Chapters Prologue: Welcome To (Revised)
Prologue: Welcome To (Revised)
(2000 HOURS, August 1, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ BETA ZELUS SYSTEM, PLANET DECON \ SECTOR TANGO FOXTROT WHISK 12 \ AT GORGEMEN ORPHANAGE)
Perspective: Tom
I spit out some blood, falling to the ground I placed a hand on my nose feeling the blood gushing out, coughing. “Fuck you!” I yell.
Looking my attacker over he stood little over two meters wearing a dark black trench coat, a pair of black shades covered his light blue eye they were cold and heartless, he wore a crooked smile on his face, enjoying being able to punish me again, his slick blackened hair must have had a million hair products or it was just filled with grease. He was the dean of the orphanage the bastard treated us like dirt. I rush him swinging my arm wildly; he easily blocked and punched me in the gut making me fall back landing on the brick wall with a addable smack.
He took off his glasses his eyes had fire in them. “You brat” He spat showing his perfect white teeth “I should beat you till a centimeter of your life!”
He kicked my side his steel toed boots ripping into my side. I curl into a ball trying to protect my sides; it does not work his blows keep hitting me cracking my ribs and bruise the skin above that. I can feel the tears rolling down my face cleaning all the dirt and grime leaving a semi-clean streak.
After a couple minutes of nonstop kicking he looks at me deciding if that was enough punishment with one last kick he turns and walks away leaving me a bloody mess I try to stop the tears giving myself a check just as I thought two cracked ribs, broken nose, bruise, and a fractured jaw nothing I could not “walk off.” I try to stand only to fall back down the pain is too great. “Fucking hell I’ll kill that bastard.”
How much time passed, an hour maybe two? The bleeding stopped but I had dried blood from my nose to my shirt’s neck I look down to see my only tattered shirt, my blood stains the front side causing my use to be white/brown shirt to a light red/dark red, my dark blue jeans are torn causing my skin to peak through my fake leather jacket had holes more than I could count (which was only to five) blood stained the inside the two pockets on the front are half ripped off on the back is the words "Bust Kid". Pushing myself up and lean on the wall, the reddish brick is cold as I place a hand on it moving slowly I walk, limping towards the orphanage front door pushing it open I see the old wallpaper peeling at the top, the paper was a horrible olive green, halfway down is a wooden railing I grip onto it walking towards my room, passing the main room I walk down the hallway to the room where all the orphans sleep, i look at the old oak door that stood two and a half meters tall, sighing I twist the knob. As I open the door I look around only to see the other orphans staring wide-eyed at me. I look around the walls are still the ugly olive green, white trim goes along the bottom of the wall caked in dirt and dust, the floor is golden brown oak hardwood the grime presses itself on the bottom of my foot, gross, damn i wish i had shoes right now.
“What are you going to stare or are you going to help me to my bed?” two of them run to my side causing me to yell in pain as they help me to my bed the others start to ask questions.
“What did you do this time, Tom?” a boy with dark brown hair and black eyes asks I smile at him, reaching into my pocket I pull out an orange sphere, getting gasps from the others “YOU STOLE AN ORANGE!” the dark haired boy yells.
I chuckle only to feel the pain getting worse “Ya, there is enough to go around, one slice each.” They all look at me there eyes twinkling; I start to peel it and take the slices passing it around till everyone got a piece. Satisfied I take a bite of my own the sweetness of the juice running down my throat. “Damn that’s good.” As say as the others hungrily devour their own slice.
As I lay back down feeling my side “Fuck.” I whisper the pain is horrible but I power through it feeling making sure there is no internal bleeding I let out a breath I did not know I was holding and sighed good none. As I rest my head on the lumpy pillow the cot beneath me scratches like fuck, but I have grown use to it.
“Hey Tom,” I look over to see a small kid not more than four; I nod to let her say something “Could I sleep by you tonight? I keep having bad dreams.” She states on the brink of tears, I give her a small smile trying to calm her.
“Sure, pull up your cot, but please try to be quiet.”
She nods and runs back and with a loud scratching sound as she drags it no more than two centimeters I here crying, I sit up to see she can’t pull it.
“Hay it is okay.” Swinging my legs over on to the ground bring so much pain that tears begin to form I stand trying my best to ignore the pain I move over and pull the cot over with trouble the pain in my side almost makes me blackout, finally I pull it over by mine and I fall back onto my cot. She climbs up onto hers and soon falls asleep, smiling I try my own hand at finding sleep, but it does not come.
(2000 HOURS, August 1, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ BETA ZELUS SYSTEM, PLANET DECON \ SECTOR TANGO FOXTROT WHISK 12 \ OUTSIDE GORGEMEN ORPHANAGE)
Perspective: Dr. Catherine Elizabeth Halsey
I smile walking up and opening the doors to the orphanage, tapping on my datapad looking I see my checklist for potential Spartans; Holly Jane Scarlet, Kelly Bay Scot, Mark Chan Beck, and Tom Whitten Ashford. All were collected but Tom, I walk down the hallway silently thinking about how disgusting this place was. Getting to the front, I look over to the dean and smile “I’m here to see Tom Ashford.” I say.
He looks up at me and laughs, rude, I glare back at him “Oh you're serious.” He said looking me over.
I have on my white lab coat it is unbuttoned I never wear it buttoned I hate how it makes it tighter, by the right hand pocket is my name stitched neatly into the coat, underneath that is UNSC stitched in green, underneath that I have on a blue shirt nothing special about it, my pants are just simple jeans nice and clean.
“UNSC, are you drafting him in?” he asked with a crooked smile.
“That’s classified.” I state making him raise an eyebrow though he stays silent and points down the hall to a door. “Thank you.” I walk down and knock on the door, nothing, I knock again this time a small boy opens the door.
“What do you want dean.” He stares up at me his black eyes full of shock his hair was a mess. “Sorry Miss I did not know someone was coming, no one ever comes to visit us the dean says we will never get adopted.” I frown I’ll have to have a word with the dean about this I thought silently.
“Is there a Tom in here?” I ask smiling down at the boy.
He nods and opens the door more, the walls are painted the same olive green as the halls and the floor is hardwood with dirt and grime caked on I’m glad to be wearing shoes looking around I see about seven kids none more than eight or nine perfect for the enhancements I thought.
“Which is Tom?” He points at a boy on a cot he has blood caked on his shirt and is clenching his side, I frowned and cleared my throat he turned and smiled. “Are you tom?”
He nodded “I am Tom, who are you?” He looked over me and laughed only to end it in a cry of pain “UNCS, they want me that bad they sent a Doctor,” I was about to correct him but he did not give me a chance “I have two broken ribs, a fractured jaw, and a broken nose.”
(1950 HOURS, August 1, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ BETA ZELUS SYSTEM, PLANET DECON \ SECTOR TANGO FOXTROT WHISK 12 \ IN GORGEMEN ORPHANAGE)
Perspective: Tom
I looked back to the little girl sleeping next to me softly snoring, I let out a sigh looking over the others some were playing with some cards, and others were sleeping.
“It’s getting late you should get some rest, or the dean will beat you.” I say to the ones playing, they only nod and put the cards away and crawl into bed. Smiling I lay down they look up to me, I have to protect them. I thought closing my eyes I laid back.
Knock knock knock
For fucks sake, I sigh ignoring the dean knocking.
Knock knock knock
What the hell does he want?! “Someone get the door.” I say one of them gets up and walks to the door.
“What do you want dean. I’m so sorry Miss I did not know someone was coming, no one ever comes to visit us the dean says we will never get adopted.” I hear him say as he answers it.
Someone’s here, maybe one of us will get adopted. “Is there a Tom?” a feminine voice asks, me what would someone want with me, I ask myself. The door opens up with a creek standing is an older women. “Are you tom?”
I nod “I am Tom, who are you?” I take a moment to look her over she has deep frown lines freckles cover most of her face, her eyes are navy blue, her shoulder-length hair is black but graying heavily, she wears a lab coat and a blue shirt and jeans, then I see the neatly stitched word UNSC.
I burst into a fit of laughing, as I do my side bursts with pain it feels like someone grabbed a knife and stabbed me in the side, silencing me.
“UNCS, they want me that bad they sent a Doctor,” I see she was about to say something but I don’t let her “I have two broken ribs, a fractured jaw, and a broken nose.” She ponders this, a hint of worry in her voice.
"Well then let's get you to the PILLAR OF AUTUMN." she smiles helping me up, smiling i say my goodbyes looking back at Dr. Halsey I nod and we start to leave as we pass the dean she turns and glares daggers at him
"You treat these kids as if you life depended on it, which it does." she says that last bit with venom behind it, smiling she say good bye and we walk out of the orphanage.
Outside there is a green car It looks as if it has two tusks because two hook attached to lines poke out in front, well it looks more like a puma.
"Dr. am i ever going to see this place again?" I ask, i can hear the sadness in my voice that was not meant to be there.
"Sadly, there is a good chance you won't." she says as she helps me into the passenger side.
Damn these seats are comfortable there better than my bed! She climbs into the driver seat and turns the key, there is a soft growl as the engine starts up, Yep sounds like a puma. I snicker to myself we begin to move forward after about five or so minutes pass i slip into sleep.
7 YEARS LATER
I stand at attention my white military uniform is perfect it displays a shield on which an eagle clutches onto three arrows in the left claw and a lightning bolt in the right, It is a patch given to all Spartans-III, just above that it has my name stitched in gray string. I stand over two and a half meters now the enhancements made me stronger, faster, smarter, and taller. My white pants have neat ironing lines giving me a professional look, my black boots having been shined i smile it was perfect, I sneak a peek to my left and right, good all of team foxtrot was up and ready. The last few years have been hell, our bodies and minds were put through tests and augmentations. All our training, the tests, weapons training both Human and Covenant, Schooling in tactics and the history of the UNSC, survival training, and field exercises. All of it had been hell, he was one of only thirty out of three hundred that had survived the augmentation to their bodies.
I was the leader of Team Foxtrot, It was made up of Spartan-102 Mark Chan Beck, Spartan-03 Kelly Bay Scot, Spartan-081 Holly Jane Scarlett. I had grown close to my team with going through hell and back you learn who your true friends are, I would give my life to save them in a heart beat. This was my family for the last seven years, they were stationed on planet Onyx, it was mostly covered in lush forests or dense jungles few knew about it and fewer knew how to get there.
The door opened interrupting my thoughts. In came a man he was shorter than us about a meter and half, he had a gray top on to his left side metals decorated it proving he was a high ranking officer, three gold stars shown proudly on his shoulders, his pants were all black as his shoes were too. His head held a neat cap on it, again the three gold stars were on the front, I could see his gray hair in a neat buzz cut under his hat, his golden eyes were full of pride, looking at his Spartans he had trained for the past seven years. He wore a stiff jaw looking as if he was angry even if he was not. they snapped to attention.
