Book Title: "The War That Burned the Stars: A Century of Reflection on the Covenant Conflict"
Chapter 3: "First Contact: the Flames of War"
Author: Teyala Kelesan, Emeritus Professor of Galactic History, University of Serrice
Introduction
The moment of first contact between the Citadel, UNSC, and the Covenant was both an initiation into the horrors of a new kind of warfare and the start of an alliance that would ultimately shape the course of the Covenant War. At the time, much of the Citadel's leadership remained uncertain about the true scope of the conflict. The discovery of humanity — a species on the verge of annihilation — forced the Council to confront a rapidly escalating crisis.
In this chapter, we turn our attention to those early, fateful days when Citadel intelligence first encountered the devastation left in the wake of the Covenant. It was during this period that the Citadel Council were forced to weigh their principles against the realities of a genocidal force unlike any the galaxy had seen. Newly declassified documents reveal the gravity of those initial deliberations, where moral duty clashed with the Council's cautious tendencies. Afterall, the Covenant's genocidal campaign against humanity stood in stark contrast to the ideals upheld by the Citadel races — cooperation, peaceful coexistence, and the respect for all sentient life.
The events of first contact with humanity, fraught with the violence of ongoing war, marked the opening of what can only be described as a moral trial by fire. The Citadel Council, true to its guiding values, decided that protecting the innocent and preserving the sanctity of life transcended the risks of entering a war with the Covenant. First contact was not simply a diplomatic gesture — it was an entry into the flames of a war that would test the resolve of every species in the galaxy.
This chapter details the Citadel's initial engagement with both humanity and the Covenant, the decisions that led to intervention, and the broader implications of that first, precarious step into a war that would redefine galactic history.
Early Discovery by the Citadel
The Citadel's first steps toward involvement in what would later become known as the Covenant War began not with diplomatic outreach or military confrontation, but with the grim discovery of glassed worlds. These desolate planets, with their surfaces vitrified and rendered uninhabitable, were first detected by Special Tasks Group (STG) operatives after passing through Relay-314 — a previously unexplored sector that had long been considered of minimal interest to the Council races. This initial reconnaissance marked the beginning of a cascade of revelations that would ultimately drag the Citadel into the flames of an intergalactic conflict it had not foreseen.
It was the discovery of Veros-17, the first glassed planet encountered, that truly caught the attention of the STG. Early reports were, at best, speculative, noting that the planet's entire surface had been scorched beyond recognition. Citadel science had never encountered such thorough devastation — continents turned to silicate glass, with surface temperatures exceeding 2500 degrees Celsius. The sheer scale of the destruction was beyond comprehension. The initial report, as described in now declassified documents, reads like a warning to the Citadel races, even if its full implications were not yet understood:
Excerpt from STG reconnaissance log, Veros-17: "Planetary surface consistent with extreme thermal event. Entire biosphere destroyed. Atmosphere unbreathable. No signs of life or recovery potential. Cause of devastation unknown, but the scale suggests a weapon of immense power. Possibly nuclear or plasma in nature. Immediate further investigation required."
This discovery, unsettling as it was, might have remained an isolated curiosity in the annals of STG exploration were it not for the subsequent findings. Over the following months, STG units uncovered a chain of similarly glassed worlds: Oleron-9, Phaedra-2, Ciris-3 — each marked by the same catastrophic devastation. The evidence of a deliberate and systematic campaign was mounting. These were not natural disasters, nor were they the result of conventional warfare. Entire planetary ecosystems had been eradicated, their populations presumably wiped out without leaving so much as a trace of survivors. The STG grew increasingly concerned, and the Citadel Council, receiving their reports, began to weigh the implications more seriously.
It was the discovery of Rialta-6, later identified by humanity as Atlas, that provided the critical breakthrough needed to understand the scale and nature of this annihilation. On this fifth glassed world, STG operatives uncovered what remained of a partially burned book — a human text that would become central to unravelling the mystery of these destroyed worlds. The book, though heavily damaged, was later revealed to be a translation dictionary between two human languages, one of which was identified as English. This breakthrough, while incomplete, allowed the Citadel to begin piecing together the story of humanity's plight and the identity of their enemy.
Excerpt from declassified STG discovery log, Rialta-6 (Atlas): "Among debris, a partially burned manuscript has been recovered. The symbols match those of previously discovered data fragments. Cross-referencing initial findings suggests this is a bilingual dictionary, including references to 'English.' Further analysis indicates this language was likely the primary means of communication for the species inhabiting these worlds."
