Hello there, everyone, and welcome back to my Halo/Star Wars crossover.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback and support. I deeply appreciate it.
This is the first chapter where we'll see a divergence in the original plot line. Thank you all for your feedback and support, and I hope you continue to stick with this story.
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, Lucasfilm, 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.
Earth
UNSC HIGHCOM Facility Bravo-6, Earth
May 9th, 0BBY, 0300 Hours (November 23rd, 2558, 0300 Hours)
"You look tense Hood. You sure you won't have a heart attack?"
Hood gave General Hogan, an irritated look. "I doubt I'll be the first given your taste for cheese Hogan." He quipped back.
"Well, Osman better pray she delivers. I want to punch her smug face every time she shows it." Hogan replied.
"Tell me about it," Strauss, the General of the Armies, admitted. "Propaganda fucked with my recruitment rates." He paused, then asked, "How's Zero doing Hood?"
"Still a mess. I'm focusing on intelligence. I'm done with having to explain why we need a new Prowler every month." Hood said, directing his gaze at the representative subject of their talk.
An ONI officer walked in. Middle aged and bald, Vice Admiral James Starker, head of ONI Section One, was a reserved man, always delegating his summons to his deputy. His presence now was more than an pique in interest. "You asked for an audience Vice Admiral, now you have it. Let's hope this brief proves worthwhile," Hood began, a stern stare directed at the man.
"Of course Admiral. If you'll allow me to summarize first, we found the Infinity." Starker replied with a short salute.
A heavy sigh was shared across the room, the weight of the potential loss abating. "Go on," Admiral Hood ordered, expression unchanged, same for the other branch heads.
Starker nodded. "At 0300 hours yesterday, the UNSC Intrepid Guardian intercepted a WAVECOM signal in the direction of Epsilon Indi. Intrepid Guardian traced it to a telemetry probe in system holding a data cache with concerning information. Osman, ma'am."
Silence reigned. "Continue Vice Admiral. Your boss can't assist you here so stop playing." Hogan ordered, stink eye directed at a composed Osman.
"My apologies General. Infinity is active in the neighboring Andromeda galaxy, and found evidence of human and alien life present."
"What of the battle Infinity got itself into?" Hood asked, scanning the report of the same on his datapad.
"Infinity was involved in a hostile first contact with the Galactic Empire, a totalitarian government that rules over most of Andromeda." A hologram of Andromeda appeared, endless named systems apparently inhabited by sapient lives. Imperial and Hutt spaces, along with the Unknown Region regions outlined in various shades and colors.
"The explored areas of this galaxy are split into eight distinct regions; the Deep Core, Core Worlds, Core Colonies, Inner Rim, Expansion Region, Mid Rim, Outer Rim Territories and Wild Space." Starker surmised, each section highlighting upon mention.
"The Unknown Regions are known for their higher than normal concentration of black holes and unidentified cosmological phenomena, preventing significant expansion and settlement. This also ties to the limits of the Hyperdrive, this galaxy's means of FTL travel. One must avoid gravitational bodies during transit; they exert a hazardous influence in hyperspace."
"Mhh. The Outer Rim looks like our prewar Outer Colonies. The reverse true for the other regions?" Hood asked.
"At first glance, yes Admiral, it appears that way," Starker said.
"Interesting," Osman noted.
"Tensions?" Hood asked.
"Yes sir," Starker said. "The Rebel Alliance is an insurrectionist faction of mostly civilians and political leaders disgruntled with the Empire's ruling policies, military focus and response tendencies. They wish to restore the former ruling body of the galaxy, the Galactic Republic, from which the Empire formed."
"Mhh. Describe this hyperspace flight." Osman directed after a pause.
"According to the cache, a hyperdrive draws an entry point into the Hyperspace dimension at a predetermined speed along a predetermined route. The most common variants exceed our latest CODEN series speeds by over ten times, crossing their galaxy in approximately two weeks, accounting for the gravitational concerns."
"That's not good news," Hood grumbled.
"Indeed," Hogan agreed. "Imperial military capabilities?" he asked.
