Captain Connors:
Spartan 112, Captain Conners, A hardcore, tough, and seasoned Spartan. He's been in charge of numurous teams, but he prefered to not stay long enough with each team to avoid getting attached. Holds some secrets. In charge of Alpha BRAVO team. Has jet black amor, with dark blue rim on his helmet, and shoulder shields are also dark blue.
Call-Sign~ Spartan 112
First Lieutenant Keegan Merrick:
Spartan 231, Staff Sergeant "STS" Keegan Merrick, a brilliant sniper, transferred to Alpha BRAVO Team when the war began. He is very quiet, and dependable in battle. He is the silent observer, and one of the most calmest and trusted Spartans alive. Dark green amor with some military camo built into the helmet and upper torso to provide better stealth. A sniper through and through, he's stealthy and good in surprise attacks, hand-to-hand combat, and any kind of sniper rifle.
Call-Sign~ Spartan 231
Staff Sergeant Mason Dulley:
Spartan 188, Master Gunny Sergeant Mason "Mase" Dulley, A Seaoned vetran of the Covenant wars. Was around when the USMC was fighting Insurectionists. He took a special liking to Jason, who reminded him of his son who was KIA in the Milipi Battle. Dark blue with charcoal grey rim on helmet and shields on his shoulder, arms, and knees.
Call-Sign~ Spartan 247
Corporal Jason Beckett:
Spartan 627, Private First Class Jason "Jase" Beckett, A young, very smart Spartan. He is no idiot or stranger to battle, and had gone through many challenges in his young life. His best friend and mentor is Mason. Dark orange armor with a black rim on his helmet, and black knee and shoulder shields.
Call-Sign~ 627
Captain "ArkAngel" Lucas Spanning:
Captain "ArkAngel" Lucas Spanning, Captain of the Delta 5 Marine Recon Division, Platoon 6. After the forward operating base was destroyed, he was one of the highest ranking officers left alive, and quickly rose to restore order to the Delta 5 Team, which now joined with the entire base. He is a livid enemy of the Spartans: he knows what happened at Camp Conta, the forward op. base. A long, jagged, white scar runs down his face, over his right eye. His whole armor is midnight and ghostly black, down to his boots, similar to Spartan uniform. Good in hand-to-hand combat and assult rifles.
Call-Sign~ ArkAngel
Lieutenant "Stryker" Logan Walker:
First Lieutenant "Stryker" Logan Walker, Marine, Logan is a brilliant, stealthy sniper. He is the exact same age as Lucas, known only as ArkAngel, and is is closest friend and his second-in-command. He is fair and almost kind, and doesn't share Lucas's level of hatred for the Spartans, although he wouldn't hesitate to hurt them. Dark brown camo, computerized. Black rim on his helmet, knee, shoulder, and arm shields. His covering over his eyes is completely black to help with blending in.
Call-Sign~ Stryker
Sergeant Kyle:
Assigned to Connors to keep an eye on their team, Kyle and Rorke work hand and hand. Formally an elite duo sniper team, they normally know what each other is about to do before they even say it. They secretly enjoy the Spartan's company.
Call-Sign~ Eagle
Staff Sergeant Rorke Cain:
Rorke has a long history in the Marines, and Formally of ONI Central Command Unit, or CCU. He enjoys the Spartan's rough/easy demeanor and is loyal to Kyle, who is his best friend, although Rorke is much older.
Call-Sign~ Cobra
Second Lieutenant Hesh Price:
The third-in-command, he is Logan's right hand man. Now that the Spartans are accepted into the group, he and the rest of the lieutenants are being introduced to the new arrivals they will be in charge of. Hesh was a former Captain, outranking Lucas, but he hadn't challenged ArkAngel when he took over the base. He voluntarily deranked so Logan, who worked best with ArkAngel, could be first lieutenant. He dresses like the rest of the Marines, except he has a black helment, that covers his entire face, and a deep, scarlet red collar on his uniform, stating what he squad he had once commanded and his rank.
Call-Sign~ Price
Third Lieutenant Jace "Jagged" Felt, Marine:
The fourth-in-command of the entire base, in charge of the small ground assult forces, and a good battle strategy planner. He follows orders, and is considered the perfect soldier. He had begun Spartan training when he was only 12 years old, but had escaped when he was 19, just before his final section of training was begining. He was just getting settled in civilian life, ready to marry his long-time sweetheart, when the draft for the Covenant wars came out, and again, he was dragged into service. His soon-to-be wife was murdured by an Elite that a Spartan failed to kill after Jace himself ran away from it. Dressed in black, but with grey boots and a helmet that doesn't cover his entire face. He hates the Spartans more than ArkAngel ever could, and wouldn't mind killing Connors if he could get away with it. He also hates Stryker for always being in ArkAngel's good graces. He is a coward and a bully but is also smart enough to cover his tracks.
