Chapter IX: The Land of My Fathers
Location: City of Aachen, Germany
Date: Thursday, October 18, 2558 (UNSC Calendar)
Local Time: 08:25 hours
Paul and Ahli quietly sat in one of the booths located within the Aachen Cathedral. "When do you think he will be here?"
Paul checked his watch. "About five minutes." After Ahli sighed, "What is it?"
"It's cold in here," she answered, crossing her arms.
"Welcome to Germany on a mid-October morning, especially this close to the Alps," Paul said. "This building's architecture doesn't help, either." One of the large doors suddenly opened. "Don't turn around," he told her as she was about to turn her head.
"Mr. Fulmer?" a woman said quietly as she down next to him, facing the front.
"That's me," he replied. "I understand that you have some information miss…?"
"My name isn't important," she stated. "But, yes. I do have some information for you."
"One of those, eh?" he mumbled. "What do you have for us?"
The woman handed him a binder. "That contains everything you need to know, Mr. Fulmer."
"Thank you, ma'am," he said, handing her the proper amount of credits. "Lets go, Ms. 'Asar."
"Ms. 'Asar?" Ahli said after they were out in the street.
Paul, ignoring the looks that were sent Ahli's way, said, "When meeting with contacts, never exchange first names or your rank. Just a little rule I've lived by over the years." He walked over to a café window across the street and lightly tapped on the glass. "It's time to go," he said as the other members of his squad exited. "Where's Toma?"
"Still inside," Garek stated. Paul looked through the window and saw the Private First Class talking with a human woman at the counter. He rapped on the glass, making Toma look over. When Paul tapped on his watch, the Sangheili visibly sighed and nodded. They all watched as the woman handed him a small slip of paper.
"I like this place," Toma said as he exited the café, placing the piece of paper into a pocket.
"Making friends, I see," Ahli sighed. "We're not going to be here for very long, Toma."
"I'll come back some other time."
Location: The Black Forest, approximately 48 miles northeast of Schramberg, Germany
Date: Saturday, October 20, 2558
Local Time: 20:14 hours
The squad silently trudged through the forest on their way to the target. Paul held up a fist at the front of the small formation, signaling them to stop. "Alright Staff Sergeant, I want you to take Toma, Ar'n, and," he paused looking at the third, and fairly large, Sangheili in Ahli's squad. "And whoever you are." The Sangheili in question shrugged. "Alfred, Cesar, Rotje, you're with me; Garek, stay here, watch our backs. According to the info I got, their hideout is on the other side of this hill. Ahli, your group is going in through the back of the compound, here." Paul marked the spot on their HUDs. "We'll take the front. Knives and suppressors only until we're discovered, understood?" Everyone nodded. "Maintain comm silence. Let's go."
-\- Loading Recording...
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Name: Rotje 'Tsom
Date: 20/10/2558
Local Time: 20:30 hours
"Are you recording?" Captain Fulmer whispered.
"Yes," I replied.
"Stack up," the Captain ordered. I quickly got behind 2nd Lt. Madera and tapped him on the shoulder. The man nodded to Sgt. Trombley on the other side. "Go."
Madera and I quickly but quietly went through the door next to the front gate; I couldn't believe that it was unlocked. I quickly moved over to a sleeping guard and put a hand over his mouth as I unsheathed my blade. "Sorry about this, human," I whispered as the blade entered his heart from behind. "Clear," I whispered through the door.
"We'll hold here," the Captain said after we had found some cover in a dark corner. "Let's wait for the Staff Sergeant's signal."
-\- Loading Recording...
Rank: Specialist
Name: Q'to 'Ovus
Date: 20/10/2558
Local Time: 20:30 hours
"You could have just given him your name," SSgt. 'Asar whispered as I boosted Sgt. 'Drakos up to the wall of the terrorist compound.
I sighed as I checked my M6C SOCOM and MG4A2 SSW for the fifth time. "I don't even know him," I shrugged.
"You would if you were a little more social," PFC 'Ahur said, not turning away from the lock he was trying to pick. "Door's open."
"Wait here. Your ammo belts will make too much noise," SSgt. 'Asar ordered before entering the compound.
