(Courassant: Three and a half weeks later)

Chancellor Veil couldn't believe what he had heard. Not only had the fleet found humans outside this galaxy, but the Republic had stumbled upon a genocidal war. However, that wasn't the terrifying part. Upon finding out about the Covenant ships, SIS had relooked over its old intel. Upon closer examination, SIS found recent sightings of ships matching Covenant ships in various parts of Wild Space. They weren't a problem, yet. However, if the Halo Incident said anything, these could rapidly evolve into a dire issue. Do to this he was hurrying to meet with an emergency session of the Senate. Having made contact with the UNSC, he arranged for them to talk to the Senate via comm from the Naval Garrison at Chrystosis, where they were picking up their Spartans. The critical injury of one of them had brought them to Chrystosis for more advanced care.

The massive Senate chamber was quiet as everyone listened. After a quick overview of the situation, he turned it over to the man in the hologram. Admiral Hood, as he was known, held himself like the officer he was, but his eyes and weathered features betrayed his age and added urgency to the message he was bringing.

As with everyone else, Chancellor Veil, listened as he explained the events ranging from Harvest to the fall of Reach, one of the last human strongholds. There was a collective gasp as he showed an image of Harvest's glassed landscape. He told of the Covenant's fanatic devotion to their religion, that drove the war. He explained that between their weapons and the Spartans, they were able to effectively fight the Covenant on the ground. However, they were so badly matched in space that it almost didn't matter.

Having done work around the Outer Rim during the Clone Wars, Chancellor Veil could honestly say it was nothing compared to what Admiral Hood was describing.

"...Even if you don't do it for us. Remember, that the Covenant doesn't take kindly to newcomers. That in turn puts each and everyone of you at risk of ending up like Harvest," Admiral Hood concluded, staring at various Senators in turn.

With that he looked at Chancellor Veil. That was his cue.

"Thank you, Admiral. You've given us all something to think about," Chancellor Veil responded.

After a nod from the Admiral, the image winked out. With that everyone began debating on whether or not to declare war on the Covenant. While it was mostly one sided, there were those that still held the idea that it wasn't their problem. Those were quickly shot down with the SIS intel report and a recounting of the Halo Incident. With their major Navy shipyards, Kuat and Corellia helped lead the charge for war. Much to everyone's surprise, Naboo was one of the first to agree to war, also. By the end of the day, the Senate unanimously declared war on the Covenant.

Chancellor Veil had barely left the Senate building before contacting people. His first contact was with Fenn Shysa of Mandalore. Having heard what was going on from Kra'ake, Fenn had Contacted Chancellor Veil in hopes of making an alliance. While Veil didn't care for him do to his stance during the war, he understood and respected him. Plus Veil wasn't about to turn down some of the best soldiers in the galaxy, over a grudge.

Within the next twenty-four hours there was a strategy meeting planned on Hosinian Prime, and the military was going under full mobilization.

(Hosinian Prime)

There was a light drizzle as Chancellor Veil's diplomatic ship lowered into the underground landing pad, doors ceiling above it. Much to his distaste, last minute issues with the military delayed him. Veil took a breath as he smoothed out his red and black suit. He was flanked by an SIS agent, also in a suit, to his right, with two distinctively red shock troopers walked slightly behind and to his sides. As he left, the rest would deploy and keep the area secure, this was just the personal detail that they insisted on. He was immediately met by Admiral Hood and Fenn. This made him wince internally. He really didn't like being late. However, he shrugged it off.

Putting on a neutral face, he spoke, "Well gentlemen, I believe we have a war to plan."

(Deep Outer Rim: 1 year later)

The person walked onto the bridge of his warship. Or at least he was once a person.

"Sir, incoming transmission from an unknown source," reported one of the battle droids.

He nearly didn't answer it, but curiosity got the better of him.

"Put it through," He ordered with a cough.

The blaster bolt to the chest had nearly killed him. However, instead it intensified his cough and made his chest constantly burn.

Suddenly a humanoid being in a hoverchair appeared. It was obvious that he was of importance by how he was dressed.

"Greetings, I am the Prophet of Truth. We know of your record, and are most impressed. On behalf I would like to offer you a position as Commander in our army, similar to the rank you now possess. The difference is that we hold… shall we say… competent soldiers. On top of that we hold the much better chance of you killing those jedi, seeing as we are now their main concern," the Prophet spoke. It reminded the leader of the ship of a sales pitch, but on the flip side, he knew about the raging war between the Covenant and the Republic.

"I trust that you lead the Covenant?" he asked.

"I do."

"Alright, I am willing to take the position."

"Good. I thought you might, General Grievous."