With this critical piece of the puzzle in hand, STG intelligence teams worked tirelessly to decode and translate the fragments of human communications they had intercepted. Though fragmented and often corrupted by the devastation of war, the messages painted a picture of a desperate struggle against an overwhelmingly powerful enemy. These early translations revealed the existence of a galactic alliance known as the Covenant, whose religious fervour drove them to systematically exterminate humanity, one world at a time.
Excerpt from intercepted human communication, translated from English: "...repeat, this is UNSC Command, the Covenant are advancing on all fronts. We have no chance of holding them off. Civilians must evacuate immediately. Planetary defences are falling... God help us all."
Excerpt from declassified STG analysis: "The entity identified as 'Covenant' appears to be a coalition of species, unified by a shared ideology. Communications intercepted from glassed worlds indicate their actions are driven by religious motivations, specifically targeting a species referred to as 'humans.' The Covenant views humanity as a religious, possibly existential, threat and is systematically annihilating their colonies."
The realization that a powerful, genocidal force was actively waging a campaign of extermination shocked the Citadel Council to its core. Never before had the Citadel encountered an enemy so singularly focused on the total destruction of another species. The situation raised profound moral and strategic questions: Should the Citadel intervene? Could they afford not to? And what would be the consequences of stepping into a war of such terrifying scope?
The deliberations within the Council chambers were marked by a deep divide between the races. Newly declassified records reveal that the Turians, led by Councillor Sparatus, were among the most vocal in advocating for immediate military action. Sparatus and his delegation argued that the Citadel could not afford to wait while humanity was systematically eradicated by the Covenant. The scale of destruction witnessed across multiple worlds, coupled with the obvious technological might of the Covenant, led the Turians to believe that war was not just inevitable, but necessary.
By contrast, the Asari and Salarian representatives urged caution. Councillor Tevos of the Asari Republics, though moved by the moral imperative to protect life, emphasized the need for diplomatic measures before the Citadel plunged headlong into a conflict of this magnitude. The Salarian Councillor, typically pragmatic, supported Tevos, warning that the Citadel had little knowledge of the Covenant's true capabilities or intentions. The risk of engaging an enemy whose strength remained unclear weighed heavily on their minds.
Excerpt from declassified Council meeting minutes, 17.03.2529 CE:
"Councillor Sparatus: 'We cannot stand idly by while another species is wiped out before our eyes. The longer we wait, the greater the risk to us all. War may be unavoidable, and the time to prepare is now.'
Councillor Tevos: 'We must not abandon diplomacy so quickly. If we are to involve ourselves in this conflict, it must be with the full understanding of what we are facing, and only after all peaceful measures have been exhausted. The protection of life demands careful judgment.'"
After intense debate, the Council reached a pivotal decision — a directive that would define the Citadel's involvement in the war. The directive stipulated that if humanity or Covenant forces were encountered individually, peaceful contact was to be prioritized. However, if Citadel forces encountered a human world actively being attacked by the Covenant, they were authorized to intervene should peaceful overtures fail.
Excerpt from declassified Council directive, 21.05.2529 CE: "If peaceful contact with either side proves impossible, intervention is authorized to prevent further loss of innocent life. The extermination of humanity cannot be tolerated under the principles of the Citadel."
This decision was not made lightly, but it was one that resonated with the core principles of the Citadel's founding. The commitment to the protection of life, even at great cost, was a cornerstone of Citadel policy. The galaxy had faced great wars before, but never had it been confronted with a force so willing to commit total annihilation. The Council's directive was a reflection of both moral duty and pragmatic necessity — a realization that allowing the Covenant to continue unchecked could destabilize the galaxy in ways yet unforeseen.
The discovery of Atlas — Rialta-6 — became not just a turning point in the understanding of humanity's plight, but also a defining moment for the Citadel Council itself. It was a moment when the Citadel's ideals of peace, cooperation, and the protection of life were put to the ultimate test, and the galaxy would soon find out just how far those principles could carry them into the fires of war.
First Contact
The Citadel's first direct engagement with humanity — and the Covenant — was not the result of diplomatic overtures, but rather the unexpected discovery of an ongoing battle. Long-range sensors operated by the Special Tasks Group (STG) detected significant spikes in electromagnetic activity and radiation signatures in a previously uncharted sector near Relay-314. These readings, consistent with the detonation of nuclear armaments, indicated an active conflict of an unprecedented scale. The initial reaction was one of disbelief; the use of such devastating weaponry suggested that one or both of the combatants were engaged in total war.
Excerpt from STG sensor logs, 04.12.2529 CE: "Radiation levels consistent with multiple nuclear detonations detected. Electromagnetic spikes and irregular heat signatures suggest engagement involving high-yield energy weapons. Further investigation required."
