Chapter 3
Reorganization
Now that everyone had become reacquainted, and were armed, they were ready to fight.
Kevin got an updated target on the comm.
"Alright, everyone, we got a Hunter squad pinned down 2 klicks south of here, in a box canyon. We have been called in to provide covering fire for them."
"What? What in the hell could pin down one Hunter, let alone a squad?" Kerry wondered.
"We're about to find out," remarked Nick, "Luckily we got Wraiths," referring to the lumpy, whale-like mortar tanks that had been dropped off.
Kerry turned to Ethan. "Only three Wraiths and you're the odd one out. Hope you're good with a turret."
About fifteen minutes later, they came in sight of the problem. A giant converted mining Scarab was terrorizing at least five Hunters. Of those five, three were injured and they were all hiding behind a rock.
"What the hell is a Scarab doing here!" Yelled Kerry, "Ethan, take the helm, I'm goin' in!"
Kerry jumped off the Wraith and bee lined straight for the Hunters. His FOF transponder identified the lead Hunter as Trevor Davis, another old friend. Getting the gang back together again, indeed.
He skidded to a halt next to Trevor, not an easy feat with his back-jointed legs, made even harder because of his leathery hooves.
Trevor turned to him, and in a deep alien baritone asked, "State your name and rank."
"First Lieutenant Voro Tuyokee, AKA Kerry Freeman, ONI Special Operations Command, Section III. I grew up in Brookings, too, sir."
Trevor sighed. "I know you're doing your job, and it's damn good to see you again, but why the Hell did they send an ONI spook to monitor us?"
Kerry thought for a second. "Well, I would assume it would have something to do with that rogue Scarab. What happened?"
Trevor opened his mouth, or rather made the motion to as he didn't have a mouth, just as he was about to speak, he saw Kevin.
"Captain, SIR!" he snapped of a salute, nearly knocking his own head off with his shield.
"At ease, Corporal. What were you about to say?"
"That Scarab was dropped in as support for us during an assault on an Insurrectionist base. About five minutes later, a Spirit full of Brutes landed on it and offloaded. After about fifteen minutes later, it turned on us." He thought for a second, "D'you think the Brutes had anything to do with it?"
Kerry answered bluntly, "Move those Wraiths up! Get all heavy weapons up on that thing but hold fire!"
"Belay that cease fire! Fire when you have a clear shot!" argued Kevin
Kerry rounded on him.
"With all due respect, I know I was assigned to your unit this op, Captain, and you have tactical command over normal ground engagements, but this is something Section III will need to be informed of, and is best handled by a representative of that branch. As First Lieutenant and primary ONI Special Operations Command Specialist, I hereby rescind your tactical command over this op and take up command myself. Now, go tell those Wraiths to cease fire!"
Kevin grumbled, and then asked, "How are you going to get up there?"
Kerry smiled. "Leave that to me."
"Trevor, are you ready?"
The Hunter shuddered. "As ready as I'll ever be!"
"Fire!"
The world turned upside-down. Kerry felt a rush of air, then a dull pain as he hit the deck of the Scarab. He picked himself up, and then headed into the main cabin. What he saw was mentally disturbing.
Elite and human carcasses littered the ground. There were about twelve Brutes, three of which were controlling the vehicle. The other nine were feasting off the dead ex-crewmen.
Kerry felt his gorge rise, then fall to be replaced by the need to avenge the dead crewmen's honor.
"Hey, bastards!" he yelled, throwing plasma grenades into the midst of them.
In the confined space, the explosion was catastrophic. What Brutes weren't killed by the force of the grenades died from the high heat yield from the ignited plasma. Only one ape survived the blast.
Kerry dragged him out of the cabin and threw him down to Trevor. He then jumped off himself.
Kevin went to question the poor ape.
"Why did you kill our crew?"
The Brute spat at him.
"I will never tell you, Human-Born. The High Chieftain Baccheaus forbids us from telling you our mission. Your destruction is the will of the gods, and we are their instrument. The Covenant will prevail!"
He gasped, and then looked down at the energy sword protruding out of his chest. He laughed and looked at Kevin with eyes full of hate.
"Your species is dishonorable. No wonder the Forerunners thought to leave you behind on the Great Journey. I only hope you die a death as dishonorable as my own."
His muscles seized up, then relaxed. The Brute had died.
Kerry pulled the sword out of the dead animal. He turned to Kevin.
"We need to contact ONI Section III immediately. Call in for pick-up. I'm scrubbing your mission."
Kevin scowled at him. "Why should I?"
By now, everyone had gathered around. Trevor was the first one to respond.
"He doesn't need to release that information."
"It's all right, old friend," Kerry said, placing a hand on the Hunter's shoulder, "I was going to tell him anyway. They all deserve to know in light of this incident."
He turned to the crowd.
"The reason I'm scrubbing this mission is because of the identity of this high Chieftain. He is an AWOL Brute Captain, and my brother. Tyler Freeman.
Nick and Chris looked at each other and gulped. Adam took a few steps back. Ethan paused in his inspection of the portable turret and looked up. He didn't seem surprised.
"He is strong and determined. That, coupled with his new status makes him a formidable foe. If you run into him, shoot first and ask questions later. Make no mistake he will do the same to you."
He turned to Kevin. "Call for evac now. You understand the dire nature of our situation."
Kerry walked away from the group. Chris followed him over.
Kerry asked him, "If the time comes, do you think you will be able to pull the trigger? I need to know if you're gonna stay in the group."
Chris looked him over thoroughly. "I know I will be able to do it. The question is, can you? He's your brother."
"He lost that right the instant he joined these Pure-borne! If it comes down to it, I will not hesitate! He is not deserving of the life that flows through his veins!
"Who are you trying to convince, me or yourself?"
At that, Chris walked away, leaving Kerry to ponder his words.
Maccebeus ran. The chieftain was waiting, and to keep a chieftain waiting was bad, especially if you had bad news. And he had very bad news.
He got to the base. He looked around for a second, before spotting the chieftain. He ran harder.
"Chieftain, Chieftain! I have news of the attack!"
Baccheus turned. "Ah, Maccebeus, my friend! How went the sabotage?"
Maccebeus looked down. "It failed. We were thwarted by an Elite hit squad, led by a Voro Tuyokee."
The chieftain slammed his hammer onto the ground. "DAMN IT!That shisno! How dare him, the one who loved me as a child! He promised to stay out of my affairs!"
He turned to Maccebeus. "Find him…And kill him!
