Battle of Naboo, Part 6

Spartan-II Arnet-096 stood on the bridge of his ship, watching the brutal battle raging in space before him. Though the UNSC had managed to shoot down five of the Covenant ships with their MAC cannons, the enemy's advanced technology still prevailed, and their forces were still superior in number. Arnet struggled to come up with a decisive strategy to end the fight once and for all, but each possibility met with the same obstacle: the Covenant fleet seemed endless.

"Admiral, the ground battle is over," one of the officers at his side reported. "Victory for us, but scans show 80% of the planet is still under Covenant control."

Arnet nodded, clenching his fists. "Something's something," he muttered to himself, though he knew it wasn't enough. He stared at the tactical map on the holotable, each indicator highlighting the chaos raging both in space and on the surface of Naboo. The Republic ships, depleted and outnumbered, stood at a distance, unable to offer any real support. They could barely hold the lines, and their presence in the battle was insignificant compared to the might the Covenant displayed.

It was not his style to stay in the safety of the bridge. The ground, close combat, and challenges in the field were his element. This was where he could truly make a difference. However, just as frustration began to consume him, the voice of another officer interrupted his thoughts.

"Admiral, we have an incoming transmission from UNSC Las Vegas."

"Put it on the holotable," Arnet ordered, instantly straightening.

The hologram began to take shape, and before him appeared a legendary figure: Admiral Preston Cole, humanity's supreme strategist and the hero whose victories echoed from the earliest days of the war against the Covenant. The one who had faced countless Covenant fleets and had never allowed humanity to fall in any of their battles. His presence on the bridge of the Las Vegas commanded respect, and his eyes fixed on Arnet with a determination that crossed any distance.

"Admiral," Cole greeted in his characteristic authoritative and calm voice. "Allow me to assume control of the fleet. These damned aliens have no idea who they are facing, and I will make sure that they find out."

Arnet could not help but smile. With Cole in command, the odds seemed to have evened out, and perhaps even tilted in his favor. He knew that Cole was more than a commander; he was a living legend, a man who knew every weakness of the Covenant and who had never failed in his campaigns. The fleet now had its ideal strategist.

"It's all yours, Admiral Cole," Arnet replied in a tone of respect, feeling the morale of his own crew soar just by Cole's presence on the holotable.

Cole bowed his head, looking at the schematic of the Covenant fleet with an almost preternatural calm. "Listen up everyone, this battle will end today. We are going to remind them why humanity has not fallen to them."

Admiral Preston Cole, humanity's master strategist, scanned the Covenant fleet formation, every movement, every disposition of their ships, memorizing the aliens' attack patterns. He knew he had to seize every tactical advantage in this decisive battle. His voice echoed across the bridge of the UNSC Las Vegas, clear and unwavering.

"Listen, here's what we're going to do," Cole began, his gaze intense. "Regroup all frigates and heavy cruisers into defensive formation. Our fastest ships will dive straight into their formation, and fire their MAC cannons at point-blank range. We're going to break their line. And all fighter squadrons, pay attention: I want an all-out offensive on their light destroyers. We will not let their superior numbers save you."

Cole's every command felt like a sentence to the Covenant. The UNSC fleet was organized into combat formation, ready for an all-out attack. The Paris-class frigates moved in an arc, skirting the Covenant vanguard with surgical precision maneuvers, while the Autumn-class cruisers moved forward with cannons loaded and nuclear warheads ready for deployment.

"Alpha Squadron, this is Las Vegas Control," a voice came over the fighter pilots' radio. "Admiral Cole's order received. Secure perimeter! Alpha in formation, target Covenant destroyer, no one to stop!"

UNSC fighters swarmed in like swarms of hornets, engaging Covenant interceptors in a brutal confrontation. Explosions lit up the void as ships intertwined in deadly choreography. Green lasers and orange tracers crisscrossed the battlefield, each impact causing devastating explosions. Pilots on both sides maneuvered with extreme skill, fighting in a chaos of fire and steel.

From the bridge, Cole watched the battle with a calculating eye, analyzing every detail. "Send the heavy cruisers to the left flank," he ordered calmly. "I want a nuclear bombardment payload. Make sure those warheads hit your CCS-class cruisers. This ends here."

The UNSC Phoenix-class ships began their advance, and one after another, they unleashed nuclear bombs with pinpoint accuracy. The explosives tore through the void like incandescent meteorites, striking directly into the heart of the Covenant fleet. Each nuclear explosion lit up space with blinding fury, disintegrating the hulls of several ships and destabilizing their shields. The Covenant CCS-class Battlecruisers began to explode in series, scattering metal fragments and debris in all directions.

