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

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

Just so you know, I'll be taking something of a break next week to celebrate my birthday, as well as Thanksgiving. I'll be posting a short story next Friday that will fill in some of the plot holes that the previous chapters created.

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, producers 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.


Coruscant

Imperial Palace

April 18th, 0BBY, 3PM (November 2nd, 2558, 3PM)

The air inside of the Pinnacle Room was rife with tension as the Imperial Council convened for only the second time this year. On one of the seats, the Emperor watched in stoic silence as the mongrels below him awaited their final member. His right hand stood silently by his side.

The actions of the battlecruiser Infinity had exacerbated old cracks in the Imperial Council, which the Emperor hoped to at least tape down in the meeting. With that in mind, he had called another person to the impromptu session. Leia Organa walked into the room, two Royal Guards escorting her. Once seated, Palpatine began,

"This meeting is now in session. Senator Leia Organa, given your prominent involvement in recent events, would you give rest of us a brief rundown?"

Leia steeled herself. "Of course, Emperor," she said.

"The battle erupted shortly after we docked to one of the ships in the Rebel Fleet for emergency transport to the nearest port facility. During this time, a spatial anomaly appeared, akin to a small black hole, through which the self-identified UNSC Infinity emerged." She paused. "Right in the path of the Devastator, with predictable results. The ship appeared to have lost power. It had no running lights or engine glow until later on in the battle."

"The remaining Destroyer began firing on Infinity in presumed retaliation against an assumed intentional attack. During this time, I was alerted to an open broadcast communication between a woman who identified herself as UEG Envoy Melody Azikiwe and Admiral Gorin of the remaining Star Destroyer. Envoy Melody attempted to explain to Admiral Gorin that Infinity had no hostile intentions, but Admiral Gorin persisted in his attacks. This forced Captain Thomas Lasky, the commander of the Infinity, to respond in kind, leading to collaboration with the Rebel fleet."

"All else after that, I obtained from second hand reports and explanations. After the battle, I requested docking rights to learn more about the UNSC, while defusing possible future escalations."

The Emperor was silent as he considered her words. "I see," he said.

"We spoke at length, and I can assure you that he wants peace." Pulling out a small data-disk, she said, "I also requested, from Captain Lasky, a corroborating recording of his ship's actions." She said, as she inserted the data card into a slot on the holoprojector.

The council watched in rapt attention as the events held within unfolded.

"Interesting," Palpatine said at length, upon the play's end. "You have done well, Senator Organa. You may go now." He addressed.

Leia proceeded out of the room. "Most interesting. it would appear that the young Senator was telling the truth." Palpatine began upon Leia's leave.

"Indeed," Vader agreed.

"Inviting the Infinity here was not wise," Kren Blista-Vanee, one of the Imperial Councilors, said. "The Fist and Conqueror are out of position and the Perlemian is under-defended."

"I concur Vanee," Ars Dangor, another of the Imperial Councilors, reassured him. "But it is what it is for now due to the Imperial Navy, in its typical display of poor judgment."

"True," Kren admitted. "It is still a bother having to reorganize the fleets."

"Let's dispense with the faux dissatisfaction. The Emperor, in his wisdom, had his own reasons beyond yours, for his decision." said another member. A cruel man with a hatchet face, dark brown eyes and a head devoid of all hair, Sate Pestage was one of the most dangerous members in the Imperial Council. As Grand Vizier, he was the Emperor's top advisor, ruling through quiet wisdom. Whenever he spoke, all listened.

It was then that the Emperor spoke. "Quite so, I imagine the ISB will be diligent in its observations" he said to the others. "Senator Organa will be our liaison to this UEG for the time being. She is to be escorted at all times." Palpatine directed.

Pestage nodded. "A wise decision as always Emperor."

"Any other concerns?" When none presented themselves, he drawled, "Very well. Leave."

. . .

In high orbit over Coruscant, Captain Jorgus of the Imperator paced on his bridge, his crew and XO diligent in their silence. Outside, Coruscant gleamed as insects of ships went about their routines. Jorgus paused his pacing to once again contemplate on his decision to join the Imperial Navy from a core world, to specifically avoid having to fight.

"Sir, black hole horizon forming two hundred megameters starboard, bearing 112."

