"I'm Trudy. I fly all the science sorties. And this here is my baby."
John was accompanying Jake and the pilot in the maintenance area. Trudy was showing them her Samson. "Hold on a second. Hey, Waifleet! Get it done! We bounce at zero-nine!"
"Yeah I'm on it capitaine!" He said loading a heavy machine gun on the door gunner mount.
"You guys are packing some heavy gear." Jake said.
"Yeah well that's because we're not the only thing flying around out there. Or the biggest." She turned to John.
"If you don't mind, I'm gonna need you or one of your guys on a door gun. I'm a man short." She said. John simply nodded.
"Unless you want it Jake." Trudy said, turning to the man.
Jake smiled. "I thought you'd never ask."
"There's your man. See you on the flight line." She said, giving a fist bump to Jake. He and John approached a weight-lifting Colonel Quaritch.
"You wanted to see us colonel?" Jake asked.
"You know I envy you Chief. Being a super-man. This low gravity makes us normal people soft. You get soft-" He put his weight back before finishing. "Pandora will shit you out dead with zero warning. I pulled your record, Corporal. Octanus X. That was some mean bush. Nothing like that here though. You're lucky to be in one piece."
Octanus X was a colony that was under threat of Covenant attack. However, the day it was attack was the same day the UNSC unveiled a new MAC projectile, thanks to the unobtanium plant run labs.
The EMP MAC.
It was hoped that it would disable a Covenant ships shields, allowing lesser weapons to damage the ship.
There were three MAC orbital defense stations in orbit. Just one hit from these would put a round through even a Covenant Assault Carrier. The ships at the stations were given the new rounds to test on the Covenant destroyers incoming. It performed better than hoped. Not only did the EMP MAC disable the shields. It disabled the ships.
The Covenant, on a victory rush, were caught off guard and charged to the planet in their Assault Carrier. A fatal mistake as the 3 stations blew holes in it. Hundreds of craft and pods scuttled the ship and landed on the planet. Jake was part of the cleanup crew, and they did an excellent job at it, suffering few casualties as if the enemy's shock had not worn off. Unfortunately one Elite was focused and ended Jake's days of walking.
"And you 117. The Harvest Campaign, and countless other operations. Man it should be a crime to leave you at Master Chief Petty Officer. They should make you a goddamn colonel!"
"I disagree. A desk job is not my dream." John replied.
"Heh. It'd be a disgrace to do that. I meant being a commander while staying in the field. I mean look at me, I'm living proof of that. You think I'm lifting these weights because I like it?" John had to admit, he did have a good point. He was a Colonel, yet here he was at the front lines more or less.
"Anyway. Jake. You got some heart kid, showing up in this neighborhood."
"I figured it's just another hellhole." Said Jake.
"I was UNSC myself. A few years ahead of you. Well maybe more than a few. Three tours in this godforsaken war, not a scratch. I come out here?" He pointed to the scars on the side of his head. "Day one. Think I felt like a shavetail louie?" He said. He was making his way to a docked AMP suit. "Yeah. Oh they could fix me up, if I rotated back. Yeah and make me pretty again. But you know what? I kind of like it. Reminds me every day of what's waiting out there."
Quaritch started climbing into his AMP while John and Jake rode up on the small maintenance elevator next to it. "The Avatar Program is a bad joke. Bunch of limp-dick science majors. However, it does present an opportunity both timely and unique. CLEAR!" He said, shouting the last bit to the workers. The AMP started up as he strapped himself in. "A recon gyrene in an Avatar body. That's a potent mix. Gives me the goosebumps. Add to it FOUR Spartans, one a legend made flesh, and we got ourselves a nice effective plan B. Such a marine, could provide me the intel I need, right on the ground. Right in the hostile's camp." He realized he was getting ahead of himself.
"Look Sully. I want you to learn these savages from the inside out, I want you to gain their trust. I need to know how to force their cooperation or hammer them hard if they won't."
Jake processed this for a minute. "Am I still with Augustine?" He asked.
"On paper. Yeah, you walk like one of her science pukes you quack like one. But you report to me, can you do that for me son?" Jake thought again.
"Hell yeah sir."
"Well alright then. And you, Chief. Right now, you're a display. A sign that we ain't taking shit anymore. I heard about the ferals you and your team killed. Nice work, they've been a big thorn in the side for a long time. But right now, your objective is to look tough, act tough, make yourself have the impression of being invincible. Psychological warfare son. You walk out there when the Na'vi are knocking, and you give them a show saying 'I'm here. I'm ready. You wanna fight? No. You don't.' You're a deterrent. I know it ain't your cup of coffee but the way things are going right now we gotta make sacrifices. You break heads IF THEY do so first. Can you do that Spartan?" John thought for a minute. It was like being some attack dog rather than a soldier to him, but the Colonel was right about one thing. The need for a deterrent is great. So why argue?
