank you."

"Just doing my job, ma'am," Tanaka said.

Fifteen minutes later, they stopped the Arctic Warthogs to get their bearings. Checking his TACPAD, Locke said, "We're nineteen klicks from the Condor. The pilot has reported no activity yet, though he's activated the automatic security system just to be safe. We're going to have the UAV scan within a three klick radius of our position. That should -"

"CONTACT!" Buck shouted. "TWENTY METERS! 2 O'CLOCK!" Almost everyone snapped their rifles up in the direction Buck had called out the contact.

"There it is!" one of Riyo's guards said. "A Talz!"

At first, Melody couldn't see a thing, only white snow. Then she spotted something moving in the snow. A moment later, a tall, humanoid alien stood up from the snow. White fur covered its body from head to toe, making it appear to melt away into the snow. Two pairs of black eyes looked at her, while a single proboscis extended from the alien's mouth. So that's a Talz, Melody thought to herself. Very interesting.

Riyo, seeing the Talz before them, motioned for the others to lower their arms. When they did, she said, "Hello there. Are we intruding?" Her machine translator quickly barked out a suitable translation.

The Talz shook it's head. When it spoke, Melody couldn't understand the language. Then her translator updated and she heard a voice say. "No. I was sent bythe Chieftain to watch perimeter. Then you arrived and I followed at a distance. When I recognized you, I informed the Chieftain of our arrival. He is happy that you are here." Looking at the others, the Talz asked, "Who are they?"

"They are visitors from beyond the galaxy," Riyo said. Stepping out of the vehicle, she said, "This is Melody Azikiwe, Ambassador from the United Earth Government, also known as the UEG. With her are the members of Spartan-IV Fireteam Osiris of the United Nations Space Command, or UNSC for short." Melody politely nodded.

"I see," the Talz said. "The Chieftain wishes to see you. Iwill guide you to him. Follow me in your strange landspeeders." With that, the Talz began moving towards their 11 o'clock.

"He's moving at a pretty good clip," Buck noted as the Talz seemed to melt away into the snow. "He must've been keeping back a fair amount to avoid being found by us."

"He's a watchman," Olympia said. "They usually do. I say we follow him. He might take us to the person we're looking for. Right, Riyo?"

"Yes," Riyo said. "Follow him. He'll lead us to where we need to go." With a nod, Locke and the others began driving after the lone Talz…

They eventually came across a single gorge that had one side elevated over the other. Crossing the gap between the two was an ice bridge wide enough for two Warthogs to travel abreast. On the other side, Melody spotted what looked like a cave, as well as a series of huts. Each one resembled igloos she'd seen back at Earth.

As the stopped and disembarked from their Warthogs, a single Talz dressed in purple robes approached them with a staff in hand. Four more Talz flanked the single individual, wielding staves and blasters. As soon as they were close enough, Riyo said, "Thi-Sen? Is that you?"

"It is I," the Talz said. Hearing this, Riyo advanced before stopping a respectable distance from Thi-Sen. Then the two embraced each other in a gentle hug.

"It's good to see you, Thi-Sen," Riyo said with a smile. "How are you?"

"Old, but fine," Thi-Sen said. "The doctors that visit our village have been tending to me very well. I feel half as old as I should feel. What makes me prouder is that you have become the Chieftain of your people, and you have been a wise one." Looking at the newcomers, he asked, "Who are they?"

"Those are newcomers from beyond the galaxy," Riyo said. "This is Ambassador Melody Azikiwe of the United Earth Government. With her is Spartan-IV Fireteam Osiris acting as her bodyguards."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Melody said as she extended a hand.

"Likewise," Thi-Sen said as he shook the offered appendage. "We knew of your arrival when the doctors came two weeks ago to help ease our ailments. I must admit with some regret that I did not believe them. Now I realize that they were right."

"To be fair, it is kinda hard to believe," Melody reassured him. "I'd have done the same thing in your case." Feeling a slight chill, she asked, "Mind if we go inside? It's a tad chilly out here."

