The door slid open to reveal Red 4. He wasn't alive any more, he was infected by the flood. His armour was disfigured, out of shape to the combat form beneath it as it had mutated.
Red team opened fire at the combat form. But its shields held and it dived at Red 1, tackling him to the floor. As it was wrestling with Red 1 for control in the scuffle. Red 2 booted the combat form in the helmet causing it to be forced of to reveal Red 4's infected face. It demoralized the team for a second before Red 1 took his chance.
Red 1 quickly shifted his wait to gain leverage and was now on top of the combat form. He pulled out his combat knife and thrusted it into the combat forms chest, repeatedly until it wasn't moving any more. Red 1 carried on however.
"Sir, its dead, its dead!" shouted Red 2 as she pulled him off the combat form.
"Dammit! Let go off me!" shouted Red 1
Red 2 complied. Red 1 got down on one knee and put his hand into the suit of the combat form. He ripped out Red 4's Dog-tags and placed them in his Utility Pouch.
"Squad, double time we need to get out of here, we got 5 minutes until this whole place is nothing but dust!" shouted Red 1
The squad stepped through the door. Red 5 was last, as the door closed he threw a frag grenade through which landed next to Red 4's body. The Door closed and a white flash could be seen through the window.
"Just missing in action" Red 5 mumbled as he started to run with his Squad
Red team was approaching the main gate but they could see many combat forms gathering bodies for infection. They all snapped to the Spartans and waited for a few seconds, staring at them.
They suddenly started to dash at Red team howling as they came. Red team however had opened fire, slaughtering the Combat forms as they approached. One form got the jump on Red 3, or so it thought as it leapt at her from behind.
Red 3 suddenly turned around with a combat knife at the ready and thrust it into the Infection form at the center of the Turian combat form, stopping it dead in its tracks. It slumped to the floor. Red team had secured the entrance and began setting up a defensive position for the pelican as it descended from the sky.
"Red 1, im only picking up 4 signals. Where's Red 4?" quizzed Anderson over the comm.
"He didn't make it" replied Red 1
"Copy that, get up here asap. As soon as your clear we will drop the nuke" said Anderson
"Yes sir" replied Red 1
The pelican landed and opened the rear hatch. Red 1 approached the door and stood there.
"Pile in! Go Go Go!" Red 1 said as he patted each Red team member on the back as they got in.
He got in and the rear hatch closed. The pelican burst to life as it rapidly ascended the atmosphere.
Red 1 noticed that the Citadel fleet was no where to be found except the debris from the Cannon fire.
"Where's the Citadel fleet?" quizzed Red 1 to the pilot.
"They bugged out, The Normandy transmitted a signal declaring Hood protocol. They decided to leave but not before our Battlegroup showed up" stated the Pilot
As Red 1 entered the cockpit, he noticed the ships in space were UNSC, an assortment of Cruisers and Frigates. However the UNSC Trafalgar was there too, one of the latest Carrier models. The Normandy was just waiting for them to board. As they did they heard a missile leave its salvo and whoosh off, the site was no doubt contained. Red 1 rushed to the bridge to deliver his report to the Captain. As he did he saw the Battlefield display show the facility light up for a brief moment, before disappearing to reveal a chasm that descended into the moon.
"Red 1, your report?" Asked Anderson
"Red 4 KIA sir, he was... he was taken by the flood." stated Red 1
"He'll be remembered Red 1."
Red 1 seemed to filled with rage.
"Intel dropped the ball sir and because of that Jenkins isn't coming back!" declared Red 1
Spartan's don't usually share their names with a anyone else other than other Spartan's and close friends. Anderson was shocked at the emotion coming from Red 1.
"Im sorry Shepard, but we had no idea that this was a containment facility" replied Anderson
"Its fine, its just that, I had to take out the flood form personally. I know it wasn't him but I hesitated. It nearly killed me sir." stated Red 1
"It's okay Shepard. Get your team down to the mess and get some rest after lunch. Thats an order, you'll need it" replied Anderson.
