Editing Insurrection (section)

==War==
===Eridanus and early hostilities===
{{Quote|No prison can hold a free mind.|Words written in blood by insurrectionist philosopher [[Yera Sabinus]] while in prison on [[2495#December|December 12, 2495]].{{Ref/Novel|Ret|Chapter=5}}}}
Following the ''Callisto'' Incident, the Insurrection began to spread to other systems, including the [[Eridanus system]] which became embroiled in a local insurrection in the same year. The rebellion [[Operation: CHARLEMAGNE|was crushed two years later]], at the cost of four destroyers, though the rebels in the system retreated into the asteroid belt and would continue to operate for several decades onward.{{Ref/Novel|Id=TFoR1|TFoR|Chapter=1}} Guerilla cells in the Secessionist Union would attack embassies and government buildings.{{Ref/Reuse|HM}}

On [[Meridian]] in 2495, the [[Sundered Legion]] would begin a number of brushfire conflicts on the [[moon]]. Information they learned would be sent to the Secessionist Union.{{Ref/Novel|Id=BBSunder|HBatB|Detail=Adjunct - [[Free Frontier Education: The Sundered Legion]]}}

In the 2490s during the conflict, the {{CAAShip|Marien}} would perform an evasive tactic that would later be coined as the ''Marien'' maneuver.{{Ref/Novel|ET|Chapter=15|Quote="Keep climbing and rotate, full ''Marien'' maneuver!" Cole shouted. She silently prayed the twenty-fth-century evasion tactic conducted by the CAA ''Marien'' during the Insurrection would be enough.}}

The early Insurrection saw several new vehicles designed for the UNSC. The [[XRP12 Gremlin]] was developed as a platform for directed, non-nuclear [[electromagnetic pulse]]s in order to disable [[Nuclear weapon|weapons]] of mass destruction from being detonated.{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=83}} The [[AC-220 Vulture]] was conceived in [[2498]] and would go on to be used against the rebels, though this usage was considered unethical.{{Ref/Book|Id=evgvulture|EVG|Page=202}} The UNSC, however, was not prepared for brutal [[Space warfare|ship-to-ship]] combat in the early years of the insurrection.{{Ref/Reuse|impossible}}

[[File:AssassinAvery.png|thumb|left|200px|[[Corporal]] [[Avery Johnson]] assassinating Jerald Ander on [[Harvest]].]]

===CMA's downfall and the UNSC's rise===
Undertaken by ORION operators, [[Operation: VERITAS]] would see them come to blows with the Secessionist Union. During the operation, the operators would acquire a list of [[Wikipedia:Non-official cover|NOC]] operatives working in the [[Colonial Military Authority]].{{Ref/Reuse|wp spartans}} This information would become public in [[2497]].{{Ref/Reuse|HE34}}

With this shocking revelation, the UEG was convinced that the colonies could not govern themselves.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22pg22}} As well, political opponents to the CMA would move in to shift power and resources away from the CMA and to the UNSC.{{Ref/Reuse|enc09pg44}} Resource allocations by the CMA resulted in them leaving Meridian in [[2499]].{{Ref/Reuse|BBSunder}} [[Vakara GesmbH]], a prominent supplier of the CMA, would suffer greatly from their downfall.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=169}} Still, the {{Class|Hillsborough|heavy destroyer}} entered [[CMA Navy]] service in that same year, and outmatched some UNSC vessels.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=125}} A variant of [[CQS48 Bulldog]] for the CMA was a common sight with riot and peacekeeping forces.{{Ref/Game|Id=cmabulldog|HI|Weapon customization|CMA Bulldog - Description|Quote=Capable of using a wide variety of specialist ammo types, the Bulldog was a common sight with peacekeeping and riot forces during the insurrection period.}}

The guerilla campaign continued and inflicted massive losses. Beginning in [[2502]], the UNSC undertook [[Operation: KALEIDOSCOPE]]. The main aim of the operation was the assassination of insurrectionist targets. Over five years, the UNSC would eliminate [[Jerald Ander]], [[Molin Saal]], [[Elanor Kef]], and [[Standish Kable]].{{Ref/Reuse|HM}} With Ander's death, the Secessionist Union would dissolve as the faction was gripped with chaos, and he personally would go on to become a martyr in the eyes of some insurrectionists.{{Ref/Reuse|enc09pg44}}

Another operation around this time was [[Operation: TANGLEWOOD]].{{Ref/Novel|CH|Chapter=2}}

