//------------------------------// // Chapter Eleven: Battle of the Crystals part 2 // Story: Operation:Equestrian Assault // by SPkon107 //------------------------------// Chapter Eleven: Battle of the Crystals part 2 Location: Crystal Empire, second line of defense Date: October 31, 2552 Time: 8:03 A.M Ever since the first line of defense has been lost by the Covenant the second line was able to hold back the enemy. Guards that have been protecting the perimeter have been called in to the second line to help hold the enemy. Only 15 Marines are left and only 432 of the guards in the second line Shining Armor has been his on his leg and he was taken to the Alamo. 107 is left to command the defenders. The Guards have gotten the idea of where to strike the enemy with their auto-crossbows. Their target is the face and the legs for most of them and for the biggest ones was still at the back. A guard was next to 107 and he asked him as he was firing at the enemy. “How much longer do we have to keep fighting?” “Until the Crystal heart is gone. After that we make our way to the Alamo.” Location: Crystal Empire, the Crystal Castle (The Alamo) Date: October 31, 2552 Time: 8:30 A.M Cadence and Luna were inside the castle hearing the gunfire of the soldiers outside. A pilot from one of the Pelicans was looking for the princesses but know nothing of the building he just looked in every room until he found them in the princess’s quarters with the heart. “Princesses we have to go. The Covenant has already taken out the first line of defense. 107 is on the second line trying to hold them back as much as he can. And Shining Armor is injured and I’ve been ordered to escort him and the two of you out of this hell hole.” Cadence was shocked when she heard that Shining was injured. “Injured? What do you mean Injured?” “He took a plasma round straight to the leg. We can save his leg but we need to get him to the base back in Canterlot.” “And what happens if you can’t save his leg?” “We have to cut it off and replace with a prosthetic leg.” The two princesses walked up to the pilot and they three ran out of the castle with the heart. Luna looked at the direction of the last line of defense. The pilot called her. “Princess Luna we have to leave now!” she turned back and she jumped on the Pelican. The co-pilot called 107. “Spartan-107 this is Pelican Vaporia we are calling you to notify you that we have the princesses and the captain.” “Perfect now get them out of here.” “Yes sir.” The pelican began to rise from the ground and then it flew away from the hot zone. Luna looked to the Crystal Empire all she could think of was the Spartan. Cadence was with Shining he was lying on a medical cot. She said to him. “Are you ok?” “Yes…I’ll be fine.” “How are the troops holding off?” “Before I was hit we manage to hold them of since yesterday. But I don’t know how long they can continue to fight.” “I just hope they are able to resist until reinforces can arrive to help.” “They will. With the Lieutenant on their side they can go on for a while.” Back at the defense line 107 was fighting off a group of Brute Minors with a gravity hammer from a dead Chieftain. A brute tackled 107 to the ground and he struck the Spartan twice across his helmet but the human grabbed his right arm and he broke it and he upper cut the alien. The Spartan jumped back on his feet when he saw another Brute charging at him. 107 moved to the side and he grabbed his left arm and he began pulling. As the Brute tried to break away from the grip of the human the Spartan felt the muscle of the Brute begging to tear. The alien fell to his knees when 107 ripped the arm off the alien and he began beating the alien with his own dismembered arm. A Phantom was over the Spartan as it began firing its heavy Plasma cannon at him. He evaded back as the last Scorpion tank fired at the enemy drop-ship. As troops were being deployed the Phantom exploded and the Lieutenant used his Armor Lock. The deployed troops were killed with the shards of alien alloy falling on their bodies. Location: Orion Orbital Defense Station Date: October 31, 2552 Time: 11:22 A.M The last few days the UNSC blockade has been fighting off the Covenant ships trying to enter the planet but so far only a Corvette was able to pass through them. The UNSC has have no Covenant engagements Captain Stronghold was in the control room when one of the crew members informed him about the battle taking place at the Crystal Empire. “Sir we have a situation in the region of the Crystal Empire.” “What is it?” “We have UNSC troops trying to keep the city away from the Covenant but their numbers are too little and they have heavy loses.” The Captain thought for a moment. “Private Cole how many ODSTs do we have?” “Exactly 678.” “Perfect who’s in command?” the soldier read the files based of the mission when he saw the name and what branch he was in he said. “S…sir it’s…Lieutenant Spartan-107.” “What?!” “He’s commanding the forces at the Crystal Empire.” “What’s the purpose of the mission?” “He was supposed to go into the empire with Princess Luna so she can retrieve the crystal heart, and to keep the empire away from Covenant control.” “Ok I want you to deploy 200 Helljumpers down to that sector we need that Spartan alive. If we lose him we can kiss this planet goodbye he’s our muscle for this mission. “Understood.” He moved to the intercom. “ODSTs in sectors A, B, D, and F prepare for drop in t minus thirty minutes.” Stronghold contacted the base in Canterlot. “Captain Strain this is Captain Stronghold of the Orion Orbital Defense Station.” “This is Captain Strain talk to me.” “Why haven’t you send reinforces to the Crystal Empire?” “We are aware of the battle that is taking place at the Empire but 60% of our troops have been to Manehatten.” “Why.” “The Covenant was constructing a Super Scarab and you know how hard it is to destroy those things. The battle has ended with a UNSC victory but we are afraid that UNSC forces will have a hard time getting to the Crystal Empire.” “How about the other 40%?” “We have them split. 