Call-Sign~ Jagged
...
ArkAngel gazed out of the glass in his office/command center into the hangar below. He was feeling the pressure now. The Covenent was much too close now for his liking. One of his scouts had even been discovered and narrowly missed escape, and fearing he would lead the Covies back to base, had'nt come back yet. And the other scouts hadn't seen him since. ArkAngel didn't have much hope left for the scout, honestly. Three days was too long to be MIA on this ring. He turned as Jagged walked in. He liked the Marine, even though much of his past was unknown to ArkAngel and records were unavaliable. But time and time again Jagged had proven himself a loyal and powerful ally, so ArkAngel trusted him.
"My men found the missing scout, sir." Jagged stood at attention, eyes on his captain.
"Good. Have him report ASAP to Stryker-"
"Sorry, sir, but he won't be telling us anything." Jagged interrupted quietly. "He's dead, sir. At least for 30 hours, Calvin said."
"The ME?" ArkAngel tried to remember names. He wasn't good with personally knowing his men, and although he tried, he couldn't get everyone's first name down.
"Yes, Sir. Sergeant Holzier."
"Right." ArkAngel sighed. "Anything on the scout that told us anything? Cause of death, maybe?"
"Well, sir, he was shot. With what, though, we aren't sure. The round went through him, and the wound, well, wasn't in good condition."
"Good condition?" ArkAngel asked, narrowing his eyes. "What aren't you telling me, Lieutenant?"
Jagged reddened, his eyes shooting to the far left. "Sir, something ate part of Scout Hayes, sir. We didn't find him in time."
Hayes. It was Lieutenant Hayes who had been missing. He hadn't known that. ArkAngel blanched. He groped for the rail in front of the window, leaning over. A fine Scout, Hayes was in charge of the Scout teams and the most seasoned of all of them. He had served with Lucas for so long... Only to be eaten. Like any other animal. Dishonored. Disgraced. After all he'd done. ArkAngel hated losing a man like that. Hadn't ever lost a man like that.
"Sir?" Jagged stepped towards his captain, concern lining his features.
"I'm okay, Lieutenant. Just need some air." ArkAngel turned, brushing past the lieutenant and jogging towards the ladder leading upwards to freedom. He climbed quickly, panic pressing him. Was this how all his men were going to end? Being eating by common animals? No proper burial surrounded by their loved ones? Because of him? Because of something he could have avoided? He burst through the hatch, letting the top fall backward on the grass as he knelt on the ground, breathing deeply, closing his eyes and savoring the open spaces. The valley's mountains were beside him, in front, behind, and to the right. The only way out of the valley was to his left. But ArkAngel shook his head. He didn't want to think of that stuff right now. Didn't want it in his head. He slowly sat back, propping himself up with one hand, the other resting on a raised knee. He thought for a second, then sat upright, only to remove his helmet, and leaned back again. He heard someone climbing up the shute, and was relieved to see Jagged. He didn't want the lieutenant to see him weak, but was happy it wasn't another soldier.
Jagged opened his mouth to say something once he was about to climb out of the hatch, but someone tugged on him still in the chute. He closed his mouth, a stormy look in his eyes as he climbed back down. Moments later boots echoed up the shute's ladder.
"Logan." ArkAngel breathed, feeling even more relief. He could speak to his friend.
"Close, but no cigar." A softer voice responded.
ArkAngel smiled. The next best thing to Logan. "Hesh."
Former Captain Hesh Price climbed out and closed the hatch. He sat next to ArkAngel, staring at the blue skies.
ArkAngel gazed with a smile at his lieutenant. He had voluntarily deranked so ArkAngel could appoint Logan as his first lieutenant. He hadn't minded. Price's own lieutenant had been Hayes, who had been put in charge of the Scouts. And since Lucas was now basically commander of a whole base, they simply made the highest rank "captain" and the lieutenants were his personal men. Hesh also knew that he didn't know Lucas as well as Logan, so he didn't mind looking for orders from a man he outranked.
"I heard about Hayes." Hesh began softly.
Lucas began to speak, regret and grief clouding his eyes, but Hesh beat him too it.
"Hush. I don't blame you, Lucas." Hesh's gaze left Lucas's face and he stared at the grass, picking a blade of grass and twirling it in his hands. "How could I? It wasn't your fault."
Lucas gazed at his hand. He knew this was probably hitting Hesh the hardest on a personal level. He and Hayes had served together for many, many years. "I'm sorry. I know you two were close." He said quietly.