===Preston Cole and the ''Bellicose''===
{{Quote|no=two|1=Bellicose|q1=WELL PLAYED, PRESTON. WE'RE A GOOD MATCH. IF YOU EVER RETIRE FROM THE UNSC, YOU MIGHT CONSIDER WORKING FOR THE GOOD GUYS.|2=Gorgon|q2=PERHAPS YOU'D LIKE TO COME OVER HERE AND PERSUADE ME?|3=The Insurrectionist ship ''Bellicose'' communicating with the UNSC ''Gorgon''.{{Ref/Reuse|impossible}}}}
As the fighting spread, the Outer Colonies became a battleground between the [[UNSC Navy]] and the rebels' makeshift fleets. In June [[2501]], an insurgent captured [[UNSC frigate]], the ''[[Bellicose|Bellerophon]]'', was pursued for the third time by the {{UNSCShip|Gorgon}}, commanded by [[Preston Cole]], into the [[Theta Ursae Majoris system]]. After a chase and battle, in which the ''Bellerophon'' managed to dodge a MAC round using excellent tactics, the ''Gorgon'' was contacted by the ''Bellerophon'', renamed the ''Bellicose''. A short exchange of taunting messages followed, and then Cole let the ''Bellicose'' escape. After laying traps in five systems over a course of three months, Cole had yet to find the captured ship. Following this, the [[Skirmish at Capella]] would take place.{{Ref/Reuse|impossible}}

Several months later, Cole was married to [[Lyrenne Castilla]], who was also pregnant. In June of [[2503]], eight months after Cole's marriage to Castilla, Admiral [[Harold Stanforth]] sent Cole a transmission telling him that ONI uncovered the civilian identity of the captain of the ''Bellicose'' - Lyrenne Castilla, spying on Cole. Cole went to confirm this, and found that Castilla had robbed him of everything, leaving only a printout of the exchange they had between the ''Bellicose'' and ''Gorgon''. In January of the next year, four destroyers engaged the ''Bellicose'' in the Theta Ursae Majoris system, and reported that the ship was caught in the gravitational pull of the gas giant, and destroyed.{{Ref/Reuse|impossible}}

Cole faced a court-martial for conspiring with the enemy and giving Castilla knowledge of UNSC slipspace upgrades, and possible execution. However, Harold Stanforth stepped in and vouched for him, and Cole was merely relocated to Earth with a desk job.{{Ref/Reuse|impossible}}

The ''Bellicose'' survived, however, and remained in the shadows until eventually reappearing with an Insurrectionist fleet, dealing the Covenant a crippling blow in the [[Battle of Psi Serpentis]].{{Ref/Reuse|impossible}}
[[File:Enc22 Insurrection.png|275px|thumb|right|Insurrectionists prepare to attack a [[UNSC]] [[UH-144 Falcon]] at some point following 2497.]]

===Other actions===
{{Quote|I grew up around a lot of insurrectionist violence, and to me it seemed quite normal. It wasn't really until being [[Corbulo Academy of Military Science|here]] that I realize how much violence I saw.|[[Chyler Silva]] in 2526, describing her childhood.{{Ref/Generic|Id=squad|[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn: Squad]]}}}}
In [[2506]], the ORION Project would be ended with 165 surviving members transferred to the field.{{Ref/Site|Id=wp spartans|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/spartans|SiteName=Halo Waypoint|PageName=Spartans|D=27|M=10|Y=2015}} Elias Carver would commit suicide in [[2509]], feeling that his predictions surrounding the Insurrection had invariably caused it.{{Ref/Game|HR|[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]] - December 4, 2510}} 

With the splintering of many rebel cells, what remained of those organizations would align under [[Colonel]] [[Robert Watts]]' leadership. This forming group would be pejoratively described by the UNSC as a 'united rebel front'. Taking this descriptor as a badge of honor,{{Ref/Site|Id=watts|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/colonel-watts|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Colonel Watts}} the [[United Rebel Front]] was formed in 2509.{{Ref/Reuse|HM}} Meanwhile, the [[M850 Grizzly]] would enter service that year and would quickly outgun any rebel armed vehicle and functionally drive straight into their positions.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/grizzly|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Grizzly|D=31|M=07|Y=2021}} Around 2510, [[Major General]] [[Harper Garvin]] defected to the newly formed rebel faction.{{Ref/Novel|Id=ss13|HSS|Chapter=13}}