"Not at all," Thi-Sen said. "It is quite cold out here, even for a Talz." Turning to one of his guards, he said, "Make certain that the guest hut is clean and ready for the Ambassador." The Talz in question nodded. As he walked away, Thi-Sen said, "Come on inside. It would be rather rude of me to have you two waiting outside in the cold. Your guards can come as well. I'm rather interested in learning more about these 'Spartan-IVs.'"

"Thank you," Melody said. As they proceeded into the cave with the other Talz, her mind drifted. So far, so good, she thought. Hopefully, this will go better than our other First Contacts.

Once they were inside one of the huts, the wind, which had begun to howl, died down to silence. With Riyo's guards, Riyo, Melody and the Spartan IVs, it was a tight fit. Still, they managed to make themselves comfortable, with Thi-Sen sitting down across from them. "Now that we are somewhere warm, we can begin speaking with one another. From what the rumors say, your people have formed an alliance with this 'UNSC.' Correct?"

"That we have," Riyo said with a nod. "My people were suffering from the isolation that began when we were cut off from the wider galaxy. The United Earth Government has offered Pantora a number of trade agreements that will help my people recover and thrive. In exchange, the UNSC, the UEG's military branch, will set up bases to help us protect ourselves from pirates."

Thi-Sen turned his gaze towards Melody. "Is that true?"

"It is," Melody said. "Pirates were threatening Pantora, and the PDF wasn't sufficient enough to protect them. When the pirates attempted to overthrow Riyo as the Chieftess of her people, we were able to save her people and prevent the pirates from succeeding. Since then, relations have become very warm between the two of us."

"I know of that battle," Thi-Sen said.

"You do?"

Thi-Sen nodded. "Yes. I happened to see it in the stars when I was coming back from a successful hunt. The pirates have always been a menace to everyone here. It is good to see that they are being justly punished. That being said, I was wondering what your intentions will be for our village."

"Nothing bad, really," Melody said. "We just wanted to use a part of this planet as a place for survival training. Plus, we found that this world has a number of resources the UNSC could use. We were wondering if -"

"You could mine this planet for resources," Thi-Sen finished.

"How'd you know?"

"The homeworld of my people is the same way," Thi-Sen said. "The Republic, though, didn't care about that. All they wanted were the mineral resources, and they didn't care who they had to step on to do so. What would prevent the UNSC from doing the same?"

"Unlike the Republic, we actually give a damn about our laws," Melody said. "What the Republic did, from the sounds of things, was wrong. Besides, if anyone attempted illegal mining in the UEG, the UNSC would quickly stomp on them, as would the CAA Marshals. Still, I know that you'll want more than just pretty words, so I've come with a proposal."

"And that would be?"

"That we set up a training facility first for our special forces. They'll be specifically instructed to cooperate with you and your people. If any trouble arises, one of my aides can come and resolve matters quickly. We'll also do what we can to help you with any problems you can't handle on your own. That we, we can build up trust with each other and maybe even become friends. Does that sound appealing?"

Thi-Sen tapped a talon idly against the ground. "It does," he said. "However, I will not be so foolish as to think that this simply solves what happened with my people."

"I wouldn't expect anything else," Melody said. "All that I ask is that you give us a chance to prove ourselves, nothing more, nothing less."

"I see." Silence reigned again, then Thi-Sen said, "Very well. I will give you a chance to prove yourself. If you blow it, that's the last time we will speak to each other. If all goes well, however, then maybe we can become friends after all. Now, we must discuss the specifics of this initial agreement."

"That we shall," Melody said. So far, so good.

. . .

Back at Pantora, Chi Eekway sat at the table for the Chairman of the Assembly. Drumming her fingers, she checked the time for the third time and continued to wait. They're likely having to go through the security measures we've put in since the failed pirate coup, she thought.

Leaning on her elbows, she glanced outside of the window towards Orto Plutonia. I hope Riyo is having a better time of things than I am right now. I know that she's in good hands, but ever since the coup, I can't help but worry. She sighed, then rubbed at her face. Part of her wondered if she needed to retire soon.

She was jolted out of her idle reverie when a knocking sound came at the door. "Who is it?" she asked.

