Aboard the UNSC Serene Mind

Nakano loomed over the holographic table while Charon ran the final bit of calculus. Militarily speaking, they were dealing with the Eintagsflieges' jamming very well, with the Frigates in atmosphere currently ensuring the last few kilometers of the Republic's borders were safe. She scratched her chin and spoke to Michel, "Tell Volkov to get himself back aboard. We might need him and his strike teams if we're gonna hit the enemy railgun..."

"On it," The man replied, walking over toward the com console. Charon themself appeared ahead of the Admiral, the woman herself seemingly staring past him at the arrayed forces and divisions. They'd had severe casualties, with around twenty to twenty-five percent of all divisions available to each of the major nations, plus their own military, suffering casualties.

It wasn't as bad as facing the Covenant, thank God, but it was still hurting. She looked at the old border towns between the Republic and Federacy and saw just how large some of them were. She asked, "Any luck on pinpointing where the Morpho is? I know two of our Wombats clipped it with missiles before its CIWS put them out of action," before looking over at the holographic screen where stills taken from those birds were still visible in a collage.

Though they were blurry, the woman could faintly make out the massive Morpho, the rail gun. It seemed to be running on the tracks of the old Republic-Imperial Train system, unsurprisingly. A centipede, an insect, hundreds of armored legs propelling it forward. Wings of azure light seemed to float around it as it gathered energy and its strange split barrel cannon was still being replaced by supporting elements. So it seemed in the last still.

Charon replied, "The location has been approximated to somewhere near the border city of Kreutzbeck," as the map ahead glowed with a red dot where 'Kreutzbeck' was. They spoke, "I am attempting to collate further data, such as shot dispersion, angle and other details to provide further detail. I would also suggest contacting our allies so we may begin a search in concert with them."

"I'll give Ernst, Monet and the Waldian and Gracian people a call," The woman replied, then sighed and pinched the bow of her nose. She looked at the city itself, which contained a large enough rail yard to explain the Morpho stopping there for repairs. Probably a repurposed area in the Terminal itself, she thought as she zoomed in on the abandoned metropolis itself. She wondered just how many people had had to be pulled back from that city. With a heavy sigh, she spoke, "Get me a line to Spearhead and Colonel Wenzel... It's time we moved the plan forward for that mixed unit."

"Are we officially making the Eighty-Sixth Assault Corps a marked combat unit, ma'am?" Charon asked. Eiko gave a nod of approval, staring at their target, their mark, on the map. The AI smiled, then asked, "To whom should the honor of commanding this new unit go?" with a hint of sarcasm and a little bit of knowing.

Eiko smirked, "Think it's time we passed the torch over?"

"I think it's time for her to learn physically that her friends are alive, ma'am. We've kept her in the dark for long enough... And she needs all the positive reinforcement she can get now that her mother is..." Charon hesitated. Despite modelling themselves after the creature that would carry the souls of the dead over the river Styx and to the Domain of Hades, death had always left a loose line of code in the AI's programming. A sour taste, if AI could taste anything at all.

The admiral chuckled and nodded, "Approved. Just keep it a surprise 'till the final moment for both sides, okay?"

"Of course, ma'am. I'll order cake, too," The AI joked, then disappeared back within the confines of the carrier's computers to run numbers on everything. They reappeared, however, to ask, "How big should the festivities be and what units should they include?" with their arms crossed. Due to being the Personification of death, Eiko assumed, Charon liked being meticulous.

"Big enough. And the first unit I want in is Volkov's. They, Spearhead and the Command Staff will be permanent fixtures," The woman replied as she walked over to another console to check rosters, "Otherwise, we can add and remove from this Corps as we see fit. I want it mobile, capable of rapid deployment anywhere on that damn planet and ready to kick ass and take names."

"Understood, ma'am," The AI shot back, then disappeared again.

"This should be interesting," Michel commented, leaning against the console beside her, "How do you think she'll take the news Spearhead is alive?"

"She'll either slap the captain across the face, or pull him into a hug," The woman replied as she pulled up the data she needed to make the rosters work, then smirked and added, "I'm betting on both," and hit enter to send the data to her tablet, which pinged behind her. Walking over to it and picking it up, she started running through data to see what units, like battalions and such, she could reassign to the Assault Corps.

Some hours later, she'd made a roster for the units. Volkov's Company was being reinforced with various 86 Squadrons and San Magnolians trained by the ODSTs for combat operations, so she wasn't assigning just her, Agnes, Horvat and the few other survivors to her favorite kids' unit. She thumbed the tablet and sighed, rubbing her eyes and taking a bite out of her sandwich while considering the situation.