"Helm. Face it," Jorgus ordered. "Ready to see the Infinity, Gevis?" He asked his XO.

"Certainly," Gevis replied.

. . .

Tension consumed the bridge as Infinity prepared to exit slipspace. "This is it, I guess," Melody said.

"Indeed." Lasky agreed.

"Slipspace exit in two minutes, all hands prep for de-insertion." Lieutenant Jet announced.

"Gabriela? Any word from Leia?" Lasky asked.

"We're expected captain. Quite a welcoming party if Leia's correct." She responded.

Infinity bludgeoned and tore its way out of slipspace like a hammer striking its mark. To Lasky's amazement, their destination glowed in large, geometric patterns visible from his position. Endless thousands of starships swarmed the planet like orderly moths to a flame.

Lieutenant Jespersen whistled. "Now that is amazing."

"Indeed," Lasky agreed. "Cortana?"

"Scanning," she replied. "Coruscant is an ecumenopolis, giant silver buildings all over. Excessive defenses, I doubt even the Covenant could crack it."

Lasky nodded with a slight frown..

"Star Destroyers bearing on us Captain." Gabriela added.

"Incoming transmission Captain." Jet informed. (stop blunting it, this spoils the slight suspense, the shared story has points like this expressed in flowing monologues and reactions)

"Put it through," Lasky ordered.

There was a faint whine as the transmission came in. Moments later, a crisp male voice said, "UNSC Infinity, this is Captain Jorgus of the ISD Imperator, welcome to Coruscant."

"Open a COM channel," Lasky said. Once Jespersen gave him the thumbs up, Lasky spoke. "This is Captain Lasky of the Infinity. We read you loud and clear. I take it you are our escort?"

"Yes," Jorgus replied. "Given the size of your ship, youmust get to and remain in lunar orbit for the duration of your stay. Entering atmosphere would pose an undue hazard to the citizens below."

"Acknowledged. We'll be coming down in a shuttle."

"Understood," Jorgus said. "You'll be escorted to the Imperial Palace. Personal guards are limited to four per representative. May you enjoy your brief stay Captain Lasky."

"You too Captain Jorgus," Lasky agreed. "Lasky out."

Turning to Lieutenant Murphy Lasky said. "Make ready Hangar 15-C for our departure."

Turning to Gabriela, he said, "Inform Blue Team they're our escort."

"Yes, sir," Gabriela said.

. . .

Minutes later, the party was onboard a Pelican, the VTOL craft racing towards the planet's surface. A voice came in over open radio. "UNSC shuttle, this is TIE flight Exitus, follow the transmitted flight course. Don't deviate."

"Got it, following." Echo 4-1-9 replied, noting the bluntness of the order.

Spartan 117, standing behind Lasky, observed the planet that only the forerunners could match in scale alone. "Big place, isn't it," Cortana noted.

"It is," The Master Chief agreed. Noticing movement to the right, he watched as a pair of TIE Interceptors maneuvered closer to the Pelican.

The remainder of the journey was spent in silence. Lasky watched as the ship was bathed in urban lights. The pilot maneuvered the Pelican towards a trapezoidal, castle-like structure.

. . .

On the landing platform, Grand Moff Tarkin awaited the shuttle's arrival. Two squads of Stormtroopers stood at attention on either side of the walkway. Blood Red Royal Guards serving as his escort, and his escort, on the Emperor's directive.

His eyes shifted to the incoming UNSC shuttle. Bulky, off-center center of gravity if its tilt is anything to go by, he thought. The military part of his mind quickly worked out what would be needed to shoot it down. Tail thrusters could send it into a spin it if they were damaged. He shook his head and refocused on his orders.

Upon the shuttle landing, Tarkin watched as ten individuals walked out. Among the leaders were a young, tanned man and a tall, dark-haired woman. The man, Lasky from what Tarkin was told, was dressed in white, while the woman, likely Melody, wore a black garb.

What caught his attention, though, were the soldiers behind the two. The first four wore what appeared to be heavy, segmented armor. The rest were even more heavily armored, towering over the delegation.

Tarkin stepped forward to receive them, "Greetings, and welcome to the Imperial Palace. I am Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin."