"At ease, gear up you have training in five." he said, moving with pride making precise steps he moved out of the room as Team Foxtrot scrambled to get their gear and head to the armory to get there MJOLNIR armor.
Chapter One: A Whole New World (Revised)
(0600 HOURS, November 3, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ ZETA DORADUS SYSTEM, IN ORBIT ABOVE PLANET ONYX \ SECTOR BETA DELTA 4 \ ON SHIP UNSC ALBATROSS)
Lt. Colonel Ajax scrambled to get his team ready the Covenant Flagship ASCENDANT JUSTICE along with a fleet of destroyer class warships had just exited slip-space. “Move battle stations! Get the MAC cannons ready, shields at max, and get the Chief out of cryo NOW!” his mean saluted and ran to the computers.
The cryo pod hissed steam blasting out the side the MJOLNIR armor inside protecting Spartan-117 or The Chief as he was known, the top of the pod opening and lifting up.
Cortana Master Chief’s AI (artificial intelligence) voice rang through his helmet “Chief Lt. Colonel needs you on the bridge we have multiple Covenant vesicles inbound towards Onyx.” The Chief sighed wishing the rest of Spartan Blue Team was here to back him even though he never needed it he had extreme luck that followed him for some reason.
Moving out of the cryo pod and into the room where a BR55 Battle Rifle and a M6 sidearm, clipping it to his side and slinging it over his shoulder him moved to the elevator his heavy MJOLNIR clicking on the hard metal floor.
“Cortana, give me a visual on the incoming vesicles.” A small mini screen popped up showing the Covenant fleet Chief sighed “Cortana send word to the ground forces on Onyx.”
A small blue figure with flowing with Covenant hieroglyphs appeared on his faceplate “Sorry Chief the ships are blocking our communications with Onyx, there is also something strange about this fleet of Covenant there telling us to move out of the way, they don’t want a fight.”
The Chief sighed, the elevator doors opened with a slight hiss reluctantly he stepped on it the doors closed. The elevator shot upward then slowly decreased in speed until it came to a complete stop the doors hissed open again but this time it opened onto a rounded deck with viewpoints of thick glass showing the incoming armada, computers lined the deck a captain’s chair set in the middle with Lt. Colonel Ajax sat on it, John sighed all that stood between that armada and Onyx was the UNSC ALBATROSS
“Sir MAC cannon charged at 75% one minute till full charge, the Covenant are trying to hail us sir.”
Ajax nodded “Send it through.” A shimmering figure of the Elite Shipmaster came into view “What do you want, Shipmaster?”
The Elite’s mandibles moved though no sound came through the translator working on what he was saying “Humans, move out of
are way or we will destroy you the gods smile upon us we will not ask again.” The image distorted and flashed off.
Ajax cursed to himself “Chief what do you think?”
John sighed “We need to get out of there way, we stand no chance I will go in on a booster frame and storm the flag ship I’ll take two Falcon-99 nuclear warheads and blow it.”
Ajax nodded “Roger that I’ll order your booster frame to be prepped and ready. John nodded and turned towards the elevator and took it down to the hanger.
(1000 HOURS, NOVEMBER 3, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ ZETA DORADUS SYSTEM, PLANET ONYX \ NEAR RESTRICTED REGION ZONE 67)
Stun rounds pinged off of Spartan-073's MJOLNIR armor, smiling he sprinted jumping over the DI's somersaulting on the other side he raised his MA5K rifle sending a dozen stun rounds hitting the DI's SIP armor sending them screaming to the ground he saluted them and sprinted towards the rendezvous point, small dust clouds coming up behind him.
He flashed his green acknowledgment light twice indicating "friendly" three more lights winked once indicating "Come on in" sliding into the hollowed out rock he was greeted with his fellow Spartans; Spartan-102 Mark "Snake", Spartan-03 Kelly "Rabbit", Spartan-081 Holly "Archer". This was team Foxtrot there MJOLNIR armor blending in with the bushes around the rock, Tom placed two fingers in a V on his face plate the others did the same this sign the "Spartan smile" as many troops called it meant more than words.
Tom took off his helmet and running a glove over his freshly shaved head his eyes a bright blue a scar just under his eye from a close call with live ammo, Kelly took off hers as well her golden-brown hair flowing out even though this was not allowed Kelly had a way with words to convince there NCO to let her keep her hair smiling her emerald green eyes looking at Tom, they had been seeing each other in secret, relationships between Spartans was strictly prohibited. Holly took her helmet off as well her brown eyes and flat top suit her a devilish smile crossed her face whispering she broke the silence "So Tomboy what's the plan the DI's will find us soon enough."
Mark nodded keeping his helm on the team never saw him without it on it bugged Tom not seeing all his team without their helms.
"Well we have nine out of ten DI's down, one more before we win and we will win. We need to get better ground Holly you will post up in a tree use the sniper you’re the best shot, Kelly you run the DI's into our trap, Mark do what you to best use your electric batons to make sure they stay down, I’ll provide cover for Kelly. Ready?" nods came from the others "Okay on three we take up positions." slipping on his helm he held up three fingers 3...2...1... He made a fist and pulled down saying "Go" they burst from their hiding position.
Kelly sprinted stun rounds hitting inches away from her feet just where and whizzing past her head, 100 meters till the trap would spring, Kelly dared to look back four DI's in their SIP armor ran after her there MA5K blasting stun rounds but missing their mark, 50 meters and closing she smiled, this is going to be good she thought. She sprinted as fast as she could closing the gap all she had to do was wait, as Kelly ran past the point Mark and Tom tossed a flash the DI's stopped blinded their ears ringing.
Holly then shot each of them in their SIP armor freezing them falling to the ground, Mark then walked up to each of them taping them on the head with his baton marking them dead. Tom broke radio silence.
"Good job guys 9 down 1 to go. Okay lets go over the plan Holly and Mark flank left Me and Kelly will flank right Holly use that sniper and take him out if anything goes wrong Mark will cover you, If it does go to shit me and Kelly will move in and take them out, clear?" three green acknowledgment winked back to him "Okay move out."
The Spartans moved like shadows slipping in and out of cover looking for any enemy movement Tom went into TEAMCOM
"Tell me when you guys have visual on the target." green acknowledgment lights winked back at him.
Mark and Holly moved into a coroner of an open field in the middle was a bell that was their goal to ring the bell and eliminate all hostiles along to the side of the bell was Sergeant Trent the one that trained them at only six years old having come to Onyx being injected with varies of drugs to enhance their combat and thinking.
Holly loaded her sniper aiming at the Sergeant's head smiling she pulled the trigger the bullet flew straight through his head only his figure distorted and flickered out Holly yelled on the TEAMCOM
"IT'S A TRAP!" as the figure distorted, two Mk 7 stun round turrets fired from there hidden spots in the tree hitting Holly with a storm of stun rounds freezing her yelling in pain she fell to the ground Mark, Kelly, and Tom all hit the ground crawling to the trees where the turrets stat waiting to see their next target.
Tom spoke up "Okay Mark climb up and disable the turrets." two green lights wink back, they climbed up unhitching the bolts connecting them to the trees falling to the ground with a thump. "Okay now to find Sargent Trent..."
Tom sighed this is getting harder than he thought. Kelly, Mark and Tom moved in the undergrowth their MJOLNIR blending in perfectly, the “shadows” moved into the enemy territory Tom could not shake the feeling in his gut something’s wrong he did not know what but he knew something very, very bad was going to happen.
Mark stopped holding his MA5 rifle level he pushed the bush to the side he saw the DI’s that were “dead” limping off the field there legs still numb from the stun rounds. Tom stopped the shadows changed he looked up the sun had changed what time was it six, seven? No looking up again he saw something that shocked him there were two suns. One purple and blue with flares, the other normal little did he know what had happened the ASCENDANT JUSTICE was decimated with two Falcon-99 warheads scrap metal flying towards the UNSC ALBATROSS it’s front shields bouncing the metals away and back into space.
Tom turned on the CATCOM and radioed for their commanding officer “Sir have you looked up?” tom said looking at the second sun.
“I have To, pull back the training can wait get Holly and meet us at base we’re sending you into Zone 67.”
“Roger sir, meet you there in ten minutes.” Zone 67? That was off limits whatever was going on it had to be coming from zone 67.
(1000 HOURS, November 3, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ ZETA DORADUS SYSTEM, IN ORBIT ABOVE PLANET ONYX \ SECTOR BETA DELTA 4 \ ON SHIP UNSC ALBATROSS)
Master Chief stepped off the elevator looking over the room in the center was a Booster Frame they had readied for him, the small metal craft had jets on both “wings” (if you could even call them that) the main jets flaring the craft lifted a foot off the ground.
Engineers running around making sure all systems were a go. To his left there was a pack filled with ammo for his BR55 Battle Rifle and a M6 pistol, sitting just to the right of that were two Falcon-99 warheads equipped with detonator and codes he snapped the nuclear cargo onto his back hearing the satisfying clink smiling on the inside, this was going to be one hell of a ride.
Slinging the pack over his back he nodded to the engineers saying “Tell the Lt. I’m going.”
They nodded moving away from the frame as Master Chief sat he quickly checked everything over again making sure everything was good.
The Lt.’s voice came in on through his TEAMCOM “Good luck god speed Spartan.”
John gunned it the jets flaring as he was propelled into space his oxygen recyclers turned on making sure he had enough air to breath, he closed on the armada the Flagship looming ahead he activated the cloaking so he would come up as near invisible to the Covenant scanners, John readied his one MK4 Shield/Armor piercing missile he only had one shot.
300 meters until target destination, he would fire it at the bottom of the Flagship entering in the hanger once inside he hoped he had enough firepower to take on the enemies that loomed behind the ship’s walls. John pulled the trigger instantly de-cloaking the missile leaving a small smoke line as it spiraled towards the Flagship it launched a dozen smaller missiles impacting the ships shield leaving a hole in it that soon started to close but not fast enough the missile flew past it and impacted blowing a hole in the haul of the ship leaving John a window into the Covenant ship.
He flew in feeling the artificial gravity hit him instantly he and the booster frame dropped hovering only a mere foot above the purplish floor. Green and blue plasma rounds flew past his head the Elites and Grunts firing, Jackals with their shields formed lines and inter-linked them forming almost what looked like a wall John sighed was this really all the Covenant had to throw at him? It was almost an insult. He hopped off the Frame and sprinted to the line of jackals zigzagging the plasma as the occasional one hit his shields setting off a golden flair he chucked two frags into the line of Jackals they scattered he raised his rifle firing three round bursts as their shields did not cover them any longer.
