Star Wars: The War That Only the UNSC Can End

Dawn lit Lothal's capital in golden hues as Satine Kryze and Ryder Azadi sat across from each other in the meeting room of the government building. Gone was the initial tension; the governor had agreed to join the UNSC after negotiations with the Duchess. Now, the conversation turned to the practical details of the alliance and how it would benefit both Lothal and the UNSC.

Azadi, with a hot cup of tea in hand, spoke in a more relaxed tone. "Duchess, what the UNSC is proposing makes sense, but we need clarity on how these measures will be implemented. My people need tangible results. They have lost faith in the Republic's promises and their endless debates. If this works, it must be something they can see and feel."

Satine nodded. "I understand, Governor. That's why the priority will be to establish visible and effective defenses. The UNSC has the resources and technology to build orbital defense platforms that will protect not only Lothal, but this entire region of space. These platforms will be equipped to intercept any Covenant attacks before they even reach the atmosphere."

One of Azadi's advisors, a middle-aged woman with a serious expression, chimed in. "That sounds impressive, Duchess, but what about internal security? Our people live in fear. The streets are not safe, and rural areas are vulnerable to looting and isolated attacks. How does the UNSC plan to address that?"

Satine smiled slightly. "Security begins with presence. The UNSC will deploy a contingent of Marines to patrol the most vulnerable areas. Additionally, we will train local forces so they can work alongside us. Lothal will not be under occupation; it will be a collaboration. We want its people to feel empowered, not replaced."

Azadi set her cup down, nodding slowly. "That sounds reasonable. But we also need long-term solutions. Our economy is in shambles, and Capital City's infrastructure is barely holding up. Without financial and logistical support, we won't be able to maintain these measures for long."

Satine nodded toward an aide standing behind her. The man activated a holographic projector, displaying a reconstruction scheme for Lothal. "The UNSC doesn't just provide security, Governor. We're also here to help rebuild. We'll provide materials, equipment, and personnel to repair damaged infrastructure and modernize critical facilities. Additionally, Lothal can be integrated into our trade routes, which will open up new economic opportunities."

Azadi watched the hologram with interest. "What about education? We need to prepare our people for these new opportunities. If this alliance is to be long-term, we must ensure that future generations can fully participate."

Satine smiled, anticipating the question. "The UNSC has training and education programs that we can implement here. From technical training to operate the new defenses to advanced programs in engineering and science. We want Lothal to be not just an ally, but an equal partner in this fight."

The murmurs among the councilors were of approval. Azadi, folding her arms, finally spoke in a determined tone. "Duchess, what you propose is ambitious, but it is also exactly what we need. Lothal is willing to commit to this alliance. However, we must ensure that these promises are fulfilled quickly. My people need to see results."

Satine nodded seriously. "And they will see them, Governor. This is not just a political agreement; it is a pact to ensure the survival of all. The Covenant will not give us respite, but together we can endure. Lothal will be a beacon of hope for this galaxy."

Azadi stood and extended her hand, which Satine took firmly. "Then, let us begin to work, Duchess."

As the councilors cheered and began to discuss the logistical details, Satine couldn't help but feel a slight sense of relief. It was just one step in a much larger war, but it was a step in the right direction.

The calm, orange sky over Lothal began to darken unnaturally. From the farther monitoring stations, warning signals cascaded off. In the meeting hall, Ryder Azadi and Satine Kryze barely had time to react as a series of dull explosions rumbled in the distance, followed by tremors that shook the walls of the building.

An aide burst into the room, pale and out of breath. "Governor! The Covenant! They've emerged from slipspace, at least a dozen ships. We're detecting transports and fighter ships. They're positioning themselves over the capital."

Azadi cursed under his breath as the councilors muttered in fear. Satine immediately stood up, her face serious and determined. "This is no small threat. Governor, we need to activate the defenses now. Ryder, your troops must evacuate civilians from the most vulnerable areas."

Before Azadi could respond, a deafening explosion rocked the building, causing the lights to flicker. Through the windows, they could see plumes of black smoke rising from the outlying neighborhoods. A series of Covenant dropships streaked across the sky, leaving ominous trails as they headed toward the city. Alarms began to ring throughout the capital, a constant echo that amplified the chaos.