Red 1(Shepard) snapped to salute before leaving the bridge. He headed down to the mess and grabbed his tray. He slapped anything on his plate. At this moment he didn't care what he was eating. He just needed some time to think. He had just seen a friend mutilated by the flood. It was unnerving.
He slapped his tray onto the table and sat down, he placed his head down with his hands on his forehead. Thinking about Jenkins. He wasn't thinking long before the rest of Red team sat down at the table together.
They all just sat there, eating a bit off food now and then. Contemplating what to say. Red 5 raised his hand from his pocket and placed Jenkins Dog-tags on the table next to Shepard's tray.
"Here, keep them, I'll honour him my own way" stated Red 5
"Thanks Vega, im sure where ever he is, he's putting in a good word for us" replied Shepard
"Yeah, I'll miss him." stated Red 2
"Of course you will Jane he was like a little brother to you" stated Red 3
"Yeah he was, always getting into trouble, the little shit." Stated Jane "Thanks Ash"
They all carried on with their meals. Shepard finished his first leaving to catch some shut eye.
The Next Day – Citadel Council Chambers
The Council had received the report. They had hoped that things could have gone better. They know the UNSC know the Council was there. After all they did declare Hood Protocol on all channels.
The reports were still puzzling. A massive ground to space cannon that seemed to fire controlled light? Light that had destroyed a number of citadel frigates.
"Are these Reports accurate Professor?" quizzed Tevos
"Yes, these reports were gathered and recorded by the science teams. The A.I had deemed us a threat to the 'Reclaimers' of their legacy" Mordin stated.
"Bah, this must be some trick by the Humans, there is no way an advanced species such as the forerunners would leave what remains of their technology in the hands of the Humans!" declared Sparatus
"Files provided by the Forerunner AI have been checked for tampering by STG teams assisted by VI's. They have confirmed it is accurate information" replied Mordin
"Hmm, this news is troubling. The files say that all Important technology left by the Forerunners is coded to respond to human DNA. If the Humans know this we may be in trouble." stated Valern
"Yes, but as the AI suggested the Humans are needed to prevail against something, but it didn't say what other than survival." replied Liara
"It seems we may have a diplomatic incident. Ambassador Udina is on his way here with the ground team they sent to investigate" replied Tevos.
"It is wise if we discuss this matter later in private. Professor, Doctor you are thanked for your efforts and dismissed" stated Valern
As they left the chambers they passed Udina who was followed by 1 Human navy officer and 4 Soldiers in casual gear.
Anderson recognized the pair from the report. Looks like the Council had a chance to prepare for their arrival after all.
As they approached the Council, the rest of Red team stayed back while Udina, Anderson and Shepard moved forward.
"Ambassador Udina, No doubt you are here about the Incident at the..." Valern was saying before he was cut off.
"Your damn right im here about the Council invading UNSC space!. We had a deal and you just broke it. This could be seen as an act of war you know" stated Udina
Tevos kept her cool as always "We didn't break any rule, the planet in question was in Council space, we had every right to be there" stated Tevos
"Do not lie to me Councillor! We gave very clear border lines. That places the aforementioned system in Human Space!" declared Udina "Not to mention Hood Protocol had to be initiated!"
