Equispartans II

As Locke and Twilight discussed recent events, Chris looked over at Master Chief, who was over near the window, staring into the night sky.

"Don't mind John, Chris." Kelly said, walking up. "He's been like that ever since we were rescued from the Cryptum on Genesis."

"I see. Six? Weren't you the one who delivered Cortana to the Pillar of Autumn during the Battle of Reach?" Chris said, looking at the Spartan-III.

"Yeah." Six replied in his gravelly voice. "I did. Lost NOBLE Four and One in that little escape attempt. And me and Jun? We two are the last of NOBLE Team." Six said.

"I see." Frederick said as the rest of the Spartans and the Arbiter looked over at Locke and Twilight, who were finishing their conversation.

"And that's pretty much all that's happened in the last three months. That's what led to us coming here. Or back, for a few." Locke said, taking a sip of coffee.

Twilight sighed. "I can't believe all that happened." she said sadly. "I just can't believe she'd turn on humanity like that.

"Neither could I."

All eyes turned to Chief, his head low in anger.

"I trusted Cortana. All those years, we fought together. Installation 04. Cairo Station. New Mombasa. The Ark. And she just threw all that away." Chief said. "Now, we've got a new war to win. Let's finish this, once and for all. No regrets, nothing held back."

"Agreed." Locke said, extending his hand. Chief took it, and they shook hands.

"Truce?" Locke said.

"Truce." Chief replied. As the two of them sat down, Chief noticed his undrunk coffee. Slowly, he took off his helmet, revealing a worn, battle-scarred face. It was pale, but not ghostly pale. Worn lines covered his cheeks and chin. His hair was almost non-existent, with wisps of brown covering his scalp. He gave off the aura of a legend, a phantom, brought back from the grave. He took a sip of coffee, and gave a tiny smile.

"Good coffee." he said, nodding slightly. After he finished his cup, he put his helmet back on.

Chris nodded, and he then, the door opened to reveal the Element bearers, all in states of sleepiness.

"Hey, Twi. Whaaaat's with the humans?" Rainbow asked, failing to stifle two large yawns.

"Long story." Twilight said, shepherding her friends to the table. "Coffee?"

"Thaaa-aa--anks." Applejack said, taking a cup. As the coffee went around, Twilight brought up the subject of when the Prometheans would arrive.

"Not sure. Since Roland took us off the FLEETCOM/NAVCOM network, we're incapable of being tracked by any UNSC gear. But Forerunner tech? That's a different story." Ramos said, speaking from Chris's helmet.

"Alright. So, what should we be facing this time? Covenant?" Rarity asked.

"Forerunner Prometheans, most likely. Thing is, as the Covenant made up the vast majority of the forces we fought during the first battle of Equis, as no Prometheans were present. Also, the Prometheans got a major upgrade. A new unit, designation SOLDIER. A variation of the Knight. Weaker, but faster and more versatile." Ramos said.

"We fought them on Kamchatka. Nasty little fuckers, I will admit." Buck said. Locke rolled his eyes, and turned back to Twilight.

"So, what's the Equestrian's military strength?"

"7,500 units combat ready. 3,000 more in training. We've managed to reverse-engineer some impressive tech from the UNSC and Covenant gear left behind. We can safely say, we got an upgrade. I may have to do with the tech being made public, or my personal endorsement, but three weapon foundries and Steel Shard Academy, a military school, have been established and are already making quite a name for themselves." Twilight said proudly.

"Impressive." Tanaka said.

"And there's more. We've managed to build a radio system powered by five reactors around Equestrian territory. Using a receiver and unicorn magic, we can send messages instantly. The griffons, however, are another problem."

"Griffons?" Linda asked.

"Yeah. I've heard rumors about an invasion, but Emperor Gretchis denies it. They really aren't thrilled about all of our advancements anyway." Twilight said.

"Sounds like you have a lot on your hooves." Vale said.

As the talk continued, a loud noise was heard. As every human and pony walked outside, a Pelican landed. As the door opened, Captain Lasky stepped out, followed by a Spartan wearing black and blue armor. The notable thing about him was his ODST helmet and scarf.

"Crimson." Lasky said.

"Captain. Who's this?"

"Your newest member. Mark-0453, former ODST."

"Welcome." Chris said.

"Nice to meet you, Commander." Mark said, in a kind, but rough tone.

"What ODST Squad were you in?" Buck asked.

"I was a replacement for Alpha-Nine." Mark replied.

Buck nodded.

"Back during the war, I was Alpha-nine's commander."

"Cool."

"Shall we get started?" Mark asked, and the two ODSTs and the Spartans filed back inside, the Pelican took off for the Infinity.