The man before him nodded and said, "Greetings, Grand Moff Tarkin. I am Captain Lasky of the United Nations Space Command and the CO of the Infinity. With me is Envoy Melody Azikiwe of the United Earth Government. Thank you for hosting us."

"The pleasure is all ours," Tarkin said affably. "I'm to escort you to the Pinnacle Room to converse with the Emperor and various Ambassadors. Please follow me."

"Of course," Lasky agreed. With that, Tarkin turned on his heel and headed for the Imperial Palace, with Lasky and the others in tow.

As they walked, Lasky remarked, "Coruscant looks beautiful. I have to admit, I've never seen such an ecumenopolis before."

"Coruscant is one of a handful of ecumenopolises that dot the galaxy. One of them being one of the least reputable worlds ironically, Nar Shadda. I wouldn't tread there if I were you."

"How so?"

"Nar Shadda is a hive of criminal scum," Tarkin explained. "It's controlled by the Hutt Cartel. The planet's name means 'Glorious Jewel' in Huttese. Ironic, considering that it's simply a massive, polluted wasteland."

"Consider me duly warned."

Noticing the odd masks his charges wore, Tarkin prompted, "We could screen you if you're worried about possible contaminations."

"The offer is appreciated, but we prefer not risking things, or spending undue time on what is a relatively minor issue for us. Wouldn't want to keep the Emperor waiting." Lasky answered.

"Of course." Tarkin noted in a slightly higher pitch.

As he and Lasky talked, the group walked through the doors of the Imperial Palace, into the sprawling interior. Massive, marble-like hallways wide enough to drive a Mammoth through with little difficulty led further in. Towering arches at each entrance so tall and wide that even a Scarab would have no trouble stretching its legs in between.

"Quite the forward gallery." Melody noted as the group passed.

"Definitely," Lasky noted, agreeing on the artworks' elaborate provocativeness. Looking at one, depicting a firefight in what appeared to be a forest of mushrooms and fungi, he asked, "Grand Moff, what's this painting about?"

"That one depicts the Battle of Felucia, during the Clone Wars. A particularly nasty campaign. The planet's overgrown fungi and many hostile creatures were a large problem. Be careful if you tread there; otherwise, you might become a victim of the planet itself."

"Consider me warned," Lasky said. Deep down, he could already tell what Melody was getting at. Still, he kept that observation to himself, even as they entered one of the many lifts. With a silent hum, the lift rose.

The Pinnacle Room was circular, with large windows all round that allowed natural light to enter. High above them, the vaulted ceiling stretched. Several busts were present, with one catching the light of Coruscant's star. Inside the room, Lasky could see many people, all in formal or flamboyant wear. Most were human.

It was the two individuals near the back of the room that had Lasky's attention. The first was a man covered head to toe in glossy, black armor. A billowing black cape was draped over the supposed man's back.

The second was definitely a man. One that shouldn't even be walking, Lasky thought. Pale skin made up the subject's body and the whites of his eyes were jaundiced. As if in response to his thoughts, the man turned to gaze at Lasky momentarily, a grotesque smirk plaguing his face as he did so.

"Emperor, I bring with me Captain Thomas Lasky and the Envoy from the United Earth Government. Captain Lasky, I present to you Emperor Palpatine and Lord Vader." Tarkin introduced, slightly bowing to the emperor.

It was then that the emperor spoke. Even his voice sounded raspy, though it was sharp and loud. "Thank you, Grand Moff." Turning to Lasky, he said, "Greetings, Captain Lasky. Welcome to the Imperial Palace, and by extension, to the Empire. I hope your journey here was favorable."

"It was," Lasky said. "Thank you for the invitation."

"It was no bother," the Emperor said dismissively. "It was most regrettable that you had to be involved with the affair at Scarif. I take it Admiral Gorin did not survive the battle?"

"He did," Lasky said. "We'll be handing him off before we leave."

"Good," the Emperor hummed. "I will make my disappointment of his actions known to him. Firing on a ship from another galaxy without due provocation is a very poor greeting."

"That it was," Lasky said. "I hope that most Imperial Admirals aren't as… impulsive as Gorin was. It wouldn't do well to have repeated incidents."

