While the Marines split up after marching through the barrier towards the UNSC firebase that now occupied most of the City plaza, Crimson felt strangely apprehensive. Even as a soldier, he had even really been to a city that hadn’t been razed by the Covenant. But now, he had to look around him and admire the fact that this proud city would soon be a battleground. Then, Ramos snapped him out of his thoughts.

“Hey Spartan. Incoming message from Commander Palmer, whole fireteam wide.”

“Patch it through.”

Soon enough, Commander Palmer’s face appeared on Crimson’s HUD.

“Well Crimson, got some good news. The techs on the Infinity have some new armor upgrades for you. Top of the line. We’re sending them to you via Pelican. Get ready for it.”

“We copy.”

“Good. Palmer out.”

As the steel gray Pelican arrived, carrying two massive crates, Fireteam Crimson removed their helmets, except for Noble Six. As the Pelican set itself down, the containers opened, revealing six armor stations. While the Technicians filed out with several crates, each marked with the name of a Spartan in the Fireteam, Chris, Grant, Ken, David, Evan, and Six each occupied one. As the doors closed, Zag sat himself down and he stared at the sky. Drawing forth the first Nexus Mind, he stared into it like a piercing needle.

“Good luck to us all.”

======================================================

After around thirty minutes, the Spartans emerged. The fireteams’ battle-worn armor was replaced with updated versions of their old armor, making them look much the same, but twice as lethal. Zag walked over to a refurbished Chris, already flexing and testing his armor’s movement systems.

“Does it work?” Zag asked.

“It does. Question is, does it work for us? Hell yes.” Chris said, laughing.

“Good. I believe we have at most an hour before the Covenant arrive. We must be swift.”

“Agreed. Fireteam Crimson! form up!” Chris barked, and the fireteam stepped into formation. Zag took a position next to, but slightly behind, Chris as they walked towards the firebase. As the Pelican took off, storm clouds began to gather.

======================================================

As Fireteam Crimson walked into Canterlot Plaza, they were surprised at all the activity. Marines hustled about, carrying crates or doing miscellaneous duties. The squad leaders in the main command post were busy tapping at screens or ordering Marines. Chris shrugged and as the fireteam parked themselves on or near a bench, Chris sighed.

“What’s up, commander?” Evan asked.

“Just can’t shake the feeling that this could be my final fight.”

“Don’t think like that. You pretty much saved all of our asses on Requiem.”

“Yeah, but something just feels wrong here. That portal on Birdsong? The Nexus Mind? All of that HAS to be connected. I just know it.”

“I can understand that, Chris. My analysis of the First Mind has proved fruitless. The security applied by the creators is not archived in any Forerunner data catalog that I have access to. I believe that with the presence of the Second Mind, we can learn more. But I do believe your hypothesis is correct.”

“Thanks, Zag. We should load up.”

While the Spartans and Promethean walked over to the Weapons depot, a Marine walked over.

“Chris-0438?”

“Yes, Marine?”

“Commander Palmer is sending down new gear for you. Should be here soon.”

“Thanks.”

At that moment, weapon drops slammed into the ground. As each member claimed their package, Chris hesitated at first, but he eventually discarded his old weapons for the new models. A dull noise came from behind him, and he saw Zag reforming his LightRifle.

“New schematics received.” he said cryptically.

Chris shrugged and began to inspect his new Battle Rifle. The main feature was the new-model scope. As he attached it, there was a crack of thunder. Then, it began to rain. Chris shrugged and motioned to the Fireteam. As they began to walk out towards the UNSC lines, in the distance, a bolt of lightning hit the ground. Then, Chris’s radio received a message from Lasky.

“Crimson, this is Lasky. We’ve located the second mind. It’s at the top of the mountain. Bad news is, the covies have regrouped faster than we expected. Our wait time has been but down to fifteen minutes. We can’t lose the mind. Get moving!”

“We copy!” the Fireteam resonated.

“Good. Viking-01 is inbound to get you up there. Move fast, the covies are already moving towards it!”

“Got it.”

When the Pelican landed, Crimson boarded, and the Pelican took off. Through the now-heavy rain, Chris could see the shapes of Covenant infantry ascending the mountain. Chris sighed. As the Covenant continued to climb, Chris stood up.

“We don’t have a lot of time, Spartans. We get in, blast anything that stands in our way. Get the mind, then we evac. Now, who’s ready to kick some ass?”

“HOORAH!” the Spartans replied. While the Pelican hovered near the entrance, firing occasionally at Covenant that got too close, the Spartans unloaded. Ramos opened the door, revealing a dark room. Switching on their floodlights, Chris and the other Spartans entered the abyss. When they entered, a bolt of lightning struck the mountaintop.

Author's Note

Okay, chapter up! It's not edited yet, but it's OK for now. Thanks a lot to my editor, the brilliant Requiem17! Check out his Halo stories!

Next time-An avalanche, a Halo 5-intro esqe escape, and a massive battle for the fate of Equis. We're nearing the stunning finale! Let's kick it into high gear, Spartans!