Hesh sighed, sadness shadowing his face. "Yes, I'm gonna miss his smile, his stupid belly laugh, and his cockyness. And I'll miss my friend. But it happens in this line of work, especially now. But it wasn't any of our guys's fault. Especially yours, Lucas."
"But what if I could have done something different? Something to avoid all this. I should have evaced all the men as soon as ONI went silent. I should have been able to tell something was wrong. I shouldn't have sent men down here."
Hesh laughed, but it was hollow. "Lucas, it's life. It's filled with what-ifs. We can't change that. We can only learn from what we've done and move on. For the lucky people, they can dwell on their grief for a while. But you can't afford that, Lucas. We can't. You have so much responibilities, which is both a curse and a blessing for the rest of us. You can't be man right now. We need you to be our captain. I know, this won't leave your mind easily, but please, for all our sake, don't play the grieving game. You're too important."
Lucas felt his eyes fill with tears and hurredly wiped his eyes. "Why didn't I let you take over." He growled, a hint of teasing mixed in with seriousness.
"Because I am not the man you are, Lucas. I can only try." Hesh stood, offering Lucas a hand up. "I thought you'd rather talk to me than Jagged, so I sent him down to fetch the rest of the scouts who aren't on duty or in the med bay. Time to appoint a new Scout Leader."
Lucas sighed, taking Hesh's hand and pulling himself up. "Right. Let's go."
...
"I know you all heard of what happened to Lieutenant Hayes." ArkAngel gazed at the Scouts gathered in his office. "He will be greatly missed. He was a great soldier and a good friend to many." ArkAngel snuck a glance at Price, who's face was expressionless, except sadness that flickered once across his face and was gone. "However, the Scouts need another leader. But I think Lieutenant Price is more capable to chose one of you. The choice shall be his." ArkAngel stepped back, feeling smug as Stryker sent him a confused expression.
Lieutenant Hesh Price showed his surprised only for a moment. "Thank you, ArkAngel. Scouts, every one of you deserve this responsability. You all could have this and succeed. However, I must chose only one of you. I hope you look to my choice with respect and follow the new Leader as you would have done to Hayes. Trust him and he will trust you. Sergeant Falcon, you are now Fourth Lieutenant Falcon Hayes. Carry on the job your brother had. I trust your judgement and leadership abilities to command the Scouts and bring us daily reports and watching our backs."
ArkAngel grimaced. Hayes had a brother. How little he knew about his soldiers. It hurt to think about.
A young man stepped forward and saluted Lieutenant Jagged. He then pivoted, walked to Lieutenant Price, and saluted. He lingered there a moment longer, then turned again to salute Lieutenant Stryker, and finally, ArkAngel himself. ArkAngel was impressed with the young man.
"I believe Lieutenant Price has made a good choice in you, Lieutenant Hayes. And I'm truly sorry about your brother. He will be missed by many, including me." ArkAngel murmured quietly to the young man before he turned to rejoin his fellow Scouts.
"Welcome to the Lieutenants, Hayes." Stryker said dryly, earning some chuckles, and finally, a cheer for the new lieutenant.
...
"Well, that was interesting." Keegan shrugged. "Honestly, though, I kinda like the way ArkAngel has his most trusted and capable men as his lieutenants and numbers them. It's organized in the leaders area. And yet there's really only two social classes. The Lieutenant and Captain, and then there's the sergeants, and corporals, and so forth. Yet there's not a big, unessicary rank gap. Everyone respects everybody. It's kinda nice. Confusing, but nice. Not that I want that way in our own ranks." He shuddered, then winced at the pain it brought.
"I guess." Connors sat with his own lieutenant in their barracks. The Spartans got their own room, where they could put their armor in the extra bunks. Only recently had Rorke and Kyle joined their room. Mason, Jason, and Rorke slept on one side of the room, Connors, Keegan, and Kyle slept on the other. Their amor was near the back wall, propped near the wall. Connors still had his on, as did Mason. It was suddenly an unspoken rule that at least two Spartans kept their gear on at all times.
"How many LTs does ArkAngel have?" Mason called out from the circle of cards he and Jason and Rorke were playing.
Connors shrugged, casting a glance at Kyle, who avoided his gaze, cleaning his helmet.
"Bastard has ten altogether." Rorke muttered loud enough for them all to hear yet casting a keen eye towards the door. "Then each of his LTs has at least one if not two main sergeants. Then after that it's just who's proven themselves in battle. The Scouts, though, they only have their LT. No sergeants or second in commands. They can't afford that, it's too dangerous. So one man is in charge, and the rest pretty damned well get along with each other." He chuckled.
