AUTHOR'S NOTE:
I do not own, work for, or am affiliated with Bungie or Microsoft Game studios.
This is published without consent from Bungie or MGS.
Based on information from Halo CE, Halo 2, Halo 3, and all Halo novels.
Special thanks to Eric Nylund, William C. Dietz, Tobias S. Buckell, Joseph Staten, and Bungie in general for giving us a great series, and numerous chances for me to fill in the gaps.
Dedicated to all of the Halo story's hardcore fans.
PROLOGUE
The Warthog's massive tires thudded over rocks, holes, and fallen branches as it sped through the small open field.
"Listen squid-face, this plan of yours had better work, or we're all fried!" Said Private Rick Irwin, the driver. The black armoured Elite in the passenger's seat turned to him and replied:
"I have confidence in my plan. We all need to get off of the construct somehow, and this plan is of the utmost importance."
"Yeah, whatever…" mumbled Irwin.
"Here they are, coming for another pass!" Called out Private First Class Sheldon Beaudette. "Firing now!" The chain gun began to spin, and in seconds it was spitting .50 cal rounds at 500 per minute at the incoming Banshees.
"Remember, aim to damage, not to destroy. We need those ships!" warned the Elite.
The Banshees screamed in towards the Human vehicle, and plasma bolts struck the ground behind it. Fire from the chain gun struck the Banshee on the left, and it shuddered. It remained in the air, however. The 'Hog sped forward, weaving side to side and spewing dirt behind it as it gained traction.
"Now!" Roared the Elite. The Warthog's driver stomped on the footbrake and ripped up the handbrake, the vehicle sliding to a stop on the loose terrain. Then, from the treetops two white pillars of smoke flew outwards towards the alien craft, both hitting the target—one anti-grav pod on each Banshee. In their struggle to turn around to reengage the Humans, they slowed to nearly two thirds of their speed. The sniper's aim was amazingly perfect, and lucky. As planned, they began to fall, spiralling towards the ground. One landed hard not twenty feet from the Warthog, and the other falling into the trees.
"Well what do ya know? It actually worked." Laughed Beaudette.
"Naturally" mused the Elite. Now, with these Banshees in our arsenal, we can continue plans for our insertion. He got out of the 'Hog and walked to the nearby Banshee. He pried the fuselage up and open, and fired his pistol at the pilot, killing him as he tried to counter in his disoriented state. This was a task normally considered treason in the Covenant, but since this Elite was no longer a part of the Covenant, he had no worries at all.
"Ready your crew. We need these up and flying by this evening, so we may begin real task." The humans did not salute, gesture or even say anything at all. They nodded and started the drive back to base camp. The Elite was not of their race. Technically, he was the enemy. The Elite, named Ruka 'Tamamee, strode to the forest. He had one more pilot to dispose of.