Not a lot of action in this chapter. More of a teaser of what's going to happen.
Dusk fell upon the city of Berlin. Nestled in the center of the Unified German Republic, the historic place still showed its relics that told countless stories all the way back to the twentieth century. On the outskirts lay a jet black building that was thirty stories tall and quite wide. From a bird's eye view, it had three spokes, all forming lines to look like the compound had been split into thirds. A large pole stood in the center, connected by cables at the end of the spokes.
The building was accessible to anybody, but only a few knew its true purpose.
It was the location of the Office of Naval Intelligence European Headquarters. Featuring a bunker to survive Covenant glassings and enough survival equipment for the facility's seven hundred and fifty personnel to survive for nine months, it was one of the five most important Office sites on Earth.
On the thirtieth floor, Brigadier General Emmett Michaelson had been placing papers in his briefcase to be ready to head home. Short in height, but intimidating and with an aura of authority, he was the director of the Office's European tasks.
Born on the tourist colony of Arcadia, Michaelson had enlisted in the UNSC Marine Corps the day after hearing the Harvest annihilation. After twenty years, two promotions and four battles with the Covenant, Michaelson was recommended for ONI by Rear Admiral Rich. Although initially reluctant to accept, due to his newly formed family at the time, Michaelson knew that he did not want to return to his two children and wife in a body bag. The recipient of the Bronze Star, Red Legion of Honor and two Purple Hearts, Michaelson was known through the Berlin office as a go-getter and someone who wasn't kept from a field task because of his desk job.
"Mr. Michaelson," His secretary, a pretty blonde haired woman stuck her head inside his office. "You may want to check your messages. I've already gotten several calls from FLEETCOM insisting that you read something they sent you."
He nodded, looking at the photograph of his wife and two kids. "Thank you Mackenzie, I'll look into it."
She turned away, shutting the door. Michaelson sighed, eager to head home and pulled open his message box. Sure enough, there was a top priority message from FLEETCOM. He opened the file and read intently.
To: Emmett P. Michaelson, ONI European Director
From: Duncan N. Wells, Admiral FLEETCOM EXECUTIVE
Date sent: May 20, 2558
It's been too long Emmett, perhaps more than six years since we've seen each other. I'd love to catch up on good old times whenever possible for you.
Pleasantries aside, I have received very disturbing news.
Yesterday at 1457 hours, deep within Covenant controlled territory on Requiem, Spartan IV fireteam Crimson neutralized high value target Jul 'Mdama. 'Mdama and his Storm army are responsible for nearly all casualties humanity has suffered on Requiem since its discovery. Shortly afterwards, Infinity eavesdroppers intercepted a broadcast from an outpost nearby. The transmission is about a new superweapon that was recently discovered while downloading data from their controlled archives.
Captain Thomas J. Lasky of the Infinity believes that the Covenant presence on Requiem is not the group assigned to look for this superweapon. While many at FLEETCOM believe it is a fake to get us on alert for nothing, I personally believe that with the death of their most important figure, they'll do anything to make 'Mdama's death a fuel source for vengeance. Due to Infinity being permanently stationed around Requiem until the expiration of her tour and all UNSC available fleets elsewhere, I am forced to come to you with other solutions to help investigate what the Storm Covenant has up their sleeves.
All the best,
Duncan N. Wells
Admiral FLEETCOM EXECUTIVE
UNSC 6th Fleet Commander, ship UNSC Khe Sanh
Michaelson closed the file and sat back, closing his eyes and rubbing his palm against his face. The message might as well have told him that if he doesn't get a group together to stop Covenant rebels then everyone dies within the next twenty four hours.
The first assets that had come to his mind were Office agents. Always ready and about as prepared as they come, they were known for their lethality, persistence and hardness. It also drew criticism from several human rights activists about torture, which the Office was no stranger to using if the target refused to give up vital information. Plus, ONI agents weren't exactly ideal for dealing with mass groups of enemies, especially when they come in all shapes and sizes.
Michaelson reached into a classified file drawer and turned a switch at the end of his desk. Within seconds, the window providing a panorama of Berlin dimmed. While he was still allowed a magnificent view of the Brandenburg Gate, any possible prying eyes on the other side would be unable to see through his polarized window. Finding the proper papers, he told his secretary to activate security measures before beginning to read.
It was nearly midnight when he had finished reading the entire stack of papers. His secretary had already left, giving him the override key to arm the security in his office. Michaelson yawned before beginning his message. His day was over, but his agent's day was just beginning.
Thanks to an extended time off, I had enough time to write even more! It's not easy being four chapters ahead of what I've published so far! Hope all of you are enjoying this!
I may also be changing my username on here. Not sure just yet because my name is so long to type. (For the sake of other authors regarding me)
