Hello again, everyone, and welcome to the next Halo - MechWarrior/BattleTech crossover chapter.
Now that we've gotten past the previous chapter, I'll let you know that we've entered the next story arc. This story arc will focus on some of the actions undertaken by the Spartans, from the end of the Insurrection in this timeline to some of the early battles of the Covenant-UNSC War they participated in. After that, we'll enter the first unique story arc for this crossover.
I've also decided to start showing you some of the lore for this crossover. Most of the lore will be based on equipment used by the SLDF and UNSC before and during the Covenant-UNSC War. For those of you that are interested in some of the lore for the equipment used by the UNSC and SLDF, this is the call for you to pay attention. At the end of each chapter will be a snippet or two of the lore for SLDF and UNSC equipment.
Either way, I hope you appreciate this chapter. Things are going to start to change from here on out.
As always, leave a review, and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Halo or MechWarrior/BattleTech franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of Microsoft Studios, 343 Industries, Bungie, FASA Corporation, FASA Interactive, Catalyst Game Labs, WizKids, Piranha Games Inc., etc. Any material original to the franchises belongs to it's respective developers 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 it's original composers and/or artists.
SLS Hetherington
Approaching UNSC Pioneer
September 12th, 2525 (January 16th, 2794)
Richard checked his powered armor for the umpteenth time, eyes sweeping it for any noticeable defects. The diagnostic showed all systems in the green. Nothing… again, he thought. At this point, there's nothing more to check.
A glance at the other members of his team showed them performing the same check.. Edward gave him a thumbs up, with the other members of the team doing the same. We're as ready as can be, he thought.
A hand slapped him on his back, sending shooting pains down to his toes. The owner of said hand stepped into view a moment later. "So, how we coming?" Oswell asked.
Richard smiled. "Good," he said. "How's your armor?"
"As good as she'll be," Oswell said. "The grenade launcher added during the last retrofit should give us some appreciable firepower. I'd have preferred an SRM Launcher, but it is what it is."
Richard chuckled. A giant of a man even by normal standards, Oswell was the team's heavy weapons and explosives expert. If one needed a tank destroyed, or a hole in a wall, Oswell was the person to go to. "I thought the grenade launcher would be enough to satisfy you."
"It does, but you know me. Never can have enough explosives; besides, I like my guns loud and sassy."
Richard gave Oswell a playful punch in the shoulder. "You and your obsession for explosions!" He took on a more thoughtful expression. "Though, if what we're heading for is true, then we're definitely going to be needing that obsession."
Oswell smiled. "See, I knew you'd like me."
"Indeed."
There was silence after that. Richard's thoughts drifted back to a few months ago. Following the debacle at Harvest, the United Earth Government had gotten bogged down in debates on what to do about the aliens that had visited, and subsequently destroyed, Harvest's surface after the planet's evacuation. They had easily agreed to increase the UNSC's budget, and to improve their standards, but actually deciding to wage war was another matter.
Good thing we weren't as divided on the issue, Richard thought. When the Director-General got wind of what happened, he immediately had the SLDF go on high alert. I just hope we got ourselves going in time.
His thoughts were interrupted when the PA sounded off. "Team Black, report to docking tube immediately. Team Black report to docking tube immediately."
The jovial atmosphere was replaced with one that was strictly business. "Armor up," Richard said. "We've arrived." Without another word, every one of them got into their powered armor, then advanced to the docking tube.
Through said tube, Richard could see the ship they were linked up to. A modified Halberd-class Destroyer, the UNSC Pioneer was a fairly nondescript ship. Time we find out why we are here.
The sound of footsteps drew his attention. At the docking tube's entrance was their handler, Lt. Cmdr Katherine Smith. An austere woman with graying hair, Smith was known for being punctual and blunt. Richard saluted her when he saw her. "Ma'am," he said.
"Sergeant," Smith replied. She looked at him. "You've got something on your mind."
"Permission to speak freely?"
"Granted," Smith said.
Richard sighed. "What are we doing all the way out here, ma'am? I've got my suspicions, but…" He trailed off.
Smith nodded. "You'll be informed once we're onboard Pioneer and no sooner. Understood?"
