Second Battle of Chi Ceti IV

== Covenant Return ==
Following the Battle of Chi Ceti IV in November 2525, the UNSC abandoned the Damascus testing facility and destroyed its equipment and any data stored there. The eleven A.I.s than ran the facility were deactivated and placed into data cubes by Doctor Halsey. In May of 2526, a small covenant fleet returned to the abandoned planet to search for any relics or information left behind. Unopposed they set up several outposts and landing sites surrounding the Damascus testing facility. Though the Covenant gained access to the surface site itself, many of the base's counter measures and security overrides were in place delaying the covenant from accessing the deepest, subterranean areas of the base. Determined that something of value is in on the planet the covenant continued to search for any signs of the forerunners. 
That same month the UNSC learned that some data may have survived the likely glassing of the planet. With the risk of valuable UNSC data being stolen, the UNSC and ONI immediately dispatched a task force to retrieve and destroy any data recovered and recapture the facility. There was also a rumor that Dr. Catherine Halsey was still on the planet, hiding in a panic bunker somewhere in the Damascus facility. The fleet consisting of the Marathon Cruiser UNSC Justice, escorted by six Frigates and would be led by Admiral J.T Buford. The ground retrieval was given to the 14th Marine Battalion under Major Konopka. ONI section 1 decided to send one of their own operatives, Colonel Raymond with a platoon of ODSTs from the 11th Marine force Recon to oversee and assist the ground operation. With their mission clear, the fleet left Reach and headed towards Chi Ceti IV.
== Arrival ==
The Fleet arrived in system June 29th. Holding position over the planet were two SDV Corvettes. Tailed by the UNSC Justice, the six Frigates closed in on the covenant ships. Being out numbered the Corvettes turned and fled to the far side of the planet. With the escort ships occupying the covenant fleet, the UNSC Justice moved into position to begin planetary operations. The men of 3rd platoon were deployed to the facility via "Hard Drop" with the orders to secure the base's airfield to allow reinforcements to arrive.
At 2130 the ODSTs landed and were immediately met by close to twenty five Covenant ground troops holding the airfield. It took the hell jumpers an hour and a half to secure the airfield in which three more fire fights against similar numbers took place. After the airfield was deemed secure, the marines and combat engineers of Fox company deployed via Pelican drop ship to begin their own operations. By 0300 the marines of Fox company had set up a the initial fire base for the strike team. While the marine engineers set up the fire base, the ODSTs of 3rd platoon conducted several recon missions into the facility and engaged several covenant patrols. The UNSC learned that much of the complex has been under covenant control and at 0900 the members of Echo, Golf, and Hotel companies arrived to take up garrison just east of the airfield. The UNSC forces quickly began launching combat missions to strike at key locations while combat patrols eliminated covenant occupation troops. Control of the Researchers living quarters and several storage buildings were gained early on the first day of combat along with the recapture of several warthogs and five Anvil-II air to surface missile pods by the marines of Gold Company's 3rd platoon. As patrols throughout the day continued with squads and platoons engaged in the occasional fire fight, the UNSC learned that the covenant has searched much of the base but the majority of the complex is still locked down. Not finding anything of interest, the covenant began searching further outward from the base. However with the arrival of the UNSC, the Covenant Field Marshall knew there must be something of value in the facility and ordered his troops to close in on Damascus. Realizing that they don't have enough troops to secure the entire facility from the Covenant, the Commanders of the ground troops gather for a briefing from ONI HighCOM at 1530.
== The R.A.D. == 
With a direct assault on the facility impossible without suffering monstrous causalities due to the active defense guns, and reinforced armored doors that would take days to cut through. ONI directs the retrieval force to acquire a R.A.D. The Remote Access Device allows the remote access to the entire Damascus facility. The device was created alongside the facility, the R.A.D would allow UNSC forces to shut down all systems in the Damascus test labs without needing to control the command center or even be in the base. With the sensitive military Research and Development data stored and conducted at Damascus, this system would allow the UNSC to quickly erase any of the data as well as section off and lock down entire wings of the base should the facility fall to enemy hands. The commanders learn that ONI has detected the device somewhere in Sector Nine. A location of the base containing several science labs and also the source of a high concentration of Covenant troops. With their orders clear, the men of Echo company and Third Platoon move out to clear out sector Nine and locate the R.A.D.
The fighting in Sector Nine was some of the fiercest since the task force's arrival. Fighting room to room in the two structures eight above ground levels, there were also a dozen sub terrain levels. The covenant had complete control over the compound and fighting to both gain entry to the facility and clearing it out was long and bloody. After two hours of combat and searching the UNSC found the R.A.D in one of the lower laboratories. When the ODSTs of 3rd platoon's elite first squad and the squads of Echo company's first platoon entered the lab, they found the Covenant tampering with the device. The ODSTs breached the room and killed the squad of grunts the Elite leader and the two alien engineers.