In response, a nearby Turian patrol fleet was diverted to investigate. It was here, on the edge of an active battlefield over what was later learned as Arcadia, that the Citadel forces first encountered the human military (UNSC) locked in desperate combat with the Covenant. The initial reports from the Turian commander, Commander Taegus Voriax, as seen in declassified military logs, painted a grim picture: the human fleet was vastly outnumbered and outgunned, struggling to hold off a Covenant armada that dwarfed them in both firepower and size. Plasma weaponry, the hallmark of the Covenant's technological superiority, seared through the void, overwhelming the UNSC's defenses.
Following the Citadel Council's directive, the Turian fleet attempted peaceful contact with both parties, hoping to intervene diplomatically. This effort, however, was met with a chilling and immediate response from the Covenant. As recorded by Spectre Saren Arterius, who was embedded with the fleet to monitor the situation, the Covenant rejected any attempts at diplomacy with the Citadel, offering only a stark warning to the Turians.
Excerpt from Spectre Saren Arterius' personal log, 05.12.2529 CE: "The Covenant leader addressed us without hesitation. 'Humanity's destruction is the will of the gods, and we are their instrument.' The message was clear: they would not tolerate interference. The implication of such religious fanaticism was evident. Negotiation was futile."
The Covenant's unwavering belief in their divine mandate to annihilate humanity left the Turians with no real options. Assessing the dire situation quickly, Voriax recognized that humanity was on the verge of collapse, as the Covenant fleet was showing no intention of pursuing a peaceful resolution. Faced with the critical choice of either retreating or stepping into the conflict, the Turians followed the Citadel Council's directive to protect innocent lives. Acknowledging the risks, Voriax made the decision to engage the Covenant fleet, knowing full well that this action would pull the Citadel forces into a larger and far more dangerous conflict.
This moment marked the Citadel's first formal entry into what would become a protracted and devastating war. Reinforcements were called in from nearby sectors as the Turian fleet engaged the Covenant forces head-on, their cruisers and dreadnoughts moving to protect the beleaguered UNSC vessels.
Excerpt from Turian 17th Patrol Fleet Commander Taegus Voriax command log, 05.12.2529 CE: "Engagement with Covenant forces initiated. Covenant firepower exceeds projected estimates. Requesting immediate reinforcements. UNSC fleet severely compromised, though their defences are holding longer than expected."
Despite their technological disadvantage, the UNSC's resilience impressed the Turians. While humanity's ships lacked the advanced shielding of the Citadel or Covenant, they compensated with tenacity and unconventional tactics. The humans used nuclear armaments in space — an act long abandoned by Citadel military doctrine — indicating both desperation and resourcefulness. However, even with these efforts, it became clear that without Citadel intervention, humanity's defeat was inevitable.
The battle continued with mounting intensity as the Turian patrol fleet struggled to hold the line. Voriax, recognizing the dire situation, had already sent out a call for reinforcements, but their arrival was far from certain. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Turian fleet's disciplined manoeuvres helped provide critical support to the overwhelmed UNSC forces, buying them precious time. The initial attempt at diplomacy had failed, and the confrontation had escalated into full-scale violence. What followed was the brutal entry into a war that neither the Citadel nor humanity could afford to retreat from, as both now found themselves inexorably tied to the conflict overArcadia.
The implications of this first contact were profound. Not only had the Citadel Council failed to establish peaceful relations with the Covenant, but they had also entered into an unanticipated alliance with humanity. The Turians, despite their reputation for military precision rather than diplomacy, had made the crucial decision to intervene. This act, driven by both tactical necessity and a deep-seated commitment to protect innocent lives, set the tone for the Citadel's involvement in the war to come.
Planetfall
The first full-scale engagement between Citadel forces and the Covenant took place in the shadow of human colony world Arcadia. The Turian patrol fleet had made the critical decision to intervene, but this choice came with grave consequences. What followed was a battle that would not only test the mettle of Citadel forces but would also expose the brutal efficiency of Covenant military doctrine. The confrontation, later dubbed "Planetfall" by both human and Citadel historians, would serve as the Citadel's first taste of the Covenant's ferocity, and a stark reminder that this war would demand more than just tactical superiority — it would require a new approach to survival itself.