"Not all our Admirals are of the same cloth as Gorin," Palpatine reassured. "May I present to you my most loyal servant, Darth Vader. He observed your ship leaving the battle."

"Greetings, Captain Lasky," Vader said, voice heavily muffled. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

"Thank you," Lasky said. Looking around, he said, "I was under the impression that there would be a diplomatic function going on."

Palpatine smiled. "Your eyes do not deceive you, Captain," he said. "We are awaiting Senator Organa's arrival before moving to a more suitable setting."

With that, the Emperor proceeded to one of the lifts. Lasky and the others quickly followed, noticing Leia's prophesied sudden arrival. The turbolift descended. Once down, everyone proceeded to one of the large dining rooms on the floor.

It was an enormous affair. The ceiling up above them was vaulted, with chandeliers and lights that exuded a warm calm. Doors were present on either side, each flanked by Palace Guards. At the center was a long table stuffed with mostly unidentifiable foods.

As they entered, Lasky navigated towards Leia. "Senator. It's good to see you here." He said.

"It is," Leia responded.

"An odd way to start off a diplomatic session. Still, it's interesting to see its effectiveness. Much of the earlier tension is lost to me. At least we prevented a war."

"I feel the same Captain, but this doesn't mean that you should lower your guard," Leia said.

It was then that the Emperor rasped out in a booming voice, "Greetings," he said, "and welcome to all of you. We are here to welcome guests from another galaxy. Mingle, enjoy the food and the acquaintances you encounter. Thank you all for coming!"

Many gravitated towards the table, taking seats as they conversed. "I am regretful of your inability to partake in the feast, Captain Lasky," he said. "You seem to value your safety quite highly, even after our offer to screen you."

"Thank you for your kind words, Emperor. The banquet is still a feast for the eyes.," Lasky said.

"That it is," Palpatine agreed, before taking a breath. "You have my apologies for the unfortunate incident that led you here, Captain."

"Thank you," Lasky acknowledged. "I'm glad to see that the Imperial Navy is as diverse as the beings it protects."

"Very much so," Palpatine agreed. "If you will allow me this moment to ask, given your war and the tragedy of it, how did your people survive?"

Lasky cleared his throat, delaying his response to get his thoughts straight. "The Covenant sought to exterminate humanity under a supposed religious mandate. Allow me to give a hypothetical. Imagine a verdant world full of life, such as those prospering in the mid rim. Replace all the ground with translucent quartz, down to the deepest ocean floor, and you have what we term a glassed world."

"I see. You have my sympathies." Palpatine said simply.

Acknowledging with a nod, Lasky went on. "One of the Covenant's member races, the Sangheili, rebelled against their leadership caste upon the revelation that one of the core tenants of their religion was false. One of the artifacts they revered as a gateway to their form of afterlife turned out to be a mass extinction weapon. This, coupled with rising hatred of another species, the Jiralhanae, that became more favored by their leaders over the military oriented Sangheili, tore apart the Covenant."

"I see," the Emperor noted. "I notice that your guards haven't moved at all since your arrival. You appear to have well-made droids." Palpatine diverted, noting the likely error in his words.

"They're Spartans," Lasky said. "Specially trained soldiers."

"Interesting," the emperor noted. Taking a brief glance, he said, "Well, time is my enemy Captain, and I always lose to it. We shall converse more after the rounds." With that, he walked off to meet other guests.

Lasky shivered under his jacket. He didn't like Palpatine, though he wasn't dumb enough to forego diplomacy.

Looking towards Melody, he could see that she was in her element, conversing with Palpatine, who seemed to appear out of thin air next to her. "So," Palpatine inquired, "What form of government is the UEG?" Lasky heard him say.

How'd he get over there so fast? Lasky wondered.

Melody, however, kept her cool. "The United Earth Government is a representative democracy," Melody began. "Effective power lies with the Legislative, Executive and Judiciary branches."

"Sounds standard," the Emperor said.

"The Legislative Branch holds the UEG Congress, which represents the various worlds under the UEGs control. The House of Representatives represents the population of each planet, while the Senators represent each planet specifically. The Executive Branch is where the President and their Cabinet, along with the Joint Chiefs, make decisions that affect the UEG as a whole.