20% is in Ponyville and the other 20 is her in Canterlot. I contacted other bases across Equestria but they have their troops scattered.” “Acknowledge. I’m sending in 200 of my Helljumpers to help the Lieutenant we can’t lose another Spartan we’ve lost too many.” “I understand. After the battle is won I will send troops to occupy the area.” “No need. Diamondhead Defense Station will send down a Frigate to deploy troops. You keep your soldiers in your area. We don’t want them to be scattered thin.” “Understood.” “Captain over and out.” After the transmission he turned to Cole. “Private Cole are our shock troopers ready?” “Early an ready to be dropped.” “They’re early. Tell them that they are being dropped now. And contact Diamondhead Station. ” “What do you want me to tell them sir?” “Tell them to send the Frigate forty minutes after we deploy our ODSTs. We need to end this battle yesterday.” “On it.” Location: Crystal Empire, Crystal Castle (The Alamo) Date: October 31, 2552 Time: 12:00 A.M After the Crystal Heart has been taken out of the empire 107 ordered the troops the retreat. Most of the troops were outside while a few entered inside to give support from above. 7 Marines are left and only 115 of the guards were left standing. 107 was not going to give up he was not giving an order to retreat so this is the soldiers last stand. The Guards have never seen so much war in their lives most of them were shocked that the humans have been fighting these monsters for 27 years. 107 noticed one of the guards under a cover rocking his body back and forth he was traumatized. Marines that have been traumatized have been trough therapy the same with ODSTs, but Spartan just learn to live with it most of them get over it and then continue to live their lives. As the Lieutenant was firing a Plasma Rifle he had grabbed from a dead Brute he received a call from Captain Stronghold. “Spartan-107 this is Captain Stronghold do you copy.” “Spartan here.” “What’s your status?” “Sir the Covies have pushed us back to the Alamo.” “You’re referring to the castle?” “Yes.” “Continue.” “We have heavy loses if our numbers continue to drop then I will order the soldiers to evacuate the city and I’ll try to hold them off as much as I can.” “There’s no need for that.” “What do you mean?” “Look in the sky.” 107 looked in the sky he noticed fire ball falling to their position. “Sir?” “We have deployed ODSTs to your area. We can’t afford to lose you. Now finish the fight Spartan.” “Yes sir. Spartan out.” The pods landed behind them. The ordered a guard. “You what’s your rank?” “Sergeant.” “Ok Sergeant I want you hold this position as long as you can I’ll be back.” “Yes sir.” 107 sprinted to the drop zone as fast as he could. Even without the sprint armor ability he was fast. Of course he could never be as fast as Kelly but his speed has been helpful during the war. He approached the Helljumpers one of them walked towards the Spartan and he saluted. “Staff-Sergeant Cortez. What’s the situation sir?” “We Covenant troops trying to take the land. We have to push them out of the empire if we want it in our control.” “Ok.” “We have to get back to the Alamo my numbers are near to zero.” 107 turned to the direction of the battle and he sprinted back the Helljumer shouted to the rest. “You heard him let’s move!” the ODSTs followed the Spartan. As he approached the line he saw three Brutes shooting at one Marine possibly the last Marine. 107 ran on a crystal bridge that was destroyed halfway. He jumped off the broken bridge he was directly under the enemy and he fired at the enemy. He killed two Brutes when his Plasma Rifle was empty the last ape he killed with his Energy Sword. The guards were still fighting but their ammo was nearly out. One guard dropped his crossbow to the ground and he took cover. The guard next to him took cover. “You’re out?” “Yeah. You?” “Last one.” “This is useless were going to be killed out here.” “I know if we stay w…” he stopped as the Spartan walked out of a cloud a dust followed by the ODSTs. The troopers ran to the crystal barricades and they began to fire at the Covenant. The Marine that 107 saved was holding onto an ODST and he said to the behemoth human. “Here sir…take my rifle. I won’t be using it right now.” “What’s wrong with your leg?” “I think one of those damn apes broke my leg.” “Ok soldier I want you to report to the infirmary.” “Yes sir.” The Helljumper escorted the Marine to the infirmary and he shouted at the ODSTs. “Ok let’s kick some Covenant ass.” Location: UNSC Base, Outskirts of Canterlot Date: October 31, 2552 Time: 12:05 A.M The Pelican that Luna was on when it left the empire had just arrived at the UNSC base at Canterlot as it was