The Crow Caws at Dawn
Erin 'Venam glanced over his work, wrapping the Marine's wound as securely as he could with the time that he had. There was little time and yet so many men to attend. There was another one coming behind him, being carried on a stretcher by Spec Ops Commander Shri 'Canthon and her second in command Ysoa 'Argam. The two set the wounded Marine down. Already the medic who attended him placed a hastily wrapped bandage over his eye.
"Two more await outside," said Shri. "This one's got shrapnel in his eye."
"And this one needs to be opened up," Erin sighed. "He's got more metal in him than a Warthog jeep. A Jiralhanae grabbed hold of a shotgun and started using it on him."
"Those horrid creatures," Shri snarled as she set the wounded man down. "They kill our kind in the act of genocide by the order of that bastard Truth just like what we did to the humans. Now, we both die because of that bastard and his lies. Ironic that we call him the Prophet of Truth when he spills out nothing more than lies."
"I know," Erin sighed. "I'm sick of this war."
"A Sangheili warrior sick of war…" began Ysoa. "It's unheard of, Excellency."
"I'm no warrior!" Erin cried. "I'm a doctor. I heal people, I save lives, not take them away." He turned away. "I was drafted, you know—drafted into the service. I wear the armor of a Zealot only because—Telek promoted me—because he felt that with me in charge—there would be less losses on his ship. My hands were made to help, not harm. I'm not even an aristocrat, I don't know how to wield a sword—at least not with the skill that you, Shri, or Telek possesses."
"Sorry, Excellency," Ysoa dipped his head.
"Erin," began Shri, kneeling down. "I know, I miss him too."
"I just hope he's alright," Erin sighed. "I hope he's getting the fleet he wanted. We need the help. We're running out of time—humanity, the Sangheili—the whole galaxy—is running out of time."
"Telek will make it," Shri smiled slightly. "I know it. He has to."
"He better," called a voice that shocked Shri into standing. She turned around to see Sergeant Johnson walking in. He popped a cigar into his mouth. "Or else I'm gonna go there and drag his drunken ass back here myself."
Shri laughed: "And I suppose you'd drag the whole Sangheili armada with you too?"
"The squids are in this as much as we are, Shri," Johnson said. "Or else you wouldn't be here. And if I have to hold each and everyone of them split-lips at gun point to get them to come here, I'll do it."
"Telek will make it," said Erin. "So, we wouldn't have to worry about you diving into space after him."
"Hah!" Johnson snorted. "Shri, Ysoa, the Commander wants you two to join her at the command room. We're placing a call to Lord Hood."
"We're coming," Shri nodded. "Will you be fine here, Erin?"
"I will," nodded the Sangheili medical officer. "I've got skilled surgeons here. I'll be fine."
"Don't take too long," said Johnson. "We may need to move in a hurry."
"I'll be fine," Erin winked as he turned his head back to his work. "Doctor Gabrelovic, I need your help here."
"Okay," called the human, female surgeon.
"Come on, Ysoa," Shri sighed. "He can handle things here."
"Yes, Excellency," he nodded.
As they made their way, they were finally joined with Otto 'Gamam—the Arbiter, and the Master Chief, who walked along side Commander Miranda Keyes. It was hard to believe that nearly a few weeks ago, they were traveling together on Shipmaster Wago 'Tawun's ship the assault carrier Regret and Reconciliation. And they were followed by the Covenant Loyalists. Now as they went and hide, Wago joined Cujo, Mitsu, and Tulsa in assisting the human ships in defending their world from the Covenant onslaught. Shri gave a respectful nod to the Arbiter who returned it with a slight dip of his head. They passed several guards coming towards the command room deep inside the cave.
"The Prophet of Truth's ships breached the Lunar Perimeter," said Miranda. "Smashed what was left of the Home Fleet. Only a few of the captured Covenant ships that Telek has given us made any true damage. Shipmaster Cujo 'Mentatal is leading those ships now."
"What of Shipmaster Wago 'Tawun?" Shri asked.
"Behind Cujo," said Miranda. "Last we heard."
"We need the strength," said Otto. "And Wago is one of the strongest. A natural born leader."
"Terrestrial casualties from the subsequent bombardment were..." began Miranda as another stretcher passed. "Extreme."
"Another one for the Doc…" Ysoa sighed.
"Truth could've landed anywhere, but he committed all his forces here," Miranda continued. "East Africa, The ruins of New Mombasa. Then, they started digging."