 With the R.A.D retrieved, the UNSC commanders and the 3rd platoon retreated back to base, leaving three squads from Echo company to defend Sector Nine. Once back at the base camp west of the airfield, Colonel Raymond attempted to access the device. To the surprise of the commanders, the Covenant had installed a security system of their own just minutes before the UNSC breached the lab. After several hours and the help of ONI back on Reach, the commanders are able to decode the main screen which was written in the Covenant language. They learn that the system requires a Covenant Identification Code to bypass the system and access the R.A.D. ONI had projected a 19% chance that the device would be tampered with by the Covenant and though they were working on a solution they would respond as soon as they had one. 
== Battle in Orbit ==
When the UNSC Fleet entered the Chi Ceti system, they discovered a pair of Covenant Corvettes holding position over the planet. Clearing a way for the ground forces, the six Paris class frigates moved to engage the alien ships. Being out numbered the Corvettes turned and ran to the far side of the planet into the open space beyond. While the Frigates gave chase, the UNSC Justice maintained orbit around the planet providing long range support to the fleet and tactical support from orbit to the ground forces. For almost forty minutes the Corvettes and Frigates traded blows from Archer Missile pods and Broadside Plasma cannons. Maneuvering to push the Corvettes back towards Chi Ceti, the UNSC Justice destroyed one of the Covenant ships with its massive Archer pods. The second Corvette, now in full retreat was cut down by six MAC rounds. Just as the last Corvette died, a new ship previously cloaked moved out from behind Chi Ceti IV's space platform. The Covenant ship was one never seen before. The massive ship with a third SDV Corvette in its shadow, opened fire on the six frigates with a devastating Plasma Lance. Three frigates were instantly destroyed by the arrival of the ORS class heavy cruiser. While the UNSC ships scattered, they unleashed storms of archer missiles to cover their retreat and hopefully slow the behemoth. The first two salvos weren't enough to penetrate the ship's shields, and the Frigates managed to speed across its flank with the UNSC Justice joining the fight. Launching a second close range barrage of Archer missiles to cover their advancement to get their MAC guns in position, the ORS shot down most with point defense lasers and its shield's and armor took the brunt of any missiles that got through. The ORS and corvette fired back with broadside plasma batteries but the nimble frigates were able to avoid most of the barrage and took only minor damage. With the surviving four ships in position, the UNSC fleet opened fire with their MAC guns. To the Admiral's horror the fleets strongest weapon didn't penetrate the ship's shields. The retaliatory fire destroyed the three frigates in minutes. Seeing as they couldn't win the fight, Admiral Buford was forced to retreat back to the far side of Chi Ceti IV, taking critical damage doing so and leaving the orbit of the planet in the hands of the covenant. The admiral sent a warning to Colonel Raymond on the surface warning him of the situation but promising to return once the reinforcements he called for arrived. The cruiser remained in cover of a nearby asteroid managing any repairs the crew could make. 
== Battle of Sector 4 ==
With the ORS heavy Cruiser controlling the orbit of Chi Ceti, Field Marshall Noya 'Putumee planned to deploy to the surface to find out exactly what the humans were seeking and to expand his honor with doing battle against them. Hearing the Field Marshall would be joining the ground forces, Isna Nosolee, an Elite Ultra and Putumee's second in command ordered Major Kasamee to find where the humans took the R.A.D and launch an attack to take it back so their commander might unlock it's secretes. Jackal scouts were sent out and located where in the complex the UNSC held their base. That night at 2200 hours Kasamee led an attack from the south east side. His force made up of over 100 Covenant troops ran into UNSC troops dug in at the location designated Sector Four.
 Sector Four was defended by the marines of Fox company Second platoon. When the first Covenant forces engaged the Marines, the platoon Lieutenant immediately called for reinforcements seeing how the Covenant continued to launch attacks from multiple fronts. The UNSC commanders responded by deploying the First squad of Echo company marines along with the first and second squads from the 11th force recon. Arriving by warthog and bringing forth the extra heavy weapons, the fighting only increased in intensity. Sensing the UNSC losing ground, Kasamee ordered a second century brought in as reserves to push through the human defenses
 once they weakened. As the battle progressed further into the night, Fox company's First and Third platoons were ordered to bolster the line and protect the flanks of Sector Four. With his first Century almost destroyed, Kasamee personally led the warriors of his Crèche into combat. With this new attack the covenant brought forth several armored units including six wraiths and a dozen ghost light attack vehicles. While second platoon had sustained heavy causalities the fourth platoon of Fox Company were sent in to relieve the wounded and bring desperately needed ammo and heavy weapons. With this second wave of attacks the battle continued into the early hours of 0130. Bent on breaking open the UNSC defense, Major Kasamee led five dozen warriors. While his ground troops met the marines head on, Kasamee deployed elite Ranger squads to use their jump packs to flank the marines and pin them down while he closed the gap. With the Wraiths and Ghosts keeping the Marine's heads down, Kasamee and his men closed the gap. Though many of his troops died while charging the UNSC position from machine gun nests and bunkers, Kasamee was able to slaughter third squad of Fox company. When Major Circo and the ODSTs of First squad tried to reinforce the position, Kasamee's Rangers opened fire, wounding three troopers and killing a fourth, the squad was forced to pull back into cover. Enraged by the situation, the Major