He then aimed his M6 magnum picking off the Grunts making their methane tanks exploding causing the Elites’ shields to shimmer a white-blue John then slid picking up a Jackals arm shield and deploying in still charging he slammed into the closes Elite snapping its neck. He then moved like a ghost all that could be heard was the discharge of plasma based weapons, screaming of the Covenant forces, and his boots clicking loudly on the metal floor.
John stopped as nothing stood alive “Cortana find me a rout to the main battery on this ship.”
“Sure Chief.” A blue indicator popped up “Chief the Covenant is likely to be on high alert now you made quite a mess.”
He snorted “Yeah I’ll be quiet.”
He sprinted, passing Seraph Fighters the Covenant’s main space to space aircraft although it was used for bombing as well, coming up on a triangular shaped door it slid open not much security they weren't expecting to be boarded. He silently thought moving quietly from hall to hall. Only Grunts stood in his way screaming and fleeing as soon as they saw him only to be silenced with a swift crack of the neck, he made his way to the main battery no guards, this was a bad sign. Was it possible the Covenant just wanted to “pass by” he pushed these thoughts aside pulling the Falcon warheads from his back he entered the code “whisky, tango, foxtrot, delta, and zeta.” He set the timer for Five minutes a small time appeared on his HUD starting it he made his way back to the hanger something was wrong never has a Covenant ship let alone a Flagship had so little forces.
He entered the hangar greeted with a strong metal plate hitting him his shielded instantly flared and dissipated hunters. He tossed two frags disorientating the hunters as they ducked behind their heavy metal plates, he then then ran at them the first hunter swung he slid under it dogging the second’s with a roll smiling he ran at them again. Cortona's voice ringing in his helm.
“Chief only two minutes!” he checked the timer 2:07 damn, he had to move fast. Sprinting he jumped over the hunter as he swung priming a plasma grenade, then wedging in underneath the hunters back plate. It blew sending a pool of orange blood along with the eel like creatures everywhere, the second hunter screamed for his fallen brother it charged.
To slow, John dodged it and cocked back his forearm back then proceeding to push with all his force palming the second hunter sending its head flying it fell at his feet.
“30 seconds Chief!” he ran for his Booster Frame jumping onto it he gunned it using the debris as a ram he jumped into space once again. He counted five, four, three, two, and one.
It exploded behind him the shock wave pushing him faster out into space his Booster Frame tumbled he struggled to regain balance, once he did he speed towards the ALBATROSS. The Covenant ships instantly fled. What? The Covenant never run, even if there flagship was decimated they never gave up they could have blown the ALBATROSS to bits if they wanted. John thought, something was not right but Onyx was safe for now.
(1100 HOURS, NOVEMBER 3, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ ZETA DORADUS SYSTEM, PLANET ONYX \ NEAR RESTRICTED REGION ZONE 67)
Tom’s meeting with Commander L. Washington had gone well but one thing was clear they were headed into Zone 67 to find out what the hell was in there. Tom was promoted from a “Captain” (Spartans were all giving the rank of Captain) to his newly appointed rank of Major, so he could be in charge of team.
He sighed “Zone 67? Well here we are Ghosts of Onyx.”
He moved getting his team ready they all had duffel bags filled with the same gear MREs, Ammo, two spare M6’s, some sleeping gear. The only difference between each of them was their primary weapons Holly had her sniper, Kelly had dual M7 submachine guns, Mark had his M90 Shotgun, Tom had his basic gear only in his duffle bag was an M41 SSR MAV/AW Rocket Launchers with eight spare rockets, Com equipment and the prototype code named “Prometheus” was a long rifle close to the length of a sniper firing 50 cal. with a magazine size of thirty.
With their gear packed and loaded they were escorted to two warthogs one with a M68 Gauss Cannon the other with an AIE-485 Heavy machine gun they packed up and rolled out passing the gate that lead to Zone 67 or as the other teams called the point of no return as they passed the gates closed locking on the other side they slowly made their way to the indicator of a slipspace rupture there they found a circular “Portal” for lack of a better term. Stopping, Tom tried to raise command nothing the Slip-space field was messing with their equipment, after an hour Tom decided they would drive the warthogs into the portal.
“Okay guys there may be Covenant on the other side I want both turrets ready to fire the moment we enter don’t fire until my command. Also we may not communicate with command so we may have to fly dark for a while, we have enough ammo and food to last about nine to ten day plus we can always hunt wildlife.” He turned to Kelly “Kelly you're on recon. Holly you’re the best shot cover her if any hostiles show up, Mark stay with me we will be driving the Warthogs.” Three green lights winked they packed out and rolled out, heading into the portal.
Tom felt like his insides were ripped out of his armor the forced back in as they went to the other side he resisted the urge to throw up although Holly and mark could not they threw off their helmets puking over the sides of the warthogs. Looking around they landed in a field a nice clear night sky filled with stars the moon high overhead, no sign of Covenant activity Holly and Kelly hopped off the turrets and went off to scout the area tom and Mark stayed back and unloaded supply’s.
Kelly came in on the TEAMCOM “Tom… you need to see this.” Tom and mark ran sprinted up to where Kelly and Holly laid, before them was a town. It was nothing to look at it resembling the ones in the stories told by the older Marries as they talked about earth.
There was no sign of enemy movement what ever lived here must be sleeping, or maybe it was abandoned. Tom wished they reported back before going through the “Portal” or a quantum slipspace rupture as the eggheads called it, looking back he cursed it had closed.
He sighed letting thoughts wander in the middle of a dangerous environment was a stupid mistake to make, running back to the warthogs he grabbed the long range com hardware “This is Spartan-073 reporting.” Static was the only response. “Come in command this is Spartan-073 we have made it through to the middle of Zone 67 finding a “Portal” we have entered and cannot get back, please respond.” No luck. Sighing he placed it down, no communication with the UNSC, they were in a land that none of them knew about, and with limited food and ammo just great.
Making his way back to the group he whispered “Okay Kelly go scouting in the village, Holly find a vantage point don’t let Kelly out of your sigh, Mark let’s go set up camp. Meet back up with us in ten.” They nodded Mark and Tom walked back unloading everything, lying out there sleeping bags and getting a fire started."
Kelly ran from shadow to shadow it was as if everything was peaceful a little too peaceful if you asked her, she could see shadows in windows creatures they looked almost like a horse only they had rounder faces and short snouts she could hear laughing and quiet mummers.
Holly ran from roof to roof following Kelly her boots slightly clicking on the shingles her MJOLNIR armor unevenly blending into the night sky. The moonlight was unnatural too, light her visor polarized to 20% she hated the feeling like something big was going to happen, pushing the thoughts to the side she focused on staying on over watch.'
Kelly ducked into and ally feeling the water underneath her boots causing a loud splash she cursed under her breath lights in the window above her flicked on freezing she pressed herself under the window hoping whatever was inside did not look down.
The window was pushed open a shadow thrown upon the wall opposite wall. It was small, and had two, no four legs, a rounded face, short snout, small rounded ears on the top of its head. The two front legs swung out only inches from Kelly’s face that had what looked like a blue fur coat its legs short and at the end a, hoof?
A voice sounded above her “Hello, anypony out there?” the shock of it being able to speak and even E.S.E. (Earth Standard English) she radioed Tom.
“We need to talk I’m coming back early.” Hearing this Tom was worried this could only be bad, not only where they in a world unknown by the UNSC and the Covenant, no communication to command, and an unknown creature who was neither friend nor foe.
Kelly ran in between the streets of the village, the “pony” having given up and when back to bed, she was scared and confused why the hell the god above would send us to this place she thought as she ran.
Holly sprinted after Kelly she could not see into the darkened alley but something a spooked Kelly, Holly was worried was it the Covenant or maybe a new threat. She sighed “Damn Kelly why do you spook so easily.” She said to no one.
Holly jumped from roof to roof hopping upon the shingle covered roofs, she watched Kelly run she would not admit to herself that she was scared. Her imagination creating images of monsters, she jumped but not far enough she feel grabbing onto a gutter it creaked and would soon give out do to the weight of her armor she fell, land with a smash leaving a small crater she cursed and ran after Kelly light after light turned on the creatures waking up from the sound of a ton of metal crashing to the ground.
Kelly and Holly come to a stop at the warthogs gasping for air, “Sitrep now.” Tom ordered, he and Kelly stepped away she explaining what had happen and the word “Anypony” he puzzled over it.
“Sounds like a bad pun, but it did give us a clue they think of themselves as ponies did you get a good look at it?” she shook her head, he sighed “Go back and get some rest, we will walk into town in the morning.” Walking back Tom sighed “Nothing yet I’ll take first watch you all get some rest.” They nodded settling down he soon heard soft snores from Kelly smiling at his Spartan girlfriend he stood watch and waited. He woke Mark an hour later and drifted asleep soon after.
(1000 HOURS, NOVEMBER 4, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ SPACE UNKNOWN, PLANET UNKNOWN \ MISSION CLASSIFIED \ SPARTAN TEAM FOXTROT DECLARED MIA BY COMMANDER L. WASHINGTON)
Tom woke his team yawning they eat the MREs and packed up the hogs, slipping the keys the engine gave a low growl the radio turned on “GOOD MORNING Equestria! You’re here with DJ Nightshade. How are all you good looking ponies doing?”
Tom was stunned “What the hell did he just say?” Tom said looking over his team to see if he was dreaming the team stood staring at the radio “Guys Earth to team foxtrot hello?”
Holly was the first to break out of the trance “Well guess we know where we are some place called Equestria.” There were murmurs in agreement, Tom sighed looks like they were hitting the town.
Screams came from everywhere the 'ponies' running every which way screaming at the top of their lungs as Foxtrot walked in to the town's market. Tom had ordered them not to fire seeing as how they acted like grunts and none were attacking there was no need for violence. After a bit the 'ponies' were all hiding, but six.
They stood about twenty feet from them, Tom took a moment to look over them, to the far left was pink with pink hair was like a cloud "puffy", she wore a necklaces with a blue balloon shaped gem set in the middle on her rear were three balloons much like the gem one yellow and the other two were blue she had cyan eyes, she wore a frown and a "death glare" as tom called it.
Next to her was a white pony with dark purple hair ending in curls it looked like she had used every hair care product ever to get her hair like that, she had a white horn poking out of her hair, her necklaces had a purple gem shaped like a diamond, she had the same diamonds but in blue, her eyes were a darker shade of blue she did not hold a death glare but they still said "I could fuck you up."
In the middle was a lavender pony instead of a necklace like all the others had she wore a tiara with a pink star shaped gem she had purple eyes and blue hair with a single stripe of purple and ink jetting up for that was a single horn. With the way she was standing tom could not see her tattoo but he figured it would be a pink or purple star.
