Chapter 2:
The slight drone of the warthog's engine echoed throughout the snowy valley. Chaos hopped out of the jeep and spotted Fi, with his visor unpolarized, with goggles raised to his eye's.
"What's new?," Chaos questioned.
"More bastards have been arriving since we last spoke. A shit-load of buggers are in the skies. Hopefully the snow will mask our approach. " Fi responded, his voice chilled due to the low temperature.
"Looks like they've been sending reinforcements then. No problem. More fun for me," Chaos chuckled, while handing Fi Scorch's rockets. "Don't lose them, they're the only one's we got. Fi inspected the large rocket launcher. As Fi began to open his mouth, likely asking about ammo, Chaos revealed 4 additional Rockets, for Fi to use.
"Thanks."
Chaos gave Fi a slight nod, and returned to his vehicle to inform the others of the new threat.
"Mega, Cryo, stay on your toes. I want those turrets focused on the drones first, we can't risk getting plasma grenades dropped on us from the sky. Directly afterward focus fire on the banshees. Fi should be able to hit the ghosts with those rockets no problem. Merc, Chaos, I want you two getting grenades on those shade turrets the second you can hit them. Afterward we'll load up on plasma weapons, and the elites should be less of a challenge. Let's make it happen people," Sev dictated.
"At this point I'm going to have to agree with Shadow," Mega commented. "This is insane, with drones in the air, as well as banshee's, I don't think we'll make it to the base.
Sev let out a sigh, and asked if anyone agreed with Mega. 4 green lights winked. "I see, you don't want to risk your lives on what seems like a pointless battle, but look at it this way. If we don't take out these troops now, then they'll just hit us from the rear when we attack the main factory. We're going to have deal with these shit-heads sooner or later, And I would much rather be on the offense at a time like this," Sev explained.
Even though some of the squad didn't like the fact that Sev was in-command, he was right. He was always good at planning ahead, and he was a great motivator.
Due exhaled,"I find myself reluctantly agreeing with your tactical analysis."
"Then let's continue on with the mission as planned," Chaos smirked.
"Shadow, what the hell happened back there," Scorch asked, with a touch of anger in his voice.
"Scorch, that mission is suicide. Sev has us parading around as if we're Spartans. It's not like we've got shielding. We can't just take the plasma burns. And you know as well as I do, that the battle he's going into could easily be avoided.
"Do you ever stop and think? This mission isn't just about racking up kills. Believe it or not, Sev knows what he's doing," As Scorch was talking the warthog hit a bump, causing the jeep to swerve on the ice," If they didn't engage those troops now, they'd just come back behind us later. And damn it, will you stop causing problems in the middle of a combat situation? We can deal about your gripes with Sev, After the mission."
"One of these day's, he's going to fuck up, and get us all killed. And there will be no, 'after the mission'," Shadow warned, with a touch of emphasis on the sentence.
"And when that happens, you two can debate who's fault it was in hell," Scorch simmered. "Look Shadow, I don't mean to be harsh on you, but you have to stop letting your temper get the best of you. Atleast try to keep a level head, for the squad?"
"I do try, It's just that....," Three-Two let out a sigh, " Fuck it. I'll follow his orders. But we WILL have a nice little chat after this mission.
The warthog continued along the path, and the two Theta's were silent.
50 caliber rounds rushed out of the chaingun's barrel and collided with the buggers. Lime green blood oozed out of the air, as the covenant tried to make a futile counter-attack. Rocket's streamed towards the ghosts, one made a direct hit with the ghosts engine, causing it to explode in a mixture of blue and red flame. The second rocket went off course, and exploded harmlessly in the snow. Banshee fire rained down on the two warthogs, and Sev and Due struggled to keep the jeeps out of the line of fire. Cryo's turret rounds tore through drones wings forcing them to fall to the ground, where the warthogs brutally splattered them, painting the tires of the 'Hogs lime green.
