What remains of someone who placed his faith in one individual only to be repaid with the damnation of thousands?
What remains of someone who has seen his friends die one by one at the hands of a seemingly unstoppable force bent on the complete annihilation of his entire species?
What remains when the very cause one fights for, that one has committed his life to is called into question?
The answer is simple: Vengeance.
My name is Rick Rayner, I was betrayed and abandoned by a superior I trusted. Now I have returned and nothing will stop me from enacting my revenge...not even a Spartan.
The year is 2530, 5 years since the beginning of the humanity's war of survival with the religious multi-race empire known as the Covenant.
During those 5 years of warfare, the Covenant have burn their genocidal path through more than several dozen of the Outer Colonies.
Now, a battle group of 8 UNSC ships of the line lead by Captain Andrew Del Rio rush to aid the Outer Colony world known as Eridanus II a world once home to a faction of Insurrectionists lead by the infamous Colonel Robert Watts.
And unknown to many, the home of humanity's future hero Spartan John-117.
The battle in space was swift, 8 vs 1 Covenant heavy cruiser. A win at the cost of 2 ships, a stunning victory given how advanced the Covenant are and the UNSC's history of fleet engagements with the alien empire.
Now the remaining UNSC ships prepare to land reinforcements to local ground forces aiding in civilian evacuations, hoping to finish well before Covenant reinforcements arrive.
Leading the charge are the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers of the 105th, brave men and woman willing to give their lives in the fight for humanity's survival….
Corporal Rick Rayner stood fully dressed in his battle armor in one of several mission briefing rooms aboard the UNSC Atlas, a carrier and flagship of this battle group in orbit around the planet Eridanus II.
Funny thing about Eridanus II, it's swarming with as many Insurrectionist as there are UNSC loyalists.
No wonder it saw its fair share of bloodshed long before the Covenant ever arrived. Hell, it was here where the 31 year civil war began all thanks to the turncoat Colonel Robert Watts.
Standing around the holo table that took up the almost half the room were Rayner's fireteam: Privates Samson, Albertus, Rook and Pierson.
Samson is a newer addition to the team and by far the dumbest ODST Rayner ever meet. Man can't even think properly on many simple tasks, yet he takes orders without question (those he understands anyway).
How such a man managed to join the military, let alone a special forces group was beyond Rayner.
Best guess is Samson's related to some big shot in UNSC High Command and they slipped him through or we've reached that point in the war where the UNSC is willing to take anyone they can get in this war.
Rayner prayed it was the forward.
Albertus is a fresh recruit transferred just before this deployment. He's a 18 year old who lied about his age to join the Marine Corps, not that this is unheard of just that he joined out of a sense of revenge as half his family were killed by Insurrectionists.
Everyone has their reasons, but Albertus signed up for more than he bargained for. Rayner felt a need to look out for the kid and took him under his wing. With any luck, he'll make it through his first engagement in one piece.
Pierce Rook is a grade A certified badass Scotsman, though everyone called him Rook or sometimes "The Highlander" due to his red facial and slightly over regulation hair. Rook typically handled heavy weapons, particularly explosives.
He always has a habit of pulling out a photo of his daughter whom suddenly died around the age of six. She got terribly sick all of a sudden and passed a week later. His wife committed suicide out of grief a day later.
Now he looks at the picture he keeps hidden under his armored chest plate as a reminder of what once was.
Lastly, there was James Pierson a marksman with a kill count that still sent shivers down Rayner's spin. If the two of them weren't best friends already, or James didn't have a friendly personality Rayner would've known best not to piss him off.
That said, Pierson rarely ever talked about his past even to Rayner.
All except Samson and Albertus spent at least few years fighting the Innies during Operation: TREBUCHET. Sure as hell gonna be awkward as hell fighting with them now.
Aside from Rayner's fireteam, there are other ODSTs with experience fighting the Covenant.
There's Campbell, Checkman, Higgins, Kelly, Corporal Cortez, Corporal Rahud, Yevgenny, and Kiko.
Most of these troopers trained together, a few have been together ever since. None knew Rayner or his fireteam outside of reputation.
Everyone turned when they heard the massive doors open, snapping to attention and quickly saluting the three fellow ODSTs walking at a brisk pace into the room.
First Lieutenant Canfield their company commander, Second Lieutenant Faison acting as Canfield's second in command, and Sergeant Michel a man known and loathed for his by-the-book command.
A man Rayner had more than one colorful discussion with.
"Alright troopers, pay attention cause I'm only saying this once!" Canfield shouted once he stopped in the center of the room. "We won the space battle, now it's time for us to help out on the ground."
"UNSC Marine and Army forces station on the ground are holding off Covenant forces while the civilians are rounded up and evacuated at the capital's spaceport. Local rebel cells laying dormant since Operation: CHARLEMAGNE are willing to aid us in our cause, so don't shoot any Innies you happen to see for once."
Canfield nodded to Michel. The latter stepped up as his CO stepped off to the side.
"Before we arrived, the Covenant successfully raided all the surrounding settlement within a few dozen clicks of the capital."
"Since then, they've split into two groups. The 1st is engaging the 34th Armored Division on the outskirts of the city limits. The 2nd is engaging with Marine, rebel, and local law enforcement elements inside the city."
"Intel reports that friendly forces have constructed a series of makeshift barricades along the three main routes to the spaceport and are successfully holding back the enemy. Reports on the battle outside aren't as reassuring as the Army is basically getting their asses handed to them."
"However, Major General Steward assures us that they will fight to the last. Meaning we need to work fast in order to get the civilians out in one piece."
"We can expect more intel once we link up with local forces."
2nd Lieutenant Faison stepped up once Michel finished speaking. "Out of the 300 ODSTs aboard this vessel, all except 3 platoons will be deployed to aid the 34th Armored. Out of these 3 platoons, each will be divided into Combat Teams of 12 and given various LZs thought the city."
"These platoons will be deploying via Pelican dropships along with other necessary supplies before dropping in additional reinforcements needed on the ground. If you haven't figured it out by now, the combat team gathered here is included in those platoons."
It's both a good and bad thing that they wouldn't be riding down to the planet in SOEIVs (Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicles).
Good cause they wouldn't risk the chance of one or more of them dying do to the reentry process, crashing into buildings and the like or shock from impact.
They didn't call these pods metal coffins for nothing.
It is bad cause none of them would receive a boost of adrenaline that comes as one of the only benefits from riding a metal fireball through a planet's atmosphere and crashing into the ground.
Canfield took his place at the center of the room once more as Faison stepped back to his original position.
"We might be babysitting this time around but make no mistake we will be in the thick of it." The 1st lieutenant said with the point of a finger.
"The enemy is sure to throw everything they have at us. Not only will we hold them back, we'll give'em a bit of interest to boot!"
A short cry of oorahs! sounded out in reply.
With a satisfied smirk on his face, Canfield placed the helmet casually held at his side firmly on his head.
"We move out in five, dismissed."
Rayner glanced around the room. This is our Combat Team. A throw together of two or three fireteams all with experience fighting the Covies.
Not a bad deal to say the least.
It took the first wave of reinforcements thirty minutes to reach the surface.
It took the Pelicans an additional half hour to break through the atmosphere and reach the city safely.
The Pelican containing Rayner and his combat team landed in a clearing on a long, flat rooftop. Waiting for them was a middle aged marine officer holding onto his duty cap as dust and wind picked up as the dropship came in for a landing.
The marine waited for the ramp to drop and the ODST to pile out before approaching the craft.
Canfield and Faison moved to meet the man, quickly noticing the scar framed in his short buzzed goatee.
"I'm Lieutenant Fernad." The gruff sounding marine said, holding out a hand to Canfield. "Thanks for coming to save our asses."
With a smirk, Canfield firmly grabbed the man's hand. "What's the situation Lieutenant?"
"A hot mess, but one we can work with." Fernad soundly replied, pulling back his hand.
"My boys from E2 1st Battalion are set up from a point a few miles down the way to the spaceport. 2nd and 3rd Battalions are set up in similar fashion to the east and west with local law enforcement and Innies providing support."
"Civilians are mostly being herded in via the underground subway system. Those tunnels have been reinforced to act like bunkers thanks to all the combat this world seen in the past. I have squads sent out ever so often to search for civies who either never made it to one of the entryways or choosing to try their luck above ground."
"We got an HQ set up by the spaceport and a field hospital just below us." Fernad nodded at the Pelican. "Once we offload her for supplies, we'll start loading the wounded aboard. God knows they earned their pay today."
"How bout the Covies?" Faison asked.
"They've been throwing a few attacks here and there, but they don't seem committed. Can't say for sure, but it's like their buying for time same as us."
"What for?"
"Maybe for their friends to finish kicking the 34th's collective asses? Hell if I know, they're aliens."
"Right, so where do you want us?" Canfield cut back in. "My boys are eager for a fight."
Fernad let out a laugh. "Oh I'm sure they are. I need a few for a search and rescue mission, got a squad escorting some civilians pinned by a nasty swarm of Drones. The rest of yea I can use on the front. Too many damn cops up there for my taste."
"Understood." Canfield turn to face his men. "Sergeant Michel! Pick 5 guys and head off to save LT Fernad's lost marines!"
Michel shouted his reply before calling out the names of those he chose. "Rook, Rayner, Pierson, Samson, Albertus! You guys just volunteered! Let's move!"
"You hear him Helljumpers! Let's go!" Rayner added, despite how much he loathed the sergeant.
As Michel's team headed off downstairs into the field hospital, Lieutenant Fernad uploaded the last known coordinates of the lost squad to the ODST's HUD.
"Now then Lieutenant," Canfield said, regaining the marine's attention. "Show us where we'll be dancing."
With a smile and a gesture of his hand, Fernad guided the rest of the ODSTs off the roof passing by several marines jogging over to the Pelican dropship.
