A/N: Hello everyone! Well the re-write is finished and I personally think my story has improved. I highly suggest going back to read the story from the beginning now, because if you don't there will be quite a few confusing things. Feel free to give critiques on the revisions, as always, I actually expect some flame for one addition in particular. But anyway here is a new chapter with the newly revised story, enjoy!

En-route to ONI SWORD Base

Babd Catha Ice Shelf, Reach

July 26th 2552, (0930 Military Standard Time)

"Say again Admiral, did you say Halsey?" Drake asked over his COMs. He was curious as to why he was evacuated separate from his team. Now he had his answer.

"I did. She has requested your presence at SWORD Base. Unfortunately, her being ONI, her request overrides my orders. I could really use you in the fight." Freemont replied, disappointment in his voice.

"Don't worry Admiral. I don't think our little chat will be long. I should be on my way back within the hour. Sierra-114 out." The Spartan closed the channel and turned back to the view. The open transport bay of the UH-144 Falcon allowed him to easily see the vast ice shelf. It was a beautiful view but that made a pit form in his stomach. He knew that the Covenant could burn the whole place to the ground if the UNSC failed. He could not bear to see his home in ashes. His deep thought was broken as the VTOL began to adjust for a landing. He looked out to his right as the craft banked to see a large courtyard. Somewhat early in the morning yet bustling with activity already. The Falcon eased itself down and came to a hover just over the ground. A UNSC Army Soldier approached the craft in a crouched position and called to the Spartan.

"Commander?" He yelled.

"That's me!" Drake barked a reply as he dropped from his seat onto the ground.

"Follow me! I'll take you to the Doctor!" The Soldier pointed towards the entrance. Sierra-114 nodded in acknowledgment. The Spartan followed the trooper to the entrance, from there he was shown an elevator that would take him to the Doctor's level. Once the lift reached the correct level Drake was taken to what he could only guess was a small lab. At the far end he saw the familiar form of Dr. Halsey, nose buried deep in her datapad. One of her assistants grabbed her attention and motioned towards the waiting Spartan. It was subtle but Drake could see multiple emotions rolling across her face. A mix of happiness, worry and curiosity were most prevalent.

"Drake," she finally uttered as she crossed the room to him.

"Dr. Halsey, it has been too long." He replied, trying to hold back his own emotions. The Commander was caught off guard by the sudden onset of feelings. Until now only May had been able to make such feelings reveal themselves in him.

"You could say that. I mean I only thought you were dead." She furrowed her brow.

"I suppose I have some explaining to do," Drake snorted as he removed his helmet. He set it down on the table in front of him, brushing some soot off the back.

"Yes you do," Halsey crossed her arms. She took a moment to study her Spartan's face. Scars adorned his cheek and eye, symbols of battles won or at least survived. It was apparent to Catherine that he was doing his job well. "But I will admit it is good to see you again. Although I am curious as to how you got a suit of my latest armor. Only two suits have been made so far."

"Admiral Parangosky." Drake stated firmly.

"Of course, how is the old crow?"

"Don't know, haven't heard from her since I left Earth. But it's not important, I'm sure you don't actually care." Drake crossed his arms and eased his stance.

"How sharp you are, as always. So I imagine the Admiral is responsible for your feigned death?" The Doctor questioned.

"Yes. After my augmentations I was taken away by some ONI Agents and hand delivered to Parangosky with Brooke-115." He started to explain.

"Brooke too? Is she alive? Is she with you?" Halsey fired off questions.

"No. She...she died about six years ago." Drake choked out, trying to hold his emotions back. He was a little uncomfortable with how freely his emotions were displaying. The Spartan quickly composed himself and locked down his emotions, it was time to steel himself once more.

"I'm...sorry. I know you two were close." Her expression softened.

"Yes well that's in the past," Drake pushed past it. "Anyway, we were taken to serve as Parangosky's own Shadow Ops. Team." Drake continued.

"Of course," Halsey huffed. "Wait, what are you doing on Reach then? There was no way Parangosky could have known the Covenant was on Reach before she sent you."