"Yes sir."
"Shoulda knew I could count on you." Quaritch finished putting some kind of mechanical gloves on, and the AMP's arms moved. Any move he made, the AMP made. "Jake. John. I take care of my own. Jake. You do this for me. I'll see you get your legs back when you rotate home, your real legs." He said pointing at Jake's legs. Jake smiled,
"That sounds real good sir."
"John. You do what I need, I'll see to it the RDA puts less money to luxury and more muscle into the war effort. All this profit is worthless if the Covenant get our home. And to prove I'm not all talk. I wanna show you how much I appreciate your record and your cooperation in coming here. I'm making you my second in command. Effective immediately. My soldiers will listen to you." John was surprised.
"I-thank you sir."
"One more thing. Before you head out, stick around, I have a special soldier I wanna show you two. Kid's name is 'Able' Ryder." Quaritch said.
"Heh, he any good?" Jake asked.
"Lemme put it this way Jake. If he was any better, he'd be a Spartan."
Grave's Bog.
"You ain't getting away with this savage! You think you've won by killing me? Captain Ryder's gonna send you to HELL!"
The sound of a Standard rifle firing filled the air, and a feral Na'vi fell over dead before finishing off a soldier. The shooter was a young Asian male wearing CENTURION armor, the RDA's strongest set yet. He was wielding a MK IV rifle. "Get him some help." He said. He took a look at the remaining Na'vi incoming. Three on the left. Six on the right. "Ryder!" A voice called. It was a soldier named Dalton along with some other soldiers.
"Sergeant. Welcome to the party." Ryder said.
"Got here as quick as we could sir."
"You and the men take care of the hostiles on the left, the ones on the right are mine." Ryder simply said. He ran off toward the enemy. Nearby, the rest of Ryder's squad. Was Sergeant Major Batista and Captain Winslow with some other soldiers. Who were holding back the Na'vi ferals with little difficulty.
"BOOYA! C'mon blues! I promise I won't hurt you!" Batista shouted. The Na'vi rushed at him, and he fired a grenade from his launcher at a branch above, causing it to fall and crush the attackers. "See, bet that didn't hurt a bit!"
"Stay focused Batista!" Winslow said.
Back with Ryder, he slowed his pace as he went toward the shouting and charging Na'vi. "I know you can't help but be brave. But I can't help but criticize your odds." He said, pulling the trigger four times, leaving four dead Na'vi. The fifth swung his staff, missing Ryder who dodged, pulling out a pistol and shooting the warrior in the thigh, while delivering another into his accomplice's head. The fifth warrior screamed after he was shot
"Hey. Easy, no one likes a whiner, especially a whiner who picks on defenseless scientists." Ryder said, shooting the last one in the back of the head. "Another notch for the Sky Demon." He said. After the Tipani conflict, the Na'vi spread stories of Ryder across the planet. Earning him this name, when he learned of this, he said. 'They call me a monster? They should meet the Covenant. In fact they should look in a mirror from time to time. Seeing as they don't believe in such things.'
When humanity told the Na'vi why they harvested the unobtanuim, they said they wanted proof. But that would risk the planet being discovered by the Covenant. They tried, pictures, surveillance video, veterans. But each time the Na'vi dismissed them as 'lies from the Sky People.' This added to the hostilities between the two species.
Soon after, Ryder and his crew met up in the local base. Waiting to head back home. That's when the area commander, Fulson, gave them the news. "Hey, fresh meat." She said, referring to their first meeting.
"Actually I'm more medium rare." He said.
"Got orders straight from Hell's Gate, you gotta head back. Quaritch's orders. Let's just say that you gotta see it to believe it."
No sooner did she finish did Ryder and his team lift off. The team was assembled from the best the RDA had to offer, under the name Able team. A form of tribute to the leader's nickname, Able Ryder. It was common slang for a signals specialist. But Ryder was special in that he had a knack for carnage, his involvement helped cement RDA dominance in several areas around Pandora.
Now it seemed these areas were threatened again.
It wasn't long until they reached Hell's Gate, and they received a celebrity welcome. As the team made way into the structure, surrounding soldiers cheered and chanted. 'Able' over and over again.
"A-ble a-ble a-ble a-ble."
As the soldiers entered, they were met by Quaritch. "Ten hut!" Ryder said snapping to attention.
"At ease son. Welcome home." He said.
"You wanted us here immediately sir?" Ryder asked.
"That I did. We got some new guests while you were out in the field. Another grunt, taking part in the Avatar Program." He said as they walked down the halls.
"Oh boy. The higher ups were right, it's another Tipani conflict." Ryder said, recalling his own experience.
"Maybe not." Quaritch said.