It took the better half of twenty minutes to slip passed friendly lines into the vast, abandoned concrete jungle before them.
The fireteam maneuvered through building after building, careful to avoid crossing into the open street unless necessary for fear of snipers. Surprisingly though, they never had any contact with the enemy thus far let along spotting any Covies.
Samson held the point, followed close behind by Sergent Michel. Rayner and Albertus held the center with Pierson and Rook at the rear.
Rook held a M739 SAW, Pierson his trusty M392 DMR, Sergent Michel had one of those new BR55 Battle Rifles, Samson a M45 Shotgun, Rayner and Albertus had M7S SMGs, and everyone had a M6C/SOCOM side arm magnetically attached to their legs.
"Not too far now." Michel said as the team fast walked down a vast hallway. "Should be the next building over."
Rayner glanced at Albertus. While his visor hid the kid's face, his body was showing several nervous signs.
"Hey," Rayner said, nudging Albertus's shoulder. The latter flinched in surprise.
Rayner let out a sigh, smiling. "Relax. Won't do any good if you're all tensed up."
Albertus slowly nodded in response, taking a deep breath.
"Just stick with me kid and you'll be fine." Rayner added, placing his left hand on the kid's shoulder.
"Right. Thanks."
A few minutes passed before Samson started screaming when he finished turning a corner.
Michel quickly dashed around after, raising his weapon as he scanned the area. Rayner and Albertus came a second after, each scanning a different section of the area for any hostiles.
"Where's the contact?" Rayner asked, not seeing any movement.
After the trooper failed to reply, Michel took a step towards Samson before seeing what the man was freaking out over.
In a far corner was a Bugger, still and torn with holes. The alien first Samson had ever seen in person and the man can't even tell it's dead.
Michel quickly closed the gap between himself and Samson, firmly gripping onto the man's shoulder.
"Samson! Look at me!"
The trooper turned his head, then looked back to the bugger pointing at it.
"Yes I see it, but I want you to look at me understand?" Michel shook the man once when he failed to comply. "Hey! Hey! Look at me Samson! Look at me!"
The man finally turned his head, whimpering. Michel turned him around fully, gripping him with both hands.
"Look at me! It's dead! Understand? Dead."
Yeah it was dead.
It's friends however, they were a different story.
As Michel calmed Samson down, two other Drones crept closer from overhead.
They popped down from overhead, hovering thanks to their wings and the small anti gravity devices a few steps from the two ODSTs. They aimed their weapons -Covenant plasma pistols- at the two.
Michel pushed Samson aside a moment before kicking off from where he stood, plasma sizzling by as he flew sideways in towards the ground.
"Return fire!" The sergeant yelled, pulling his battle rifle to bare and pulling the trigger three times before landing hard on the concrete surface.
The few rounds that hit blew the arm off one of the Buggers, causing it's next few shots to strafe left.
Rayner and Albertus opened fire on the giant bugs, quickly taking them down in a hail of bullets. As the Covies fell with a high pitch screech, Rayner walked over to Michel holding out his free hand.
"Nice job." He said, taking the hand as he pushed himself up.
"I aim to please." Rayner replied, turning his head to Samson. The latter cradled his shotgun in his arm like a child's blanket as he whimpered uncontrollably.
How the hell did this guy make it in the ODSTs?
"I'll take point." Michel said, taking in the same sight as Rayner. He turned around, then set off in a hurry. "Gunfire would alert anyone around the area. We need to move before more hostiles arrive."
Hearing this caused Samson to pull himself together, if only to spur him on to stop crying and move.
Rayner let out a sigh as the man ran passed him. "Hell of a fireteam." He said under his breath.
Meanwhile...
Lieutenant Canfield kicked the corpse of a Jackel sniper. He glanced at the carnage before him; about a platoon or two worth of Covenant dead with a few marine bodies scattered here and there.
This was the result of the latest "attack" by the Covies.
When recon spotted the mass of Grunts lead by a few Jackels coming and the marines station in front of the barricade started to take fire, Canfield did the only logical more: take his platoon of ODSTs and counter charge against the enemy.
Especially one that only half-ass assaulted their position.
He glanced at Faison, the latter talking with Campbell, Kelly and Higgins.
"Looks like the lieutenant is onto something." The voice of Corporal Cortez rang out. Canfield turned his head, noticing Checkman flanking the Corporal.
"About how these guys are half-assing their assaults?" Canfield asked, kicking the dead Jackel one more time. "Yeah, I'm starting to think there's something else going on here."
"And that 1st Lieutenant Canfield is precisely why we are here." An unknown man called out to them.
The three ODSTs turned to find a full combat team of jet black with red highlight ODSTs gathered behind a single black RECON armored man.
Canfield instantly recognized their armor configuration. These guys are SpecOps. All clock and dagger types you never want to mess with, especially since most worked for the Office of Naval Intelligence.
No wonder they didn't hear them approaching. Goddamn spooks.
Canfield's HUD registered the agent in the RECON armor's IFF tag, along with his Captain rank.
The lieutenant snapped a quick salute, Cortez and Checkman following his lead in perfect unison.
"Sir!" They said together.
"At ease." The ONI agent said, waiting until the 3 ODSTs settled before continuing. "Lieutenant, excellent job repelling the enemy. I personally enjoyed watching such a audacious officer leading the charge against our enemies. I trust you'll keep up the good work."
"Sir! We will, sir!" Canfield soundly replied.
He along with many others within the UNSC stood on guard around ONI agents. Sure they are on the same side on paper, but a sudden appearance from one of them usually mean more bad news than good.
The RECON trooper nodded. "Then I hope you'll hold the line long enough for us to come back from our investigation. Wombat drones overhead have spotted some unusually activity by the Covenant and we've been tasked with recon. Can't say more than that I'm afraid."
"Understood, we'll gladly hold back whatever the enemy may throw at us sir." Canfield said with another salute. "If you excuse me, I need to regroup my platoon, sir."
"Of course lieutenant." The ONI agent said, returning the salute. "Carry on."
The agent watched as Canfield and the others briskly walked away, chuckling to himself.
No one liked ONI, as usual. Well whether they knew it our not ONI always works with the betterment of humanity in mind through whatever means they deem necessary.
One of the many reasons why people fear the members of ONI is how far they are willing to go to carry out that very task. Even using methods others consider questionable.
With the moment of amusement long passed, the ONI agent signaled his team to head off into enemy held territory for the goal of finding out what the Covenant are really up to on Eridanus II.
Sometime later...
Tartarus stood leaning on his hammer: Fist of Rukt. The Chieftain overlooked the recently dug out excitation site before him, glancing as Locus and Goblins carried out their work to unearth the Forerunner artifact barred underneath the human's pitiful city.
He instructed the other chieftains with him to keep the humans occupied by containing their focus on their barricades as they carried out their holy work.
This is an assignment given to him by the Prophet of Truth himself. He couldn't fail, he shall not fail the Hierarch no matter how many sacrifices he must make to keep the humans from interfering with his holy work.
Especially when the Prophet unofficially made Tartarus his second-in-command and officially promoted to Chief Enforcer and Chieftain of all Jiralhanae.
"Chieftain." One of his pack, a veteran warrior and captain named Melchus, called out as he knelt before him. He is a newer addition to Tartarus's hand picked pack and a considered candidate for his second-in-command.
"What is it Melchus?" Tartarus asked without turning his gaze from the excitation.
"One of our patrols have failed to report in." Melchus answered, looking at Tartarus's feet. "I sent another squad to investigate only to find their corpses."
"So, the humans then?" Tartarus said. "I suppose it was only a matter of time until they found us here." He turned to face Melchus. "Rally the pack, have them prepare for human incursion."
"Chieftain, if I maybe so bold?" Melchus asked, bowing his head low to the ground.
"Go ahead."
"What if we were to clear a path for them, lure them here where we will attack all at once and crush them completely?" Melchus suggested, raising his head a bit yet carefully keeping his gaze low.
Tartarus pondered this idea for a moment. "You suggest we let them fall into our grasp, giving them a glance at their prize before slaying the vermin?"
"It is as you say, Chieftain."
Tartarus chuckled, pleased by the idea. "Very well, but don't thin out our ranks too much. It may tip off the humans to your cleaver ruse."
"Yes Chieftain. I shall see to it."
"And Melchus. Gather the other chieftains as well. I want them among the ambush party."
"By your word Chieftain."
Melchus rose to his feet, turned, and left to carry out his orders. Tartarus watched him leave for the first few moments before returning his gaze to the excavation sight.
These humans shall be a sacrifice to the gods, with this planet and every remaining vermin on it soon to follow.
Tartarus smiled at the thought, looking forward to the sight of the human infiltrates dying by his hands.
Meanwhile...
"Friendlies at 7 o'clock!" A marine with a MA5B shouted from up ahead.
The ODSTs reached the man a few moments after, noticing another marine holding a battle rifle.
"Thank god." The 2nd marine crouched behind a indented wall said. "Didn't think they'd send an evac team."
"Should have a little more faith in LT Fernad." Michel said, shifting his gaze at the 1st marine. "Who's in charge here?"
"Sergeant Edward Buck." The 1st marine said as an answer, pointing to himself. "Damn Buggers came from everywhere. Cut down most my squad and half the civilians we're escorting. The rest are hiding in the storage room behind me."
"Any wounded?"
"None that survived."
Michel looked back at Rook and Pierson. "Make sure the way back is clear and hold it so the civilians can pass." He waited for the two to acknowledge before turning back to Sergeant Buck.
"Follow us. We'll bring you back."
"Sure, but first you gotta know that if we move the rest of those damn bugs are gonna come after us." He said, pointing a thumb down the corridor. "Every time we tried to move, they jump us."