"Yes that is unfortunate, we are glad you have contained the threat" stated Valern
"Yes we did contain the threat YOU unleashed in OUR space! You did nothing to assist in the containment of that facility. All you did was attempt to access files in order to get an advantage over the UNSC!" Shouted Udina
"Please Ambassador, we can discuss this in a civil manner" stated Tevos
"What do you mean the threat we unleashed? Forerunner technology can only be accessed by humans. It must have been a human." stated Sparatus
"Looks like someone got curious, we never mentioned that in our reports to them" stated Anderson
Sparatus was a little annoyed he played into Udina's hands
"Is that so Sparatus? We have reports indicating the center terminal was hacked, all information was downloaded and the facilities defenses were disabled! Allowing the flood to escape!" stated Udina
"And how do you know of this?" quizzed Valern
"Our Spartan here, with his team had been dropped into the facility to ensure such a thing didn't happen, when they arrived at the central chamber. It was already open and Council forces corpses were scattered everywhere, by the flood. The flood was released by one of your Operatives!" declared Udina
"Spartan, what did you see in the central chamber?" Quizzed Valern
"It's all in the damn report" stated Shepard
"We want to hear it from you" stated Valern
"I don't have to tell you anything because my government doesn't answer to you. However I will say "screw you". One of my friends died in that shit hole, he was infected. All because of you!" declared Shepard
"Yes exactly my point, you seem a little to careless Councillor's. You do realise that we Humans have only pursued peace with your government?" stated Udina
"What do you want this time?" Sparatus said
"Well, we want reparations for the loss of the Facility. We are claiming a large portion of the Skyllian Verge that the Turians planned on colonizing. But I have a warning from the UNSC and USF. If this happens again we may ask for more than reparations!" declared Udina
"Yes, im glad we could come to a civilised agreement." stated Tevos
"Civilised? They are extorting us!" declared Sparatus
"Let me remind you that you almost caused a plague in UNSC space without any regard to its civilian populace! Feel lucky we have not declared war for your recklessness." stated Udina
"Yes, but there is one outstanding issue. You have failed to mention Saren's involvement in this." stated Udina
"Excuse me?" replied Sparatus
"Don't bother lying Councillor's, we had the reports from the facility itself alongside your own troop records, courtesy of our AI's. We demand that the monitor be delivered back to us immediately!" stated Udina
"The Turian hierarchy will not stand for this!" declared Sparatus
"You won't have too" stated I.L as he flew from over head.
"Ah Reclaimers, im so glad you have come for me. I managed to remove the virus that was in my computers. When I reactivated, my primary weapon was deactivated, so I had to evade capture for the safety of the information I carry" Stated I.L
"Its fine I.L, can you tell us and the Council who had deactivated you?" said Anderson
"Why of course, here is the Meddler" stated I.L as he presented Saren in a hologram
"And there is our proof" Stated Udina
"This evidence is undeniable yes, but he was on our orders to capture the information stored there. We did not order him to release the parasite" barked Sparatus
"The parasite was released!" exclaimed I.L
"Yes but it was contained. We had to detonate a nuclear device, we could not get the facilities defenses back up" Stated Shepard
"Ah, I see. Well it is most unfortunate my installation was destroyed. But at least something good has come of this" stated I.L
"And what is that machine?" quizzed Valern
"Well before I was shut down I sent a message across the Remnants of the Forerunner Ecumene. That the Reclaimers had returned!" replied I.L
The Council was now in shock. It had been confirmed that the Humans were the "Reclaimers"
"And as per protocol, we have begun sending communications and forces to the Human home world. To assist in whatever capacity necessary" stated I.L
"Yes, some good has come out of this after all" stated Udina with a large grin on his face, "I must inform the UEG and UNSC what Is happening. Anything else Councillors?"
There was a short silence.
"What do you intend to do with your new found technology?" quizzed Tevos
Udina let out a sigh. "As I said, we only want continued peace. You keep forcing our hands. Im not sure how much more the UEG can take of your "Discrepancies" from now on." replied Udina "You will hear from my government soon"
The humans then left the Council chambers before heading to their respective destinations. The Normandy won't be leaving for a day. So Shepard decided he needed a hard drink and headed to the Nearest human owned bar.
Shepard headed down to Chora's den. He needed to think about what had happened recently. About his friend Jenkins. The door slid open and he walked in alone. He could see there were mostly aliens in there. There were a few Turians sitting around a table, all looking at Shepard when he walked in. He saw a few Asari dancers up on the Podium and one Salarian in here. A Salarian? Since when do they visit Strip clubs? Shepard walked up to the Bar and ordered a drink from the Bartender.