"She didn't, at least not to my knowledge. I was sent here to pick up my ship."

"Your ship?" The Doctor asked, her eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Yes, I was given the rank of Commander and given command over a ship to carry out my missions with." Drake explained.

"Well, you've certainly moved up in the world. Congratulations, Commander." She emphasized, something like pride rested in her words.

"Thank you, ma'am. Now did you need something from me?" He inquired.

"Yes actually. Other than confirming that one of my once dead Spartans was still alive." Before the Doctor could finish, a shockwave hit the room, throwing loose objects to the floor.

"What the hell?" Drake exclaimed.

"Sword Control, what's going on?" Halsey called over the intercom. There was no answer at first, then the building-wide intercom clicked on.

"All personnel be advised. A Covenant Corvette has arrived on station, offloading troops and armor. We are under attack, I repeat we are under attack. All personnel report to your stations."

"I think that's my queue to leave ma'am." Drake looked her in the eye.

"I guess so. It was good to see you again Drake. Good luck." The Doctor looked on at her Spartan proudly.

"Thank you. If we make it through this mess, I promise I'll visit." Drake gave a firm nod and collected his helmet off the floor. He slammed the helmet on to his head and hurried from the lab.

"Goodbye..." she muttered. The Spartan radioed Sword Control from his COM system.

"SWORD Control this is Spartan Drake-114. Where do you need me?"

"A Spartan? Thank God," he heard faintly from the other end. "We need that Corvette dealt with and we have not been authorized MAC Rounds. Think you can take care of it?"

"Consider it done." Drake replied firmly before closing the channel. Once it was closed he hailed Admiral Freemont. "Admiral this is Commander Drake. I need my team sent to me immediately. SWORD Base has come under fire from a Covenant Corvette."

"Negative Commander, I need you and your team for something else." Freemont answered.

"But sir, the fight is here!" He exclaimed.

"I know. You and your team will fight for SWORD Base. But from a different angle."

"How do you mean?" Drake wondered.

"Head for the courtyard, a Pelican will be waiting. I'll explain once you're aboard. Freemont out," The Admiral signed off. Drake was confused but he hurried to the base courtyard, hoping for answers. As promised a Pelican was waiting to pick him up, but it was starting to come under fire by Covenant infantry. The Spartan sprinted for the open troop bay and leaped into the dropship. Drake landed squarely on his feet, steadying himself with the overhead hand rails. With the Commander safely inside, the pilot took off to a destination unknown. He took a seat at the rear of the bay and reopened a channel to Admiral Freemont.

"Alright Admiral, I need answers. Now." Drake demanded, sounding impatient.

"Relax Spartan," he replied firmly. "You're heading towards Fairchild Field to link up with your team. I got a peek at your record and noticed you have some experience as a Longsword Pilot."

"No kidding? Last I knew my record was all black ink. Even my name." The Spartan snorted.

"I was able to get around some of the black. Regardless, I need you and your team to fly a couple Longswords in to SWORD Base and provide air support and take out the Corvette."

"It's been a while Admiral but we'll do our best." Drake assured him.

"I know Commander." Freemont replied and closed the channel.

Fairchild Field

Highland Mountain Region, Reach

July 26th 2552, (1110 Military Standard Time)

Drake settled into the pilot's seat of the GA-TL1 Longsword, reacquainting himself with the flight controls. May took the co-pilot's seat beside him and the pair began running through the pre-flight checks. If anyone was to be his co-pilot, he was glad it was May. The Commander obviously trusted all of his team, but with the events between him and May, he had a closer and stronger bond with May. He had been unconsciously staring at his companion, who had turned to meet his gaze. Her dazzling blue eyes found his as a smile split across her face. They both gave a chuckle as they turned to face forward, blood rushing to their cheeks. Sierra-114 shook his head and focused his mind on the mission.

"Fairchild Tower this is Sierra Whiskey One, all systems are reading normal. Ready to launch on your mark." Drake radioed in on his headset.

"Acknowledged Whiskey One. Sierra Whiskey Two what is your status?"

"Green Fairchild Tower. Ready to roll." Sampson's voice came over the radio system.

