Chapter 1- Spartan II Program
The Covenant-Human war had ended. The false Covenant Prophet of Truth had been slain, the Ark lay in ruins and the Humans were at peace with the remnants of the Covenant. Though peace had been declared tensions were still high amongst the human remnants, aside from the scars of battle the UNSC had another problem left to resolve. The Spartans.
With the war behind them the UNSC had little use for their advanced super soldiers. With political pressure from UNSC leaders and even greater pressure from the ethical extremists in the public Dr Catherine Hasley was fighting an up hill battle to protect her beloved Spartans.
The elderly members of the UNSC war council sat at the raised desk before the military court. Each council member wore their military dress uniforms, their chests overflowing with medals of Honour, bravery and courage. They glared down at the two humans standing before them. On the right stood Dr. Catherine Hasley, head researcher in charge of the Spartan II project. Though she held no official military rank, and was officially dubbed a civilian, she had become one of the UNSC's most treasured personal.
On the left stood Admiral Ackerson, a dedicated commander and a military leader respected and feared throughout the ranks. "The Spartan II project is immoral, unlawful and currently unnecessary" Ackerson berated the council.
"Without the Spartans we would have been massacred by the Covenant. We owe them the lives of every citizen in the UNSC" Dr. Hasley pleaded to the council. The council stared down at them.
"Surely the council cannot approve of the abduction and genetic manipulation of children as young as seven, simply to utilize them as weapons of war" Ackerson drew a mortal blow to Hasleys case.
"Council members please-" Catherine was quickly cut off as the lead member of the council raised his fragile but influential hand.
"Dr. Catherine Hasley. In light of the evidence presented to us. The decision of this council is unanimous. As of this moment 9:34pm, July 15th 2563, the Spartan II program is officially terminated". With that final word a stab of pain and shock ran through Hasleys spine. "All research and notes concerning the project will be confiscated and all equipment impounded". Hasley fell back into her seat, defeated. All the research, all the work, and all the lives she had to damage to complete the project and save humanity. It was all in vain.
"And your honours. What of the Spartans themselves?" Ackerson broke the silence, obviously finding it hard to fight back the satisfaction he felt at his long awaited victory over her rivals at Section 3.
The lead councillor looked down at the admiral. "Evolution has its dead ends. I'm afraid that was the way for the Spartans in Greece. And it shall be the same for the predecessors"
With that Hasley knew John, her last surviving Spartan II, was in danger. She couldn't let her 'child' die. John was special, he was lucky. But even his luck may not save him now. She rose from her seat and ran for the door at the back of the courtroom, she had to warn John. As the door was within her grasp two Orbital Drop Shock Troopers stepped in front of her, battle rifles raised. She ground to a halt; she was unarmed and knew little about hand to hand combat. The Head councillor's frail but powerful voice rang in her ears. "The Spartans must not be informed of this doctor. You shall remain here".
The councillors stood up stepped down from their perch, Ackerson tagging behind them like a stray pup. Ackerson trotted towards the head councillor. "Um sir. What is the actual plan for terminating the Spartans?"
The councillor turned to the Admiral. "The Spartans can hear and see things you and I can't. A direct attack would be futile. We will have to resort to, other means"
"Cortana- location" the Chief called into his helmet.
"Three LAGG turrets are positioned twenty meters north of your position" Cortana replied, her voice resonating in his head.
"Understood" The Chief took hold of his assault rifle tightly, storming out from behind cover. He strafed from side to side, dodging the incoming bullets. He fired his weapon towards the gunner of the first turret. Most of the bullets bounced harmlessly off of the weapons shield, some however flew through the openings to impact the gunner in his exposed face. The first gunner recoiled back from the fire as he fell from his perch, neutralising the weapon.
The remaining two gunners took advantage of the Chiefs momentary lapse in concentration to bring their fire to bear into the centre of the Chiefs torso. His shields flared as it barely repelled the bullets. He ducked behind a crate, removing a grenade from his belt he armed it and threw it over his head. Three seconds later came a satisfying bang and the sound of creaking metal. The Chief rose from his position, leaping over the crippled machine guns and ran towards his objective, the bell.
He approached the stone steps that lead to the bell, he noticed the scars and patches of rust that clung to its ancient frame. Three feet. He stretched his hand out, clasped hold of the rope and gave it a mighty pull. The bell clanged throughout the area as the Chief felt pride run through him. "So how'd I do?"
"2.03 minutes. A new record Chief" Cortana exclaimed in a peppy and enthusiastic voice.
The Chief clasped his weapon against his back; he walked back down the steps, victorious. Like a bolt of lighting something impacted the step at his feet, the concussive force throwing him off of his balance.
"That was a sniper bulle-" His words were silenced as he fell backwards off the steps, plummeting towards the ground. His last thoughts were of victory, so quickly snatched away from him.