"Yes ma'am. Who's ONI's rep in this case?"
"I am," a voice said. Richard glanced up towards the docking tube. On the other side, he watched a woman in a lab coat approach. She extended a hand to Smith. "Dr. Catherine Halsey."
Behind her was another man, "Chief Reyes," the man said. "I'm the ONI rep for this meeting."
Smith shook her hand, "Lieutenant Commander Katherine Smith. I am Admiral Kerensky's representative. May we come aboard?"
"You may," came another voice. That belonged to the man behind Halsey. "Captain Konrad."
"Then let's get this done," Smith said. "Follow me, Black Team." Richard nodded, then he and his squadmates went through the docking tube and onto the ship.
Once they entered Pioneer's ready room, Richard noticed something odd. Four other individuals were in the room, their faces hidden by helmets. Richard, however, could feel the back of his neck tingling, a sign something was off. He brushed it off as nerves and checked around the room. The only other occupant was a man, whose suit identified him as 'Sgt. Mendez, F.'
Once they were inside, Dr. Halsey spoke up. "Welcome onboard Pioneer," she said. "I'm certain that all of you are wondering why we're here."
"Yes ma'am," Oswell said.
"Well then, I have answers for you," Halsey said. "First, I would like to introduce Blue Team from the Naval Special Warfare Operation division. They'll be working with you on this mission."
The two teams approached each other and shook hands. Richard turned to Halsey and the others. "So, what's the story?"
"There's a mission ONI's been saving for the right teams," Dr. Halsey said. "I'll allow Commander Smith to fill in the details."
"Thank you, ma'am," Smith said. Pulling up a holographic image over the holo-table, she said, "SLDF Intelligence Command recently made a breakthrough concerning the location of one of the last remaining Insurrectionist holdouts in UNSC space. One of our sleeper agents managed to find information on Colonel Robert Watts' location."
All eyes became fixed onto the screen. "Robert Watts earned his rank in the UNSC," Halsey elaborated, "but in 2512, he went turncoat. He now leads Insurrectionist forces in the Eridanus system. Watts has spent twelve years leading raids against UNSC targets, killing civilians and military alike. Most recently, he's been involved with attacks on SLDF targets."
"Officially, Intelligence Command believes Watts intends to have his forces attack medical satellite stations in order to steal their supplies and cause general chaos throughout the Outer Colonies," Smith said, picking up from where Halsey left off. "However, what's really going on is that Watts is planning a major nuclear strike on the SLDF shipyards over Soell IV. Fortunately, one of Watts men cut a deal with us."
"We've known for some time that Watt's men have been launching their attacks from Eridanus' asteroid belt," Mendez added, "but finding their exact location was almost impossible, even with advanced sensors. There are millions of rocks scattered over billions of kilometers."
"That's like searching for a gold needle in a stack of silver needles," Edward observed. "One is always easy to find, just not the right one."
"Exactly, hence why this information is vital."
"Our informant didn't know the exact location," Smith added. "However, he did know that the freighter Laden is a supply vessel. Laden is set to leave dock in six hours for routine engine re-certification. And yet, she's been loaded with enough food and water to supply a small city. However, our informant also believes that they're shipping stolen nuclear weapons on the ship, specifically for Watt's operation.
"Here are your orders. Black Team will command the operation. You will be dropped at the Eridanus II spacedocks and be disguised as new personnel for the Laden's crew. Your armor will be shipped inside as part of the cargo, and we have an agent that will issue you a challenge. Challenge word is 'Tacitus', response is 'Everest'. Once in the base, you will infiltrate the installation and take Watts alive if possible. Be advised, if you are unable to capture him, you have permission to eliminate him. Any questions?"
"None at this time, ma'am," Richard said.
"Understood. Dismissed!"
As they left the ready room, Oswell glanced at Richard. "There's something they're not telling us."
"I agree," Edward added, his voice intentionally quiet.
Richard nodded. "I know. Not much we can do for now. Keep an eye on them, though. If they exhibit anything out of the ordinary, make note of it and tell me once we're back. Understood?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. Now let's get to work. We won't have long once we enter the ship."
