Star Wars: The War That Only the UNSC Can End

Arnet, from the Infinity's command bridge, watched the chaotic battle in space. The screens in front of him showed multiple views of the fight: UNSC and Republic ships fighting ferociously against the Covenant fleet. The real problem, however, was the CCS-class Battlecruisers that continued to vitrify the surface of Tatooine, a devastating process that threatened to destroy all life on the planet.

"Damn those CCSs," Arnet muttered, as he watched the shields of those massive ships absorb the attacks directed at them. Their defense systems were formidable, and the Covenant ships organized themselves around them, forming a lethal perimeter that blocked any attempt by the UNSC and Republic to get close enough to stop the bombardment.

"Sir, the Covenant fleet is reorganizing. They're dedicating entire ships to protecting those cruisers," one of the officers reported.

Arnet nodded, quickly assessing the situation. He knew that holding a direct confrontation with the Covenant under these circumstances was a battle they could not easily win. If they continued to attack the defense ships, the planet would remain under imminent threat of vitrification.

The Covenant continued to vitrify the surface of Tatooine, and he knew that every second they lost was devastating for the forces on the ground and the trapped civilians. Without hesitation, he contacted Captain Preston Cole, who was in direct command of the fleet.

"Captain Cole, new priority. I need you to focus fire on the Covenant ships that are vitrifying the surface," Arnet ordered. "We will mobilize the escort ships to distract the rest of the Covenant fleet. Prepare for several rounds of MAC; we need to take advantage of any window we can create."

"Understood, Admiral," Cole replied, his voice firm. "We will initiate the diversion operation and concentrate MAC fire on the vitrifying ships."

The UNSC and Republic ships began to reorganize into a strategic movement, creating a diversion through rapid maneuvers and constant attacks against the Covenant escort ships. Meanwhile, the UNSC heavy ships, including the destroyers, readied their MAC cannons, lining up to launch their shots in sequence against the glass cruisers.

"All units, stand by fleet instructions," Cole relayed over the comm. "Stay in formation and ensure the Covenant focus on our flanking maneuvers. Ensure the necessary time for the MAC attack to be executed."

Space lit up with the exchange of intense fire. Republic ships positioned themselves to the sides of the UNSC formation, attacking Covenant bombers and fighters that attempted to interfere with the operation. Banshees and Phantoms attempted to break through the defense line, but the combined maneuvers of both fleets managed to contain the onslaught, albeit at the cost of many casualties.

The first round of MAC fire hit one of the glass cruisers. The ship's hull shattered, and an explosion echoed through the structure, though it was still not enough to stop it.

"We're doing well," Arnet muttered. "Prepare the second round."

The MAC cannons fell back into alignment as the UNSC and Republic light ships engaged in blocking the Covenant escort ships. Republic Y-wings dive-bombed the Covenant ships attempting to move into the MAC firing positions, shielding the second assault.

Cole gave the order. "Second round fire!"

The MAC shots tore through the void of space, striking another of the glass-firing ships. This time, the impact penetrated its core systems, causing it to explode in a fireball that lit up the battlefield.

Arnet kept his gaze fixed on the unfolding operation. He knew that even though they were moving forward, casualties were mounting on his forces. Every ship that fell was a heavy blow, and the Covenant continued their relentless attack. He knew they would have to retreat if the situation worsened, but it was not yet time to give that order.

"Captain Cole," Arnet said, "one last round. I want those glass-firing ships off the battlefield."

"With pleasure, Admiral," Cole replied, his tone determined. "Prepare all available MACs. Make it a coordinated assault. Make every shot count."

The final MAC attack was devastating. The cannons fired in sync, and the shells tore through the Covenant formation, destroying two glass ships and leaving the remaining ones severely damaged. The explosion was colossal, and some of the Covenant's smaller ships attempted to retreat to regroup, giving the combined fleet a brief respite.

The fighter battle over Tatooine was brutal and chaotic. Republic Y-wings and X-wings, along with UNSC Longsword and F-41 Broadsword fighters, faced waves of Covenant Banshees and Seraphs. The Covenant's numerical superiority was evident, and pilots on both sides desperately maneuvered to avoid enemy fire.

"This is Red Three! I've got three Banshees on my tail! I need support!" a Republic pilot shouted over the radio as he tried to evade the plasma shots.

"Red Three, this is Broadsword Two. Hold course, we're on our way," a UNSC pilot responded, quickly diving down on the Covenant fighters. He managed to shoot down a Banshee with a well-aimed shot, but had to quickly maneuver to avoid a plasma blast.

The fighters circled and crisscrossed in the void, with the Longswords launching missiles to clear out enemy formations while the Broadswords performed precision strikes to neutralize the Covenant offensive. Coordination between the Republic and UNSC allowed them to hold off the enemy fighters' advance, though casualties continued.