She could hear the kitchen preparing the cake to celebrate the new unit's formation and commissioning. It was gonna be an impromptu ceremony, honestly. No real time to do anything proper, especially with the Morpho afoot. She heard a chair ahead of her creak as it was pulled back, then looked over to see him. Smiling, she said, "Kolya. You look like hammered shit."

"I'd say I feel like it," The ODST replied with a similarly jovial tone, but marked by his usual gruffness. He leaned onto the table and spoke, "I hear you're finally putting together that unit..." while holding a mug of coffee in his good hand. She nodded, to which he offered, "And you're also planning a party for it. Cake?"

"It's being made," She replied, tilting her head toward the kitchen.

Volkov snorted and said, "Get von Penrose on board if Spearhead's gonna be here, too. She's been wanting to make sweets for them thanks to Lena."

The Admiral sighed deeply at that, "I'm just gonna send her a message via com to tell her to bring a bunch of sweets, too. Shipboard Chef's been looking forward to using the fresh produce our Quartermaster bought from the Federacy's Farmers' Market," then she scratched her eyebrow. She looked at Kolya, then asked, "What's your take? You think the Colonel's gonna slap Nouzen, or...?"

"Heh," He snorted, then shrugged, "Maybe burst into tears first... She could use the good news. We've been putting off telling her they're alive ever since we've recovered them, so she might get angry with us, too."

"I still wanna see her face," Eiko replied, now scratching at an old scar. She saw the concern in Volkov's eyes, then told him, "Not very professional of me, I'm aware, but let an old lady have her fun, Kolya. God only knows how much longer I have on this mortal plane," and watched the man simply take a sip of his coffee with a lot more contemplation than one would normally give black 'Death Wish' coffee. She said, "Don't worry. I'm not dying just yet."

"Oh, I know. Me and Michel will still be stuck with your sorry ass for a good few decades," The man nodded, smiling. He mumbled a, "I slava Bogu eto..." before taking another sip of his coffee. He asked, "Speaking of randoms... Mathieu and his sister might want to tag along, too. You know they're close to both Spearhead and the Handlers and Penrose."

"Has Mathieu finally made a move on Henrietta?" The woman asked, leaning her head on her hand and staring at the man. Kolya shook his head, which caused the woman to scoff, before sighing deeply, "Oh, great, that's another item we have to talk about later, I guess..." then she handed him the personnel rosters. She told him, "Aside from you, Spearhead and the SanMag command crew, this is the roster. It isn't final, but it'll do."

"Light armor support... You're assigning the former 'Queen's Guard' to us?" He offered, then smirked and said, "Because Shiden's little program was approved, last I checked. If you want to drop them from perfectly good warships, you've got a mobile, armored QRF force at the ready."

"Testing showed promise, so, yes, their units are going to be part of this new Corps, too," She replied, then added, "So, the only units we have that are permanent so far are yours, Spearhead, Brisingamen and the Command Squad, who are going to be a mix of UNSC, San Magnolia and so on," and watched him read it all. He nodded, to which she continued, "With added elements from the Sixth SanMag Armored and so on... Speaking of, how goes the Hunt?"

"We're nearly there," The man replied, "Those Purity Party bastards are going to burn for what they've done. But let's focus on this little 'party' for now, ma'am. I am genuinely looking forward to seeing the Colonel's reaction to our friendly misfits being alive," then he took another sip of his lukewarm coffee. Shinei would probably also be surprised to see Lena, but, then again, they knew she was alive, reports and all. They'd get to keep their promise before the newly-minted 86th Assault Corps would go on the hunt.

That was good enough for Volkov, honestly. He liked these kids. They deserved peace and quiet, not what'd been done to them. He nodded and stood to his feet, then saluted the Admiral. who smiled mischievously and saluted him back. Both knew what was coming. Either tears, or the loudest slap ever heard in the long and illustrious service history of the Serene Mind.

The preparations for the party began nigh immediately, the Admiral herself not participating for the first hour because she had to contact everyone. The SanMags, Giadians, Gracians and Waldians would send representatives, too, for the formation of this joint task force, the first true chance for humanity to properly unify its forces and meet the enemy headfirst.

A Day Later

The Memorial Hall of the Serene Mind

Shin didn't think he'd be back here again. Not so soon. Clad in a standard Giadian Panzer Uniform, though with UNSC symbols sown into the upper arm area, including the marks of the soon-to-be-minted unit, plus the medals they'd all received post-Large Scale Offensive pinned to his chest, the man looked around at the gathered officer cadre, trying to keep his eyes off of the wall on which his friends', his fellow processors' names were emblazoned.