"We'll deal with it."
"They seem to have a leader too. Some red colored Bugger, has shields too."
Rayner raised an eyebrow at this. "Buggers got shields now?"
"Might be a squad leader rate or something." Albertus added. "If they're like other bugs we know, then the follow a system where they're born into their role."
"Either way, we'll kill it." Michel stated. "Get ready to move, we'll hold'em while you go."
Sergeant Buck nodded, turning back to his subordinate. "Get the civilians up and ready to go."
The marine nodded, before getting up with a turn. A few moments later, a dozen scared looking civilians started to head out into the hallway. Most had tears on their cloths and at least some scratch marks on their bodies.
"Rayner, Albertus. Get set to shoot some bugs." Michel said with the turn of his head. "Samson, take a few steps back and cover the civilians. Once the last pass you, follow after them understand?"
The man nodded in response, firmly gripping his shotgun before backpedaling several steps.
"Whenever you're ready sergeant." Michel said, aiming his battle rifle down the hall.
"Let's go!" Buck said, herding the civilians down the hall as his subordinate lead them to safety. They ran in an organized fashion, not panicking to their credit. Perhaps, they seen enough to know that panicking causes more harm than good.
"Here they come!" Rayner yelled, hearing the flutter of wings. As soon as he shouted, the first dozen Drones pored into the hallway filling it completely as more of their kind followed.
Michel, Albertus and Rayner all fired as once, pausing only to reload as their enemy swarmed forward. Green plasma round flew by the ODSTs heads. A human scream sounded out as one of the civilians were hit in the back of their head.
A few seconds in the firefight and the Drones seemed to be thinning out when a red colored Bugger welding a plasma rifle flew in front of the swarm. It's shields took the brunt of the bullets as it rushed the ODSTs.
Rayner tackled Albertus to the ground as the alien bug passed overhead, continuing towards the civilians beyond.
"Samson!" Michel yelled without turning his gaze from the swarm before him. "Kill that son of a bitch! That's an order!"
The trooper took a side step in front of the charging red Drone, aiming his M45 at the fast space bug. He pulled the trigger, taking down the alien's shields as it staggered slightly.
Samson quickly pumped a new round and fired again, this time killing the bug. It shrieked, sliding across the floor and coming to a stop before Samson's feet. The ODST stomped the creature's head in, satisfied at the crunching sound of his boot.
The others Drones all stopped, confused or dumbfounded who knows? They all made easy targets by hovering in place without anyone ordering them now.
Rayner and Albertus joined their sergeant in wiping the aliens out as Samson turned to follow the civilians.
"Clear!" Michel said, slapping a fresh magazine in his rifle.
"Good job kid!" Rayner said, patting Albertus on the shoulder. "See? It ain't so tough is it?"
"Job's done, lets move." Michel interrupted as he fast walked past the two. He pressed his chin on his helmet's radio pressure plate. "Rook, Pierson, hold position we're coming to you."
"Understood." Rook's voice replied over the comms channel. "Samson just passed by, want us to stop him?"
"Negative. Let him be for the time being." Michel took his chin off the plate and stormed off.
With a sigh, Rayner lead Albertus after him.
Several minutes later...
Melchus's plan worked.
The human team -13 black armored warriors- lured in without much trouble to the ambush point. Tartarus greeted them personally before his warriors revealed themselves and fired upon the heathenish creatures with Spikers, plasma rifles and Death Lobbers.
The enemy fought well however, killing almost three times their number with grenades and precise head shots.
The fact that Tartarus ordered the lower ranking members of his pack to wear only limited armor as a way to show their individual strength is a key reason why so many of his pack lay dead now.
Additionally, as a sign of his devotion, the Chieftain chooses to wear little armor.
He is not without protection however, as the Jiralhanae was awarded with a powerful personal shield upon his promotion.
Now as the last of the humans lay dying Tartarus held their apparent leader by the neck, holding it above the ground to eye level.
"Human. Do you even comprehend the holy grounds your filthy footsteps tread upon?" He asked, despite knowing the human failed to comprehend his words.
"Do you understand the gravity of this recent addition to the ever growing list of sins your race has committed? You've aimed to undo the holy work I have been tasked by the Hierarchs, the very Prophets that guide our Covenant on the path. This heresy is punishable by death human."
The human let out what seemed like laughter. It said something inaudible to Tartarus's ears before raising the small gun it still held in its feeble hands.
The Jiralhanae grabbed the human's hand with ease, proceeding to crush the gun along with the human's hand with a simple clenching of his fist.
The human screamed in agony as Tartarus released the human for a moment before grabbing onto it's helmet covered head.
"Your actions are an insult to the gods, and I shall gladly carry out the punishment for your heathenish deeds."
The Chieftain of the Jiralhanae squeezed down on the human's fragile head. It's helmet becoming a weapon as it caved in from Tartarus's brute strength.
Red blood ran down the black armor as the human's head was pressed like a lemon. Satisfied and unable to squeeze any further, Tartarus let the human's body drop to the ground before him.
He let out a small huff before rolling the body away with a foot. "Such a pathetic race."
"Perhaps, yet none can deny their craftiness." The voice of one of three chieftains Tartarus brought with him: A grey bearded and elder Jiralhanae named Vopeion added.
Tartarus brought his eyes to the fully armored chieftain. His steel colored armor with blue highlights perfectly brought the color out of his beard.
Behind him stood the two other chieftains: Bracktanus and Pellius.
"Are you saying you admire these humans, Vopeion?"
"I simply acknowledge our enemy's strengths along with their weaknesses." Vopeion replied with a smile, showing multiple gaps of missing teeth in his mouth.
"Never underestimate one's foe, that is one of the tenets my pack lives by."
"Wise words from an elder." Tartarus stated with a huff. "Which makes me suspect you think yourself clever."
"I do believe so, Chieftain." Vopeion answered, placing a hand on his chest. "That is one of the reasons why you requested my services, is it not?"
Clever indeed. Tartarus had to admit that much.
Since the beginning of their history, the Jiralhanae have been fighting each other in massive pack warfare.
The two meta-clans or Skeins as the Jiralhanae call them are the Vheiloth, who are more open to new ideas and favor technological advancement overall, and the Rh'tol, the more savage, stubborn and primitive members of their race whom favor strength above all else.
The majority of Tartarus's pack and subordinate packs fell under the Rh'tol Skein. Vopeion and his rather significantly sized pack belonged to the Vheiloth.
While the Rh'tol and Vheiloth usually hold each other in uneasy content at the best of times, they come to a unified understanding when it come to their new purpose within the Covenant.
Besides, regardless of passed relationships Tartarus valued members of his own race the possessed valuable skills.
He turned his gaze to the human corpses beyond the chieftain.
"This heresy will not go unanswered." He said, refusing to reply to the question when Vopeion already knew the answer.
"And how will my Chieftain respond to this blasphemes action?" Vopeion asked with a genuine smile.
"We shall strike the humans in force." Tartarus answered, turning to face his chieftains as he called them in turn.
"Vopeion, take your pack and strike at the center most human fortifications."
"Bracktanus, you shall attack along the east."
"Pellius, you attack the west."
"Do not relent in your assault! Crush these pitiful humans with everything you have! I shall supplement you all with members of my own pack, but know that failure comes at a price! Do not disappoint me."
"By your will!" All three chieftains shouted, bowing their heads in submission before turning to carry out their task.
Sergeant Michel and his team along with Sergeant Edward Buck and the rest managed to reach friendly lines with any trouble.
Lieutenant Fernad was among the first to greet them as the civilians were quickly loaded up in transports.
"Thanks for saving my boys." The lieutenant said, padding Michel on his armored back. "Heard things got a bit crazy at the end there."
"Nothing we couldn't handle sir."
Fernad nodded in response. "Good to hear. Why don't you take your squad and meet up with the rest of your platoon? I ordered a few stockpiles be stashed between the defensive lines so feel free to resupply."
"Yessir. At once sir."
The ODSTs left the marines behind. Soon enough, Rayner noticed the various activities being carried out as the walked to the front:
Marines making repairs to various types of Warthogs.
Boxes of supplies being carried this way and that.
Two different types of Cyclops, Attack and Heavy Assault class, being checked over and some tested.
And other various rear line tasks.
Ahead, the ODSTs could spot several Wolverines in position in preparation for the inevitable return of enemy air presence.
Several Falcons and law enforcement Hornets lay in wait a top various clear rooftops and wide open areas.
There were even several Scorpions and Kodiaks, some in position a top sturdy buildings, no doubt airlifted up to these rooftops.
As the team passed the last defensive line along this path and unto a long series of similar barricades, Rayner couldn't shake the feeling of dread chilling his body.
Sooner or later, he realized, the Covies are gonna stop playing their games and hit them hard. Then, when everything goes to shit, blood will start to flow crimson in the streets.
Rayner could only hope that they would survive long enough to catch a ride off this godforsaken planet.
"Oh, look who made it!" Lieutenant Faison said as Sergeant Michel and his team strolled through the automatic door into the supply cash.
The sergeant and his team snapped a salute to the lieutenant, then spread out in the mostly open room.
Several dozen ODSTs lay scattered around, either talking among themselves, resting, resupplying, checking their weaponry, or any combination of these four.
"Heard you save a few civies." Faison patted Michel on the shoulder. "That's good, now you guys get to join us in the real fight."
Michel nodded, already used to his superior's sense of humor. "Where's Lieutenant Canfield?"
"He's in the next room." Faison answered, pointing a finger at the far door. "Seeing when the next resupply for this ammo dump will come. We pretty much cleared it out thanks to the last three attacks. Don't worry though, there should be enough for you guys."
Michel thanked Faison, then moved to the indicated door. His team followed behind, waving or nodding at a few fellow ODSTs as they passed.
