Location: ONI Sword Base, Babd Catha Ice Shelf, Reach.
Timestamp: July 24th 2552. 8:23 hours.
Unit ID: Lieutenant Commander Kathryn Reece, acting Captain of the UNSC Frigate Arcadia.
Objective: Leave briefing, and return to Frigate via Pelican...
"Lieutenant I'm sure everything is fine, it's probably just a technical bug, or another attack by the rebels" The higher ranking officer states, leaning back in his desk chair.
"How can you be so calm? What if it is an attack by the rebels? They've cut our communications with the outer colonies" Clenching her hands at her side, glaring at the relaxed commander.
"Nothing is going to happen, we've sent down a group of Spartan Twos to get who ever took it out. There is nothing to worry about Kathryn" She cringes slightly at the use of her name, especially as it was coming from this condescending prick.
"Sir, the last time anything like this happened they stole two freighters from dry dock, we can't let this happen again" Kathryn nearly shouted, trying to keep her calm, but the mans face showed no concern. Instead he smiles and spins his chair away from her starring out his window to the flight deck below.
"You're dismissed Lieutenant" The man states sharply, his back still to her. With a small sigh, she snaps to attention and salutes.
"Aye-aye sir" Her voice sarcastic, as she about faces and leaves the room. Nearly thirty minutes ago, the entire command staff received a report from high command stating that the Visegrád Relay outpost had just been reported to be offline. They quickly sent down a squad of UNSC Army Troopers to investigate. After ten minutes of static and no responses, they turned the mission over to a squad of Spartan Two's called Noble Team. They're currently on route to investigate.
"What a waste of my time" She mumbles, stepping through the bulkhead into another hallway. After turning another corner leading to the flight deck; where the pelican is waiting. The Lieutenant is greeted by two UNSC Marines. They both stand to attention and give crisps salutes.
"Ma'am Lance Corporal Ramirez, and Private Mathews reporting for escort duty" The Corporal states, being the highest ranking of the two. Kathryn returns the salute, and smile gently.
"Thank you Corporal...Private. Lets just get there, and I can relieve you two of your duties" They both smile, and retrieve their helmets.
"Yes ma'am" Mathews smiles, as he puts on his helmet flicking on the small eye visor.
"Follow us to the flight deck ma'am, there is a pelican waiting to return you to the Arcadia" She nods following complacently behind the two younger men. She could tell they were young not only by their ranks, but by their faces. She could tell Mathews was straight out of basic, be the way his face was groomed to perfection, while the other had stubble and his hair was longer. As they pass through the final doorway, the sun floods the Lieutenants vision, she quickly covers her eyes with her hand and proceeds forward.
"Gah, I hate mornings..." She groans, letting her eye's adjust to the sun. Both of the marines laugh, as the pelican comes into view. The Lieutenant looks down at her watch, it had only been five minutes after the briefing had ended. Today is going to be a long day, she thinks to herself, sighing inwards.
"Watch your step ma'am" The Corporal states as they reach the lift bridge leading into the pelican. She nods her head and lifts herself onto the door and walks forward, starring at all the empty seats. The pelican had only two light sources, the red light on the inside, and the natural light coming from outside. The two escorts walk past her and take their seats, not strapping in quite yet. The cockpit door was still open, and from the looks of it, there was no pilot either.
"Where is the pilot?" She questions, arching a brow at the private. He stammers for a second, before gulping heavily.
"I-I don't know ma'am" Mathews replies.
"He's going to be a second ma'am, they're still refueling this beaut" He taps the metal wall behind him with a smile.
"Humm...I see" She taps the top of her watch, making a digital screen appear in front of her. Tapping a few things on the screen, she nods her head in approval. Tapping the screen again, it closes turning back into a digital read of the time.
A loud bang comes from outside, followed by silence. When the Lieutenant turns to look the Private is already on his feet, weapon leveled and ready. The silence is followed by the sound of heavy foot steps. A figure appears at the end of the Pelican, its hands adjust something on its head. It's a spartan adjusting his helmet. The man stops and looks at the Private then to the Lieutenant.
"Lieutenant Reece?" The voice is deep, but stern.
"That's me" She points to herself, using her other hand to signal the Privates weapon down.
"Good i'm your pilot" The man states, finally hearing the satisfying hiss that his helmet was locked into place.
Hope you enjoyed the first chapter of the story, also sorry that it was short. The next chapter will be longer. If you would please drop the criticism hammer if needed, but please drop it lightly. I don't want you to put out my writing fire just yet.
Thanks again for reading.