"Unknown at this point sir, initial estimates of thousands to tens of thousands of their primary capital class, Star Destroyers."
Hood and the others nodded. "Anything else?" Hood asked.
Admiral Stark saluted knowing the end had come. "No sir."
"Understood," Hood said. "We'll summon you in an hour, dismissed."
"Sir." Stark replied, turning to leave.
An hour and a half later, Stark was in the chambers once more. "The Imperial I-class Star Destroyer is the Empire's main line ship. 1600 meters long, 900 meters widest beam, 435 meters tall. 2300 g propulsion potential, similar to covenant sublight capabilities, and 526.5 knots peak velocity in atmosphere," Stark reported.
Hogan frowned. That's faster than our Pelicans. "Crew?" he asked, slightly intrigued.
"The ship is staffed at 47,060, 9,235 officers, 27,850 enlisted, 9,700 ground units."
"Why so many enlisted?" Hood asked.
"Unknown sir, the Empire started recruitment only two decades ago, they are relatively new to long term crew dynamics in large numbers, and exercise a general bias against extensive automation." Starker hazarded a guess.
The council nodded at that. "Captain Lasky seems to be attempting to secure a peaceful second contact and non-aggression stance with the Empire, and positive relations with the Rebel Alliance." Strauss said.
"Good," Hood said. "We still have our own fires to put out. Peaceful relations will be useful."
"Indeed sir. Moving onto a requisition request. Captain Lasky is requesting two NOVA Bombs."
Silence reigned. Hood's face took on a serious quality. "Elaborate in detail," he said.
Starker played out the battle of Scarif through the central terminal, from Infinity's logs.
"Capabilities?" Hood asked.
Starker frowned. "The station, termed the 'Death Star', is armed with a hypermatter powered, kyber crystal catalysed particle beam meant to destroy continents to planets in single shots. We believe it is also why Lasky has assigned Dr. Halsey to finding a weakness in the design in order to destroy the station, should the Empire become hostile."
"I see. You're dismissed Vice Admiral." Hood ordered, as Starker saluted and left in response.
Once Starker was gone, discussions began. "So far, Lasky has held himself to the highest standards and traditions within the UNSC and UEG," Hood said. If Lasky's negotiations with the Empire succeeds, we'll not only temporarily avoid a war with the Galactic Empire, we'll get some much needed time to build up our military to pre-Covenant-UNSC War levels. I'll even promote him to the upper half of Rear Admiral."
It'll also advance my plans regarding my successor, he added to himself. Turning to Osman, Hood said, "Osman, I want you to send some Prowlers to this newfound galaxy, and to have a regional HQ established there if possible. Once that is done, I need you to get to work doing what ONI does best. I also need you to have Starker send the schematics for the Death Star to Admiral Sark, the Chief Architect of the Infinity, as well as to Section Three's Materials Group for detailed analysis."
"Yes, sir," Osman said.
"Good. We also need to discuss a plan to assist the Rebel Alliance when possible. Any ideas?"
"We could begin sending military advisors to them," Dellert suggested. "They'll need the training and equipment if they're going to be an ally of ours."
"Good idea," Hogan said. "So long as they don't fall into enemy hands."
"I agree," Hood said. "We've got a long road ahead of us lady and gentlemen, and it's going to be a rough one. This meeting is adjourned."
. . .
As soon as Hood stepped out of his car, the guard asked, "What is your name and business here?"
Hood cleared his throat, then said, "I would like to speak with the President. I have to update her on a developing situation. I should have an appointment to be speaking with her at this time."
"One second," the man said. Advancing forwards, he patted Hood down, before using a handheld scanner to scan Hood's fingers and his eyes. Finishing that up, he keyed his earpiece and said, "Ma'am, Admiral Hood is wishing to speak with you. Are you expecting him…? Yes…? All right." Turning to Hood, he said, "You may enter, Admiral. Sorry for the inconvenience, sir."
The room he found himself in was quite large, with the floor shaped like an oval along with the ceiling and walls. Three windows that looked out towards the city of Sydney were ahead of him, along with a desk. Two sofas were present in the center of the room, and the walls of the room had a few cabinets, tables and chairs arranged neatly nearby. Paintings were on the walls, as well as portraits of past UEG Presidents.