After walking down a short hallway, they entered in a room with an open balcony. They quickly spotted LT Canfield standing in front of a sergeant flanked by two fellow marines, one with a radio unit on his back.
"-Look I know how we need to keep all the defensive lines supplied, I'm just saying that if we don't get supplied soon we'll be in trouble once the Covies hit us in force." Cainfield said as the fireteam approached.
"I understand sir, but there's a proper procedure to these things." The sergeant replied. "We were supplied the last in the rotation, meaning it'll be some time before we receive another shipment. Believe me sir, I want our boys to have plenty of ammo when shit hits the fan. Chatter on the comms hints the other positions are just as deprived as ours. "
"Can't I talk to anyone to help speed things along?"
The sergeant shook his head. "They've already been notified sir. All we can do is to wait for the resupply unit to get around to us again. That said, we have enough supplies to last us one good battle."
"Right, so when the Covies come at us we only have what we got. What after that? Start throwing our weapons at them like rocks?"
"We do have mines we have yet to deploy. Our orders are to wait until the enemy hits in force though so our vehicles can traverse smoothly enough."
"Ain't that reassuring." Canfield turned his head, finally acknowledging Michel and the rest. "Welcome back sergeant. Came here for resupply? Well as you heard we have what we have to take it now before it's gone."
"Understood sir." Michel turned his head, nudging the fireteam towards the crates off to his side.
Samson rushed over to them. Rook stayed by Michel's side as the forward hadn't used his weapon during the last mission.
Rayner asked Pierson to help Albertus grab ammo for the both of them before heading over to the open balcony.
A marine with a M41 SPNKR launcher stood a few feet from an auto-turret, both overlooking the street below.
Rayner stepped in between the two and took a look at the defenses below.
Someone constructed a few trenches on top of the street with fast acting concrete. This served as the front line defense. The ODST could make out several marines moving about within the above ground trench line.
Behind those were various lines of barricades and sandbags with M247 and AIE-486H machine gun turrets practically everywhere along with the occasional LAU-65D/SGM-151 missile pod.
In between these lines of defense are various police cars, Warthogs and even some Scorpion tanks. Positioned in the rear is a trio of Kodiak mobile artillery cannons.
Marines, police equip in SWAT gear, a few ODSTs, and even some Insurrectionist soldiers were positioned through the defenses all equip with various weapons.
Rayner could make the IFF tags of several friendlies positioned in the flanking buildings, most likely snipers due to their high elevation.
Place before the 1st line of defense stood a Peacekeeper: a law enforcement issued Cyclops equip with a downgraded version of an M12(switched out for the usual low-pressure autocannon) and riot shield, two Warthogs, and several brave marines spread out along the street.
It would certainly take some work for the Covenant to break through all this and this is only the first line of defense. Then again, they may overcome them with mass bodies Covies usually throw at them especially since there isn't much in the line of spare ammo.
Yes, the marines and ODSTs would fight tooth and nail like they always have, making the enemy pay for every inch but it's only a matter of time before they could be overwhelmed.
Assuming the enemy attacked them with full force.
As Rayner though this, a voice rang out on the general comms.
"We got movement."
Rayner's eyes widen, he glance back at his squad. Pierson meet his gaze and nodded. He heard it too.
"Numerous contacts, all heading this way." The same voice said. "This is the largest force they sent yet."
"Well shit." Rayner cursed under his breath. Looks like the enemy finally decided to stop playing around.
Meaning that they probably got whatever the hell they were looking for.
Meanwhile...
"We got movement." The voice of one of the marine snipers reported.
Corporal Banks brought his MA5B up to chest level. "Another enemy attack?" He asked, more to himself than anyone else.
"Numerous contacts, all heading this way." The sniper continued. "This is the largest force they sent yet."
"You gotta be shitting me." A marine near Banks said in disbelief.
"Lock and load marines!" Their squad's sergeant shouted. "Get ready to kill some damn Covies!"
Banks pulled the cock back on his rifle, steeling himself for the bloodbath ahead. Behind him, marines trenched in the concrete trench line stood at their battle positions ready for the enemy assault.
The Warthogs to the left and right of him rushed ahead, aiming to soften up the enemy's first wave.
They barely faded from view before the marines could hear the firing of their mounted LAAGs.
Corporal Banks let out a deep breath, hurrying over to one of barricades set along the sides of the main street.
Once he reached cover, Banks looked at the Peacekeeper mech silently hoping the SWAT member inside would cut down a number of Covenant before getting knocked out of commission.
"Alright troopers, Covies have come to the party!" Lieutenant Canfield shouted to his fellow ODSTs, holding up his MA5B. "I'm sure each and everyone of you will show them all how we humans have a damn good time!"
The ODSTs responded with a collective series of cheers, some even raising their fists up in the air.
"Snipers, I want you to spread out in these buildings and start picking off targets." Canfield shouted his orders a moment after his troops started cheering.
"The rest of you are with me on the street. We'll give these alien bastards what's coming to them!"
With another round of cheers, the ODSTs ran out of the supply cash and unto the streets. Their snipers heading off into various buildings while the rest of the platoon rushed forward in mass to the front line, passing various defenses as they went.
"Lieutenant Canfield!" A marine captain called out, raising her hand out towards the approaching ODSTs.
Canfield signaled his platoon to a stop, then waited for the brown haired captain to approach them.
"Lieutenant, spread your platoon out between the second and third positions."
"What about the first position?"
"Leave that to the marines already stationed there." She said, turning her head to the concrete trench line. "I rather risk loosing them than your platoon, harsh as that may sound."
Canfield didn't like it, but followed these orders like any other. He commanded Faison to lead half of the platoon to the third line while he lead the rest to the second.
There the ODSTs waited as the sounds of battle drew ever closer.
Vopeion watch as 5 of his vehicles; two Ghosts and three Choppers, chased after the surviving human "Warthog" or so he believes the humans call it.
Two initially assaulted their front line, one quickly overcome with concentrated fire both explosive and otherwise. Now the remaining vehicle fled, no doubt to the safety of its allies.
Vopeion chuckled at the thought, amused how easily these humans panicked in the face of greater power and yet one could argue that this is a survival mechanism embedded in the feeble race's subconscious.
In either case, it wouldn't save these particular humans.
As the long, gray bearded chieftain slowly followed the chase with his own Chopper, he heard shots from human sniper rifles ring out. Two of the pursuing Choppers suddenly stopped, their drivers slumping over onto the human constructed ground.
'Already in range huh?' The chieftain thought, pulling his Chopper off the road and coming to a stop next to one of the few buildings left before an open area before him.
He stepped off the vehicle as his bodyguard pulled up with their own Choppers, dismounting as soon as they settled to a stop.
Vopeion felt his hammer slung across his back with his right hand, then patted the two Spikers he had magnetically attached to the sides of his powerful legs.
He watched as the three remaining vehicles stubbornly chased after the Warthog, sniper rounds piercing their chassis as the raced onward. Finally, the human gunner whirled their heavy machine gun around and proceeded to fire upon the right most Ghost until the vehicle exploded in a hep of plasma.
The gunner moved to his left, reading his weapon to fire upon the remaining Chopper when a sniper round hit the Jiralhanae driver in the leg.
The Chopper swerved out of the way of the initial burst as it's driver howled in pain. The human must have thought that Jiralhanae was taken care of as it moved it's aim to the last Ghost, firing upon it like the first.
Unfortunately for the humans, even as they eliminated the Ghost, the remaining Chopper swung back and boosted beside the Warthog. The Jiralhanae pulled out his spike rife, quickly shooting the human driver in the face.
The human's death spasm must have caused the Warthog to crash as the vehicle flipped end over end, then rolled on its side several times before coming to a stop in a hep of twisted metal.
The surviving Chopper twisted around in a turn before exploding due to the concentrated fire of another human vehicle, a giant power suit that Vopeion has yet to learn the name of.
While disappointing to most whom witnessed these events, Vopeion felt no loss in these dead Jiralhanae. They belonged to the Rh'tol skein, natural enemies of the Vheiloth only united through the Covenant and their belief in the Forerunners.
Vopeion put a paw on his beard, beginning to stroke it as he studied at the human defenses: Aside from the white and gray mech suit, there where a few human warriors gathered at both ends of the streets hiding behind gray concrete barriers.
Behind them stood a several foot tall fortification of some sort, most likely an above ground trench line the human favored so much as Vopeion could make out several dozen of their warriors standing within it.
"Call Strabus to the front." Vopeion said to his bodyguards. "I wish Tartarus's pack to assault the humans' defenses first. See how they react before I commit the rest of the pack."
One of the bodyguards nodded, rushing off to inform Strabus of his chieftain's will.
Corporal Banks could hear his heart pounding in his chest. The battle had already begun, starting off with a Warthog being flipped over a right before their position followed by the destruction of the Chopper that caused the Hog's accident.
"Goddamn it." He muttered, tightly gripping his rifle. "Here they come, goddamn it."
"Get ready boys!" The squad's sergeant yelled. "Show these bastards what humans are made of!"
"I hope he doesn't mean literally." The marine beside Banks said, trying to lighten the mood.
"HERE THEY COME!" Someone shouted, followed by the crack of sniper rifles firing far faster than normal.
Banks popped his head up, eyes widening for a brief moment before firing into the mass of Covenant soldiers charging head first at their position.
He let out a curse. "How many of them are there?!"
"Don't know, just keep firing!" The marine next to Banks replied.
Plasma and spike rounds filled the open air as the mix of Grunts, Jackels, and mostly armorless Brutes returned fire upon the marines. Banks could hear the screams of his squadmates, both rage filled battle cries and death filled yells as both sides continued to assault one another in a deadly shooting match.