Plasma from the two shade turrets splashed on the side of Due's vehicle as he tried to bring it in close enough for Merc to land 2 fragmentation grenades under the carriage of the floating turret. The plasma melted the side of the 'Hog, but everyone remained uninjured. Merc tossed 2 grenades out the side of the jeep as plasma whizzed past his head, close enough, that his suits armor automatically lowered the internal heat in his suit.
With one turret down they still had to focus on the remaining turret, both banshees, and three ghosts. Armor piercing rounds from the chaingun turrets tore through the banshee's think purple armor, and made direct contact with the Elite piloting it. The Banshee flew out of control and miraculously landed on top of the remaining Shade turret. "Two birds with one stone...," Mega whispered as he diverted his attention to the remaining banshee. The Banshee fired a fuel-rod directly at the warthog and Sev tried to veer off to evade it, unfortunately, the warthog tires dug into a lake of ice and spun in a complete 360 degree circle, and the radioactive explosion from the fuel rod sent the warthog flying, and it's occupants soaring through the air like rag dolls.
Chaos and Sev fell out of the vehicle in mid-air, but Mega retained his grip on the turret. Unfortunately for him, he let go as the 'Hog neared the ground. He hit the snow face first, and the massive warthog landed on his left leg, completely shattering it. He shouted in pain.
Fi took careful aim and hit 2 more ghosts with his rockets, After witnessing Sev's hog take the fuel rod there was no way he was letting them get picked off by ghosts. He rushed to load the final 2 rockets into his launcher, but the remaining ghost was already at the fallen soldiers.
Mega felt a sharp bolt of pain throughout his legs as he strained to pull himself up. "Lookout!," Sev cried as the ghost came barreling towards Eight-Five. There wasn't enough time to react, the ghost would impact with him and crush him. He attempted to move his legs but they felt like rubber, and he was frozen there.
Chaos and Sev sprayed bullets from their MA5B's at the ghost, hoping to land a shot on it's engine. But they would have no such luck today. Mega closed his eyes and raised his arms up to his chest, hoping to survive almost certain death.
Due charged in the direction Mega was in, he had the warthog going at it's absolute maximum speed, and he prayed he would make it in time. Moments before the ghost would have struck Mega, the Warthog came barreling in from the side, and completely smashed the ghost. The remaining pieces of ghosts went flying in each and every direction. It had been inches from Mega's body. That had been much to close.
With all the commotion the final Banshee had gotten the helljumpers in it's sights. Plasma fired from the aircraft, and superheated plasma flew through the air at the Thetas. Fi simultaneously fired his final rocket towards the beast.
Chaos noticed the incoming plasma and rolled side to side avoiding the bolts as best as he could. No plasma wounds. He observed the Banshee overhead explode in a brilliant blue light, and it's remains fall to the ground, Fi had scored a direct hit.
Sev blinked his green light three times, the "Regroup" signal.
"Good work boys, Any injuries?" A single red light flashed. All eyes glared at Mega, who had just now arrived at their position, limping. "Report?"
"Just a little shaken up, My left leg is fractured. I can still fight, but mobility is limited," He reported.
"Alright, I want you with Scorch once they arrive here. I've already directed them to regroup with us, Shadow will take your place, and you will help Scorch guard the Nukes. Due, I want you to go make sure our warthog is in working order," he pointed in the direction of the crashed warthog," Merc, Cryo, gather as many plasma weapons as you can, we'll need them once we get to the factory." The entire squad did as commanded.
Scorch's warthog pulled up to the battle field, and he stared blankly at the carnage. "Looks like they made it," Scorch said with relief. He had received a transmission from Sev a few minutes ago, but it was clouded with Static, so he was unsure what to expect. Scorch began to drive towards Due, until Five-Eight exclaimed,
"I wouldn't come near here, Slippery as hell. I don't want to risk that 'Hog tipping and having those Nukes fall out the back." Scorch acknowledged Due's warning, and continued to drive the warthog to Sev.
"What took you two so fucking Long," Sev shouted, as if he didn't care if anyone heard. He was pissed, Scorch didn't have to see his face to tell. "I sent you the message to speed up nearly 10 minutes ago." Shadow began to open his mouth, but decided against it. He would prefer not have the others on his back about insubordination.