As the Turian fleet engaged the Covenant, the stark technological gap between the two forces became immediately evident. Covenant ships wielded plasma-based weaponry of a kind that Citadel forces had never before encountered. The destructive capacity of these plasma weapons rendered traditional Citadel shielding nearly ineffective. In the opening moments of the battle, several Turian frigates were overwhelmed, their shields collapsing under concentrated plasma fire. The heat from these blasts melted the ships' hulls, consuming entire sections of the vessels before they could even attempt evasive manoeuvres. The battle reports from those early moments describe the devastating speed and precision of the Covenant assault:
Excerpt from Turian battle log: "Frigate Ithos has been destroyed — direct plasma strike penetrated shields in under two seconds. Hull integrity lost. Captain Stenos and crew presumed lost. Shielding countermeasures ineffective against concentrated fire. Recommend evasive tactics and increased distance from Covenant vessels."
Despite the initial losses, the Turians quickly adapted to the situation. Though their ships could not match the sheer power of Covenant plasma weapons, they discovered the first of three key advantages: manoeuvrability. Turian vessels, despite their size and tonnage, were capable of quick manoeuvres to avoid the relatively slower Covenant crafts. Capitalizing on this, the Turian fleet adopted evasive, hit-and-run tactics, using their superior manoeuvrability to stay out of the Covenant's direct firing lines while delivering counterattacks from more favourable positions. This tactical adaptation, while costly in terms of time and resources, allowed them to survive the initial onslaught.
It was during this first engagement that the Turian forces made a second crucial discovery: disruptor torpedoes proved far more effective than anticipated against Covenant shielding. Originally designed to create unstable mass effect fields that warp space-time, disruptor torpedoes were intended to bypass conventional kinetic barriers by creating localized mass changes that caused targets to rip themselves apart. While these torpedoes were typically employed at close range by fighters, the rapid, asymmetrical mass changes they induced proved particularly devastating against the Covenant's energy shields.
Though sluggish in acceleration due to the increased mass fields, disruptor torpedoes were launched in concentrated "ripple-fire" waves at close range, successfully overwhelming the Covenant's defences. After several successive hits, the Covenant's shields destabilized, allowing Citadel ships to breach the hulls of Covenant vessels. This effectiveness provided Citadel forces with a rare advantage in an otherwise overwhelming battle.
Excerpt from declassified Citadel post-combat analysis, 18.02.2530 CE: "Disruptor torpedoes exhibit increased efficacy against Covenant energy shields when launched in close-range, concentrated volleys. Shields destabilize after three to four direct impacts, exposing critical sections of Covenant hulls to further attacks. Further research into energy destabilization and mass field application recommended."
The initial skirmishes in space, however, were only the prelude to what would follow on the surface ofArcadia. The battle above the planet created a chaotic environment in which human and Citadel forces found themselves fighting side by side. Both fleets sustained heavy losses, but the Turian fleet were able to prevent the total collapse of the UNSC defences. This fragile coordination allowed the Turian forces to begin planning for a ground assault to secure critical locations on the planet.
With the Covenant's relentless bombardment ofArcadia's defences, it became clear that the fight would not be won in space alone. The Covenant had already begun deploying ground forces — most notably, the Sangheili, known to humanity as "Elites." The Elites were tasked with securing key locations on the surface, targeting human population centres, military outposts, and any remaining resistance with ruthless determination. The Sangheili fought with a discipline and ferocity that overwhelmed UNSC ground forces, cutting through entrenched positions and slaughtering soldiers with ease. Entire squads of human soldiers were decimated in minutes, unable to match the Elites' superior combat prowess. If the Citadel hoped to halt the Covenant's advance, they would need to establish a foothold on the planet and prevent the destruction of Arcadia's remaining civilian population.
The Turian fleet, despite being outnumbered and stretched thin, initiated "Planetfall" — a coordinated ground assault to push back Covenant forces. Led by the now renown General Laevus, the Turians deployed the 17th Division, reluctantly supported by UNSC forces, to strategic positions acrossArcadia. Although this was as unprecedented as it was an unlikely alliance — Turian and human forces fighting side by side — it proved to be a decisive moment in establishing a working relationship between the two factions.
Excerpt from General Laevus' post-battle report, 13.12.2529 CE: "Planetfall operation initiated at 0300 hours. Primary objective: secure remaining civilian centres and prevent Covenant occupation. Coordination with UNSC forces established. Human soldiers displayed commendable resilience in defence of their cities. Covenant ground forces exhibit advanced plasma weaponry and shielding. Covenant Elites are noted for their supremacy against human forces. Recommend immediate tactical review of Citadel standard infantry loadouts to address plasma resistance, alongside the deployment of elite commandoes alongside all ground forces as a possible counter against the Elites."