"What about Halo?" the Chief asked.
"We stopped it, but only temporarily," Commander Keyes replied. "Now, the Prophet of Truth is looking for something called 'The Ark', where he'll be able to fire all the Halo Rings. If he succeeds, Humanity, The Covenant, every sentient being in the Galaxy..."
"The Rings will kill us all," the Chief rumbled.
"Here's hoping Telek can pull off one more miracle," breathed Shri.
"He will," the Arbiter said. "He's my student." Otto turned back to the Master Chief and Shri and Ysoa and Miranda. "And I wasn't a bad teacher. Everything he learned, everything he's used to help you get an edge on this war—I taught him. It's no wonder he was able to outsmart every Covenant soldier he came upon. He'll come and he'll bring the great fleet of Sangheilos behind him."
"What's left of it," Shri whispered quietly to Johnson.
"I heard that, Commander," Otto said.
"Forgive me, Excellency," said Shri. "But word travels fast about the combined fleet of Righteous Purpose being destroyed—by accident."
"NOVA bomb," said Ysoa. "A communicate was sent stating that they found some remains of the Reach attack. Vice-Admiral Vince Witcom left his mark, making them pay for blowing up the shipyard world. One of the Covenant worlds—a Sangheili-controlled world—that housed the fleet and the Imperial Admiral Xytan Jar 'Wattinr—was destroyed. Some survived. We don't know if the Imperial Admiral was one of them. Here's hoping he would."
"My fleet—Particular Justice…" began the Arbiter. "Was responsible for the destruction of your Reach. I believe—one of your sayings from your ancient scriptures state 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'. We destroyed your planet and any means for you to build a fleet and you destroy our planet and a considerable chunk of our fleet." He took in a breath. "We were under the orders from our Prophets to do so—the very same Prophets that lied to us—and now will our deaths."
"What do you mean that you hope this Imperial Admiral survived?" Miranda asked.
"Xytan was the only other Sangheili of high rank besides Telek who believed the Prophets were false," said Otto. "If he would have been there when Telek was sentenced, I assure you, this war would look very different than it does now. Our revolution against the Prophets would have happened much sooner. If Xytan lived and Telek has met up with him, then Telek would have a better chance at convincing the Council into aiding us."
When they entered the command room, the image of Cujo, Mitsu, Tulsa, and Wago were on the screens.
"Shipmaster Cujo," began Miranda.
"Trying to establish a stable connection to Lord Hood, Miranda," began Cujo. "It'll just take one more second. I'm afraid my ship got a bit scraped in the scuffle."
"I hope you're making repairs," Miranda said.
"We'll manage," Cujo chuckled. "I've been in worse situations than this. We've got the heavy guns from our new recruit. To bad he can't cloak."
"So sorry," Wago snorted. "The Covenant stopped the cloaking program a few years back before my ship was even built."
"Keep whining about it, rookie," snorted Mitsu. "Just get over the fact our ships are cooler than yours."
"Hey, guys!" Tulsa called. "Just because Telek isn't here doesn't mean we can start our little bickering."
"Ma'am," began a technician. "We've got a connection."
"There you go," said Cujo. "Lord Hood is on line."
"Patch him through," said Miranda.
"Good news, Commander?" asked Hood as his face came on the screen beside Cujo's.
"As good as it gets, sir," Miranda replied, moving out of the way so that Hood could see the Chief.
"So, I see," Lord Hood grinned slightly. "What's your status, son?"
"Green, sir," the Chief replied.
"Glad to hear it," said Hood. "The Commander's come up with a good plan. But without you, I wasn't sure we could pull it off."
"Truth's ships are clustered above the excavation site," said Miranda as another image appeared on the screens. "And his infantry has deployed Anti-Aircraft Batteries around the perimeter. But, if we neutralize one of the batteries, punch a hole in Truth's defenses…"
"We'll help with that," said Cujo.
"I'll initiate a low-level strike," said Hood. "Hit 'em right where it hurts. I only have a handful of ships, Master Chief. It's a big risk. But I'm confident…"
Just as Hood was about to finish his statement, the lights went dark and the screen showed nothing more than static snow. Everyone glanced around the base.
"Ah Hell!" cried the technician. "Not again."
"Emergency generators!" called Keyes. "Now…"
"Shielding failed," informed the technician. "They're down and charging."
