Feet first into hell.

That's our motto. And by the look of that Covenant army down there, that's exactly what we are headed into.

The name's Wallace Cochrane, by the way. ODST, from the 102nd division. Helljumpers, as some people say. Kick-ass Marines, as we like to.

I only hope we can kick some ass today.

ORBIT OF ATLAS

0849 LOCAL TIME

ONBOARD HUMAN FRIGATE TESTAMENT OF MANKIND

Captain Lawrence Holwerda strode up and down the ranks of the Marines standing to attention before him. Off to one side was a ten man platoon of ODST's, and on the other was a holographic display of the ships AI, Caroline.

'Below us is the planet Atlas, as most of you know.' Holwerda said in straight military tones. 'Several years back, Vice Admiral Danforth Whitcomb managed to repel the Covenant from this system. Now they are back and it is up to us to stop them. Caroline?'

'Sir.' The AI, a blue humanoid dressed in what appeared to be Viking arms and armour, replied. 'Surprisingly, the Covenant have only sent in a small armada, two cruisers and a frigate. Granted we are still outnumbered, but we know the terrain down there, while they never made it past the Moons.'

'Thankyou Caroline.' Captain Holwerda replied. 'So here it is straight marines. We have ourselves a good old-fashioned land shootout ahead of us. Alpha team-' This was followed by a "hoo-rah" from the left third of the marines, '-You will be split into two teams, each in charge of defending one of the orbital guns. Lose them, and our chances go from slim to zero. You will be taken down in Pelicans Foxtrot-108 and Delta-316. Dismissed!'

The marines and Pelican pilots rushed towards the hanger to get prepped for battle.

'Teams Bravo and Charlie-' more "hoo-rahs" 'Will be placed at key defence locations. It will be your responsibility to make sure the covenant do NOT reach those guns. Do whatever you have to do to stop them. I don't care if you have to result in guerrilla warfare, those aliens do not reach the guns! Dismissed!'

More "hoorahs" were heard as the remaining marines headed toward the Pelican bay, ready to be taken down.

'As for you ODST's, you will do what you do best: wait till the going gets hot and then take over. Get prepped and ready, I have a feeling it won't be to long until you are needed.'

'Sir yes Sir!' the platoon responded as one. Their leader, Corporal Wallace Cochrane, stepped forward. 'Permission for full access to the armoury sir?'

Captain Holwerda thought for a moment. Then he smiled. 'Permission granted. Give 'em hell.'