"Maybe not?" Asked Winslow.
"Yeah. See not only do we have a grunt, we got some extra help. In here." Quaritch said pointing into the mess hall. There was a man in a wheelchair with some scientists and other grunts. "That's the grunt, Jake Sully. Former UNSC." That piqued the team's interest.
"And over there." Quaritch pointed. Four armored titans sat at another table across. Armor with UNSC markings and numbers on the left bicep. Helmets with golden visors.
"A-a-are those?" Ryder began.
"Holy- Spartans?!" Batista said surprised.
"For real!? REALLY?!" Dalton shouted excitedly. He was a sergeant, and a damned good one, but he still had the personality of the private he was two years earlier.
"Chief. Jake. Meet your new friend. Able Ryder, one of the toughest, meanest soldiers on Pandora." The name Ryder turned every head in the room. "He's a sig spec, with a knack for carnage. He can kill a Na'vi ten different ways with his bare hands." Ryder laughed nervously.
"Actually sir, its two ways." He admitted.
"Bullshit" Quaritch chuckled. "You kiddies get to know each other, I have other issues to attend to." Quaritch said leaving the mess.
This left the soldiers to themselves.
Meanwhile.
Assault Carrier Sacred Grail.
"Anything yet?"
"No Shipmaster, we are still searching."
The Shipmaster groaned softly as he placed a hand to his forehead. Leka 'Tgumee was growing tired of searching. It has been weeks since the last Human world was found and nothing has happened since. 'Being a Shipmaster is as laborious as it is honorable.' He thought.
The hierarchs, three Sanyuum named Truth, Mercy, and Regret ordered him among others to continue searching for Human worlds to burn. It was no surprise why. These creatures committed grievous sins by tampering with relics in unholy ways, becoming affronts to the Gods. For that, they and their homes were to burn. "I will return, I must rest my mind." He said, leaving his command chair.
It was no joke, he indeed was tired, he was thinking about the actions to take next, the relics to be found, and whatnot. It was a grueling task for the unworthy. He ran into an Unggoy on his way. "Pardon me." He said. Sangheili rarely showed such courtesy to the lesser species, especially the Unggoy, but Leka was very tired. He hadn't slept in days, looking for another world.
He spent hours talking with fellow Sangheili of lesser rank. Until an Unggoy ran to him. "Shipmaster. We have something! You must hear this yourself!" The Unggoy said calmly, but with urgency in his tone. Returning to the bridge, the Unggoy sat in his little console. "I detected a faint Human transmission, but the bits I have deciphered may well be worth it!"
"Pan… ISV Ve… We have…"
"Can you clear this?" Leka asked?
"I'm afraid not, but listen, there is one bit that is clear."
"Precious car… Avat… grun… 117…"
Leka's eyes widened so much, you'd swear they'd pop out. He ran to his chair and brought up records of the Humans. To Sangheili, names were meant for the strong and worthy, and Humans were not deserving of names. Nevertheless, the creatures continued to name one another.
But this one Human was special. In a bad way. The number 117 was a bad omen. He played a video captured by a lone surviving Unggoy of several Sangheili warriors and other Covenant species, Mgalekgolo, Jiralhanae, Kig Yar, Yanme, all have fallen to this Human and his fellow 'Spartans' as they were called.
"If this human is there… Where did the transmission come from?" He asked impatiently.
"Somewhere within unidentified space. I've already begun to triangulate its last known position, as well as listen for more broadcasts." The Unggoy said.
"Good. The moment you get something, you inform me!"
"Yes sir."
All the waiting just might pay off! He may find another world, but more importantly, he'd find the one called 'Master Chief.'
'If I could place his head upon the altar of the Prophets, I will become a hero to the Covenant. And the Great Journey will be rid of a great foe.' He thought.
But for now, he must once again play the waiting game.
Codex
Electromagnetic Pulse MAC: The EMP MAC is a round with EMP capabilities. Covenant ships use something UNSC ships don't, shields. The MAC round was meant to be an equalizer. Before the Battle of Octanus X, prototype tests yielded promising results and approximately 15 were sent to the orbital stations to outfit ships. When the battle began, it became clear just how useful these rounds were, disabling whole Covenant ships, leaving the Assault Carrier as an easy picking for the super MACs.
The round uses a burst system similar to that of ancient flak weapons used in the 20th century. Detonating at a certain distance. The resulting shockwave overloads and either disables or fires anything in its radius.
This weapon evens the playing field and gives Humans a better chance at winning in naval combat. Work is now being done to apply and mass-produce the effects on a smaller scale for small-arms.
Spartan IIs: Brainchild of Dr. Catherine Halsey and trained by Chief Petty Officer Mendez. Spartans are genetically enhanced, cybernetically augmented superhuman soldiers of unprecedented and remarkable abilities and power. Originally meant to put down the rising rebellions in the outer colonies, Spartan became the tip of the spear in operations against the Covenant.
