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	The sound of hastened footsteps echoed through the dimly lit halls of the command deck of the UNSC’s new heavily modified Phoenix-Class Support vessel, the Celestian. A female figure wearing the typical black and grey uniform of an ONI officer gracefully dodged her way past staff and other shipmates, while very carefully carrying a small, square shaped data-pad under her left arm. This woman, who would normally stand out anywhere else outside of the ship, quickly found the Captain who spent most of his time at the Bridge of the Celestian. [color=ed1c24]“Captain Colistis.”[/color] The woman’s powerful voice pierced through the sound of random chatter and the ambient noises of numerous electronic devices upon the bridge. [color=ed1c24]“I have a message, for your eyes only.”[/color]
 
	Taking a few short steps forward, she outstretched her arm and offered the data pad to Captain Colistis. The Captain carefully took the data-pad from the ONI Officer with his right hand and then used his left hand to swipe across the devices surface. It would quickly power on once his identity had been verified. Upon its screen would appear a high priority message from high ranking ONI Member Jen Pierce. Apparently, she had classified information for his eyes only, and was requesting his assistance with a very sensitive assignment that would be discussed more in his personal quarters.

	With an almost inaudible hiss of pressure being released from somewhere inside of the doors mechanisms, the door to Captain Colistis’s private quarters shut closed behind him after he had stepped inside, locking itself securely. The interior of the Captains quarters was not only much larger than other ships, but had been custom outfitted with whatever Colistis desired. One of the many perks of being the first Captain upon the Celestian. After taking a moment to ensure that he looked as professional as possible, he connected into the private video chat that the high ranking ONI member had set up for their very confidential communications. The image of a female wearing what appeared to be the same uniform as the ONI officer who had informed him of this conversation, appeared on a massive screen that covered most of the wall that made up the very rear of the room.
 	
	[color=ed1c24]“Good evening Captain Nickolas Colistis. I hear you were put in charge of the newest Phoenix Class Cruiser that has come out of Oria armory. How are you adjusting to the Celestian?”[/color] This woman spoke in an emotionless tone, hiding her true intentions, and if she even cared about what he thought of the new ship. Something always felt off about talking to ONI Personnel, but they had helped create the magnificent ship he was now fully in charge of. He knew better though, if ONI wanted their expensive toy back, he would be moved elsewhere.
 
	[color=00aeef]“I was given a full tour of the ship and will admit that it is a beauty and technological marvel across all aspects. I am honored to have the chance to command her and her crew. The ships AI has been extremely helpful as well. It can run most of the ships functions by itself and even be in multiple places at once. I was unaware that a ships AI could be tied to someone’s suit while also assisting with a ships day to day functions.”[/color] In truth, Captain Colistis had heard about this technology but had never seen it firsthand. He was sure that Dr. Catherine Halsey was largely to thank for this innovation.

	[color=ed1c24]“I’m glad to hear it Captain Nickolas Colistis, the UNSC and ONI as a whole have put a lot of trust into you and the crew of that ship. Speaking of which, we should start discussing why I wanted to talk to you in the first place.”[/color] Jen Pierce appeared to lean back in the chair she was sitting in, her figure vanishing for a moment then reappearing on the screen. Wherever she was, the room she was sitting in had very little light in it. [color=ed1c24]“Let me start by asking, do you know of the Erathellian system?”[/color]

	[color=00aeef]“Yes Ma’am, it is what some would call a newly colonized system near the outskirts of the Milky Way. The system is known for a number of important things, such as a UNSC high-orbital Star-Ship facility, UNSC training grounds, the human colonization movement, and the large ONI facility upon the main world Solares. I hear it has become quite a popular location to live at. I am sure you already know I grew up upon Solares, that I learned all I know about the UNSC from within their academies, and that I learned how to become the star-ship captain I am today, from this system.”[/color] Captain Colistis let his mind wonder, thinking back to those times that seemed almost a life time ago.

	[color=ed1c24]“I am indeed aware of these things and more. You have quite the impressive track record as well. What I am mostly surprised about is the fact that you turned down the chance to become a Spartan. You took part in the battle upon Earth when New Mombasa was attacked, fought the covenant upon their own ships and held your own against overwhelming odds more than once across multiple planets. We honestly thought that you would welcome the chance, but as we can both see, you went another way and have proven to be even more than what we once thought.”[/color] Jen paused for a moment, crossing her arms over her chest, then spoke once more.

	[color=ed1c24]“I trust in your abilities completely and so do many of the others. Due to this fact, we have decided to inform you of the fact that your home system is under-attack by what appears to be a splinter group of the covenant. We have very little information into what happened and what is currently going on. As to why I contacted you, I am sure you are now aware of. We want you and the Celestian to head to the Erathellian Solar System and report back any findings from the surface of Solares. With this information, we will form a forward plan of attack and act upon it the way we see fit.”[/color]

	[color=00aeef]“Why would a splinter group from the covenant attack that system? Do they even have the resources to make an invasion? What would they possibly want to accomplish by attacking us?”[/color] asked the Captain, it was clear he was trying to find a logical reason for what was happening but could not find one as of the moment. [color=00aeef]“I accept the assignment and will brief the crew as soon as we are finished here. I know a group of Spartans who are perfect for this assignment.”[/color]

	[color=ed1c24]“I have more information that I will clear for you at a later date, for now though, carry out your orders. I will be in contact with you soon enough. Remember, this is a very delicate assignment, and not only I but many others are trusting in you and your crew to get it done.”[/color] With those final words, the transmission was cut and the screen now showed the UNSC and ONI logo.
 
	For a short moment, Captain Colistis was alone with his thoughts as he planned his next move. He swiftly came to a conclusion and made his way to the bridge of the ship, picking up the small microphone that would allow him to speak to all those aboard his ship at once. [color=00aeef]“Crew of the Celestian, I have just received word that the Erathellian Solar System is currently under attack by an unknown splinter group of the covenant. I will not lie to you, the casualties are high and all messages coming from the planet have ceased. I do not know what we will find when we arrive but together, we will put an end to these hostiles and secure the system once more, enabling the future for our loved ones and our species.”[/color] There was a pause while the Captain placed the microphone back on its dock. Walking over to the command table in the middle of the room, a holographic image of the system they were heading to now appeared.

	[color=00aeef]“Captain, our path to the Erathellian Solar System has been plotted. I will commence Slip-Space travel in thirty seconds.”[/color] The ships advanced AI known as Alyn, had appeared in full form next to Captain Colistis. This AI had the appearance of a female Spartan in Mjolnir Mark VII Powered Assault Armor without a helmet and stood at roughly the normal height of one as well. The holographic image was so life like that many had mistaken her for an actual human. She had managed to cause slight panic as well to new crew members upon the ship when she would simply vanish from existence. 

	Carefully, she placed her right hand upon the Captains left shoulder, a look of concern spread across her face. [color=00aeef]“Captain Colistis, are you alright? I know this is your home system and I understand how difficult this must be for you. Please know that I am always here if you need someone to talk to.”[/color] There would be no reply.