landing she noticed that the number of troops were lower than when she left to the empire. She stopped a Marine that was walking by and she asked him. “Soldier where are the rest thy allies?” “Huh.” Cadence walked to them and she said. “Auntie Luna they speak modern English I’ll ask him.” She turned to the Marine. “What my aunt is asking is where’s the rest of the soldiers are?” “Oh I’m sorry…um they have been sent to Manehatten.” “Why.” “Well we have found out that the Covies are constructing a Super-Scarab and they are a bitch to take down so we decided to attack before they complete building it.” “I see.” The Marine turned to Luna and he said to her. “If you are looking for Celestia she’s in the castle.” “Thank you soldier. We will meet with our sister at once.” She turned to Cadence. As Shining Armor was being taken to the infirmary Luna said to her. “Go with your husband he’s going to need you by his side.” “Ok.” “Go we have to meet with our sister.” The tow alicorns took their separate ways. Luna flew up to her castle and she found her sister in the throne room looking over a map. “Hello Tia.” The white alicorn turn. “Luna!” she ran and she hugged her little sister.” she broke the hug. “Wh…where’s the Spartan?” Luna’s looked down as her ears dropped. “H…he stayed behind…he ordered the pilot to escort us out of the Crystal Empire before he was pushed back to the castle. After that I haven’t heard from him.” “I’m sure he’s ok little sister. We’ve both seen what he can do.” “I hope he’s ok.” “I’m sure of it.” Location: Crystal Empire, Crystal Castle (The Alamo) Date: October 31, 2552 Time: 12:40 A.M After the deployment of the ODSTs the Covenant was pushed back to the first line of defense and the guards and ODSTs were at what remained of the second line of defense. 107 shouted. “Come on we have them now we have th…” he was cut off by the sight of the four Scarabs approached them. The last tank has been destroyed and the rest of the hogs have been destroyed besides the Gauss hog. The Covenant troops have retreated towards the Scarabs as the UNSC troops, Guards, and Spartan stood where they were. Dan looked sideways as the soldiers looked at him. One guard said. “Sir what are your orders.” “W… no I want you all to fall back I’ll try to hold them off as much as I can. I want to make you way back to Canterlot. If we lose that city then the war is over.” “Wh…what.” “You heard me.” “We are not leaving you.” “I’m not giving you a choice.” “Sorry but we are not leaving.” An ODST next to him said. “Same here Spartan.” Dan just looked at them. “Very well.” As the Scarabs drew closer they readied their weapon. As the first Scarab was at the first line position missiles hit the Scarab and it blew to pieces. The troops looked up and they saw a Frigate in the sky. “This is Captain Nero of the UNCS Frigate Lighting Rod. Spartan do you copy.” “Spartan here. Perfect timing you made.” “Good to you Spartan. Just let us take these bastards out for you just stand by. The Remaining guards and the ODSTs will be taken to Canterlot as soon as we are done here.” “Give them hell sir.” Time: 4:20 P.M The Crystal Empire has been saved and out of Covenant after the battle the bodies of the Covies were burned and the bodies of the Marines and Guards have been buried. After that the ODSTs and the remainder of the Crystal Guards boarded Pelicans as the Frigate was deploying troops. The Pelicans were escorting the troops to Canterlot. As they left the empire the only thing the troops could see was the ruins. Location: UNSC Base, Outskirts of Canterlot Date: October 31, 2552 Time: 4:40 A.M Luna and Celestia were outside waiting for Cadence few of the marines were with the princesses as their body guards. She walked out of the infirmary her aunts walked up to her. Celestia said. “Hello Cadence how’s your husband.” “Thanks to the UNSC. Their medicine is far too advance than ours.” “Thank goodness that he’s ok.” “Yes. And thanks to Dan we saved the Crystal heart.” Luna was still feeling down that she had to leave the Spartan behind. Celestia drew her wing over her sister. “I’m sure that he’s fine.” Twilight and Rarity walked out of the base. Twilight said to Luna. “Princess you might want to look at the east.” “Why Twilight Sparkle.” “Just look.” They all looked at the east but nothing. Luna said to the young mare. “What are we supposed to be looking at?” “Just keep looking.” After a minute of looking they noticed some spots with in the distances. As it drew closer a Marine noticed their shape and he shouted. “Pelicans incoming.” Luna said to the Marine. “What does thy mean?” “I think they won.” “Won?” the Pelicans landed in the base as ODSTs and Crystal Guards walked out of the drop-ships and cheers were shouted around the base. Luna looked over the humans and she saw him covered in alien blood Lieutenant Spartan-107. “Danny!” she ran towards him 107 didn’t noticed her until he looked at his HUD and he turned. She hugged him so he just returned the hug. “Hey Luna.” “We’re glad that thou is alright.” “Come on. I’m a Spartan I’ll be ok.” A tear fell from the alicorn’s cheek. “Ok.” “Looks like I have to take my armor off.” “Why.” “Heavy plasma damage it need to be repaired so i will be armor-less for 24 hours until I can wear it again.” “Hope we see you without your armor soon.” “You will.” 107 walked to the technicians room and he was followed by Luna.