"As soon as they're up, reestablish contact with Lord Hood," said Miranda. "Let him know that…"
Then, the screens flashed on and the Prophet of Truth's face appeared on them. Shri glanced back and heard Ysoa growl. Otto clacked his mandibles, his hazel eyes narrowing.
"You are, all of you, vermin," Truth called. "Cowering in the dirt, thinking...what, I wonder? That you might escape the coming fire? No! Your world will burn until its surface is but glass! And not even your Demon will live to creep, blackened, from its hole to mar the reflection of our passage; the culmination of our Journey. For your destruction is the will of the gods! And I? I AM their instrument!"
Then, with that, his image faded away. Soon, the lights came back on in the base and the screens flashed back on with Cujo, Mitsu, Tulsa, and Wago's images.
"Cocky bastard," growled Johnson. "Just loves to run his mouth…"
"Yup," Shri nodded.
"Does he usually mention me?" asked the Chief.
"What the hell was that?" Cujo asked.
"Truth," said Wago.
"Did you get that message, Shipmaster Cujo?" asked Miranda.
"Loud and clear," Cujo called. "I've got contacts moving into your position. Commander, I'd suggest you bug-out while you can."
"We'll do all we can here," said Mitsu. "I'm currently sending out Phantoms to give aid as we speak."
"I've got my Seraphs in route," said Tulsa. "But, they are not many. Most of my Seraphs have been damaged in the last battle. We haven't had the time to repair them."
"I've still have some operable vehicles I can loan for the evacuation, Commander," said Wago.
"Well, at least the rookie is useful," Cujo sighed. "Miranda, get the hell outta there as fast as you can. We'll assist Lord Hood on the defense."
"Right," said Miranda as the four Sangheili Shipmasters' faces disappeared. "Give the order. We're closing shop."
"All personnel," began the technician. "Defense code Alpha."
She turned back to the Chief and the Arbiter.
"The wounded," Miranda said. "We're getting them all out."
"Prepare for immediate evacuation," called the technician.
"Even if I have to carry 'em myself," said Johnson.
"Yes, Excellency," said Shri. "Ysoa, round up the other Spec Ops and assist in the evacuation. Go find Erin and tell him we're moving out."
"Yes, Excellency," Ysoa nodded. Then, he dipped his head to Otto who returned the gesture. Soon, Ysoa dashed off, fidgeting with his plasma rifle, making himself ready for battle. Shri turned back to the Arbiter.
"You may need my assistance and my sword, Arbiter," she said.
"Your sword will be all that I need, Commander," said Otto. "Mine has lost its energy. Your warriors need you to lead them."
"Yes, Excellency," Shri sighed as she handed him her sword emitter. "Miranda, I'll see you up top, then."
"Good luck, Commander 'Canthon," Miranda nodded. Then, Shri vanished, activating her cloaking mechanism on her white armor.
"Ma'am, squad leaders are requesting a rally point," said the technician. "Where should they go?"
"To war," she replied as she drew her pistol.
The Chief just stood in silence, his feet becoming itchy and his mind set in for the battle to come.
"We just lost the Perimeter Cameras," said the technician.
"Motion Trackers?" asked Miranda.
"They're down or we're not receiving," he replied. "Can't tell."
"Any of our birds squawking?" she asked.
"No ma'am," replied another technician. "Wait, Overwatch has contacts. Phantoms! Closing in on our position. And they are not from Shipmaster Mitsu's ship. They don't bare the Jolly Roger."
"Any birds less than 5 minutes out, bring them in," said Miranda. "Tell everything else to scatter."
"Aye, aye," the technician nodded.
"Who would've thought we'd have this many wounded?" asked one technician.
"Pelicans are gonna take extra time to load," said another technician.
"We knew they'd find us eventually," said Miranda. "But we have a plan, let's make it happen."
"Commander," called Cujo's voice over the intercom. "Don't worry about overloading your Pelicans. I've sent some Phantoms out to help cart the wounded."
"Thank you, Shipmaster," Miranda said. "But I thought you were assisting Lord Hood."
"The others are," said Cujo. "But I wanna make sure you make it out. Call it an obligation and an order from an old friend and superior."
"Telek…" Miranda breathed. "Thank you, Cujo."
"No problem," Cujo said.
"Chief, move out," said Johnson, facing the two. "You too, Arbiter. The Commander will brief you as you go. Don't worry about the Commander, Chief. I got her. But the Marines downstairs could use your help."