"The Judiciary Branch is charged with interpreting laws, while also enforcing the laws of the land," she deflected, knowing that even the average civilian would at least have an idea of what each branch deals with.

"Interesting," Palpatine noted. "Wouldn't the Judiciary be slightly overburdened in that case?" He asked casually.

"Not usually," Melody replied. "Criminal cases are handled by the Crminal Courts, as part of a subordinate judicial branch. The Judiciary is charged with ensuring that the UEG Constitution is upheld with each law that the Legislature passes, along with any amendments that need to be made."

"Hmm" Palpatine intoned. A short break later, he asked "I suppose more will be shared once an official channel between our two spaces is established. What is your capital world, Earth pardon, like?"

"It's a beautiful place." Melody avoided.

"The name sounds appealing despite its meaning," Palpatine said, acknowledging her reluctance to divulge more information.

"I have no doubt that I will have more to ask of you sooner than later. Take care now, Madam Melody." With that, he walked off.

. . .

Vader silently surveyed the room.

There was something wrong about Lasky, Melody and the other UNSC personnel. It took him little time to discern what it was: they didn't appear to exist in the Force, despite being physically present.

Voids in the force were rare. They were near-mythological beings that had no connection to the Force, whose very existence challenged one of the basic tenants of understanding the Force, that of life arising from it. Naturally, his lord sent him on a few excursions to discern the true nature of such cases, then isolate and destroy their corruption before it festered into common knowledge on any world.

Having ten of them in one room, from one group though, was effectively impossible. Turning to his approaching master, Vader acknowledged that he had noticed the same thing.

"Tell me. What is wrong about them?" Palpatine asked.

"They are invisible to the Force, akin to voids, yet they exist before us. The Force flows over their non-existence."

Palpatine nodded. "Yes, most curious. That is not what has my attention, though."

"What does, Master?"

"What would be capable of removing the Force from a being?" Palpatine asked. "There is more to these people that I must uncover."

"Agreed," Vader said.

"For now, it would do well for us to remain cordial. These people have piqued my interest. Inform Major Yaltza to refocus his efforts towards finding these people's galaxy of origin, and have one trail their ship. This will be good entertainment."

"Yes, Master," Vader said. As Palpatine walked away.

. . .

While this went on, Leia mingled at the table. She was already irritated by the decadence of the festivities. I understand a feast to celebrate people from another galaxy, but there were other ways to go about it.

Another thing that vexed her was that she had to be in her best dresses for this occasion. It reminded her too much of when her aunts tried to dress her up, for one of her father's many dignitary visits or hostings, like a doll. That was more than annoying, she grumbled inwardly as she stood up.

Spotting Eriadu's Senator, Leia moved to speak with him. "Enjoying the party?" she asked.

"Most certainly," Senator Echard, said. "I must admit, I feel some sympathy for the UNSC. Their past mirrors the Pius Dea era too closely." He shook his head. "And here I thought such savagery was a thing of the past."

Leia nodded. "I thought so as well. It seems that, even in another galaxy, such monsters still exist."

Echard nodded. "So it would seem."

While conversing, Leia felt a judgmental gaze directed to her. The hairs on her neck stood. She turned around to see Emperor's hideous visage facing her. "Senator Organa," he began.

"I was most impressed with your handling of the potential crisis," the emperor said. "You also made it clear that Captain Lasky and the rest of the UEG desired peace rather than war. That was no mean feat." He added in praise.

"Thank you, my Emperor," Leia said.

Sheev raised a finger, interrupting her next words. "That is not all," he said. Raising his cup, he said, "Ladies and gentlemen." Once he had all their eyes on him, he said, "In light of Senator Organa's success in defusing the conflict, she is hereby appointed to the position of Imperial Ambassador to the UEG."

There was a short silence, before the room filled with applause.

Leia's heart throbbed. Knowing full well that diplomatic relations would take a long time to establish, she lamented at the position's paper weight and the Emperor's revealed means of sliding her out from Senate politics. This would limit her platform, and put her under the Emperor's direct authority, out of the Senate's bureaucracy. Not to mention, it would keep Bail in the Senate, still under watch by Imperial Security.