"I apologize, sir," Scorch said with so much sarcasm it nearly made Mega vomit, "Your transmission was nothing but static to us, so don't bitch at us."
"Stop your bitching,"Chaos moaned as he returned to the squads position, covered in blue blood, the blood of an Elite patrol squad. Sev explained that Mega had broken his leg, and wouldn't be much use in an attack force. So he should assist in guarding the Nukes.
"Here you go Scorch, sorry I used up all your Rockets, still thought you might want the useless tubes though," Fi remarked, handing Scorch his rocket launcher.
Scorch made an age old hand gesture, His middle finger raised in the air. "I guess it's a good thing I've got some more rocket packs in my 'Hog," He scoffed.
Shadow noticed that Merc and Cryo were missing, "Hey, were the hell is Oh-Four and Three-Seven?"
"They're stocking up on covenant weapons. Plasma is much more efficient on Elites shielding, I thought it would be useful to get them," Sev responded, matter-of-factly.
"Oh, my favorite," Shadow happily replied. It was true, Shadow had a knack for covenant technology. The first time he got his hands on a plasma rifle there was no confusion, he just picked it up, and fought his way out of an ambush.
Cryo and Merc returned to the squad shortly after, arms full of plasma weapons.
"So, how much do we have?" Shadow asked, excited.
"About 6 plasma rifles, and 4 plasma pistols. We recovered a large amount of grenades as well," Cryo answered. Although You couldn't see Three-Two's face, because of the dark visor of the ODST helmet, Shadow had a large grin on his face. He quickly handed Mega his assault rifle, so he could carry a plasma pistol and a plasma rifle. He also grabbed a few plasma grenades. The rest of the covenant weapons were being distributed, when Due approached the group.
"It's still operational," Due said while looking over the Covenant weapons, "Barely, that is I managed to repair a couple of broken parts. It should run, but take another direct hit like that, and it will go up in flames. So be careful."
"Alright. Looks like everyone is all set, so let's load back up. Mega, I want you to watch yourself, you need to stay near the warthog. Guard it, stay near the hog at all costs. We've got about an hour to pull this off, this is the final stretch," Sev motivated them all, to an extent.
Fi saw the massive covenant factory clearly now. The snow had let up. The massive purple structure was remarkable. There was engineers floating around the structure, repairing any sections that may have been damaged. Covenant Assault Carriers loomed overhead, the factory pumping them with plasma, used to burn the very planet they were on.
He also spotted multiple wraiths, as well as banshee scouts, and ghosts. The Factory was also fitted with multiple shade turrets. There was only 2 clear entrances. Near the top of the structure was a balcony. And on top of it stood a golden Elite. The one in command of this mission. He was speaking with a Major Domo Elite, the ones fitted with Red armor. 2 hunters came into view. "Holy shit...,"Fi said to himself.
Fi started to turn back, to walk to his mongoose, when he noticed a jackal pair inspecting it. "Shit," He uttered. He would have to kill them silently, otherwise the entire covenant army would be down his throat. This wasn't a job for him, this was something Chaos would of loved to do. Fi ran up to the first jackal from behind, snapping it's neck killing it instantly. The second jackal turned to face Fi, but it was too late for him. Fi had aimed the plasma pistol square at the beast's head. Plasma erupted from the small pistol, and burned away at the bastards head. Purple blood oozed from the wound, and Fi picked up the jackals energy shield, saving it for later.
Fi hopped on his mongoose, and zipped away, hoping that the covenant hadn't noticed him.
Fi gave the Theta's a status report. "No fucking way...," Due said, flabbergasted. "There is no way we can break through those wraiths with no air support."
"Come on Due, I think this will be interesting. It's been awhile since we've taken on wraiths," Chaos said, melancholy.
"Is there any other way in, besides the front door? Maybe we could sneak in or something," Merc suggested.
"I don't think that's possible," Mega said.
"Wait a minute. Fi, Upload your video logs to my VISR, I might have an idea," Scorch hastily said.
