1200 hours, September 14th, 2671 (Military Calendar)\
Aboard ITS Point of No Return, Hidden Section Three Headquarters. Location Unknown
The ITS
Point of No Return was a revered ship in the Imperium, as it was the headquarters of the Office of Naval Intelligences ultra-secret cell that only high-ranking political and military people knew of, the cell that had birthed the Spartans and essentially won the war for the UNSC. The group that made the production of Covenant and Forerunner technology possible by human hands.
That cell was Section Three.
With legends such as Colonel Ackerson and Doctor Catherine Halsey, the current leader of ONI, Doctor Anne Trent had a legacy to live up to....and the duty that all three of them shared: The duty of safeguarding humanity.
Fortunately, there was no large threat to humanity this day. Only a small problem that affected the Imperium. Why would it merit such a highly secret meeting then, many would ask. Well, the key problem was it could mushroom into something big, possibly another war, something even the Admiralty, renowned for its aggressiveness, agreed it did not want at the time. The problem this time was one that humanity had struggled with ever since it's inception.....
Religion.
Her eyes shifted down to the holopad which she gently brushed a hand over the refresh control, which sent the stream of data into her glasses, the report sent by CENTCOM on Krylax III flashing into her eyes:
Imperial Central Command, Priority 456-B4
Encryption Code: Blue
Public Key: Hephaestus
From: CENTCOM Facility CC-324
To: Unknown
Subject: Rising concerns on Katari Missionaries
Classification: Black
/file-extraction-reconstitution complete/
/start file/
I will be frank. First of all, I am Lord Governor Paul Simmons, current taskmaster for Krylax III. Ladies and gentleman, we have a problem that threatens to become critical. The Katari Missionaries are here and causing all kinds of havoc, though they have been the nicest damn beings I have ever known.
Well...I better go back. As you well know, as of January 2nd, 2671, the Imperium was met by a nation known as the Katarian Empire, a rather large empire, equal in size to ourselves, and just as powerful, if not more. They were quite peaceful and seemed interested in opening negotiations with us, which we gladly approved of and started. Those negotiations are continuing to this date and the Emperor has decreed that keeping the goodwill of the Katarians is of the utmost importance. So that is why we allowed their missionaries into the Imperium. They were very adamant on allowing their people to come and spread their religion, their “Way of Zarkesh�. Why not, after all? We do have a law allowing freedom of religion, why stop them you may ask.
Well, the problem is the public. This religion the Katari have been preaching runs against every major religion currently in the Imperium today. To briefly summarize the Katari beliefs, they basically say that we are gods ourselves and that whatever we do, good or evil, goes into a “pot�, for lack of a better term, of good and evil. And if we do too much for either side, we will cause the universe to destroy itself in order to fix the error. You can imagine how this would offend Christianity, Islam, Judaism, et cetera. They are asking people to do evil actions to keep the universe in line. To make sure you get the idea, I was given a report detailing one such conversation between a liberal Christian and these Katari priests. It damn near ended in violence, and you want to know why?
The damned alien was suggesting that since the man had been nice all year, to his family and kids, and his neighbors, that he rape his daughter, and kill off a few neighbors, to “atone� for his “abuse� of good deeds.
As you can see, keeping order here has been extremely difficult. I can hardly tell the citizenry to calm down and try to not take their comments to heart when I, the Lord Governor, take offense at their claims. They even dared to suggest I start to enact legislation to force people to do both good and evil, even when they didn't want to, so to “save the universe�
I am at my wits end here. We have had several increases in tension and riots are bound to happen soon. If we allow the public to get at the aliens....we may have to deal with a war with the Katari on our hands. I can only think of two options: Expel all Katari from Imperium space and/or bring them to a facility or planet that they will be safe at, while we negotiate our asses of to counter for the bad effect this is to have.
-or-
We do our best to hold down the situation and send a report to the Katari embassy on Earth, so they can see the problem and hope they can call them off or tone them down. At this rate, our public analysts have predicted that within this week, tensions will explode and we will have full-scale riots and these aliens will be lynched and killed in horrible ways. Reports of conversations in the city are grim, to say the least.
