Halo: Spirit of Fire
18 March 2518
Maintaining its orbital altitude with the Hangzhou Space Tether docking station, the Spirit of Fire waited for the last of the supplies to be loaded into its massive storage bays. From the bays' rafters were dozens of cranes that moved hundreds of crates, situating them according to content and weight. Manifests were double checked and new personnel were issued their quarters. A new set of Cryo Chambers had just been installed and the preliminary diagnostics were all in the green.
The colony ship hovered over Earth like a sleeping giant waiting to be roused from sleep.
Gathering his hands at the small of his back, Captain Markus Alexander stood in the docking station's command center as he watched the events begin to come to a close. His blue eyes traced over the angular lines of his ship, moving from nose to stern. The multi-tipped bow contained the keel-mounted observation deck—one of his favorite places to retreat when he needed to clear his head. Running along the port and starboard sides of the Phoenix-class colony ship were a number of modular units varying in shape and purpose, from portable living quarters to terra-forming gear. The huge, blocky engines were on standby, ready to thrum the two and a half kilometer-long ship into action. All of it made Alexander smile with pride.
He had been in command of the Spirit of Fire for nearly six years, colonized three planets, and was soon to depart on his last mission to the planet Verent. On the edge of UNSC-controlled space, it was the farthest from Earth a colony he started had ever been established, but it seemed fitting to Alexander that his last world to colonize would be the most ambitious. Keeps me on my toes, he thought, as he stroked his beard with his right hand. He shifted his gaze from the multiple monitors on the wall to the large, curved window to his left that offered him a beautiful vista of the Zhejiang coastline below. The Chinese province was just entering the middle hours of the night and thousands of lights sparkled in the cloudless atmosphere.
"Captain Alexander."
He turned around to find a short man dressed in a crisp, blue uniform with the Colonial Administration Authority insignia emblazoned on his left breast pocket. "Yes," Markus confirmed.
"I am Chamber Member Matthew Essex of the CAA." He held out his hand and greeted the captain formally with a handshake. "I assume everything is going well?"
Alexander nodded, recalling the man's name from an e-letter he sent. "We'll be ready to depart in a few hours." He inclined his head. "Thank you for responding to my earlier inquiry on the matter of mobile sentries. According to the initial planetary bio-scan, Verent has some sizeable vermin in its northern regions. Having an extra line of defense will help keep the civilians calm."
"It is the least we could do for a colony Captain such as yourself." Essex joined Alexander at the window and stared down at the sleeping Chinese coast. "Some see your youth as a point of draw among colony recruits."
"Really?" Alexander's face went long. Hmm. He had started his service aboard the Spirit of Fire when he was only 30 years of age. A graduate of the Reach Naval Academy, he was initially assigned to freighter duty, hauling supplies down the star lanes to the inner colonies. It was only after his courageous maneuver at the Siege on Coral that he was given a consideration for colony duty with the big ships. At the age of 25 he served as Second Officer to Captain Roggan in 2508 aboard the Spirit of Fire, and during their intra-system campaigns he was promoted to Executive Officer and later Captain in 2513. Alexander had considered applying for the military fleet, but he knew gaining a civilian captaincy was the fastest way to commanding a ship.
Markus never pictured his age as a reason for advancement—rather the opposite. Even Roggan doubted his abilities on a regular basis. It wasn't until the entire colony of Avalon was on the cusp of insurrection did Roggan seek advice from Alexander. That was eight years ago. Luckily, Markus found a compromise between the miners and their property rights agreement. It was then that the CAA took notice of Alexander's political prowess. Along with his extensive naval training, he seemed the perfect fit to take over for Roggan.
"After this last mission it would be the Colonial Administration Authority's honor if you would consider becoming a Chamber Member," Essex continued.
Alexander's eyebrows met and he gave Essex a sideways stare. "Is that a formal offer?"
The shorter man snorted. "You know how politics work. We know the UNSC has already made concessions to you in regards to joining up with their fleet." He motioned out to the massive colony ship. "Hell, they'll probably take the Spirit of Fire and convert it into a war machine just to offer it back to you as a bribe."
Frowning to himself, Markus shifted uneasily. "I doubt the UNSC will go to such lengths." His face sobered. "Though they have been known to march right in and take what they want."
Essex sighed wearily. "You may think the CAA has little power out on Verent, but rest assured, you're people will be well taken care of." He turned to face Alexander. "Just remember where your loyalties lie, Captain. We can't have this last mission clouded with political haze."
Markus nodded. "Of course." As he shook the man's hand he could read the seriousness in Essex's expression, wondering if he was holding back some key information to soften the statement. "My priority is to the safety of the colonists and the establishment of Verent. I won't be entertaining thoughts of the future until we get back."
The CAA Chamber Member opened his mouth to speak but clamped it shut. He nodded once more. "Good luck, Captain." Matthew Essex walked out of the command center and left Alexander to his thoughts.
I wonder what that was all about. Even before he could think further on his conversation with Essex, a ping from the communications console echoed through the metallic room.
The woman at the console swiveled in her seat to face Markus. "Captain Alexander, a 'Patrick Endres' is requesting your presence on the Spirit of Fire's bridge. Shall I patch him through?"