As Banks began firing his third mag, his MA5B stopped firing far sooner than it should've. He looked down at his rifle, quickly inspecting it to find why it wasn't working.
"Jammed." Banks barely had enough time to curse before a plasma round hit his rifle. He dropped behind cover, letting go of the useless rifle.
"You ok Ban-" A needle round pierced the face of the marine next to Banks, exploding a few moments after. The now headless marine's body fell to the ground on it's side, his battle rifle sliding close to Banks.
Without a moment's hesitation, Corporal Banks scooped up the rifle and resumed firing into the horde before him pausing only to find spare magazines on the headless marine's corpse.
By the time Banks swapped his fourth mag and slammed in his fifth, the Peacekeeper exploded in a ball of fire and plasma, a result of a half a dozen plasma grenades thrown at the mech all at once.
"They're charging!" A marine yelled above the sound of the explosion. Banks turned his gaze to the mass of Covenant, lead by Brutes, roaring as they charged forward.
"Fall back!" His squad's sergeant yelled. "Hit them with the SPNKRs to cover us!"
Dozens of rockets launched from the trench line toward the charging mass, wiping out the front wave of Covenant. This bought the marines a few seconds as the Covies quickly recovered their momentum and surged forward.
Banks ran over to an open alley way, using a corner as cover as other members of his squad rushed to join him. He provided covering fire to his fellow marines, watching in the corner of his eye as several of them fell to enemy fire.
Once the last of his comrades on this side of the street passed him by, the corporal turned to run the alley when something caught his attention.
The rest of his squad on the other side of the street were pinned by enemy fire. His sergeant glanced over, meeting Banks eyes with a smile.
He yelled something to the other marines, then they all screamed as the all popped out of cover, throwing grenades and firing all they had at the charging Brutes.
One by one, they fell to the overwhelming fire from the aliens. The sergeant falling last as several spike round hit him dead in the chest.
Banks swore, then turned and ran full speed down the alleyway.
He and rest of his squad were getting off this damn planet, no matter what they had to do.
Strabus let out a huff as he crossed his arms. He watched his men assault the human position along with the so called clever chieftain Vopeion and his bodyguards.
They stood in an archway that covered them from enemy snipers and hid them from view with the shadows currently cased down upon them.
Vopeion ordered Strabus to unleashed his pack while barking orders to hold the Kig-Yar snipers, Yanme'e, and half the Unggoy in reserve along with his own pack.
Strabus thought it foolish, that they should all be rushing forward in a massive wave of might like a hammer smashing down upon it's prey.
Vopeion is chieftain however, and as such must be obeyed. Unless Strabus wished to challenge him of course.
He neither had the strength needed nor the ambition to do so.
The scars across his chest inched, reminding Strabus of his close call with death the last time he fought humans. With this sudden reminder, he accepted Vopeion's cautious line of thinking regardless of how he personally felt.
"No need to chase after those that fled." Vopeion said. "Focus all our energy on those holding their positions, the cowards will be dealt with soon enough."
Sniper fired increased as the mass of Jiralhanae lead troops tried to reach grenade throwing distance of the above ground trench line. Explosions from the humans own grenades and rocket launchers rocked the Covenant forces further preventing them from reaching the fortification.
"Chieftain, perhaps now is the time..." Strabus calmly said, extending a loose hand toward the battlefield.
"No, not yet." Vopeion answered, stroking his long beard. He turned his head to the reserve troops to his right, several Ghost, Choppers, and the only Wraith tank Tartarus choose to spare from the excavation sights defensive perimeter.
"Though it may be time to deal with those snipers." The chieftain thought aloud, turning his gaze back around.
He already identified three of the human sniper positions, wishing to find more before he deployed his own snipers but the situation seemed to demand it.
Vopeion turned his head to a purple armored captain, nodding at the pack member. The captain returned the nod, ordering a dozen Kig-Yar snipers forward.
The snipers rushed to the chieftain, receiving the locations of the three human snipers and orders to spread out in several different buildings and other feasible sniper positions.
The Kig-Yar quickly went to work. Three beam rifles hit exactly at the spots Vopeion specified, the human snipers who hid there incapacitated in one form or another.
A deadly game of tag began between the human and Kig-Yar snipers as muzzles flashed, beams travel and needle rounds exploded between many of the taller human buildings.
"Now that the snipers are occupied," Vopeion strolled out from the archway followed close behind by his bodyguards. "We can take a closer look at the battlefield."
Strabus lowered his arms, following the chieftain. They came to a halt once they neared the twisted wreck of the human vehicle 5 of their warriors chased before.
Without the snipers to harass them, Strabus's troops managed to push within grenade throwing distance. As the Jiralhanae threw plasma and spike grenades, along with those holding death lobbers, the human warriors began to fall quickly.
"The humans defenses are crumbling!" Strabus proclaimed with a smile. "Now is the time to attack!"
The Jiralhanae captains, marked by the red flags with the mark of Tartarus attached to their backs, either heard Strabus or can to the same conclusion as they barked out orders.
Kig-Yar formed rows of shield walls, overlapping each other and forming a near impenetrable formation. They left gaps in the walls however, to allow swarms of Unggoy and Jiralhanae to funnel through toward the human fortification.
Rockets launched into the charging waves, some taking out several Kig-Yar holding the shield wall.
"A futile effort." Strabus stated as he watched his warriors climb and jump up the human's trench line.
"It seems the humans have brought reinforcements." Vopeion suddenly commented.
Strabus turned his head to the chieftain. Had he gone mad? Blind? Both?
How could he not see that his men, proud members of Tartarus's pack now scaled the humans' pitiful fortifications? That he was spurting utter nonsense as these Jiralhanae slaughter the heretics?
Strabus opened his mouth to protest when he heard a new noise added into the battlefield chorus: The sound of twin engines roaring as they approached.
A moment after he heard it, Strabus saw a white and gray helicraft the humans called a "Hornet" appear above the battleground. A lone human in armor unlike those seen on their other warriors stood on one of its fins aiming a sniper rifle at the crowd of Covenant warriors.
The aircraft fired it's machine gun into the mass, particularly focusing on those climbing up the trench line. The sniper fired, taking out a Jiralhanae captain.
"It knows to take the officers down first." Vopeion commented, seemingly pleased by the display. "Though this may end up a greater burden for them."
What Vopeion hinted at is the fact that Jiralhanae tend to go berserk whenever their fellow pack members, or one particularly close to them, dies before their very eyes.
As the human continued to strike at their officers, several lesser Jiralhanae launched themselves into the open air in a fit of blind rage. However, even this distance proved too far for the gorilla-ape like species.
Those that tried to strike at the craft quickly fell to their deaths or inflicted crippling wounds to themselves, causing a chain reaction of berserkers to throw themselves at the human made fortification and climb up it to slaughter those beyond.
Several dozen Unggoy fired at the Hornet, a few Kig-Yar followed the little gray skinned cannon fodders' lead a moment after.
The human pilot seemed to possess at least a modicum of skill as it easily dodged the incoming plasma rounds, though the ease of this may be thanks to how high the craft hovered in the air.
"That's proving to be a nuisance." Vopeion said, crossing his arms behind his back. His hammer touching the tips of his paws.
A member of his bodyguards armed with a needle rifle stepped forward, aiming his weapon toward the airborne craft.
"Allow me." Vopeion extended his arm out to the Jiralharae. "I'm afraid I've grown a bit rusty."
The pack member handed his chieftain the weapon, to which he casually took in his paws. Vopeion carefully tracked the craft as in maneuvered around, imagining where the pilot's head would be before pulling the trigger once.
The needle round pieced through Hornet's cockpit, though it didn't seem to immediately kill the human. That or it's death spasms are what caused the craft to spin out of control as it began to lose altitude.
The sniper fell off the aircraft well before it crashed into an open building with a human auto-turret. Explosions followed soon after as it appeared the Hornet hit something hazardous.
Vopeion smiled, chuckled even, extending the needle rifle back to it's owner.
"Excellent shot chieftain." He said, taking his weapon back.
"Better than I hoped." The chieftain replied. "With that annoyance dealt with, I think its time to send in our reinforcements."
'Finally.' Strabus thought, allowing himself a slight smile.
Vopeion turned his head to a long, flat building behind on his right, glazing at the top floor and nodding once before turning back around.
Before Strabus could ask what that was about, he heard a familiar sound behind him. He turned, finding the answer to his unspoken question.
"Jump packs." Strabus said, turning back around. "Clever."
"And that's not all." Vopeion said with the wave of a hand. A moment after, the familiar buzzing of Yanme'e seemed to come from everywhere.
The flying bugs were soon spotted, coming off and out of tall human buildings to the left and right of the chieftain.
Strabus couldn't help but let out a deep laugh at the sight. An aerial assault with ground troops, now that is a truly inspirational idea.
Buggers and Brutes rained down from the sky, firing plasma, spikes and needles upon the human defenders.
A dozen marines fell in the first few moments, caught by surprise by the unexpected maneuver. The remaining marines and ODSTs returned fired as the Covenant dropped behind the concrete trench line.
Some of the marines still alive in the fortification turned to fire at the Covenant behind them, yet this made them even more unaware of the near armorless Brutes climbing up the front and slaughtering all they came across within the trench line.
To make matters worse, these new jet back wearing Brutes had energy shields along with the red armored Buggers Michel's team encountered earlier.
Canfield yelled orders at his troops, having the ODSTs concentrate fire on specific points while others equip with SPNKR launchers fired at groups of Brutes bunching up on the trench line.
"We need artillery support!" The marine captain shouted to a marine with a radio pack. "Grid 247 400! Request constant fire at grid marker, danger close!"
"What about our guys still in the trench?" Lieutenant Canfield asked as the marine radioed the Kodiaks.
"They're dead already." The captain said with the shake of her head. "Sorry to say, but we won't let their sacrifice be in vain."
