Location: Coruscant, Capital of the Galactic Republic
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine sat in his luxurious office, looking out over the vast, bustling metropolis of Coruscant from the large window behind him. The planet-city loomed large, but in the mind of Palpatine—or rather, Darth Sidious—the outlook was much bleaker. His meticulous control over the galaxy was beginning to falter in the face of an unforeseen threat.
The Covenant, the alien faction that had emerged a month ago, had wreaked havoc in the blink of an eye. Capitals of the Confederacy of Independent Systems had been reduced to rubble, and their leaders, their strategic pieces, were disappearing or being captured in quick raids. Worse yet, the Covenant had unleashed a holy war, not to simply conquer, but to enslave and exterminate all beings they deemed inferior. The Republic, which he had claimed would be invincible in this war of attrition, found itself outnumbered and outmaneuvered. In each battle, the Covenant had demonstrated overwhelming brutality and efficiency, and the defeats piled up, weakening the clone army and demoralizing the Jedi ranks.
Palpatine closed his eyes momentarily, his plans faltering as the Senate had stubbornly rejected his proposal to merge the droid forces of the Confederacy with the Republic military. The refusal had been devastating; now, even on his homeworld of Naboo, the Covenant was advancing, threatening to destroy everything in its path. It was a cruel irony that, in its quest for absolute power, it now needed a miracle to prevent the annihilation of that which it sought to rule.
Across from him in the shadows of his office stood Mace Windu, who watched the conflict with a grave look. Beside him, Master Yoda and several Jedi such as Luminara Unduli and her Padawan Barriss Offee waited expectantly.
"Any recent contact from Naboo?" Mace asked, breaking the heavy silence.
Palpatine narrowed his eyes, his usual calm giving way to barely concealed concern. "We have not heard from Naboo for over an hour," he admitted. "Anakin Skywalker and the contingent sent to defend the planet have not responded to our transmissions. It is possible that the Covenant has intercepted communications or... worse."
Yoda's expression was grim, his gaze filled with concern. "In this war, the Covenant employs tactics of annihilation. Plans and strategies from across the galaxy threaten, even the Republic itself."
"This new enemy is devastating," Palpatine continued, covering his agitation with carefully calculated words. "We cannot underestimate the magnitude of the threat it poses. The loss of Naboo would be a tragedy not only for the Republic, but for the very balance of the galaxy."
Mace frowned and looked at the other Jedi Masters. "We need to redouble our efforts and send reinforcements as soon as possible. The cost of this war is already devastating, but Naboo is a crucial strategic point. Furthermore, we cannot lose the Jedi deployed there."
Luminara Unduli spoke, her tone solemn. "The Order is spread out on multiple fronts, but Naboo requires our immediate attention. Any delay in reinforcements could result in catastrophe."
As the discussion continued, the communicator on Palpatine's desk emitted a soft tone. Cautiously, the Chancellor opened the transmission, only to hear the voice of a Republic officer. "Chancellor, we have just received a message from Master Skywalker. The report is… unexpected."
"What has happened?" Palpatine asked, trying to hide the tension in his voice.
"According to Skywalker's report, the battle is over. An unknown combat force intervened at the last moment and... defeated the Covenant. They have taken control of the airspace and the surface around Theed."
The Jedi exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting a mix of shock and relief. Palpatine, however, hid his discomfort behind a well-rehearsed frown.
"An unknown combat force? Where did they come from?" Palpatine questioned.
"As far as we can tell, they call themselves the UNSC," the officer explained. "They have communicated to Skywalker that their mission in this galaxy is to eradicate the Covenant threat. Anakin has entered into a temporary partnership agreement with them to secure Naboo."
"Interesting, this is," Yoda commented, his eyes narrowing in a shrewd look. "We need reinforcements, but we also need clarity on their intentions."
Palpatine nodded, his calculating mind already assessing how to use this unexpected alliance to his advantage. "Then, victory is ours, thanks to this new faction. However, Naboo remains vulnerable and the Covenant could attack at any moment."
"Temporary alliance," Mace Windu murmured, looking at the other Jedi. "We must learn more about the UNSC and their true intentions. For now, we will let their forces reinforce our positions. But we will remain vigilant."
Palpatine leaned back in his chair, smiling internally. Although things had not gone according to their plans, this intervention could prove to be an unexpected advantage. "Very well, Jedi Masters," he said finally. "Have reinforcements sent to Naboo to secure our position. And maintain contact with the UNSC. We shall see if this alliance can be sustained… and at what cost."