In [[2511]] over the span of a month, a wave of three insurrectionist attacks took place in the [[Mato Grosso]] province of [[Mamore]]. The third one was a [[Nuclear weapon|nuclear bombing]] claimed by the [[Freedom and Liberation Party]] resulting in two million deaths.{{Ref/Book|Id=Halsey|Dr. Halsey's personal journal|Detail=[[:File:Intersystem News Haven.jpg|Haven Terror Bombing Kills Two Million]]}} This year saw the brainstorming for a second ORION generation by it's lead researcher Dr. [[Catherine Halsey]],{{Ref/Book|Dr. Halsey's personal journal|Detail=February 15, 2511/July 30, 2511/September 8, 2511}} as well as the planning and research for [[Project MJOLNIR]].{{Ref/Book|Dr. Halsey's personal journal|Detail=July 30, 2511}} The [[SPARTAN-II program]] as it was called was officially commissioned in [[2513]].{{Ref/Book|OSFM|Chapter=SPARTAN-II AUGMENTATION|Page=83}}

At some point, UNSC Marine [[Avery Johnson]] was sent to the planet of [[Etalan]] to perform reconnaisance.{{Ref/Novel|Id=silent5|SS|Chapter=5}} Miners on [[Reynes]] would strike and protest against the UEG.{{Ref/Novel|Id=HF|Halo: Fireside}} The {{Class|Lancer|fast-attack corvette}} was over-gunned and under-ranged for most deployments in the Insurrection.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFFoundations|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-foundations|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Foundations|D=12|M=01|Y=2022}}

During the Insurrection, [[Chalybs Defense Solutions]] sold weapons to both the UEG and the insurrectionists.{{Ref/Novel|Id=BBC17|BatB|Chapter=17}} Unbeknownst to them, Vice President [[Johanson Sloan]] of Chalybs was an Insurrectionist spy who would leak the routes and schedules for the [[Colonial Administration Authority]].{{Ref/Novel|Ret|Chapter=19}}

At some point during the Insurrection, UNSC forces captured several insurrectionist flags and displayed them at [[CASTLE Base]] on Reach. These included flags with family crests, bloody dragons, and scorched crossed swords.{{Ref/Novel|Id=fs13|FS|Chapter=13}}

===Operation: TREBUCHET===
{{Quote|Operation: TREBUCHET had been the UNSC's answer to Insurrectionists, and we'd just been folded into the far-ranging series of operations aimed to "pacify" the Outer Colonies.|[[Gage Yevgenny]]}}
{{Main|Operation: TREBUCHET}}
In [[2513]], the UNSC initiated Operation: TREBUCHET,{{Ref/Novel|Id=HTFOR9|TFoR|Chapter=9}} one of the largest operations in UNSC history; spanning ten years and costing hundreds of thousands of lives, the goal was to root out the Insurrectionists and impose order in the Outer Colonies.{{Ref/Reuse|dirt}} Despite the combat at the start and to come from the operation, there was still a belief among some of the UNSC that dialogue could be opened with some insurrectionists and their sympathizers.{{Ref/Reuse|ch7}}

Fighting broke out in the [[Eridanus system]], particularly at Eridanus II and the space around it, as rebels supporting the system's breakaway from the UNSC built a small navy of civilian craft and attempted to take over the system. The disorganized [[Eridanus rebels]] were eventually brought together by [[Robert Watts|Colonel Robert Watts]]. The UNSC responded harshly, sending a [[fleet]] of [[UNSC destroyer|destroyers]] and [[UNSC carrier|carriers]] to the system to combat the rebel fleet. The resulting battle pitted the UNSC against at least one hundred smaller rebel craft. The UNSC forces defeated their rebel counterparts with little difficulty. During the battle, the rebels were routed and the remnants of their fleet fled into the asteroid belt to [[Eridanus Secundus]]. They would eventually establish a fully functional asteroid base and began conducting raids again by [[2525]].{{Ref/Reuse|HTFOR9}}

A ground campaign also began on Eridanus II, as units from the [[9th Marine Expeditionary Force]] were sent to the planet in force, hoping to capture leaders of the rebel movement and pacify the population. One of these units, the first Battalion of the [[21st Marine Division]] commanded by [[Lieutenant Colonel]] [[Ponder]], was involved in a disastrous mission to try and capture a rebel leader - the second in command - in [[Elysium City]], which ended in the leader's family being killed and Ponder wounded and demoted.{{Ref/Novel|Id=ch7|CH|Chapter=7}}

