Please note: Most characters belong to Bungie by copyright with the exception of new ones added by me, such as the main character: Close Range Expert-Corporal Samuels.

Note also: Italics are for when the character is thinking, just so no one gets confused.

Prologue…

First Impressions

Military Calendar Year 2552

Orion Sector, Reach

Everyone has been in such high alert recently. Maybe it has something to do with those SPARTANs that have been trained here…maybe… siren .

"What the…?" Samuels muttered as he was awaken abruptly.

After managing to stumble off of his bed, he noticed that a lot of engineers and maintenance crew members were running from place to place.

Something must be up, he told himself obviously.

"Samuels, wake up, the admirals want all personnel at positions. That means we need to get to the armory to suit up," said Ron, a close range expert in-training, under the guidance of Samuels, "I keep telling you to stop staying up so late, but you're the one who is supposed to be training me!"

Half-awake, Samuels manages to slip into his urban camo fatigues. He heads out with Ron following not to far behind. He turns a corner sharply and bumps into a hard surface.

"Forgive me, sir." A deep, emotionless voice came out of nowhere.

Samuels looked up and saw himself but with an odd, orange hue. Just then, it occurred to him, he was starring straight into the visor of an enigmatic SPARTAN. Samuels gathers himself up and then again realizes that he is a higher official than the SPARTAN, so he must give a good impression.

"Quite alright, erm…" Samuels says in his 'good voice'.

"Sir, SPARTAN-117, sir." The armor-clad warrior said, in quick response with an equally fast salute.

"Yes, well, 117, stand down. Continue on."

With a quick nod, the SPARTAN walks off, ready to do whatever mission the admiral has for him. Samuels just disregards the incident and continues on his way. After a few steps he realizes that his understudy was not following. Samuels turns around and sees Ron starring off down the doorway the SPARTAN went through not too long ago.

"Private, what is the hold up?" Samuels asked.

Ron stuttered, "that…that thing…was a SPARTAN? I never knew…they were so tall…and…and…"

Samuels just sighs and says, "Yes, we can all see, they are huge. He had something to do, as do we. Now let's go before the admiral makes us do the wilderness training again."

Quickly snapping out of it, "On my way, sir!" Ron exclaimed.

Well, that is it so far. I will add more chapters these coming days depending on the reviews I get…so…please review and tell me what you think.