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Chapter 4

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Part 3

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3 AIF (After Imperial Founding)/
14.08.2552 UNSC Military Calendar/

Bridge

Varric-pattern heavy cruiser Sacred Covenant

high orbit above Reach

Epsilon Eridiani system

Milky Way galaxy

The heretics had stings, Kantar decided. The mushroom-shaped building also had a powerful shield of an unknown type, tanking all the hammering that cruisers around it could safely do. In hindsight, the overzealous attempts to bring down the defense field faster might have been too hasty. The enemy timed it well, and just after a burst of pulse laser fire scattered over the shield, their single small warship unleashed a missile strike on the assembling ground forces, followed by old-fashioned cannon bombardment.

The pulse lasers failed to switch targeting priorities in time. The fast enemy missiles blossomed into blinding explosions that murdered hundreds of warriors and destroyed dozens of vehicles. More detonations followed, sparkled by red energy pulses. Those were nowhere near as powerful as the missiles, yet were still potent enough to slag tanks and vaporize any warrior struck directly, murdering everyone in the vicinity.

Kantar contemplated pushing the cruisers closer to provide physical cover from the ground forces if needed when one of the Shangheli sitting at a sensor station called for his attention.

"Fleetmaster, look! Their shield doesn't stop physical objects!" The Major was pointing at a camera feed from a cruiser, showing the burning wreckage of a Seraph fighter bouncing off the top of the building. After a few moments, the sensor operator ran a recording of the incident in question.

A squadron of six Seraph fighters strafed the shield dome with their cannons. Missiles blew two of them out of the air while a laser cannon burned through the shields of a third, then blasted through its armor. The engine lost power, and the sleek fighter rolled towards the shield. Another laser blast hit it, further mangling the damaged machine. It began breaking up in the air, then hit the shield and passed through it before slamming into the roof and exploding.

"Order Banshee squadrons to try and pass through the shield. If it works, I want transports to rapidly deploy troops on top of the building and have them silence those Forerunners damned guns! If the shield is passable, all deployed ground forces will assault the building immediately and secure the relics!" Kantar seized the opportunity. The Gods were smiling at him this day!

Banshees charged the building and died, unable to survive or avoid the incoming fire. However, there were enough of them that a few managed to reach the shield, then pass through it before the final defensive fire blew them up.

"Begin the assault! Send one of the cruisers through the shield to neutralize that small warship and provide direct logistics support!" Kantar happily ordered.

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Senate building
Reach
Epsilon Eridiani system
Milky Way Galaxy

Six found himself in a small command center deeper in the large building. The golden droid was with him, offering translation and guidance.

The initial Covenant assault failed against the shield these people had to protect the building. Inquiries revealed there was an extensive power generator complex below the building. Whatever brought it to Reach got the reactors as well. Theoretically, they should be good for at least a week of sustained bombardment. In practice, the shield did have a weakness – it was primarily meant to protect against energy attacks. Solid objects could pass through it, especially if moving relatively slowly.

The explanation was probably technical and classified, so Six didn't try to push his luck. The bad news was that the Covenant wised up on that fact after a few of their destroyed Seraphs crashed into the building instead of striking the shield and blowing up or bouncing off.

Instead of suffering casualties while waiting for the bombardment to breach the shield, the Covenant army outside was moving to assault the building. Even worse, one of their cruisers moved from its position on the perimeter and headed straight for them.

Kenobi turned to one of the specialists sitting at the room's far end and ordered something. Instead of fear, there was an air of anticipation in the room. The cruiser was almost upon them when Kenobi barked a single word. One of the screens nearby showing various camera feeds from outside switched to a view from what had to be the roof of the building. Six large boxy emplacements rose from concealed positions. Moments before the cruiser could touch the shield. They unleashed a barrage of what looked like glowing spheres.

In the blink of an eye, scores of them struck the cruiser's shield, producing a blinding cascade of explosions that rippled between the two energy fields. Moments later, the cruiser passed through the building's shield… well, what was left from its front section, anyway. The view switched to that from above, the friendly warship, Six presumed. The front third of the cruiser was busy blowing up even as its engines pushed it forward. Yet more glowing missiles struck it, and now there was no shield to protect the alien vessel. The distance was too close for the point defense to begin registering the threat.

The room was sound-insulated, Six decided. Otherwise, he would be hearing the explosions going on above. Seconds later, the midsection began tearing up from internal and external explosions. The ship lost any semblance of control and listed to the right, sliding through the shield at an angle, and then ponderously began to fall towards the nearby mountains. Sheer momentum and spluttering engines carried it away, raining fiery debris.

Kenobi's following words prompted snorts and chuckles from the gathered soldiers.

"So much for putting enough proton torpedoes to kill a few capital ships as a part of the new defensive suite when we rebuilt the Senate being an overkill," C-3PO translated. "It was a scandal, really, complete with accusations of pointless militarization after the war," The droid confided.

Six could only agree. "Are there enough of them to kill the other cruisers?"