Only one good thing has come from this: I have never seen all the religious factions so united before, and all their whining about the rules being an offense against God have vanished completely.
Makes me almost consider letting them rip into the aliens so I can have a quiet day at the office.
This is the situation, folks, and my resources are not enough to handle it. Whatever the brightest minds in the Imperium can conjure up, do it and implement it, ASAP.
Lord Governor Simmons, signing off.
/end file/
/scramble-destruction process initiated/
Press ENTER to continue.
Sighing, she took off her glasses and set down the holopad, rubbing her eyes. “Well, what do you have to say about this?� The table had several key figures in the Imperium of Terra.
General Jake Morris, the man who controlled all the movements, supply and execution of any operations concerning the Imperial armed forces. He was also one of two people to report directly to the Emperor.
�At least on record.� Trent smiled mentally as she noted that. She reported to the Emperor as well but it was hidden and all files were erased after every meeting. She didn't exist at all in any Imperial records, the perfect ghost. She led ONI with all the resources at her disposal, which was a lot. To put it into perspective, she was the third most powerful person in the Imperium. The first was the Emperor, the second was Fleet Admiral Edward Carlyle.
The oldest of all five Fleet Admirals, he had experienced the Covenant-Human War as a mere Ensign and fought in the Human Civil War that came after as a navy Commander. He was the unofficial, de-facto second-in-command to the Emperor. Everyone accepted this, as they were told long ago by the Emperor that if they didn't, he would be glad to see that they didn't bother anyone anymore.
Any dissent was quieted instantly.
A powerful and wise man, he protected the Imperium with all of his wit and skill, commanding the EDF, or the Earth Defense Fleet. He also was the commander of one of four Supercarriers in existence, the
Fist of Terra. Carlyle presided over all Naval operations and if any major operation was to be made, it required his approval.
Rear Admiral Melissa Karaih is the woman just under Carlyle. Carlyle orders it to be done, she gets it done. Fiery and temperamental, she is perfect for her job, which is to oversee the defense of the entire Imperium and direct the financing and resources of ONI into the various projects.
Together, they were able to control the Imperium and ensure mankind was safe. Now, they had a weighty problem on their hands. They had to solve what would be known as the Katarian Crisis.
Morris shifted and leaned forward, glancing over the report again. “Well, it has to be said that we must tread absolutely carefully here. The Emperor does not need to be embarrassed by a report of a horrific slaughter of the Katarian ambassadors people in our nation.�
A grunt came from Karaih. “But, we can't keep these people in our nation. Even the most atheist people in the public will pick up the torch and pitchfork to spike the heads of these people for their beliefs. I mean, for the love of God, to suggest to a man that he
rape his daughter and
kill his neighbors to correct some fucking
universal imbalance? They have to be fucking insane!�
“Now, now, Melissa, many people in our history had beliefs that were considered insane yet they helped to make this nation what it is today.� They all turned to see Carlyle light up a cigar and blow out a wave of smoke.
“But, Edward, you can't surely-�
“I don't, Melissa. However, we have to look at the large picture. As much as I am sure many of the weapons researchers and the more gung-ho members of FLEETCOM would love to take a crack at the Katarians, we don't need to fight another war over such a little problem. Yes, their beliefs are messing with the public and run against every moral I have,
but, I can't allow a war to start over a religious dispute. We have had enough religious wars in the history of Earth, thank you.�
Jake took off his hat and ran a hand through his hair, before putting it back on. “Then, what do you suggest, Edward? We have two choices, isolation of the missionaries or holding action against the public. Which one will it be?� The Fleet Admiral was quiet, taking a drag and blowing it out his nostrils. After a long, tense moment, he turned to Anne.
“Doctor Trent, I do believe you have a solution to his problem?�
Anne put on her glasses and leaned forward, tapping a key. This activated the hologram projector in the table and information appeared as it started up. Jake and Melissa jerked out of their seats when they saw what it displayed, gasping in surprise, while Edward grunted in appreciation.