"This is Blue Seven X-wing. I've been hit! I'm going down!" The pilot's voice faded over the channel as his fighter exploded in a flash of light.

"Stay in formation!" A Y-wing commander ordered as he and his squadron launched themselves at a new wave of Banshees, managing to shoot down several before enemy fire reduced them to fragments in space.

Meanwhile, on the surface of Tatooine, an ODST team was under heavy Covenant fire. An ODST sergeant quickly made the decision to call in air support.

"This is Sierra Two-Three, do you copy, Infinity?" the sergeant called as he took cover behind a rock formation to take cover from the plasma fire.

"Roger, Sierra Two-Three. This is Infinity. What's your situation?" the Infinity operator replied.

"We're taking enemy fire in sector 09-A. Requesting Archer missile support on enemy position, coordinates 34-27-Alpha-Echo. Repeat, coordinates 34-27-Alpha-Echo. Confirmed?"

"Coordinates confirmed, Sierra Two-Three. Archer missiles on course, impact in 30 seconds. Secure the area."

"Roger that, Infinity. Everyone, clear the area, missiles are coming!" the sergeant shouted, leading his team into safe cover.

In the sky, Archer missiles streaked through the air, headed toward the Covenant forces. Within seconds, the missiles struck the center of the enemy position, setting off a series of devastating explosions that wiped out vehicles and troops in the process. Metal and plasma fragments flew in all directions as the shockwave rocked the battlefield.

"Hit confirmed! Good job, Infinity!" the sergeant shouted as he saw the destruction wrought.

From the Infinity, the operator responded, "Sierra Two-Three, position secured. Good luck down there. Infinity, out."

Air support had given the troops on the ground the respite they needed, though they knew the battle for Tatooine was far from over.

-x.X.x-

On the Infinity, Arnet watched the battlefield projected on the holotable as Mos Eisley stood out as the epicenter of the operation. The Republic had deployed forces to the surrounding towns, but the fighting in Mos Eisley was escalating, turning into total chaos.

Serina, the Infinity's AI, projected new reports onto the holotable, highlighting the areas where Covenant troops were pushing the hardest. UNSC resources were being depleted faster than expected, and casualties were mounting as the Covenant defended every meter with unbridled ferocity. Up until this point, Arnet had decided to hold the Spartans in reserve, relying on the deployed Marines and ODSTs, but the data indicated that the situation was worsening.

"Admiral," Serina said in a firm but calculated tone, "Covenant pressure is straining our defenses. Projections indicate we need substantial reinforcements in Mos Eisley, especially toward the southern flank."

Arnet nodded, assessing the information carefully. While the deployment of the Spartans represented a strategic advantage, he knew their intervention was a resource that needed to be used at the right time.

"Serina, coordinate the preparation of a Spartan squad for immediate deployment. We need them ready at our word. Also inform the ODST platoons to reinforce the northern sector."

As Serina carried out the orders, the holograms of Mos Eisley showed new explosions on the front line. Arnet took a deep breath. The battle on Tatooine was proving far more intense and costly than anticipated, and it was clear the true test had yet to begin.

The projection of the city continued to show the critical points of the Covenant offensive, and Arnet knew that every second was crucial.

Serina appeared on the holotable with an expression that, though virtual, conveyed clear tactical concern.

"Admiral," Serina began in her precise, analytical tone, "our resources are dwindling faster than expected. Casualty and vehicle loss rates exceed initial projections. At this rate, we will exhaust our reserves before we achieve a decisive breakthrough. I suggest we evaluate options to end this battle efficiently."

Arnet nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation but maintaining his characteristic calm. "I understand, Serina, but the battle is not over yet. We cannot back down at this point. Reinforcements are on the way, and every minute we hold out here is vital to the evacuation and defense of the area."

Serina, ever strategic, showed a brief map of reinforcement points and critical areas where Covenant pressure was concentrated. "If we wish to minimize resource drain, we could attempt to concentrate effort on flanks where enemy resistance is least, leaving the most compromised sectors to Republic forces and our Spartans, should they be deployed."

"It is an option," Arnet said thoughtfully, "but a risky one. However, we will prioritize tactical deployment. Redirect the Marines and ODSTs to those less defended points and leave the critical sectors for Spartan backup in case of emergency."

Serina nodded. "Proceeding with reconfigurations, Admiral."

As the AI ​​implemented the changes, Arnet watched the hologram on the holotable, aware that each decision carried with it the weight of countless lives and resources.

-x.X.x-

The defense at the Mos Eisley spaceport was fierce and desperate. UNSC Marines dug in wherever they could find them, using any cover available: ship wreckage, barrels, and containers. The desert sand of Tatooine was stained red and green by the mixture of blood and plasma.