Next to her was an orange pony with blond hair, her eyes were a dark green, she wore a red apple gem in her necklace and her tattoo was the same but there were three instead of one her eyes switched from Tom to his team then back to Tom. There was something yellow and pink hiding behind her he figured it was another pony.
Hovering in the sky was a cyan pony, she had rainbow hair, her cyan wings beat heavily as she floated, her magenta eyes glared at Tom angry and if he had just hurt her pride, her necklace held a red lightning bolt her tattoo was a cloud with a rainbow lightning bolt shooting down from it.
Tom told his team to stop; he slowly slung his rifle over his shoulder and started to walk towards the group. "We come in peace." he smiled to himself remembering that movie quote, suddenly his shields flared, "What the fuck hit me?" he thought, he started to talk again "We mean no harm we just want to get to our home world." nothing, he sighed "Please just hear us out"
His shields flared again, his team moved up rifles held level pointing at the six as the middles one horn glowed a deep pink sending small bursts of the ora at Tom. He looked as his team, they had set up positions in a semicircle ready to fire.
"Stand down," Tom yelled the six ponies turn their eyes back at Tom, his team lowered their weapons but stayed on guard, he could feel the disapproving looks burning the back of his neck
He sighed looking back he saw the yellow pony had come to look her pink hair was cropped to one side, her necklace had a pink butterfly, her tattoo was three pink winged blue bodied butterfly's.
"Will you hear us out?" he asked getting them to turn back to him and not the rest of the team, the lavender one stepped forward the ora still disappeared from her horn.
"Maybe," she said in feminine voice, Female got it, he makes a mental note, as she placed a hoof on her chin looking at him as she questioned what he was, after a minute or two she smiled up at him and held out a hoof "Of course, but you will have to speak to our ruler." reluctantly he shakes her hoof before he hears the cyan pony speak.
"But Twi, we don't even know them, plus they have weapons and you want to take them to Celestia herself!" she yells out. Another female... are they all female, they do look to be, it may be safe to think they all are, He think as He watch them bicker.
"Rainbow, Celestia has more magic and she may be able to tell me what these things are." She says pointing a hoof at Tom
"But-" he starts to say but is cut off.
"No what if there way more powerful than her, they could kill her then there would be any sun anymore!" the cyan one yells.
Wait what no sun if we killed this Celestia person, how the fuck does that work, he looks back at his team, they are still standing ready to draw weapons if need be but looking at him, he sighs.
"Um... Can I ask you guys something?" The ponys turn to Tom the cyan one glares at him as the other just nods. "How long is this going to take me and my team would love to go back to our realm ASAP." he says with a nod
The cyan one stares at Tom then to the lavender pony and sighs "Whatever, but I have my eyes on you."
The lavender pony smiles and nods to me "I'm Twilight, that's Rainbow Dash," she points at the cyan pony she was just arguing with "Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy." She points them one at a time. "I will have to write a letter to Celestia to see if she can come over to Ponyville."
A letter, that’s fucking going to take weeks, Tom sighs "Is there any faster way than sending a letter that could take weeks to get there?"
Twilight gives me a confused look "What do you mean I’ll have spike send it, it should only take a few seconds, then she will
probably teleport here." she says with a smile.
"Wait teleportation? Sorry but I can't say I believe you but then again I thought I was dreaming this all so what do I know." Tom states clearly.
"Permission to speak, sir?" Tom looks to see Kelly has stepped forwards.
Twilight looks between us "Why does she have to ask to talk?" she looks at Kelly a hoof again on her chin.
"Because I’m a higher rank, Granted, What is It Captain?" I look at Kelly turning my back on the ponies.
"Well sir, we should get back to the warthogs and gather the duffle bags I fear one of the... ponies may get to close." She says as she takes off her helm, letting her golden-brown hair falling and blowing in the wind.
"You may be right Captain. Very well we will go back; Miss. Twilight our camp is on the edge of the town." He points north "Come on team back to camp." They walk the rest of the way silently, leaving the six ponies staring.
Chapter Three: Aliens (Revised)
"So full of hate were our eyes
That none of us could see.
Our war would yield countless dead
But never Victory.
So let us cast arms aside
And like discard our wrath.
Thou, in faith, will keep us safe
Whilst we find the path."
-Covenant Prayer
_________________________________________________________________________________________
(0600 HOURS, NOVEMBER 4, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ VICTOR WHISKY ALPHA \ IN FREE SPACE \ SECTOR BETA DELTA 4 \ ON COVENANT FLAGSHIP SHADOW OF INTENT)
"Brothers, the humans have deprived us of what is rightfully ours." Ship Master Rtas Vadum yelled to his troops in an effort to rally them, there loss of the ASCENDANT JUSTICE had dropped the chance of success by almost a third "The prophets have told us what lies beyond the shield-world, a world that has been untouched by the flood, humans, or us. The humans do not know the power they hold. We will break their forces and claim what the gods have given to us!"
Cheers broke through the ranks, looking down he could see the different spices that made the Covenant. There was the Gunts (Unggoy) there shrimp like features including the methane tanks on their back, they were weak but loyal going suicidal with a pair of plasma grenades if their leader died. Coming from the distant world Balaho.
There the Jackals (Kig-Yar) they looked like vultures with their large hawk like eyes, there were a formidable foe they had large arm shields that could block a dozen rounds of plasma, they wore light metal plates some even with optical enhancement goggles. Coming from the planet of Eayn.
There were many Elites (Sangheili) with their Humanoid & reptilian body structure; quadruple hinged mandibles with conical teeth; binary vascular system. They were the main infantry of the Covenant with shields much like tongues of their human counterparts. Coming from Sanghelios.
Then in the far back was the Hunters (Mgalekgolo) they were known by many names the one they favored most was "Spartan killers." Made with a single entity created by a unified colony of small worm-like creatures called Lekgolo. They were limited in numbers but made up for that with being able to stand rounds from tanks. Coming from the gas giant Te.
Rtas Vadum himself was an Elite adorned with silver armor proving himself to be a Shipmaster he stood tall and proud as he looked at his troop marveling over the sizes, shapes, and colors form the four races. He moved to the bridge with no visible view ports there were only small screens showing the outside space.
"Brothers we move back to the shield world!" He yelled taking his place in his chair.
"Ship Master, are you sure that is wise?" asked a Elite adorned with blue armor asked.
"Are you questioning me Minor?" He asked in a slight growl.
"Not at all Ship Master, but with the ASCENDANT JUSTICE being destroyed, I was just wondering if that was the best possible choice."
Rtas growled, growing tired of this questioning of orders, "You dare question me?" he got out of his chair and walked to the now backpedaling Elite, he grabbed him and threw him onto the main console "I am the Ship Master, my word is law you have no honor, you can not call yourself a Sangheili. You have dishonored the name of the Covenant!"
Silence filled the bridge as onlooking Elite quickly went back to work tapping on the holographic keyboards. The minor got up and stat in his chair typing some symbols on the keyboard.
"Ship Master, we are ready for a slipspace jump." A smile (as much as a Elite could smile) appeared onto Rtas face.
"Send us to Onyx, we will destroy the human ship."
(0620 HOURS, NOVEMBER 4, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ ZETA DORADUS SYSTEM, IN ORBIT ABOVE PLANET ONYX \ SECTOR BETA DELTA 4 \ MAIN BARRACKS)
***This is my OC and it will be told in his perspective unless specified otherwise***
Opening my eyes i see the stone engraving above my bed;
Through Knowledge, Victory. Through Unity, Peace.
Honor, Valor, Allegiance.
Today. Tomorrow. Forever.
Together We Rise. Together We Prevail.
From Earth, For Earth.
Honor, Valor, Allegiance, Excellence.
Today. Tomorrow. Forever.
Together We Rise. Together We Prevail.
From Earth, For Earth.
Honor, Valor, Allegiance, Excellence.
From Earth, For Earth.
Today. Tomorrow. Forever.
Together We Rise. Together We Prevail.
I read over it for the hundredth time, rubbing my eyes I slowly get up. Moving to the closet I open seeing crisp, clean lab coats, grabbing one I put it on and move out heading to my personal warthog, passing by troops fixing warthogs or just relaxing. Onyx has been my home for the past four months. I was surprised when FLEETCOM funded me to study the Shield-World, there was just one problem i had no access to Zone-67.
After what happened in orbit I told the general that we had to send a team into the zone, they have not reported in after twenty-four hours he had declared them MIA by the Commander. Sighing I check my gear again, perfect everything is there; biofoam, a .50 cal revolver, MREs, multiple data pads, three boxes of cigarettes, lighter, and a small box of ammo. 'I'm really doing this.' I thought climbing into the car and flipping it on i drove to the gate to Zone-67.
"Gatekeeper, open the gate code; osprey gamma zeta." The gate screeches open but stops halfway.
"Wait Doc is that you?" I deadpanned and started to panic, searching every part of my mind to find a possible answer.
'Play it cool, play it cool.' I thought and cleared my throat "Hey man nice to see you too. Commander has given me permission to search for Foxtrot and do some 'field research', so you going to let me past?"
"Uh ya sure Doc, just be careful out there." I nod and wave moving past the opening gate.
"Fucking hell man." my British accent coming through. About a click away from the gate, I stop in front of a large portal, smiling I drive into the portal my insides instantly feel like they are ripped out then slammed back in. "Fuck!" I lean over the side blowing chunks, i feel like my head exploded.
I stare at the sky, the clouds hang low to the ground yet high enough not be fog can see dotes fly around pushing and kicking the clouds. I rev the engine and drive to see two other warthogs, thank fucking god, I park by them and hop out "Am I fucking glad to see you Foxtrot."
"Wait Doc, why the fuck are you here you should be on the other side working on getting us back!" I look at Tom blankly then shake my head.
"Sorry to say guys but Spartan Team Foxtrot was listed MIA about twelve hours ago." Tom slammed a fist into the log he sat on shattering it.
"So tell me Doc, why are you here?" I smile and give a stiff laugh.
"What not happy to see me, I did come looking for you... well your equipment in case you were, dead." I stopped stunned 'Wow Craig was right i'm becoming a cold hearted bitch!' I frown "That came out wrong we were all worried about you Spartans i just feared the worst."
I look over to see Kelly, Mark, and Holly staring daggers at me "So you only wanted our armor?" Tom yelled "You asshole, we were with you how many times going through augmentations!?"
"Tom, I-"
"No, we were friends you were like a father to me. Just because we have super bodies and numbers after our name, that all changes?"
"Tom, please, let me explain."
"No you listen here, you don't touch our equipment, you don't order us, you don't even ask to talk. You are on your own." I sigh, only nodding, Tom would get over it right?
I moved away getting my duffle bag and moving deeper into the woods, I was on my own with no help from the outside world, unaware of the creatures that called the Everfree their home.