ordered his Second squad to flank around and flush the Rangers out of their vantage point. Once the Rangers were dealt with the Major led his First squad against Kasamee's position. The ODSTs were able to kill numerous Covenant troops as they advanced. Scooting from cover to cover, the ODSTs advanced quickly and with only one hell jumper getting wounded and another killed. All rounds aimed at Kasamee however were absorbed by his Energy shield and only one of the Elites of his squad were gunned down by concentrated fire. As Kasamee tried to call more lances to his aid, they found themselves under the precision fire of a marksman squad from Gold company who followed the ODSTs. With his men engaging the surviving Elite in Kasamee's squad, Circo and three of his men attacked Kasamee directly. Battling the Elite in close combat, the Elite absorbed the close range rounds from the ODSTs weapons. Bashing one trooper to the ground the Elite quickly killed the other in front of Circo. Furious, major Circo opened fire but a shield bash from the Elite sent him flying back and losing his weapon. As the elite closed for the kill the surviving ODST attempted to intervene, stabbing the Elite in the hip with his combat knife but was beheaded soon after. Grabbing the only weapon in reach Circo drew his own combat knife, but before he could strike the Elite picked him up, looking at him face to face. The Elite spoke to him in its guttered tongue but all of it was lost the ODST. As he tried to stab the Elite in the neck, he was pushed away as Kasamee prepared to drive his energy sword through Circo's chest. A heart beat later a storm of bullets peppered the Elite's shields, bringing them down momentarily. Several rounds punch the Elite's armor and drive him off his feet, forcing him to lose his grip on Major Circo. As the Elite stumbles down the hill drawing his plasma rifle, Circo scrambles towards the nearest dead grunt, and grabs one of it's plasma grenades. While Kasamee is busy pulling back into cover and firing at the ODSTs from Second squad, he doesn't see the incoming plasma grenade until it connects to his leg. The burning pain attracts his attention and the Elite major only just realizes what is about to happen a second before the grenade detonates. 
With the gap refilled and the Covenant breach repelled, Major Circo orders armored support from Hotel company and reinforcements from Gold. With the survivors of First squad holding the breach, the Major leads second squad out on tank hunting operations. In the half hour it takes the Five Scorpions of Hotel's fourth platoon to arrive, the Major and his squad destroyed three of the Wraiths and six ghosts. Leaving the armor to finish the fight and the marines of Gold company's second platoon to bolster the line. The marines and ODSTs take the time to tend to their wounds at 0225.
== Sector 4 Infiltration ==
At the Covenant outpost just south west of Sector Four, the Ultra Isna Nosolee is enraged by Kasamee's defeat. Finding his brutish tactics a waste though he met an honorable end the two hundred dead Covenant soldiers were for nothing. With a last attempted to regain honor before the Field Master arrives, Nosolee gathers his most trusted Lances and prepares to attack the humans once more. Using stealth tactics and the cover of darkness, at 0345 Nosolee's force makes contact with First platoon of Fox company. Positioned forty meters northwest of the previous engagement. Nosolee meets more success than the major as he snuck a head with a trio of his most skilled warriors. While the Marines waited and rested in their fox holes and bunkers, the four elites infiltrated right next to them. Nosolee entered one of the position's machine gun bunkers where he quickly dispatched the two marines manning it. Using their Garrotes and energy swords, they were able to kill a full squad. By the time the Marines realize they are under attack, the eight other Elites and twenty four grunts push on the position. Realizing their machine gun is down, the men of first platoon try to relocate their remaining machine gun crew and reposition squads to cover the area. The platoon's Lieutenant calls for aid and warns the base of the breach. With Major Circo and his ODSTs nearby, they respond on foot while Major Konopka redeploys his second and third squads from Echo Company's first platoon via warthogs. By the time they arrive, the Covenant had already decimated half the platoon and wiped out the command squad. While third squad of Echo company help push the Covenant forces out of the UNSC lines, Konopka's second squad and the second squad of Circo's ODSTs arrive at the command bunker. Advancing towards the main command center, the marines kill a pair of grunts guarding the door. Not wasting time the marines burst through to find the four elites searching for anything they can find. Two of the Elites are alerted by the deaths of the grunts and kill the first two marines through the door with needle rifles to their chest and necks. A third is wounded by a stray needle that impaled is arm. The marines clear the room by tossing a pair of grenades and flash bangs in, killing the two Elites watching the door. The third quickly fell to the ODST's sergeant's shotgun. Though outnumbered and dazed, Nosolee charged the marines with energy sword in hand and managed to kill four marines and an ODST, before the ODST sergeant, and Major's Konopka and Circo brought the alien down with sustained close range fire.
At 0430, with the death of Isna Nosolee, the UNSC finally caught a break in the attacks on Sector Four, at least for a little while. The commanders sent a full report to ONI about the attack, and awaited further orders.
== Recovery ==
When the sun rose on the morning of July 1st, it revealed a hazy cloud of gun smoke across the battlefield littered with over two hundred covenant dead and a score of burning vehicles. With Fox company taking fifty percent casualties, Major Konopka ordered them to rotate out with Gold company who also relieved the ODSTs holding the trenches. Fox company under their new platoon leader, were sent to guard Sector Three, while third and fourth platoons of Echo company still maintained a hold on Sector Nine. At 0900 The commanders received an updated briefing from ONI command. 