Once he was back in his quarters, Edward began writing in his journal. "0130 hours, January 16th. Onboard the Laden now. Just a few more hours and then we'll be at the Innie base out here. Not familiar with Blue Team, which is not entirely good.
"In any case, we'll know more about them once we're at our destination, wherever the hell that is. Insurgent bastards are so paranoid they haven't listed their destination on their manifest. Probably how they remained hidden for so long.
"Either way, we've got our work cut out for us. I'd love to close that chapter of my life now. Gonna see what the others are up to. Hopefully, we'll have arrived by now." Finishing up, he stood up and left his quarters.
. . .
Two Days Later
Richard glanced around at the interior of the microgravity well. He, his team and Blue Team were suspended in hammocks that hung within the support structure beneath a tram line. Down below were the few girders that provided the 'floor', with gaps allowing them to see down below into the actual water containers for the ship.
A glance at his team showed that they were relaxed, with only one exception. Oswell looked positively constipated, his face set into a frown. "You all right?" he asked him.
"Fine," Oswell said. "Never did like heights."
"Why?"
Oswell glanced at him. "My grandpa died when he fell off an observation deck at Epsilon Indi, and I was there when it happened. Since then, I've hated heights."
"Will that stop you from carrying out the mission?"
Oswell made a rude noise. "Hell no! It'll take more than just a few meters of empty space to make me quit. Besides, if I quit, I'd have no explosions to make."
"All right. Just making sure," Richard said, then closed his eyes to get some shuteye.
Nearby, Edward was laying in his own hammock, eyes gazing off into the distance. A grunt drew his attention to one of Blue Team's members. "Can't get any shuteye before a mission," he complained. He looked at Richard. "How can he?"
"He's been through a lot," Edward said. "Richard and I both fought in the Amaris Coup. He learned real quick to get sleep whenever we could." He frowned. "Didn't catch your name."
The man shrugged. "Name's Sam." He pointed at the others. "That's Kelly, Fred and Linda. John's the lead. You?"
"Edward. That there's Richard, then there's Oswell and Michael." He glanced at Kelly, "So what you up to?"
"Scanning freight and shipping documents," Kelly said.
"Read it to me," Sam said. "That'll put me to sleep."
"Ten hours out, Blue Team," John said.
"We'll rotate sleep cycles," Edward said. He glanced at Kelly, "Find anything?"
"Everything!" Kelly said. "Laden doesn't have a shipboard AI, and the security's a joke!"
"Course setting?"
"Just like last time we checked. We've got a loose trajectory to the belt, but no final destination," Kelly said.
"Meaning the insurgents don't even trust their own people," Fred observed.
Edward chuckled. "True, but no. It's a very prudent measure to avoid detection. Wouldn't be surprised if the remaining Insurrectionist cells did the same, what with the HPG network coming online."
John glanced at Edward. "I heard a little about that. I heard rumors the SLDF created HPGs as a means of civilian communication."
Edward nodded. "That's right. HPGs came about when the Terran Hegemony decided that FTL communications would be the next big thing. Since the 2630s, we've had it, and it's made a big impact all right."
"Tell me about it," Sam said. "Everyone in the UEG's been calling it the 'greatest invention since the Slipspace Drive.'"
"Well, they're not wrong," Kelly remarked. "One of the major sustaining factors of the Insurrection was the lack of real-time communication with the Outer Colonies. While solving the problem of real-time communications was good, it hasn't solved all of the factors leading to the rise of the Insurrection."
"Pretty much," Oswell said. He glanced at the others. "Hear about what happened at Harvest?"
John nodded. "We all have. What about you?"
"Same. We were briefed on it, and more attacks on outer colonies a few days ago. I still can't get that message we got flashed out of my head."
"How did it go?" Linda asked. She already knew, but she wanted to know if Oswell had heard the same.
"Oh, like this," Oswell said. A moment later, he gave a surprisingly accurate rendition of the voice in the alien's broadcast, "'Your destruction is the will of the gods, and we are their instrument.'" He shook his head. "If that doesn't scream 'I will wipe you out', then I don't know what will."
"My thoughts exactly," John said. "We'll worry about it when command says we should. Wake me in a few hours." Leaning back, he closed his eyes.