"One, perhaps two if they come in dumb, though I doubt the enemy would be so accommodating," One of the Clones answered. Cody, if Six wasn't mistaken.

Losing a cruiser in such a fashion would have given a saner opponent pause. The Covenant? From what Six could see on various cameras, it only drove them into a frenzy. At least they didn't risk bringing another capital ship closer. The corvette kept shooting at armor concentrations, thinning up the rapidly advancing enemy. More missiles and energy bolts shot down Banshees and Seraphs, which flew in a phalanx, providing physical cover for over a hundred Covenant transport ships.

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Coruscant
Coruscant system
Corcusca Galaxy

Anakin used the Force to slam the last living hostile alien he could sense in the vicinity into a half-melted wall. The Dark Side screamed at him to finish off the creature that dared endanger his daughter. It would be so right and satisfying to squeeze harder or perhaps fry it with lighting.

The pain of the few surviving Imperial Guards, the sense of loss and anger that came with the sudden end of the engagement, didn't help matters. Those soldiers wanted their pound of flesh even if they were too well disciplined and trained to show it.

For someone like Anakin, their professional masks were of no consequence. He could feel their emotions like his own. Even the creature's fear and sheer disbelief felt like a cool drink after a day wasted toiling through Tatooine's wastes.

A familiar presence distracted Anakin from choking the life of the split-jawed brute.

Pong Krell came striding into the ravaged junction, bringing reinforcements and medics.

"The kids are all right and en route to the complex. They'll get to a capital ship in orbit as soon as feasible," The other former Jedi informed him. He looked at the choking captive and removed his helmet, offering it a disturbing smile. "Killing it right now would be a mercy. I don't think you are feeling particularly merciful, my friend. Who knows, it might end up as Zash's newest plaything to keep her distracted and content."

Once upon a time, such a suggestion would have horrified Anakin. He was younger and friendlier back then. He had less to lose as well. The Imperial Knight let go of the captive, and soldiers raced to secure him for transport.

"What's the situation outside?" Anakin inquired.

"The navy managed to cripple that monster, but at a high cost. Now that the principals are secured, we're to neutralize any remaining enemy resistance, gather intel and captives, and facilitate the evacuation of civilians," Krell answered in a no-nonsense way that had been typical for him after Veil picked him on his return to the Core after his Mid-Rim adventures.

"I need to find Padme," Anakin began.

"We'll make sure you go look for her after we find out where the Senate and everyone in it went. If they're still alive, those things might know something…." Krell offered.

For a moment, Anakin felt anger surge through him. He struggled to contain it. The last time he went off half-cocked, he ended up nearly killing everyone in his 501st, then faced a humiliating court-martial. Even years after the Republic was no more, his sentence remained in place, and he was more of an asset to the Imperial Knights and the Imperial Military than any other Force Adept alive.

Now that he had a daughter to worry about, going out to get himself killed in a trap or because he didn't think would be extremely foolish. Still, his anger kept fighting him, further proving why Veil and Kenobi held back in teaching him everything they now knew. Palpatine's ghost was more accommodating, though Anakin knew not to trust that sneaky bastard fully.

Their comms came to life at the exact moment.

"This is Admiral Coburn, to all effective Imperial forces in the Coruscant AO. We just got word from the Emperor. The Senate is intact, transported to another world through the anomaly existing above its former location. We will be commencing a rescue mission ASAP. The following ground assets deployed in the Galactic City area are to report for immediate redeployment…."

"Well, we have a new job, it seems. Come on, Skywalker. It will be just like in the good old days!" Krell grinned at him.

"Those mostly sucked," Anakin countered as they ran up the stairs.

"Says the man who spent much of the war safe on Coruscant with his wife!"

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Part 4

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"This is Sylvia Halcyon, live from Coruscant!" The blond icon spoke earnestly in front of floating camera droids. "An unprecedented disaster struck at the heart of the Federated Empire! After a tremendous energy discharge and a blinding flash of light, the Senate building is simply gone. It was replaced by an alien ship of unknown origin and incredible size!"

Holographic windows formed around and behind the host, showing long-range images of the heart of Galactic City on Coruscant. There, in all its glory, floated a super capital ship of insane proportions.

Below, where the Senate used to be, were major military installations, which were quickly emptying as hordes of unfamiliar aliens spread through Coruscant's streets.

"There was no declaration of war, just a sneak attack of devastating proportions by an unfamiliar enemy!" Halcyon continued as images of fleeing civilians and aliens of multiple species slaughtering them and laughing followed. "As we speak, Admiral Coburn, the Commander of Coruscant's Defense Fleet, declared martial law across the planet. All citizens must do their best to evacuate the Galactic City region if possible or seek shelter within designated shielded bunkers. At this time it is unknown how such a hostile force managed to bypass all military defenses and strike directly at Coruscant. The most likely to blame is an odd artifact that appeared near the location of the now-missing Senate building, which coincided with the appearance of the enemy forces. We will continuously update you with a list of available shelters in the affected region.…"

GNN breaking news

"Heavy combat is occurring as we speak on the streets of Coruscant! Military units scrambled from nearby bases are fighting a desperate holding action to cover the evacuation of civilians!" A Zabrak reporter shouted at a camera droid. At the same time, down the street, an armored column was busy exchanging fire with hazy shapes in the distance.