Markus held up and hand. "No need. Tell him I'm on my way." He looked out the window at Earth below, one last time. Taking a deep breath, he started for the shuttle bay.
As the bridge doors parted Markus Alexander breathed in deeply, taking in the scent of the newly renovated section of the ship. Crewmembers were getting accustomed to the various upgrades at their consoles, reviewing manuals and charts while talking amongst themselves. To Alexander, their hasty departure seemed a bit rushed, but it was a seasoned crew that adapted well to changes. And there have been more than a few changes.
Along with the comms array enhancements, the latest Point Defense System consoles had been installed next to the controller hub for the four main deck guns. Totaling an armament of 26 cannons, the PDS nearly brought the Spirit of Fire out of the ranks of average colony vessels and into the file of UNSC starships. Having that much firepower made Alexander wonder if someone hadn't already started retrofitting his ship for UNSC Fleet duty.
"Captain," Endres called from a cluster of techs mulling over the Navigation console. He detached himself from the group and greeted Markus with a nod.
Eyeing his Executive Officer closely, Alexander could read consternation in his face. "Are we ready to shove off?"
The lanky, brown-haired man shook his head. "Almost, sir, but I needed to warn you about something."
Frowning, Markus pulled Endres to the side and lowered his voice. "What is it, Pat?"
Endres leaned in closer. "There's been a pair of ONI officers wandering about, flashing their credentials here and there, and demanding to see restricted sections of the ship."
"Hmm." Having UNSC personnel scouting the Spirit of Fire before a departure wasn't uncommon but ONI was something new to Alexander. "Where are they now?"
"I asked them to wait in your cabin until you arrived."
"Good." Markus patted him on the shoulder. "Stay here while I attend to our . . . guests."
He marched out of the bridge in a hurried pace but managed to maintain the look of a walk. He passed numerous crewmembers, trying his best to keep a passive expression, and took a lift down to his private cabin on the midlevel deck. When his cabin door swiftly retracted into the ceiling, Markus found two stiff-backed men studying his collection of colony memorabilia on the wall. "Can I help you?" he asked as he stepped into the room.
They wore their black uniforms proudly as they approached Markus. If Endres had not informed him beforehand, he would have been able to tell they were from the Office of Naval Intelligence by their gait alone. Arrogant sons of . . .
"Captain, I am Major Deffin," the taller, graying man with the clipped accent introduced. He nodded to the blonde-haired man to his left. "This is Lieutenant Philip."
Markus nodded in return, since neither ONI officer offered him a hand to shake, and forced a smile. "What can I do for you, Major?"
"Straight to the point. I like that." Deffin pulled a small datapad from his pocket and handed it to Markus. "The Office of Naval Intelligence has seen it fit for you to have an advisor on board the Spirit of Fire."
Alexander took the datapad without breaking his stare at Deffin. "An advisor?"
"A liaison, so to speak," Lieutenant Philip vaguely clarified.
"A liaison to what? The UNSC?"
The lack of a response was enough to confirm his suspicions. Essex wasn't kidding. They really are taking over whatever they want. His eyes glanced over to Philip then down at the datapad's contents. As he read the UNSC declaration of orders he could feel a wave of frustration wash his mind with bitterness. "Lieutenant Jonathan Philip will be stationed aboard the Spirit of Fire as the chief ONI officer?"
"That is correct, Captain," Deffin said, "though his role will not interfere with the colony project."
"And what will his role be?"
"Lt. Philip will be available as both an advisor and a liaison to ensure everything is done properly and in accordance to UNSC and CAA guidelines."
Markus narrowed his eyes. "In my experience they tend to cancel each other out."
A sneer flashed over Deffin's face. "You can also think of this as an anticipatory performance review." He leaned in closer. "The UNSC's offer for you to joining Fleet Command is still valid."
Folding his arms across his chest, Markus considered Deffin's words. While combat was something he had already "experienced" in the civilian sector, he wasn't sure if battling against Insurrectionists was a career he wanted. On the other hand he knew he wouldn't be happy if he was just sitting at home writing his memoirs. It is an enticing lure. While the promise of higher pay in the corporate sector was a fact, not having any immediate family in which to share it with nullified that reason. Despite his recently deceased aunt urging him to carry on the Alexander name, he never had time to settle down and start a family of his own. Colony planting was a lifestyle, not a career. Leaving his options open till after the mission on Verent seemed the most logical. And I did just promise Essex I wouldn't make a decision yet.
Philip took a step forward. "Rest assured, Captain, that the Office of Naval Intelligence desires to make the Spirit of Fire's last colony mission a success by offering its full support."
Major Deffin lifted his chin. "Philip will be your Second Officer."
"What?" Markus blurted out. "What about Malcolm? He's been my Second Officer for the last two colony projects."
"And he will continue to be," Deffin soothed. "Lt. Philip will be the Second Officer in name only. To keep the appearance of discretion Malcolm will become Third Officer."
Alexander's face soured. "Do I have any say in this?"
"It's already been done." Deffin's right eyebrow rose. "Is there a problem?"