The fighting eventually spread to the [[Epsilon Eridani system]]. By [[2524]], the fighting involved in Operation: TREBUCHET alone had taken over a million lives, the majority of which being civilians. In that year, a Marine battalion was posted at the colony world of [[Tribute]], commanded by Lieutenant Colonel [[Aboim]] and supported by the corvette {{UNSCShip|Bum Rush}} and air support from [[AV-14 Hornet|Hornet]]s. The battalion attempted to put a stop to rebel bomb makers near the city of [[Casbah]]. Two special warfare squads, led by [[Staff Sergeant]]s [[Avery Johnson]] and [[Nolan Byrne]], were involved in disastrous operation in June. Byrne's team was killed during a hostage situation at a [[Jim Dandy]] restaurant near Casbah city; thirty-eight civilians, three Marines, and two rebels were killed in the bombing.{{Ref/Reuse|CHP}} Byrne and Johnson were pulled from the system, and were later sent to [[Harvest]].{{Ref/Reuse|CH4}}
[[File:Johnabducted.png|thumb|left|250px|Future SPARTAN-II [[John-117]] is kidnapped in the middle of the night on Eridanus II in 2517.]]
===Height of the Insurrection===
{{Quote|Yes. The UNSC needs every man and woman patrolling the Outer Colonies. Between raiders and insurrections, it's a wonder it all hasn't fallen apart.|[[Lieutenant]] [[Jacob Keyes]] to Dr. Halsey in 2517.{{Ref/Reuse|tfor1}}}}
During the Insurrection, [[Gao]] was [[Blockade of Gao|blockaded]] for a year and the [[Isbanola sector]] saw fair amounts of action.{{Ref/Novel|Id=Epilogue|DW|Chapter=Epilogue}} An armed insurgency also occurred on the colony of [[Epsilon Eridani IV]], which the legendary [[Admiral]] [[Preston Cole]] was sent to put down.{{Ref/Book|Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide|Page=22}} The colonists on [[Carrow]] had ties to the rebels of the insurrection as well.{{Ref/Novel|Env|Chapter=9}} Insurrectionist internment camps were created on [[Dwarka]].{{Ref/Audio|HtT|[[Hunt the Truth Season 1/Transcripts|Season 1 Messages]]}}

In [[2516]], the Sundered Legion and UNSC would come to blows and begin five years of fighting on the moon of Meridian, lasting until the conclusion of the [[Siege of Aethia]] in [[2521]].{{Ref/Reuse|BBSunder}} [[Talitsa]] would also go through two uprisings; one also in 2516 and another in [[2520]].{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/locations/talitsa|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Talitsa|D=27|M=11|Y=2015}} In [[2517]], the UNSC would begin kidnapping SPARTAN-II program candidates, with Dr. Halsey herself screening candidates in [[FLEETCOM Sector Four]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=tfor1|TFoR|Chapter=1}} These children were replaced with [[flash clone]]s, a highly illegal action.{{Ref/Reuse|journal}} Rebels at Eridanus would board the {{UNSCShip|Dartmouth}} in the September of 2517.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HFoRBC2|FoRBC|Issue=2}}

Numerous colony ships were also requisitioned by the UNSC to be turned into [[warship]]s, the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} for example{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=117}} would go through this procedure at the height of the Insurrection{{Ref/Book|HWF|Page=48}} and completing on [[2520#September|September 1, 2520]].{{Ref/Game|HW|HW:Timeline|Timeline|Detail=1 September 2520}} Around this time, the CMA would stockpile vast amounts of the early version of the [[VK78 Commando]] on Reach{{Ref/Game|Id=cmavk78|HI|Weapon customization|CMA VK78 - Description|Quote=The Colonial Military Authority stockpiled vast numbers of early model VK78 rifles on Reach during the height of the insurrection. Many remain there now, waiting to be freed from tombs of glass.}} and the {{Class|Scholte|missile corvette}} would become the lynchpin of the CMA's fleets.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFFoundations|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-foundations|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Foundations|D=12|M=01|Y=2022}} The [[M808B2 Sun Devil]] became closely associated with UNSC Marine Corps peacekeeping operations around this time.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFDigsite|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-digsite-dissection|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Digsite Dissection|D=29|M=07|Y=2023}}