Chapter Four: A War Rages Above
Dear Humanity,
We regret being alien bastards. We regret coming to Earth. And we most definitely regret that the Corps just blew up our raggedy-ass fleet!”
—Sergeant Major Avery Junior Johnson, 2552
_________________________________________________________________________________________
(0700 HOURS, NOVEMBER 4, 2548 (MILITARY CALENDER) \ ALPHA ALPHA ALPHA \ BY OLD RUSSIA \ SECTOR BETA ALPHA 4 \ ON EARTH)
***Four Years Ago***
I smile taking out a pocket watch 0700 hours, any second now they will be here. I stare eagerly at the door, any moment the boys and girls of Spartan Team Foxtrot would come in, as if on cue the door was pushed open and four short figures ran in. A short one ran in and gave me a fist bump, smiling wide i ruffle his hair much to his discomfort. He slides out of my reach, hiding behind his team
Giving a small laugh is begin to speak my thick British accent coming through quite loud, "He guys how are you doing? I bet the DI's give you only MREs and other crap... maybe you would like something better." Moving to the side i revile a large table with a white table cloth, on it a high stacks of pancakes and other tasty treats, sitting in one of the five chairs and look up seeing no one followed their eyes were almost as big as plates laughing the one named Tom spoke up.
"Doctor Angus, is this for us?" he asked staring at the pancakes drooling a bit, give a small laugh.
"I don't see anyone else in the room." smiling I pat the seat next to me. Much to my delight they all ran up taking their seat to the far left was Holly not much one to hold a grudge, to the right of her was Mark he never did talk much, to my right was Tom the closes thing i had to a younger brother, to his left was Kelly the one who had a way with words. Looking over his friends as then dug into their pancakes they were going to be Spartans, as much as i hated injecting kids with the drugs to straighten, enhance reflexes Smarts, and "under pressure thinking." I knew this was going to be the very thing that saved them.
I give out a stiff sigh which Tom picks up on "Everything okay Doc?" he asks gulping down a large bite of pancake.
"Ya Tom everything is fine, are you ready for the "operation" today?" giving a small smile.
"Yep! I did everything you told me to do; trained extra hard on the battle field, did extra push ups and sit ups, and got plenty to eat." He say nodding proudly.
"Good job sport!" Looking at the others as they wolf down the pancakes, after about thirty minutes of constant eating i stop them telling them to go get ready and meet me in the medical wing, I watch them leave with bright smiles on their faces.
(In The North Medical Wing)
I look over Tom making sure everything was going on plan, switching drugs at the right time making them pumping a different color into Tom, sighing as i place the last one in I sigh "One hour." I mutter to myself, the waiting room was small the minuets felt like hours, the hour turning into a day, I smile going back to Tom's side i notice the liquid was all gone, only a day before he wakes. \
Lets make that day count. I move to my lab fixing the modified armor the black paint job going as near invisible if in the dark of night, the back started to smoke as i tried to switch it to go with another paint. I cursed under my breath, the mother board was fried. Sighing a large sphere appears out of thin air, It has a white glow making everything turn into shadows.
"Doctor, you should rest you have been at this for about five hours." It said a feminine voice.
"You know Luna, your right, wake me thirty minutes before Team Foxtrot wakes." Nodding I move to my cot, my AI was right i should sleep but it never came I just laid there with my eyes open staring at the armor, groaning i walk back over tapping on my data pad.
"Doctor, you said you would sleep." The sphere was back but smaller and not as bright.
"I know what i said Luna, but sleep has not put its claim on me so I shall work till I pass out, this could save our solders."
tisk tisk tisk "Doctor it's not wise, Foxtrot will wake up in about an hour and you should get a little bit of rest."
"Very well Luna, lock up the armor and place it in the container. Oh and wake me in thirty." I walk out of the large office and move up to the Spartans and sit by Toms side. He is larger than before he had grown a lot he was now two and a half meters tall and could bench at lest five hundred. Smiling down i sit next to him and pass into sleep.
(0700 HOURS, NOVEMBER 4, 2548 (MILITARY CALENDER) \ SPACE UNKNOWN, PLANET EQUESTRIA \ MISSION CLASSIFIED \ AREA CANTERLOT)
Smiling Luna drops her magic, she had been helping this, human, with his study's for some time now. Forcing him to take naps and to eat, she never had reviled what she was he all ways called her an "AI" but in doing so she had all accesses to everything the humans had; folders, emails, rosters, computers, cameras, star ships. She knew almost everything but could not get into the "TOP SECRET" files, as much as she would like to she just ignored them. Moving from her desk to her large king size bed adorned in blue sheets, she fell on them with a thud laying down she soon found sleep.
(0800 HOURS, NOVEMBER 5, 2548 (MILITARY CALENDER) \ ALPHA ALPHA ALPHA \ BY OLD RUSSIA \ SECTOR BETA ALPHA 4 \ ON EARTH)
"Doctor, one minutes till Spartan Team Foxtrot will be awake." I nodded wiping my eyes from my short and uncomfortable sleep.
"Okay, thank you Luna, but i thought i said thirty minutes."
"Sorry Doctor but i thought it would be better to let you rest, you need your sleep." The orb vanished leaving only me and Tom, placing a hand on his shoulder and sigh.
"Come on Tom, wake up."
Tom's eyes opened slightly sending a horrible pain to his head his body burned, feeling as if it was on fire he could hear frantic beeping above him looking he saw me smiling softly, laying back down he stared up and the ceiling groaning.
"Welcome back, champ. I have to go check on the others, don't move and please try to rest." I move in and out of the room checking on Mark, Kelly, and Holly telling the same thing after a couple hours they were go to go. They fell a lot trying to get use to their taller and more muscled bodies, giving a small laugh i help each one and teach them how to walk all over again.
"Hey Doc." Asked mark he was still on wobbly legs. "Um are we going to have to re-learn everything?"
I nod getting groans from all of them laughing I look at all of them, Kelly was leaning on tome for support, Holly was just fine, and Mark was still trying to get his legs to stay in one spot. "But this time it will be easier you are faster, smarter, and better at quick thinking, that reminds me... the Commander asked me to tell you guys he want seven laps around the base. Now!"
They all shot up and started sprinting stumbling and falling but on their second la they were running like pros, and faster than them as well. Laughing I clap every time they past on their last lap the did an all out sprint moving faster and finishing in half the time. When they got back I had Meals waiting for them they eat them with hunger.
"Well Spartans you have earned rest, got to your rooms and don't come out until tomorrow. You will sleep." Nodding the ran past me to the barracks. They were Spartans, I was so proud that when Luna sounded behind me i nearly had a heart attack.
"Doctor, when will the next batch of Spartans be in?" she asked the orb moving to his lab.
"There will be no others, FLEETCOM has shut it down. They are the last Spartan-III's." I said proudly moving back to my cot to get so much needed rest. "Luna why don't you go and look into why the armor is acting up." with a short sure the orb vanished yet again leaving me in the dark, I lay down my head and sigh happily every Spartan-III had survived the augmentation. Closing my eyes i search for rest, but it it found me i drifted into blackness.
(0700 HOURS, NOVEMBER 4, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDER) \ VICTOR WHISKY ALPHA \ IN FREE SPACE \ SECTOR BETA DELTA 4 \ ON COVENANT FLAGSHIP *SHADOW OF INTENT) *
***Present Day***
Rtas was growing impatient it had been nearly an hour travailing through slip-space, he pounded a fist on his chair "How much longer, I grow restless to feel bones splitting and cry of pain to fill my ears!"
The pilots looked around waiting for someone to say why. Rtas growled "ANSWER ME!" slamming his fist down he dented his metal chair. Many Elites mumbled something under their breaths, he sighed "I should paint the walls with your blood. Tell me."
The minor from before steps up "Sir, we have only five more minuets. Forgive us." Rtas growled but said nothing, sitting back and staring at the screen engulfed in the slip-space tunnel.
"Ready the cannons and shields attack when we exit, leave no survivors." there was nods with he quick tapping of keyboards.
This was it, the humans were dead. There was a bright flash then open space with a single planet and a UNSC Battle Cruiser, in a flash the bright cannons fired a thousand small plasma rounds all heading for the UNSC ALBATROSS .
"They shall die, FOR THE COVENANT!" Rtas shouted hearing battle cries he watched the plasma round fly in space.
Chapter Five: Enter The Abyss
Chapter Five: Enter The Abyss
“When in doubt, flee.”
—Unggoy (Grunt) philosophy
_________________________________________________________________________________________
(2400 HOURS, NOVEMBER 5, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ SPACE UNKNOWN, PLANET EQUESTRIA \ MISSION CLASSIFIED \ NEAR MY CAMP FIRE)
I sigh moving closer to my make shift fire, fuck it's cold I complain mentally picking up one of many data pads I smile picking up a small silver one tapping on it i whisper "Hey Luna you there?" nothing shows up but I could tell that voice from anywhere.
"Good evening Doctor, might i ask why you are waking me at this hour?" she asks sarcastically trying to get her point a crossed.
"Hey i can't sleep you know me more better than anyone, I just wanted to show you where I am." I pick up the pad and move it in a circle showing off the dark trees and plants "Crazy it's like there is an Evil here." I give a laugh
Luna was shocked was he in the Everfree? She looked in every file she had access to, no forest matched the one see was seeing "Doctor where are you?"
"No idea, jumped in a portal and landed here, not much to tell." I say with a smile.
"Doctor you need to move back to Foxtrot, you should not be by yourself." wait was that worry in her voice? It could not be she was an AI and the 'dumb' AI at that she could not have feelings. I dropped the thought hearing growls coming from behind me.
Spinning I turn to see a wolf with three cubs following behind her(?) shit, mother wolfs are more hostile with their young. Looking to my left I see a rather large cave that must have been their home. "Easy girl..." I say slowly moving to the other side placing the fire in between me and them.
GWRRRRR
"Easy..." I look down to see the dead trout I had fished out of river earlier, glancing over her again I could see she was starving her ribs poked out of her very thing figure despite her thick fur "Hey, you want this?" I hold up the trout getting her to stop growling for a second only to start again. "Hey It's okay..." I toss the fish over to her, turning she rips into it hungrily as do her cubs after their done she looks at me and sits on the other side of the fire "I have no more." I state only getting a growl I sigh slowly moving to my MREs ripping one open I toss what ever meat was in it at them, watching the feeding frenzy I smile.
"Never thought you one for feeding the poor." I looked up to see Kelly looking down at me he armor shed to her thin under armor. The wolfs growl only to go back to 'wolfing' the food down.
"Me ether Kelly, but after seeing how thin she was I had to." I say with a nod, unaware that Luna was still tuned in.