The chaos did not stop; as the UNSC and Covenant ships engaged in close combat, the Spartans and ODSTs in the transport ships watched from their compartments as each giant explosion shook the stars around them.

"They're outnumbering us on the left!" a UNSC officer shouted as he spotted a group of CAS-class assault ships regrouping.

"Leave them to me," Cole said with a grim smile. "Prepare Infinity's MAC cannon for a direct fire. We're going to take out their leadership."

The massive Infinity-class ship, its MAC cannon recharged, prepared to fire. Cole coordinated with the fighter squadrons to open a gap in the Covenant formation. Upon receiving the signal, the ship fired its MAC cannon in a burst that tore through several ships at once, instantly destroying the Covenant fleet's central command.

"Hit confirmed," Cole muttered with satisfaction. "All cruisers hold position. Don't let those damn ships take over again!"

In the aftermath of the engagement, the last Covenant ships attempted to retreat, but Cole would give them no respite. He ordered the Paris-class frigates to surround the remnants of the fleet, destroying any ship that tried to flee.

"Sir, we've eliminated 80% of their force," one of the officers reported. "The rest of their ships are in retreat."

"There will be no retreat," Cole declared. "We are here to cleanse this galaxy of their presence."

UNSC frigates and fighters pursued the last Covenant ships, eliminating them one by one, until the last destroyer exploded, leaving only silence and debris floating in space.

The battle was over. The UNSC fleet stood victorious amidst the remains of the Covenant fleet, while the survivors of the Republic army and their allies looked on in complete amazement. The UNSC's strategic superiority and brutal precision had taught the Covenant a devastating lesson.

The celebrations did not last long as 15 Covenant ships emerged from slipspace, Admiral Preston Cole wasted no time. He knew that surprise and speed were key. He quickly analyzed the situation and smiled a steely smile as he laid out his plan. The UNSC fleet, though still unable to match Covenant technology, had advanced enough to give them a lethal fight and take advantage of every opportunity.

"Gentlemen, the second wave has arrived," Cole said, his voice echoing calmly across the Las Vegas' bridge. "We'll hold our positions, but I want the Infinity to move a few miles ahead and serve as bait. We'll make the Covenant think they can neutralize her."

The Infinity, impressive and seemingly vulnerable in its vanguard role, was ordered to advance slowly, drawing the attention of the Covenant commanders. UNSC officers relayed the orders quickly as cruisers and frigates took up strategic positions behind, hidden on the supercarrier's flanks and ready to attack. The Covenant ships fell right into the trap, advancing in close formation toward the Infinity, eager to destroy what they perceived as the greatest threat.

"MAC cannons, load to full," Cole ordered. "I want the first volleys to be at point-blank range."

When the Covenant ships were close enough, Cole gave the signal and the Infinity's MAC cannons fired, generating a devastating barrage of fire that struck the heart of the enemy formation. Two CAS-class ships exploded in a violent series of explosions, while the shields of another vanished in a flash of light. Confusion spread through the Covenant ranks, and the UNSC ships took advantage of every second.

"Frigates, attack now. I want a nuclear bombardment of their rear," Cole ordered, making sure to cover all possible escape routes. The Paris-class frigates fired their long-range nuclear warheads, which streaked through space and struck the Covenant ships at the rear of the formation. The explosions lit up the void, scattering debris and destroying even more of their ships.

Meanwhile, the UNSC fighters followed ferociously, diving into the Covenant interceptors. Space became a dance of light and shadow, with fighters dodging tracers and launching missiles in rapid precision strikes. The battle was intense and savage, with each pilot fighting with everything they had.

The Infinity took several hits as the Covenant ships approached, but the damage was contained. Each hit seemed calculated into Cole's plan, allowing the ship to hold out while still drawing enemy fire.

"Admiral, Infinity's shields are at 60%," an officer reported.

"Perfect," Cole replied evenly. "Let them get closer. We'll activate the countermeasures system when they're in optimal range."

With calculated precision, Cole ordered the use of Infinity's countermeasures. As they activated them, a web of electromagnetic interference and countermeasure pulses momentarily disoriented the Covenant ships, leaving them vulnerable in the midst of the attack. In that instant, the MAC cannons of the Las Vegas and other UNSC cruisers opened fire, pulverizing three Covenant ships and weakening the shields of others.

"Now, let's get this over with," Cole ordered determinedly. "Have the Infinity advance and detonate her warheads near the wreckage. We will force them to retreat or perish here."