"Good heavens, they're starting already!" Azadi exclaimed as she held onto the table to steady herself.

Satine turned to the UNSC companions who had traveled with her. "Immediately send a message to Admiral Arnet. We need reinforcements now." She then turned to Azadi. "You need to mobilize all your troops. Prioritize evacuation, but we need to maintain a defense line in the center of the city to hold them off."

Azadi, visibly shaken, nodded. "Yes, yes, of course. I'll give the orders."

Meanwhile, from the outskirts of the city, the first reports began to come in. Sensors confirmed that there were at least three Covenant CCS-Class Cruisers in orbit, launching a steady stream of drop pods and Phantoms toward the capital. One of the closest communication stations was instantly destroyed by a direct bombardment, leaving the local troops in complete disarray.

The attendant who had entered previously reappeared, this time with tears in his eyes. "Governor, we are losing contact with the outer districts. Local troops are being rapidly overwhelmed. Reports speak of Elites leading the raids and Brutes attacking in groups."

Satine took command with a determination that belied the chaos around her. "We will focus on protecting the civilians first. UNSC troops should already be moving towards the critical points. We need to buy time until reinforcements from the fleet arrive."

Meanwhile, on the streets, Covenant troops were advancing mercilessly. Civilians fled in desperation as Jackals and Grunts spread out, firing indiscriminately. The Brutes, in a show of brutal force, crushed any resistance. One of them grabbed a local soldier and threw him against a wall, breaking his body like a rag doll.

In the air, a Phantom positioned itself over the main square, deploying a group of Elites who began coordinating an attack on the command center. Every step the Covenant took was calculated, relentless, designed to sow chaos and terror.

-x.X.x-
Back at the government building, Satine Kryze wasted no time. With a calmness that defied the situation, she organized the aides to relay orders. "I want all evacuation routes secured immediately. If anyone has to sacrifice themselves, let them do so with a clear purpose: to save the innocent."

Azadi, who was trying to maintain his composure, asked, "And what if we can't hold them back? This city can fall in minutes if we don't do something."

Satine stared at him. "Then we go down fighting. But we'll do everything we can to keep that from happening." She turned to the UNSC escorts. "Can we establish contact with the orbital defenses?"

One of the officers quickly answered. "We're trying, Duchess, but Covenant interference is blocking our communications. We need time to reestablish the frequencies."

At that moment, another explosion rocked the building, this time closer. Debris began to fall from the ceiling, and a scream could be heard from the hallway. A group of jackals had breached the outer defenses and were moving toward the briefing room.

"Secure this place!" Satine shouted as local guards and UNSC soldiers took up position. The sound of gunfire filled the air as the first rows of jackals were eliminated. The tension in the air was palpable, though. Satine knew this was only the first wave.

The Separatist factory, silent and desolate for months, was now bustling with activity as Noble Team inspected every corner for anything useful to the UNSC. Kat worked at a central terminal, her fingers moving quickly over the keyboard as she tried to decipher the security protocols. Around her, dozens of battle droids sat idle, lined up in perfect rows, covered in dust but undamaged. Beyond, a storage bay revealed dozens of Vulture ships stacked as if time had stopped.

Kat adjusted her helmet as she scanned the system. "We have hundreds of droids here, fully functional if we can just get the systems up and running. The Vulture ships are in good shape, though they'll need maintenance to get them ready. But this…" She paused for a moment, staring at a file she'd just opened. "We have something else. There are blueprints and designs here for advanced droids that never made it to production. This could be a game-changer."

Carter, who was reviewing a holographic map on another terminal, looked up. "Excellent work, Kat. Do you think you can activate the battle droids?"

Kat sighed. "It won't be easy. These systems are locked down by Separatist security protocols. I'll need time, and that's something we don't often have."

At that moment, a tremor shook the factory, causing dust to fall from the ceiling. It was followed by a deafening sound of bombing in the distance. Carter and Noble 6 exchanged glances before running towards the main entrance. Looking up at the sky, the answer was immediate: the Covenant fleet had arrived. CCS-class cruisers dominated the horizon, and flashes of bombing could be seen for miles around.

"Holy crap, perfect timing!" Carter exclaimed, his voice carrying a mix of frustration and urgency. "Six, contact the UNSC! Call for reinforcements now."