The desk that was at the end where the windows were was occupied by a single elderly woman that was steepling her fingers as she waited. A short and slightly rotund woman, Ruth Charet had a grandmotherly figure, with white hair and blue eyes that shone like a lighthouse in a storm. Her tanned skin wrinkled with age and the stresses of her work, though her eyes shone with notable intelligence and wit.
President Charet looked up at him. "Admiral Hood," she said, her Australian accent giving her heritage away. "How are you?"
"Still surviving, ma'am," Hood replied. "I take it you heard about the Infinity going missing?"
"Yes," Ruth said simply. "Given that you're here, I take it we've found it?" she asked.
"Yes ma'am," Hood said. Infinity is in the Andromeda Galaxy, and we've made contact with a human government known as the Galactic Empire. Details in the AAR." He handed her the datapad.
Charet took some time to read through the information. Once she finished, she said, "Interesting. It appears as though Envoy Melody has her work cut out for her. Details on their military forces were sketchy."
"We don't have reliable sources there, not yet anyways," Hood said. "ONI is working on that problem."
"What do you need?" Charet asked.
"Political support for our upcoming mission to support the Rebel Alliance, funding for new weapons and propaganda to make sure we have the numbers to assist the Rebels where possible, all over the course of eight years."
Charet nodded. "Not too bad. I had twelve. What reassures me greatly is that they can't escape from their home galaxy… for the moment. If we play the hand we're dealt correctly we'll forge a strong relationship with the Rebel Alliance and help provide the means by which they can complete their mission, should the Empire turn hostile."
"That we will," Hood said. "Do you intend to involve the Swords of Sangheilios in this as well?"
"Yes," Charet said. "The Swords might be isolationist as a whole, but Arbiter 'Vadam is no fool. Once he learns of this, he'll be demanding his own little piece of the pie. Might as well have him get it sooner rather than later."
"Wise words," Hood agreed. "Is that all?"
"For now, yes. I will call you if I have more questions. You may leave now."
"Thank you, madam President. I look forward to working more with you."
"And with you as well, Hood. Good luck. You're going to need it."
. . .
Back at the Bravo-6 facility, Admiral Sark was working at her desk when her computer informed her of an incoming message. Opening it, she found herself looking at Admiral Osman. "Ma'am," she said. "Need me for something?"
"I've got information that you need to know," Osman said. "Most of the details are in the report, but I will tell you that we've found Infinity… and a problem."
"All ears here," Sark said. "What's the problem?"
Osman sent Sark a video in response. Opening it, Sark watched the entire playback. When she finished, she looked paler than usual. "I can see what you meant by 'problem.'"
"Indeed," Osman said. "Brief your team on this information. From here out, your objectives are as follows: find a way to eliminate this problem by any means necessary."
"Yes, ma'am," Sark said. Once the feed cut out, she keyed her earpiece. "Grayson, Wolff, Okuni. Report to my office immediately."
"Understood," Grayson said. "We're en route." Satisfied, Sark began studying the report. Five minutes later, all three individuals walked inside. "You called for us, ma'am?" Grayson asked.
"Yes," Sark said. "Admiral Osman has just sent us a new problem to work over. Before that, I've got good news."
"What is it?" Okuni asked. "Is it about Infinity?"
"It is. Infinity is intact and her crew is alive, though they've ended up in the Andromeda Galaxy."
Grayson cleared his throat. "What's the bad news ma'am?"
"The bad news is that we've got trouble," Sark said. "According to Osman's report, Lasky made First Contact with the ruling government of the Andromeda Galaxy: the Galactic Empire. The real bad news is in the form of this." She played the video for the others.
Once it finished, Grayson looked particularly grave and serious. "Empire's got a superweapon. That's not good."
"Not at all," Sark said. "According to intel gathered from it's schematics, it's main weapon is a particle beam that, if fired on full charge, will destroy a planet as quickly and efficiently as a NOVA bomb."
Wolff frowned. "Why would they build such a thing?"