“Brilliant, as always, Anne.�
“Thanks, Edward, I try.� Her smile was faked, as what she had planned was much different than they saw. They saw a covert strike force of Section Three spies that would infiltrate the riots and find ways to cut off their support and, working with local police, they would calm the strikes, at least until they could get Katarian aid in stopping their missionaries.
What she had in mind was much worse but it had to be done.
�What I do for mankind.....�
------------------------------------------
Krylax III, Capital City Sharva
In the meeting square of the city, right in front of the Katarian embassy, a large crowd of angry protesters was set up, chanting slogans and holding up signs such as “Death to the spread of Evil� and “Get these aliens away from my children!� A line of riot police, armed with shields and guns with stun rounds, stood in between them and the embassy.
“WHAT DO WE WANT!?� A single man wearing a dark red shirt said “I am happy to be Ant-Katarian� on it and was shouting into a megaphone. The crowd roared in reply.
“NO KATARIANS!�
“WHEN DO WE WANT IT?!�
“NOW!?� The crowd, already rowdy, was beginning to wind itself up, and shouts and screams, as well as insults, were thrown at the police. Beer cans and rocks began to make their way through the air and the police shifted, lifting shields to deflect the items. It was obvious the situation was going to deteriorate soon.
Elsewhere in the city, a group of hidden individuals met. Five people sat at a table, appearing by holograms only, their faces hidden and voices distorted.
The first one, wearing a dark blue business coat spoke.
Greetings gentlemen. I see we have Operation: TANTHUS underway.�
Another man, wearing the clothes of a Christian priest spoke. “Yes. The citizens of Krylax have arisen against the Katarian evil and will not stop until it has been exterminated. This “Way of Zarkesh� will be utterly and completely consumed by the might of God!�
The cries of the two other men were heard, one Muslim and the other a Jew. A fifth and final voice spoke up.
“Now, don't get so cocky, my friends. We still have the local police and military forces to worry about. They will be called in when we start massacring those damn xeno's.� The first man who spoke, obviously the leader, chuckled.
“Ah, Lieutenant Michael Harris of the Krlaxian 341st, greetings. Glad you could join us.� The hologram of Harris shifted and it revealed a tanned face, with black hair and green eyes, set in a hard line.
“Indeed. Let's keep this quick and short, time is of the essence. Are all the distractions ready?�
The priest nodded. “The riot at the military bases, as well as several key facilities is being started as we speak.�
“Good. How about the main riot outside the embassy?
The Muslim coughed. “It is well under-way. All we need is to overwhelm the riot police. Fortunately, I have some of my brothers who, thanks to your shipment of arms, are well-equipped to take out the guards, as well as distribute the remaining weaponry amongst the mob.�
The leader spoke again. “Can you keep your end of the deal, Harris? Can you keep the military off our backs?� The Lieutenant smirked.
“I am in command of the city's local resources, as long as you give me those other riots, I can deal with the military.� They all smiled.
“Very well, meeting adjourned.� One by one, the holograms blinked out, leaving Harris by himself. He stood there, looking at something very hard before vanishing as well.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back at the square, the crowd was getting downright vicious. They began to clash with the line of riot policemen. They hammered at the shields with their fists, bottles and anything they could get their hands on. The police retaliated with shock sticks, and smoke grenades, trying to disperse the crowd. It was met with limited success and an even angrier crowd. Sergeant Lister looked at the situation. It was grim, at this rate, open violence was going to erupt and they would have to resort to firing stun rounds. Shaking his head, he began to call the police station for orders when a short cough sounded and he tensed. His eyes widened and then rolled up into his head, as he fell to the ground, blood seeping from a wound in the back of his head. Harris stepped out of the shadows, gripping a silenced M6C pistol. Reaching down at his belt, he pulled up a walkie-talkie and said three words.