Noble 6 nodded and began transmitting a coded message. Carter returned to the communicator. "Kat, how fast can you activate those droids?"

"Activate them?" Kat replied from her terminal. "You want me to take a combat army that hasn't been maintained for months and send them straight to fight the Covenant? Carter, they could collapse in a matter of minutes, or worse, they could turn on us if the security systems don't sync up properly."

"Kat, we have no choice," Carter replied firmly. "Those droids are all we have right now. If the Covenant find this factory before we can secure it, we're screwed. We need to buy time."

Kat growled, clearly irritated. "If I reactivate them without a full diagnostic, it's like flipping a coin. But okay. Give me a damn minute."

As she worked, the bombing raids felt closer. Noble 6 turned back to the entrance and watched the first flashes of Covenant drop pods falling toward the surface. "We have enemy movement. Phantoms in the air, and drop pods on the way."

Carter looked at Kat urgently. "Kat, do we have an army or not?"

Kat typed frantically. "I'm synchronizing the systems now. I'll need a few more seconds to override the security protocols. But don't expect miracles. These droids haven't been activated in years."

"That's more than we have right now," Carter replied, drawing his rifle. "Six, set up a defensive perimeter. This is going to get ugly."

Finally, Kat looked up from the terminal, her voice thick with tension. "Ready. I'm activating them. I hope they don't kill us instead of the Covenant."

A loud hum filled the factory as the lights in the droids' eyes lit up one by one. The droids began to move awkwardly at first, but soon formed ranks, ready to receive orders.

"This is going to be interesting," Carter muttered as the first plasma shots could be heard in the distance. "Kat, make those droids earn their place in this war."

-x.X.x-

The alarm blared across the Infinity, and Admiral Arnet sat in his chair on the bridge, his gaze fixed on the holotable that projected the galactic map and images of Lothal in real time. The situation was critical. The Covenant had arrived in overwhelming force, and Lothal, still reinforcing its defenses, was on the verge of collapse.

"Admiral," Serina said, appearing as a hologram next to the table. "We confirm multiple CCS-class cruisers and Phantoms in the atmosphere. Outlying areas of the capital are under constant bombardment. Incoming communications from Noble Team: they have secured the Separatist factory and activated a contingent of battle droids."

Arnet crossed his arms, his gaze cold as ever. "Status of our fleet."

Serina projected a report into the air. "Most ships are operational, though some still bear significant damage from the Battle of Tatooine. However, we have mobilized nearly everything available. We currently have enough units for immediate deployment."

Captain Keyes, who was standing next to Arnet, interjected. "The Republic will not respond. As far as we can tell, they are still arguing in their halls about what is politically correct or acceptable. In short, useless."

"I am not interested in the Republic," Arnet replied firmly. "They have never been up to the task, and I do not expect them to be now. This battle is ours. If we do not defend Lothal, everything we have built will fall."

The bridge was bustling with activity. Operators were adjusting coordinates, analyzing incoming data, and preparing weapons. The tension was palpable, but the UNSC crew was trained to deal with life-or-death situations. This was just another battle in a never-ending war.

The bridge communicator hummed, and the voice of Commander Carter of Noble Team filled the air. "This is Carter. Battle droids are active. We have hundreds of units ready to deploy. We're redirecting them to the capital and outlying areas to reinforce the defenses. But they'll need air support. The Covenant aren't going to stop."

Arnet leaned toward the holotable. "Good job, Noble. Keep the factory secure and operational as long as you can. If the Covenant find it, destroy critical systems. We won't leave anything behind."

"Understood, Admiral. Noble out."

Serina, her tone measured, added, "Admiral, we're ready to jump. Full deployment will take us directly to the epicenter of the conflict. Ground forces are already in position, but without immediate reinforcements, they won't hold out for long."

Arnet stood, his figure firm and imposing in front of the crew. "This is not just another battle. This is a message. If the Covenant wants to fight, we will teach them what it means to stand up to the UNSC. We will not back down or let this planet fall."

The lights on the bridge dimmed slightly as the UNSC ships, led by the Infinity, lined up their engines for the jump. The space in front of them distorted, transforming into lines of light. Within seconds, the UNSC fleet disappeared into the slipstream of space, prepared to face the Covenant on Lothal, while the Republic remained irrelevant, trapped in its own labyrinth of incompetence and bureaucracy.

