Summary and Opening


"Spartan-257. Relax."

The Spartan III in green and orange painted armor shifted his feet to shoulder-width and put his hands behind his back. Technically parade rest, but he couldn't bring himself to completely relax.

"Maxwell, honestly."

"Yes, ma'am..." said the Spartan, shifting to appear more relaxed.

"Now, listen. I'm preparing something big. I know you're assigned to the repair and response team here at Sword Base. I'm going to have to ask you to remove your helmet."

The woman who was speaking to the Spartan tapped a few times on her data-pad. Spartan-257 removed his helmet as asked, revealing his buzzed hair and serious default expression.

"Dr. Halsey is on her way. She thinks we can make something out of these relics we found in the ice. If she says so, I agree with her. She hasn't always been the most focused on data, despite being a brilliant scientist. I'm willing to trust her instincts. As head researcher, I am making a personal request of you and your squad. Will you hear me out?"

"Of course, ma'am," said Maxwell. He knew very well who Dr. Halsey was. She hadn't been part of the Spartan III program, so he didn't know her like some of the Spartan II's he'd met did, but her name carried plenty of weight regardless.

"Things are going to get very hectic. We're in the process of rotating out our base A.I. I want your squad to be at Halsey's beck and call. If something goes wrong; if those relics become a threat for any reason, I want your squad to make sure her plans go through. Failing that, I want you to make sure everyone gets out alive. There've been rumors of Insurrectionists attacking colonies. Only last week they stole two entire ships from Harmony. Can you do that?"

Now Maxwell knew why she'd had him remove his helmet. No one could spy on them with the helmet's censors disconnected from the suit's power supply. He thought it over.

"Ma'am, if something that bad happens, and our standing orders aren't changed to intercept the threat, I think I can find something to fix close to a combat zone... After all, bullets and grenades aren't gentle on equipment..."

The scientist smiled and thanked him. Neither of them knew exactly what had just been ensured, with the coming of the Covenant looming invisibly to everyone on Reach...


)))Squad Report(((


)))Artifex Squad(((

Artifex 1, Spartan-A257, Maxwell

Designated pilot, general mechanics and engineering specialist

GUNGNIR class helmet, shoulders, leg units. Chest is high altitude, low opening gear. Armor customized with Universal Global Positioning System module, wrist mounted; leather leg case.


Artifex 2, Spartan-B219, Gabriel

Designated driver, vehicular mechanics specialist.

Hazop CBRN class helmet, Mk.4 Grenadier chest-plate and leg units, Mk.5 experimental shoulder armor. Customized with reinforced arm bracers, composite leg armor.


Artifex 3, Spartan-A138, Halt

Designated sniper, weapon mechanics specialist.

Pilot helmet, UA/HUL3 model. Sniper class shoulders, Tactical Recon chest-plate, FJ/PARA knee guards. Armor customized with UGPS and tactical "hardcase."


Artifex 4, Spartan-B314, Sean

Electronics and computer specialist. Received commendations for previous defensive engagement.

Commando UA model helmet, Operator shoulders, Commando chest-plate, GUNGNIR leg units. Armor customized with wrist mounted tactical readout, leg mounted trauma kit.


Artifex 5, Spartan-B-121, Jak

Physics specialist. Previously assumed control of UNSC ship in danger of crash due to navigation system failure.

CQB helmet, Base Security shoulders, Breacher chest-plate and wrist-mounted ammo holder. GUNGNIR leg units. Armor customized with leg mounted leather case.


Artifex 6, Spartan-A316, Tristan

Armor systems specialist, previous MJOLNIR armor system design team member, honorary ODST.

Mk.5 experimental helmet and shoulders, Base Security chest-plate, FJ/PARA knee guards. Armor customized with wrist mounted tactical readout, leg mounted "hardcase."


)))Squad reassigned to Office Of Naval Intelligence, Sword Base(((

)))January 2552 – January 2554(((


Event 1: Halcyon Days Gone coming soon...