The Infinity, making a final forward movement, launched a series of short-range warheads towards the center of the Covenant fleet. The resulting explosion was massive, lighting up the darkness of space and destroying the last ships of the enemy formation. Those that managed to survive the explosion, badly wounded and with damaged navigation systems, tried to flee, but were quickly destroyed by the concentrated attacks of the UNSC ships.

Within minutes, the battlefield fell into an eerie silence. The remains of the Covenant ships floated like inert fragments in the void. The crews of the UNSC fleet began to celebrate, aware of the overwhelming victory and of the intelligence of their admiral.

Cole stood firm on the bridge, his gaze hard and thoughtful as he watched the wreckage floating in front of him.

 -x.X.x-

From their positions, the Republic fleet had witnessed, with a mixture of amazement and disbelief, the unstoppable deployment of the UNSC against the Covenant. In less than an hour, the UNSC had reduced 49 Covenant ships to ashes, achieving a crushing victory that seemed impossible. For them, facing the Covenant had always involved an arduous and costly battle, where each ship downed cost hundreds, even thousands, of clone soldiers. However, on this occasion, the Republic had only seen how the UNSC dealt with the threat with lethal precision.

On the command bridge, Anakin Skywalker, his Padawan, and the rest of the officers silently looked at the battlefield, still stunned. Some let out expressions of amazement and relief, while others seemed more perplexed than celebratory. Anakin, for his part, tried to assimilate what they had just witnessed.

"General, an incoming communication from the fleet... strange," one of the officers reported, his voice shaking slightly. Everyone knew what he meant.

Anakin came to, nervousness showing in his eyes. He took a deep breath before speaking. "Pass it on."

In front of him and his padawan, the imposing figure of a man in unmistakable armor appeared, a helmet removed revealing a cold face, weathered by countless battles, and a gaze that reflected the experience and toughness of a soldier tested in combat.

"This is Spartan 2, Arnet-096," the admiral said in a firm, gravelly voice. "Admiral and leader of the UNSC fleet. We confirm friendly communications with the forces of... whoever is in command on those ships."

Arnet's calm and direct, unadorned manner of speaking echoed across the Republic bridge. Anakin, still perplexed, nodded before answering, trying to match the firm tone of his interlocutor.

"General Anakin Skywalker, of the Republic Army. We have witnessed your... impressive victory. We appreciate your intervention, as our forces on the ground were on the verge of collapse."

Arnet regarded Anakin calmly, a hint of recognition in his gaze.

"Our mission is to protect and neutralize hostile threats. Intervention was necessary." The Spartan kept his gaze on Anakin. "However, we need to better understand who you are and what this temporary alliance means to both of us."

Anakin kept his gaze fixed on the hologram of Arnet, who watched him with a neutral expression, evaluating the Jedi general's every word and gesture.

"It is a relief that you arrived when you did, Admiral Arnet," Anakin began, adopting an equally professional tone. "We were facing a critical situation, and your forces demonstrated impressive skill. However, we need to clarify how we will proceed from here."

Arnet nodded, keeping his tone impersonal and direct. "Understood, General Skywalker. Allow me to put the situation into context: the UNSC, or United Nations Space Command, is a military force in our galaxy with a clear and defined mission, which in this case has brought us here. Our primary objective is the total eradication of the Covenant, an enemy that, as you have seen, threatens both our civilizations and every form of life they encounter."

Anakin nodded slowly, processing each word. "I understand that our common interest is to neutralize the Covenant threat, and the planet Naboo is our immediate priority. However, our resources are limited after this battle."

"The same applies to our forces," Arnet replied, his tone serious. "Our intervention here does not guarantee a constant presence. What we are offering is a temporary alliance to secure Naboo and stabilize the situation on the planet. My orders are clear: ensure that the Covenant does not keep a foot on this territory."

"And as for our troops on the ground…" Anakin paused briefly, considering his next question. "Are you willing to coordinate under a joint command?"

Arnet tilted his head slightly, considering the approach. "We can establish a joint command, General Skywalker, as long as it is clear that our tactics and operational orders will remain under our direction. We will coordinate our operations to avoid conflict and maximize efficiency. But the UNSC will maintain operational control over its own forces."

Anakin exchanged a quick glance with Ahsoka, who nodded in approval.

"Okay. We can work with that," Anakin stated. "Our immediate objective is to contain the Covenant and secure the area. We will collaborate on this operation and then, we will reevaluate the terms of this alliance."

"Very well," Arnet replied, straightforward. "To be clear, this alliance does not involve troop integration, but rather operational collaboration to eradicate the Covenant in this sector. My teams are authorized to provide air support and ground forces where needed, but we will maintain a clear line between our operations."

Anakin nodded, respecting the Spartan's precision.