It hadn't seemed very long before Edward heard a noise. A glance told him that John had abruptly awakened. "You OK?" he asked.
"Fine," John said. He sat up in his hammock. "I'm up. Got anything, Kelly?"
"She's asleep right now," Fred said. "I picked up where she left off and I found something odd in the ship's manifest."
This time, they heard Richard speak. "That being?"
"Hidden in the rations, there's a single crate of cigars, steaks and chocolates."
"Luxury items," Richard remarked. "If I had to guess…"
"I agree," John said. "That crate is going to Watts."
"Precisely what I was thinking," Fred agreed.
Something pinged on Richard's suit. The man looked at his TACCOM, then at the others. "We've arrived. Time to get dressed and act casual."
. . .
It hadn't been long before the Laden docked with the Insurrectionist base. By the time the ship began unloading, both teams were moving out. "Follow me," Richard said quietly as they left the ship. "Stay quiet, stay hidden. Kelly, get a bearing on that crate."
"Working on it," Kelly said.
At that moment, John noticed a flicker of movement, then a quiet, tapping sound. Richard did to, saying, "Morse code. Old school, but it works."
"What's it mean?" John asked.
Richard listened carefully. "The message reads… 'follow the noise.'" Warily, he and the others began to gravitate in that direction, all while acting like members of the crew.
It wasn't long before they reached on one of the monorails. The door was closed, though a display on the door was active. At that moment, a voice said, "Tacitus."
"Everest," Richard said. The door popped open, permitting them into the monorail. Inside were a few crates, as well as a single man. "You have the intel?" Richard asked once the doors closed.
"Yes," the man said.
"Good." Richard glanced at the crates. "That the gear?"
"Yes."
"All right," Richard said. Walking to the crate, he pressed down on a foot latch, popping the lid open. A soft mechanical hum filled the air as a pair of robotic arms lifted the suit of armor upright. With a soft whirring, the back of the armor opened up. Without further ado, Richard stepped in.
Once he did, the suit fully sealed up again. With a few mental commands and glances from his eyes, the suit ran through it's diagnostics one more time. "All systems green," he reported.
"Reporting same," Oswell said.
"Green and ready," Edward said.
"Good to go," Michael said. He rummaged through another crate. "Got my medical supplies. Anyone gets hurt, I'll patch 'em up, but try not to get shot. It's us versus an entire city if things go FUBAR."
"Good," Richard said. He glanced at the agent. "What can you tell us about where we're going?"
"Insurrectionist garrison for the asteroid," the man said. He handed Richard and John a datapad. "Tight security outside, but the elevator shafts are unguarded. Hard part is getting inside the building. Got a pair of M752 APDT's guarding the entrance along with four guards."
Richard frowned. "Nasty business. Expect Semi-Portable Autocannons or M247Hs on those things."
"Any ideas on getting past them?" John asked.
"I'll handle that," the agent said. "Computer worm should disable them long enough for you to get inside. As for the guards, I'll handle them too."
"Understood," John said. "Kelly, got a bearing on that crate?"
"On the same monorail we are, heading to the tallest building in town," Kelly said.
"Only the best for Colonel Watts," Sam quipped.
"Agreed," Kelly said. There was a jolt, then the monorail began moving. Before long, they came to a stop. "Nav marker at 443 meters and holding."
"Top floor," the agent said.
"Helmets on," John ordered.
"Before helmets on, what's the plan?" Richard asked.
John paused, then nodded. "We'll move in from the lobby once the guards are eliminated." John said. "Richard, you and Black Team will scale the building. If Watts makes a break for it, terminate him."
"Understood," Richard said. "And the guards?"
"I've got that," the agent said. "You can help if you want."
"Got it," John said. Within seconds, Blue Team was ready to go, their bodies clad in tight, lightly armored bodysuits and faces hidden by helmets. "Before you go, what's your callsign?
"Morpheus," the man said.
Stepping outside, Morpheus approached the entrance to the building. Outside, two ADPTs swiveled slowly to the left and right, while their human minders stood nearby. As he approached, Patrick pressed a small button hidden in his jacket sleeve. A HUD on the inside of his glasses pinged, informing him the worm had been uploaded.