Lieutenant Canfield cursed as he reloaded. It didn't sit right with him, but he knew that there are times you had to give orders that get men killed. So long as they weren't lives wasted it was alright in his book.
"Artillery inbound!" The radio operator shouted.
The marines heard the rounds whistle loudly by before violently exploding into the ground. The artillery pounded into concrete trench line killing all whom lay within.
The Buggers and jet back Brutes on the closer half of the fortification suffered casualties from the destructive Kodiak rounds', those on the farther half barely paid attention to the exploding death behind them as their desire to kill humans to priority over everything else.
Canfield turned left, shooting a charging Brute at near-point blank range. They were starting to get riled up. If they organized into a charge...
The lieutenant turned to his right, a spiker round impacted in his lower waist side. Canfield went down, but not before firing all he had left in his mag at the Brute bastard that fired at him first.
Canfield swore as he landed on his back. He tried to get on his feet, but it cause more pain than he could stand. The ODST reloaded his weapon carefully slow, held it one handed as he started to pull himself back.
Canfield's eyes darting back and forth at any movement he thought he saw, firing a few times at Drones trying to hop over the barricade.
The bastards were starting to get close, and there were far too few marines and ODSTs left for the line to hold.
"Fall back damn it." He muttered over his comms. "Fall back to the next line."
The marine captain glanced over at Canfield, then finally registered the amount of losses on their side. She gave the same order, then gestured a pair of marines to help the fallen ODST before covering her men's retreat.
The Covenant however took full opportunity of the humans' retreat and surged forward in a wave.
Drones and Brutes jumped, climbed, flew, and cast aside parts of the barricade as they muscled on through the line. Without any hesitation, they fired at the fleeing humans taking down several before they starting firing back.
The two marines sent to help Canfield were among the first to fall.
The lieutenant cursed as he fired rounds into the mass of enemies. While any Buggers that even glanced his way soon found themselves filled with bullets, Brutes were another story.
A pair of the shield wearing bastards pushed their way towards the injured ODST. Canfield clenched his teeth as he loaded his last mag, firing at the pair.
Surprise washed over the Lieutenant as the pair found themselves under heavy fired. Canfield turned at the sound of footsteps, looking at Corporal Rayner, Rahud, Yevgenny, and Kiko.
"You son of a bitch." Canfield said with a smile.
"Nice to see you too, sir." Rayner replied with a smile of his own. "We're here to rescue you, unless you wanna keep laying around."
Several minutes earlier...
Lieutenant Faison and the half of the ODSTs took their positions on the third line of defense: A sandbag wall that covered to each side of the street with two deployable machine guns at the sides.
A few feet parked behind the sandbag line was an M808B Scorpion main battle tank.
When the Covenant started flying over the trench line, this tank and the twin machine gun turrets on the flanks opened fire thinning out the herd bit by bit. Marines and ODSTs with DMRs or battle rifles took a few shots at the swarm before being ordered to save their ammo.
The half dozen police and Innies between the second and third defense line continued to fire at the flying troops, though most were wasting their time and ammunition. Especially those armed .30 caliber machine guns otherwise known as "Confetti Makers" thanks to their poor range.
When marines and ODSTs started to fall at the second line, a few of these rebels rushed to fill in the gaps when the cops stayed behind their cars. Not surprising from the latter as most only had M6A Magnums.
Artillery rained down a few moments after, killing any surviving marines in the Brute swarmed trench line.
Rayner let out a curse, slamming his fist into a sandbag. Pierson place a hand on his friend shoulder while Rook shook his head slowly. Albertus turned and slid down the sandbags to the ground, hands on the sides of his head. Sergeant Michel and Samson were unmoved by the double-edged slaughter, they simply held their steel faces as they watched the battle before them.
Rook took this moment to pull out a small picture of his family from underneath his chest plate.
Standing in a park or some similar area was a younger version of Rook, his hair a messy bit of red with side burns and a thick goatee framing his face wearing a black tank top, camo pattern pants and heavy black boots.
Wrapped around his arm was a woman nearly as tall a the ODST, with blond hair tied up in a single pony tail and an elegant aura about her wearing a red button up shirt, a yellow jacket, a black skirt held down by a white belt and back high-heels.
Between the two stood a smiling crimson haired 6 year old girl in a white sundress and saddles. She had clear blue eyes that seemed to sparkle in the photo and seemed to have a real bundle of energy.
Rook placed a finger on the image, slowly moving down as he loosely traced the figures of his wife and daughter. This photo was taken the day after Ellie, his daughter's 6th birthday.
The photo takers were a passing couple, one a rather attractive black haired woman and a somewhat stiff military black haired man whom offered to take it so they could all be in the photo without rushing to position due to a timer.
"She'd be 19 years old now." Rook said with a voice full of sadness and regret. "Legal age back on our home world."
He let out a chuckle. "Still wouldn't let her do half the shite I know she'd be wantin to do. Probably would've had to kill a boyfriend or two of hers by now. Most boys on Circinus IV are real pig headed dicks, not to mention those from the academy."
Circinus IV fell to the Covenant in 2526, one of the first worlds to feel the might of the alien alliance. Only a handful of civilians and three cadets survived the partial glassing of the planet.
Rayner wanted to say something. Something to help the big man get through it, but couldn't find the words. Rayner came from Earth, he never knew the pain of losing everyone close to you in such a short amount of time, nor what it was like to lose your home.
He simply remained silent, nodding at the Scottman's comment.
At that moment, two white law-enforcement issued Warthogs arrived, coming to a halt a few feet from the Scorpion tank. Each hog had 5 SWAT members, most equip with riot shields.
The law-enforcement officers quickly hopped out of the vehicles, fast walking to join the marines and ODSTs at the third defense line.
A few more moments passed as the battle ahead took a turn for the worse. Rayner and his fireteam witnessed Lieutenant Canfield fall, then heard the order to fall back to the next line.
A SWAT officer ordered his men with riot shield forward to cover the retreat. The formed two walls, standing shoulder to shoulder as the marines fled past them. A few passing ODSTs turned around to join the cops, firing their weapons into the Drones and Brutes now charging forward through the barricade.
Rayner glanced to Canfield just in time to see two marines rushing to aid the fallen officer die from plasma bolts.
"Fuck this." He muttered, jumping over the sandbags and running full speed towards the LT.
"Are you crazy?" Pierson called out to his friend.
"Rayner get back here!" Michel added.
"No, let him be!" Faison said as he raised to his feet. "Rahud! Take your team and go back him up! Cortez, Checkman and Markov! You three are with me! Everyone else cover us!"
Faison ran off, Cortez, Checkman and Markov rushing to catch up with the lieutenant. Rahud, Yevgenny, and Kiko jumped over the sandbags, passing by fleeing marines as they fill in their spots on the line.
The trio ran after Corporal Rayner, catching up to him just in time to aid their fellow ODST in taking down a pair of Brutes working their way to Canfield.
The two went down after a few moments from the concentrated fire, their shields only delaying their end for a few seconds before collapsing altogether.
The four rushed forward to Canfield's side, Kiko and Yevgenny scanning with the weapons for any immediate threats as Rahud pulled out a med kit.
"You son of a bitch." Canfield said as he turned to face Rayner.
"Nice to see you too, sir." Rayner replied. "We're here to the rescue, unless you wanna keep laying around."
"Sir, before that I should really patch you up." Corporal Rahud added in.
The lieutenant shook his head. "I got it, hand me the biofoam." He held out his left hand. Rahud placed the can in the open palm.
Canfield let go of his weapon, then wrapped his hand around the dull colored spike round. "Goddamn Brutes!" He yelled though clinched teeth, pulling out the spike round with strained effort.
The lieutenant let out a breath of relief, quickly covering the wound with biofoam as he threw the half bloody round.
Canfield started to chuckle when Faison flanked by Cortez, Checkman and Markov ran over to them.
"Sir, if you're feeling better we need to go." The 2nd Lieutenant said in haste. "Brutes are readying another charge."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Canfield replied, slowly rising to his feet. Rahud handed the 1st LT his rifle, the latter took it with a nod.
"Kiko, Yevgenny, and Rayner, you guys got the rear." Faison said, patting his hand on the Corporal's shoulder a moment after. "Think you can hold off dying a heroic death for little hotshot?"
Rayner responded with a laugh. "No worries, I don't plan on dying yet."
Faison nodded. "Rahud, stay close to Canfield just in case. Cortez, Checkman, lead the way. Markov and I will be right behind you."
"Since when do I need an ugly nurse?" Canfield asked his second.
"Since an ugly Brute stuck you with an ugly spike."
Canfield let out a laugh. "Lieutenant Faison, don't quit your day job."
"Why would I?" Faison replied with the shrug of his shoulders.
The ODSTs moved out, Rayner, Kiko, and Yevgenny walking backwards as the watched for Covenant. When the point guard reached halfway to the defense line, the Brutes surged forward once more roaring in their alien language.
With the remaining Buggers in support, the jet pack wearing Brutes jumped high above the ground flying over what's left of the second line of defense.
"Contact!" Kiko yelled, raising his SMG. He, Yevgenny and Rayner opened fire in near unison. Their 5×23mm projectile ammunition pelting shields, lights flashing as these units came under assault.
Other marines on mounted turrets and with at least mid-ranged weapons joined in the effort.
A few Brutes fell out of the sky, rounds either making their mark or puncturing the jet back units causing them to fail or spin out of control.
One particular blood thirsty Brute landed directly in front of Kiko, the latter caught completely off guard. This harry beast knocked the ODST to the ground, his weapon sliding out of reach.
Yevgenny turned, pulling out the shotgun snug across his back. By the time he held it properly and loaded a round in the chamber the Brute already pulled out a crude looking knife and stabbed Kiko in the face.
