Chapter 2

"I guess it was smart for us to find a planet we could set up a base on that the Covenant doesn't know about yet…" Master Chief sighed. "I still get a bad feeling from it, though."

"It doesn't matter. Maybe this will finally be where the Covenant takes a real big hit. My analysis indicates that the atmosphere is perfect for human life. And the scenery is beautiful. It'll be fine. Besides, it's necessary we get here before the Covenant does, and you know why." Corporal Howe told him.

"Okay…" This still sucks…we barely even know about this thing, or any of them. I doubt even the Covenant knows. And if it does…

"We're landing, Chief." Corporal Howe told him. Master Chief felt the Pelican slowing down. He then heard the loud boom that signified the Pelican's descent. They had landed.

"All right, we're finally here." Master Chief got out of the Pelican and walked outside. He looked up at the sky and marveled. "You were right, Howe. Beautiful yellow skies. The sand is burning red. Only problem is…water. How are we going to drink, damnit?" Howe shrugged. "I'll be surprised if we last very long here on Planet Rethion." He looked at the nine SPARTAN-IIs behind him. "Come on, men, we have a mission to carry out. Prepare for duty!"

Howe sent a transmission to all SPARTAN-IIs. "Review the mission. SPARTANS 332, 764 and 164 will follow SPARTAN-117to search the area, and the rest of us hold off any attackers, including Covenant if they arrive, and wait for supplies and support to build the base.

"Understood," All units replied. Master Chief then turned around. "Come on, boys, I'm not getting paid to stand here and wait for people to shoot us." He then heard blasts. It sounded like Plasma rifles. Was it the Covenant? He turned around to look at the SPARTANS to see that all the SPARTANS were dead on the floor. He was the only UNSC personnel left on the planet in under 30 seconds. He checked his shields, they had been hit but quickly recovered. He looked around to see what could have caused it. He eventually saw a dark figure standing by a cave. The dark figure then ducked into it. Master Chief decided to follow it, readying his MA5C Assault Rifle. When he got into the cave, he realized how hot and stuffy it was. "A planet with hot caves, huh? Well, this MJOLNIR wasn't built in a day." He walked briskly through the cave, his suit protecting him from the temperature.

NOTE: CHAPTERS GET LONGER FROM HERE.