He saw that fresh flower pots had been placed by the sides of the monument and stared at the colorful display with a little concern as the 'party' went on. The UNSC used the word 'party' to describe this little suaree, a meeting of all officers and important staff, the same way Shin could use the word to describe himself being alone and reading. It was a moment of relaxation and levity and a moment to commemorate the dead, not to mention Man's drive to survive.

Still, more names had appeared on the wall. He could see them in the corner of his eye. Processors and normal military alike.

He saw silver hair now, turning his head to watch a pair of San Magnolian soldiers approach the monument, placing their own colored tributes to the dead. They saluted the wall, their faces stern. Shin could see the scars, though, blemishes upon the otherwise pristine faces of their former oppressors. The two soldiers felt someone was watching and turned their heads, only to freeze upon seeing Undertaker.

Shin's lips became razor-thin. He simply raised a gloved hand in greeting, receiving two shaky ones back in reply before the two infantrymen turned and walked, afraid. He sighed, shoulders sagging despite his straight posture, then almost jumped as he felt a hand clasp onto his shoulder, Looking up, he saw Major Volkov, now sporting several new scars.

The two men greeted each-other as military men would, before Volkov's hand extended toward the leader of Spearhead. Shin shook it without hesitation and said, "Good to see you again, major."

The officer replied, "Likewise, Captain. Hope the western front hasn't treated you too harshly," with his own brand of kindness and a little irony in his steely voice. Shin shook his head, then crossed his arms and scanned the area ahead. He felt another something slam into him, causing him to grunt. He looked down and paused, seeing Frederica in her uniform. She smiled at him.

"Hello, Shin!" Ernst greeted from up ahead. He, Grethe, the General and a few others of the Giadian staff appeared. He pushed his glasses onto the bridge of his nose and approached Shin, stating, "Apologies for being so late, but the UNSC's electromagnetic air defenses had to clear a path for our dropship. Ooh, I still can't quite believe we're in space!"

"I know, right?!" Frederica jumped for joy, smiling brightly at her adoptive father.

"It still as impressive a second time?" Grethe quipped as she looked at Shin. She got several stunned looks, all of them turning about to stare at her, little Frederica included. She shrugged and said, "Do you all not remember our dear Captain was here first with his team, courtesy of Admiral Nakano's invitation?" then she tilted her head to the memorial, the fallen Juggernauts and all.

Despite her semi-usual seriousness, Frederica pouted at Shin. He didn't recall if Frederica had been here as well and just forgot about it, but alas, it didn't matter. Hearing footsteps again, Shin turned his head to see a pair of new delegates and their support staff arrive. Of course, it was probably the Roa Gracia and Wald delegations, going by their uniforms and gear. And they were being escorted by the two ONI officers that had first come to meet Ernst.

Added upon those footsteps, came the thumps of FIDO's feet, with Theo calling out, "Yooo! Shiiiin!" with a grin as he and the rest of Spearhead's survivors approached, all of them clad in fitted uniforms for this little presentation. Theo tipped his hat at Ernst and said, "See pops came to see us off, too, eh?" which got the man to beam. 'Pops' was just a cutesy way of saying 'dad' after all.

"I'm not surprised. A whole unit being formed around Spearhead's a big deal," Raiden said, then quipped, "Remember, kids, don't overdrink. It's good to celebrate, but it's even better to wake up the next day without a headache," and grinned like he was in some sort of AA PSA. Everyone else present burst into laughter at the joke. Shin noticed Daiya and Anju hanging back a bit, still smiling. Mary had found Theo in the crowd and hugged him, Lecca and Haruto were just having fun with each-other, Myna was fine...

Shinei Nouzen sighed deeply, then allowed himself the smallest smile as his shoulders sagged. Ernst said to him, "It was only a couple of years ago that the War felt like it was going wrong on all accounts. Then we learned about you all, about San Magnolia, about the future," and shrugged, "And now here we are, Shin. Celebrating the formation of your new unit."

"It's odd," Shin spoke calmly, then surprised Frederica by giving her a gentle pat on the head instead of outright pulling her hat down like he'd done in the past. She smiled at that, looking up at what was basically the living Older Brother figure she'd always wanted. He told Ernst, "I think that... For the first time in my life," as his gaze locked with the memorial, the hundreds of names welcoming him once more as a vision of his comrades' faces appeared. He continued, "I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next."

Though Kaie's face was shrouded, he could see the faintest creases of a smile. Kujo, beside her, gave a thumbs up, while the others gave nods of approval to their beloved Reaper. He breathed a sigh, then felt another heavy hand land on his shoulder. Looking back, he saw Raiden. The handsome old friend of the Reaper smiled and looked upon the Memorial, telling him, "It's nice to hear you say that, Shin..."