"Right," the Chief nodded. He and Otto hurried out and down the stairs from the command room. Two Marines waited for them.
"Follow me, sir," said one of the Marines.
"Perimeter's this way," said the other. Otto glanced around, taking notice of the ancient architecture of this underground base. Concrete was everywhere, covered in mold and dripping water through the cracks. He could smell that the air was a bit rancid and musky from the long years of little to no air flow. He followed swiftly behind the Master Chief, who at one time he believed was a demon and his enemy. Master Chief John-117 was no demon, and as Telek also stated, was not his enemy either. Ever since Otto found the truth that Telek had so long wanted to believe in, the Arbiter realized who his enemy was. It was Truth. Telek was right. Otto clacked his mandibles and continued to follow the Chief and the two Marines down the hall. Another Marine joined them.
"Come on sir," she said. "I'll show you the way."
Otto, as he ran, still continued to look around at his surroundings. Everything was so alien to him. One of the Marines noticed that he was still eyeing the walls. As they paused to stock up on weapons, Otto stared at one of the doors.
"This base was built for some 20th Century war," he said. "It's full of old tech, like these door controls."
He pointed to the controls on the door and pushed them to open the door up for the Chief and the Arbiter.
"So, your planet has had many wars prior to meeting the Covenant?" Otto asked.
"Before we met the Covenant, we were at war with ourselves," said the female Marine.
"I see," the Arbiter nodded slightly.
As the door opened, they heard the sounds of Marines hustling about the corridors that lead to a giant cave in efforts to protect the Command Room.
"Get those turrets up," called the voice of Sergeant Stacker. "You watch your fields of fire."
Otto glanced up at the other Marines who were setting up a perimeter.
"How'd they find us?" asked a Marine.
"Probably just smelled you man," snorted another who was setting up a turret.
"Hey bite me," growled the first. "I'm sick of hiding anyways."
"Quiet," growled Stacker. "Cut the chatter."
"What is it, Sergeant?" asked the second Marine.
"The calm before the storm," Stacker whispered.
Otto and the Chief walked up behind him. Otto pulled out the assault rifle he grabbed earlier and released the safety. Though to him it was very primitive, it was however the only weapon the humans could provide him besides the sword Shri gave him earlier. He quickly glanced up as he heard the sound of the cave shaking all around him. The Chief glanced slightly over to the Arbiter, and then back to the opening of the cave itself. Then, Otto growled.
"Point of entry, best assessment?" asked Stacker.
"The Hangar, Sergeant," replied one of the Marines.
"Agreed. Chief, Arbiter," he nodded. "Get there."
"After you, Spartan," Otto rumbled.
They ran off following two different Marines.
"We're with you, Chief," said one of the Marines that joined them.
"Yeah," called the other. "Get some!"
As they traveled down through the level, Commander Miranda Keyes' voice called out through the comlink.
"Master Chief?" she called. "Good, this channel is secure. My fire-teams are spread thin. We can't hold out forever. I need that hangar cleared for evac, ASAP!"
When they finally came to the hangar they found several Brutes battling it out with UNSC Marines. A Warthog leapt out, a Marine at the turret firing the gauss gun at the enemy as the other Marine at the passenger seat pelting several Grunts and Brute forces with his assault rifle.
"Those Brutes secure the hangar, we won't be able to get our birds out," called the Marine.
The Chief and the Arbiter leapt out from the higher balcony and engaged the enemy, unloading their weapons. Otto spied one Brute who charged for him and he let loose a deep growl. He put away his assault rifle and swung it on his back. Igniting his plasma sword, Otto roared and charged for the Jiralhanae. The Brute fired its Spiker at him, the hot spikes impacting onto his shields. He lunged forward and swung his sword. The Brute dodged him and swung at him with the blade at the tip of the Spiker. Just as the Brute made his move, Otto dodged and impaled the hairy creature, cleaving the monster up the middle. Otto shut off his sword and prepared to get out the assault rifle again, until he heard another bellow from another Brute behind him. Otto leaned slightly out of the way as a gravity hammer swung past his head. Just a little ways away from him, the Chief looked up. He ran for the Brute Chieftain that was about to swing again and kill Otto with a smash of his hammer. Then, a flash of light happened and the Chieftain paused, its blood spilling out from its stomach. Otto had his un-ignited sword in his hand, breathing heavily. The body of the Jiralhanae pealed away, falling to the stony floor. The Chief paused, staring again with bewilderment. He had seen a move very similar to that once before—by Admiral Telek 'Heros back on Halo 04. Otto glanced back, noticing that the Spartan recognized the move.