"It's Secretary Veronica Janice, Vice Admiral Cole and one other person," one of the guards said. "Should I permit them inside?"

"Yes," Eekway said, "and come in as well." The door opened, permitting Janice and Cole inside. Following after them was a single man with brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. "Welcome," Eekway said. "It's a pleasure to have you here again, both of you."

"The pleasure is all ours," Janice said.

"Indeed. Mind if you introduce me to this fine young man?"

"Ah, yes," Janice said. "My apologies. This is Economic Analyst George Jones. I brought him here due to help with matters that are his forte."

"Pleased to meet you," George said. "I heard about what happened after your government was cut off from the wider galaxy. You have my deepest sympathies."

"Thank you," Eekway said. "That being said, let's get down to work. Shall we?" The others nodded in consent. Checking her list of things to do, Eekway said, "I heard, Cole, that you were wishing to learn of any other locations that UNSC bases could be built at. I've also heard that you and Janice are getting into the finer workings of Pantora's government."

"That we are," Cole said. "That being said, I don't find politics to be particularly enjoyable. I much prefer being out on the front lines, not stuck behind a desk with nothing to do but fill out endless forms and paperwork."

"Yet you do it because it is necessary. Correct?"

"Correct," Cole agreed. "Sometimes we have to do things we don't particularly enjoy in order to do the things we actually enjoy. So long as it keeps the UNSC, and Pantora, safe and sound, I'll do it."

"That's good to hear," Eekway said. "That being said, I don't really know of any places to set up UNSC and Swords of Sangheilios bases aside from the mentioned areas. If you really wish to know more about that sort of thing, I would recommend talking to the Pantora Geological Survey Corps. They might be able to help you with that sort of thing."

"Thank you," Cole said.

"You're welcome. That being said, I am quite interested in finding solutions to help heal our economy. As you are all aware, we are currently in the middle of an economic depression."

"Yep," George said. "I remember only one other economic depression that was this bad. Are you familiar, Speaker, with the Great Depression?"

"I can't say that I am."

"Alright," George said. "To give you a brief history lesson, the Great Depression occurred during our mid 20th century. Due to over-speculation on the stock market during the 1920s, a poorly time tariff, drought and the stock market crash of 1929, the United States economy nearly collapsed. While it would have recovered in a couple years, poorly thought out government policies ensured that it lasted many years longer than it should have."

"I see. So, what would your best piece of advice be to help Pantora's economy grow and thrive once more?"

"I would need to do more research before giving you a concrete answer," George said. "However, I can say that, for the time being, what you have to do is establish trade with the UEG. Trade is the lifeblood of nations, whether it be internally with other members of the same planet, or externally with other worlds. Without that trade, your economy is going to fall apart, and we can't lend you any money because that would hurt your economy in the long run.

"As such, the first thing to do is get trade flowing again. Once that is done, I would recommend a number of investments, but again, I need to do my research to see what Pantora has that the UNSC doesn't, and how that can be used to help stabilize the economy. Construction jobs will help bring in money and employ the population, while farms will help provide food. Beyond that, again, I'll have to do research."

"All right," Eekway said. "It sounds as though you've got this pretty well thought out for the time being."

"It's part of my job as an economic analyst," George said with a shrug. "I conduct research on past trends and then I make predictions based on that research. Plus, I can tell if an economy needs to switch gears, or continue on the path it is currently on."

"All right. That being said, we're going to need to enter discussions on regulations that everyone can agree on. I remember when the Separatists and members of the Republic tried to cause trouble. It was a bureaucratic nightmare. Then the Separatists came along and made things worse during the Clone Wars. Either way, we will have to hold a meeting with the other senators later today in order to solve this problem."

"That much I can guess," Janice said. "Given the complexity of the problem, we'll likely have to discuss this with the rest of the Pantoran Assembly."

"My thoughts exactly," Eekway said. "We'll likely have to reconvene at another time, when everyone in the Assembly is together. Shall we speak then?"

"Agreed," Janice said.

"I would like to have further discussions with you and Riyo when she returns," Cole said. "We'll have to work out a plan on how to get Pantora better protected."