"We don't know," Sark said. "However, Cortana estimates that the Death Star is a one off. The Imperial economy is struggling to keep up with the supply demand for the station. Anything else is for the economists and Section One to worry about. Our orders from Osman are simple: find a way to destroy the Death Star in the event the Empire becomes hostile."
"So, hope for the best, prepare for the worst," Okuni remarked.
"Exactly," Sark said. "We'll be coordinating with Section One as well as Section Three's Materials Group on this project. I'll personally deliver any requests you make to Osman concerning this assignment. Dismissed!"
. . .
Onboard Infinity, Cole had just started his day. Jacket on and straightened, he reflected on his fortunes. The war's over, and Humanity has a nice new flagship. He frowned. Not sure how my return will go down back home, but I'll shoulder whatever comes my way.
The door opened, permitting Lasky inside. "Admiral, sir," he said. "I trust that the flag quarters were suitable?"
"At ease," Cole said, "and they were. That said, I'm more concerned with the crew of my ship. I read the reports a few days back, and…" He fell silent.
Lasky easily understood the implications. "I know, sir. I've lost crew before too. That said, those that survived are being tended to as best as possible." He took a breath. "About that more detailed report, sir. I can fill in any blanks in the ready room."
"Please do," Cole said.
"Of course," Lasky said. Both men began to walk along, with Lasky being escorted by Fireteam Majestic, while Cole and his ODSTs followed closely.
As they traveled along and entered the tram that would take them to the ready room, Cole said, "Thank you for providing me access to your database, Lasky. Catching up was rather easy."
"You're welcome, sir," Lasky said. "I figured you'd earned it."
Exiting the tram, they headed to the ready room. Once they entered, Lasky had the Spartan IV's come inside with him while the ODSTs remained outside. As the door closed, Cole sat down and said, "Your service record speaks for itself. That said, I'd like to know how you came in command of the ship."
"Del Rio sir," Lasky said he poured a couple cups of coffee. "He was the CO of the ship for a time. However, HIGHCOM didn't like how he handled the affair with the Didact. That said, I'd like to ask you a question."
"And that would be?"
"Are you still loyal to the UNSC?" Lasky asked. "I know it's an odd question, but I have to know before we can proceed. From what that ONI's 'Historical/Psychological Analysis of Cole, Preston J.' said, you were either a member of the UNSC still, or you became an Insurrectionist in the end. If you're no longer loyal, and I share classified information with you, I could end up being court-marshaled and demoted or discharged."
Cole sighed "That's completely understandable. You don't want to give a potential threat any classified information." Leaning on his elbows as he took a sip from his coffee, he said, "To be honest, Lasky, I wasn't planning on getting out of that battle alive.
"Yes, I had planned the in-atmosphere jump, but I thought we would've been torn to pieces in the ensuing jump. That or the micronova that occurred would've destroyed us outright from the thermal energy alone. I even offered my crew the chance to leave; they said no, and that they'd stick with me to the end."
Lasky smiled. "Semper Fi all right. I'm surprised you didn't mention your wife. According to ONI's analysis, they thought you had been working with her."
"Not quite," Cole said. Noting Lasky's expression, he said, "Don't worry, Lasky. It'll take more than that to offend me. Yes, I had hoped that I would be able to meet with her again, to spend the rest of our golden years with our daughter.
" It seems that fate, though, had other plans for me. When we ended up out there dead in the water, with no way of knowing where we were, we decided to bottle ourselves up in cryosleep. The AI onboard the ship sacrificed himself to make sure that we would be fine."
"Agreed," Lasky said. "So, where do you stand in that regard?"
"Where do I stand?" Cole repeated. Taking a breath, he said, "Once I'm back home, I plan to retire, though I wouldn't be surprised if they brought me on again for some damn reason. I might've had a bumpy relationship with the UNSC and UEG as some reports indicate, but a true Admiral doesn't dump the people he works with just because of a few rough spots here and there. So, to answer your question, I am still a member of the UNSC. Always have been, and I will be until the day I die."