To unlock the Covenant security measure, you will need to access a Covenant ID glyph. It will most likely require a high ranking leader. Perhaps an Elite class.
With the amount of Covenant dead, Colonel Raymond along with Major's Konopka and Circo led their squads out into the remains of the previous night's fight. Covenant patrols still remained high as squads of Covenant attempted to regain supplies and battle gear from the dead. Remembering the fight against the Elite Kasamee, Major Circo led the search team to the spot of his last stand. While the Marines were searching through the bodies, a nearby Elite patrol spotted the humans and launched an attack. The Marines and ODSTs easily fought off the small force with one marine wounded. With the combat done, and the ID glyph retrieved, the search team fell back to base to get the wounded marine medical care. 
With the ID code in UNSC hands, Colonel Raymond attempted to decipher the symbols and enter in the resulting characters. After twenty minutes his results failed, realizing the code was not from a high enough ranked official. Needing another body, the search team returned to Sector Four. Now believing the elites in the command bunker to be one of the force commanders.
On his way to the surface, the Elite Field Master 'Putumee was briefed on the situation of the Covenant Security system installed on the R.A.D. along with the failed attempts to reclaim the relic. 'Putumee, realizing what the humans would attempt to do, sent two Lance strike teams aboard drop ships to Nosolee's last known location and prevent the humans from retrieving any data from the body. While his strike teams were off to collect the body of the Ultra, 'Putumee began the deployment of three forward outposts just outside the perimeter of the UNSC base and the Damascus test site. Each base though used for recon and surveillance would ultimately be the points from which 'Putumee would launch his attacks. 
As the search team began to advance into Sector Four, they were alerted to the passing Drop ships. Quickly seeking cover, the search team watched as the drop ships opened fire on the nearest UNSC defense point, who fired any heavy weapons they had back at the drop ships. With the help of a squad from Gold company, the search team was able to fight off the forty covenant ground troops. With the area secured and the medics tending to the three wounded troopers and the two that were killed in the attack, the search team found the data off the dead Nosolee. Once more the Commanders attempted to crack the Covenant security measures. After an hour of attempts, the UNSC realizes the code is set to open for only one person. Field Master 'Putumee.
At his base camp, 'Putumee learns of the failed assault to prevent the humans from recovering the data off of Isnolee's body. Still unsure what it is that the humans have, but determined that it must be a Forerunner artifact, 'Putumee prepares to launch a full assault on the human base. Mobilizing close to six hundred of his forces, he orders Legions to move around the site to attack from multiple angles. At 1430 hours, 'Putumee had his Legions in place, the Field Master began his attack. 
== Damascus Assault ==
The UNSC first realized they were under attack when covenant patrols began engaging marine dug outs along the fronts. The commanders knew something was wrong when units along the south and east flanks of Sector 4 and the east and North Flanks of Sector 9 reported contact with scouts. It wasn't long before Ghosts, Spectres and Revents began attacking machine gun posts. Reports from the defenders flooded in. Scores of covenant were attacking on all sides. Realizing their lines would collapse soon, Major Konopka sent the men from Echo Company Second platoon to reinforce Sector 9 while the men of First Platoon and Major Circo's Third platoon rallied with the defenders of Sector 4's west. When the commanders met up with the men of Third Platoon from Gold Company, they were facing down close to fifty covenant infantry and light vehicles. As the battle continued, the men of first platoon and the ODSTs of Third helped hold the center line between sectors 4 and 9, a fortified perimeter wall designated as Sector 5. As the covenant continued to attack one of the machine gun posts and another defense position were taken out by heavy plasma mortars killing the eight marines and signaling the arrival of 'Putumee's heavy armor in the form of Wraiths. 
The marines brought in more heavy weapons and destroyed three of the tanks. Major Konopka ordered the First and Second Platoons of Hotel tank company to advance on Sector 4 and 9 to help push back the tanks and engage the covenant infantry. While the reinforcements were on their way. Brute packs launched daring raids with Choppers, strafing the defensive positions, while ground teams pushed in close to overwhelm the marines. These tactics and the concentrated fire of the Wraiths and light assault vehicles allowed 'Putumee's troops to push in. Major Konopka was forced to reform the defensive line as Covenant troops began pushing in from Sector 4. Konopka realized that Gold Company's Second platoon was wiped out and left first and fourth platoon's flanks exposed. The marines were forced to retreat back from Sector 4 and rally at the outer edges. Only with the sacrifice of Hotel company's fourth platoon were the marines able to safely escape.
With the facility of Sector 4 taken, 'Putumee immediately made it his command post to coordinate the final attack. The commanders learned of 'Putumee's presence when marines of Gold Company's First platoon attempted to retake the sector and seal the Covenant's flank attack. The squad of marines managed to get out a warning before being slaughtered. With the arrival of First platoon's tanks at their position along with the marines from first platoon Fox company, they were able to hold off the advancing infantry a little more easily, while the Scorpion battle tanks targeted covenant vehicles and large squads. With the Wraiths being destroyed close in, the remaining tanks were forced to pull back and provide long range fire support. With their vehicle support gone, the infantry assaults were losing the initiative. 