“Begin Phase One.�
Operation: TANTHUS began with a bang. Local police were overwhelmed in several nearby cities, as massive riots appeared out of nowhere, and began to rip apart their respective cities. They hit the police station first, leaving several police killed and the stations in ruins. Fires raged all over, and local resources and agencies, collapsed and overwhelmed, with many of it's members rioting alongside the growing army. Even the military base was under siege, forcing many of the soldiers to hole up their and keep the rioters out with threat of massive force. The few remaining patrols were rerouted by Harris to go deal with hotspots, which ended up keeping them busy for several hours, cutting off any help for Sharva. This operation would be studied later on and all historians would have to agree that its precision and timing was coordinated perfectly, to the point that it resembled the Imperial military. Within an hour, the plan had moved into it's second and final phase.
The riot police, struggling with the crowd of rioters, were on the verge of routing. They had been forced to make a shield wall just around the entrance, as that was the farthest they could go without the wall breaking. Which it was about to; the weight of the mass of bodies was proving too much, and it began to crumble. PFC Clarkson was gritting his teeth. He had tried to radio Sergeant Lister, but he couldn't raise him. So, he had taken command. The man knew using stun bullets would enrage the crowd and bring the media against them but he had no choice. The riot was in full-swing, the city was burning and the radio coughed desperate reports of overrun police, as well as a few death screams.
�It's like a fucking war! Screw it, they want to play hardball, we can do the same!� Raising an arm, he began to shout.
“Men! Take off the safeties and take aim. Be careful to aim away from vital areas. Shoot to hurt and force them back!� They did as he said and aimed over their shields. Clarkson was readying them to fire.
“3!� The crowd roared, charging against their shields one more time. The assault was vicious and it began to cave. But it still held.
“2!� The soldiers tensed, readying themselves.
“1!� Both sides prepared for the violence that was to come.
“Fir-� Something came sailing over the shield wall and, bouncing off the wall, landed at Clarkson's feet. Gazing at it, his eyes widened. Before he could yell a warning, an explosion ripped through the shield wall, as the grenade exploded and sent its shrapnel payload slicing into the riot police, their shields ironically protecting the rioters from the blast. Half of the line was killed instantly, with half of the remainder was severely injured. Those who managed to stand were stampeded over by the crowd. Two Muslim extremists came from behind a pillar, one of them holding the pin of the grenade. Tossing it aside, they whistled and showed off a crate of weapons. The riot roared and within seconds, the crate was empty and embassy was full of screams and bullets, as the killing began. The riot rampaged throughout the building, seeking the Katarian aliens, who by now had been sent to the basement and protected by a Marine fire team.
Harris walked into the shattered embassy lobby and walked to a door that stood to the right of the counter, which was covered with bullet holes. Opening the door, he saw a familiar sight. Four men, a Muslim, a Jew, a Christian and a business man. The leader, the businessman, stood up and waved at him. “Come on in, Harris. You have done a fine job today. We just need to meet here to preside over our victory and move onto the next stage.� Everyone but the leader was shocked, even Harris. Taking a seat, he gazed at him.
“Next stage? This was just to kill the Katarians and send a message that we don't like them and want them out.� The businessman chuckled.
“Indeed. However, I have reassessed the situation and found a favorable option. The government is in disarray, the Lord Governor is currently blockaded in his home by rioters, and local government is quickly collapsing around him. The Emperor on Terra is
very far away, and I do believe the people of Krylax III know enough to rule themselves. I say, we push this rioting a little bit further to-�
“-to a rebellion, right?!� The Muslim man stood, his angry gazed locked onto the leader. “I came here to finalize the destruction of the Katarian infidels, not secede from the Imperium! Are you mad?! You'll kill us all with that plan. I refuse to go along with this!� The priest stood up.
“I should have expected this. When good is about to triumph, the Devil rears his ugly head and tries to destroy all we have gained. I, too, will not support this.� The third man stood and stated his intention as well. The leader smirked.