In another part of the room, Bail blanched as terror nearly overwhelmed him. Without Leia in the Senate, he would have to take over, and that wold mean the ISB would have a close eye on him. He lamented that fact, but chose not to give in to despair. There will be a way to benefit the Alliance from this, he thought.

Coming down to a knee, she reluctantly acknowledged the lost battle. "I humbly accept, my Emperor."

The Emperor smiled. "Excellent," he said. "You will have quarters in the presidential section of the senatorial complex to manage your personal affairs more effectively. You may go now." He ended with a wide smile, knowing that it was he that approached her instead.

"Thank you," Leia said as she left submissively. Spotting Bail, she noticed that he held an expression of mild concern. "Bail, what's wrong? You look a little pale."

"Nothing," he said. "It's quite… surprising that the Emperor acknowledged your actions."

"That it is," Leia agreed. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience, I know how much effort you put into stepping down."

Bail sighed. He had planned to be out of the Senate by year's end to more easily get involved in Alliance affairs, though it was clear that was no longer an option. Taking a breath, he steeled himself. "I'll take care of it," he said resolutely.

Leia smiled. "Thank you," she said. "I am in your debt, Bail. We'll talk more later. I believe we should enjoy the party while it lasts."

"Agreed," Bail said. As Leia walked away, his back slumped just a bit more, decades of exhaustive active politics making themselves apparent now more than ever.

. . .

High above Coruscant, Infinity drifted. Dr. Halsey maneuvered through the hallways of the Medical Deck. Datapad in hand, she skimmed through its contents in a frenzy.

Turning a corner, her foot snagged on something. Stumbling forward she collided with the man in front of her. He turned around, angry, then immediately concerned.

"Dr. Halsey!" he said, helping her to her feet. "Are you all right?"

"Fine," Halsey said. Looking around, she said, "I had a datapad in my hand. Did you see where it went?"

"Here," the doctor, Jared Lancaster from his name tag, said as he handed it to her.

"Thank you."

"No problem," Jared said. Noticing where she was going, he asked, "Are you headed to my office?"

"Yes," Halsey said. "I wish to inquire about the clones the Republic used in its last war. I understand that they age at double to triple the rate of human baseline and pondered on if it can be altered."

"Not as far as I know. If the Kaminoans could, they likely would have, given the probable cost of making an army from scratch."

"So I assumed at first, but I believe political factors came into play in that. I'll require your notes on progeria and samples of your patients' blood and marrows. May I speak with them?"

"Certainly, but the request will have to wait until their checks are done" Jared said. "This way. They're still in the waiting room." With that, he quickly led to his office.

Next to it were four distinct men in reception seats. The farthest one stood up and walked over to Halsey and Jared. "Dr. Jared, good to see you." He greeted.

"Same to you Hunter. Halsey, this is Hunter, leader of the self-named Bad Batch. With him are Wrecker, Echo and Tech."

"Interesting," Halsey said. "I take it from your names that each of you has a specific task?"

"That's right," Wrecker said. "I'm the team's demo expert. If you want something blown up or smashed, you come to me. Tech's our resident uh…well… Tech! and Echo is the scout."

"Pleased to meet you all," Halsey said.

"Likewise," Echo said, voice slightly grating. Seeing Halsey's odd expression, he added, "Cybernetics, they're getting old."

Turning back to Hunter, Halsey continued. "I was told that each of you had unique abilities."

"Yes," Wrecker said. "I'm really strong, Tech here is our wizard. Ain't that right, Tech?"

"Yes," Tech said simply.

"Echo is our resident cyborg. Finally, Hunter, our boss. Got heightened senses and perceptions. Maps might be wrong, but he never is."

Looking around, Hunter sighed, then asked, "Hey, where's Omega?"

"Excuse me, lady!" Jared exclaimed, snatching a datapad from a young blonde's hands. Turning to him, Halsey gazed the tanned, brown eyed, subject of attention.

"I'm sorry, I was just curious is all." She said in a surprising, English accent.

Turning to Halsey, Hunter introduced, "This is Omega. As you can tell, she's overly curious."

"Judging by your rather youthful appearance, your aging appears to be normalized."

"That's correct," Omega agreed. "My creator, Nala Se, made me to be one of her assistants. When Kamino fell, ninety-nine took me in. We've had crazy adventures ever since."