"One other Sangheili swordsman knows that move," he said. "Telek 'Heros. You've seen him do that, Spartan?"
"I did," John replied. "Once."
"I am his teacher," Otto said. "In more ways than one."
"I can tell," said the Chief. In some ways, having the Arbiter around felt a bit more comfortable to him. This was Telek's teacher, and his friend. Though at one time, Otto 'Gamam betrayed Telek, the Chief had a feeling that since Otto believed in the truth, he was trying hard to make it up to the Admiral.
"Come," said the Arbiter. "There are Jiralhanae to kill."
John could not help but to agree with that. After a while, they managed to clear the hangar and the first Pelican launched. The Chief and the Arbiter continued to push on forward. They traveled down to the end of the corridor to a single Marine knocking on the door.
"Hey, open up!" called the Marine.
"Password," said the voice behind the door.
The Marine knocked: "What?"
"Need the password!" called the voice.
"You gotta be kidding me!" the Marine sighed. "What password?"
"Password!" the voice shouted. "They gave it out at the staff meeting fifteen minutes ago!"
"Meeting?" the Marine asked. "What meeting?! I was out here!"
"Not supposed to let anyone in without it," said the voice.
"If the staff meeting just ended, no one outside is gonna know the freakin' password!" the Marine banged on the door again. "Now open up! We need ammo and the Chief is out here!"
A small pause and the voice returned again: "Does he know the password?"
"He wasn't at the meeting either!" the Marine shouted angrily and banged again.
The door would still not open and the Marine continued to knock on the door. The Arbiter sighed and glanced back at the Chief.
"Come," he said. "There's not much we can do here. Let's be off."
They followed along the narrow corridors and caught up to the Marines who fired upon the Covenant invading the next hangar.
"Wipe those bastards off the deck!" called one of the Marines.
"Gladly," said Otto who mounted himself onto a machine gun turret. "I'll clear the way, Spartan. You take out the stragglers."
"Right," the Chief said as he leapt down from the rafters. He chased after the Jackals who hid below the grate and ducked behind their shields. Otto fired upon the Brutes who leapt upon the Marines and picked them off one after one.
"Phantoms inbound!" called a Marine just as a Phantom lowered down, dropping off more Covenant troops.
"Hang on, one of those Phantoms is on your side," called another voice. "We'll blow that Covenant drop ship to the inferno!"
That voice was Shri 'Canthon. The Chief poked his head out and watched as a metallic green-colored Phantom faded from invisibility descended down where the purple Phantom was and fired upon it. The Covenant Phantom exploded, clearing the hangar for the green, Separatist Phantom to descend down. It fired again, killing the rest of the Covenant troops, then it opened its underbelly—revealing the grav-lift under it.
"Okay, all clear," said Shri. "Marines, evac the wounded."
"Yes, ma'am!" called one of the Marines. They all followed up into the grav lift, wounded and all.
"Though Wago's ship does not cloak," said Otto when he noticed the again bewildered stance of the Chief. "He carried on his ship some of our latest designs in Covenant technology. We Sangheili managed to make off with most of them. That green Phantom that can cloak was one example of the new technology."
As soon as the wounded got on board, the Phantom lifted off, disappearing back into invisibility.
"Chief, Arbiter, Ops Center," called Johnson over the comlink. "Double time! The Brutes are pressing hard."
"I'm sending more Phantoms to help in the evac, Arbiter," said Shipmaster Wago 'Tawun over the comlink. "Commander Keyes asked me to. Watch your back."
"I will, Shipmaster," said Otto.
They returned to the corridor and paused for a moment when they heard the sound of wings rustling up in the shaft and in through the ventilation pipes.
"Hey," whispered a Marine. "You hear that?"
"Yeah," replied the other. "And I don't like it."
A drone leapt out of the pipes and made a swat for the Chief. He ducked back and sprayed his bullets from the assault rifle, clipping the wings of the creature. The Arbiter then sliced his sword out and cleaved the Drone in half.
"Attention," called Miranda Keyes. "Hostiles reported outside the barracks."
The Chief glanced back to the Arbiter who nodded his head. Then, both of them darted back towards the Ops Center. It was also on the way to the barracks.