Lasky sighed. "I was worried about your loyalties, though that's only in an official capacity. You proved your loyalty to me when you helped me save my ship. Normally, I'd demand confirmation, but until we phone home, I'll have to go by your word."
"Agreed," Cole said. He glanced at the datapad he still had. "Sounds like the UNSC went through hell in my absence. Shame to see that Reach got glassed.
"What interests me, however, is Cortana's summary of Captain Del Rio. From the sounds of things, he wasn't that good of a Captain, especially if he was removed following his abandoning of the Master Chief during the Requiem Crisis."
"He was competent, mostly. Hood, the Admiral of The Navy, had him installed as the Captain."
Cole's head whipped towards Lasky so fast that Lasky thought Cole had gotten whiplash. "Terrence Hood is the Admiral of The Navy now?" he asked, an edge in his voice.
"Y-yes," Lasky said. "Is there something wrong."
"No," Cole said. "Just surprised is all." How'd he end up in that position? He wondered. I remember delivering a few citations against him for his poor handling of the retrieval of Spirit of Fire's data buoy. "So, how come Del Rio became Captain of this ship," he asked, pushing the conversation towards a different topic.
"To be honest, I don't really know," Lasky said. "Must've been politics."
"Or something else entirely," Cole said. "It's a guess, but I'd say that Margaret Parangosky had you as the XO so that you could keep Del Rio in line."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. It's the logical explanation to me. That woman is much more intelligent than some people give her credit for, and she is quite dangerous."
"If she did put me aboard the ship, then I'm glad she did," Lasky said.
"Same here," Cole said. "Is that also how you managed to become the CO of the Infinity?"
"Yes," Lasky said. "As the report details, HIGHCOM was very disappointed with Del Rio's handling of Requiem. Hood decided that I was the better candidate, so I got the job, and what a job it is."
"Yes," Cole said, his mind returning to the final parts of the report. "Never a dull moment around here, as I said before." He sighed. "Either way, I'm happy to see that we made it through that hell of a war. What's even more surprising is that Thel 'Vadam is not only the leader of the Sangheili, but that he has also forged an alliance with the UNSC, despite ONIs attempts to destroy that alliance. It's just sad that we lost so many people, all because some senile, power hungry fools wanted to hold onto a comforting lie, rather than face the cold, hard truth. But… I guess that's politics for you; I've had to do some shitty things myself.
"True," Lasky agreed, "However, as you can see, we've gained quite a bit since the war."
"That we have," Cole said. "All we've got to do now is phone home, and let HIGHCOM decide what to do with me."
"Same here," Lasky said. "However, given that HIGHCOM doesn't know about your status, I won't be able to turn command of the ship over to you."
"Understandable," Cole said. "Right now, I'm just a high value passenger onboard your ship."
"Thank you. I take it you've also read about our disastrous first contact with the Empire?"
Cole nodded. "Yes, I did. I've seen few things in my life that made me legitimately afraid. That is one of those things, Lasky. If we're going to be in this galaxy for the duration, we're going to need a weapon that is capable of destroying the Death Star, or at the very least misdirecting it. Still, so long as we don't poke at the Empire, they won't poke at us."
"Well, we do have a weapon that can destroy the Death Star. The NOVA Bomb. It's a superweapon that Vice Admiral Whitcomb created. One use of that bomb and it can destroy an entire planet, just like the Death Star. I requested two of those when I saw the Death Star in action."
"A smart decision," Cole agreed. "We'll need a weapon like that to fight the Empire. I also read up on this 'Rebel Alliance' that you encountered as well. If we can get them more properly organized, while maintaining the fluidity and independence they have, they can become a real ally of ours in this new galaxy."
"Yeah. That being said, we're not doing so hot ourselves. For starters, we need to find a place to stay until the UNSC can get to our location. As my report details, I had Jordan follow up with his idea of using telementry probes with log data to send a message back home, and I'll have him send another one after we're done here. An inspired idea, if I do say so myself."
"And the right decision on that," Cole said. "However, you are correct. We need a place to keep our heads down until the UEG and UNSC sends someone to us. Any ideas? You know more about this galaxy than I do."