Explosions rocked the ground as Covenant Grunts advanced en masse, backed by Elites who ordered them around ferociously. Every plasma shot that hit UNSC soldiers or vehicles left a searing mark; more than one Marine fell, screaming as the plasma melted their armor.

The Marines fired relentlessly, holding their lines with a mixture of discipline and sheer survival instinct. One of the UNSC Warthogs, which had been instrumental in keeping the Grunts at bay, exploded after a direct hit from a Wraith plasma cannon. Nearby Marines were thrown by the blast wave, some dying on the spot and others crawling wounded to safer cover.

"We need reinforcements! This is Delta 2-5! Requesting heavy support!" one of the communications officers shouted.

Suddenly, the Covenant redoubled their attack, and the shadows of larger vehicles approached from the horizon. A Phantom began to descend, dropping more troops and vehicles onto the battlefield, advancing directly towards the UNSC positions.

"Hold the line! Don't give a damn meter!" the sergeant bellowed over the radio channel. The Marines fired non-stop, but the Covenant reinforcements seemed endless.

Then, just when it seemed the situation couldn't get any worse, a UNSC transport ship began to rise from the spaceport, filled with wounded and evacuated civilians. The sound of the engines lifting her up seemed like a promise of salvation, but suddenly, a squadron of Banshees appeared in the sky.

"Look out! Banshees at 12!" one of the Marines shouted as he raised his rifle to try and stop the aerial threat. The Banshees didn't stop; they fired plasma blasts at the transport ship, penetrating its shields and hitting its hull.

The ship began to shake, and within seconds, a massive explosion ripped through its interior. The screams of the civilians on board echoed as the ship plummeted and exploded, with pieces of metal and fire raining down on the UNSC positions. The spaceport, however, did not come out unscathed; the explosion was so violent that it destroyed the structure and left the Marines fighting among the ruins and chaos.

The Marines, exhausted and battered, began to retreat towards the next spaceport, just a couple of kilometers away. With desperation on their faces, they tried to help what civilians they could, lifting the wounded and organizing the terrified ones running around them. However, the situation was chaotic; it was impossible to assist everyone. Every minute that passed, the Covenant closed the gap, slaughtering those who fell behind or could not keep up with the retreat.

The sound of gunfire and explosions continued to echo as the Marines tried to fight their way through. Some civilians, trapped and unable to move, looked at the soldiers with eyes full of fear and pleading. But in the midst of the horror, the Marines had no choice. As they moved away, the screams of the trapped began to be drowned out by plasma shots and the horrible, guttural laughter of the Grunts and Elites, who executed anyone left behind.

"Come on, come on! Don't look back!" the sergeant shouted to the Marines who were carrying wounded on their shoulders or helping others walk. "Hold formation, everyone together!"

Then, a familiar and welcome sound echoed above them. A Falcon appeared, its rotors whirring over the chaos. The Falcon's gunner began to rain down fire from his machine gun on the pursuing Covenant troops, forcing the aliens to momentarily seek cover. At the same time, a LAAT descended from the sky, firing its cannons to provide air support and secure the Marines' retreat route.

"Air support in position! Don't stop!" one of the Marines shouted as the Falcon and LAAT cleared the way forward. With each burst from the Falcon, Grunts and Jackals fell to pieces, while the LAAT's gunfire blew Covenant light vehicles into fireballs.

Despite the air support, the advance was slow and tortuous. The Marines continued to retreat, each step hard-earned, covering each other while aiding the wounded. The soldiers fired in controlled bursts, moving in small groups to avoid being caught.

Finally, upon reaching the next spaceport, the Marines established a new defensive line. Civilians and wounded took shelter within the structures while the soldiers reorganized their positions and reloaded their weapons. The Falcon continued its patrol, shooting down any Covenant troops that tried to approach, while the LAAT maintained a secure perimeter, firing on enemy vehicles that tried to break through the defense.

-x.X.x-

The streets of Mos Eisley were a veritable battlefield. The locals, armed with ancient blasters and anything they could use as a weapon, attempted to stand against the relentless advance of the Covenant. The enemy forces, comprised of Grunts and Jackals, advanced in brutal order, their plasma weapons shooting out green and blue flashes that lit up the corners of buildings, reducing civilian defenses to dust.

A group of locals, sheltered behind walls and wrecked vehicles, fired frantically at the enemy. Blaster rounds barely managed to stop the lesser Covenant units, but as the Elites began to advance, hope of resistance began to fade.

"We will not surrender!" one of the local leaders shouted, gritting his teeth as his blaster barely managed to overheat the shield of an approaching Elite.