In 2521, insurrectionists would hack the destroyer {{UNSCShip|Persephone}} and disable it. This would result in an abandon ship call and the ship being destroyed to prevent capture. This would highlight the deepening discrepancy of the cyberwar front of the Insurrection. The UNSC had standardized, 70-year old homogeneous computer systems that could easily be hacked while the insurrectionists had makeshift, heterogeneous software that was much more difficult to hack. To this end, Dr. Halsey helped create the software intrusion routines known as the [[Illegal Entry Protocols]].{{Ref/Game|Id=journal21|HR|Dr. Halsey's personal journal|Detail=October 15, 2521}}

A wave of insurrectionist activity would hit [[Andesia]] in [[2523]]{{Ref/Site|Id=HWNCF10|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-beta-late-than-never|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=News, Canon Fodder|Page=Beta Late Than Never (Issue 10)|D=11|M=11|Y=2020|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-beta-late-than-never.html}} while the year after a rebellion on [[Persia IX]] was put down by the UNSC.{{Ref/Novel|NB|Chapter=15}} By this point, no fighting had taken place in the [[Cygnus system]] due to the shared creed and ethnicity of the colonists there.{{Ref/Reuse|CH4}}

In [[2524]], the luxury liner ''[[National Holiday]]'' would be destroyed by unmanned [[orbital taxi]]s filled with explosives over Reach. The depth in UNSC territory of the attack resulted in [[ONI Section Two]] censoring the true nature of it, lest there be panic in Sol about a potential attack there. ONI and [[FLEETCOM]] would go on high alert with FLEETCOM issuing a directive that an event like this should never happen again.{{Ref/Novel|CH|Chapter=8}} That same year, HIGHCOM proposed rigorous cost reduction guidelines for Project MJOLNIR.{{Ref/Game|HI|Armor customization|Xantippe - Helmet Description|Quote=The Mk. IV/X variant was created to meet rigorous MJOLNIR cost reduction guidelines proposed by UNSC HighCom in 2524. However, implementation of a less-capable powered assault armor was sabotaged by Dr. Halsey, and the final design ended up meeting her exacting specifications.}}

In [[2525]], the [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers|ODST]] [[21st Space Assault Battalion]] would storm and seize 18 different insurrectionist facilities including those in low orbit and in deep transitional space.{{Ref/Reuse|silent5}} At an unknown point, they would also capture a URF supply base on [[Bomogin]].{{Ref/Reuse|silent6}} Throughout the Insurrection, UNSC orbital drops via [[drop pod]]s were routinely used to surprise and cut-off rebel forces.{{Ref/Book|HWF|Page=50}}

Introduced relatively late into the Insurrection,{{Ref/Game|Id=PL|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Wolverine}} the [[M9 Wolverine]] would be effective at countering insurrectionist aircraft.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=142}}

[[File:Watts' Capture.png|thumb|250px|The capture of Col. Robert Watts.]]
===Kidnapping at Eridanus Secundus===
{{Main|Operation: TALON}}
In the year [[2525]], a [[SPARTAN-II]] team, led by [[John-117]], went on a mission to infiltrate and capture rebel leader [[Colonel]] [[Robert Watts]]. The Spartans sneaked on board via the ''[[Laden]]''. Once on board, they located a cargo that contained luxury items such as [[Sweet William cigar]]s and [[champagne]], verifying Watts' presence.{{Ref/Novel|Id=HTFOR10|TFoR|Chapter=10}}

After boarding the rebel base, they neutralized the guards in their path and eventually found their way to Watts. They successfully killed his guards, and sedated Watts long enough for them to escape. Using explosives, they blasted their way out, killing dozens of civilians, much to the regret of the team.{{Ref/Reuse|HTFOR10}}

With his capture, ONI began a propaganda drive to the rest of the UNSC declaring him caught.{{Ref/Anthology|Id=dirt|Evo|Story=Dirt}} It's unknown what happened to Watts after his subsequent interrogation, though his capture didn't end the insurrection as other factions remained strong enough to continue fighting the UNSC.{{Ref/Reuse|enc09pg44}}

[[File:HCD-Whitaker2.png|250px|left|thumb|An unlikely alliance was forged between the Spartans and Insurrectionists during the [[Battle of Alpha Corvi II]], the two sides having found a common enemy with the Covenant.]]
===The Covenant===
{{Quote|From where I see what's going, I don't think we're winning… and I think we need to do everything possible to win.|UNSC cadet [[Walter Vickers]] on the Insurrection.{{Ref/Reuse|squad}}}}
Originally, it was believed that Covenant raids near [[Harvest]] were an insurrectionist plot and the UEG treated it as such. The UNSC decided that in order to counter these raids, a new colonial militia needed to be trained to help keep the colony safe. Two insurrectionist veterans and former ORION soldiers, Avery Johnson and [[Nolan Byrne]], would be selected to train these troops. Quickly, a first contact scenario would take place on the world.{{Citation needed}}