-x.X.x-

On the streets of Lothal's capital, chaos had become the new order. The planet's troops, along with rebel soldiers who had recently been enemies, desperately fought to hold back the Covenant's advance. Tanks and speeders roamed the shattered avenues as they attempted to hold defensive lines. In the sky, Covenant Phantoms and Banshees dominated the airspace, launching devastating attacks that threatened to destroy everything in their path.

At Government House, which had been converted into a makeshift base, Satine Kryze and Ryder Azadi coordinated the defense efforts. A holotable displayed in real time enemy movements and critical areas that were on the verge of collapse.

"Governor, we need to concentrate our forces in the southern sector. If they lose the shelters, evacuation will be impossible," Satine said, her tone firm as she pointed at the map.

Ryder Azadi nodded, his face tense. "I've already sent our best units there, but it's not enough. We've received reports that there are civilians trapped in that sector."

"So, we must get those civilians out before it's too late," Satine replied. "And UNSC assistance? Have they responded?"

An aide hastily interrupted. "Only one UNSC ship is present in the system, Duchess. It's orbiting, but they don't have enough force to intervene until the rest of the fleet arrives."

Satine's brow furrowed. "What are they waiting for? If they don't act soon, there will be nothing to save here."

The aide hesitated before answering. "They're trying to gather information and come up with a plan. According to them, any premature attack would be a waste of resources."

"Waste of resources? This isn't a numbers game! These are human lives," Ryder exclaimed, slamming the table in frustration.

Satine held up a hand, calming Ryder. "We need to buy time, Governor. Organize a counterattack in the southern sector. I will oversee the evacuation from the underground shelters."

"You can't risk it," Ryder replied, but Satine looked at him determinedly.

"It is my duty to be where I am most needed. Lothal will not fall because we hesitate."

On the streets, the fighting was fierce. Lothal tanks tried to slow the Covenant advance, but the enemy was relentless. Phantoms descended with elite troops, while Lothal soldiers fired from makeshift positions. A convoy of speeders tried to evacuate a group of civilians, but was intercepted by a patrol of Banshees that reduced the vehicles to scrap in seconds.

From the skies, the sole UNSC ship, a light frigate, watched helplessly. Its captain contacted Government House. "This is Captain Reynolds of the UNSC. We are ready to intervene as soon as possible, but we do not have the resources to deal with this force. The main fleet will arrive in a few hours."

Satine replied in a stern tone. "Captain Reynolds, every minute that passes means more lives lost. If you cannot attack directly, at least provide air support for our defensive lines."

"We will do what we can, Duchess, but do not expect miracles," the captain replied before cutting off the communication.

In the southern sector, the underground shelters were on the verge of collapse. Satine arrived at the scene just as an explosion shook the area, collapsing part of a nearby building. The troops were trying to contain the advance of the Brutes, who charged with their gravity hammers, crushing any resistance.

"Regroup! Defend the entrance to the shelters at all costs!" Satine ordered, as she helped a mother and her children into the shelter. Her determination inspired the soldiers, but the lines were beginning to falter.

Meanwhile, at Government House, Ryder coordinated a last-ditch effort to retake control. "We need UNSC air cover. Without air support, we can't hold this position."

From the sky, the roaring engines of F-41 Broadswords announced the arrival of the UNSC. The fighters descended rapidly, engaging the Banshees that dominated the air. They maneuvered with precision, shooting down several enemies with bursts of kinetic projectiles. A squadron of Longswords followed behind, conducting tactical bombing runs on Covenant reinforcements advancing toward the defensive lines.

"This is Broadsword-2, clearing the southern area. We need more cover to eliminate the remaining fighters," a pilot reported as he executed an evasive maneuver to avoid enemy fire.

Satine watched from the ground, directing soldiers and making sure civilians made it to shelter. Ryder Azadi, from Government House, coordinated reinforcements. "We don't have much time. If the Covenant breaks this line, the shelters will be exposed."

Meanwhile, at Government House, tension was rising. "Captain Reynolds," Ryder Azadi said over a communicator, "How long until the main UNSC fleet arrives?"

