After Imperial Admiral Xytan 'Jar Wattinree's loss to Axel and his combined fleet, the Covenant High Council had convened to discuss the war situation.
The council chamber filled with a palpable sense of tension and doubt. The High Prophets, Sangheili, and other superior ranks within the Covenant convened within the council room. The defeat at Skopje was a heavy blow to their pride and momentum as it was the first loss that Imperial Admiral Xytan 'Jar Wattinree had taken. They didn't think that a fleet of 1000 ships could be defeated by a human fleet of just 800 ships.
And then at the same time, they had been seeing even more Holy Relics being used by the human military. It wasn't just in space but on the ground as well, there was evidence of humans utilizing teleporters to keep prolonging the war on each world.
"It's obvious the human Lord Protector is an adversary of formidable strength," spoke one of the Sangheili councilors, his armored figure imposing amongst the council members. "We cannot afford to underestimate them any further."
"Imperial Admiral Xytan 'Jar Wattinree managed to retreat with about 400 of his original 1000 ship fleet." Stated another Councilor.
"But he also discovered that he was getting closer to the Human home world, as their defenses were getting stronger, and the Lord Protector himself had come led the battle" Explained the Councilor
"Indeed," a high Prophet, sitting on the raised dais at the head of the room, chimed in. His voice echoed throughout the chamber, with a hint of unhappiness. "We cannot deny that we have underestimated our enemy's capabilities. Not only do they wield holy relics, but their leaders possess an uncanny strategic aptitude."
A murmur of agreement passed through the council chamber, a sense of unease permeating the room as they contemplated their options. There was a clear divide among them, with some advocating for a more aggressive approach, while others pleaded for caution.
"We need to retaliate," one of the more hot-headed Sangheili councilors argued passionately. "We cannot let this defeat go unanswered! I say we gather our forces and strike again, harder this time."
But another, one of the older and more experienced veterans disagreed vehemently. "Rushing in blindly is what led us to this defeat," he countered, his tone stern. "It would be wise to adapt our approach, learn from our mistakes."
In the end, Truth, Mercy, and Regret had decided that they would regroup and strategize a new plan of attack, taking into account the new information they had acquired about their adversaries.
Back in the UHE, Axel continued planning for their next course of action. They now had an army of a billion soldiers and their fleet was growing by the Month.
The widespread recruitment drives on every human colony, coupled with the increased production rate of ships from the orbital shipyards and Assembly forges, was having a significant impact. But even with all of their advancements, the Covenant still outnumbered them.
They may have a slight advantage in the war now, but they were still far from winning the war.
"Admiral," Omni's voice broke into his thoughts, "the status report is ready."
"Show me," Axel demanded, making his way over to the holotable. The holographic display flickered to life, showcasing the full scope of their situation. The losses they took from the recent engagement were considerable, but not as grave as it could have been. The morale of his troops was also high; a successful defense against a superior enemy force had a way of instilling confidence.
"Alright Omni," Axel said after a moment's contemplation. "Dispatch the repair crews and medical teams to the damaged ships. I want daily reports on their progress."
"Understood, Admiral." Omni acknowledged.
Axel turned back to the holotable and continued his planning. "Our next move," he began, decisively, "is to fortify our outer colonies. We can use them as a buffer zone against Covenant incursions. All while we build up our forces for a counter-offensive."
"The Covenant won't expect us to take the fight to them," Omni considered, processing Axel's proposition. "But Admiral... it will require significant resources and manpower to carry out such an operation."
Axel nodded at Omni's words. He knew that Omni was right in the fact that there would be a heavy price to pay for such an aggressive strategy, but he also recognized that if he wanted to end this war once and for all he would need to completely take over the Covenant Empire and show them the true path.
"Indeed. We must strike within Covenant space to show them that they aren't as safe as they think they are," Axel stated as his sights were still on the holographic display. "But before we do that, we will need to deal with the Covenant within our own borders first."
"Of course, Admiral, our defense comes first" Omni stated.
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5 days later
With the Covenant Capital of High Charity, a massive gathering of warriors assembled in the grand cathedral. This was not a council meeting, but a stirring call to arms.
The High Prophet of Regret stood on an elevated stage before all of them. His voice resonated across the vast hall, as thousands of eyes focused on him as he spoke of valor and glory.
"We will not be defeated by these heretics! They dare to wield the holy relics and diminish their divine power by using them for war!" His hand swept out over the crowd as though casting a spell over them with his words. "We will rise above this defeat! We will crush these humans and reclaim our honor!"
The warriors roared in unison, their spirits burning with determination. Their voices reverberated through the colossal cathedral, creating a deafening echo that filled the core of the Covenant capital. The passion and intensity of their conviction were tangible, emanating in powerful waves of emotion.
Regret had just secured the support of a couple of the Sangheili religious cults, bolstering the Covenant military with fanatic believers.
However, behind the scenes he had become fed up with the Sangheili and were trying to replace them with the Jiralhanae who were easier to control than the Sangheili who continued to fail the Prophets in their mission.
The Prophet of Regret, confident in his new alliance and bolstered forces, called off the meeting. He descended from the stage, moving to the shadows of the cathedral where his closest advisers awaited him. Among them were Jiralhanae leaders, their towering forms stooped slightly out of respect toward the religious leader.
"We must strike quickly," said one of them, a powerful Chieftain named Tartarus. His voice echoed throughout the cathedral. "The humans have shown us they are not to be underestimated."
"Patience, Chieftain." Regret's tone held the sharp edge of authority. "We must not act rashly or allow anger to cloud our judgment. We require a precise and effective attack that will cripple their morale and resources."
Tartarus grunted in acknowledgment; a fiery spark remained within his eyes as he yearned for the time when the Jiralhanae replaced Sangheili as military leaders so that his clan could show the Covenant who was the strongest.