"Looks that way.. Doc can i ask you about some things?" I raise an eyebrow.
"Sure Kelly I'm all ears." smiling I pat the ground to my right as she sits i notice somethings off "Hey you alright Kelly?"
"Doc, we meet up with the "locals" I not sure what to think about them." I nod urging her to continue
"They looked like small horses, only they were not, they spoke perfect E.S.E and i don't think they are hostile but there are theses six they were almost like a fire team, moving as one but talked like friends yelling about what to do with us. There was this purple one that said they would take us to a Celestia It must be like there ruler or something, and Doc Tom's sorry for the way he acted he was just being over dramatic. Come on." She patted my thigh and pulled me and my jaw off the ground "And your new friends can come too!" She giggled as I felt something brush up against my leg looking down i see two of the three cubs 'hugging' my legs.
"Damn they are cute." I look up to see their mother sitting about a foot away, "Would you like to come with us, we have more food." With the word food she shot up and ran to my side "I'll take that as a yes."
After packing up my things and giving water to my new pet wolfs we all move back to Foxtrot much to my discomfort they all yelled for me and Kelly to get down and pointed guns at the wolfs waiting for them to attack instead they just rain and used me as cover. "Hey guys It's okay, these guys are my new 'pets" I pick up one of the cubs and start to move my finger in for a nose boop only to be made a chew toy, laughing at the slight pain i set him back down and place my bag back on my warthog.
"So Kelly says you need help talking to the locals?"
"Ya Doc." Mumbles Mark "Got some weird shit out here."
Smiling I rip open another MRE and put it out for the wolfs "So I've heard, but I can not help until i have talk with this... 'Twilight Sparkels' Tom nodded.
"We can go back in town tomorrow, only you and your side arm oh and bring the wolfs." Nodding I go into a half-assed salute.
"Doctor Angus M. Jones at you command Major." Kelly and mark laugh, Holly only gives a smile, Tom just nods.
"Get some sleep Doc, and don't let the wolfs come anywhere near my men. I may have forgave you for what you said but we still have a war to fight weather it be hear or back on onyx."
"Would not have it any other way." I say turning to Kelly I whisper "What's wrong with him?"
"Don't know he has been like this ever since we met the locals." I sigh inwardly, pick up the three cubs and walked about twenty meters from the Spartans built a fire and set up my sleeping gear only to have four cold wolfs huddle next to me and the fire.
"Doctor?" Comes that all to human voice "What are your plans with this... Celestia?" There it is again worry, oh your going to talk Missy.
"Meet the chap then talk and try to find a way out of here." I say in a half whisper not to walk the resting cubs. "Now Luna I'm going to get some rest and as rare as you know that is i would just love track number four ."
Smiling I hear the calming song start to play 'I need another story..' soon after darkness consumes my vision.
(0100 HOURS, NOVEMBER 5, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ SPACE UNKNOWN, PLANET EQUESTRIA \ MISSION CLASSIFIED \ CANTERLOT: LUNAS BED CHAMBERS)
She stood staring at nothing, her mind was racing 'He was in Equestria, and his team was meeting up with her sister, she knew how dangerous that the humans could be, what if they hurt her, no they would never do that right?"
She was knocked out of her thoughts as a hoof was waved in front of her "You think she's alright?" A male voice said.
"I don't know should we get Celestia?" said a second
"Hmmwaht?" She shook her head causing the thoughts to push in the back of her mind, standing in front of her was two of her loyal night guards, their bat like wings tucked tightly to their side as the dark blue armor reflected her own face.
"Your highness are you alright?" the first said a look of worry slapped on his face
"But of course, we are alright." she gave him a smile and a nod.
"Okay your highness, It's time to lower the moon." She nodded and moved to her balcony charging her horn as the moon started to slowly move causing it to melt into the mountains to give way to it's sister, the sun.
"If you would be so kind would you prepare our cart to go to Ponyville?" Nodding they left her, she almost collapsed she still had not gotten use to the magic drain after moving the moon.
"Lets go, we shall move like wind to Ponyville!" She exclaimed moving out the door.
(0700 HOURS, NOVEMBER 5, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDER)\ ZETA DORADUS SYSTEM, IN ORBIT ABOVE PLANET ONXY \ SECTOR BETA DELTA 4 \ ON SHIP UNSC ALBATROSS )
Warning sirens went off everywhere blasts shook the ship, debris floated all around the ship as the crew was slowly suffocated on the lower decks. Lt. Ajax scrambled to get control of the ship the Covenant appeared out of now where and hit them with everything they had their shields stood no chance only blocking the first three rounds of melting plasma. Hitting their weapons and life support first.
"TO THE PODS!" He shouted over the wails of the sirens the red lights flicked on and off as the ALBATROSS shook with the impacts, he watched as his men ran to the life pods. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up into a golden visor, only to be tossed into one of the pods himself then launched into space. He looked over what remained of the ALBATROSS the lower decks were decimated and the back half completely ripped off, he saw thousands of bodies floating in space bloated with the lack of oxygen.
John looked at the pod before moving through the mass of men and women still aboard. He moved to his Booster Frame only to zoom out towards Onyx, "Cortana warn Onyx we have to protect Zone-67 at any cost." he moved faster dogging stray plasma rounds from hitting him.
"Okay Chief sending it now." He looked at Onyx, it's forests were breath taking they covered it all, as thick clouds moved slowly creating small shapes. Speeding to it he jumped off the booster frame as it exploded from hitting the atmosphere his armor locked up and he was knocked unconscious falling to the hard ground below.
THUD
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Chapter Six: Old Enemy's Waken; New Friends Emerge
"This is not your grave, but you are welcome in it" * -Gravemind (Halo 2)***
_________________________________________________________________________________________
(1000 HOURS, NOVEMBER 6, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ SPACE UNKNOWN, PLANET EQUESTRIA \ MISSION CLASSIFIED \ PONYVILLE)
I sigh as I walk into the square my wolf's riding in an extra duffle bag I had their mother by my side, these.. ponies just stood by bidding anywhere they could watching eyes wide and filled with horror. Moving into what looked to be the central market there was a large blue and black cart parked in front of my destination a large oak tree turned into what looked like a house. As I move past that I see two of these ponies that wear blue armor that looked like it never saw a fight they had what looked like bat wings to their sides as soon as they saw me they yelled for the princess to get to safety and rushed to me.
I deadpanned and stiffened as I heard growls below me, lowering slowly I held the mother wolf I named May from attacking. "STOP, I mean you no harm I only wish to speak with Twilight Sp-" the air is sucked from my lungs as one of the two tackle me to the ground. Luckily I was holding on to may and manger to push the pups away from where I would land or they all would be killed.
"Silence creature," one spat "I know a killer when I see one you're here for the Princess aren't you!" That's when I felt him press his sword to my neck, that's when i heard it a voice much like my AI's only a bit more life like.
"Release the doctor." As they moved off me I saw a rather large pony looking down at me her hair flowed with invisible wind, it looked as if the night sky was in her hair and tail the bright white specks looking like stars on a black canvas. She had silver cuffs on her hooves and walked with power.
As I stand I make sure every cub is all right, giving a sigh of relief that they are I turn to thank my savior. "Thank you Miss and before you take me captive I come in peace I only would like to talk to a Twilight Sparkles."
"We know why you are here Jones," wait how did she know my name and why did she sound so much like Luna? Damn my mind was filled with a thousand thoughts going at warp speed, it felt as if someone had fit the whole Pillar of Autumn in my head "We are Princess Luna you may know us as Luna the AI." I burst out laughing in front of a confused Luna and guards.
"You... AI... Lu- Luna!" I could barely breath my chest burned in need of air but my laugh over powered it, this was absurd a living being tapping into a system and becoming and AI was this some twisted joke was I in a simulator? My thoughts were cut short as something contacted the side of my face and a pain replaced it. Was I just slapped with a hoof? I looked up to see a annoyed Luna and confused guards.
“We are telling the truth Doctor now, please if you would Twilight would like to see you.” She waves a hoof at the literal form of a tree house.
(1035 HOURS, NOVEMBER 6, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR)\ ZETA DORADUS SYSTEM, ON PLANET ONYX \ SECTOR BETA DELTA 4 \ NEAR ZONE 67’S GATES)
“Chief? Chief wake up!” Cortana’s voice rang through his helmet and echoed inside his head, groaning he moved his stiff body feeling his armor loosen up after hours of being still.
“Sitrep Cortana.” he looked around the place was hell on Earth or rather Onyx craters from debris scattered the once lush forest as the Covenant cruisers loomed overhead Men and women screamed in pain as the Covies slowly wiped them out with little to no resistance.
“We lost Onyx Chief best bet now is to move into Zone 67 and blow whatever is there.” He pondered this and found himself running to the nearest armory looking for C4. After gathering enough to take out a Covie cruiser he ran past the gates that held the horrors of Zone 67 back.
“Cortana run a scan see if we have any activity out here.” As the radar scanned he soon found the portal that lead into Equestria, sighing he started placing C4 around the base in hopes it would close it.
“All clear Chief looks like they have not found this yet.” nodding he sighed if he stayed it would be a one-way trip but if he jumped into the portal he risked not being able to blow it.
“Cortana if I jump what the chance I could blow it from the other side?” His voice took up a concerned tone.
“Well Chief I don’t know what’s on the other side, there fore I can’t tell you.” sighing he knew it was the only chance of survival he jumped in and tumbled into the lush grass of Equestria.
“I hope this works…” He pulled the trigger and a green light winked noting that it blew, sighing he turned to see four confused Spartans. “Where the hell am I?” but one thought stuck in his mind had i worked?
(1025 HOURS, NOVEMBER 6, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ SPACE UNKNOWN, PLANET EQUESTRIA \ MISSION CLASSIFIED \ FOXTROT’S CAMP)
Tom wished he had taken back the way he treated the doc, he had raised them almost gave them snacks and taught them battle tactics and school subjects, he was like a father to him but that was in the past he could not take them back now. It had been twenty-five minutes since he had left and Foxtrot had been doing their normal routine; guarding, cooking, cleaning, and checking supplies.
Tom often thought of Onyx how him and Kelly would run through the forest’s at night and how the doc always snuck them treats at night before the went to sleep. he smiled under his helm looking out into Ponyville, as the sun beat down it’s heat filling the world with light. He looked to his right to see his team talking and telling stories of Onyx and competing for ‘I did the worst.’ He knew he would not likely get home none of them did but until they had a straight answer there was hope.
He was snapped back into reality as the portal let yet another soul into this world the turned guns pointed ready for the Covent only to see another Spartan tumble out and press the trigger of a C4 detonator. Wait was this the Chief he was a fucking legend he killed thousands of Covies and took out cruisers.