"Specialist," Sgt. 'Drakos whispered from the top of the wall. He extended his hand down as I looked up. "You can help me keep watch up here."
I accepted and climbed the wall to join him. "Where do you want me?"
"That tower," he pointed. "It should give you the perfect position for that machine gun in case things go bad."
I nodded and crouch-ran along the top of the wall. "She was right," I thought, hearing the belts of 7.62x51mm ammunition clink together as I moved. I activated the green light on my HUD, telling my team that I was in position.
-\- Loading Recording...
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Name: Rotje 'Tsom
Date: 20/10/2558
Local Time: 20:40 hours
I watched as Captain Fulmer looked at his watch and sighed. "What is taking them so long?" Suddenly, an explosion echoed from across the compound, and the alarm sounded.
"I guess that answers that question," I shouted over the noise. "Was that the signal?"
The Captain nodded. "Watch for crossfire, let's go!"
I chuckled and removed the silencer from my BR55A3, switching to three-round burst afterward. "This is my favorite part," I mumbled
The Captain held up a fist as he looked around the corner of a building that served as our cover. "Warning! Intruders are in the compound!" I almost couldn't hear the speakers over the fire of a machine gun posted in the tower in the south-eastern corner. I was about to fire on it when the Captain stopped me. "That's ours! See the rounds? They're cyan tracers! Only we have those!"
I shrugged and focused on the enemies pouring out of their bunkhouses. I paused when I heard the unmistakable sound of catapillar tracks. "What the hell is that?" I said when it lumbered into view; it wasn't a M808B Scorpion.
"It's a Leopard 3, they must have rebuilt some of them," Sgt. Trombley shouted. "We need to get out of here, sir! I don't have any AT gear!"
-\- Loading Recording...
Rank: Sergeant
Name: Ar'n 'Drakos
Date: 20/10/2558
Local Time: 20:45 hours
"Enemy armor," I shouted down to the others and pointed. I watched the turret slowly point to the tower that held SPC 'Ovus. I began running over to the tower, killing three of the enemy force as I went. "Specialist, get the hell out of there," I shouted from the bottom of the ladder. I was knocked off my feet as the explosion from an HE shell hit the tower. I groaned and held my head as I sat up, blinking several times at a blurry object sitting in front me. "What?" It seemed to be trying to tell me something.
"I said, that was too close," SPC 'Ovus shouted again as my ears stopped ringing. "You're bleeding!"
I looked at myself, not seeing any blood. "Where?" I said, feeling for wounds. I suddenly felt something warm run down my neck. I put a hand to one of my earholes, and it came back stained purple. "I'm fine. It's just from the concussion of that blast."
"Are you sure?"
I nodded and slowly got to my feet, still holding my head. "Gods, it feels like someone took a gravity hammer to my skull. Where is my rifle?" Not finding it, I sighed and pulled out my M6C and knife, holding them in a CQC stance that the Captain had shown us.
"Here," SPC 'Ovus said, holding out a few magazines. "You're going to need them more than I will. We should regroup with the Staff Sergeant."
I nodded and jumped down to ground level, SPC 'Ovus following close behind. "Go in front of me, I'll watch your back." He nodded and ran over to the corner of a bunkhouse, looking for enemies.
As soon as his head went around the corner, rounds impacted the wall. "Shit," he hissed, rubbing some small cuts on the left side of his face.
I pulled him back, switching places. I crouched down and retrieved a small mirror from my kit. Making sure that my hand would be in a shadow, I edged it around the corner. "Damn it. That tank has us pinned." I looked over to the Specialist, quickly coming up with a plan. "Do you have any smoke grenades?"
He quickly set down his MG and dug through his grenade pouch. "Just this one."
I pointed to the mirror. "Roll it directly under the treads, I'll take care of the rest." I opened a comm channel to Captain Fulmer. "I know you said comm silence, but this is important."
A sigh came through my earpiece. "Go ahead, Sergeant."
"I'm going to secure that tank."
"Do you have a death wish?"
"Just trust me on this. You will know what's going on when you see it." I closed the comm link and nodded to the Specialist. He pulled the pin on the grenade and tossed it underhanded towards the tank.
