RP:Ignition/Prologue

Prologue
A high-level meeting of the UNSC Security Council had just adjourned. Commodore Ljunggren and Rear Admiral Brassington should have been honored to be a part of it, as officers of their rank were rarely allowed anywhere near the Security Council. However, they were only present because they had seen the Didact's forces firsthand, which was the reason the meeting had been called in the first place: Earth had just been attacked by alien forces for the second time in five years. And this time, the only reason the invaders had left could be narrowed down to one of the finest soldiers in the galaxy being in the right place at the right time. The Security Council had decided that the best option available to them was to rebuild their defenses by expanding their territory beyond what it was in 2525. Vice Admiral Hisakawa, who had assumed the role of after 's death in the Great War, was given the task of spearheading the operation. Immediately after the meeting, he had informed Ljunggren and Brassington that they would be instrumental in the workings of the operation.

"Great," Ljunggren grumbled after their superior officer left. "Didn't we just barely survive one of the toughest battles any UNSC forces have ever faced against an enemy with virtually no weaknesses and the ability to turn us into computer programs? And now they're making us build an empire!"

Brassington, as was his nature, seemed determined to embark on the quest at hand. "We need to radio the command forces," he stated brusquely. "Let's go inform them of the mission parameters." He walked to the communications room without even waiting for a response from Ljunggren.

"I liked it better when you didn't outrank me," Ljunggren commented as he jogged after Brassington, trying to catch up.

Brassington chuckled to himself. "Better get used to it, man," he said wryly.

Ljunggren and Brassington kept up their friendly banter while going to the nearest available radio transmitter. As Brassington began tuning the radio for the correct high-level frequencies, Ljunggren asked another question:  "Why don't we just tell someone to send out our messages for us rather than do it ourselves?"

"I just like it better this way," Brassington responded cheerfully. He cleared his throat and adopted a more formal tone as the transmitter whirred to life. "Attention all UNSC Navy forces, this is Rear Admiral Brassington. I've just received new fleet orders from High Command that need to be adopted immediately.

"Colonization forces, your orders are to go to all the Outer Colony worlds that haven't been glassed by the Covenant and reinforce them. We need stronger borders if we're going to successfully repel any new threats to the UNSC.  Be prepared: not all the Outer Colonies are going to welcome us.

"Defense forces, your orders are to return to Earth for the time being. We will task some ships to deal with any threats the colonization forces report.  We will also task some ships on diplomatic missions to Sanghelios.

"SPARTAN and ONI forces, your orders are to assist the colonization and defense forces wherever they need help. Be prepared for anything.

"As I'm sure you're all aware, Earth was just attacked for the second time in five years. We need to do all we can to make sure there isn't a third.

"Brassington out."

Vice Admiral Hisakawa entered the room just as Brassington clicked off the radio. He and Ljunggren snapped to attention, and Hisakawa returned their salutes swiftly. "I had a funny feeling you two would be in here," he commented with a small trace of amusement. It was said that comments like these were the closest Hisakawa ever came to a smile.

"Sir, I didn't want anyone else to potentially misread the commands," Brassington commented.

"Understandable. And let me add that I wouldn't have changed a single thing about the way you gave those orders.  I was right to pick you,"  Hisakawa said as he left the room.