- MaxRealflugel
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- Elder Mythic Member
ONI Section Zero Annual Report
To: HIGHCOM CO (Remaining: See Distribution)
From: Commander Liam Richards (ONI: Sect Zero IO, Assessment and Evaluation Cell)
DTG: 031040Z APR 2564
Message Precedence: Priority
Subject: ONI Section Zero - Annual Report (2563 - 2564) Part 1
Overview:
The past twelve months have, in most terms, passed without incident, but there are a number of concerns and irregularities that, I feel, need to be addressed. Several of these relate to our continuing and evolving relationship with the Sangheili and their actions throughout the course of the year. Although nothing is certain in this report, I have highlighted a number of possible problems that may, at some point, raise tensions between the UNSC and the Sangheili High Council.
Joint Sangheili-UNSC Operations
Since an end to hostilities eleven years ago the UNSC has enjoyed a fruitful co-existence with our former enemy. In the past six years alone we have seen a resurgence in human expansion and colonisation within the old colonies that were once deemed unfit for life after they were glassed by the Covenant. New terraforming techniques, introduced by the Sangheili, have encouraged a return to the former glory days of the UNSC. Reach has been epicentre of this expansion with twenty seven new refineries and the new civilian district having recently opened for business, and more recently six new orbital facilities, including three defence platforms and the invaluable orbital construction yard which, in three months time, will see its first vessel the new UNSC Flagship: Jacob Keyes, set out for trials.
The Sangheili are keen to see the UNSC return to pre-war fleet strengths as part of our existing agreement in providing security against Kig-Yar and Jiralhanae incursions. The demise of the Covenant as a whole has meant that although the Sangheili are indeed powerful and deadly in application their departure from key areas of enemy held space has resulted in a drop of ship production as these facilities are deep within enemy territory or have become unusable due to the low number of engineers available. As a result, the UNSC has been presented with the unusual task of being the majority provider of ships, weapons and personnel, at least until Sangheili production is back to full strength. Unfortunately this situation has manifested some bitterness towards certain areas of UNSC responsibility.
As I'm sure you are all aware, the Sangheili are a proud and honorific species with many elements that echo feudal Japan. With their steady decline in ships and vehicles they have found themselves in a position that they never expected - one that relies upon humanity for commerce, supply and the bulk movement of fabrication materials. Because of this, a small contingent of the "Old School" Sangheili have voiced their growing concern of their species' reliance on humanity. Whilst this group is only a minority, it may manifest into something more considerable.
While there may be those that question our future as an alliance I was pleased to see that any official visit to their home world is greeted with respect, admiration and an almost kinship in battle. The Sangheili religious figurehead: The Arbiter has been pivotal as far as diplomacy is concerned. While he is aware of the tension between some of the older among his warrior elite he is keen to involve and encourage the younger members of his species, many of which have never fought against the UNSC, but against the Kig-Yar and the Jiralhanae in the years after the war. This is a generation that the Arbiter is keen to foster - obviously with hopes that the feeling of mutual trust and friendship will remind the more belligerent Sangheili that more can be achieved by working together.
This friendship has lead to several joint search missions for the remains of the Forward unto Dawn and the Spartan-II, Master Chief. While many of these expeditions may be purely traditional and respectful in application they do, however, provide UNSC personnel with valuable experience and an insight into a species that once saw us as enemies.
Annual Report continues...
[Edited on 02.01.2010 6:12 AM PST]