-\- Loading Recording...
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Name: Garek 'Izak
Date: 20/10/2558
Local Time: 20:45 hours
I quickly looked up from my scope as the explosion echoed across the field and through the trees. I went back to the 15x lens and searched for Sgt. 'Drakos and SPC 'Ovus once the smoke had cleared. "Ar'n, you stupid bastard," I sighed as I watched him sit up with his hands on his head. I adjusted my view as they disappeared behind a building and took out an enemy sniper.
I was surprised when Sgt 'Drakos' voice came through my earpiece. "I know you said comm silence, but this is important."
"Go ahead, Sergeant."
"I'm going to secure that tank."
"Do you have a death wish?"
"Just trust me on this. You will know what's going on when you see it."
Captain Fulmer sighed again as the link went dead. "Garek, keep an eye on him."
"Already watching," I whispered, but shook my head as a smoke grenade went off. "Or not…" I just caught a glimpse of an armored Sangheili boot step around a corner before disappearing in the cloud. I was about to switch positions when I felt cold steel touch the back of my head.
"Well, what do we have here?" a voice said in German.
I slowly reached for my knife. "I am just a hunter," I replied, covering the sound of the blade leaving its sheath.
"A hunter wearing full military gear and wielding a .50 caliber rifle," the man deadpanned. "You must think I'm stupid."
"You could say that." I quickly turned around, slapping the rifle from his hands, causing it to go off. "You should have just shot me," I said with a nasty snarl, briefly surprising myself. He gasped as the blade penetrated a lung.
I wiped the blood away as the life left his eyes, looking over the body for any form of intelligence afterward; documents, data chips, an ID, anything. I shook my head quickly when I found his ID card, not believing what I saw. I put the card away and scanned over the mans weaponry, not recognizing his rifle or sidearm; both seemed to be rather old in design.
I turned back to the compound, noticing that the tank had gone quiet. I peered through myscope and chorlted as I watched Sgt. 'Drakos climb from the turret. "Stupid and crazy," I muttered. "Just like the rest of us…"
-\- Loading Recording...
Rank: Private First Class
Name: Toma 'Ahur
Date: 20/10/2558
Local Time: 20:50 hours
I looked briefly to the hillside we had entered the area from after hearing a gunshot; the compound had gotten relatively quiet. "That wasn't the Lieutenant's rifle," I stated.
"How can you tell?" SSgt 'Asar said incredulously.
"I had the best hearing in my class at Academy. Trust me, I can tell."
The SSgt was about to protest when 2nd Lieutenant 'Izak's voice came over the comm link. "I've been compromised, switching positions." I tilted my head smugly as the SSgt shook her own and walked through a doorway, checking a bunkhouse.
"Toma, get in here," she called. "This door is locked."
I nodded and swapped my MA5K Carbine for the M90 shotgun strapped to my back. I blasted the hinges off, but the door remained standing. I quickly reloaded as SSgt 'Rasar got beside the door.
"Do it," she said, pulling out a flashbang. I nodded and kicked the door down, quickly getting on the side opposite her. She tossed the grenade inside and waited for it to go off. She nodded her head toward the door, telling me to go first after the blast.
"Drop your weapons," I shouted in German, seeing insurgents on the other side rubbing their eyes or holding their hands over their ears. One raised his rifle sluggishly in defiance, but a pistol shot rang out, and he fell to the floor. I looked over and saw the SSgt lower her M6D, MA5C rifle hanging loosely across her torso by the sling.
"Idiot," she mumbled. "Put your weapons on the ground," she said calmly, as I slowly pointed my M90 around the room, they quickly complying and putting their hands on their heads. "Outside, single file line," she ordered. One spat on my boots as he passed. I moved to strike him, but SSgt 'Asar shook her head. "You will only encourage them," she said in our native tongue.
I sighed and began looking around the room after she walked out with the prisoners. As I stepped into the center of the room, the floor creaked loudly. "Hmm," I said, leaning my shotgun against a desk. I took out my sidearm, a M6C, activated the flashlight on the barrel, and moved the rug, finding a trap door underneath. I walked back outside, finding the squad patting down the prisoners sans Captain Fulmer and Sgt. 'Drakos, who were arguing beside the tank. "Captain, sir," I called.
