After the War

Boom----!

That powerless CCS-class Cruiser was blasted by The Observer and Artillery Strike, turning into a dazzling fireball in the depths of space.

In the end, that CCS-class Cruiser and the Covenant forces aboard it perished beneath human firepower.

The fleet had originally consisted of three CCS-class Cruisers. Now, only one remained—and even that sole survivor had been seized by Gabriel and the others.

Next.

Twelve Pelicans carrying three companies of the Marine Corps departed from The Observer's hangar and flew toward the hangar of the last CCS-class Cruiser.

At the same time.

All the combat-capable carrier-based aircraft except the unarmed craft and Artillery Strike returned to The Observer's hangar, where ground crews inspected and maintained them.

Not long after, escorted by two modified F-Xs, The Falcon carrying nine Blood Ravens also successfully returned to The Observer's hangar.

Inside the hangar.

The ground crews operated several mechanical arms, clamping onto the F-Xs and The Falcon and transferring them to the designated parking decks.

Looking around.

The hangar had originally been piled with various bombs and supplies, with all kinds of carrier-based aircraft filling the decks. Now, however, it looked somewhat empty.

The Pelicans departing with the Marine Corps was one reason. More importantly, the supply of bombs was nearly depleted, while more than half of the Viking Fighters and modified F-Xs had been lost.

The combat formation had consisted of ten Viking Fighters and six modified F-Xs. Now, only four and three of those two models remained, respectively.

At that moment.

Under the protection of two guards in gray uniforms, Macha led dozens of carrier-based medical and technical personnel into the hangar at a brisk pace.

They stood beside The Falcon, which had been lifted by the mechanical arms and was slowly coming to a stop.

The Falcon