Hey guys, Omega here for another Halo story. Before we begin, I just want to let you know what's gonna happen with some elements in the story; first, I'm basing Cortana's appearance off the Halo 3 version, not the Halo 4. Second, I'll be accepting 4 OCs for the next chapter, and I'll leave the criteria down at the bottom, and you can PM or review your submissions. Enjoy!

John-117 a.k.a. Master Chief stared out the window of Cairo Station at Earth, watching as white clouds hovered over the blue and green surface. Ever since the events on Requiem and the Didact's defeat, his mind plagued him with memories of Cortana, her image burned into his thoughts every waking moment. He couldn't believe she was gone, wouldn't believe; he expected her voice to reassure him that she wasn't gone and then tease him for worrying, but there was only silence.

Heavy footsteps approached from behind, but the Chief didn't turn until a large armored hand tapped him on the shoulder. It belonged to his fellow Spartan-II Maximus-118, 8 feet tall when in his prototype blue/silver MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor that had a similar appearance to the Air Assault variant, though his helmet was fused with a Forerunner artifact that he obtained from a mission that cost the life of another Spartan. He wore the two Magnum pistols that belonged to that Spartan, along with a 6-foot-long odachi sword, which was basically a katana on steroids, a smaller shoto knife, and his favorite Spartan Laser with the motto of his home state etched into the side, "Live Free Or Die."

"Hey, John," Max said, but John detected a hint of interest in his best friend's tone, "Fleet Admiral Hood wants us to report on the bridge, and by the way he said it, it's somethin' in the high priority range."

He said nothing, just nodded as he followed the larger Spartan to a nearby lift. The two marines guarding the door to the bridge snapped their hands up in a salute before admitting them in. Terrance Hood stood at the observation deck and, to Chief's surprise, talking with the Arbiter and another Elite he didn't recognize. That one, clad in white Ascetic Harness, just listened to the conversation patiently, but his reptilian eyes held the hardened gaze of a soldier, and by the two energy swords on his belt, he was someone to be reckoned with.

Hood heard the two super soldiers enter and paused mid-sentence to turn to them. Both threw their hands up in salute, and the Fleet Admiral returned it with an, "At ease, gentleman. Chief, you're one lucky son of a bitch to be still standing after all the hell the universe's decided to give you over the recent events."

"Thank you, sir," John replied politely, and the Arbiter chose to speak, "It is good to see you again, Master Chief, and a pleasure as well to meet the one who annihilated the last of the Brute's ragged military on their homeworld."

The last part was directed to Max, who rubbed the back of his helmet sheepishly, "Stop it, you're making me blush."

"Alright, gentlemen, now that we've said our hello's it's time we get down to business," Hood interjected, "Master Chief, you and Max have logged some extensive battle time with the Storm Covenant, and although they don't have the strength of the old Covenant, they're still a serious threat."

He gestured to the two Elites, "The Sangheili Council and the United Nations, in response to this, have voted for a squad of the most talented soldiers in our militaries to be created. This team will handle the worst and most significant assignments in order to bring the Storm down for good. Chief, I'm promoting you to squad commander, and you'll have Max as your XO."

The Spartans looked at each other, and Max chuckled before giving John a mock salute, "I'll watch your ass real close, commander." He loaded the title with sarcastic humor, only to earn a cocked eyebrow from the Admiral, "I wasn't finished, 118. As a way of showing our Sanghelli allies we value them, we let them name your new team, and we're also putting one of their finest on the roster."

He gestured to the second Elite, who gave a small bow of his head, "My name is Vel 'Mdama. I am honored to fight alongside you, Spartans, to vanquish the scum who wish to shatter our alliance."

"'Mdama, huh? Any relation to the Storm Covenant commander who nabbed Halsey?" Max questioned, and Vel bowed his head further in the Sangheili equivalent of shame, "The traitor was my maternal uncle, but blood ties will not hinder my abilities; I while kill him myself, if need be."

"Welcome to the team," John nodded at their new teammate, "But we can't really go on-mission without knowing our designation, Admiral."

The Arbiter's mandibles spread into what looked like a smile, "The Council and I agreed on the most suitable title for you: The Vanguards, a fitting name for the defenders of our collective peoples. Lord Hood also asked me to tell you that you will find the rest of your squad in briefing room A3, and to wait there for further instruction."

"Best get going, Vanguards. Dismissed," Hood then returned the salute he received from the Chief, Max, and Vel before they turned and went back to the lift.

"Wonder who else got picked for this gig," Max mused half to himself, and John gave a tiny shrug, "If this squad's as important as Hood says, we'll only be getting the best."

When they reached the third level, they passed rows of doors with various labels until they got to the one that was marked "BR-A3", and from the chatter of voices drifting from it confirmed that the rest of the squad was already assembled. Chief pushed the entry button and he and his two companions walked through the sliding doors.

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