"Barracks are under attack!" called Miranda. "All available combat teams, respond!"
Then, the comlink fell silent as the buzzing noises grew louder. The Chief cocked his gun again as they darted through the hallways.
"Anyone in the barracks, I need a SitRep," called Miranda. "Now!"
John and Otto pulled in and paused the moment they made it back to the Ops Center. They saw the Marines defending the cave opening that lead into it.
"Sir," called one of the Marines. "This way."
Then the pipe opened up and a horde of Drones spilled out from it. The Marine talking to the Chief was suddenly snatched up in the clutches of the enemy alien and hoisted a hundred feet into the air. Otto and the Chief opened up and fired upon the Drones who screeched and wailed at the pain of the bullet spray.
"Look!" called a female Marine. "Coming outta the vents."
Otto came out from behind the chicken wire fence and sprayed his bullets upon the enemy. One by one, the Drones fell from the sky. The Drone with the human in its claws dropped the Marine. He fell to his death. More Drones screeched and sprayed their Needlers towards the defending Marines. Pink explosions lit up the dark cave and bodies flew from behind the crates.
"LINE 'EM UP!" cried one of the Marines. "LINE 'EM UP!"
"What the hell are these things, Sergeant!?" cried one of the other Marines that was ducked behind a beam.
"Drones!" replied Sergeant Stacker. "A whole swarm! Take 'em down!! Short, controlled bursts."
"Sir!" the Marine replied.
The Chief glanced over and spied a machine gun turret with a dead Marine hanging over it. He rushed over and pushed the body aside, mounting himself on the turret. With one jerk, he ripped it off its riggings and glanced up, spraying its bullets over the swarm of Drones flying above. With that, he managed to clear the cave of them. All that was left were the bodies of the Drones and various Marines littering the stone floor.
"Come, Spartan," said Otto. "To the Ops Center."
As soon as they came to the Ops Center, they found Johnson and the technicians trying to set up a bomb. Miranda Keyes was on board the Divine Journey—the destroyer Shipmaster Cujo commanded. Cujo was not kidding when he wanted to make sure that Miranda was safe. He even insisted that she would be on his ship until he felt it was safe for her to return to her own. He knew that Telek would be furious if he found out that something had happened to Miranda while under Cujo's watch. Shipmaster Cujo 'Mentatal was standing beside her on the main view screen, shoulders back, eyes forward and glistening like two garnet gems. He possessed the new armor that Wago had supplied all the Sangheili that were stationed on Earth. His golden armor glowed brightly in the ambient lighting in the bridge of his ship.
"If I hook up a timer, it might just blow up by itself," said the technician.
"Johnson," began Miranda through the main screen.
"Hmm?" asked Johnson, puffing generously on his cigar.
"You might wanna put that out," she continued.
Cujo chuckled as Sergeant Johnson spat out his cigar and stepped on it.
"Arming explosives and smoking a cigar," began Cujo. "Not the best thing to do."
"Quiet, Cujo," snorted Johnson. "You're just as bad as the Squid."
"Chief, have a look," began Miranda. The Chief and the Arbiter moved a little closer. "A little going away gift for the Covenant. We've linked it to smaller charges throughout the base. Johnson, soon as the evacuation is complete, start the timer."
"Understood," said Johnson.
Then, the screen switched off.
"Chief, Arbiter," said Johnson. "Follow me."
They followed the Sergeant down to an armory locker where a Marine was guarding. Johnson grabbed a shotgun and loaded it. Otto also loaded his assault rifle and the Chief switched weapons, pulling a shotgun as well. He threw the assault rifle onto his back. Then, they went down stairs again, heading for the barracks.
"Brutes have taken the Barracks," informed Johnson. "Marines are trapped inside. Those apes ain't much for mercy, Chief. We both know what they do to prisoners."
"Then let's hope we can save what we can," said Otto.
"Get to the Barracks, save those men," said Johnson as he paused to allow the two to move ahead. "Then escort them to the Landing Pad for evac."
As the two pushed on through down to the Motor Pool, the Chief spied a large Brute pack. There, a Brute Chieftain with a Gravity Hammer. He gathered his pack around him.
"A fresh scent," he whispered. "Must be close. Spread out! Track it down!"
Filthy beasts, thought Otto. You will all pay for this treachery.