"More like misadventures," Hunter added.

"I see," Halsey said. "I might invite you into my lab at some point Omega, you appear spry and eager to learn. Now run along. I have work to do." She said as she went into Lancaster's office.

. . .

Olivia wasn't the only one in the wider galaxy with an interest in Infinity's crew.

Inside of the command deck, Sabine examined where she'd be staying as the Alliance's liaison to the UNSC one more time. The room was large and dark, a terminal station lying to her left corner. There was a private bathroom to her far right, and an inviting bed at the center of the room.

Leaving the room, armor on and weapons on hand, she maneuvered through the officer-filled hallways. Some of them talked about the Covenant-UNSC War in somber tones, all expression lost. It must have been bad, she noted as she went to her destination.

The tactical pad on her left gauntlet vibrated. Reading the received message, "Sabine Wren, report to Medical Deck by 1400 hrs."

Time to see what the Neural Interface does. She thought as she turned around, taking to a light jog towards the tram station at the hallway's her mild excitement, she bumped into something hard. Stumbling back, she quickly regained her footing and looked up.

A Sangheili, she realized as the alien turned around and looked at her with flaming eyes. "I'm sorry," she said.

The alien smiled, or did what she thought was a smile. "It is of little concern," he, as the Sangheili's voice was unmistakably male, said. "Are you all right?"

"Fine," Sabine said. "Just heading to the Medical Deck for my NI and I got too excited."

Looking at the Sangheili, she said, "I read up on your species. You remind me a lot of my people," she added, raising a hand in greeting.

The Sangheili smiled and shook it. "Usze 'Taham," he replied. "It is a pleasure to meet you. What did you mean by 'your people?'"

"I meant our cultures," Sabine said. "I'm a Mandalorian. We're a warrior society that prides itself on having some of the best warriors in the galaxy. Rank is achieved through merit, and we have very tight families."

"I see," Usze noted, making a motion with his hand. As the two began walking to the tram station that would take Sabine to the Medical Deck, he said, "Much of what you say reminds me of my people, Sabine.

"Yeah?"

"We are also a warrior culture, with a strong emphasis on merit and honor. Once, we served the Covenant as its protectors and guardians, only to discover the Hierarchs' deceit. We liberated ourselves, punishing them for their crimes. Now we work alongside our former enemies to forge a new future for ourselves."

"I see," Sabine noted. "Did you fight in the Covenant War?"

Usze nodded. "Yes. I am still shamed by my blind obedience and actions in slaughtering an innocent species. However, I will not stew in the past, as most of my kind have chosen. I will look to the future, and remember the lessons of the past."

"Sound words of advice," Sabine said as they arrived at the tram station. "I'm heading to the Medical Deck." She added.

"I am going to the training deck. May we meet again Sabine Wren of Mandalore." Noticing a wistful expression on her face, he asked, "What is the matter?"

"Just remembering someone from my past," Sabine said. "He would have loved exploring this ship."

"What was his name?"

"Ezra." Sabine said.

"What happened to him?" Usze asked, recognizing her saddened expression.

"He sacrificed himself to save me and the others from a Chiss Imperial Admiral. Been lost ever since. I'm hoping that your UNSC friends could help me find him after you find a way home."

"A noble goal for one so young," Usze agreed. "I look forward to meeting you a second time, Sabine Wren."

"You too."

. . .

On Yavin IV, Garven watched the various mechanics work on their fighters. Been one crazy week, he thought. We take the Death Star plans, and make friends with humans from another galaxy.

The sound of footsteps approaching reached his ears. He turned to see a heavy-set man approaching. "Vander," he said. "Good to see you in one piece."

"Same here," Vander, known as 'Dutch' in the cockpit, said. "Thought those eyeballs would get the drop on you."

"Me too, good thing I'm still a great pilot," Garven agreed.

"Guess so. Got anything good on the UNSC's jocks?"

Garven nodded. "They're good, shields hold a bit longer than ours . But they're a bit slower than our wings, definitely less maneuverable. Though I wouldn't bet against one with just that, their missiles are a hell of a lot better than ours."

"And their guns?" Vander asked.