“Where the hell am I?” the Spartan asked in a deep voice, yep definitely the Chief.
Chapter Seven: Hail to the Chief
"I need a weapon."
~Master Chief to Cortana
(1030 HOURS, NOVEMBER 6, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ SPACE UNKNOWN, PLANET EQUESTRIA \ MISSION CLASSIFIED \ CELESTIA'S STUDY)
She paced around hoping for some news anything just even that her plan failed. Glancing around he looked at the book shelves that lined the walls and the large map sitting in the middle.
Knock knock knock
Her heart skipped a beat “Yes?” she asked putting a little too much enthusiasm in her voice. “Ah yes sister ho-”
“WHERE IS HE?!” Luna yelled as she entered glaring daggers at her.
“Dear Lulu who do you mean?” she asked wondering who she meant.
“Don’t Lulu me, we know you took him where is he, the human!” Wait human? was this the creature Twilight wrote to her about or was her sister going mad… again.
“Luna stop you’re talking like a mad-mare!” she retorted only getting a huff out of her.
“We will see sister but in the mean time where is the human… or “creature” as you and Twilight call them?” There it is, so they do call themselves humans, but how would she know?
(1020 HOURS, NOVEMBER 6, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ SPACE UNKNOWN, PLANET EQUESTRIA \ MISSION CLASSIFIED \ GOLDEN OAKS LIBRARY)
After getting a face full of hoof I sighed, there is no way this ‘thing’ was Luna, well I can at least let her explain why she is crazy, moving to the bright red door I slowly push it open only to hit the floor not two seconds later. Darkness fills my vision as I hear voices above me I groan in pain and try to open my eyes only to see a bag being placed over my head, my world was now only a dizzying blackness I soon passed out.
cough cough “God damn my head what the fuck….” my brain was pounding I could not hear myself think let alone say anything. As I open my eyes my headache intensified ten fold a bright light shone above me it looked as if i was back on harvest getting interrogated by the cops, the walls are a cream gray and there what i think a one-way mirror placed in the wall giving the impression I was alone.
I tried casually waving to who ever was behind the glass only to find my hands to be in what looked like handcuffs but looked as if they were meant for something bigger no doubt the ‘ponies.’
After what seemed like hours only to be ten minutes the same pony came in from before her dark hair… er mane withering behind her, she smiled like she had just won a battle after her came in a similar pony in build only standing a little taller, yet she still had wings and a horn. Her coat was a cream white her hair a spectrum of colors yet like ‘Luna’ still had a plasma effect to it. She held her head low and wore a frown. On her flank? was a sun. Form this forth on you shall be known as Sun Butt… or maybe Burnt Ass… hmm I will need time to think.
“We must apologize for our sister Doc.” I looked up to see ‘Luna’ giving what I think to be her sister a frown “She seems to think Team Foxtrot was a bit too hostile and sent a team to collect them, but they took you instead.”
Not knowing what to do I simply nodded dumbfounded on how she knew of Foxtrot. Then it hit me like trying to remember that name of a TV show then it suddenly popping up out of know where. “Y..You’re Luna, it’s true… you’re her…” I remember her smiling and a small look of confusion on her sisters face. My mind went a million miles an hour if she was real AND an AI how did she do it? Maybe a hack from a droid or a usb plugged into the server… an external wiring that could easily be slipped into the main console “But… I…” Slowly I forced my mind to slow before I gave myself an ulcer “Fuck it I’m bloody done with logic.” Getting only a giggle(?) from Luna.
“Now Doc please do tell us why.” She held a smirk on her lips well what looked like a smirk. I’m really starting to get sick of these ponies.
“Well for one you hacked into a UNSC military system with no one finding out and we believed you were an AI.
Luna smirk only grew larger “Hook, line, sinker. You know at first I thought you would notice only to see you were too caught up in training Foxtrot, and to think just when I was going to say how smart you are.”
This caused me to give her a deadpanned look “Glad to see your sense of humor was not fake Luna. Now if you will be so kind i think I would love to return to whatever hell hole i will be staying in.” and with that my mind finally caved in and I hit the metal table unconscious.. this is starting to get real annoying.
Chapter Eight: Another Voice
"When I die please bury me deep place my M9 by my feet..."
~The start of the UNSC marching song
(0900 HOURS, DATE UNKNOWN \ SPACE UNKNOWN, PLANET ONYX \ MISSION CLASSIFIED \ NEAR ZONE 67)
The sky once blue turned black with smoke as fires both orange and blue blazed, body's layered the ground in blood and bullet casings. Black scorch markets burned into armor, walls, and flesh, the smell of death hung in the air like a thick blanket. But among the dead was a soul alive his helmet off and a cigarette in his mouth enjoying the calming yet poisonous gas.
Looking around he sighed and rested his head on the board behind his head thirteen hours that's all it took for them to some what push the Covenant back. Thirteen hours of hell, blood, and fire. Placing his ear buds into his ears he listened to a old classic song that cleared his mind and calmed his soul. Placing his pistol on his armored legs he smiled at the thought of saving another planet from the claws of the Covenant.
A whirling sound caught his attention as he turned he came face to face with a robotic being, it had three 'arms' in front of it with a small metal body. Looking over it he vaguely remember them being recorded from when master chief fought the flood.
"Hello human 28863821894" it said in a rough translation of beeps and whirling.
He looked up at it and took out his cigarette. "Beautiful day is it not?" The soldier said as if nothing happened at all.
"Indeed it is, but you are at risk I urge you to put out the poison from your mouth." It said with no feeling.
Smiling tossed the half smoked cigarette into the body's and stood up his black ODST armor worn proudly. "Names Segment Ackerman. So cut the number crap." The robot gave what was the closest thing to a nod.
"I am a sentinel, well your sentinel now with the destruction of the portal I am in need of a new master." He paused maybe the bot would not be bad after all.
"Well you need a new name then, I'll just call you Apollo. You know old Greek god." He said with a dismissive hand.
"As you wish I will now only respond to Apollo. Please follow me we have much to do, fixing not only the portal but getting the ones back that do not belong there."
Nodding he left to follow the bot placing his helmet back on it instantly polarized to dim the surrounding fires. as he followed his new comrade they past by wrecked vehicles and bloodied bodies everywhere. As they passed he could name faces of his fellow brothers in arms and see patches half burned that he could remember. Sighing he looked and saw another ODST trooper their back up on the wall a needler shard glowing a faint pink in their abdomen looking down at the patch he saw it was Ripply from his squad he walked over, far to use to the death of his men.
Ripping of his dog tags he placed them onto his own chain and said a small prayer. looking up he saw that more sentinels had gathered around all looking at him.
“Master Ackerman, my fellow programs and I have agreed that until we either find a new ‘more suited’ master or until you die we shall server you like we once did so long ago.” The other programs whirld but it did not translate.
“Very well, burn the dead I wish not to have the stench of decay and the disease that comes with it haunting us.” He frowned looking back at Ripley's once smug face now melted with plasma.
“As you wish.” some of the sentinels moved away from the group and started to torch bodies with their plasma beams. “Now we will have time to mourn the dead later come now, we have work to do, and places to be.” Apollo once again speed off, Ackerman close behind.
(0900 HOURS, NOVEMBER 10, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ SPACE UNKNOWN, PLANET EQUESTRIA \ MISSION CLASSIFIED \ CANTERLOT, MEDICAL WING)
As I open my eyes light instantly floods my vision causing me to get an instant headache. Groaning try to move my hand to my head only to find it is restrained by a pair of oversized cuffs. Sighing I try to think back to the past day… or however long I was out, my mind being black and for some odd reason the image of me getting bucked in the face by a horse is the only thing i can recall.
Moving my attention to the cuffs a slid my ring off and undid a secret medal slide, moving i placed it in between where the cuff’s teeth met the block and slid them off. Moving to my pocket i slid out a pack of my good old cigarettes and slid one between my teeth and lighting I could not help but inhale a load of the fumes that one day would kill me. Hearing a gasp I look over at the door only to see someone leave. Was I not suppose to be awake? Aw, fuck it, I’m bloody tired of hospitals.
Moving out the door and looking down the corridor I saw these pony things in gold armor come rushing at me, and all my memory came rushing back.
Giving them the one finger salute I sprinted down the hallway dodging carts and other ponies pressing themselves against the wall. Seeing a window as my only ticket out of here I ran and jumped slamming my shoulder shattering it. Now for all you who say that seeing movies you don’t think it would hurt, fuck you. I screamed in pain as I rolled on the ground. It hurt, A LOT.
Moving out of the combat roll and onto my feet I ran whatever way i thought north was. Hearing yelling coming from behind me I saw the ponies following me out the window. Looking forward i saw the horrified faces of ponies as I ran some of them even yelling ‘The horror!’ or ‘Monster.’ Sighing at this I saw nothing familiar as when me and ‘Luna’ walked to the library.
Looking back I could see the guards keeping up fine some lagging behind but others were flying…. wow I call hacks. Sliding to a halt I spun seeing no way to outrun them maybe i could either out fight them or make them piss their pants. They also stopped and formed a circle around me. “Stand down Human.”
“Piss off ya bloody wanker.” I spat eager for some much needed venting.
The lead pony sighed, “I wish not to do this the hard way but very well. Men apprehend the human.” Smiling i looked around as the guards one by one closing in on me. I silently step into a fighting stance dropping my center of gravity so i can pivot and kick easily. Bringing my hands down by my waist. I focus on the guard closest to me some how he is holding a small blade in his mouth. He charges me only for me to side step and hit the back of his hemate as I kick out his legs sending him face first into the ground. I step back into my stance waiting for them to make a move.
One charged me trying to out muscle me hitting me square in the chest sending us both rolling. I quickly jump up and slam my knee into his nose getting a yelp of pain from him, I then thrust the palm of my hand into his forehead knocking him out.
“GET HIM AND HOLD HIM DOWN!” the leader yelled, then they all rushed me. God I hate people like this.
One Fistful of beaten faces later
I dusted myself off and stepped over the sleeping forms of the guards, limping slightly i made my way through the streets. The flapping of wings grabbed my attention, grumbling i spun and got into a stance only to see ‘Luna’ and her sister looking at me with concern and fear in their eyes.
Great…. Fuck you world… fuck you.
Chapter 9: New Cards To Add...
"So then the bartender says "That's the biggest load of horse shit ever!" Ackerman smiled and laughed at his own joke.
"You do know I have no sense of humor but even in the lack of, I know that joke sucked..." Apollo said.
"Oh fuck you come on in here."
Moving slowly Ackerman sweeped his magnum around the dark room his partner Apollo gave a faint glow, lighting only in from of him. He quickly saw a control panel and moved up to it.
"Can you work with this?" He asked looking behind his back at the poorly lit doorway.
