Engagement

"Dispatch the Fifth, Thirtieth, and Thirty-first Fleets to Bountiful Star for immediate support."

"Understood."

After issuing the order, William asked again, "Can we contact Bountiful Star now?"

Serena shook her head slightly. "No. Communications through every available means have failed."

"Damn it..." William cursed under his breath.

Then he rose from his office chair, opened the door, and went to the living room, raising his voice as he said:

"Everyone, the dinner we had planned for today is canceled. We have a war to fight."

?!

The people who had been chatting and laughing in the living room all froze when they heard William's words.

"Kid, war? Who are we fighting?" Andre was the first to speak.

"An alien alliance with the technology, capabilities, and population to build vast numbers of warships—far surpassing humanity in every regard," William said heavily.

Now.

Time: September 21, 10:59.

Location: 0.5 ETM from the surface of Bountiful Star.

The only Paris-class Frigate belonging to Bountiful Star, The Observer, was stationed here, preparing to intercept the Covenant warships speeding toward Bountiful Star at full speed.

Inside the hangar.

Ground crews were using Engineering Power Armor, forklifts, and transport vehicles to load ammunition into the Viking Fighters, F-X Kais, and Assault MS.

One of the frigate's only two Assault MS was also having an aerial-combat pack installed. It would assist the Viking Fighters and F-X Kais in engaging the Covenant's carrier-based aircraft.

The other was being fitted with artillery weapons and would assist The Observer in delivering firepower against the Covenant warships.

On the deck.

All the Marines and Helljumpers were also using the Mechanical Skeletons in their Individual Equipment to help the ground crews carry weapons and ammunition.

Meanwhile, the Astartes led by Gabriel were inspecting their weapons and Power Armor, preparing themselves