Fi's green acknowledge light blinked.
Scorch viewed the video log, and admired the covenant technology. It really was centuries ahead of he inspected the structure, he noticed something.
"Alright, everyone look at this screenshot," A picture of the covenant factory appeared in each VISR, " Look near the extreme right of the picture. There is a cliff full of snow that should ob-skewer the sniper's view. We can sneak to this wall, and use our plasma to burn a hole through this alloy. Once we're inside we can plant the nukes near the Core, and extract to the LZ," Scorch said.
"Sounds like a plan," Cryo said. Not showing any signs of being nervous at all. He trusted in Scorch's plans.
"Mega, you aren't fit for duty at the moment. We're going to take these nukes. Be ready to extract us with this hog once we get out of the base. We're going to leave you to guard these 'Hogs. We need them, no matter what," Sev ordered. Mega's light burned green. "And one last thing, I don't want any COM chatter. We're to close to the Covenant, I don't want them intercepting our chat, and pinpointing where we are."
Shadow and Cryo helped unload the Nukes, and one was strapped to Scorch's back, the other strapped to Chaos's back. They wouldn't have it any other way. Scorch had the detonator codes locked into his helmet, and Sev brought up a countdown timer. They had approx. 40 minutes before they were supposed to be at the pick up zone. It would take atleast 13 minutes to drive to the pelican. They would have to be quick, and efficient to survive.
Merc, Cryo, and Shadow took point. They moved along the cliff wall, crouching low, hoping that a sniper wouldn't spot them. Scorch and Chaos moved in the middle of the group, they were the top priority. Due, Sev, and Fi covered their six.
They managed to arrive at the wall with no resistance. But this is where luck came into play. If the covenant heard the plasma burning through the wall, things were going to hot real fast. But if they managed to go through this wall un-noticed, they might all make it out alive. As for Scorch, he didn't believe in luck. Only Skill. Fi remarked, to Cryo,Merc, and Shadow, "I wish you skill." Which earned him a slight elbow to the chest from Scorch.
Sev readied his sniper aim directly on the head of the nearest sniper, incase they heard the plasma. Due and Fi also prepared to fire on incoming contacts incase things got hot. The wall started to melt away as the plasma made contact with it. They continued blasting the purple alloy until they accidentally blasted a plasma fuel line. "SHIT!" Chaos muttered. As a fire began to spread throughout the factory. The group hurried inside before snipers could noticed which direction they had entered.
The inside of the building was quite simple, a single massive purple room, with the core in the center, and a spiraling starcase extending all the way to the balcony at the top of the factory. That's what the Core room looked like anyway. Plasma was being pumped to ships above, and they would quickly noticed that the plasma was no longer flowing, due to the flaming circuit, which had now set fire to the entire wall. They had to work fast. The nukes had hardened armor, it could withstand bullets, and even fire. But plasma could burn though it. So they could leave the nukes in the factory without worry about a pre-mature detonation.
As the team moved to the very center of the room to plant the FENRIS war-heads, a group of Elite Minors entered the room, and opened fire on the Theta's. Due rolled to the side, dodging a bolt of blue plasma, with the air still crackling where he had stood just a moment before. The other Thetas were taking similar evasive maneuvers. Cryo managed to toss 2 Plasma grenades into the group of 6 Elites, sticking two of them.
The First two Elites blew up in an explosion of Blow, but it simply lowered the shields of the other 4 elites. Chaos and Sev made short work of them and diverted their attention to a new threat. 2 Hunters had entered the room. Scorch had already started to plant this nuke when the hunters opened fire. He wasn't fast enough to dodge them.
Fi jumped between the hunters and Scorch. Using the Jackal shield he had found earlier to protect him. The shield had dissipated soon after the second wave had ended. And the armor on his arm had started to melt away because of the heat. Chaos pulled out his Combat knife and dove strait for one hunter. "Chaos what the hell do you think you're doing!," Sev exclaimed. No marine had ever gone hand to hand with a hunter and survived. Chaos dodged the hunters shield and twisted around it, to it's exposed lower back. He dug his combat knife into the beast's back, and jerked it up. He pulled the knife out and quickly repeated the process, but in reverse jerking the knife down this time. The hunter collapsed in a heap on the floor, unable to sustain it'self.
