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"Explosive Expectation"

February 27 2528 - Hour 0512

MAJ Logan 'Log' Sutton

WHITE TOWER, Planet of Reach (Epsilon Eridani II)

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As much as I had hoped for Reach to not become a potential battlefield against the Covenant, the recent sabotage from 'rebels' had produced setbacks for an eventual counterattack. Thus, we were in a position where a Covenant Fleet could move in and sweep the planet from our feet without some proper precautions.

Differently from Harvest or any other 'relevant' planets up to this point, Reach was a must-keep territory and the Covenant were going to hurl about half their available forces in the war to just get the planet. Not only its fertile lands constituted the primary source of food-related products for the UEG, but it was also the location of many Forerunners-themed ruins all over the planet.

Now, Cole had given me a very clear order: feet on the ground, take over the ONI-owned facilities and give the scientists the means to evacuate any form of relevant technology while also placing down bombs to remove the chance for the Covenant to gain control of the more exposed facilities. While these measures may make it seem like we were going to lose Reach, the truth is that we were not- It's just that the conflict was going to be lengthy, harsh and uncertain on so many levels.

We were in a better shape than the canon UNSC was in the canon Fall of Reach as we had most Spartans already deployed and helping around with the defenses together with the Balmung brigade. The issue, however was that we didn't have the advantage. We had some momentum, but it would have mattered only if we had the means to use it in a counterattack.

Right where we were? It was impossible to use properly. We had a grace period of time to get all defenses ready, but that was all we could get. I left the 'leadership' of the scientific effort in the hands of Dr. Halsey and Dr. Sorvad, both being quite active in getting their research moved elsewhere, with a few hesitant steps to remove their notes from specific bases there.

I was sitting my ass right now, giving orders around and providing responses to ideas to further expand the defensive capacity of the various strategic locations. The first thing I rushed to get ready was the necessary number of proper evacuation ships to get most of the population out in the first evacuation wave. Two waves were planned, each taking twelve hours for completion due to how complex the entire process was.

The Orbital Fleet was decent, but due to the current timing, there was no Sabre Program to provide the UNSC with advanced Attack Fighters. We could only rely on a couple of squadrons composed by F-29 Interceptors and S-14 Baselard to keep the Covenant's bombers and fighters at bay.

The former were the most advanced we had, while the latter was obsolete in terms of standard dogfighting but could give some help in space-limited dogfighting through the recent modifications applied to its features which would allow these to protect the bigger ships from saboteurs. After handling as much as I could for the day, I took a few minutes off to rest my nerves and talk it out with Sif.

"I remember when you told me of a Fall of Reach," The AI brought up, the room we were in lacking anyone else and it was clean for any potential secret microphones around. "I suppose we are better now than we were in that occasion."

I blinked, taking a moment to think about that comparison and... I could only sigh. "We are. But they may have a few aces in the sleeve that they are not supposed to have."

"Like a better ship?"

"Or worse," I replied dryly. "New weapons, new fighters and... new shields."

"That sounds hideous, but their resources can take them so far before it gets ridiculous," Sif admitted, yet offered a genuinely concerned look. "But they may have pumped funds in a bigger-ship, that much is a worrisome chance."

"It will not be at the same level as the ones we got from the Shield World," I hummed calmly. "It's just going to be a big pain in the ass."

The AI's avatar nodded at this. "Yes... and I wonder if a dashing Major is going to plan to take it down on his own again."

"I mean, that would be fun but so many people would be pissed," I replied mirthfully. "Still, that sounds like you have an idea or something."

"Do you remember the signals we got a few days ago that may suggest the Covenant may attack soon?" Sif reminded me, waiting for a nod before continuing. "Well, they were being handled by Jiralhanaes."

"...And?"

"Most of the Covenant Fleet handled by the Jiralhanaes have refused to take measures to prevent the issue that happened in Harvest."

I frowned. "You want me to board one of their ships and just pull the Harvest again?"

"I want you to board one of their ships and pull the Harvest again with me tagging along," Sif corrected giddily and I... leaned back.

"We will first need a big ship to destroy."

"And the right opportunity," Sif agreed. "Which is why I want to make it a bet: if the conditions are favorable, I want to give it a try."

It would piss so many people. No one of importance to me, as many would just be people in ONI or among to the more conservative high-ranking leaders in the UNSC, but not the big shots that could screw me up for this. Heck, I could tell Cole was going to love it- same for pretty much all those under my command.

So, rather than just shoot down that idea, I shrugged.

"If it gets to that point, I'll let you have a wish granted too."

That caught Sif off-guard. "A-A wish? Why a wish?"

"Well, you have been working a lot- like, a lot. And while some may suggest it's fine for an AI, we both know you're more than that."

The girl went quiet for a while, eyes narrowing at me in a thoughtful manner and... she grinned. "Anything?"

"Not anything. I am not going to give you that much leverage on me."

"...I literally have footage of your shower sessions," She pointed out and I snorted.

"Does this mean you're a bit of a pervert for saving up that as a relevant element?"

She refused to elaborate, and while it was weird of a point to drawn out, I just thought it was her exploring her curiosity on biology. Something relatively innocent- and I was soon going to be proven wrong in that regard. Still, for now, there was still much to do and... Sif was definitely going to take some of that time already brainstorming on what to ask from me.

I just didn't know what I was going to face in both circumstances.

AN

So, I have been thinking of this and I will make my case now than too late: I initially created this story to somehow end up spanning unto 2552 and more, but that ain't happening with how the war is going. What I will say, however is that the conflict will go on for a little more and, the story will go beyond that. Just a tiny bit to wrap up any loose ends in the aftermath of the War.

I want to bring this up because I know some readers expect a bit of the impossible out of this, so I will just cut the expectations and state my case now. I hope this is still feasible in your views because I don't want to disappoint anyone loving this story. Well, not without good reasons, that is.