Before the Jedi withdrew, Chancellor Palpatine rose slightly from his seat, his look of apparent solemnity.
"Jedi Masters," he began, his tone heavy with authority and care, "what has occurred on Naboo and the intervention of this outside force must remain absolutely secret… at least until we can fully secure the planet. The stability of the Republic depends on discretion at this time."
The Jedi nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. As they withdrew, Mace Windu exchanged a glance with Yoda and the other masters present. It was clear that they must act quickly, not only to protect Naboo, but also to discover more about this enigmatic UNSC.
At the next meeting at the Jedi Temple, Mace Windu, accompanied by Yoda, called together the most experienced Jedi Masters to discuss the necessary reinforcements and resources. Around the large council table, the Jedi planned the mobilization of five Venator cruisers and several Republic auxiliary ships to head to Naboo. With Windu and Yoda's approval, it was also decided to send twenty additional Jedi to reinforce the Order's presence on the planet. Preparations needed to be precise and, above all, swift.
"The situation on Naboo is critical," Mace said, as everyone listened intently. "Not only because of the Covenant threat, but also because of the presence of this outside force, the UNSC. We must be prepared for any eventuality."
Windu pressed a button on the console beside him, and holograms of Obi-Wan's recent communications began to project in the center of the room. The Jedi silently watched the videos captured in the battles, first on the ground and then in space. The images showed the UNSC deploying their soldiers with lethal precision and their battlecruisers, which faced the Covenant fleet relentlessly, with explosions that lit up the void.
As the last video ended, Mace Windu spoke up. "These recordings confirm what Obi-Wan has communicated to us. We are facing a formidable fighting force. I must admit that their combat deployment and tactics have been... impressive."
"Impressive, indeed," Yoda interjected, his eyes narrowed in deep thought. "Potential allies, perhaps. Though, we must still be careful."
Luminara Unduli nodded. "They could be a crucial advantage against the Covenant. If only we could learn more of their true intentions, we would know if this collaboration is wise."
"For the moment, we must maintain the alliance and watch carefully," Windu concluded, looking at each of the masters present. "This may be our chance to achieve something significant against the Covenant. The reinforcement fleet will depart as soon as it is ready, and from now on, we will maintain constant communication with the Jedi on Naboo to monitor the development of the situation."
-x.X.x-
From orbit over Naboo, a panoramic view showed the imposing UNSC fleet silently patrolling the space around the planet. Cruisers and frigates maintained tactical formations on alert, their systems tracking any potential threats. The ships slid their presence imposingly, like silent guardians in the defense of Naboo.
From the heart of the fleet, Arnet-096, now officially in command of the ground operation, left the coordination of the space patrol in the expert hands: Prestone Cole, the legendary strategist, and Jacob Keyes, the respected captain and veteran of intense combat. "Keep the fleet in formation and on high alert," Arnet instructed before retreating from the bridge. "I trust you to ensure that no threat ever invades this planet again."
"You will have it, sir," Cole replied with a slight nod, while Keyes, with his usual calm, nodded in agreement. They knew that the battle might not be over, and that the Covenant, unpredictable as they were, could attempt a new invasion at any moment.
Arnet boarded a drop-ship Pelican alongside a squad of Spartans and Marines. From the windows, he watched the landscape of Naboo rapidly approach as the Pelican broke through the atmosphere, accompanied by other Pelicans and several Republic LAATs. As they descended toward the capital of Theed, the devastation became apparent. Naboo, a planet known for its beauty and elegance, had been transformed into a battlefield.
The rubble of elegant buildings lay scattered across the streets, with only a few structures that managed to withstand the bombardments and fighting. Fragments of downed Covenant ships and debris from Republic defenders were scattered throughout the city, witnesses to the brutality of the recent combat. Fallen soldiers and civilians lay motionless among the ruins, the air filled with the acrid smell of burnt metal and ash hanging in the air. The grim sight was a constant reminder of what the Covenant presence had left behind.
Arnet's Pelican landed in a makeshift landing zone next to the ruins of the Royal Palace. He descended with a steady, determined stride, and around him, Spartans and Marines began to establish a security perimeter while working in conjunction with the Republic clones that had survived the battle. The goal was clear: create an operational base that would serve to establish a solid defense on Theed and coordinate any further operations on the planet.