Sensing the shift in battle, Major Circo prompted the plan to counter attack Sector 4 and take the Covenant's forward command base. Though the commanders agreed, the Covenant outposts still proved to be too close to the UNSC lines and allowed Covenant reinforcements a direct path into the attack and provided with supporting fire. Major Circo optioned to use the Anvil II batteries. He would send recon teams to get the coordinates of the out posts for the artillery, then from behind the Covenant lines, strike the Forward Command Base. The others agreed, and Major Circo split the five men of First squad, and the ten in Second into three five man teams. Each took a designator and were sent out along the far north west sides to sweep around along the attacking army's flank to gain visual range. While the recon forces worked on their mission, the rest of the UNSC force desperately tried to hold back the continued Covenant onslaught.
While the ODSTs were moving into position, Major Konopka prepared his troops for the counter attack to retake Sector 4. It took the ODSTs thirty minutes to get visuals on the outposts. With their objectives in sight they targeted the Covenant towers and relayed the coordinates to the Anvil IIs. Three of the five launchers opened fire and seconds later four warheads descended on the Covenant troops staging for the assault. The incendiary missiles saturated a 150 meters around the central gun towers with high explosives and raging infernos. The only remains of the Covenant were seared bones and ruined pieces of metal from structures and vehicles. With the Covenant reserves destroyed, the attack took a halt as the Covenant set to rally at the outposts had no where to go. The ODSTs quickly converged on Sector 4 from multiple angles, while the marines began to push the Covenant back. Major Konopka and Colonel Raymond led the First platoon of Echo Company and Hotel Company's First tank platoon into the streets of Sector 4 and began flushing the Covenant back building by building. It didn't take long for the UNSC to find the Command Center 'Putumee was using. With the UNSC troops closing in, the Covenant dug in around the test facility. Gun towers, and shields were deployed for cover against the human weaponry. 'Putumee had phantoms deploy a half dozen ghosts, wraiths and hunters, the covenant were ready to break through the UNSC attack or end in a final stand. Major Konopka deployed another artillery strike from the fifth Anvil II launcher, followed by light and heavy mortar barrages to weaken the Covenant defenses and thin their ranks. With the dust and smoke settling, he led the marines of First platoon into the assault. 
Moving through heavy cover from collapsed walls and craters under plasma cannon fire, the Scorpions of First platoon managed to destroy the engaging Shade turrets and Covenant gun towers. Marine heavy weapon squads armed with missiles and Spartan Lasers destroyed Covenant Ghosts that tried to counter attack the marines, and Banshee attack craft that closed in for strafing runs. Soon the Covenant were being pushed into the command building and forced to fire from the windows as the courtyard and streets outside were lost to them. While the marines pushed the frontal assault, Major Circo and the ODSTs from first and second squads, infiltrated the Covenant defenses from the rear. With a back door into the Command building secured, Major Konopka, and Colonel Raymond ran around the back to join the ODSTs, while the Lieutenant of First platoon led the assault through the front door. With the Wraith battle tanks destroyed, the Surviving three Scorpions moved into position outside the command building and began launching 90mm high velocity rounds into the upper floors while spraying heavy machine gun fire into the Covenant occupied windows. 
 
With the Covenant's heads down, the ODSTs breached the rear door and began to clear out the building while marines pushed in the front. As the marines fought through heavy resistance, they finally reached the Elite commander and his bodyguards. Losing two ODSTs and another three getting wounded, the strike team was able to kill the elites and gun down 'Putumee while he tried to charge the firing line of marines. With the Field Master dead and Sector 4 back in UNSC hands, the Covenant assault began to falter and break. With the Covenant Commander killed, Colonel Raymond retrieved the ID glyph and with the five ODSTs of First squad returned to the base camp.
== Sector 9 Counter Attack ==
With the marines of Echo Company First platoon held Sector 4, the ODSTs of second and third squads and the surviving three tanks of 1st platoon pushed north to counter the Covenant still assaulting there. Arriving before the tanks, the ODSTs with Major Circo and Konopka fought off two waves of Brute chopper assault vehicles and nearly thirty infantry forces. The ODSTs where able to rally with the marines pinned down in Sector 9 and together destroyed the Covenant assault wave. The victory was short lived however as recon teams spotted a force of fifteen Covenant wraiths advancing towards Sector 9. Marines used rockets and warthogs to draw as many of they vehicles as they could away from the sector and into a carefully laid ambush.