As ground forces were deployed, it became clear that while the Covenant's troops were slightly better equipped, they lacked the strategic acumen of their human and Turian adversaries — except for the Sangheili "Elites," whose battlefield prowess remained unmatched on Arcadia. The Covenant's standard infantry, though formidable with their advanced weaponry, often failed to exploit tactical opportunities, relying instead on brute force. In contrast, the UNSC and Turian forces, though outgunned, leveraged their superior battlefield coordination and strategic planning. Turian soldiers, with their discipline and experience in organized formations, quickly adapted to the situation, while the UNSC employed guerrilla tactics to devastating effect. The ground war devolved into brutal, close-quarters combat, but the combined human and Turian forces managed to hold their lines, fighting desperately to prevent the Covenant from overrunningArcadia's remaining defenses.
The initial chaos of the battle gave way to a strange sense of coordination as UNSC forces and their Turian allies began to find a rhythm. For many humans, the sight of the Turians fighting alongside them was met with skepticism, but as the battle progressed, hope began to flicker in the hearts of those who had long fought alone against the Covenant.
Lieutenant Colonel Marcus Hale, UNSC 67th Battalion commander: "I won't lie — seeing those Turian dropships at first, I didn't know what to think. For years, we'd been fighting this war by ourselves, so suddenly having an alien species drop into the middle of it felt surreal. But when I saw them hit the ground running, disciplined as hell, and start shoring up our flanks? That's when I knew we might have a shot. They weren't just here to observe — they were in the fight with us."
The Turians' discipline brought a much-needed edge to the defence ofArcadia. UNSC forces, though used to fighting on the back foot with guerrilla tactics, found that they could lean on the Turians' ability to hold defensive lines. The humans, in turn, employed their years of survival experience, using the planet's terrain to set traps and ambush the larger, more cumbersome Covenant forces.
Private Sarah Kim, UNSC survivor: "We'd been running and gunning for days, using the terrain to slow them down. But those Elites — they just kept coming. We were tired, low on ammo, and I didn't think we'd last much longer. Then the Turians started reinforcing our positions. I watched them set up firing lines like clockwork. It gave us just enough time to fall back and regroup. I didn't trust them at first, but they knew what they were doing."
The synergy between the UNSC and the Turians became critical to slowing the Covenant's advance. As the battle raged on, human commanders adapted their unconventional methods to work in tandem with the Turians' more structured approach. This unexpected collaboration began to turn the tide, if only for a moment, providing the breathing room that human defenders desperately needed.
Yet despite these tactical adaptations, the battle for Arcadia hung in the balance. The Covenant continued to press their advantage, their relentless assault taking a heavy toll on both UNSC and Turian forces. Reports of mounting casualties and the imminent collapse of critical defensive lines reached the command centres. Turian forces in orbit fared little better, as the Covenant fleet maintained its relentless bombardment. The strain was palpable, and for a time, it seemed as though the defence of Arcadia might falter entirely.
Tensions escalated when the Covenant's Examiner-class flagship, Ardent Pursuit, entered the fray. Spearheading a renewed offensive in space, the massive vessel led a devastating assault on the Turian and UNSC fleets. Its overwhelming firepower tore through the outer defences of the Turian fleet, leaving Turian ships scrambling to mount a cohesive defence. The presence of theArdent Pursuitfurther emboldened the Covenant forces, threatening to push the already strained defences to the breaking point. For a moment, the prospect of a full Covenant victory loomed large.
Yet, even as the Citadel forces found themselves stretched to their limits, there were signs that reinforcements were on their way. Communications intercepted from Turian command hinted at the mobilization of additional fleets, including the highly anticipated arrival of the Turian 12th Fleet. There were also quiet rumours that the Asari 6th Fleet had been dispatched, their formidable warships preparing to join the fight. These reinforcements, if they arrived in time, could turn the tide of the battle.
On the ground, however, none of this was certain. The soldiers onArcadiaknew only that they were engaged in a desperate fight for survival, with no assurance that reinforcements would arrive before the Covenant broke through their final lines of defence. As the battle raged on, both UNSC and Turian forces braced themselves for what felt like an inevitable final push from the Covenant, clinging to the hope that they could hold out long enough for help to reach them.
The future of Arcadia remained uncertain, but the resilience of the Turian and UNSC forces had bought them precious time — time that would prove to be critical in the battles to come.
Reinforcements: Turning the Tide
The arrival of reinforcements during the battle for Arcadia marked a pivotal moment in the war between the Citadel forces, humanity, and the Covenant. As the defenders of Arcadia struggled to hold the line, their combined efforts — while valiant — were rapidly becoming untenable. The Covenant's overwhelming firepower, their brutal ground forces led by the Sangheili "Elites," and the strategic advantage held by their fleet in orbit placed the Turian-UNSC alliance on the brink of collapse. Hope, however, arrived in the form of the Turian 12th Fleet and the Asari 6th Fleet — two of the most formidable forces in the Citadel's military arsenal.
