Chapter 1: Reinstated
A tall Exo stood squarely at a podium in the center of the auditorium with an intimidating aura. Before him was a massive desk that encircled the stand. The five official representatives of each administration sat evenly spaced around the wide desk. Behind each of the five High Councilmen, banners bearing their organizations' crests hung from the ceiling. A light breeze gently caressed the large and loosely draped tapestries. From left to right, the politicians were respectively seated as Dead Orbit, Future War Cult, New Monarchy, Seven Seraphs, and Osiris. Behind the Exo, were another 250 Minor Council members; 50 per administration. They quietly observed the meeting at hand with the utmost attention. Rumor had it that a matter of special importance was to be addressed at the High Council's meeting today, and based on the discussion currently taking place, it would seem that hopes would become a reality; though, for some, it wasn't a shared desire.
"I object. I would have Fireteam Shachal comprised of different members entirely. I am opposed to this particular team being formed. After invested study on your proposed members' files, I have concluded that they will not be an efficient unit, and failure is sure to follow. The individuals are mediocre at best, and do not have the qualifications to be a part of such a renowned fireteam. Allow me to personally form a different squad. There are far more qualified candidates that surpass those that the Council has recommended. These Guardians are not worthy to be members of Fireteam Shachal. Considering it is absurd."
"Do not overstep your bounds, Commander Sideros! Even someone as decorated as yourself does not have the authority to overrule the Council's decisions! Save those who have recently graduated, most Guardians have already joined fireteams. Removing them from the teams they are accustomed to working with will create more difficulties than we can afford. Therefore, we have determined that forming squads from non-enlisted Guardians will provide the greatest general success. I am sure that I speak for my fellow High Councilmen when I say that you are being too harsh with your reasoning. Considering that most Guardians are indeed not experienced enough to be placed within Shachal, our ruling makes the most sense." The Exo remained silent and stern, unmoved by the High Councilman's rebuttal.
The Chief Councilman sighed, "I understand why you of all people are concerned with the fate of Fireteam Shachal's reputation. Though, I shouldn't have to remind you that you are no longer a part of Shachal, but a commanding officer of the FOTC. Your time as a member has passed, so assume the role you are expected to fulfill. If anything, you should be thanking the Council for giving you the privilege of being in charge of your old fireteam. It is an exception never before made. Normally the FOTC high ranking officers would be focusing on more pressing matters than fireteam formations. However, the members of the Council and the people of the City have recognized the contributions made by Fireteam Shachal during your service as a Guardian, Kauson. We will not deny you your earned privilege to command your former unit. But I will warn you. If you try to exceed your authority, we will have no choice but to put this fireteam's charge under someone else."
Commander Sideros grunted, still opposed to the ruling, "As you wish. But this is a mistake. I assure you. The benefit will not outweigh the cost."
"Your input has been noted, Commander, but our decision still stands," stated the Chief Councilman.
The High Councilman of the Seven Seraphs then asked, "Sideros, how many members of Shachal have been assembled?"
Sideros turned his head and paused momentarily, locking his frustrated eyes onto the Seven Seraphs Councilman, "One has already been taken to the Tower. Another is on the way. The third has not been called on as of yet."
"Be sure to order his pick-up immediately upon this meeting's conclusion. After our ruling is made official, we wish that you meet the members directly. Since your command is unusual, to say the least, you should meet them as soon as possible, so that you may make your authority clear. I have faith in your ability to command them, but from within City limits. I want to remind you that your presence is needed here in the sanctuary of the City."
"I agree," said the FWC High Councilman. "Fireteam Shachal and its activity have been decommissioned for 15 years, and its contributions had powerful influence in the past. It would be preferable to resume Shachal's operations post haste."
Each of the politicians murmured in agreement. The infuriated Commander wanted to finish this meeting up as quickly as possible. He heard enough and merely nodded at the Councilman's words for the sake of ending the discussion.
"Then it is decided. Fireteam Shachal is henceforth reinstated for duty and is placed under the charge of Commander Kauson Sideros." The Chief Councilman gavel echoed sharply throughout the Hall, thus ending the Council's meeting.
Sideros immediately whipped around and stormed out of the Council Hall as old men bustled around him. "Damn fools are too complacent." To believe that I would be content with only commanding the team. He flicked a communication switch on his collar. "Get the other one now. Meet me at Loading Dock S-153."
It was yet another cool dawn under the watch of the ever still Traveler. For centuries, the City has basked under its protective shadow, sheltered from harm like a helpless infant. The sun's light broke over the distant horizon, stretching across the barren landscape, pushing back the darkness of twilight. Sol's shift was beginning, and mine was coming to a close.
Despite being assigned to the night watch, I had yet to feel weight fall upon my eyes. Fatigue hadn't overcome me. I understand that my post is vital and I must be alert. Maybe more so than most. There cannot be any room for failure. That much I have learned well enough. Very few Titans are assigned to the Wall during the night, and many believe our forces are stretched far too thin. Most Titans placed on the Wall during the night hours do not have the luxury of company for the duration of their shifts. But as for me, I prefer the silence, the solitude. It is my only solace, but, again, it is fleeting, and it will be taken from me when the City awakens.
I can hardly hear a faint and gentle breeze, but I'm closed off from it underneath my armor. I can barely sense its presence, but even so, I do my best to avoid the autumn winds. I hate the cold. My memories of such sensations birth unwelcome thoughts. Its chill poured over the Wall and began to flood the City's streets. My last few moments of peace were nearly up. As I took in the sunrise's growing radiance, my visor polarized, easing the intense glare of the vibrant light shining in my eyes. The landscape showed itself and its harsh truth was as hard to swallow as ever. As much as I want humanity's suffering to end, the hope of it seems so far out of reach. I can only imagine what Earth was like before the Collapse, but I think it couldn't have been like this. If my dreams were wrong, then what were we trying to achieve by fighting a battle we were losing. It was such a shame that we were pushed into a remote corner of our own world, a small reservation alien to our own home.
My home, if I can even call it that, is plagued by my enemies. The land before me is corrupted by deceit and poisoned by many dangers. Because of the Collapse and those who vow to destroy my people, we have lost our home to a cause mysterious to us. Just outside our doorstep, lies a foreign world, housing our foes, determined to finish us off for good. All we know is survival, but I know we are losing ground. We all know it whether we admit it or not.
I lost myself in thought and my mind wandered. Yet again, I remembered what I could never forget; I gritted my teeth and my heart dropped. But I have a duty to humanity. And to myself. They would want me to be strong-brave. As many times as I have repeated that to myself, I'm never sure what to think. For now though, I couldn't waver by allowing fear to grip my heart. Terror is as much an enemy to me as those who seek to destroy my people, yet I will always wrestle with it. I long for the day when I can cast aside the shackles of both fear and bravery, and be at peace. I can only hope that time will come for me.
The sounds of life and activity in the City commenced. With my thoughts interrupted, I would have to return to my solace another day.
A faint thrumming slowly reached my ears. Its low pitched roar grew stronger with each passing second. An FOTC drop ship was making its way to my position. Upon its arrival, the deafening growls of the thrusters died as the pilot set the transport shuttle down on the nearest landing platform. The hatch opened with a hiss and out of the poorly lit passenger bay, a man stepped into the sunlight. The Hunter grinned smugly, "Hey big guy, let's get going. We have work to do."