Then, the Jiralhanae dispersed and turned around. The Chief made lunge, pulling out his shotgun and shot the first Brute in the face. Otto growled, spying the Chieftain who was reaching for his shield activator.
"No, not this time," Otto growled, remembering how strong Brute shields were. He dropped his assault rifle and reached for a sniper rifle that was lying beside a dead Marine. Lifting it up and activating the scope, the Arbiter aimed for the head of the Chieftain and fired the gun. The bullet was true and the Chieftain fell backwards.
"The Arbiter has killed our leader!" cried one of the Brutes. "After him!"
Otto growled again and quickly activated his sword when he sensed a Brute behind him. Before the Jiralhanae could attack, he was instantly sliced in half by the Arbiter's sword. He glanced up, noticing that the Chief had taken care of the rest of the Brute pack. The two then leapt down a pipe shaft into a chamber of air ducts. Drones fluttered and crept through the various pipes. One of them leapt out of the pipe and the Chief smashed the butt of his gun into its head. He glanced up, noticing that the Arbiter was handling a few Drones himself. They were climbing onto his back.
"Half-wit insects!" Otto growled. "The Prophets use you like they used me! Reject their lies! Rebel, or all your hives will perish."
They did not listen to him, only screeched and fired upon him. Otto caught himself for a moment and realized who he started to sound like. Telek. He sighed again and fired upon them until their bodies fell from the walls.
"Spartan, the Brutes have taken your soldiers, as prisoners or meat for their bellies, I do not know," he began. "Let us be careful."
The Chief nodded as he and the Arbiter headed down another corridor. They went through the door and found a Marine being thrown against a pillar. The two rushed into the barracks and the Chief leaned down to the fallen Marine.
"He's dead," said Otto. "But look, there's another."
They glanced up and saw a Brute holding up a Marine by the neck.
"No, no, please!" the Marine begged.
"Look, it has soiled itself!" the Brute chuckled. "These are whelps, not warriors!"
The Chief pulled out his shot gun and rushed the Brute, firing upon him. The creature fell, dropping the Marine.
"Thanks, Chief," he said as he rushed for a weapon. Rushing through, they attempted at saving every last Marine as they could. Otto rushed a Brute Chieftain wielding a gravity hammer and cut him down swiftly. Then, he picked up the gravity hammer and turned it on. Several Brutes rushed him and he swung the hammer, sending them flying off to their deaths. Otto's mind snapped back for a moment to a time on Epsilon Halo where Telek was wielding Tartarus' Fist of Rukt. Though Otto had won the famous gravity hammer for himself, he turned it over to Telek who took it on his ship when they departed for Sangheilos. Otto allowed his mind to mimic the movements that Telek used when he wielded Rukt in his hands. As if an image of the renegade pirate appeared beside him to guide his movements, Otto began to move in sync with Telek. Swinging the hammer expertly along with the movements of Telek, Otto gracefully flung away the enemy from him. He leapt upon the wall and flipped backwards over an attacking Brute and butterfly kicked him in the head, sending him crashing into several crates. The floor was soon littered with the bodies of Brutes. Otto glanced back, seeing the mental image of Telek that he created wink at him. Then, the image faded away as the Chief walked up to him.
Thank you, old friend, Otto smiled as he tossed the hammer away, noticing it was now out of power.
"Nice work," said the Chief.
"Thank you," said the Arbiter. "Sometimes the teacher becomes the student."
Though the Chief did not know exactly what Otto meant, he had the strangest feeling the Arbiter was referring to Admiral Telek 'Heros in some way. They glanced around and found only a handful of Marines still alive after the battle. Otto gave a nod and turned back to the Chief.
"We did all we could," he told the Spartan. "Let us move the survivors to the landing pad. There is a lift outside."
"Right," the Chief nodded. The two soldiers followed by their Marine comrades rushed towards the elevator lift in the following cave. Then, they mounted upon it as the Chief pressed the button to activate it. Just as they lifted up higher into the air, situations became worse.
"Commander, we lost the Ops Center," called Johnson through the comlink. "Brutes attacked in force. Couldn't hold them off. We falling back to the hangar. But don't wait for us."
"What should I do, ma'am?" asked the pilot known as Hocus.
"Hold position!" called Miranda from Cujo's ship. "I'm not leaving without him."
As they came out of the elevator up to the flight deck, they noticed the Pelican Kilo 23 suddenly become attacked by Brutes on gravity jet packs.