"Good to see a fellow human in here. Hasn't been nothing but xeno's today." stated the Bartender
"Just get me something stiff" replied Shepard.
"Alright buddy, I don't give the good stuff to xeno's so here goes" stated the bartender
He pulled up 2 shot glasses and a bottle of Vodka.
"This is Something special, Vodka made from a mix made From a Human/Asari group. Supposed to be really good." stated the bartender
He poured the Vodka into the shot glasses and pushed them towards Shepard. Who immediately downed one and then the other.
"That is definatly the good stuff you don't share" Shepard said amazed from its great taste
"I thought you would like it" said the Barkeep
"Ill just have a pint then to carry on" stated Shepard
As the barkeep passed Shepard a pint of Human Lager, he noticed there was a special on the Citadel News Net. He turned up the volume on the big screen. It caught the attention of everyone in the room who was no doubt listening intently.
"And now, footage from the Relay 314 incident. We have Professor Mordin Solus here with us to help analyse the footage. The screen then showed the sky of the Planet Orphus. 2 UNSC frigates flew overhead. Dropping in ODST's, the pods landed. The frame freezed on an ODST just exiting his pod.
"What can you tell us about this professor?" asked the Asari Reporter.
"Human special forces. ODST standing for Orbital Drop Shock Trooper. Originated from Human interplanetary war in 2170 human time line. But saw major deployment during the Human-Covenant war in 2525 onwards to its conclusion. Were effective as shock troopers and saw many successful deployments against covenant forces. They were and still are used to gain the advantage during invasions and also during defensive operations.
"Thank you Professor, lets carry on shall we." said the Asari Reporter
The recording continued showing the ODST pressing against the defensive force. The Fighting was intense with the ODST's receiving little casualties. The frame freezed again when it was centered on a Cobra just as it fired.
"What about this then Professor?" quizzed the Reporter
"This is the Cobra. It is a support vehicle deployed by the UNSC. Saw much deployment during Human-Covenant war and in the Battle of Orphus. It has 2 modes. Lock down, where it is immobile and acts as artillery and anti-vehicle emplacement. And free mode where it is capable of moving around and providing fire support."
"Lets carry on then" stated the Reporter
The video showed many fighting scenes. With both sides taking a beating even though the UNSC didn't get nearly as many casualties as the Turians. The video then showed a Spartan walking through smoke, providing fire support for some ODST's. It was heroic. The Spartan had a Red stripe down its arm. Along with Red-1 on its chest. It was Shepard during the Battle of Orphus.
"And what about this Professor?" quizzed the Reporter.
"Ah, the Spartans. Human special forces. Not much is revealed about them by the UNSC other than they are all volunteers who undergo augmentations to make them stronger, faster and more intelligent. Spartan names are not known by anyone other than their superiors and their comrades." said Mordin
By now the Barkeep had looked back at Shepard to comment, but noticed he had Red-1 on the left side of his chest on his military shirt.
"As you can see they wear Special suits each designed for the wearer. They have their origins in just before the Human-Covenant war, to quell insurrection. However, later proved to be the only effective line of defense against the Covenant. They were also major morale boosts in wartime and still are today. Deployment of a Spartan team shows when the Human government is concerned about a situation. They are by far the most effective soldier seen to date. Puts the Hierarchy to shame. Im anxious to see what else they can do in the coming years." Stated Mordin with a smile
"And there you have it. Detailed analyses straight from the Professor." stated the Reporter
The video carried on to show the Spartan engaging all Council forces in its way, decimating them as it went.
The barkeep lowered the volume a bit.
"So, I gather you know a thing or two about what was just on?" quizzed the Barkeep
"What makes you say that?" quizzed Shepard.
But before the barkeep could respond, a Sangheili wearing casual clothes, walked up beside Shepard and sat down.
"Because of your marking human." stated the Elite whilst pointing at the writing on his shirt.