They started out as children, kidnapped and replaced with flash-clones. Clones were susceptible to early deaths, explaining why the original children were needed.
Hieghtened reaction times that are speculated at 20 milliseconds (faster in combat with the adrenaline,) sprinting speeds up to 55 KPH, lift three times their body weight, see in the dark, and flawless teamwork. The armor they wear, MJOLNIR Mark IV armor just increases these factors.
They are a light in a dark time for Humanity. Trust of leaders, courage of Valkyries, power of Titans. Spartans are the best anywhere.
San 'Shyuum (Prophets): Known to Humans as Prophets, the San 'Shyuum are the religious leaders of the Covenant. Occupying the highest rungs of society, they are seen as the most holy and greatest of leaders, despite their frail and elderly beings. The San 'Shyuum also tend to the artifacts that are found by fleets, then converting them into usable technology, an example being the Plasma Rifle.
Each age sees three new Hierarchs, Prophets with absolute power, take the seats of said power. They lead the Covenant on the path to the Great Journey and given the highest of respect, power, and reverity.
Sangheili (Elites): The Elites are the military leadership. With a sense of honor and bravery in battle, and respect for enemies who have shown valor and determination against them, Sangheili are great warriors.
They are the only species other than the Prophets to operate ships outside of their own systems.
The average Sangheili grows up to 7 ft tall, the same height as the average Spartan, whom the Elites both fear and revere for their ability to defeat hundreds, if not thousands of their soldiers in combat. Especially '117.'
Kig-Yar (Jackals): Jackals are bird-like reptilian creatures with exceptional senses. They tend to travel in packs with shield gauntlets, others are assigned as snipers. Their participation in the Covenant, in their eyes, is simply a way for profit. Acting more like mercenaries than zealots, which even Unggoy are better at.
Kig-Yar have no desire for recognition, instead preferring piracy. Every little Kig-Yar wants to be a pirate when they grow up, it's in their hearts. Heroes were pirates as well. Even though it is rare, there are some Kig-Yar who truly do follow the Covenant's beliefs.
Lekgolo (Hunters): At first appearing to be hulking and menacing bipedal monsters, the Hunters are really colonies of small worm-like creatures that come together to create their forms. In this state they are called M'galekgolo. The armor was incorporated when they joined the Covenant. Carrying nigh unbreakable shields and fuel-rod cannons.
Hunters are ruthless in combat, considering any casualties, including friendly as acceptable. (Evidence in Fall of Reach, a Jackal was crushed by a Hunter.)
Although they are silent about it, Hunters believe all races, including the Prophets and Elites beneath them. However it is not unusual to see them respecting the Elites, whom they respect more than others.
Some colonies are too large for a single suit, in this case, two Hunters are deployed, spikes on their backs indicate the 'Bond Brothers' status.
Yan'me (Drones): Drones are an insect-like race who answer to a queen, meaning they do not adhere to the Covenant's policies and rules, there is no passion for the norms.
Yan'me come from a planet with twice the gravity of Earth, resulting in their body structure. It is no wonder they are able to fly so well.
Jiralhanae (Brutes): Brutes are a physically imposing member of the Covenant resembling apes, and the newest member race. They at one time had space capabilities, but bombed themselves back into barbarian times. They were rediscovering radios when the Covenant found them. They are powerful, fierce, and competitive.
They have a pack-oriented culture, with an alpha.
The Elites see the Brutes as nothing more than barbarians with little regard, and deserving, of existence. While the Brutes believe THEY should be in the Elites' position, seeing concerns as 'honor' as foolish.
Huragok (Engineers) The most harmless of the Covenant, the Engineers are essentially living, breathing machines capable of fixing anything. Their bodies are essentially a bioluminescent air sac with a long snake-like head and tentacles.
All Engineers wish to do is fix and maintain. Despite their importance, and non-aggressiveness, there is evidence they are becoming more and more like slaves than workers.
Unggoy (Grunts): The Unggoy are the lowest in the society, and as a result, are often clumsy and dim-witted. They play as cannon fodder. They do however, have an uncanny ability to understand other languages better than any other Covenant species, explaining their grasp of English and other Human languages. They even have a black market in Human transmissions like soap operas and sitcoms.
They were once treated worse than before, and eventually led to a rebellion that threatened to destroy the Covenant. Only when Bahalo, their homeworld was threatened, did they surrender. The end however saw them treated better and serve as military soldiers, thanks to the Elites.
Another fact is they breath methane, explaining their strange equipment in battle.
AN: Two chaps in one day. Don't expect this to occur constantly. I have other responsibilities to tend to. Other than that. I'll post ASAP