The second hunter turned to face Chaos, enraged at him for killing his bond brother. Chaos taunted, "Bring it." But the other HellJumpers had already begun ripping into the Monsters back with their assault rifles. The hunter would be joining it's bond brother.
Scorch had just finished arming the charges and he stood up. Shaking his head, "You're one crazy son of a bitch, Chaos," He said. Chaos laughed it off. And Sev reminded them of their time limit. Only 28 minutes. They had to bail. The War-heads were in place.
They turned to exit the the same way they had come, only to realize that the makeshift doorway had created was engulfed in flames. "Aw Fuck me," Shadow sighed.
"Due, bring up a map of this area, see if we can find another way out, make it fast," Sev commanded. Due followed the instructions, however there was only one clear way out of the complex. Out the front door, and past the Wraiths and ghosts.
"Sorry Sev, no way out other than the front door. And we need to hurry too."
Sev broke his own rule, probably assuming that the covenant were already aware of his position, "Mega, don't respond. Are the hogs alright?" Mega's Light remained gray for a moment, and then blinked Green. " We're on our way out the front door, prepare for a hasty get-a-way. Mega's light flashed Green, once more. Sev motioned for the team to move forward, back in it's formation.
The ODST's ran down the staircase, avoiding the raging fires, which now engulfed the majority of the complex. A small team of grunts was guarding the front door, but they didn't last long. As the team neared the front door a tiny patch of snow in front of Scorch exploded, "Fuck, Snipers are still out there!" Sev raised his palm up, a sign telling the squad to wait.
Sev readied his rifle, and quickly ran outside the complex. The wraith quickly spotted him, but he ignored it. He traced the snipers movements and pulled the trigger. A half second later the Jackal sniper's head exploded, painting the wall with fresh purple blood.
Scorch fired two rockets at the first wraith, managing to blow the canopy off the top of the Vehicle, and damaging it, but not killing it. Shadow charged the wraith, and hopped on top of it, beating the driver to death, and then pulled the body out. He looked at the controls with a confused look, and managed to figure out how to aim the mortar up and down. That's all he needed. Chaos fired the massive balls of superheated plasma at the ghosts, frying them before they could evade. "GO!" He shouted, and the team rushed through the open snow towards the area where Mega was waiting.
The team was firing wildly at the Elites who stood between them and the exit. They were unloading every round of ammo they had on infantry, while shadow covered them with the mortars. Banshees flew by over head. Shadow angled the mortar cannon so it could fire directly in the air, and began bombarding the skies with plasma. He landed a lucky hit on one banshee, and then noticed there was no way he could take them all.
10 Covenant Banshee fliers had his wraith in their sights, All ten fired their fuel rods at his vehicle. He jumped out of the wraith, and sprinted as far from it as he could. As the bombs impacted the wraith, he jumped away. Burns now covered his back. He pulled himself up off the ground. And saw his plasma rifle laying next to him. He swiped it up, and fired towards a group of Elites. They noticed him, and quickly fired tons of plasma on his position. He was to slow to evade them all, and caught a plasma bolt to his shoulder. He could smell the skin burning away. He tossed a plasma grenade at the Elites, and continued firing until the last one fell.
He limped over to where his wraith had been a moment before, And hid behind it while he administered Biofoam into his shoulder. It would hold him together.
The other Thetas were finally at Mega's position. Their timers read 15 Minutes. They had to leave NOW. As Mega saw them all running for the 'Hog's he questioned Scorch as he hopped in the side seat, "Scorch, What happened to Shadow."
"Aww shit," Scorch managed to say at last. Scorch went into the Theta's encrypted channel. "Shadow, status." Shadows Acknowledgement light burned Red. The sign that things had gone wrong. " Sev, Shadow's in trouble, we have to get him out of there!"