Once drawn into the kill box, Marines armed with Spartan Lasers and Missile Launchers destroyed the five wraiths and four ghost light attack vehicles. The remaining ten tanks broke off the main road and pushed on the defenses of Sector 9. As the Wraiths moved in front of the lines of Echo company's 3rd and 4th platoons, they came under heavy fire from heavy weapon squads. Two of the vehicles were destroyed by rocket fire before forcing the marines to dig in as the Wraiths started to barrage their position. With the Marines pinned down, Major Konopka ordered the tanks of Hotel company to counter the armor. The ten Scorpion battle tanks met with the remaining three of First platoon and advanced into the open plains towards the Wraiths. For thirty five minutes the sounds of the tank battle echoed throughout the Damascus facility. While the Scorpions could fire and maneuver, the wraiths still had their swift moving vehicles, and though their plasma mortars limited their ability to fire, the Wraith's heavy frontal armor allowed the tanks to survive long enough to get into a fire position. The Scorpions, though able to move and fire with their turrets able to swivel 360 could only survive a single hit from the Wraith's plasma mortar, while it would take upwards of 7-10 round to puncture the front to armor of the tanks. If the Scorpions could get on their flanks, their rounds would tear through the Covenant vehicles. However with the Wraith's zero gravity engines, it could turn on a dime faster than one would think possible. 
==Aftermath==
When the roar of tank cannons finally fell silent, the plains were littered with nearly two dozen armored vehicles, and the remaining six tanks of Hotel company were badly damaged, though the company commander insisted they were still fit to fight. Still with their armored support down to nearly 25% strength, Major Konopka and Circo agreed to place the tanks in reserve at Section III. All around the facility bodies and scorched burning wrecks littered the fields, while craters belched smoke into the air. Squads of Marines were sent out to finish off any Covenant survivors and try to find and render aid to any wounded Marine that was still out there, and recover the remains of those lost. While the cleanup was in progress, Majors Circo and Konopka reviewed the losses to the battalion and reformed their defensive plan. Along with Hotel Company, Fox company had suffered severe casualties, With 1st and 2nd platoons each numbering roughly squad strength. The commanders combined the two units and gave them the task of protecting Section III alongside Hotel company. Major Konopka placed the two full strength units of 3rd and 4th platoon from Fox company at the primary Forward Operating Base to act as reserves alongside the 26 ODSTs. This left sector 4 in the hands of Gold Company bolstered by Echo Company's 1st platoon and Section 9 occupied by the remaining 3 platoons of Echo. Though there were still scattered skirmishes between Marine Patrols and Covenant stragglers, the UNSC sustained minor injuries.
==Unlocking the R.A.D.==
With their lines secure, and the battalion reorganized, the Commanders were recalled to the command center at 1920 hours to get an update on the status of the R.A.D. Colonel Raymond reported the Covenant ID glyph retrieved from the Field Marshall succeeded in bypassing the Covenant security measures. However the security counter measures Dr. Halsey installed were still in effect and requesting a remote access code. Unfortunately for ONI and the UNSC forces, by employing such a brilliant mind as Dr. Halsey, she has a tendency to use unorthodox programs. Especially when it comes to security and security regarding her pet Spartan Project, and with ONI out of contact with Halsey since the first battle of Chi Ceti IV. ONI HighCOM advised them to hold position and maintain steady patrols while they worked on a solution to the problem and would contact the strike group when they had directions for them. With nothing more they could do, the officers maintained regular patrols around the base and got what sleep they could.
==Midnight Attack==
Unfortunately for the marines of the 14th battalion, sleep was something they would not be getting much of. With news of the Field Marshal's failed attack on the UNSC forces reaching the ears of the fleet master aboard his ORS class heavy cruiser. He knew the human forces would soon be able to unlock whatever secrets were kept within the device that was found. Appointing a new ground commander, the Fleet master ordered another attack to retake the artifact, for surely this much blood, and the human's staunch defense must mean its a powerful relic from the forerunners. Using the cover of darkness to deploy their forces, the Covenant massed for another attack.
The first signs that something was wrong was brought to the attention of Major Circo at 2330 hours at night. Woken by the senior sergeant of the surviving ODSTs, he was informed his two man recon patrols noticed large amounts of Covenant troop movement around sectors 9,3 and around the air field they had initially landed at just to the west of the fire base, sector 6. With the possibility of the UNSC base coming under attack from the west and northwest, the Major alerted Colonel Raymond and Major Konopka who at 2346 met for an immediate situation report briefing.
The Commanders wasted no time in redeploying their troops in anticipation to the coming assault. While the marines of Echo company had Sector 9 locked down from the previous battle. Sector 3 had merely two understrength platoons, and Sector 6 was completely undefended. Major Konopka instructed the Marines of 3rd and 4th platoons of Fox company to go to Sector 6 and prepare to dig in. Major Circo agreed to lead his surviving 26 ODSTs to help Sector 3.
Contact with the Covenant was first initiated at Section 6, the airfield. Having deployed 15 minutes before the Covenant arrival, the 72 marines of Fox Company's 3rd and 4th platoons, were able to set up ad hoc defense positions on the eastern border of the airfield. Holed up in several abandoned concourse terminals, concrete structures and craters. Lieutenant Savitch the senior officer of Fox company, had deployed a pair of sniper teams as well as two M247 machine guns deployed in craters and the windows of a concrete control building. The marines watched as nearly 120 aliens pushed towards them. Moving in between the large air craft hangers, control towers and terminals it was apparent they didn't expect any defenders in the area, but were still being cautious. When they reached 300 meters, the first sniper shots banged out, and two Elite minors collapsed. Six more concussive bangs echoed out across the field and a dozen grunts fell, their bodies blown apart by the high powered round. Unable to see the enemy and their first two Files broken, the Covenant forces halted and regrouped. Knowing they are facing a dug in enemy, they called in support to take the position and break through.
