1st January 2738
Earth
Alpha HQ, Spartan Training Centre
The largest, tallest most heavily fortified military and navy base on Earth stood proudly over 1000 Spartans in parade rest or formation, mostly Spartan-Vs and Spartan-IVs. The past wars had taken its toll on the UNSC and Spartans were being created en mass. With the remaining 2 Spartan-IIIs training the newer generations, Spartans were no longer needed to be deployed in companies or sent on suicide missions. The intense and thorough training has permitted the Spartans to be deployed in squads of 5 per mission.
Spartan B-312, known as a Hyper Lethal Vector, was believed to have perished on Reach defending it. He had actually managed to steal a phantom and travel for three years, barely surviving due to the fact that he had little food and water. Only thanks to contact with some insurrectionist was when he found survival gear to last him till he finally reach Earth and be given a choice to be a trainer. He took it and was now the most feared trainer in the Navy. He has been chosen to oversee the Storm Fleet's Expedition to the unknown planet that had been recently discovered.
Spartan E-312, or Robert, as he preferred to be called, was the younger brother of B-312 and the youngest and last of the Spartan-III company. He was extremely skilled with the SRS-99M AM and the BR-55 SR. He was arguably the most versatile of all the Spartans. Also chosen to go for the Expedition.
A single Super-Halcyon-Class Cruiser sat in the middle of the ship port. The majestic-looking cruiser was ready to launch. Two standard MAC guns and one Mk VI Modded MAC guns. 64 Archer Missile Pods and 1500 Point-Defense-Guns. The next in line was the powerful, Titan-Class Dreadnought. Its two modified MAC guns, 56 Archer Missile Pods and 1350 Rapid Point-Defense-Guns. The UNSC had four these impressive vessels.
Following that, there are six Rhino-class Heavy Frigates with its single Standard MAC gun and 20 Archer Missile Pods. 500 Point-Defense-Guns compliment the already heavy frigates.
Finally, a single overhauled colony ship completed the fleet. The Pantomime-class Colony ship, was armed with 40 Archer Missile Pods and 1300 Rapid Point-Defense-Guns. This is Storm Fleet. To Compliment those ships, 700 Spartans along with 25,000 UNSC Marines, ODSTs and ship crews.
The Storm Fleet was to meet up with the Migrant Fleet which consists of 3 Dreamcatcher-class Colony ships which contain 7000 migrants and 1500 Colonial Military troops. Along with a single Strident-class Frigate for escort.
The 2 Spartan-IIIs walked down from the observation deck of the base after observing the Monthly War Games that happens takes place on board The Mantis, also dubbed by the marines as the 'Spartan Ship' due to the fact that The Mantis only ever held Spartans.
"Look Robert, I know you are very experienced with fighting in ground warfare but I don't think you will make it as a Ship Commander." B-312 said while shaking his head.
"But I've Commanded ships before!" E-312 retaliated.
"And that was a Prowler! One of the stealthiest, most non-combat ships in the UNSC Navy! You are asking me to handover the keys to The Mantis to an inexperienced Commander? Fat chance, brother. You are not getting this out of my hands." B-312 snapped, annoyed at his younger brother's persistence.
"At least give me a Frigate! Let me handle one of those! I can take care of myself and I can Command one just as much!" Robert all but begged.
"Hmm, those Rhinos do handle easier and has fair defensive capabilities…" B-312 thought to himself before replying, "Ok." he said throwing up his arms in defeat. I do this on one condition. You will listen to my orders at all times. I do not want an accident in a simple colonization mission.
"Sir, Yes sir!" E-312 said gratefully as B-312 turned away to attend to other important matters.