Accompanied by a pair of Spartan IIs and a squad of Republic clones, Arnet made his way toward the ruins of Theed Palace. His footsteps echoed heavily as he was escorted through the half-ruined building. The magnitude of his armor, his calculated movements, and the cold expression on his face intimidated even his own men.
Inside the palace, a group of prominent figures silently awaited his arrival. As Arnet crossed the threshold, everyone in the room turned their gaze toward him, and the awe was palpable. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker exchanged a brief glance, visibly impressed by the imposing figure of the Spartan, whose helmet barely allowed his face to be seen behind the tinted visor.
Young Ahsoka Tano and Aayla Secura eyed the newcomer with a mix of caution and curiosity, while Padmé Amidala and Duchess Satine regarded him with respect, aware that they had before them the leader of a faction that had driven the Covenant back in a battle that seemed unwinnable.
Arnet stopped in the center of the room and, with a brief movement, removed his helmet, revealing a stern, scarred face and an air of unyielding determination. His imposing height and presence projected an authority that none in the room could ignore. The Jedi and Republic leaders greeted him respectfully, and he nodded in acknowledgement.
"Gentlemen," Arnet began in a deep, controlled voice. "I am Arnet-096, Admiral of the UNSC and leader of the forces that have responded to the Covenant attack on this system. My men and I have come to eradicate the Covenant threat, and we hope to coordinate any defense or attack efforts with your troops until Naboo is fully secured."
There was a moment of silence, before Obi-Wan, with a serious and still somewhat impressed expression, stepped forward to speak.
"General Arnet," Obi-Wan replied respectfully, "on behalf of the Republic and Naboo, we thank you and your soldiers for arriving at just the right time. Your assistance has allowed us to save the capital from complete destruction."
Anakin, unable to hide his curiosity and amazement, intervened. "We have never seen soldiers like you or military technology so advanced. You destroyed the Covenant fleet in a way that was... impressive."
Arnet looked at each of them with an analytical gaze and answered without hesitation. "Our goal is clear: the Covenant is a threat to all life, and we cannot allow them to extend their influence here. We understand that your planet still has many areas occupied, and we will not let our guard down until it is completely free of their presence."
Padmé Amidala, stepping forward, looked directly at the Spartan. "On behalf of Naboo, we give you our gratitude, Admiral Arnet. But... what are your intentions once this planet is secured?"
Arnet looked at her with an unwavering expression. "Our commitment is to eradicate the Covenant from all territories in which they have established a presence. Beyond that, we are willing to work on a temporary alliance, if that is what both armies need to protect their respective worlds and end this threat."
Anakin nodded, understanding the military logic in Arnet's words. "Then we agree. Once Naboo is secured, we can organize the remaining forces and consider a broader offensive."
As he entered the room and surveyed the group, Arnet's gaze fell on Ahsoka Tano, the young Padawan who, despite her steady gaze, was unmistakably a teenager. He frowned, unable to conceal his bewilderment at the presence of someone so young in a theater of war.
"A child on the front lines?" Arnet asked, addressing the Jedi with obvious disapproval. "In a battle of this scale?"
Ahsoka, feeling immediately alluded to, stepped forward with a scowl, ready to answer with all the determination of someone seeking to gain respect. "I am not a child!" Ahsoka protested, her voice firm and defiant. "I am a Jedi Padawan, trained in combat from a young age. I can handle myself on the battlefield as well as anyone."
Arnet raised an eyebrow, his expression hard and incredulous. "War is not a game or training. Children should be far away from these conflicts, not in the heart of battle risking their lives."
Before Ahsoka could retort, Anakin placed a hand on her shoulder and gently interposed, attempting to calm the situation. "She is my Padawan," Anakin explained, addressing Arnet. "In the Jedi Order, younglings begin their training at a very young age to become guardians of peace and justice. A Padawan is an apprentice who follows a Jedi Knight to learn in the real field, under supervision, and it is a tradition that dates back thousands of years."
Arnet kept his gaze serious, not looking entirely convinced. "I suppose in your traditions you deem it necessary, but in the UNSC we keep civilians, and younglings in particular, as far away from the horrors of war as possible."
Ahsoka, determined to make her point, stepped forward. "I'm not just a 'civilian.' I've been trained for this all my life. My place is at my master's side, and I'm here to make a difference."
Arnet looked at her carefully, weighing her words. Finally, with a resigned sigh, he looked at Anakin. "It's clear that things work differently here. But I can't help but worry about what war does to the young."