One of the guards noticed him and advanced. "This is a restricted area. Back off."
"I have clearance," Morpheus said, presenting his ID. "Happy?"
The guard looked it over, then scanned it. "It's good," he said. "However, I -"
The guard was about to finish speaking when Morpheus reacted. In a flash of movement, he brought his silenced pistol up and fired twice. Both bullets punched through the guard's visor, making a mess of his brains. The other guards moved to react, only to receive two bullets each from Morpheus
"Nice work," John said said.
"Thanks," Morpheus said.
"Moving inside now." All four members of Blue Team advanced. The lobby inside was empty, leaving the elevator shaft open for access.
Advancing, Fred stowed his weapon, then forced the elevator doors open. He tossed the others a few devices. "Cable grapplers," he said. "Should get us to the top quietly."
"Good call," John said. "Latch on." All four members of Blue Team complied. Latching his onto the cable, John pressed a button. A soft whir came from the device as it quickly lifted him up the elevator shaft.
Outside, Richard looked around at the building's exterior. Lot of good hand and footholds, he thought.
Morpheus handed him what looked like am modified grapple rod. "Power Armor Grapple Rod. Can hold up to 450 kilos without failing."
"Good," Richard said. "Everyone, grab a rod. We'll signal Blue Team when in position."
"Copy that," the others said. Pulling out a long rod, Richard activated the device, then held it out towards the building. There was a pop, then the grappling hook on the end latched onto the structure. Tugging it to make sure it was solid, Richard placed his right foot into the stirrup. A flick of the switch later and he was lifted into the air towards the hook. Behind him, the others followed suit.
Within minutes, they were at the uppermost floors. "Performing thermal scan." With a command, the world in front of his eyes became hued in blues; inside, a number of areas turned orange and red. "Multiple foot mobiles; HVT likely inside." He keyed his helmet COM. "Blue Actual, this is Black Actual. SitRep?"
"Ready to breach," John said. "Status?"
"Ready for your signal," Richard said. "Multiple foot mobiles inside. Lightly armed, moderate armor."
"Understood," John said. "Be ready to breach on my signal."
"Wilco." Richard closed the COM. "Oswell, thermite charge, maximum strength."
Oswell nodded. Edwards reached to his pack, then pulled out a thermite charge. Taking it, Oswell made sure he wouldn't fall off, then fixed the charge in place. "Thermite charge set."
"Standby," Richard said…
Inside the building, Colonel Watts monitored the video feeds for the building's security systems. So far, it had been a quiet day, which was how he preferred it. Things have gone to hell since the SLDF started roaming around, he thought. First, they had to get the damned HPGs set up, then they started snooping around.
He sighed, then checked his watch. Gonna move out in a few days, he thought. Can't stay too long, otherwise the UNSC'll find us.
His thoughts where interrupted when one of his guards said, "Fresh batch, sir."
Watts turned, found the guard offering him a few cigars. Sweet Williams cigars, he thought. My favorite. "Thank you," he said. He pulled two out, then handed the guard one. "Here, have one."
"On duty right now, sir," the guard said.
"For when you're off duty."
The guard hesitated, then took the cigar. "Thank you, sir."
As he walked off, Watts thought about the upcoming mission. Once those shipyards are destroyed, we can begin expanding our operations. A small part of him pointed out that they were technically civilian targets, then he quashed that part. Those civilians made their choice, and I've made mine. Flicking his lighter open, he lit the cigar and took a puff, letting the smoky sweet aroma of the cigar fill the air.
He never got to enjoy it.
One moment, he was about to take another puff, the next, all hell broke loose. The door to the elevator shaft promptly exploded. Both the guards standing near it were hurled through the air, their broken and shredded bodies landing near Watts. The blast nearly staggered him.
"OPEN FIRE! HOSTILES AT ELEVATOR SHAFT!" the guard he'd just spoken to roared. "GET THE COLONEL OUT, NOW!"
It only took Watts a split second to realize what was happening. They've found us! Dashing towards the store room, he fished an M7B off one of the dead guards, then fired back. "Everyone, take up formation!" he ordered. "Fall back!"