He handed the datapad back to Deffin and squared his shoulders. "Last time I checked, I'm still Captain of the Spirit of Fire. If that has since changed, please let me know," he retorted, trying to keep his voice calm.
"Mind your place, Captain," Deffin said darkly. "If the UNSC sees fit to modify the crew, then it damn well will." He gave a thin-lipped smile. "If you feel the terms are inadequate, then I'm sure there are other captains willing to perform the task."
Momentarily taken aback by the Major's tone, Markus held his stare for a moment longer then let out an abbreviated sigh. "Please don't attempt to patronize me with threats, Major. I've been at this business for too long to quit over some mandated directive."
"So you accept the terms?"
Alexander nodded stiffly to Deffin. "As long as ONI knows I'm treating this mission as I would any other— by the book."
"Very well." Major Deffin clicked his heels and gave a curt nod, as if snapping into a formal demeanor was akin to flipping on a light switch. "Thank you for your time, Captain. I'll be looking forward to hearing of your progress."
Markus watched the Major leave and noticed the Lieutenant hadn't budged. When the door hissed shut behind Deffin, Markus turned to Philip. "Let's keep two things straight." He held out his hand and started ticking off fingers. "This is my ship and this is my mission."
The blonde man held up his hands and blinked his blue eyes. "I completely understand, Captain Alexander. Major Deffin can be a bit standoffish, but I know where the priorities are for the Spirit of Fire and her crew." He shrugged. "This sort of overseeing is taking place throughout the entire CAA."
Markus harrumphed. "If that's his idea of a job pitch, I'd hate to see how he interviews."
Philip nodded in agreement. "I've already read your file, so I know what to expect when it comes to success rate." He tilted his head and gave a lopsided smile. "Think of this as the potential for a character reference."
"I see."
"I won't be a nuisance, Captain," Philip said, his voice caked in haughtiness. "In fact, you'll barely know I'm here."
He chewed on the inside of his cheek for a moment, knowing there wasn't any way out of the situation, then slowly extended his hand. "If I'm stuck with you then we'd better make the best of it."
Lieutenant Philip shook his hand in return. "Thank you, sir." He looked at the door that Deffin had just walked out through and frowned. "I better go see the Major off."
His comm unit in his pocket pinged twice and Markus stepped aside. "Make it quick. We're heading out within the hour."
As Philip hurried out, Markus took a seat at his desk and exhaled through his nose in frustration. He knew the addition of an ONI spook would be nothing but trouble to his crew and ship. While his first impression of the Lieutenant was neutral, being placed into the Second Officer position—though "in name only"—was enough to make Markus wonder how tight the chain of command would be when push came to shove. If Philip tried anything to disrupt the order, it would either slacken or break. Either way, the result could be detrimental to the mission.
Retrieving his comm unit from his pocket to respond to the earlier notice from the bridge, Markus activated the device. "This is Captain Alexander."
The female voice of the ship's AI, Mnemosyne, came over his personal comm frequency. "All stations are reporting ready, sir. The Spirit of Fire is loaded and ready to go."
"Thank you. I'll join you on the bridge shortly. Alexander, out." He flicked off his comm and took one last preparatory breath. Markus now had a lot to think about.
The Spirit of Fire broke away from the Hangzhou Space Tether docking station and headed for open space. Once it had cleared the umbrella of orbital platforms Mnemosyne flickered to life on her AI pedestal in the middle of the ship's bridge. Taking on the form of a young Greek woman, Mnemosyne wore her long, curly black hair in a knot at the base of her skull and left a few loose strands to form rogue bangs that fell playfully on her rosy cheeks. Her dark eyes matched her equally dark eyebrows, adding a visual maturity that belied her young appearance. While her avatar was petite, she wore a long, flowing green gown that hid her feet and made it appear as if she was floating before them. "Spirit of Fire is clear for slipspace, Captain."
Alexander took his seat in the command chair. "Thank you, Nemmy." When he saw her smile back at him he blushed. Mnemosyne had offered the nickname to him on their last mission as shorthand to the crew so they would stop butchering the annunciation. He was still getting use to it.
He selected a ship-wide transmission on his chair's comm device and cleared his throat. "This is the Captain, speaking. As you are all aware, this will be the final colony mission the Spirit of Fire will embark on. I've served with many of you for the past few years and it has been my enthusiastic pleasure to have done so. Our destination is the planet Verent, a place many of you aboard will soon call home. There will no doubt be trials and travails along the way, but rest confidently that the crew and I will do everything we can to ensure a safe and habitable colony will be formed in the next year. It will take us nearly eight months to reach Verent, so please double check your Cryo Chamber assignments and rest easy. We'll be there before you know it."
He looked back at the AI and nodded. As the Phoenix-class colony ship leaped into the black void of slipspace, Alexander sat in silence. Despite the earlier encounter with Major Deffin and his sidekick Philip, there was much to look forward to on Verent. Markus loved working through the challenges brought by populating new worlds, and he realized that Lieutenant Philip would only be another problem to work with. The Spirit of Fire was well stocked, well crewed, and ready to face whatever Verent had to throw at them.
Markus Alexander leaned back in his command chair and calmed his mind for the journey ahead.