The Elites responded mercilessly, launching themselves at the defenders with their energy swords activated. One of them pierced a man who tried to retreat in one blow, leaving behind a trail of pain and heartbreaking screams. The jackals raised their shields and fired with precision, eliminating every civilian who stuck their head out to try to defend themselves.

Among the desperation of the inhabitants, three figures stood out: Bo-Katan Kryze and two of her Mandalorian warriors, who moved quickly and accurately, but not to defend the city, but to find a way out and escape. Bo-Katan had no interest in defending the civilians; her priority was to survive and get out of that hell.

"Bo-Katan!" one of her companions shouted. "We have to move before they surround us."

"We are not here to save these people. Keep shooting and look for an exit route," she replied, without a hint of compassion in her voice.

The Mandalorians advanced efficiently, eliminating only the Covenant forces that stood in their way. A grunt charged toward them, firing inaccurately. Bo-Katan shot it down with a clean shot, not stopping to look at the body. As they turned the corner, a group of jackals blocked their way, their energy shields up.

"Dispatch them quickly," Bo-Katan ordered.

The three Mandalorians opened fire, their blasters hitting the shields of the jackals and managing to push some back. One of the Mandalorians threw a grenade, which exploded just behind the enemy ranks, taking out several Grunts and forcing the Jackals to scatter. Wasting no time, they advanced through the smoke and remains of the fallen enemies.

As they approached the outskirts of the city, the devastation was even greater. The bodies of civilians who had tried to flee littered the streets, and the smell of burning permeated the air. Bo-Katan barely looked away from the corpses as her eyes remained fixed on an exit through the rubble.

"There's our way. We're leaving this damn city before they consume us all," Bo-Katan said, pointing to a gap in the defenses.

The three Mandalorians didn't hesitate and ran for the exit, firing only to clear the way.

Bo-Katan and her two companions moved forward, thinking they were close to the exit when suddenly they were ambushed by a group of brutes that emerged from the rubble. The colossal Covenant soldiers wielded gravity hammers, their eyes filled with uncontrollable fury.

Without warning, one of the brutes attacked, swinging its hammer at Bo-Katan. The impact launched her back several meters, slamming her into a stone wall. Bo-Katan felt a sharp pain in her ribs and could barely breathe. From the ground, wounded and disoriented, she stared at the scene in front of her, trying to catch her breath as she watched her companions desperately fight.

One of her Mandalorian companions, with a look of pure determination, launched a direct attack towards the nearest brute, firing his blaster and throwing a grenade at his feet. But the brute absorbed the impact like it was nothing, and with a quick swing of his hammer, he sent him flying. The Mandalorian crashed to the ground, motionless, with no signs of life.

The second Mandalorian screamed in fury, using his flamethrower and every weapon at his disposal, but the brutes did not relent. Two of them lunged at him, brutally beating him, until his body fell to the ground, broken and limp.

Bo-Katan, bloodied and barely conscious, watched the brutal spectacle through a clouded vision. Fury and desperation mixed in her gaze as she tried to move, her hands shaking in an attempt to reach her blaster. She knew she was done for… until she heard the rumble of explosions in the distance.

Suddenly, a rocket slammed into the group of brutes, the explosion engulfing several of them in flames and sending them flying. A convoy of UNSC marines appeared from one of the side streets, advancing with determination, their weapons firing relentlessly. One of the marines carried a missile launcher and fired projectiles with precision at the brutes, who began to retreat under the overwhelming force of the attack.

Bo-Katan lay on the ground, barely breathing, her chest rising and falling with difficulty as blood soaked her armor and made her look more fragile than she had ever been seen before. Her breathing was ragged, her eyes barely open, struggling to stay conscious.

One of the Marines, the team's medic, knelt beside her, quickly assessing her injuries. With precision, he took the biofoam dispenser, administering it directly to the deepest wounds to prevent further blood loss. The foam sizzled as it made contact with the damaged areas, expanding and partially sealing the wounds.

"I need to stabilize her before moving her," the Marine said as he carefully removed Bo-Katan's helmet. Her face was pale, sweat beading on her forehead as she tried to stay conscious, her eyes half-opening as she felt the cool air on her skin.

"Relax, hold on a little longer. We're going to get you out of here," the medic said in a calm voice, making sure the foam was taking effect and checking her vital signs quickly.

"Breathe... slowly," he added, trying to help her control her breathing.

The other Marines finished securing the area while the medic stabilized Bo-Katan, and two of them approached, ready to move her.

"She's ready. Carry her, but carefully," ordered the medic, who closely monitored her every move to avoid aggravating her injuries.

With great care, they lifted Bo-Katan and placed her in the back of one of the convoy's Warthogs.

End of Chapter 27.