"They're more accurate and powerful than our own, though we don't have to worry about running out of ammunition. That said, their missiles are also good, but our proton torpedoes are more maneuverable."

"Yeah," Vander agreed. "My thoughts exactly. That said, their pilots are better trained than most of our own. They were performing maneuvers only our aces could do." He checked his chronometer. "We've got a pilot briefing in six minutes. We'd better move it."

"Alright," Garven said.

. . .

Within Rebel High Command, another heated debate went on.

"We should merge the cells," Nower said, high pitched. "Merging the cells will allow us to better coordinate our forces."

"And risk having the entire Rebel Alliance leadership destroyed?" Vasp countered. He facepalmed. "Look, I understand where you're coming from, but if we do that, we risk a security leak that will allow the Empire to destroy us. We chose the cells for a reason."

"Bah!" Nower snorted. "It has only caused us trouble and misery. Just look at how Gerrera handled his cell. It's thanks to him that recruitment rates never recovered after the Onoam bombing."

"It's pointless at this point," Tynnra said. "The Empire grows in strength, and we don't have enough grown to fight back."

Vasp shook his head, "I don't believe you for one second. The Rebel Alliance isn't doomed."

"I believe that Vasp is right in that regard," Jan Dodonna said quietly. "You were quite adamant about scattering the Rebel Alliance when the Death Star's existence was revealed to us. In addition, you held the most vitriolic refusal to help her when she suggested that the Rebel Alliance invade Scarif to secure the plans. It goes to show what you think of the Rebel Alliance: as a doomed attempt to restore the Republic."

"It is doomed!" Tynnra argued. "Look around you! The Empire grows in strength every day, and all we can manage are small strikes that barely hurt it! The Death Star is just the final link in the chain."

"I refuse to believe that the Empire has us beat!" Vasp snarled loudly. "We know that the military is more incompetent than ever. Are you saying that we are to bow down and let the Empire enslave us?! If so, Tynnra, you are a fool!"

The entire room devolved into another shouting match between the three Senators, with each of their supporters throwing their own remarks into the fray.

It was Davits that broke up the argument. "Enough!" he shouted. "Listen to yourselves! All of you are arguing as much as a pair of mynocks trying to tear at a piece of equipment! What's done is done, and there is nothing we can do to change it. All we can do is figure out a way to move on from here."

"Which is simple, really," Vasp added. "We continue the cells; even with its drawbacks, it at least makes covering our tracks easier. Or did you all forget how we fund and support this rebellion?

Nower scrunched his eyes in a glare. "Fine!" he exclaimed.

Mon Mothma was about to speak when a Rebel Trooper came into the room. "Ma'am, HoloCOM from Senators Organa."

"Connect us," she directed.

In minutes, they were all inside of the HoloCom room, technicians quickly clearing out. "Ma'am, channel's open," the room's commanding officer informed.

"Thank you," Mon Mothma said. She keyed the call, Leia and Bail's holograms appearing soon after. "Leia, Bail, greetings," she said. "I take it that all is well?"

"Yes," Leia said. "Lasky and I arrived at Coruscant with little incident. Things went well. The emperor made me Ambassador to the United Earth Goverment. I plan to join Infinity on its voyage home should a path be discovered." She elaborated, hoping that it would be enough to avoid Palpatine's direct gaze.

"Guess I can squeeze a few more years in this," Bail remarked.

"I see," Mon Mothma said. "This, though, could be a major opportunity for us. Leia may also represent us directly to possible sympathizers for further support if needed. For the time being Leia, we only need a path to places we can hide our bases. Can you manage that?"

"Yes Mon, I believe I can at least endear us to one of the UEG's more peaceful rebel worlds, if what Captain Lasky shared with me is wholly genuine. We may navigate on our own outside UEG space if that fails. Specific details will be shared once I get them."

Bail nodded. "I'll send one of my cut-outs to relay your decision to Lasky." He looked at something out of view. "I must go now, Mon, I'll drop a data package at the usual destination tomorrow." A moment later, the holographic feed cut out.

"May the Force be with you," Mon Mothma finished. As Leia's hologram faded, Mon Mothma watched as the Alliance's leaders continued their discussion. Thus ends one phase of the Rebellion. Soon, another will begin, and if we are to succeed, we must act quickly.