Blue plasma balls rose through the air from unseen emplacements. Instead of striking the thin Imperial line, the artillery arched over the street to land within a mass of running civilians the soldiers were desperately fighting to protect. The plasma landed and detonated in full view of the camera, vaporizing a lucky few and turning hundreds into screaming, running torches.

The reporter gaped at the slaughter until a second volley bathed the camera feed in blue light, and it abruptly cut off.

Award winning military reporter Kruto Dokat's last transmission

"Admiral Coburn just declared Case Omega for the whole Galactic City region. Everyone who can't leave the area in the next five minutes should immediately seek deep shelter!" A pale Sylvia Halcyon reported. "Case Omega is declared only in extreme situations when the Imperial ground forces are deemed incapable of holding ground against a genocidal opponent…."

"This is a general broadcast to all Coruscant Citizens from Admiral Coburn, CO Coruscant Defense Fleet. Case Omega is now in effect in the Galactic City Region on Coruscant. Authorization for the use of fully powered naval weaponry will soon follow. All military forces and civilians in the Galactic City Region are to evacuate immediately or seek shielded shelter! I say again, full-scale deployment of capital-scale weaponry will commence within minutes!"

Fleet Admiral Coburn announcing Case Omega; GNN emergency broadcasting it interrupting regular programs under Security of the Empire Act

"The invasion of Coruscant continues!" A distant camera showed purple and silver hulls emerge from the portal like a fish out of water. The recognizable triangular shapes of Star Destroyers were descending through the atmosphere to meet them in close combat.

from GNN archives – live broadcasts from the Covenant's unprovoked attack on Coruscant

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3 AIF (After Imperial Founding)/
14.08.2552 UNSC Military Calendar/
Galactic City Region
Coruscant
Coruscant System
Corcusca Galaxy

Following sensible regulations, Anakin didn't board the same LAAT as Krell. Instead, he jumped in the second transport to become available. He waited for a squad of infantry to pile up behind him before they left. Even as bombers continued to dismantle the super capital ship hanging above, the distinct dagger-like shapes of Star Destroyers descended from the heavens. Assault Shuttles and LAATs rose from the ruins, bringing combat troops for sudden redeployment.

After connecting with the battle net, Anakin could see that within the hour, any troops pulled out of the combat area would be replaced by reinforcements summoned from bases across the planet. Reported heavy fighting was ongoing throughout the enemy ship as more and more boarding parties entered through breaches in the hull or captured hangars. Anakin itched to join the fray. However, his target was clear – he had to get to the Senate, to Padme.

A stir went through the battle net as it registered a new contact, singing with the highest possible priority.

"This is Commander Tanner, from the Shadow of Victory, declaring case Blue! Overwhelming enemy forces are converging on the Senate building beyond the portal! Immediate assistance is required. Further, at least two full squadrons of enemy cruisers are following us through the portal, complete with escorts! They will be arriving in Coruscant space shortly! Twelve enemy capital ships with escorts incoming! I say again…." A harried voice sliced through all channels sounding like a dirge.

Anakin shook with impotent fury for nearly a minute while the Dark Side beconed. It was Coburn's harsh voice that brought him out of the red haze.

"This is Admiral Coburn. Case Omega is now in effect. The Senate relief force is to proceed immediately through the portal. Do not slow down to pick up ground forces! Any units that can't make it to the transitioning ships before they reach the portal are to egress the Galactic City Region or seek shelter at the Palace of the Republic staging area and its theater shields!"

"Pilot, get us on board one of those ships, whatever it takes!" Anakin snapped, lacing his voice with the Force without even thinking about it.

"Aye, sir! We should get to the Resurgence shortly before she enters the portal!"

Skywalker watched through the opened side door how they raced towards a Victory Star Destroyer that was rapidly descending, primarily using her repulsors to keep her aloft. Twenty capital ships were coming towards the portal – two Venators, with their hangars refit to house a Silencer and additional shield generators and emitters. The rest were fifteen Victories and three Palpatine Class acting as squadron leaders.

Considering what Coburn just said, Anakin was sure he would be deploying most of the fleet literally on top of the portal if that was what it took to contain the enemy to a single region on Coruscant. He glanced at the ravaged streets below, keenly remembering similar occasions during the Black Rebellion. Capital ships slugging it in the atmosphere could mean that anyone outside a theater shield or far enough in power armor would either burn or die of acute radiation poisoning. The genocidal factions of droids naturally didn't care about collateral. However, the Empire often had to hold ground no matter the odds. That was usually when critical infrastructure had to be protected or secure complexes chock-full of civilians desperately praying for salvation had to be held until successful evacuation.

Anakin had thought that such horrors were now behind them. Damn those bastards for bringing them back!