The Turian 12th Fleet, renowned for its combat prowess and battlefield discipline, arrived first, swiftly integrating into the chaotic battle. Under the command of Admiral Axon Tyronius, the fleet moved with precision and efficiency, immediately stabilizing the Citadel's faltering space forces. Admiral Tyronius, a seasoned strategist, quickly recognized that while the Covenant held a clear technological advantage, their fleet's overwhelming firepower could be mitigated through strategic positioning and rapid strikes. The Turians, masters of military doctrine, excelled in these conditions, and their arrival provided the coordination and discipline needed to resist the Covenant's relentless assault.
The Asari 6th Fleet, known for its adaptability and technological advancements, followed shortly after. While the Turians brought raw military power, the Asari fleet made a third crucial discovery: Silaris armour, of which many of their dreadnoughts are equipped with, could resist Covenant plasma attacks to a degree. This effectiveness was immediately apparent. The Asari ships, while not entirely immune to the devastating power of Covenant weaponry, were able to withstand prolonged engagements far better than their Turian counterparts. This armour, previously theorized to be effective primarily against energy-based threats, now proved its worth in actual combat. The Asari fleet, under the command of Matriarch M'dova, capitalized on this advantage, positioning their vessels to absorb much of the Covenant's fire, allowing the more manoeuvrable Turian ships to engage in precision strikes.
Excerpt from Asari Matriach M'dova command log: "Silaris plating deflected concentrated plasma fire across multiple points of contact. Shield harmonics adjusted to complement armour efficiency. Damage sustained minimal compared to unarmoured vessels. Recommend further research into shield-armour integration for future fleet deployments."
The reinforcement of the space forces allowed the Citadel and UNSC fleets to shift from a defensive stance to a more aggressive strategy. As the Covenant fleet began to falter under the combined pressure of the Citadel's renewed strength, a plan was set in motion to target the Ardent Pursuit, the Covenant's Examiner-class flagship that had been wreaking havoc throughout the battle. The destruction of this ship was seen as critical to breaking the Covenant's morale and disrupting their coordination.
The Ardent Pursuit had proven to be one of the most formidable vessels in the Covenant's arsenal. Towering over the battlefield, it unleashed devastating plasma volleys, tearing through Citadel defences and threatening to break the entire formation. But with the arrival of the Turian 12th and Asari 6th Fleets, a coordinated counteroffensive became possible. Admiral Tyronius and Matriarch M'dova devised a bold plan: the Asari ships, equipped with Silaris armour, would engage the Ardent Pursuit directly, drawing its fire and absorbing the brunt of its attacks. Meanwhile, Turian vessels would launch disruptor torpedoes in coordinated volleys, targeting the flagship's critical systems.
Excerpt from declassified Turian fleet orders, 08.12.2529 CE: "Priority target: Covenant flagship Ardent Pursuit. All available vessels to concentrate fire on its propulsion and shield generators. Disruptor volleys to be fired in staggered formation. Asari forces to engage and distract. Target destruction is mission-critical."
In a decisive manoeuvre, the Turian 12th Fleet launched a barrage of disruptor torpedoes at theArdent Pursuit, weakening its shields and leaving it vulnerable to a coordinated strike. The Asari ships, with their superior armour shielding, exploited this opening, targeting the flagship's navigation systems and engines. The relentless barrage of fire eventually overwhelmed the Ardent Pursuit, crippling the flagship and sending it spiralling out of control. The ship, unable to maintain its position in orbit, plummeted toward the surface of Arcadia, crashing into the shallow coastal waters near one of the planet's remaining population centres.
Excerpt from Asari Matriach M'dova command log: "The destruction of the Covenant flagship Ardent Pursuit was a pivotal moment in the battle for Arcadia. The ship's crash into the planet's surface caused significant disarray among Covenant forces. Their fleet's cohesion faltered, and the ensuing confusion allowed us to press the advantage. Immediate recovery of the wreckage is recommended to gain insights into Covenant technology."
The downing of the Ardent Pursuit represented a critical victory for the Citadel-UNSC alliance, not only for the immediate tactical advantage it provided but for the technological opportunities it presented. The wreckage of the Covenant flagship became a focal point for recovery operations in the days following the battle. Both Citadel and UNSC forces moved quickly to secure the crash site, recognizing the immense value of the technology that could be reverse-engineered from the Covenant vessel. For the first time in the war, Citadel engineers and scientists had access to intact Covenant systems, including propulsion technology, energy shielding, and advanced weaponry.