"I've got one," Lasky said, with a hologram of the galaxy appearing at the holotable in the room. Striding over, he said, "Gabriela, Cortana, Roland and I, along with Jyn Erso, a local we picked up, were skimming through possible locations to stay at for the duration, and we found this place."
Pointing at a dot that was highlighted, he said, "The Pantora System. According to Cortana's data mining efforts, Pantora is an isolated world located in the Outer Rim Territories. Ever since the Empire's formation, it's been isolated from the wider galaxy. According to Jyn, who's been there a couple times, it's the perfect place to get a base set up."
"I take it you have an envoy ready to go, yes?" Cole asked.
"Yes," Lasky said. "Envoy Melody is getting ready for when we head there and speak to the Pantorans. According to her, it might take a few days to at least a month to secure an agreement with the Pantorans. According to Jyn, their government is split on what they ought to do. Some want to join the Rebel Alliance, others the Galactic Empire, and others want to remain silent for now. If we can convince them to become an ally of ours, we'll have a foothold in the galaxy that the Empire doesn't know about."
"A smart decision," Cole said. "There's also another decision that we have to make."
"Oh?"
"I've been looking at the Master Chief's service record, especially in the ending years of the Covenant-UNSC Wa," Cole said. "Many of the decisions he's made are in keeping with the highest traditions of the UNSC and UEG. Men have been promoted for less, and I think he's been snubbed by remaining a Master Chief Petty Officer."
"From what I recall, he remained at that rank by choice," Lasky said. "I doubt he'll accept a promotion now."
"Then we'll table that discussion for the time being." Cole said.
"Yes," Lasky said. "I'm also going to have to speak with Lieutenant Phillip about improving our security measures onboard the ship. The ONI agents that were aboard shouldn't have been able to so easily take over the ship like that."
"Do you have a plan for them?" Cole asked.
"Yes. I've got people ready to interrogate them. One of them volunteered, so he's got the ringleader of the attempted coup. That said, let's focus on making sure we'll be solvent long enough for the UNSC to reestablish ties with us."
Cole nodded. "As good a plan as any."
Just as he said this, Roland appeared. "Sir, we need you on the bridge."
"On my way," Lasky said.
Finding the bridge in controlled chaos, Lasky asked, "What is it?"
"Slipspace signature," Lieutenant Ryder reported. "1.8 million klicks, bearing 2-7-0 mark 0-6-1."
That made Lasky frown. "I thought we were the only ones with Slipspace travel. "Can you confirm?"
"Affirmative, sir." That made Lasky frown.
"Unidentified ship detected," Cortana added.
"Sir, incoming holoCOM," Lieutenant Jespersen added.
"Put it through," Lasky ordered.
At the holotable, the holographic image of a man in Imperial uniform appeared. "Unidentified contact, this is Captain Anzloc Garon of the Emegent. You are in Imperial territory. Identify yourself at once."
Lasky cleared his throat as he signaled to Gabriela. "This is Captain Lasky of the UNSC Infinity. We are performing search and rescue."
There was a pause, then Garvon said, "Understood, Captain. My apologies for interrupting your operation."
"Don't apologize for doing your job," Lasky said. "We'll be out of here once we've concluded our operation. Though I'm not aware of any Imperial governing regions in this area. May I ask why you are here?"
"Piracy patrol, nothing major. Consider this a courtesy call, you've made an impact with your arrival to our galaxy. Next time, alert the nearest administrative facility of any arrival beforehand. We don't take kindly to strangers." Garvon responded, without answering Lasky's implied question.
"Very well," Lasky conceded. "Now you're appraised, we'll remain on station for no more than two weeks before completing operations. Lasky out." He concluded and cut the signal before Garvon had a chance to retort.
"Autonomous Imperial force?," Cole asked.
"Or spies," Lasky added. "Roland, SAR status?"
"All crew and vital data retrieved or scrubbed sir," Roland said. "Salvage will begin in three hours. We didn't stock up for our unexpected trip here. She'll be bare bones by then." He added. "Also, Engineer MacCallum is requesting to speak with you, sir. Priority urgent."
"Ready room," Lasky said as he left the bridge.