"No," Shadows voice echoed in each Theta's helmet, "Leave me here. There's not enough time you guys to make it out if you can get me. I'll stay here, and hold em off,make sure these Nuke's don't blow early." Shadow was clearly in pain.
"We're not leaving you Shadow," Chaos said, intently.
"I won't let you take me. Now go, You won't make it unless you leave NOW. And cut the fucking chatter will you? Do you want these..." Shadow was cut off and static filled the COM channel.
"DAMN IT," Sev said, pounding on the dashboard of his warthog. "Everyone, lets go, right fucking now. There's no time. We'll all die if we stay here."
"I can't believe we lost Shadow..." Fi said, his voice trembling with pure rage.
"Best course plotted, follow me," Due managed to say, as their warthogs began picking up speed.
"Piece of shit COM channel," Shadow said, turning off the mic in his helmet. He left the cover of the wraith to try and find some way out of the Factory. He scanned for 30 seconds and saw his prize. A Banshee on the Balcony of the top floor. He could clear the Factory before the explosion, if he was fast enough that is.
He charged into the Factory, sprinting up the spiraling staircase, ignoring the flames that had now spread throughout the entire complex, as well as the near blinding pain in his shoulder. He passed the area where the Nukes had been planted. He continued his uphill sprint until the Banshee was in sight. As ran towards it, and single gold Elite popped out of a corner, and slashed at him with his Energy Sword. The Blade narrowly missed, but the heat alone was enough to cut through Shadow's Armor, and leave a massive cut on his chest. Shadow fell backwards. The Elite spoke in Alien tongue, and Shadow couldn't decipher it.
Shadow aimed his plasma rifle at his opponent,and opened fire, but the Elites shielding had withstood the plasma, and he knocked the plasma rifle over the edge of the balcony. The elite swung at Shadow's head again. He ducked and pushed the Elite towards the balcony. The two struggled over who would be pushed over the edge, and the Elite easily forced Three-Two back. Shadow fell to his feet, and the Aliens blade came straight for his head. He managed to roll to the side and the monster missed. Shadow pulled himself off the ground and landed two punches on the elites shielding. The elite staggered back, and lost it's grip on the sword, but it was unharmed otherwise. The lone ODST pulled the Sword that had been stuck in the ground out, and took a slash at the Elite. It's shielding faded.
Now, with a weapon, the Helljumper could fight back. The Elite tried to pull the sword from Shadows grasp, but Shadow was able to bring the sword down on the Elites hands, completely amputating them, Blue blood spayed from the arms, in the place where the Elites hands used to be. And as the Elite screamed in pain, Shadow finished it off by thrusting the Energy Sword through the monster's chest.
Shadow was still aware of the countdown timer. It was now at 9:00 minutes until lift off. He could make it, if he was lucky. He ran for the Banshee, and flew it off the Covenant Factory, hoping that he could make it away from the explosion that would soon be coming.
The warthogs were approaching the LZ, and the Pelican was in view. The Thetas rushed inside the Pelican, and Due and Fi asked the pilot to sit in the back, as they wanted to take this pelican for a spin. Due sat in the Pilot Seat, and FI hopped in the Co-pilot seat. They began to take off, and were heading out into orbit, where they could board one of the final frigates off the planet, before it was glassed.
"Scorch, blow the Factory, now," Sev ordered.
"What if he's still down there. I'm supposed to be happy to see the explosions. But I don't want to be the one who kills Shadow."
"Scorch, we heard him die."
Scorch let out a sigh. A sign of him letting Sev win the argument. "FENRIS warheads set to blow in Five....Four....Three....Two....One...."
The factory set off a massive explosion. The Covenant ships that had been being refueled were also caught in the explosion. Nearly 5 Covenant ships were killed thanks to the Thetas.
They had completed their mission successfully, but none of them were celebrating. As Scorch looked through the back of the Pelican, and the hatch began to close, signifying the ship going into orbit. He whispered the phrase, "Ret'urcye mhi, vod'ika" - (Translates to: Good Bye, Brother)