"Yeah," Volkov quipped, "First time he's said something so nice, too."

"Alright, people!" Someone interrupted Shin before he could continue. Looking back, they saw Admiral Nakano on deck, leather shoes clanking against the steel floor. She held her cap under her arm and grinned, stating, "Formation! The whole of the Eighty-Sixth and the reps are here! Time to start the proper party!" and, without a second thought or word, the groups formed into squares, the vehicles and automata sat to the sides. FIDO himself set up next to said machines.

"This is gonna be fun," Theo quipped, "You okay, boss?"

"Yes, Theo," Shin nodded, "We're about to get integrated support and an officer cadre to support us."

"It'll be cool, alright!" Kurena whispered, though her excitement was palpable. Anju and Daiya both smiled at their little sister's excitement, then the entirety of Spearhead paused as they heard a short, but loud meow from the entrance. Cocking their heads back, they saw them:Silver-haired Alba officers, one of them with a strand of red hair and a stoic face... That was countered by the silly, white-bellied cat she had in her arms.

"Think that's her?" Theo looked to Raiden. He grinned and nodded, while Haruto, Lecca, Anju and Daiya chuckled. Kurena, meanwhile, pouted, but Shin? Shin was enamored by the sight. The young woman with the hard gaze, silver eyes and bandages on her face walked with pride. He could see a little stiffness in her gait, but there she was. Very much their Handler. Very much their Colonel...

Climbing the stage with another pair of ONI officers, seeming twins, but clad in San Magnolian military uniforms, they joined the Admiral. The girl with the red strand of hair handed the cat over to one of the ONI Agents, before turning to face the Admiral and her own staff, UNSC officers. The pair saluted each-other, smiling. The crowds started a slow clap, before the Admiral spoke, her voice transmitting over the PA, "Greetings, ladies and Gentlemen. I am Admiral Eiko Nakano of the UNSC Battle Group Serene. We've been here for a few years at this point, fought alongside the people of this planet in defense of Humanity, as we would've for our own."

She turned to face the gathered people, continuing, "Through this, we built lasting friendships and alliances as we faced the common threat of the Machines..." while the black-clad SanMag officer was handed a bouquet of flowers to deposit at the base of the monument. She did so with a degree of reverence the likes of which few'd witnessed, all while her eyes scanned the names to see if she found any she knew. The Admiral, meanwhile, spoke, "And we've lost friends, family and loved ones. This has forged a bond that nothing, not even the Legion's machines can break. It is this bond that ensures our cooperation, that allows us to work together to the common goal of this abomination's defeat."

"Regardless of past slights, our future is open now. United, we will win!" She spoke proudly, to which a short, regimented cheer and a salute filled the hall, boots clicking together. She smiled at that, then watched as the SanMag officer returned to her delegation and added upon that, "To this extent and to prove the strength of our cooperation, a new unit is to be minted today. Born out of the sacrifices of those whose names adorn the armored bulkhead behind me and for whom our friends have just laid their own bouquet of azure flowers..." she turned as a holographic image of the 86th's Emblem materialized, three-dimensional.

A shield with a rounded top, black and red, with two tabs above it, one bearing the name that the Admiral spoke proudly, "The Eighty-Sixth UNSC Assault Corps has come to being today, signed by all present members of the Alliance of Nations and us, representatives of the UNSC. This unit will be the backbone of our efforts against the Legion, a fast, highly mobile and modular unit, capable of facing every mission put before it and staffed by the brightest of all of our common minds and greatest of our soldiers."

Shin smiled a little as he saw the second tab, bearing what seemed to be alternating Squadron names ranging from Spearhead to Sledgehammer and even Brisingamen. The shield itself contained the bird that symbolized the UNSC, the Eagle, its wings wrapped around their homeworld as a protective shield. Below that still, there was a ribbon with the words 'NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT' written in bold letters. Volkov looked over to Shin and gave a nod, that the soldier replied to in kind as cheers and clapping filled the hall.

The Admiral smirked, then continued, "Of course, no Corps would be complete without an officer cadre. Though they are too many to name, I wish to call upon the new overall commander of the unit, the Hero of the Defense of San Magnolia, Colonel Vladilena Milizé, to speak for us!" only to motion to the woman who had a Purple Heart and a couple of ribbons and medals pinned upon her chest, the silver-haired Alba with a strand of red.