"You are a warrior of great renown. I fought in that battle also. It was glorious to fight alongside your kind" declared the Elite.
By now some of the patrons had begun listening to their conversation, intrigued at what they were hearing.
"Thanks, I guess. Names Shepard" he said whilst extending his hand to the Elite, hesitating slightly when he said his name.
"I am Toha Rolamee, Ultra of the 22nd Ranger Division" stated the Elite
"Pleasure to meet you Toha, wanna drink?" quizzed Shepard
"Whats the occasion?" asked Toha
"Celebrating a friend" Shepard said whilst taking a drink from his pint glass.
"Ah, I see. I take it he was also a warrior such as yourself? And yes I will join you for a drink." stated Toha
"Yeah, he uh. Died recently. He was a good friend." said Shepard, taking another drink from his pint.
"What was their name?" asked Toha as the bartender passed the Elite a bottle with an elongated glass top, designed to be used by Sangheili.
"His name was Jenkins. He was a good soldier and a great friend. We had been through a lot together." stated Shepard
"It's never easy losing such a friend. I know how you feel Shepard. I too lost a dear friend in the Battle Of Orphus. He was good swordsman and an even greater Marksman." Stated Toha.
"Too good friends and brothers in arms?" Shepard said whilst raising his newly filled Pint glass.
"Most definitely Shepard." said Toha raising his Bottle with Shepard.
The glasses pinged as they hit each other. Shepard downed his pint in a quick few gulps, followed by the Elite who did the same with his bottle.
The Turian group around the Corner table had listened in on the Conversation. They had stood up and walked over to Shepard and Toha.
"Enjoying yourself are we?" asked the Turian
"And what business is that off yours?" quizzed Toha
"Quiet Split Jaw! I was talking to your friend here" stated the lead Turian
Shepard turned to look at the group of Turians that were staring at him.
"As a matter of fact I am, is there a problem?" quizzed Shepard
"Your damn right there is a problem. We had friends and family who fought on Orphus. Some were even killed by you in that clip we just saw. And to see you sitting here drinking winds me up" stated the Lead Turian
"Yes well, I had family on Harvest, but no-one seems to care" stated Shepard
"Irrelevant, I wanna make an example of you human!" declared the lead Turian
The club had fell silent. Everyone was watching what was unfolding in front of them.
Shepard stood up to face the Turians, Toha just behind him.
"Hey, I don't want trouble in my club, especially you trying to assault a Hero to Humanity. That clear Turian?" quizzed the Barkeep who had just cocked a M90 CAWS Shotgun.
"Its fine, ill take this outside" stated Shepard.
"Fair enough" said the Lead Turian who had begun to wait outside the door with his 4 companions.
"Shepard, I would be glad to help you in this endeavour" stated Toha
"Ill handle it, but if things get out of hand feel free to help out." stated Shepard as he placed his pint glass on the table.
"On your honour Shepard" replied Toha
They both left the Club, followed by a crowd of people who wanted to watch.
The Turian Leader had stood in front of his friends.
"Well human, you ready to face a sergeant of the Hierarchy in a fair fight?" quizzed the Turian
"I was born ready mother fucker" replied Shepard arrogantly which angered the Turian.
The Turian lunged at Shepard throwing his fist at his face. It was however gripped by Shepard who had begun crushing the Turians knuckles. The Turian raised his other hand to attack Shepard, but was caught as well. Shepard now had the Turian where he wanted him. He head-butted the Turian causing the Turian to fall back on the Floor.
Gasps could be heard from the Crowd.
"What are you waiting for, get him!" Said the Turian on the floor as he was holdings his forehead trying to stand up.
The Turians lunged at Shepard one by one. He was dispatching them easily. The first Turian attempted the tackle Shepard's legs, but his face was met by Shepard's knee. Which seemed to crack the Turians jaw. The crowd was astounded by the force behind that attack. Only Krogan are known to do such damage to a Turian in one hit.