"We're doing everything we can to buy time, Governor," Reynolds replied. "The fleet will arrive in less than an hour, but in the meantime, you have to hold out."

On the ground, the F-41 Broadswords continued to fight to maintain air dominance, but the number of Banshees seemed endless. One of the Longswords was hit by a Phantom and went down in flames, exploding against a nearby building. The battle was fierce, and casualties were mounting rapidly.

Satine, taking cover behind a barricade, shouted to nearby soldiers. "We can't let them get to the shelters! Reorganize and hold the line."

A visibly exhausted Lothal soldier replied. "We're doing what we can, but we need more reinforcements!"

The bombing continued, and the soldiers on the ground fought with every ounce of strength they had left. Though the arrival of the UNSC fighters had provided a momentary respite, the situation remained critical.

Suddenly, the communicators began crackling with an incoming transmission, cutting through the deafening noise of battle. The voice of Carter, leader of Noble Team, rang out with clarity and determination.

"This is Carter-259, Noble Team. Duchess Kryze, we're on our way with reinforcements. Brace for impact; we've got some heavy toys."

On the horizon, the skies began to change. From the nearby hills, the unmistakable outlines of vulture droids emerged, fanning out in perfect synchronization. On the ground, a metallic roar announced the arrival of columns of Confederate armored vehicles, war vehicles that once bore the Separatists' markings but now responded to the commands of Serina and Noble Team.

"Attention all Lothal units! This is Noble-A259. Vehicles and air support on the way. Hold positions and prepare for a coordinated offensive," Carter added, while Kat, in the factory, manipulated the systems to deploy reinforcements.

Satine took the communicator, her voice firm but filled with relief. "Carter, your reinforcements couldn't have come at a better time. We're on the verge of collapse here."

The skies, littered with Covenant fighters, lit up even more as the Vulture droids entered the fray. In a calculated maneuver, they swarmed and struck with surgical precision, heading straight for the Banshees and Phantoms that dominated the airspace. Explosions filled the sky, and for the first time in hours, Lothal forces felt a slight advantage.

On the ground, the arrival of the Separatist vehicles transformed the battlefield. AAT armored vehicles advanced with their main cannons firing energy blasts that tore through Covenant formations. MT-T transports, now repurposed for tactical deployment, began releasing battle droids in waves, while UNSC supersoldiers coordinated the defensive lines.

"This is Carter! Vehicles moving forward in formation. Direct civilians to safe zones and keep your focus on holding back the Covenant lines. This is our time to strike back," he ordered authoritatively, leading a platoon from his transport.

Satine watched from an elevated position, alongside Ryder Azadi, who could barely contain his amazement. "This is… incredible," Azadi muttered, watching the Separatist vehicles tear through the enemy positions.

Satine, not taking her eyes off the battlefield, answered with determination. "This isn't just technology, Ryder. It's strategy, coordination, and the sacrifice of those who have decided to fight for something bigger than themselves."

At the front, Lothal soldiers began to regroup around the Separatist vehicles, using their cover to launch effective attacks against the Brutes and waves of Grunts that continued to press forward. The enemy lines began to fragment, but the Covenant would not give ground without a fight.

A Sangheili commander appeared in the thick of the battle, roaring orders and leading a charge that threatened to break through the defensive lines. Just as it seemed the Sangheili would gain ground, an AAT fired a direct salvo, taking out the commander and his escort with a devastating explosion.

"This is what we needed!" a Lothal trooper shouted, raising his blaster in momentary victory.

Meanwhile, overhead, the Vulture droids continued to dominate the airspace, allowing the UNSC Broadsword and Longsword fighters to begin their tactical bombing runs without interruption. The combination of forces was lethal, but the Covenant were not backing down, launching reinforcements from their remaining Phantoms.

"Carter, this is Kat," came over the communicator. "The lines are secured, but we are far from out of the woods. We need the main UNSC fleet to arrive soon. We won't be able to hold this much longer."

Carter replied as he fired from his position. "Understood, Kat. Do what you can from there. We'll clean up this mess until reinforcements arrive."

The battle continued, fierce and relentless, but for the first time in hours, Lothal and UNSC forces seemed to have a real chance of holding out and defending the city.

End of Chapter 36.