At the shredded elevator door. John fired his SMG with lethal precision. Two guards slumped to the ground, bullet holes expertly drilled through the softer portions of their torso armor. While the guards took Watts to another room, Sam and Kelly took down three more. "Black Lead," John said, "breach!"
A second later, there was a flash of light as thermite burned through the wall. Part of the wall in the room beyond was then kicked in, then all four members of Black Team moved inside, M6K's firing in short bursts. Between the octuple of operatives, Watts' men didn't stand a chance.
As they advanced, John caught sight of some movement. "Blue Three!" he shouted, throwing his compatriot forwards. There was a muffled pop, then John felt as though someone had punched him in the gut. Pain lanced through his body as his brain registered the bullet penetrating his armor. Richard, spotting the guard, fired once, killing the Innie instantly.
"John!" Kelly shouted. "John! Can you hear me?!"
"Yes," John said.
"What happened?" Michael asked.
"Innie got a lucky shot in," Richard said. "Nailed John in the gut. I got the bastard."
"Biofoam," Michael ordered. Kelly handed him a can. "Hold still, John."
"That should've been me," Sam half-groaned, half-grumbled.
"Secure the area," John ordered. He grunted as Michael injected the biofoam.
"How bad is it?" Fred asked as Michael applied the foam.
"Not bad. Armor took most of the impact. Bullet pierced the muscle wall, then stopped." He glanced at John. "You're lucky, kid. A few millimeters more, and you'd be bleeding out." He pulled John to his feet. "Can you move?"
John tested the area, ignored the pain coming from that spot. "Yes."
"Good."
"That was stupid, John!" Fred grumbled.
"Enough!" Edwards said. "You good?"
"I'm good."
"Then let's go."
In the store room, Watts knelt behind one of the cargo crates. He'd lost his M7B in the fighting, and now had his sidearm out. How did they find us? he wondered. He was about to stand up when a loud flash of light filled the room. Partially shielded by the crate, Watts stopped moving and blinked furiously, then began blind firing over the crate.
At the entrance, both teams fired on the remaining guards. Eventually, only Watts was left. Standing up, he raised his pistol to his head, shouting, "You won't take me -"
That defiant declaration turned into a scream when a bullet fired by Morpheus tore through his wrist. The handgun dropped to the floor, while Watts held his wrist. "AAGGHHH!" he roared, stumbling back. "FUCK!" He got a hold of himself, then looked at the others. "My men will come for you!"
John glanced around the room. One of the crates was large enough to carry a man. "Empty that crate," he ordered. "Sam, load the cargo."
"Cargo?" Watts asked, then he realized what they were talking about, or rather who. One of the men approached and laid a hand on him, only for Watts to slap it away. "Unhand me, boy!" he snarled. "I don't know who or what you are, but I know two things. First, you're not getting out of here alive, and two, I am not getting into that damn box!"
"You don't have a choice," Richard said, then he bashed Watt's head with the butt of his rifle. The Insurrectionist leader slumped to the floor unconscious. Grabbing a hold of him, Sam tossed him into the crate and shut it.
"Cargo secured," he reported.
"Good work," Richard said, "but we're not done yet. Now the hard part comes in. Morpheus?"
Morpheus holstered his pistol. "Rendezvous team will pick him up here, then we'll exfil from the rooftop with the package. Five mikes.
"Understood," John said. "How long until they storm the building?"
"Fifteen mikes, if we're lucky."
Five minutes later, another team entered. "VIP secured," one of the ONI Agents said. "Got a shuttle on the roof ready to get you to the airlock. Get there now. We saw forces moving this way."
"Understood," Richard said. "Blue Team, Black Team, move out!"
. . .
True to form, in ten minutes, every Insurrectionist with a gun was heading towards the building they were once at. Entering the airlock, John and the others quickly donned the space suits in the lockers. "Your suits good?" John asked.
"They're vacuum rated," Edward said.
"How long?"
"Fifteen hours, max," Edward said.
John nodded. "Good enough."
"All right," Richard said. "Morpheus says UNSC's on it's way with a fleet to take the asteroid. We need to be gone before they get here. Everyone got suits on?"
"Affirmative," John said.