It didn't take long for a flight of six banshees to fly in low and bombard the line of UNSC troops prior to the Covenant survivors attacking. Ducking in between the incoming fuel rod bombs, and plasma rounds from the banshees, the snipers continued to fire at, and eliminate, File commanders and support units such as jackal shield bearers. As the Covenant advance came closer, the surviving marines opening fire with their small arms and the two M247 machine guns. Tank hunter teams armed with M41 rockets targeted any incoming banshees when able, shooting several down. As the fight continued, the open midnight air was bright with green and blue plasma rounds mixed with the yellow and red slicing tracers of the UNSC return fire. The accurate rifle fire and the high volumes of machine gun fire, cut down squads of covenant without mercy. While rockets from the missile teams kept the banshees at bay for the most part. They were able to score several devastating hits. One round took out the room a sniper team was in. Another, using the tracers from the machine gun fire, was able to zero in and destroy the gun team.
The critical hits these aircraft scored was short lived in celebration as their attack runs limited their ability to avoid the incoming missiles, and both were destroyed. Even with their air support destroyed, the covenant still pressed across the field, their safety and lives of little matter. The elites and brutes drove the grunts and jackals into the gun fire to close the gap. The marines, who gladly fired at the easy targets, were amazed at the way the aliens were simply throwing their lives away for little gain. Though marines collapsed from incoming plasma fire, most of the covenant's return fire was wild and inaccurate. The type of fire suppression seen from troops shooting from the hip as they ran. The fight was short lived and after fifteen minutes, the last of the Covenant fell to the UNSC guns. A collective calm and silence settled over the men of Fox company, as the gun smoke fogged their vision, they surveyed the scene for any more threats. Each marine was shocked how many lives were ended in such a short time, as over a hundred covenant dead were piled in front of their fortifications. The screams of marine wounded quickly shook everyone back as the squad leaders took stock of their own losses. Though there were nearly a dozen wounded troops, and eleven marines dead across the two platoons, compared to the losses the Covenant suffered, the marines collectively called the battle a massacre.
While the sounds of fighting in Sector 6 could be heard all across the Damascus facility, it appeared to be the signal for the Covenant attack on the other fronts. Following Sector 6, Sector 9 came under attack by a group of thirty Covenant infantry. The Marine of 2nd platoon, Echo company were hit the hardest as a pack of brutes was discovered almost thirty meters away. The brutes and brute stalker units, had used the destroyed tanks from the earlier fight to close the distance. This tactic cost the lives of 8 marines from second squad and another seven from 1st and 3rd squad before they were able to repel the brute attackers. Alerted to the attack, the rest of Echo company was ready when the Covenant troops decided to charge. Swarming the marines, the tanks and wreckage from earlier, while they benefited the brute infiltrators, began to hinder the rest of the Covenant. While the massed units tried to push through, the tank wrecks created multiple choke points and kill zones that the aliens got caught in. As the bodies of the dead began to pile up, it stalled the Covenant's advance. Ranger units and brutes with jump packs soared over the field to lay down fire and grenades from above. While these attacks killed a handful of marines in third platoon, it did not help change the tide of battle. As the battle was crept into the ten minute mark, the marines of 4th platoon were waiting anxiously for the attack to come to them on the left flank of sector 9. However when it became clear the Covenant was concentrating their forces against the single front, the Lieutenant of 4th platoon was order by major Konopka to move out into the Covenant, and flank the aliens. 
With the Covenant boxed in by the sustained fire from 2nd and 3rd platoons, and their momentum failing, when the Marines of 4th platoon smashed into the right flank of the Covenant battle line, the battle quickly turned to a slaughter. While the marines took return fire, losing 4 marines in second squad, they managed to force the aliens into the lines of the defensive positons. 3rd platoon didn't wait for their orders to move into the Covenant lines. Fighting between the tank wrecks, the marines flushed out and slaughtered any Covenant that were hiding in the areas protected from all angles of fire by the marines. With no where to go, many of the grunts and jackals simply gave up and tried to run, only to be cut down by the marines. The Elites and Brutes, fought and even charged the marines, slaying several in close combat with their swords, fists, and hammers before combined streams of gun fire brought the aliens down. The third squad of 4th platoon was lost when a group of five Elites rallied enough jackals and grunts to charge the marines. While the marines of other squads ultimately killed the twenty aliens, the attack reminded the marines, the Covenant wasn't broken yet and still had some cohesion to them. While the heroic intervention of third platoon won the fight, it was at the cost of ten marines.