Anakin nodded in understanding, but just as firmly. "I understand, Admiral Arnet. For us, Jedi training is as much a preparation for war as it is a path of learning. Jedi seek to keep the peace, and their mission is to protect the galaxy, even if that means fighting in these difficult times."
Arnet accepted the explanation, although she was still cautious. She knew that the war deeply affected everyone, especially the younger ones. However, seeing the determination in Ahsoka and the respect the Jedi group had for their traditions, she understood that, at least for now, their paths were aligned.
Arnet took the floor, his tone firm and direct, focusing on the agreement they were about to establish. "Given the current situation, I propose to build a joint operating base around the palace of Theed. This will allow us to secure the capital and better coordinate operations to regain control of Naboo." He looked at Padmé Amidala and then at the Jedi, waiting for their approval.
"In addition," he continued, "the UNSC will provide medical assistance for all wounded civilians and soldiers. We have medical personnel and equipment ready to deploy at any time."
The Mandalorians present exchanged glances and, without delay, one of them spoke suspiciously. "We do not need foreign help, much less from another galaxy. The presence of this faction does not mean security for us, but rather interference."
Before Arnet could respond, Duchess Satine Kryze stepped forward and in a steady, calm voice replied, "Without your intervention, Naboo would have fallen. All of us here must acknowledge that your support has been instrumental. You may not agree on everything, but if the UNSC can help stabilize this planet and save lives, the least we can do is cooperate."
The Mandalorians looked at their leader, clearly unhappy, but they respected her too much to challenge her position at this moment. With a resigned sigh, one of them nodded.
"We accept, Duchess. So be it, for now," he said, though his words were accompanied by a warning glance at Arnet and the others.
Arnet watched the scene in silence, acknowledging the sacrifice it represented for some of them to accept outside intervention. Finally, he turned his attention to those present. "The important thing is that together, we can confront the Covenant threat. The UNSC is committed to working together with the Republic and respecting its decisions. This is an alliance, not an occupation."
Obi-Wan and Padmé nodded in approval. The joint base at Theed would not only secure the center of Naboo, but would also allow both forces, the UNSC and the Republic, to combine their knowledge and strategies.
"Agreed," Obi-Wan said, looking around at everyone with an air of hope. "We will work together to rebuild what the Covenant destroyed. It is the first step in bringing peace back to Naboo."
Suddenly, a holographic figure began to materialize on the palace holotable, surprising everyone present. An elegant-looking woman with a shrewd look appeared in the air, projected in a blue glow that illuminated the room.
"Serina," Arnet said in a stern tone, crossing his arms, "How many times do I have to remind you that interfering in high-level meetings without authorization is a serious breach of military protocol? This could cost you your service."
The AI simply smiled with a hint of irony. "Relax, Admiral," Serina replied, not losing her air of confidence. "I just wanted to facilitate introductions. Besides, let's just say that those 'military codes' are flexible when a situation warrants it."
Anakin and Ahsoka looked at each other in surprise, while Obi-Wan and the other Jedi watched the AI with interest. Artificial intelligence was, to them, something extremely advanced and even strange. No faction in the galaxy possessed anything like it.
Serina turned to the Jedi and other Republic leaders, giving a slight nod. "Allow me to properly introduce myself," she said. "I am Serina, the AI that oversees the UNSC Infinity and all of its operations. My role is to assist in strategy, data management, and logistical coordination. I trust that our collaboration will be as productive as it has been in combat thus far."
Padmé and Duchess Satine exchanged surprised glances, while a few Mandalorians could not hide their wariness.
"An intelligence that makes decisions and communicates in this manner?" Padmé asked, perplexed. "It is… incredibly advanced."
Arnet, despite his initial warning, decided to explain. "The UNSC uses advanced AIs to maximize our effectiveness in battle and logistics. Serina, despite her unorthodox methods, has been invaluable in defending against the Covenant."
"Come now, Admiral," Serina replied with a slight hint of amusement in her voice. "You know that without me, these strategic briefings would be much slower. Besides, it seems our new allies are fascinated by seeing advanced technology in action."
Obi-Wan nodded, looking at Serina with interest. "It will be interesting to work with such an intelligence. Its ability to process and analyze information may prove beneficial in this war."
Arnet let out a resigned sigh, but not without a certain hidden satisfaction. "Fine, Serina. For now, you are free to cooperate, but do not forget that you are still under fleet regulations. No liberties without my direct authorization."
"Understood, Admiral," Serina replied in an almost mocking tone.
End of Chapter 12.