The Adventure of Pelican Alpha 852

-Chapter 1-

0900 Hours, July 7th 2542,

Military Planet Reach, Pelican Pilot Training Center

Today is a special day, and Mark knew it. Today is the day where pilot recruits like him get to take the final test and certify them that they are ready to become drop ship pilots. As he was getting dressed up into his Pilot Recruit uniform, the PA sounded "Recruits! As you know, today is your final test. Report to hangar 1-A immediately!" Mark quickly finishes dressing up and hurried towards his destination.

At the hangar several recruits were already waiting in line. Mark stood at his place and waited for their instructor to turn up. After a few minutes, Captain Donovan Paisley arrived at the hangar. "Attention recruits!" As everyone knows, every Captain in the UNSC has a loud, booming voice full of authority. But all the recruits were used to this so there wasn't anyone who pissed in their pants. "Your final test will commence soon, and for that to happen we need every bird refueled and cleaned up. Briefing in 30 minutes so get to it recruits!" "Ooh Rah!" everyone shouted in unison and piled out of the hangar towards their parked birds.

Mark's training pelican was a D77H-TCI Prototype Pelican Drop ship. On Reach there were only 10 prototypes and another 10 on Earth. These models can be said as the upgraded versions of the D77H-TC Pelicans where the TCI model can fit 10 more people and carry 2 warthogs. In the recruit training grounds there was only 3 of these prototypes. Only the top 3 recruits can get to pilot the prototypes and Mark was the first one to be granted access to it.

After a few minutes, the Pelican was fueled and ready to go. Mark configured the controls to his liking and went off towards the briefing room.

After all the recruits were in the briefing room Captain Paisley started the briefing. "For your final test, you will be transporting 14 marines and 1 flight inspector to base. They would be at New Alexandra spaceport and 1000 hours. Get moving recruits!"

AN: This is really my first Fanfiction story and sorry for such a small chapter. I'll try increasing it in the next one. Please R&R!