"Good. Opening airlock!" Grabbing the emergency handle, Richard moved it to the right. The door promptly swung open, venting the airlock. All sound faded away; with a single push, both teams began leaving the asteroid. "Got another shuttle swinging our way. We'll rendezvous with it in thirty seconds!"
"Copy," John said.
Thirty seconds later, the cargo skiff appeared. "Grab on," another ONI agent said from the cockpit via TEAMCOM. "We're getting out of here!" Once the others had a firm grip, he gunned the engines. The cargo skiff deftly passed behind the asteroids, flitting about as they slowly got clear of the station. Within seconds, the skiff docked to the Bug-Eye, while John and the others entered via the airlock.
"Everyone onboard?" the captain asked.
"Yes," John said. "All members accounted for."
"Good. Engaging Jump Drive in three… two… one… now!"
For a moment, John felt the mildly sickening sensation of K-F Drive travel, then it stopped. After thirty seconds, the captain said, "We're at Epsilon Eridani. Patrick, is the cargo secured?"
"Target is alive, but has TDS," Patrick said. "He'll survive."
"Understood. We're moving in now. Got a Prowler coming to meet us."
Richard smiled. "Good work people." He turned to John. "You did good, kid. Maybe we'll work together more often." John simply nodded to that.
M752 APDT
The M752 Automated Perimeter Defense Turret, or APDT for short, was a weapon system developed by the UNSC and SLDF during their joint operations. Designed to be used by fireteams and small military formations, APDTs are designed to reduce the workload on sentries by providing a modular weapons system equipped with advanced sensors and powerful weapons. Like their stationary Talon counterparts, M752 APDTs can be deployed with multiple units networked together to act as a single machine. In these scenarios, the turrets are generally deployed with overlapping fields of fire with which they can be used to their best effect. Defensive networks like this generally rely on multispectral sensors and an IFF interrogator for target acquisition, which can then be shared across the network to best facilitate effective firing.
In terms of armament, APDTs are designed to fire what the SLDF classifies as Support Weapons, which are weapons that are small enough to be used by infantry, while large enough to take on small formations of infantry and/or armored targets. Most APDTs are typically armed with Semi-Portable Autocannons, while a few have been armed with SRM Launchers, Grenade Launchers and Support ER Lasers. Most APDTs are also equipped with several hundred kilograms of Standard, Ferro-Fibrous or Ferro-Lamellor armor for defense against energy and ballistic munitions.
During the latter years of the Insurrectionist period, APDTs were generally used to augment the defenses at UNSC and SLDF installations, thereby freeing up manpower to be used elsewhere. Following the start of the Covenant-UNSC War, APDTs began seeing widespread use at UNSC and SLDF bases, as well as at military checkpoints. Unsurprisingly, thanks to their excellent multispectrum sensors, APDTs were also used at highly sensitive installations, and are one of several automated defense systems capable of detecting and eliminating cloaked Sangheili Spec-Ops units. During the war, Semi-Portable Autocannons were the SLDF's preferred weapon for M752 APDTs. The UNSC, on the other hand, tended to use the M247H in the same role due to logistical and familiarity reasons.
Semi-Portable Autocannons
Semi-Portable Autocannons are scaled-down versions of BattleMech Autocannons designed as infantry support weapons for SLDF anti-vehicular and anti-infantry teams. A rotating multibarrel assembly allows for a fantastically high rate of fire without overheating the barrels. Despite it's small size, the weapon boasts excellent armor penetration courtesy of it's high-explosive/armor-piercing (HEAP) munitions. While normally requiring a crew of two, like other semi-portable weapons, it can be handled by single individuals equipped with gyroscopic harnesses, or by those using Power Armor or Battle Armor, though the multibarrel design prevents the use of other forms of recoil compensation.
During the Insurrection, Semi-Portable Autocannons were popular with SLDF personnel for their good accuracy, excellent armor penetration and relatively abundant ammunition. These traits continued to define Semi-Portable Autocannons throughout the Covenant-UNSC War, as the high rate of fire and dual kinetic/explosive nature of the munitions enabled their use against shielded Covenant infantry, though they tended to struggle against heavily armored vehicles.