Living in the past is a luxury none of us can afford.
We must learn from it, but we cannot live there.
It is impossible to plan for the now - the future is ever fleeting.
The future is where we must live.
The future is what we must plan for.
Who Knew
Chapter 1
Bullets clattered overhead. Burst of plasma seared through the hull of a Pelican. The constant pounding of Scorpions in the distance beat like some ancient drum. A group of Marines, low on ammo and desperate for cover, dive behind the smoldering ruin of their supposed back-up's Warthog. Things fall silent.
After a pause and a few hand signals, one of the Marines leans around the edge of the Warthog and scans the area. Focusing his eyes, he sees a blue hulk speeding closer, shrouded in dust. Moments later, he realizes what he's looking out at, but before he has time to shout "Wraith!", the enormous blue explosion of the tank's mortar makes contact a little too close for comfort.
The rest of the Marines behind the Warthog immediately move into action. Like a singly body, the five Marines move out of the cover of the Warthog and get into position. Their sniper takes out the Brute on the hood-mounted turret before it has any chance to fire back. The rest of the Marines empty their Assault Rifles at the Wraith in attempts to frighten its pilot out of the battle. They realize too late, however, that their futile attempt at intimidation is failing. Their sniper, in a last-ditch effort at survival, throws down his rifle, and readies a plasma grenade - the last in their supply. After a short prayer and careful aim, he lets go. It sticks.
The Wraith, too, knowing its impending death, launches its own hopeless attack. As the little blue flame melts deeper into the hull, the pilot diverts all power from its main cannon to its rear thrusters. This sends the hulking tank speeding forward towards the hopeless Marines. The grenade explodes, and for a moment the Marines relax. However, the mess of flaming metal bursts through the explosion, it own momentum propelling it forward. The Marines, seconds away from death, close eyes and tighten grips as they brace for impact.
Several moments pass and they feel no pain. The brave sniper opens his eyes and looks up to see a Spartan standing in front of them, half a moment away from impact. In perfect timing the Spartan slams its hands down, launching the Wraith over all of their heads. The other Marines look up and see the Spartan standing before them. "Chief we thought you were on the Ark." The Spartan turns around.
"I'm sorry boys, but you've got the wrong Spartan.," it replies.
" What? A woman?" The sniper asks.
"Not expect a female Spartan?" She remarks.
"It isn't that, I just- I just wasn't expecting another Spartan period." He replies.
"Looks like its your lucky day then gentlemen." She says. Behind her a Pelican lands. "Now command wants to move all remaining units to the portal. Mount up."