"I'll see what I can do no promises though, you know this stuff is older than you." Apollo said, his voice more human with his time spent with Ackerman.
It had been a month since they had left Onyx and Ackerman had long since shed his ODST armor in place for some forerunner suit that allowed Apollo to speak, see through his eyes, set waypoints, mark targets, and everything else. Apollo was simply an A.I. that could live forever and was external.
"Do it, I'll watch the door make sure thoughts bastards don't bother you." Switching on his helmet light he saw a battery bar quickly pop up. Moving he placed his magnum by his side as it magnetized. Reaching his arm up he gripped his rifle and slung it off his shoulder, the sleek metal design made it comfortable the pulse of orange glowing ever so faintly as he moved. The weapon was a gift from the Librarian when they went to see her after they left, she said it was all she could give and to return the 'One We Need' safely.
"Okay were in lets get out of here before they show up... wait i'm syncing in it's like they hav-" Alarms started blaring as Apollo flew at Ackerman "MOVE!"
Ackerman starts sprinting, the suit enhancing his speed. " Way to go man, new record for fucking us over!"
"Hey not my fault you could do it by yourself. You know fancy suit." His bot said with a metaphorical wave of a hand.
"Ya well I'm just here to shoot stuff you're the one that does the tech things." He said as the vaulted over boxes that had been stacked in the hallway.
"Yes indeed, but you know I could teach you in seconds if you so desire. " the flying boy gave a breathless sigh as the ran/flew.
"Could you now... you know I would very much enjoy that." He stated as the ran out into the gloomy planet they were on. "But can we please get into the spire and try to avoid the Prometheans, as well as their 'friends' as well as the shield worlds layers but anytime you can would be nice!" Moving away from the forerunner structure, he activated one of his prized ways of transportation... teleporting.
He felt the comforting pull as he started to bend space and time itself, arcs of lightning shot off his suit as he ran to the rift appearing ahead of him. "LETS DO THIS!" he yelled happily as her jumped into the rift disappearing with a puff of blue particles. To any onlookers it lasted only mere seconds.
He felt the comforting pull of the rift as it pulled him along. It was not rough or long like slip space but calm and short last only mere minutes.
~(???)~
I lost my honor and I was betrayed by my brother in arms… casted from humanity and shoved into the hands of the Covenant. I was once a man but turned monster... and I will make the great journey happen only to wipe the ones that betrayed me. I am unsure if they wanted this but they made a mistake, I'm stronger than I was, Faster, smarter... and I have a whole fleet of Covenant behind me. And I found two of the most powerful weapons in the world, fake goddesses that raise and lower the sun and moon... well now let the great journey begin.
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Chapter Two: Once A Spartan Always A Spartan (Revised)
(1200 HOURS, NOVEMBER 4, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ SPACE UNKNOWN, PLANET EQUESTRIA \ MISSION CLASSIFIED \ SPARTAN TEAM FOXTROT'S CAMP)
Tom sat down, deep in thought as the others started to fix there MREs for their lunch, the sun was high in the air and a slight breeze made the grass bend. 'Magic, controlled sun, rulers.' these floated in Toms' head just moments ago he thought he was dreaming and now had gone to a world where physics don't play a damn thing, fuck if only he would have drove back and told command that they were going in.
SMACK
A white substance hit Tom's face plate causing a splatter of it to go everywhere, he looked up only to hear his team laughing. "Hey Tom I hear you like mash potatoes!" Kelly yells setting off another round of laughter.
"Ha ha ha, very funny Kelly but I'd watch your back from now on." He retorted, getting her to roll her eyes.
She tossed an MRE at him looking down, he read 'baby back ribs with home style fries' he laughed as he read 'home style.' MREs are just as good as cardboard, he sighed taking off his helmet pouring the boiling water into the pouch that would supposedly 'cook' it. Then he got an evil idea he grabbed the BBQ sauce and walk silently behind Kelly and leaned in and whispered in her ear. "Nice hair you have, It be a shame if some BBQ sauce got in it." as he said it he ripped the pack open and dumped it on Kelly.
"THE FUCK TOM!" Kelly jumped up and ran to the stream leaving three Spartans on the floor laughing. Tom sat up wiping the tears from his eyes, turning back to his MORE he eat it with a hunger he did not know he had.
After about ten minutes Kelly came back from washing her hair which was now soaking wet, Tom snickered only to get a glare from Kelly, he tossed his MRE in the bag and turned to his team "Okay guys lets do some training." everyone groaned but got up.
They started with a fifteen kilometer run, followed but three hundred push ups, only to do three hundred sit ups, and finally hand to hand sparing. Tom sat down and looked up, the sun hung low in the sky turning it orange and yellow the clouds like fluffy pink cotton candy. Wiping the sweat off his brow he moved over to his duffle bag, unfolding it he grabbed "Prometheus" and looked through the sights. The sighted instantly zoomed in to x40 showing a single blade of grass, he tapped the green button on the side it zoomed out leaving only what he would normally see.
"What the hell are we suppose to do with this." he sighed pointing at the gun.
"May be I could take it and shove it up you ass and pull the trigger, Tom" Kelly said smugly.
"Bite me." he retorted but quickly regretted saying it, he turned only to see Kelly walk away and start to go for a run.
"Oh shit!" Holly said "I'm catch up and talk to her, you know girl stuff." She turned and ran after Kelly
"You fucked up bad, man." he turned to see Mark sharpening his knife looking at him through his helmet his deep voice made him sound more like thirty then only sixteen.
"Hey she was asking for it, and i gave her a fair warning." Mark only sighed.
"Tom, I'm not going to say I know girls because I don't, but if there is one thing I've learned from Holly it is; you never mess with their hair." he chuckled.
"Wow great pep talk there, Mark"
"Hey it's what i do." Mark flashed a grin underneath his visor.
(2100 HOURS, NOVEMBER 4, 2552 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ SPACE UNKNOWN, PLANET EQUESTRIA \ MISSION CLASSIFIED \ SPARTAN TEAM FOXTROT'S CAMP)
Mark was on watch, he stared up at the night sky that was all too familiar, the moon hung low in the earths gravity, or so he thought. He looked around watching the others as they slept, his eyes went to the camp fire as it crackled and sparked the deep orange flame ending in a tip of yellow, he tossed more logs onto it and watched as it grew the flames licking the sky as he did.
'Damn where's the UNSC when you need them.' he thought smiling, sighing he took off his helmet his jet black hair was neatly cut in a flat top his hair stood one inch above his scalp, he had a dark hazel eye nor blue not green nor both. His lips were straight if you looked at him directly you would think he had no emotion he had a scar running down the length of his face coming a crossed the eye, the eye had no pupils it was all white he was blind in that eye but could see better than most people with the same problem, the only downfall was his depth perception was a little off.
CRACK
Mark threw his helmet back on and pointed his gun in the detection of the sound, moving in closer he heard whispers and hoofs falling crunching the multi-colored leaves below, there were laughs the voices sounded childish. Mark moved close crouching below a bush he looked out the other side, there were three short young ponies, One was orange with purple hair, Its eyes were purple as well she wore the biggest smile he had ever seen, thought she did not have a tattoo on its rear, to her side were two small wings.
The seconded one was white It had pink and purple swirled hair, Its green eyes twinkling, also had a single white horn on top of her head, she as well had no tattoo.
The third was cream color, its hair was red with a pink bow neatly placed behind her head, it had no horn nor wing and did not bear a tattoo.
He watched them play and talk about a 'cutie mark' and how they were going to get one, he did not know what to do so he simply walked off back to camp, doing a scan he made sure that everyone was okay, nodding as he decided they were he sat down in the warthog and turned the key. The car came to life as the radio played some smooth jazz, 'perfect a song that would put me to sleep.' he thought sarcastically flipping the nob, loud base flowed out of the radio followed by a few electronic additions. He simply turned it down to not wake the others and enjoyed the music.
He started to nod off until he head screaming come from the detection of the three children, Mark hopped out of the can and ran towards the screams. Coming up to the sight he saw that the three fillies sitting huddled together crying as a pack of wolfs stepped towards them. Tom ran out tackling the first one braking its ribs and severing its spinal, moving in front of the fillies he pulled out his knife the first one jumped going for an attack Mark swung his knife separating its head from the rest of its body. The rest of the wolfs growled, raising his pistol he fired rounds in the air.
BANG BANG BANG
The wolfs turned and ran, their fallen brothers still laid behind. Turning he looked at the fillies as they screamed at Mark even more terrified than before. 'Fuck, i should just leave but the wolfs might come back...' the pondered his options. One stay and help them but most likely put them in shock, or, leave them be a risk the wolfs coming back.
He sighed i looked at them, "You need to go home, now." They nodded and ran off. "Good now it's time for Holly's shift." He walked back and woke Holly.
Three hours later
Holly yawned as she walked around the camp, the fire was long gone and everyone was sleeping soundly. The sun peaked just over the trees sending rays of gold to shimmer on to the world. Moving she grabbed four MREs and tossed them bye everyone's bed waking them up.
"Rise and shine bitches, It's three A.M. and a beautiful three A.M. at that!" she sat down and started to eat as the others got up and did the same.
"For us, the storm has passed... the war is over. But let us never forget those who journeyed into the howling dark and did not return. For their decision required courage beyond measure; sacrifice, and unshakable conviction that their fight... our fight, was elsewhere. As we start to rebuild, this hillside will remain barren, a memorial to heroes fallen. They ennobled all of us, and they shall not be forgotten."
~Admiral Hood, UNSC
"This is not your grave, but you are welcome to it." ~Gravemind
I will level with you I know what it is like to lose a loved one, my father died fighting in the Middle East. His convoy was hit with a rpg then ambushed, my father died risking his life for his fellow battle-buddy's and the USA. Now I was destroyed I refused to eat and ended up going to the hospital from lack of food and water. I slowly fell into depression and suicidal thoughts, my life was over. But I now know what he would want me to do he would want me to carry on no matter what it was just the way he was, so I stopped looked at my life and started to eat and drink again, go to school and do things I enjoyed. I look fondly on our memories of playing halo or seeing a movie together. I remember the time my dad bought the original xbox and halo and my mom beat him for introducing me to violence, in the end he won and it became a weekly thing. When ever he had time we would play, now I shed tears for thoughts times and wish nothing more than him to come home, but I know it will not happen I know that if I was to end my life or turn off rhe path he would want me to take when I got to hell or where ever it is you go he would beat me.
Req I know it is hard and I know how hard it is to carry on but do not fear for where ever you go ww are there. Your followers. Your friends. Your Spartan Brothers. Know what was lost and know the memories cherished by them and you never let go that will be your light in the darkness for when you cry your tears will fall and water the earth and the seed of life.
Stay strong my friend.
~Keymaster