“As you wish.� Snapping his fingers, three shots rang out and the three man fell to the ground, killed by a single head shot. A man stepped out from a pillar. “Ah yes, Private Stevens. Both you and Harris here have done well to aid my cause. I will ensure you get your proper place in my new nat-HURK!� Stevens had walked over and slit his throat with his knife, interrupting his gloating and forever putting his plans out of reach. Harris stood up and walked next to him, watching the man's death throes. Stevens sighed.
“Man, ONI doesn't pay enough these days...�
“Tell me about it, Stevens. This entire plan could have gone to shit real quick.� Harris stretched. “Well, time to activate the beacon, and let HIGHCOM send in the cavalry to clean up this mess and all that.� He began to walk away when he felt a sharp pain in his back and suddenly found himself staring at the floor. Blinking, he turned and found himself staring at the stream of blood coming from a hole in his stomach. Blinking, he looked up to see Stevens shaking his head.
“I was afraid you'd say that. You don't understand, Harris. The aliens don't belong in the Imperium. The Imperium is for humans only; didn't the Covenant War teach you anything? We can't trust xenos, they will only betray us in the end.� Harris shook his head violently, as he began to tremble as he went into shock.
“N-No....you're o-o-one of them...� The soldier smirked.
“The Hand of Mankind? The group that devotes itself to cleansing any xeno thread to the Imperium? Yes, I am, and that is why you must die, Harris. Today, we start the first of many battles to come, to destroy the alien filth of the galaxy and claim it for humanity.� He aimed his pistol at the downed operative. “I am sorry, Harris. I am your friend and I did enjoy the times we had together...but, duty calls you know.�
Harris closed his eyes and a single shot rang out.
-------------------------------------------------
Doctor Trent blinked as an incoming message arrived. Carlyle glanced at her. “Got something, Anne? It's been a week now, something has got to have gone down by now.� She waved him off and accessed the report. Her eyes shot open and her hands shook.
�Oh no...� The council glanced sharply at her, and Carlyle's lips set into a thin line. Something had gone wrong, terribly wrong. Anne never shook like that. Rerouting the signal, Carlyle called up the message:
Imperial Central Command, Priority 2784901-A0
Encryption Code: Black
Public Key: Hades
From: CENTCOM Facility CC-324
To: Unknown
Subject: Re: Rising concerns on Katari Missionaries
Classification: White
/file-extraction-reconstitution complete/
/start file/
Report from: A.I. 2786-M , CODENAME: “Miranda�
REPORT ON CRITICAL SITUATION ON KRYLAX III.
RIOTS STARTED AT 1250 HOURS. FIVE SITES HIT BY MASSIVE MOBS.
LOCAL AGENCIES STATUS: FAILED.
LOCAL POLICE FORCE STATUS: SCATTERED
LOCAL MILITARY STATUS: SURROUNDED
LORD GOVERNER STATUS: KILLED
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN DISARRAY.
KATARIAN PACKAGE STATUS: DESTROYED.
EVIDENCE OF PLOT BY FRINGE GROUP “HAND OF MANKIND� FOUND.
OUTBOUND MESSAGE DETECTED FROM KATARIAN MISSIONARIES AT 1255 HOURS. CUT OFF SHORTLY AFTER.
DESTINATION: EARTH.
BODY OF SECTION THREE OPERATIVE 04567832-H, CODENAME “Harris� FOUND.
MISSION LOGS OBTAINED AND ATTACHED TO THIS MESSAGE.
ORDERS?
/end file/
/Attachment: “Mission Logs.txt�/
The entire council was stunned. Krylax was now a mess, with a rampaging population and a dead Lord Governor. To compound things, the Katarians were dead and a message was sent to their staff at Earth on what had happened before dying. Their faces grew stretched and grim. Carlyle opened the attachment on his personal holopad and read it, his eyes hardening. Once he finished, he turned to Anne. “You do realize the gamble you took has backfired and we know face a crisis?� Trent could only nod, as she slumped back into the seat, tears running down her face. Carlyle sighed and put his face in his hands.
“God help us all.....