"What is it, Private?" he said, still glaring at 'Drakos.
"We should check each bunkhouse. I found a trap door in this one."
He nodded. "Get in there and help him, Ar'n."
Sgt. 'Drakos nodded and ran over. "Give me your rifle."
I handed it over saying, "What happened to yours?"
"I lost it when the tank hit that tower," he shrugged. "You go first."
I nodded and dropped through the hole, the light on my shotgun illuminating the damp tunnel. "Clear. There's a light down the tunnel."
"Go on, I'm right behind you."
We both had to switch to our handguns and crawl as the tunnel's ceiling got too low. "Weapons cache," I said when I reached the end. "And another tunnel...one we can stand in."
"Go check it out, I'll document this."
I nodded and walked further, the strong smell of blood filling the air. "Ugh," I gagged as I continued on; it reeked. I froze when I reached the end. "By the Gods," I mumbled, quickly turning around and walking out.
"What is it?" Sgt 'Drakos said as I passed, but I didn't answer.
-\- Loading Recording...
Rank: Sergeant
Name: Ar'n 'Drakos
Date: 20/10/2558
Local Time: 21:15 hours
"What is it?" I said as PFC 'Ahur passed; he looked ill. Not receiving an answer, I followed him back outside to find him retching from the building's steps. "Toma, what did you see?" The PFC simply shook his head and slumped to the ground, gaze averted. Sensing that I wasn't going to get an answer, I went back to look for myself. Ignoring the strong scent of old blood as I reached the end of the tunnel, I saw them; eight cells, each stained a dark purple, Sangheili blood. I quickly checked each cell, finding that most of them were empty. I stopped as I looked into the last one, seeing its occupant. "Shit…"
A small pair of golden-amber eyes looked up at me tiredly. "Hello," the child said hoarsely.
"Hey there, youngling," I said softly, kneeling down. "I'm here to take you away from this wretched place." The child stood and walked over to the bars. "What is your name?"
"Ehta 'Yuros," she replied with more strength. "You're getting me out of here?"
I nodded. "That I am. I'll be back very soon, I must report this to my superior." The child nodded and stood patiently behind the door.
"Captain, there is something you should know," I said, ignoring the hateful stares from the prisoners as I approached. "We really need to check the other buildings," I whispered urgently.
"Why do you say that?" he said seriously. "What did you find?"
I turned my gaze to the prisoners as I replied, "A child."
"Could you repeat that, Sergeant? I believe I had something crazy in my ear," 2nd Lt. Madera said from a few feet away.
"A child," PFC Toma 'Ahur growled. "These bastards have been taking children!" I watched as he picked up one of the prisoners by the collar and pushed him against the wall. "What's the matter, human? Are you afraid now that someone can fight back?" he snarled, seeing the fear in the man's eyes. As the PFC went back to punch the prisoner, a kick struck him in the back of his right leg.
"Enough," Captain Fulmer said. While the PFC was still kneeling, the Captain removed his combat helmet and hit him with it. "These assholes may have taken children and done God-knows-what, but you're no better if you beat an unarmed prisoner to death." He stood the PFC up and pushed him against the wall. "Now fall in line!"
"Yes sir," he mumbled as he rubbed his face, obviously impressed by the Captain's strength. I heard a few of the prisoners snicker.
"Shut up," Captain Fulmer ordered, roughly handing the helmet back. "You're all lucky that I'm a generous person, otherwise I would have you executed where you stand!" He opened his comm link and spoke. "Garek, get a Warthog down here."
"Do I even want to ask why?"
"No, you don't."
"Yes sir, I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Specialist," Captain Fulmer called.
"Sir!"
"You're going with the Lieutenant to get the second Warthog when he's finished here." Captain Fulmer sighed. "What's your name, Specialist?"
"Yes sir. Q'to 'Ovus is my name," he said, thumping a fist to his chest.
The Captain returned the gesture. "Alright Q'to, go check the other buildings until the Lieutenant arrives."
"Yes sir," he answered and ran to the nearest bunkhouse.
"Ar'n, go get the kid out of there."