Excerpt from ONI tactical report, 12.12.2529 CE: "Covenant flagship Ardent Pursuit neutralized. Crash site secured by UNSC and Citadel forces. Initial analysis of the wreckage indicates significant potential for technological advancement. Covenant shielding and weapon systems intact. Recommend immediate commencement of recovery operations and joint research initiatives."
The wreckage of the Ardent Pursuit proved to be a treasure trove of information. The Covenant's advanced shielding, propulsion systems, and weaponry were unlike anything the Citadel had previously encountered. The downed ship provided the first tangible opportunity for Citadel scientists and engineers to study Covenant technology up close, paving the way for future advancements in countering the Covenant threat. The ability to reverse-engineer elements of the Covenant's systems, particularly their energy shielding and propulsion, would play a critical role in the Citadel's efforts to adapt to this new enemy.
The recovery of the Covenant technology, however, was not without its challenges. The crash site was heavily contested by the remnants of Covenant ground forces, who sought to prevent the Citadel and UNSC from securing the wreckage. A series of skirmishes broke out around the crash site, as Sangheili Elites attempted to reclaim or destroy key sections of the ship. Despite these efforts, the combined Citadel and UNSC forces eventually secured the area, allowing recovery operations to proceed.
The destruction of the Ardent Pursuit also had a profound psychological impact on the Covenant fleet. The loss of the flagship, combined with the strategic losses sustained on the ground, caused a ripple effect throughout the Covenant forces. Their cohesion faltered, and their formations began to splinter under the pressure of the coordinated Citadel and UNSC counteroffensive. The Citadel forces pressed their advantage, driving the Covenant fleet into retreat and securing the space around Arcadia.
The battle for Arcadia marked a significant shift in the war's momentum. Though the planet had been scarred by the conflict, and its civilian population decimated, the victory was the first major success for the Citadel and UNSC. More importantly, the recovery of Covenant technology represented the first real opportunity for the Citadel to close the technological gap that had so far placed them at a disadvantage. The wreckage of theArdent Pursuitwould become the foundation for future research and development, enabling Citadel engineers to develop countermeasures to the Covenant's devastating plasma weaponry and energy shields.
In the aftermath of the battle, both Citadel and UNSC forces recognized the importance of this victory. The successful destruction of the Covenant's flagship and the retrieval of their technology marked the beginning of a new phase in the war — one where the Citadel and humanity, despite their differences, would stand together against the Covenant threat. Their alliance, forged in the fires of battle onArcadia, would continue to evolve as the war raged on, with both sides learning from the other and adapting to the brutal realities of the conflict.
Aftermath & Tentative Diplomacy
The battle for Arcadia, though hard-fought and devastating, ended in a victory that would resonate across the galaxy. The human colony of Arcadia, once teetering on the brink of total destruction, was spared annihilation by the combined efforts of the UNSC and Citadel forces. Yet the victory, while significant, came at a heavy cost. Much of Arcadia lay in ruins, its cities scarred by the relentless bombardment from the Covenant fleet and the brutal ground war waged by the Sangheili forces. Civilian casualties were staggering, with many population centres destroyed before Citadel and human forces could secure them. Still, the battle's conclusion marked a turning point — not only in the war, but in the relationship between humanity and the Citadel.
The destruction of the Covenant's flagship, Ardent Pursuit, and the subsequent retreat of their fleet had prevented the total loss of Arcadia, but the damage was undeniable. However, what remained of Arcadia represented more than just a strategic foothold; it became a symbol of resilience for the newly-formed Citadel-UNSC alliance. For the first time, the two forces had stood together against the Covenant, united by a shared goal of survival.
This victory, tenuous as it was, laid the foundation for what would become a cautious and tentative alliance between the Citadel races and humanity. The historian notes that this alliance was born not out of mutual trust, but rather from necessity. The sheer scale of the Covenant threat left humanity and the Citadel with little choice but to cooperate if they hoped to survive. Yet this cooperation was fraught with challenges from the outset, particularly in the realm of diplomacy.
In the aftermath of the battle for Arcadia, formal diplomatic contact was initiated between the Citadel Council and the UNSC. The initial communications, as expected, were marked by scepticism on the part of humanity, still grappling with the aftermath of the Covenant's genocidal campaign. For many UNSC leaders, the sudden appearance of another coalition of alien races stirred deep-seated suspicions. Humanity had suffered greatly at the hands of the Covenant — a united force of multiple species bent on their destruction. The Citadel's multi-species alliance, though outwardly different, raised uncomfortable parallels. Could the Citadel be trusted, or would they too turn against humanity when it was most vulnerable?