"Ma'am, I've got movement," began Hocus. "Above and below. Brutes. They got jump-packs."
"That's another bit of our technology they're using against us!" Otto bellowed. "I'll make them pay!"
"They're going after the thrusters," called Miranda. "Shake them off, Lieutenant!"
"Yes, ma'am," said Hocus.
Then, the Pelican finally launched up, shaking loose the Brutes and making it out of the skylight above. It swiftly banked and left the base. The Brutes glanced down and saw the Arbiter and the Chief. Diving, they fired their Spiker guns at the two.
"Die, Demon!" cried one.
"You will pay for your heresy, Arbiter!" called another.
"It was never heresy that I do what I do!" called the Arbiter. "It was the lies of the Prophets that make you do what you do! I know now that Telek had been right all along!"
He flipped over and dodged the spikes and whipped out his assault rifle. Taking out one of the Brute's packs, he caused the creature to fall onto the landing pad. The Brute lifted up and shook his head. He heard the clash sound of an energy sword igniting and a flash of blue-white filled his vision. As the light faded away, he glanced up to see the Arbiter standing there, with his sword emitter turned off. Otto 'Gamam glanced back and smirked as the Jiralhanae's body split apart, pealing away onto the floor.
"Telek had been right all along," he whispered. "And this is my duty to repay for the damages I've done to him."
He glanced up again and saw the Chief finishing off the rest of the Brutes along with the Marines who took out a few Jackals. The Chief glanced back and Otto gave a nod again. John picked up what Otto had said about his penance to Telek for being on the wrong side for so long.
"I'm sure he'd be happy with what you're doing," said the Chief.
"I figured as much," said Otto. "I just hope he'd come to your world soon. There's only so much a handful of Sangheili can do to help your species."
They glanced up again and heard the sounds of rustling gossamer wings. Then, the whole launch bay filled with the swarms of Drones clinging to the walls and blocking the light from the skylight. Someone jumped out from the shadows and landed in front of the Chief and the Arbiter. It was Sergeant Avery Johnson. He was followed by a few of Shri's black-armored Spec Ops Elites and some Marines.
"Drones!" he called. "Go! I'll cover you."
Both the Chief and the Arbiter nodded and ran up the rocks. Johnson and his Marines and Sangheili fired upon the Drones, picking them off the walls and from the sky. A few Spec Ops Elites carrying gravity jet packs of their own took to the skies and fired upon the flying Drones. Then, as soon as the launch bay was cleared, Johnson and his Marines and Elites followed the Chief and the Arbiter. They cleared the last bit of the enemies attacking the launch bay where Kilo 23 landed again.
"Commander Shri has boarded the last of the wounded on her Phantom, Sergeant," informed a black-armored Elite.
"Good," said Johnson. "She's more useful than that lazy Squid."
The Elite could not help but to chuckle slightly, knowing that Johnson was referring to Telek. The Marines and the remaining Elites boarded the Pelican.
"Brutes," said Johnson as he approached the Chief. "In the Ops Center. They disarmed the bomb. Sorry Commander, there were too many. Even for me."
"Arbiter," began Cujo over the comlink. "I need you on that Pelican. I need your assistance to help out on the ground forces in Voi."
"I'll be there," said Otto. "I must go, Spartan. But I know you don't really need my help. After assisting Telek 'Heros in blowing up my fleet, my help isn't what you need."
"Your help is appreciated, though," said the Chief.
"I must assist your people in defending the rest of Voi," said Arbiter. "We will meet again. And remember, watch your back."
"Chief, get back to the Ops Center," said Miranda over the comlink. "Kill those Brutes. I've gotta get these men outta here. But I'll radio with another exit. Good luck."
With that, the Arbiter boarded the Pelican along with Sergeant Johnson as the Chief turned back towards the Ops Center where the bomb was. Otto felt a few Gs pull on him as the Pelican lifted off, leaving the underground base. He glanced back at Johnson, who glanced up at him.
"You think Telek can bring back that fleet he promised on Halo?" Johnson asked.
"I hope so," said Otto. "I really do. But the Council isn't easy to convince."
"He better learn how to do some ass-kissin' and some sweet-talkin' then," the Sergeant sighed. "Or we're all screwed."
"If he has Xytan on his side, it'll go much easier," said Otto. "I just hope Xytan survived."
"Squiddy," began Johnson as he glanced down at his feet. "You better pull through, or I'm gonna kick your ass."