The [[Covenant]] [[First Battle of Harvest|would soon attack]] [[Harvest]], beginning the [[Human-Covenant War]] in [[2525]]. With this, Operation: TREBUCHET was suspended by the UNSC.{{Ref/Novel|MorDi|Chapter=3}}{{Ref/Novel|MorDi|Chapter=6}} On November 1, 2525, the CMA would be stripped of their forces and placed under UNSC jurisdiction.{{Ref/Game|HW|HW:Timeline|Timeline|Detail=1 November 2525}} Major hostilities would still continue between the UNSC and Insurrectionists however. Even in the midst of the [[Battle of Alpha Corvi II]], insurrectionist forces opened fire at the first sight of UNSC forces before eventually being convinced of a temporary and uneasy alliance.{{Ref/Reuse|Colat}}

As the Covenant did not delineate human allegiances, they would end up wiping out the [[Galodew Emancipation]] base on [[Redstow VI]] along with other colony worlds.{{Ref/Novel|Id=silent6|SS|Chapter=6}} Despite previous fears and actions by FLEETCOM, insurrectionist elements of the [[Bandusa Insurrectionist group]] were operating on [[Mars]] by [[2526]],{{Ref/Film|Id=fud1|FuD|Detail=Part 1}} while the URF had at least one spy within FLEETCOM.{{Ref/Reuse|silent6}} The UNSC were still deploying major forces against the insurrectionists at this time. The first instance the Spartan-II program would be used to openly put down rebellion would be on [[Andesia]].{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/art-showcase|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo 5 Art Showcase|D=8|M=11|Y=2020}} The [[10th Shock Troops Battalion]] during this time would also be deployed to Jericho VII, Arcadia, and then Andesia{{Ref/Reuse|fud1}} with SPARTAN-IIs also conducting operations against insurrectionist forces on [[Jericho VII]].{{Ref/Reuse|silent6}}  

With the Covenant pushing in, the UNSC began to plan their response to them. On [[2526|March 7, 2526]], Vice Admirals Harold Stanforth and Preston Cole discussed this with Dr. Catherine Halsey and Avery Johnson. Dr. Halsey suggested abandoning most worlds and rallying UNSC forces at strong points and fighting the Covenant there. Although he did not state this opinion, Avery Johnson believed that such a strategy would result in a full rebellion of the Outer Colonies and two full wars being fought by the UNSC.{{Ref/Novel|SS|Chapter=4}}

On [[2526#March|March 12, 2526]], various insurrectionist factions met together on the frigate ''Bellicose'' to discuss the UNSC and the Covenant. These insurrectionists, unaware of the Covenant's genocidal mission, would devise a plan to try and negotiate an alliance with the Covenant, with the ultimate goal of using it to help liberate insurrectionist colonies.{{Ref/Reuse|silent6}} The Covenant would be contacted by the URF at [[Amasa]] and agree to the temporary alliance in order to hopefully discover more colonies.{{Ref/Novel|SS|Chapter=9}} 11 days later, an insurrectionist bombing would take place in [[Troisi City]] on [[Lodestone]].{{Ref/Reuse|fud1}}

===Biko and the end===
{{Main|Battle of Seoba|Battle of Biko}}
As part of [[Operation: SILENT STORM]], an operation to counter the Covenant, the UNSC began to move forces to [[Biko]]'s moon of [[Seoba]]. There, they discoved a plot by the [[Biko Independence Army]] to overthrow the Bikon Chancellor.{{Ref/Novel|SS|Chapter=7}} Due to the plans of SILENT STORM, the UNSC moved in and thwarted the plans of the insurrectionists and captured dozens of them with the Covenant quickly approaching the planetary system.{{Ref/Novel|SS|Chapter=11}} The Covenant, while attempting to attack the planet would also move to defend themselves from a planned boarding action, something that URF General Harper Garvin warned them about.{{Ref/Novel|SS|Chapter=17}} The Covenant would meet with fleeing Insurrectionists from the two battles in an attempt to learn more about the Spartans.{{Ref/Novel|SS|Chapter=18}}