Ordering his ODST's to fast march to Section 3's position. Major Circo was able to arrive nearly 20 minutes before the Covenant attack began. Anticipating an attack from the as yet untouched northern front. The Major positioned his men and the 30 marines of Fox Company's ad hoc 1st platoon into fox holes and reinforced positions. Dividing the forces into strike groups. Fox Company's 1st squad, as well as the nine ODSTs squad of his 2nd squad were fortified in the storage building overlooking the roadway to the north of the facility. 2nd Squad marines dug in along the ridge that bordered the west side of Sector 3 and the East side of Sector 6 and right next to where the Anvil-II Missiles were located. It was the edge of this ridge line that looked into the main roadway and allowed a commanding view of the North and East sides of Sector 3 where Major Circo deployed his half strength 1st squad supported by a warthog the ODSTs had managed to commandeer and located so they could be a quick reaction force to any point in Sector III that needed bolstering. The Major further split the 10 marines of 3rd squad and half of the ODSTs of 3rd squad in two. Half of the marines were dug in on the west side of the roadway merely 4 meters away from the street with the three ODSTs. While the other half were set in buildings on the East side of the causeway allowing covering fire and the ability to move into an attacking force's flank. Armed with mines, and anti tank weapons, they would be one of the first defenses against armored units. 
Needing to protect the Scorpions as much as he could, the Major ordered all but two of the main battle tanks to pull back deeper south into the facility's warehouse storage area designated section 8, to act as reserves. This left three warthogs operated by the six ODSTs of 3rd squad to act as the heavy support. With one on the ridge with the Major and first squad, the other two took up defensive positions overlooking the roadway alongside the Scorpions. 
The marines of Sector 3 were first alerted to the beginning of the battle as fighting erupted in the nearby Sector 6. Getting ready and keeping alert for Covenant forces, it wasn't long after the engagement of Sector 6 started that squads of Covenant infantry were spotted scouting in the dark. As the infantry moved closer a fleet of Covenant vehicles appeared approaching down the main road. A pair of Ghosts escorting a Wraith and Spectre. Unfortunately for the marines, the first shots that started the fire fight was from the covenant. A marine and ODST were killed by two Jackal Snipers that had snuck on the balconies of one of the research structures. Using high powered beam rifles to see their targets. As the marines took cover from the snipers, the two files of Covenant scouting along the side of the roadway became engaged by the dug in marines supported by their warthogs. At the same instance, the marines guarding the roadway fired a trio of rockets destroying the two ghosts and began targeting the Wraith. Using their VISRs the ODSTs were able to locate and eliminate the jackal snipers who had been using the midnight darkness for cover, but not before another two more marines were killed and wounded. As the explosions settled from the wrecked vehicles on the roadway, another three ghosts whipped around the wraith who was positioning to fire on the dug in first squad. Following the ghosts closely behind was another three spectres and scores of infantry. The marines on the roadway managed to kill the wraith and two ghosts with missiles and Anti tank laser weapons. As the fight reached its first minute, the attacking Covenant started returning fire, and under the leadership and fear of the Elites and Brutes, organized assault units were deployed and the attack began in earnest. 
As the fighting increased in intensity as heavy weapons from the Covenant Spectres and Ghosts opened fire, more covenant units were brought up from the rear. Hunter kill teams, and a Wraith armored lance entered the battle. While the 1st and 3rd Squads of the Fox company's platoon were pinned in a fierce battle, the 2nd squad soon came under attack as covenant infantry who were advancing from the northwest to flank the UNSC defenders met more of the dug in marines waiting in fox holes and reinforced positions. Though the first covenant squad was massacred, the marines quickly realized they had a full scale assault on the line's left flank as nearly 50 covenant troops pushed towards the marines. While Major Circo was forced to direct his attention to the Covenant forces advancing on his immediate position from the canyons below and away from the larger battle. The ODST warthogs moved into positions to fire on the advancing covenant infantry while the Scorpions moved in to fight the three wraith plasma tanks that had come into range. Combined with the anti tank rocket fire of the infantry the three wraiths were destroyed at the cost of one of the scorpion tanks. The firefight reached its stalemate when the covenant hid behind the wreckage of the vehicles as cover from the UNSC guns and casualties started to rise. A fourth wraith was discovered off the roadway on the eastern side using the science labs for cover for its artillery fire and protected from any incoming fire. Seeing where the hidden wraith was firing from, the three ODST specialists dug in on the east side of the roadway left their marine allies to go and hunt the tank. They managed to sneak into the secondary structure to their north and planned to use the upper levels to get a line of site on the tank. As they entered the first floor of the structure they encountered squads of grunts and their elite leaders trying to sneak around the sides of the UNSC defenders. Using their anti-infantry explosives they were able to quickly dispatch the covenant. Keeping one of their squad mates behind to defend the hallway the remaining two took the pair of M41 SPANKR's and ammo to the upper floor. From the third floor balcony of one of the many science labs, they could see the wraith tank below them through the shattered windows. Already they could hear the lone ODST defender fighting off another wave of covenant infantry. Wasting no time the ODSTs fired off a salvo of three missiles into the side of the tank ripping it to pieces before its core erupted and died along with the half dozen infantry gathered around it. Sticking around just long enough to confirm their kill, the two ODSTs ran back down to their comrade on the first floor to help him with any covenant intruders. He was found slain where they had left him, plasma burns across his armor, and a hallway filled of nearly two dozen covenant dead. The ODSTs set up next to their fallen comrade and watched the entrance to the structure, realizing they were the only members protecting the flank.