Within a few minutes, Lasky sat in his ready room's desk chair. The door opened, permitting Jordan inside. "What is it Jordan?" Lasky asked.
He cleared his throat, "We made a tremendous discovery today, sir."
"Go on."
Jordan smiled. "Well, as an extra layer of security, I had a SLIP/WAVECOM buoy attached to the probe that would detach and remain near the galaxy's edge once the telemetry probe was on it's way. That said, it has a few sensor modules on it. We've discovered a small slipstream space current to the Milky Way."
The room went silent. "Elaborate," Lasky ordered.
"Yes sir. During scans with the sensors on the SLIP/WAVECOM buoy, I detected some anomalies in the data. I ran it by Gabriela, who quickly determined that the sensors were detecting an anomalous curvature in space-time, as well as signs of non-gravitational lensing.
"The real kicker came when we detected UNSC signals coming from the other side of the anomaly. That was the surest sign we'd found a wormhole. We believe it might also be traversable."
"Well, that makes things easy. Can you send a signal through it?" Lasky asked.
Jordan nodded. "Yes sir, I can."
"Excellent work," Lasky said. "See if you can contact HIGHCOM and establish a permanent link."
"Yes sir!" Jordan said energetically.
Lasky nodded. "Update me when you're done. I'll call from the bridge. Roland, remind me to announce this before the shift ends, after we've established COMs with HIGHCOM."
"Understood," Roland said.
Cheers, sighs, claps and nods later, Lasky turned away from the PA speaker, facing the holotable and awaiting a response.
"UNSC Infinity to UNSC HIGHCOM. This is Captain Thomas Lasky. Registry M-HG7-76777. Please respond." Lasky repeated a fourth time.
Lord Admiral Hood's voice suddenly came in loud and clear. "UNSC Infinity, Hood speaking. We read you loud and clear. It's good to hear from you again."
"It's good to hear you too sir," Lasky said.
"You gave us a few sleepless nights," Hood admitted. "However, you're back. Send your mission logs and reports."
"Affirmative," Lasky said. "Sending report now sir." At his gesture, Roland sent the relevant data.
"Got it" Hood said. "Elaborate on how you managed to contact us."
"One of our engineers discovered a stable wormhole leading from here to your galaxy, sir."
"We're sending a fleet over ASAP," Hood said. "What else?"
"Priority Tier 2 information sir. Request an in-person briefing." Lasky responded.
"Denied, we're short on time and effective response without your ship, captain. If it isn't Tier 1, spill it."
"Aye sir. We found the Everest, and its crew, including the CO."
"Very good," Hood said. "Enact and maintain trigger priorities 'till you return Captain. You'll be recalled for a detailed debriefing once the wormhole entrance is secured. Here are your present orders: stay low, stay away from politics and be ready to depart in under a week, once wormhole conditions are verified. We received your packet. Salvage as much of Everest as you can and keep the UNSC out of this galaxy's politics until we formulate a response."
"Understood sir," Lasky said.
"Good. You've done well, Captain. Won't be long 'till you're back home. Hood out."
With a snap of his fingers, two Spartan IVs stood by Cole. "Under Title 13 Section 2-A of postwar recovery protocols, Vice Admiral, you and your ship's crew are to be confined to designated quarters and common areas on Infinity until a jury of your peers and HIGHCOM clears you all for duty resumption. Sorry sir, orders." Lasky lamented.
Cole nodded. "I get it, paranoid as always. Looks like CINCONI's teeth dug deeper than last time. Anyways, thank you for your assistance and hospitality, Captain Lasky. You're a good captain, this ship deserves you. Now to remind my 15-year long frozen crew that they're still on a warship and not a cruise." He left the bridge with his Spartan escorts.
Lasky looked at Roland. "Do we have coordinates to the wormhole?"
"Affirmative," Roland said. "Sending it to Jet now."
"Course plotted," Lieutenant Jet said. "Orders?"
"Remain here for now. We'll finish salvage operations, then leave in one week's time for the wormhole."
"Yes, sir."
As the bridge crew worked, Lasky looked back at the holo-table. We're finally going home, he thought.