"So, we are on the same page, Admiral. We will be in constant contact to adjust our deployments and positions," he concluded, a slight tone of determination in his voice.

Arnet nodded one last time. "Okay, General. We will proceed to establish our position in the areas of greatest Covenant activity. Arnet, out."

Arnet's hologram faded, leaving Anakin and his team on the bridge, exchanging glances of uncertainty but also renewed resolve.

Anakin hurriedly activated his communicator and connected with Obi-Wan, who answered almost immediately, his voice still heavy with the tension of the recent battle.

"Anakin, are you okay?" Obi-Wan asked, visibly relieved. "Here in the capital, we have secured the perimeter, and the Covenant forces have been decimated thanks to the intervention of... those unknown troops."

"Obi-Wan, they are from the UNSC," Anakin replied, quickly explaining. "I contacted their admiral, a rather peculiar... soldier, a Spartan named Arnet. They have come to this galaxy to eradicate the Covenant, and have proposed a temporary alliance with us. Their goal, like ours, is to liberate Naboo from the Covenant."

Obi-Wan nodded, clearly intrigued. "Then these reinforcements are truly allies. I was uncertain of their intentions until now. Their assistance has been decisive, Anakin. But how do they plan to coordinate? They don't seem to be accustomed to our tactics, and in this situation, we need every advantage we can get."

"That's right," Anakin stated. "Arnet and I agreed to operational coordination without troop integration. Your combat force will maintain its own operational control, but we will coordinate to divide up the areas of action. You're going to focus on clearing out the most compromised sectors while we reinforce our positions around the capital."

Obi-Wan exhaled, taking in the information. "It's a good strategy. With the capital secured, we at least have a base from which to plan our next moves. There's still a lot to do, though; the Covenant still occupy much of the planet. This won't be quick, but at least we have a real chance of liberating Naboo."

"Exactly," Anakin agreed. "It will likely take time, but with the UNSC's resources and skills, the process should be more efficient. The capital is secure, and now we'll focus on liberating the rest of the planet, sector by sector."

"Anakin, you may have achieved more than just a victory," Obi-Wan mused, with a slight smile. "You may have forged a key alliance."

"Let us hope so," Anakin replied, looking out over the battle-ravaged landscape. "For now, at least, we have a ray of hope in this fight."

The two Jedi exchanged one last determined look before cutting off communication.

Location: Outer Rim, Planet Terminus

On the distant planet Terminus, the Covenant's new capital stood imposingly over a bleak and hostile world. Surrounded by formidable fortifications and adorned with columns of tirelessly working slaves, the palace was a mix of grandeur and cruelty. On her throne, crowned by an array of intricate control systems, sat the Covenant Queen: a human blessed with dark power, able to summon the Covenant army as her own extension of will.

She stared coldly into the void before her, her fingers drumming on the throne as she reviewed reports from the front. She had sent a fleet of over fifty ships to Naboo, and now the silence of the communications unsettled her. More than concern, her gaze reflected an almost perverse curiosity, like a hunter watching her prey falter.

Suddenly, a hologram crackled in the air. The projected image was of one of the Elite Commanders who had led the assault. He was kneeling, his face a shadow of defeat.

"What about my fleet?" the Queen demanded, her voice cold and impatient.

"My Queen," the Elite began, reverently and regretfully, "I'm afraid I bring bad news. The UNSC showed up unexpectedly and... wiped out our entire fleet. We've never seen such resistance before..."

The Queen was speechless, her expression briefly morphing into a mix of shock and disbelief. The name of the UNSC seemed impossible, like a ghost from the past she hadn't expected to see in this galaxy. "The UNSC?" she muttered with a bitter laugh, before coughing, breaking her composure momentarily. But instead of becoming enraged, her lips curved into a malevolent smile. "This... is getting interesting."

The Elite Commander, still on his knees, looked up at her with a mix of desperation and pleading. "My Queen, I beg for reinforcements. Hundreds of thousands of our troops are still on the surface of Naboo, surrounded by enemies. We cannot allow them to fall without support."

The Queen laughed coldly, mockingly and mercilessly. "Oh, my dear son," she replied in a condescending tone. "I will let the Republic celebrate their victory for now. Let them take heart, let them believe they have a chance. For when we launch our real attack, it will be when they least expect it."

With a dismissive gesture, she cut off the transmission without giving the Elite a chance to reply. The holographic image faded away, leaving the Commander without hope, while the soldiers on Naboo were left to their own devices.

She stared at the blank screen, her dark smile reflecting the cruelty of her decision. To her, this was not a loss, but an opportunity to observe, manipulate, and find the perfect moment to strike.

End of Chapter 11

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