"Understood," Eekway said. "Again, as I said, we'll do that at another time. I hope the rest of you have a lovely day."

"And you as well," Janice said.

. . .

Onboard the UEG Hand of Peace, Richard Cleese was preparing for a HoloCOM call. Making sure his suit was on and ready, he proceeded into the HoloCOM room onboard the ship. Punching in a series of codes, he began to wait for the call to begin.

Instead of Leia, he watched as the face of an aide appeared in the holographic projector. "Yes?" she asked. "Would you like to set up an appointment with Ambassador Organa?"

"Yes," Cleese said. "Inform her that the UNSC/UEG Ambassador to the Galactic Empire would like to speak with her, please."

The woman's face paled with surprised. "Very well," she said. She said something to someone out of view, then turned to Cleese. "She'll be available in ten minutes."

"All right," Cleese said. "I'll hang up for the time being. Once she's ready to speak with me, call me". That was quick, he noted as he ended the HoloCOM call. It appears as though Leia is very interested in talking with me.

Right on cue, ten minutes later, he heard a chime from the projector. Hitting the call button, he watched as Leia Organa appeared on screen. She smiled as she looked at him. "Greetings," she said. "I'm glad that you called. Melody informed me that you would be speaking with me today. Is there something you need?"

"Yes," Cleese said. "I was wondering if we could arrange a meeting with the Emperor. Once my immunizations have been completed, I'll be traveling to Coruscant to speak with him."

"Trade agreements?"

"Yes," Cleese said. "Given that we're not at war with each other, it was decided by the UEG that trade agreements would be set up with the Galactic Empire. A number of economic analysts and other experts in the field were also sent with me to help hash out various agreements in that regard."

"I thought as much," Leia said. "I'll do what I can to inform him as to this request. If I know him, though, he'll likely have you speak to one of his Imperial Governors, as they handle the day-to-day affairs of the Galactic Empire. Still, I'll see what I can do about that."

"Thank you," Cleese said. "In the meantime, I'll see to it that the economic experts are prepared for the journey. Is there anyone else I can speak with on the matter?"

"There is," Leia said. "His name is Morlen, and he's an aide to the Empire's Minister of Economics. I would be careful if I were you, though. Morlen doesn't take well to having criticism thrown at him, and he's often known for using his status as a means of getting what he wants."

"I know the type. I'll be careful with Morlen. If he tries anything funny, he'll learn why they call me the 'Filibuster Buster.'" Cleese smiled. "I hope you have a pleasant day, Ambassador."

"And you as well," Leia said. Her hologram faded a moment later.

Checking the inbox for the HoloCOM, Cleese found that Leia had sent him contact information. There we go, he thought. Time to talk to someone that can talk economics. Hopefully I can get George Jones to speak with him too. Keying another contact, he said, "George, are you there?"

"I am," came George's voice. "What do you need?"

"I'm going to be calling an Imperial Economic Analyst by the name of Morlen. I was wondering if you could sit in and talk shop with him."

"Definitely," George said. "Go ahead when you're ready."

Nodding, Cleese keyed in the contact information Leia sent him, then waited. Another receptionist's face appeared in the holographic projector. "Hello," she said. "You've reached the Imperial Bureau of Economics. How can I help you?"

"I would like to arrange a HoloCOM meeting with Economic Analyst Morlen," Cleese said. "I would like to discuss a few things with him. Is he available right now?"

"Hang on," the receptionist said. After a minute, she said, "Yes, he is available. Shall I put you through to him now?"

"Of course."

The hologram of the receptionist faded, then Morlen appeared. He looks rather portly, Cleese thought.

"Yes, yes? What is it?!" Morlen shouted. Spotting Cleese and George, he quickly composed himself. "Oh. I... um... excuse me." He cleared his throat, then said more confidently, "What can I do for you fine gentlemen?"

"I wanted to discuss a potential economic agreement with you," Cleese said. "I've brought one of my aides, George Jones, as an advisor for this meeting."

Morlen's eyes gleamed with greed. "Of course," he said.

Here we go, Cleese thought. This'll be fun. He knew deep down, though, that it wouldn't be fun.