Kyle smirked. "They were a good lot. Hopefully Falcon Hayes is as good as his brother."
"So explain the ten lieutenants." Keegan leaned against his pillow, closing his eyes.
"Well, there's kind of a rank of importance of the LTs. They're all important, granted, but you know how it is. Someone's slightly better than the other. Lieutenant Stryker is kind of the second captain. He's in charge of everything when ArkAngel isn't around. Lieutenant Price is in charge of the Med crews, and Sniper teams. He also lends a hand with the Scouts. Next is Lieutenant Jagged, he's with ground troops and does some recon with the men during battle. Watch out for him, he's the worst of 'em. I don't trust him. The new Lt Falcon Hayes is next with the Scouts. Seems like a good man. Lieutenant Levi of the ODSTs, he's a great guy. Funny as hell, too. Good guy, good guy." Rorke delt a card with a grin. "I won."
Kyle rolled his eyes. "Continuing on though, there's Lieutenant Garret of the Pelicans and aircraft, he's a fun guy. Lieutenant Crystal Price of the heavy Marines, she's with the tanks and rockets and shit. She's amazing. Also Lieutenant Hesh Price's little sister. Spitfire's her affectionate nickname. Next is another women, Lieutenant Sapphire Brodey, who's in charge of the underwater skills team. She's good, so careful around her too. Lieutenant Wilcott's in charge of ammunition, food, and distributing supplies. He also provides some entertainment in this dire situations." He rolled his eyes. "At least it gives some people jobs."
"How so?" Jason asked.
"Because he hires some Marines to do jobs for special favors: more meds for labor, more food for some clothe mending, things like that. Helps people contribute to each other and makes our supplies last. He's also the one who's found all the supplies we have now from our hidden caches. Without him, we would've starved by now. And that's all of them." Kyle stated matter-of-factly.
"That's only nine dumbass." Keegan murmured, his eyes closed, dozing.
Kyle snorted. "If only I could smack you, you poor, wounded baby." He retorted sarcastically.
Jason snorted, covering the laugh with a cough.
Rorke chuckled. "Yeah, the tenth don't want to be no fucking LT, or so he said. Master Sergeant Tommy Rogue. One of the best. Don't even know what division he was gonna be in charge of, or what was even left. He refused it before he even knew what he was gonna do. So ArkAngel's been looking for another LT. But it's a given, the lieutenants he has now are about unbeatable as they come. It was nice to know there was better fighting men than ourselves making the discisions to keep us alive."
"Was?" It was Connors who was curious this time, having heard Rogue's name pop up.
Kyle and Rorke shared a grave look. "Everyone knows it's been fucking hell here. And it's only gonna get worse. But when rumors went around about Stryker and how he pulled a gun on a private who woke him up screaming about some monster and about killed the poor boy, and how he's going crazy, and how ArkAngel's losing his edge, and something bigger and deadlier than the Covies is somewhere..." Kyle sighed. "Some people don't have any more hope left. When you guys came, though, and the success of the mission so now the ODSTs can be launched, well, some hope returned."
"And that's all I have to say about it." Rorke stretched, yawning. "Besides that, it's about lights out. Patrol will come all too soon." He found his bunk, putting his rifle leaning beside it.
Kyle followed suit. "Unless you Spartans only sleep a few hours every couple days, I'd sleep now If I was you. No telling when you will again. We were lucky. We got a break to rest from that sting we did. Tomorrow, though, I have no doubt Stryker will put you guys on rotation too, minus Keegan if we can't put his armor on."
Keegan flipped him off without supposedly awakening from his doze.
Jason chuckled, pulling on his sheet. "Night, guys."
Mason laid down, still in his amor. "I'll keep it on for now, Captain." He said before Connors could object. "Can't be too careful. I'm used to sleep in it anyway." He was asleep before he hit the pillow.
Connors sat in his bed, leaning against the wall. Keegan's bed was next to his. His lieutenant rolled with a grunt towards his captain.
"Well. Sorry I'm not dressed right now." Keegan said dryly, glancing at Connors.
Connors chuckled softly. "That sounded so wrong."
Keegan chuckled softly too. "Yeah, guess so. I can wear my amor tomorrow though, promise."
"No, you need to get better first, Lieutenant. I can't use you half-wounded." Connors let a smile flicker.
"Right." Keegan sighed. "Didn't realize how hard it was to get the stuff off when you're bleeding."
Connors grinned. "Don't get shot then. Was hell pulling you out of that thing when you kept trying to bleed out on us."
Keegan snorted.
"Too goddamn close, Spartan." Connors whispered the familiar saying among every Spartan before finally, closing his eyes.