Yet, amid the scepticism, there was also the undeniable reality of the battle that had just unfolded. Turian soldiers had fought and died alongside their human counterparts, and as the battle reached its most desperate moments, Asari reinforcements had also given their lives in defence of Arcadia. These shared sacrifices, while not enough to dispel all doubt, laid the groundwork for a tentative bond between the two forces. Blood had been spilled on both sides, and that fact could not be easily ignored.
Excerpt from UNSC field report, 14.12.2529 CE:
"I watched them — Turians, Asari — they died the same way we did. For a moment, there was no difference between us. They weren't just aliens — they were soldiers, fighting for survival just like us. We may not trust the Citadel Council yet, but it's hard to doubt someone who bleeds with you in the dirt."
For many UNSC commanders on the ground, this shared experience of battle began to soften their wariness. It became clear that, whatever their political misgivings about the Citadel, the soldiers who had fought on Arcadia were fully committed to defending the planet — and humanity. The sight of Turian and Asari bodies lying alongside those of human soldiers struck a chord with the UNSC, fostering the first glimmers of trust in what had been, until then, an alien force.
Diplomatically, this nascent trust did not immediately translate into a fully formed alliance. The UNSC leadership remained cautious, aware that the Citadel Council's decisions were shaped by political considerations far removed from the reality of humanity's ongoing war with the Covenant. Nevertheless, the bloodshed on Arcadia had established a foundation.
Excerpt from declassified UNSC communication, 15.12.2529 CE: "While we remain cautious about the Citadel's long-term commitment, it is undeniable that their forces fought and died alongside ours onArcadia. This shared sacrifice may be the first step toward something more substantial, but we cannot afford to let our guard down. Trust, like respect, is earned through action. Time will tell whether this alliance holds."
Compounding these diplomatic challenges was the issue of communication. The UNSC's communication networks were based on conventional Faster-Than-Light (FTL) technology, which, while effective for interstellar communication by human standards, was slow and unreliable compared to the quantum entanglement communication (QEC) used by the Citadel races. This technological gap made it difficult for human leadership to coordinate with Citadel officials, particularly when responding to the rapidly evolving nature of the Covenant threat.
Excerpt from Citadel report on UNSC communication systems, 16.12.2529 CE: "Human communication networks severely limited by conventional FTL methods. Coordination with their leadership across colonies inefficient, resulting in delays and missed opportunities for tactical advantage. Recommend immediate technological exchange to address this deficiency as part of diplomatic negotiation package."
Yet, despite these initial challenges, both sides understood the necessity of cooperation. The battle for Arcadia had proven that neither humanity nor the Citadel could stand against the Covenant alone. Their survival depended on their ability to work together, however uneasy that alliance might be. Slowly, through a series of careful negotiations and joint military operations, the alliance between the Citadel and the UNSC began to take shape. While the early days of this partnership were rife with distrust and logistical difficulties, it represented the first step toward a broader coalition that would eventually define the war effort.
Excerpt from the Memoirs of Retired Rear Admiral Axon Tyronius: "The battle for Arcadia was more than just a fight for survival; it was the moment the course of the war — and our relationship with humanity — was forever altered. When we first engaged alongside the UNSC, I saw the hardened suspicion in their eyes, the scars of isolation and relentless conflict. These humans had been fighting for their very existence long before we arrived, and they had little reason to trust another coalition of alien races. Truthfully, we shared their caution. Humanity was an unknown force to the Citadel, a species we had only just encountered in the chaos of war.
But on that battlefield, something remarkable happened. In those early, desperate months, we found something in each other that transcended our doubts: resilience, determination, and an unyielding will to survive. We watched them fight, not just for their world, but for each other, and I think they saw the same in us. Bonds were forged in the blood and fire of that battle, bonds that would become the bedrock of our alliance. The alliance between humanity and the Citadel wasn't built in council chambers or signed treaties — it was built in the trenches of Arcadia, in the moments where survival was all we had left to hold on to.
That was where the foundation of the war was laid, in those fires. And from that foundation, we would fight together for the rest of the conflict. Whatever our differences, from that day forward, we stood as one."
In the end, the Citadel-UNSC alliance would become the primary factor in the eventual resistance against the Covenant. Though fraught with challenges, the partnership forged in the aftermath of Arcadia would set the stage for future cooperation, as both humanity and the Citadel learned to fight together against a common enemy.