With a roar, Gage Yevgenny ran closer to the Brute nearly firing his shotgun point blank range at the alien's face.
The rounds tore through it's shields and ripped apart it's face. As the warm body fell, Yevgenny knelt down to his fallen friend.
Rayner rushed over, looking at the fatal wound. He place a hand on Yevgenny, the latter clenching his teeth in pure frustration.
"First it's Mason, now Kiko." Gage muttered, pounding a fist into the ground. "When the hell is it going to end?"
"I know how you feel, but we need to go." Rayner said, half pulling Yevgenny to his feet. "You already avenged him, now we need to make sure we don't join him."
Gage stood up straight, giving one last look at Kiko before following his fellow ODST to safety. As they ran, the police and ODSTs that stayed behind started to drop like flies as Drones swarmed from every angle while Brutes threw their spike grenades.
Not one survived the onslaught.
Gage and Rayner jumped over the sandbag barricade just in time avoid friendly fire as the marine captain gave the order to unleash hell.
ODSTs, marines, SWAT members and rebel forces stood and knelt nearly shoulder to shoulder as the fired their collective of weapons. Machine gun turrets on the streets and some hidden in higher elevations join in along with the Scorpion tank.
The pure force of the concentrated fire easily overwhelmed any shield unit the Covenant forces may have possessed as they were shredded to pieces.
"This is for Harvest you bastards!" A marine armed with a XM510 grenade launcher screamed, unleashing a semi-automatic rain of grenades.
Explosions rocked the Covenant front line, supplemented by a massive explosion of an Genet police car hit by a single rocket that took out several Brutes that used it for cover.
At that moment, with over 80% of their original numbers lost, the Covenant began to retreat. The humans continued their relentless assault at the fleeing aliens, wiping out nearly half their remaining numbers before they reached the other side of the abandoned trench line. Some even were hit mid air by incoming Kodiak rounds as they still bombarded the position.
"Cease fire!" An officer yelled, nearly drowned out by the amount of gun fire and explosives. He screamed his order a few more times before the soldiers slowly started to comply.
Many of the defenders let a sigh of relief, a number of the rebels let out a cheer. A number of those hiding behind the sandbags slumped down to the ground. The held the line for now, it's only a matter of time till the Covenant came back in force.
For now though, they won and despite all the loses they endured up till now it was worth it.
Strabus pulled his pack back from the human artillery fire, his captains ordering the Kig-Yar to maintain their shield wall as they slowly retreated to a safe distance. Strabus ordered these same captains to regroup their forces, along with asking for permission to reinforce their numbers with members of Vopeion's pack.
The chieftain approved, and in addition he ordered their sole Wraith tank in position behind the formation.
While the forces before him reorganized with fresh troops, one of the Kig-Yar snipers returned to Vopeion's side. He reported that while the human snipers have been suppressed, both side suffered massive losses.
Satisfied with the results, the chieftain ordered the marksmen to withdraw. He would need them later.
Around this time, the human artillery ceased it's constant bombardment of the trench fortification before them.
As the Kig-Yar ran off to relay these orders, an approaching Revenant drew Vopeion's attention. He could see the pointed white helmet of an Ultra rank Sangheilli piloting it along with a glimmer of gold from the passanger's armor.
Behind the small hybrid like vehicle were four Shadows slowly pulling up and dropping of the dozen or so troops held within it's passenger compartment.
"Sangheili." Strabus muttered, moving to Vopeion's side as both turned to face these allies. "What do they want?"
The Revenant came to a full stop a few steps from Vopeion and his group. The passenger stepping off with slow discipline, both a sight of his patience and training.
"Chieftain," The Field Master spoke, quickly closing the distance between himself and the Jiralhanae. "I advice you withdraw your troops."
"Why?" Vopeion asked with the gesture of his hand. "We are close to breaking through the humans' defenses."
"This line, yes. Those beyond? Far from it." The Sangheili shifted himself to face the battlefield before him. "The chieftain Pellius has found himself in a pincer move by the humans orchestrated by those that fled the battlegrounds outside the city."
"Ah, so you want us to clean up your mess?"
"An honor well deserving of your race."
Strabus took a step forward. The only thing that stopped him from lashing out at the Sangheilli was the outstretched hand of Vopeion.
The Field Master noticed this, yet said nothing or acted in any sort of approval or otherwise. His head tilted up, taking in the sight of the few remaining Jiralhanae jump-backers and Yanme'e returning from the other side of the human fortification.
He crossed his arms behind his back. "Returning champions coming to bring good news I hope?" He said with a hint of sarcasm.
Vopeion closed his eyes. He already knew his surprise attack would fail to pierce the human line fully. This plan, his plan is one of great patience and careful coordination truly uncommon amongst the members of his own race.
For a military mind such as a Sangheili of the rank of Field Master to fail to see his vision was rather...disappointing.
"I don't hate your race Sangheili." Vopeion said with a playful smile, reopening his eyes as he spoke. "Dislike, maybe, but not hate."
He turned his head, taking a rough estimation of the amount of surviving troops and comparing it to the numbers he calculated before hand. They were fairly accurate.
"A rather rare confession from a member of your race." The Field Master replied playfully.
It is a known fact that Sangheili both hated and feared the Jiralhanae, though none would admit to the latter. The two races are suitable for leadership in the military caste, the forward holding that role since the beginning of the Covenant alliance while the latter only a recent addition while the latter served as shock troopers and enforcers.
Jiralhanae are competitive by nature, which is one of the reasons why chieftains must go to such lengths to keep their pack in line.
It is this very same competitiveness that scares the Sangheili; a challenge to the very authority they have held tightly around their four fingered hands for as long as their precious ancestors can remember.
As such, the Sangheili have gone out of their way to limit any potential benefits such as disabling certain systems in any starship a Jiralhanae might earn or simply robbing them of key technological advances that all other races within the Covenant benefit from.
It mattered little other that to provide the Jiralhanae with a focal point for their barbaric, untamed rage, a goal to prove themselves before the Prophets, and to humble themselves before the gods.
Vopeion however, noticed strange movements in the highest ranks of the Covenant. A great change would soon arrive, one that will alter the age old alliance forever.
"As you will find Field Master," The chieftain replied. "I am far different that the average Jiralhanae you've dealt with thus far."
"Indeed. You are quite...unique." The Field Master admitted. "However, I am your superior officer and I have just issued you an order."
A minor ranking Sangheli approached as the Field Master spoke, he asked for his attention then whispered something in his ear.
"Utter incompetence." The Field Master muttered under his breath, returning his attention to Vopeion.
"The chieftain Bracktanus is facing difficulty punching through the humans fortifications." He reported as if nothing had happened. "I believe you should split up your forces and aid both of your fellow chieftains if we are to defeat the humans before reinforcements arrive."
"Two messes to clean now, how generous of you." Vopeion answered with a slight bow of his head. "I shall deploy my men accordingly."
The Field Master nodded, satisfied by this show of submission. He waved the chieftain off to carry his task before focusing on the deployment of his own.
Vopeion turned around, taking a few steps to his gathering officers and the surviving jump back troops.
"Strabus." He said, tilting his head to the Jiralhanae walking beside him. "Take your pack and aid Chieftain Bracktanus."
Strabus nodded, finding no issues with these orders. Bracktanus belonged to the Rh'tol skein, yet chose to wear armor and allows his highest ranking pack members to wear the most advance armor deserving of their role.
He would be much more easier to work with then the complicated methods of this Vheiloth.
As Tatarus's man barked out orders and properly marshaled his men, they headed off.
Chieftain Vopeion studied the faces of each of the surviving jump back troops; their faces full of disappointment and shame. Understandable, but unnecessary.
The highest ranking of them stepped forward, kneeling before the chieftain. "My sincerest apologies, chieftain. I offer no excuses for our failure to crush the humans as you intended."
"How many lines did you manage to break?" Vopeion asked.
"One." He answered, bowing his head lower. "We rallied to take a second, yet the humans had amassed such firepower that held us back."
"Anything noticeable about this line you failed to break?"
"One of their tanks lay at the center. Turrets on the ends supported by several hidden in buildings on both sides. These barricade is constructed by simple bags of sand the humans are fond of using. Otherwise every space is filled with their warriors."
Vopeion stroked his beard, nodding. "This goes along with what I know of human defensive formations."
"Chieftain, we failed you. I failed you. I offer my life as penance for this failure."
Vopeion let out a chuckled. He placed his paw on his subordinante's shoulder. "You have not failed me." He said. "This result is as I have foresaw. The effort however may be wasted on these Sangheili that have come to take the fruits of our labor."
The jump jet trooper raised his gaze slightly, growling at the mobilizing Sangheili off in the distance. More Shadow transports and a few dropships had arrived dropping off additional soldiers and vehicles.
Aboard their now destroyed ORS - class heavy cruiser, the total of 10,900 soldiers stationed abord the mighty ship were deployed onto this world's surface to carry out the Hierarchs' will.
Out of those numbers, roughly two thirds of those considered "warriors" are Sangheili. Now it seems that their numbers have dwindled dramatically due to the hellish fighting outside the city limits.
"A shame, yet there is little choice in the matter." Chieftain Vopeion continued, regaining his packmember's attention.
"We have a new task: To aid Chieftain Pellius and crush the humans he currently deals with."
The chieftain slightly tightened his grip upon the trooper's shoulder.
"I trust you shall continue serve me as well as you have now."
The jump jet Jiralhanae nodded. "I will not fail you, chieftain."
Vopeion let him rise to his feet before shouting out orders to his pack for their mobilization.
As the members of his pack stormed about, Vopeion glanced back at the Field Master -the latter currently talking to a general class Sangheili- secretly admitting that he wouldn't mind if this particular Sangheili to meet his so called "honorable" death his species are so fond of seeking in battle.