I nodded and turned to the prisoners. "Who is in charge around here?" I said in German. As I scanned the line, I saw a man raise his cuffed hands. "Where are the keys to those cells?"
"I'm not telling you-"
"Just answer the damn question," I interrupted.
"Tell it, Tomas. I don't think we should make it angry," one of the younger prisoners whispered.
"In the main office, over there," Tomas pointed. "Top middle drawer of the desk, it has all of the keys."
"Thank you. Now, how hard was that?" I said. The Captain nodded in acceptance as I passed by.
"You're back," the child, Ehta, said excitedly as I looked through the keys.
"That I am," I said, unlocking the door, chuckling as she hugged my legs. After she let go, I knelt down. "I have a question to ask you, child. Do you know where your parents might be?"
"They are dead," she said simply. I tilted my head, so she continued, "They have been gone for over a year. I was living with a human woman before," she paused to gaze at the walls with disgust. "This."
"And where is this female?"
"She lives in Aachen," she replied as we walked outside. "The lady runs a café across from the Cathedral there."
I felt my mandibles twitch, thinking of our short stay in the city two days before. "Light skinned, black hair, brown eyes?"
She nodded. "How did you know?"
I smiled and looked at PFC 'Ahur, who was still fuming against the wall. "Go talk with him, Toma is his name." She quickly ran over to the PFC and got his attention, asking him something that I couldn't hear. I watched as he frowned and pulled out the small slip of paper he had received, showing it to her. She looked at it and quickly nodded.
"Is that the child?" SFC 'Tsom said from my side.
"That's the one," I answered with a slight nod. "It doesn't look like they have laid a hand on her."
"You're right," he agreed. "No bruises, cuts, no signs of any mistreatment. Odd."
"You, human," I pointed at the one named Tomas. "When did you find this child?"
"Her?" he said. "A couple of days ago. Why do you ask?"
"I am just curious as to why you think it's okay to kidnap children….of any kind."
"They go for big money in the slave markets," he replied with a shrug.
Captain Fulmer noticed the feral look in my eyes, and stepped in front of me. "Ar'n, go with the Lieutenant." I nodded and walked over to the Warthog, but not before kicking that pathetic man in the stomach.
-\- Loading Recording...
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Name: Garek 'Izak
Date: 20/10/2558
Local Time: 21:30 hours
I sighed and shook my head from the driver's seat of the Warthog as the human prisoner doubled over and coughed up blood on the ground. "Ar'n," I began, but he cut me off.
"Shut up. You have no idea what we found in there," he spat as he climbed into one of the rear seats. I was about to ask what they had found when the answer suddenly jumped into the passenger seat next to me. I looked back at the Sergeant, who just nodded.
"Well, hello," I said. "What's your name?"
"Ehta 'Yuros," the child responded.
"Pleased to meet you, Ehta. I am Garek 'Izak."
We both looked back as PFC 'Ahur and SPC 'Ovus climbed into the back. "Get me away from this place," the PFC sighed.
I activated my comm. "Sean, are you ready?"
"I'm always ready, Lieutenant."
I turned to Ehta as I put the vehicle in gear. "Have you ever ridden in a Falcon before?" She tilted her head. "It's a human military vehicle; it has two rotors on the top and it can fly." Her eyes shone at the mention of flight. "You like flying?"
"Yes. My father was a pilot."
"Was?"
"He passed away last year."
"Hmm. And what of your mother?" I said as we rode down the gravel road.
"She's gone as well. Father told me she passed away giving birth."
"I am sorry."
"Don't be. I like the human woman I live with. She owns a café in Aachen."
"Is that so?" I said, looking in the rearview mirror at PFC 'Ahur. "Well Ehta, you're going to be reunited with her very soon." I looked over briefly and smiled when I saw that she had fallen asleep. "She must be able to sleep anywhere if she can do so in this awful thing," I thought as the vehicle hit several potholes in the road.
Location: Command Deck, Shadow of Intent
Date: Sunday, October 21, 2558
Ship Clock: 01:12 hours
"And you found a child?" Rtas said, leaning foward in his seat. "What about the bodies?"
"I believe that they were burned, Shipmaster," Paul said, pulling a jar of ashes from his pack. "Fortunately, the child was unharmed."
