Battle Group 4

Template:Infobox Military Unit Battlegroup 4 was a formation of the Colonial Military Administration.^[1]^{[verification needed]} On October 7, 2525, the battlegroup operated under the command of Captain Maribeau Veredi. It was sent to investigate unknown aggression on the outer colony world of Harvest, leading to one of the first engagements of the Human-Covenant War.^[2]

Background

After communications was lost with the UEG colony of Harvest, the scout ship Template:CMA ship was sent to investigate. It arrived in-system but was lost shortly after. In response, the CMA organized Battlegroup 4 to investigate Harvest.

When the Battlegroup arrived it discovered the Covenant ship responsible for the massacre of Harvest and destruction of Argo. Veredi followed UNSC first-contact protocols but the Covenant ship suddenly opened fire. The battlegroup returned fire but its Archer missiles had no apparent effect. Soon Arabia and Vostok were destroyed and Heracles was severely damaged.^[2]

Before leaving the battlegroup picked up a transmission in English from the Covenant ship: "Your destruction is the will of the gods, and we are their instrument." Heracles retreated into slipspace in spite of severe damage. When the ship returned to UEG space, Veredi told the UNSC of what had taken place and a larger battlegroup was assembled by Vice Admiral Preston Cole to retake Harvest.^[2]