Though the girl seemed unprepared, she took a step forward onto the podium and started, "I wish to thank you all for trusting me to command this fine unit. The efforts of the Defense of San Magnolia were a unified effort. One paid for in blood, just like every front of the Large Scale Offensive... I will not take credit from the lives that were lost to save the rest of us. Their names will ring on in eternity..." and she seemed to choke up, running her hand over the left breast pocket of her uniform, then continued, "And we shall forever be grateful to them for their sacrifices."

On that sombering note, Lena took a step back to the clapping of hands and cheers of her comrades. She smiled, then wiped away a tear, only to notice a group of fairly colorful people staring at her. Theoto joked, "Yeah, she's seen us, heh," before speaking to the others, "Wonder if she'll figure it out," as the confusion played across the girl's face. Her glasses-wearing friend seemed to notice it too, notice Shin and freeze, then smirk. The rest of Spearhead wasn't far behind her in grinning, same as her compatriots.

The Admiral, who also grinned, walked forward and started agai, "And with those beautiful words from the Colonel, I would also like to summon a very important squadron, the one that will be under her direct lead as Command Unit, to the stage so we may complete this little ceremony," before her gaze swept over to them. The platoon of soldiers marched forward in a line from amidst the crowd, to the confusion of Lena and the smiles of everyone else, the Admiral adding jovially, "The ones that allowed us to open our eyes... The ones that she missed so dearly in these years... Spearhead Squadron, of the Southern District of San Magnolia's Defense Forces."

Lena blanked, eyes shooting wide open as she saw them marching up. Shin smiled as he stood face-to-face with his major, then looked back at the rest of the squad. All of them smiled at the girl, too, which allowed Shin to turn and snap a salute, stating, "Colonel. Spearhead Squadron, reporting for duty. Captain Shinei Nouzen, at you service..." then adding a kind, "It's been a while, Colonel Milizé..."

A moment's pause and a single gaze said everything that needed to be said as the girl stifled tears, her voice cracking as she sniffled. Even through those tears, the unmitigated joy she felt at finally meeting her friends was made clear by the trembling smile as the girl spoke quietly, "Shin..." and saluted back, shaking and trying to maintain her composure.

Teppy meowed loudly, happily, while Fido beeped and jumped onto the stage, staggering everyone. Shin grabbed the Colonel by the hand and pulled her back, causing her to yelp as the massive 'dog' and Cat of Spearhead met in the middle, then the girl and boy exchanged a look of another thousand words. Theo spoke first, "Hey, hey, keep it professional, kids!" with a smirk, before Mary slapped him outside the head. He laughed and said, "Howdy, Colonel."

"Theo..." She gasped, smiling.

"Thank you, Mary," Raiden whispered, then scratched the top of his head and said, "Didn't expect to hear you threw yourself in front of the line of fire, Colonel. Guess we know you're just as batshit as the rest of us, eh?" before flashing a grin, "Take good care of us all, will you? Just like back in the day," and crossing his arms to his chest, eyes twinkling.

"Raiden...!" She let out again.

"Sheesh, emotive as heck, aren't ya?" Kurena started, though her own voice was cracking, "You really ready to lead us...?"

"Kurena," Lena chuckled, beaming still.

"Heya, boss," Lecca grinned, snapping a salute, then grabbing Haruto by the neck and causing him to yell out angrily. She spoke, "Good to see you, finally. Hope you got cake!"

"Lecca... Haruto," She breathed, smiling, awed.

Anju, now holding Teppy, spoke, "Glad to finally see you, Colonel! Thank you for taking care of Kitty!" before nuzzling the creature.

Daiya gave a goofy wave and said, "Yeah! Thanks, heh. And thanks for the fireworks."

"Anju, Daiya..." She beamed. Slowly, she looked to Shin and whispered, "Please, never do what you did again..." as her voice started to crack once more. A few of the others around wiped their tears, with Frederica trying to hide it in the crowd, but failing. He nodded, then the two turned to face the Admiral and saluted again. The woman smiled, saluted back and dismissed them with a nod.

Annette clapped her hands together, then spoke with a more solemn, calm tone, "I owe you all cake, but we've got enough of the stuff the local ship crews made to last us a week, so..." then she looked to Shin and glared at him. Walking up to him, she told him, "You scared the life out of us... But we're all glad you came back," before gently tapping him on the chest, "Shin..."

Shin seemed to have a moment where her face was familiar. He told her, "I'll make sure to leave a proper letter next time," then garnered laughs out of everyone. On that note, the party properly began to celebrate the formation of the 86th, with Lena and Shin both staring up at the Memorial Wall once the others had scattered to the various tables. They exchanged another wordless look, simply smiling, then saluted the dead once more.

... There was reason for celebration for today. Tomorrow, the war would continue.