The second Turian attempted to kick at Shepard, but Shepard grabbed his foot and swung it into the air making the Turian flip backwards. Whilst in mid air, Shepard kicked the Turian into the other 2 oncoming attackers, forcing them to stumble to the Ground.
"Seems the Human has taken your Honour and stripped you of it Turians" stated Toha not surprised at what he was seeing, after all Spartans were known well among Elites.
The Turian Sergeant didn't like that comment and ran at Shepard, arming his omni-blade as he lunged. Shepard swiftly pulled out his combat knife from it's holster on his boot. He then knocked the oncoming blade out of his direction and then placed his knife forcibly into the Turians Leg. Incapacitating him. Shepard twisted the knife before pulling it out.
The crowd had already begun recording at the beginning of the fight.
Someone had called C-SEC as a police siren could be heard In the distance.
The rest of the Turians rushed Shepard, all arming omni-blades and combat knifes. Shepard prepared to face them. Toha stood beside him and armed his plasma knife.
"Cowards!" shouted Toha
With that they both engaged the oncoming Turians, careful not to kill any, just injure and incapacitate them.
It was swift and unbelievably amazing to the crowd watching. The sirens got closer until 2 C-SEC cars had parked and out stepped 6 C-SEC Cops armed with assault rifles and tazers.
They approached the crowd, pushing through to find Turians on the Floor, alive but with stab wounds on their legs and arms. Along side a Human and an Elite wielding a blade each.
"On the Ground, Now!" Ordered the C-SEC officer as his team aimed their rifles at Shepard and Toha.
They complied resting their blades on the floor and kneeling down.
The C-SEC cops approached with cuffs ready.
One put Shepard's hands in the cuffs whilst saying.
"Human trash, violence where ever you go huh?" stated the Cop
Immediately Shepard rose and head butted the cop sending him to the floor.
Within a second after he was shot by a cop wielding a tazer. But it wasn't effective. Another cop fired a tazer, this one hitting Shepard in his genitalia. Incapacitating him on the Floor.
"Well played Shepard, showing these scum the might off Humans and Elites" stated Toha
They were both paced in separate cars and sent on their way to the C-SEC academy to be put into cells until further notice.
Murmurs could be heard from the Crowd
"That human sure knows a thing or 2 about fighting" stated a Volus
"Yeah he put the Turians to Shame" stated a Salarian
"Scum, cant help but fight every where they go" stated an agitated Turian
"I would definatly let that human take me around the park" said an Asari
"He was better than a Krogan! And ive seen them take on Klixen!" stated a Salarian
"He could only be better if he were Biotic" stated an Asari
"Those men are a disgrace to the Hierarchy, we do not go looking for fights on shore leave!" said a Turian
What you think eh? Shepard kicked some ass or what? If any of you are confused, yes Saren had a reaper algorithm to disable the forerunner structure. Dint mean to spoil but im sure you already came to that conclusion ;)
Codex
M90 CAWS Shotgun – The M90 shotgun is a pump-action weapon fed by two tubular, non-detachable magazines. The Weapon System Technologies DTM series shotgun was the most common shotgun employed by UNSC Special Forces, law enforcement agencies, and sportsmen. The weapon however has been replaced in recent years by an updated version. This one is now preferred as a home defense weapon by UNSC civilians due to its reputation.
Spartan Uniform – Spartans always wear a insignia or their codename that identifies them in a crowd when on shore leave. Civilians don't usually know a Spartan from any other civilian unless they witness them perform something incredible. This has been in use since the Spartan IV program.
Remnants of the Forerunner Ecumene – All that remains of the Forerunner civilization is there outposts and facilities that are manned and maintained by their machines. Facilities range from Sentinel production factories, Raw material gathering, Weapons manufacturing facilities, shipyards for ship construction, shield worlds for safety from the Halo array, Halo Rings and Line Installations which monitor space for signs of the reclaimer's return and the containment of the flood.