Rtas nodded. "Indeed. What of the prisoners?"
"We had to wait for the UNSC to show up and take them. Now that there isn't a war on their hands, they're slacking," he finished with a chuckle. "Are we dismissed? We're all very tired."
Rtas nodded. "Helm, set a course and give the construct control. Once that is done, you may all get some rest." All of the officers nodded their thanks and called the replacement officers for the upcoming shift. Rtas removed his helmet and rubbed his head tiredly. "Rest well, gentlemen," he said as Paul's squad stood at attention. Rtas sighed. "Do I need to say it?" The soldiers didn't move. "You are dismissed, Captain," he said with a chuckle.
"Thank you, sir. Let's go," Paul said. "Oh, and you rest well too, Shipmaster. See you in a few hours."
While he slept, Paul had a strange dream. "What is this?" he thought as he watched a Sangheili infant sleeping. The child's eyes snapped open to reveal brown eyes.
"You need to get Hanna back," it said in a familiar voice.
"Lena?"
The infant smiled and nodded. "Once you find her Paul, I want you to move on. Do you understand?"
Paul sighed. "I don't know if I can."
"You can, Paul. I know you can."
Paul woke with a start and looked around his quarters. "A full eight hours, eh?" he said to himself as he looked at the clock, seeing that it was 0930. He quickly went through his morning routine and walked to the mess hall. "Morning," he said as he took a seat.
"Good morning, Captain," Rtas said. "I was just discussing the mission recordings with your squadmates. Interesting footage."
"I haven't looked over it yet," Paul sighed. "I only need to view the footage from Ar'n and…"
"Q'to," the Sangheili said as he sat at the table.
"Glad to see you decided to join us, Specialist," Rtas said.
Q'to shrugged. "I never miss breakfast."
"Yes, but you always eat alone," Ahli said, sitting next to him.
"I just prefer to keep to myself," Q'to retorted.
"You go a little further than just 'keeping to yourself'," Ahli huffed. "You're always alone and you never talk unless we're out in the field."
"I am talking to you right now." Paul, Garek, Rtas, and Rotje all shared knowing glances.
"Please, keep it to yourselves?" Paul said as they began to argue.
"Paul, I just remembered," Garek began. "I found this while we were on the ground." He placed the ID card face down on the table.
Paul picked it up, flipped it around, and dropped it as if it were made of acid. "No. No-no-no-no," he said quickly. "This can't be."
Rtas looked at the card. "Paul Fulmer…."
"Paul Fulmer senior. I thought that bastard was dead," Paul mumbled.
"Bad blood?" Rtas said.
"You could say that."
"Shipmaster, I-" Talu 'Lour suddenly began, but stopped when he saw who else was seated at the table. "No one told me there were humans on board," he growled softly.
Rtas could hear Paul's knuckles crack from clenching his fists so hard. "Is there a problem, Field Marshall?" he said impatiently.
"It's just that they are hu-" Talu was cut off by Paul standing up and pulling down on his armor, bringing his face to Paul's height.
"Listen, asshole. If you have a problem with humans, then you have a problem with me," he said, his accent suddenly becoming very strong. It got deathly quiet in the mess hall as everyone stopped eating and looked over at the commotion. "You, me, sparring ring, 1400 hours."
"I will be there, human," Talu growled.
Paul nodded and shoved him away, taking a seat at the table afterwards. "Are you sure that was a good idea, Captain?" Rtas said. "He is the best hand-to-hand fighter on this ship, undefeated."
"Officially undefeated," Ahli murmured, crossing her arms.
"Then he hasn't fought with me," Paul stated, ignoring her comment.
"As if being humiliated by a female wasn't enough for him, now he is going to be beaten by a human," Toma said thoughtfully. "You have my vote, Captain." The other Sangheili sans Rtas nodded; they had to fight Paul hand-to-hand before as part of their training.
"If all of you have such confidence in Captain Fulmer, then it will be quite the match," Rtas said, standing. "Good luck."
Paul smirked as the Shipmaster walked away. "He has no idea, does he?" The others at the table shook their heads. "Quite the match, indeed…"