Halo 2: Shadowed pasts and Ancient Runes

Chapter 2: I need a weapon.
Earth. Cairo Station
October 3, 2552

"The plating was about to fail. There's viscosity throughout the gel layer." The Master Guns continued as the Master Chief finished adjusting his new armor. "Optics? Totally fried. And lets not even talk about the power supply. You know how expensive this gear is, son?" He asked, waving the power cell around.

The Master Chief took the new helmet and placed it on his head. It hissed as the magnetic seals locked it in place. "Tell that to the Covenant." He said in his deep voice, making Master Guns stiffen slightly, but quickly relax.

Guns waved a dismissive hand as he went on. "Well, I guess it was all obsolete, anyhow. Your new suits a Mark VI, just came up from Seongnam this morning. Try to take it easy until your used to the upgrades."

The Chief nodded and stepped onto the targeting test platform. He blew through it easy enough, then made his way to the shield recharging station.

His old suits shields took about fifteen seconds to fully recharge. The Mark VI did that in half the time and he was surprised by the durability of it. His old suit paled in comparison to the VI's.

"Bingo!" Master Guns yelled as the Chief's shields recharged. "As you can see they recharge a lot faster. If your shields go down, find some cover. Wait for the meter to read fully charged."

Master Chief looked over as the elevators parted and Sergeant Johnson strolled into the army, wearing his Marine dress uniform. He looked over the Gunny, then back to John.

"That, or he can hide behind me." He looked to the Chief over and smiled. "You done with my boy here, Master Guns? I don't see any training wheels..."

Master Guns rolled his eyes. "His armor's working fine Johnson, so shut your chilly hole." He said sarcastically. He looked back to the Chief and smiled. "You're free to go son. Just remember, take things slow."

Johnson smiled and patted John on the back. "Don't worry, I'll hold his hand."

Guns walked over to the elevator before it shut. "So, Johnson. When are you gonna tell me how you made it back home in one piece?" He asked curiously.

Johnson shook his head. "Sorry, Guns. It's classified."

Gun's scoffed, crossing his arms across his chest. "Pfft. My ass! Well you can forget about those adjustments to your A2 scope, and you can most definitely forget-"

He was cut off as the doors fully shut and the elevator lurched upwards. "Well, he's in a particularly fine mood. Maybe Lord Hood didn't give him an invitation."

The elevator opened two levels above the armory to an awaiting tram. Johnson smiled, looking at the big blue globe outside the window.

"Earth. Haven't seen it in years. When I shipped out for basic, the Orbital Defense Grid was all theory and politics. Now look. The Cairo's just one of three hundred Geo-sync platforms. That MAC gun could put a round clean through a Covenant Capital Ship. Coordinated fire from the Athens and the Malta. Nothin's gettin past this battle cluster in one piece."

He looked up as a Halcyon cruiser flew overhead, accompanied by a squadron of long sword fighters. "Ships've been arrivin' all mornin. Nobody's sayin much, but I bet something big's about to happen."

They both turned around as the doors behind them opened. The Chief watched as marines stood around, cheering and hollering as automated cameras floated around the duo. The Chief frowned slightly and leaned over to Johnson.

"You told me there wouldn't be any cameras." He said, a bit nervous around the floating machines.

"And you told me you were gonna wear something nice!" Johnson shot back as he straitened his jacket. "Folks need heroes, Chief. Give's 'em hope. So smile, will ya? While we still got somethin' to smile about."

The marines at the bridge doors saluted as the Chief and Johnson stepped through. They were met by more crewman in Naval dress, who also cheered them as they entered. They both walked down the ramp and stood in front of Lord Hood.

They gave off crisp salutes, which Hood promptly returned. "Gentlemen. We're lucky to have you back..." He said. He was about to go on when one of his aids whispered in his ear. He looked over to the holo panel with a frown on his old face.

"Report." Hood said flatly. Cortana's graceful image shot out of the panel. She crossed her arms and slanted her hips, just like she always did when she was on edge.

"Another whisper, sir, near Io. We have probes enroute." She stated. Hood looked back to John, Johnson and Miranda and frowned.

"I apologize, but we're gonna have to make this short." He said looking over at the screen. Cortana looked up and smiled at The Chief and Johnson.

"You look nice." She said addressing neither one in particular.

"Thanks."
"Thank you."

The Chief and Johnson both looked at one another, then back to Hood when he cleared his throat. "Sergeant Major, the Colonial Cross is awarded for acts of singular daring and devotion. For a soldier of the United Earth Space Corp, there can be no greater honor. Thank you."

The crowed cheered and Johnson relished in the praise. Hood turned to the small woman beside the both of them and held out a medal.

"Commander Miranda Keyes. Your father's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service. His bravery in the face of impossible odds reflects great credit upon himself and the UNSC. The Navy has lost one of its best."

A single tear ran down the Commanders face and she saluted. Cortana's silhouette popped back up, looking a little panicky.

"Slipspace ruptures, directly off our battle cluster." She stated. Hood whirled around to her.

"Show me."

The ships appeared on the large screen in front of him. "Fifteen Covenant Capital ships holding position just outside the kill zone."

A voice came over the radio and the blips representing the UNSC fleet began to move towards the Covenant ships.

"This is Fleet Admiral Harper. We are engaging the enemy."

Hood shook his head. "Negative, Admiral. Form a defensive perimeter around the cluster." He turned to Cortana. "You have the MAC gun Cortana. Soon as they come in range, open up."

She nodded. "Gladly."

Hood turned his attention back to the diminutive Covenant fleet. "Somethings not right... The fleet that destroyed Reach was fifty times this size."

A panicked crewman shouted from the back of the room. "Sir, additional contacts! Boarding craft... and lots of 'em!"

Hood frowned. "They're going to try and take our MAC guns offline... Give their Capital ships a straight shot at Earth." He turned to the Chief. "Master Chief? Defend this station!"

The Chief nodded. "Yes, Sir." He turned fast to Johnson. "I need a weapon."

Johnson smiled happily, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "Right this way."

Regret went for the bridge of his Super Carrier as it came out of Slipspace. The bridge was a place he loathed being, but he wanted to give orders to the fleet himself when they arrived.

"What pitiful spec of world have we here?" He asked, boredom etched in his voice. The Ship Master gulped.

"My Lord! There are Human inhabiting the planet!" He called out. Regret shot forward.

"What?! Let me see!" He commanded. The forward screen showed hundreds of Human ships. He also gazed upon the three hundred Magnetic Accelerator Cannons. He shot his chair back in surprise. "How could Truth not have known this planet was inhabited?! He said he'd personally sent a stealth craft here to scout it!"

Regret pushed his anger aside and looked at the confused Elites around him. "Send all boarding craft! Take out those stations! I want a clean shot to their planet! All those who believe in the salvation of the journey, shall be a shield for their Prophet! Who is worthy?!"

All at once the Cruisers began to surround the Capital ship as it flew forward. None wanting to upset their lord. Regret licked his lips in anticipation.

"You'll regret this, Truth. I swear on the forefathers I will make you pay for your treachery!"