Equispartans

As Chris, Grant, and Evan, followed by the ponies, Lasky, and Palmer, arrived at the Flight Deck, they could see that the whole ship was abuzz with the news that they were getting back in the fight. As mechanics bustled about, Lasky smiled.

“Alright. Princesses, I recommend that you take a Pelican back to Canterlot. The Elements should take the children back to their home.”

“With all due respect, Captain, I think I would like to see the battle. It probably could give us more of an idea of what we are working against,” Twilight replied.

“Fine. Drop the kids off, then come back here. Gypsy Company will take you to the bridge,” he smiled at the groans from the CMC. “You three, come here.” They did so.

“Listen. Sneaking onboard was not only bad, it was dangerous as well. The Marines probably wouldn’t have been as nice as Chris was with dealing with you. The Elements will take you home, and I want you to STAY THERE. We don’t like trespassers onboard our starships. Understand?”

“Yes sir,” they said sadly.

“Alright. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity, as you are their siblings, would you take them to the second Pelican on the right? The pilots there are all ready. When you are done, they will fly you back.”

“Alright,” Rainbow Dash said, and the six ponies walked off and boarded the Pelican, which promptly took off.

”We should make our way to the Observation Deck. Fireteam Crimson, report to Pelican A-76-905. They will take you to the staging area just north of the Covenant defenses,” Lasky said, and the rest walked off.

Chris smiled and motioned for Evan and Grant to follow. As they boarded, they were met by none other than the Knight, accompanied by Glassman and a squad of Marines.

“Crimson, I know it’s kinda sheepish, but the Knight wants to join your team.”

“We’ll accept. Welcome,” Chris said and they shook hands.

“It is a pleasure. My name is Zag-0938,” the Knight said.

“Pleasure. Chris. This is Evan and Grant.” The Knight nodded in response. As they boarded the Pelican, Glassman tapped Crimson on the shoulder.

“Crimson. I got a present for you.” He held out Ramos’s AI Chip.

“Wow. How’d you find him?”

“The Crew of the Red Rider found him floating in space, in the ruined hunks of metal that is currently Birdsong. He was eager to get back in the fight with you.”

“I’ll bet,” Chris said as he inserted Ramos into his helmet.

“Hey Spartan. Been a bit.” the AI quipped.

“Hey Ramos. Ready for some fun?”

“Hell yes. I’m ready Spartan.”

Chris smiled underneath his helmet.

“Let’s get going then.”

As the Pelican took off, The Red Rider, Allegiance, and Dawes began unloading troops. As they did, Jul M’dama stared at the city from the safety of his ship. He frowned at the additional UNSC ships, and his eyes turned to their half of the Janus Key.

“Those humans have one half. We have the other. Not for long.” he said to himself, before walking to the bridge. As the Elites, Grunts, and Hunters saluted at his approach, he growled.

“Land our forces behind the city. Let it burn. Slaughter anything that stands in your way. Are the Drones ready?”

“Yes, Shipmaster.”

“Good. Prep them for combat.”

Back at the UNSC landing zone, Crimson’s Pelican set down, and unloaded the Warthog that it had been carrying. As the Marines refueled the Pelican and Warthog, Crimson, Grant, Evan, and Zag sat down, and broke out a few energy bars from a K-Ration.

“How long has it been since the battle at the Crystal Empire, or whatever it was called?” Evan asked.

“A few hours. Those covenant regroup quickly. I’m surprised at their tactics. I mean they were shooting our ships down not to kill, but to knock them out of the sky. Something’s up.”

“I agree. Something is, as you say, up.” Zag said.

“Definitely Zag.”

Then Chris’s com began to signal a message.

“All UNSC ground forces, this is UNSC Infinity. Get to your assigned vehicles. We are rolling out in 30 minutes. I repeat. report to your assigned vehicles! Pelican dropships, pick up your loads and deploy!”

“Well, let’s get going.” Grant said with a smirk.

As the Spartans walked to the main troop body, a Troop Warthog that drove up to meet them. Without surprise to Chris or Grant, they were greeted by none other than Fireteam Icebreaker.

“Murphy!”

“Hey Crimson! We got assigned to you again. Ready to have some fun?”

“Hell yeah. Let’s move!”

As Crimson took the wheel, Grant mounted his sniper rifle on the windshield. Zag, Evan, and Icebreaker piled into the back.Somehow, Zag had gotten his hands on a Incineration Cannon. As they drove off to the main body of Warthogs, Mongooses,and the occasional Scorpion, Twilight and her friends watched from above from the Infinity’s bridge.

“So, when’s the fighting begin?” Applejack asked.

“30 minutes or so. The Scorpions haven’t fully landed yet.” Roland said. “They are pretty big, a whole Pelican is needed to carry one. They...”

Suddenly, an alarm began blaring.

“What’s that?” Fluttershy stammered.

“Shit. Covies dropping out forces behind the city. The Repulsion force needs to head in now, or we lose the city!” Lasky yelled, “With or without Scorpion support!”

Roland smiled. ‘I’ll order the Scorpions to deploy immediately!”

“Do it, Roland!” Miller replied.

Lasky pressed his hand to the radio.

“All UNSC forces, this is UNSC Infinity. the Covies have been sighted. Repulsion force, deploy NOW!”

Lasky smiled at Applejack.

“”I stand corrected. The fight begins now!”