Lieutenant Canfield sat off to the side of the Scorpion tank as a medic treated his wound. He tapped on his knee impatiently as the marine worked, eager to get back into the fight.
Everyone thought the Covies would charge after the Kodiaks stopped firing, so far that doesn't seem to be the case. Still, they had to be ready since it's only a matter of time.
That said, several three-man teams quickly moved from the safety of the barricade to salvage weapons and ammo from the fallen. Canfield watched as the last of these teams returned, hands filled with captured Covenant weapons.
"1st Lieutenant Canfield." The marine captain said softly as she approached the ODST. A SWAT team sergeant stood at her flank, gripping a shotgun. "Feeling fine down there?"
"Just peachy ma'am." Canfield casually replied. "So what brings you here to visit me in my hospital room."
The captain smirked at Canfield's joke. "We received some new orders. Command whats you and your remaining ODSTs to fall back to the most inner perimeters."
"What?" The LT replied.
The fight was here! Why in the cosmos would command order his ODSTs, the best of the best the UNSC Marine Corps had to offer, off the front line?
The captain shook her head. "I don't known the details, but it looks like we're getting ready to pull out. Command wants you Helljumpers to guard the route as the rest of us gradually withdraw. We'll start abandoning this position soon after your troops redeploy."
Canfield smashed a fist into the side of the Scorpion's armored tread. Another withdraw, meaning that Covenant reinforcements must have arrived or the situation simply deteriorated that fast.
Either way, it sucks for an adrenaline running, blood boiling fighter like Lieutenant Canfield to up and leave from a perfectly good fight.
"You can use the SWAT team's Hogs." The captain added, tilting her head to the sergeant behind him. "Law enforcement's gonna stay behind to buy us some time, so no need to waste some perfectly good sets of wheels."
Canfield turned his head, the SWAT sergeant nodded slowly. They wanted to stay to defend their homes to the end, he respected that as he cursed himself for running from this fight.
The lieutenant slowly rose to his feet at the protest and partial assistance of the medic treating him.
"Alright Helljumpers, rally at my location." He said through the comms channel after taking a moment to breath.
Faison rushed to Canfield's side, Sergeant Michel and the rest of his fireteam followed behind him. The Lieutenant looked at his remaining men; of the original 48 ODSTs in the platoon only 15 survived up to this point.
"We have new orders." Canfield said grimly. "It seems Command has been so impressed by our job babysitting here that they're redeploying us to watch over their asses as we pull out."
He paused a moment, noticing the sudden head movements in several of his men.
"That's right, we're abandoning the planet. Either Covenant reinforcements have shown up or the other two defense lines are fairing far worse than we are. In any case, get your shit together people we'll be leaving soon."
Canfield pointed to one of the white M12s parked behind him with a thumb. "Our local police force has graciously gifted us their nice shiny Warthogs to ride in comfort all the way to the rear or new front line, take your pick."
"Sir, what about the rest of our allies?" Michel asked.
"Well Sergeant Michel, our fellow marines will be holding the line here for as long as it takes for us to get our collective asses to redeploy. As for the SWAT officers, they'll be staying till the end. I assume the same for our Innie friends."
"Sir, forgive me but that's a bunch of bullshit." Rayner chimed in. Gage nodded in agreement, this wasn't the first time he had to pull out after barely getting his hands dirty.
"Which part corporal?" Canfield asked. "The part where we're running with out tails between our legs or the part that the Covenant bastards got another one up on us?"
"The part that we're leaving these people to die, sir." Rayner answered. "I understand that they feel the need to defend their planet, even lay down their lives to do so, but this place, their home is lost."
The ODST shook his head before continuing. "Why do we get to live to fight another day when they don't even try to escape?"
Canfield nodded, he understood perfectly what the corporal was saying. Hell, he even agreed with him but orders are orders and people are people. Yet, there maybe a way the trooper might be satisfied.
"Well Corporal Rayner, you might try and convince them if you want but I doubt you'll get anyway." The LT replied, looking back at the Warthog.
"We only got two Hogs that fit 10 people total. Sure we can squeeze in more if we want, but I think everyone can agree with me that I don't want no trooper sitting on my lap as we bump all the way back."
"Especially with someone like Kelly and her fat ass." Higgins added. Kelly quickly turned around and punch the man in the gut for the comment.
"For those of you who can't count, that means five of you will need to stay behind and help delay the enemy till we can get you some evac." Canfield finished, turning his head back around.
"Sir, requesting permission to stay behind." Sergeant Michel said with the raise of his hand.
"Denied. I need someone as organized as you to help Faison redeploy the troops."
Michel nodded in acceptance, he turned his head to Rayner.
Canfield smiled, somewhat surprised by the sergeant's intuition or the coincidental event. Not that the lieutenant believed in that whole cosmic ho-ha anyway.
"Rayner, I'm promoting you to sergeant." Canfield said matter of fact like.
"It took some real balls to charge out of formation to come save my sorry ass. It'll take balls to do what I'm asking yea to do, sides it looks like you would feel bad if you just left your fellow human beings. So I trust you're up to the task?"
"Sir, yes sir!" Rayner said, saluting the LT. "I won't let you down sir!"
"Good! Otherwise I'll be tearing you a new one next time we meet, be it in this life or in hell!" Canfield yelled with a laugh. "Now pick your four fellow bad-ass ODST that'll be working overtime on this babysitting job!"
Rayner turned to face his fellow ODSTs, already knowing who he wanted with him. "Pierson, Rook, you guys mind taking a stand with me?"
Pierson let out a sigh. "How'd I know you want me?" He said all smug like. "Is it for my marksmen skills or my beautiful blue eyes?"
Rook hefted his SAW machine gun, nodding to the newly appointed Sergeant. "Course Sarg, me and Bessy here love to shred some more Covie blood before we part ways."
Rayner smiled, turning his head around to his last two choices. "Albertus, I told you to stay by my side and everything will turn out fine. Still trust me to lead you through this mess?"
"I'll follow you though the Valley of Death Sarg." Albertus replied with a nod.
'Good.' Rayner thought. 'That just leaves...'
Samson.
Rayner let out a mental sigh. He didn't want that man, yet knew his...talent for taking any order without question may be valuable in a suicide job like this one.
"Samson, I order you to help me fight off the Covenant till we can evacuate the planet." Rayner said. "Am I understood?"
Samson nodded, tightly gripping his M45. "Crystal, sir."
Rayner's eyes widened for a moment. This is the first time he ever heard Samson speak outside of screams and yells.
"Aright troopers, now that's settled lets roll out!" Faison said, stealing the line from Canfield whom was about to say the same thing.
As the other 10 ODSTs loaded into the Warthogs, many nodded respectfully in Rayner's direction. They respected their fellow Helljumper for what seems to be his last stand.
Sergeant Michel took a few steps to Rayner, the latter turning his head to face him.
"We may not get along Corporal," Michel started, tilting his head slightly toward Rayner. "But we do agree on certain points."
He held out his hand to his former subordinate. "I'd be doing the same if I were in your position, not that I didn't try."
Rayner let out an amusing huff, taking Michel's hand in his own. The two shook hands, the bumped their arms against one another.
"Don't die on me."
"Don't plan to."
This time Michel let out an amusing huff, nodding once then moved to join the others.
Rayner and the rest of his hand picked squad watched as the Hogs turned and drove off into the city, turning around once the vehicles nearly faded from eyesight.
The marine captain smiled, then returned her attention to the barricade. The SWAT sergeant offered his thanks, giving the ODST a thumbs up before walking off to one of his subordinates.
"Take your positions guys." Rayner said to his squad, assessing their remaining strength at this barricade: They still had all their turrets, both those on the streets and hidden in nearby buildings, their Scorpion tanks remained rather unscathed and they still had the three Kodiak mobile artillery in the rear.
As for the snipers scattered around, the ODST knew that his fellow trooper snipers had been all wiped out in the chaotic sniper battle earlier.
Only three IFF tangs registered when he checked the buildings he remembered from earlier from farther back behind the Kodiaks. Three Marine snipers to give what remained of their numbers support.
Speaking of, Rayner returned his attention to the men right in front of him.
Originally there was a whole company of marines deployed between the three barricades, now with two fallen a little more than a platoon's worth remained.
Additionally, there are four surviving SWAT members mixed with several armored officers and about a dozen rebel warriors among them.
Add in 5 ODSTs, the three snipers, and those operating mounted turrets in the adjacent buildings brings us to a total of 54 gunmen protecting this point.
Out of those numbers, about half a dozen are armed with shotguns, two with M41 SPNKRs, one with a grenade launcher and everyone else armed with some form of assault rifle, marksmen weapon, heavy machine gun, SMG or a pistol.
Several minutes passed as Rayner took in what defenses they had left and their chances of holding the Covenant back when a loud sound pierced though the relative silence, a sound similar to a drill but higher pitched and a bit off.
"They're melting through the wall!" A marine shouted, pointed towards the concrete trench line.
Sure enough, a point of the fortification turned reddish orange as it started to melt under the extreme heat poring against it from the other side.
"Alright Helljumpers," Rayner said, shifting the SMG in his hand as he pulled out his side arm. "Lets dance."
Hello everyone and thank you for reading the first part of my new Halo story Vengeance!
This is the start of a long term project I've had in mind for Halo, that said I won't be working on it as much until I've finished with one of my other two main projects.
However, I can said that there will be much to look forward to as I'll try to stick with the Halo cannon as I continue writing this story. (Though certain bits will be altered to make more sense or given additions while other events will be a bit different as time moves on.)
Also I wonder how many of you picked up on the cameos/easter eggs I've thrown in for this first bit.
Anyway, till next time readers! Look forward to the final stages of the Battle of Eridanus II!