This does take place within the Epsilon unit, but all the characters have their original personality.

Disclaimer: I do not own anyone you recognize. This is purely for entertainment, and not for profit.

A Brand New Image

It was a regular day in the canyon, both the Reds and the Blues were busy minding their own business. Typically, the soldiers just spent their days doing nothing, and that's exactly what they were doing today, well most of them. The one soldier who usually never passed up this opportunity had just spent most of his day wandering the canyon looking for one of his missing teammates. He finally gave up after an hour of 'search and rescue', and returned to base. The orange soldier then proceeded to his bed, and fell face down into it. Any type of physical exercise always made him want to take naps, and this day was no exception. He was ready to sleep when a cheery voice spoke to him.

"Hey Grif! Beautiful day, isn't it?" Grif sat up and saw the pink clad soldier sitting resting on his bed reading a magazine.

"Donut, where have you been? I've been looking for you all day." Grif said sound very annoyed.

"Why were you looking for me?" Donut wondered, his eyes still glued to his magazine.

"Because Sarge wanted to find you."

"Really? But he's passed me several times already though." Donut commented as he turned a page.

"What? Then why did he-nevermind..." Grif started, but decided getting angry would take more effort than he was willing to put in. He instead, decided to figure out what was keeping Donut so occupied,

"What are you doing?"

"Reading the latest issue of 'Armor Your Assets!'" He replied enthusiastically.

"Yeah. I'm gonna sleep now." Grif remembered that he had no interest in hearing his teammates babbles.

"Wait, don't you want to see what I picked out for you?" The newer soldier seemed disappointed.

"Does it come with a jetpack, so that I can get out of this valley?" Grif mumbled as he laid back down.

"No. But it does help you look more toned." Donut replied handing over his magazine to his less passionate teammate. Grif sighed and accepted it, on the bright side, he now had some reading material that would put him to sleep.

"Which circles are mine?" He asked, seeing the massive amounts of different colored markings.

"The orange ones, of course." Donut smiled inside of his helmet and continued with his speech. "See, I have this vision for all of us. Just because we're on the same team doesn't mean we have to lose our identity by wearing all the same armor. And by getting brand new armor, it sends the message: Hey, we're the Reds. We can be fierce and fashionable at the same time," he stated proudly.

"Isn't there some rule that all teammates have to wear the same armor?" Grif confirmed

"Gee, thanks Simmons," Donut countered in a mocking tone. "I'll get to you later, right now I'm with Grif. And with that, I think the Close Quarters Battle helmet would slim your facial region down. I also recommend the C.Q.B. chest plate and the E.V.A. Arms. It'll provide you with a slender, but rugged look. Perfect for the battlefield and then a night out!" Grif would never admit it, but he agreed with Donut. But he thought the new armor looked cool, not that it was 'perfect for a night out'.

"Hmm. Can I keep my old color?" Grif asked as he browsed through the different armors.

"Although you rock orange, I think coral aka light-ish orange would help mute your already chiseled features and make you a presentable 'tough guy' on the outside, but 'caring and understanding on the inside.'"

"Right...Before I agree to you making me 'light-ish orange'. Can I ask how Sarge feels about this? Because I have no interest in getting shot over something he doesn't even like." Grif had a hard time imaging his possibly insane leader, of all people, being okay with this.

"He says I can do whatever I want." Donut stated.

"Huh, how did you manage that?"

"Well, I was showing him the hard case I wanted, so I could put energy bars in it for my daily runs. But he got distracted by the fabulous accessory called the Tactical UGPS. So, I told him I'd order him one if he lets the whole team get new armor, and he agreed."

"Wait, you ordered Sarge another weapon? One he probably doesn't even know how to use?...Yeah I can see this working out well."

"It's not a weapon, silly. It's a GPS system used for locating and displaying locations and objectives," Donut corrected, "and I think it's great that he's embracing new technology."

"That's not any better though." Grif pointed out. Knowing every well that his commanding officer did not need a way to keep track of everyone at all times.

"Ugh, you're such a downer. Just like Simmons." The more emotional man whined.

"You mean the ass-kisser isn't all for this idea? I thought for sure that he'd follow in Sarge's footsteps."

"No. He says changing armor variants in the middle of a war is against all regulations, and that we shouldn't do it. Buuut, I'm ordering him Security shoulders anyway. It'll make him seem gifted in the upper body department. He'll thank me later." Donut explained.

"I see...Well, if Simmons doesn't like it, then I'm all for it. I want the new armor." Grif reasoned.

"I'm so glad to hear that! I already ordered it!" Donut squealed.

"Why am I not surprised? When are they coming?"

"I ordered priority shipping, and it says they'll be here in 8 to 9 years! Isn't that great?"

"Halo 9 will probably be out by then."

"So? We'll be retro chic when we do get our armor." Donut idealized.

"I think I'm beginning to regret this..." Grif grumbled wanting to get to sleep now more than ever.