"The Board is Green. You are clear to takeoff on my mark." The Tower ordered. Drake pushed the ignition, firing the twin fusion engines. He sat on idle waiting for word from the Tower. "Alright we are a go, Sierra Whiskey begin launch."

"Roger that Tower, Sierra Whiskey beginning takeoff." Drake called back. The Commander eased the throttle forward, rolling down the runway. As he neared the end he punched the throttle forward and pulled up into the air.

"Whiskey One is away," he heard the Tower Operator announce. "Whiskey Two begin takeoff." Soon after Sampson and Ty were away in their Longsword, quickly catching up to Drake and May.

"Alright Commander, this is Colonel Holland. I've been assigned to lead the defense of SWORD Base."

"Roger that Colonel," Drake replied, flipping a couple switches on the board. "Just point and my team will shoot."

"That's what I like to hear. Our primary objective is to destroy the Corvette. However the ship has put up a field of fighters to defend it from air. We won't be able to touch it until the fighters are thinned out. I have ordered NOBLE Team to move in and begin clearing things from the ground. If they can fight their way to the AA Guns near the base those will help your approach. Good luck Spartans, Holland out." The Colonel signed off, leaving the team in silence.

"You heard the man, lets move in and take out their fighters. Once the fighters are gone we can hit that Corvette." Drake reiterated their mission. The Spartans were silent for the rest of the journey until SWORD Base came into view.

"Commander, SWORD Base is just ahead." Ty radioed the team leader. "We also have eyes on the Corvette."

"Acknowledged, be advised I'm reading five tangos inbound on our position. Looks like the fighters have caught wind of us. Split up and pick your targets." Drake ordered, pushing a button to unsheathe the two 120mm Ventral Cannons. The enemy fighters soon came into visual range.

"Banshees!" May alerted.

"Too easy," Sampson snorted. Drake gave a slight grin at his confidence and turned his focus on the enemy. The targeting system locked on to the inbound fighters, alerting Drake that the guns were ready to fire. He gripped the control stick and hovered his finger over the trigger. He counted to three in his head then squeezed the fire button. A stream of bullets belched from the cannons towards the enemy Banshees. Before they could react the lead Banshee was torn to scrap by the large caliber rounds. However once the first was down, the rest split up to attack from other angles. Sampson split off to engage the two heading for him while Drake took the two gunning for him. They began firing their dual plasma cannons but Commander Drake easily maneuvered out of the way. He fired another burst at the Banshees, but the enemy fighters rolled out of the way. The Spartan adjusted his course again and fired another burst. This time it clipped one of the enemy's wings, throwing it into a downward spiral.

"How's it looking Sampson?" Drake asked his counterpart.

"Not bad, these Banshees fall apart like paper." Sampson replied confidently.

"Don't get cocky, their plasma can cut right through our hull. We need to stay in one piece to take out that Corvette." He cautioned.

"Roger that." Sampson stated flatly. After their exchange, Drake lost track of his other Banshee.

"May do you see it?" He asked his co-pilot.

"Radar says it's right on top of us!" She exclaimed.

"Must be above us," Drake grunted. He yanked back on the flight stick, pointing the craft straight up. There the Banshee was bearing down on them, firing its fuel rod cannon. He spun deftly out of the way and squeezed the trigger on his control stick. Another volley of 120mm bullets flew at the enemy fighter, catching it head on. The craft exploded into a purple ball of flame as it plummeted to the surface.

"My Banshees are down, how are you looking Sampson?" Drake asked, turning around to lower his altitude.

"All good, both fighters are down."

"Excellent, press on towards SWORD Base." He ordered. Sampson silently acknowledged as the two formed back up to move onward.

"SWORD Control this is Sierra Whiskey One do you copy?" May hailed the Base's control.

"Solid copy Whiskey, go ahead."

"We are inbound in two Longswords to provide air support and tackle that Corvette." She replied.

"Good to hear, NOBLE Team is currently on station providing ground support."

"Roger that, have they brought the Anti-Air system back up yet?" May inquired.

"Standby," The operator answered. After a few seconds the operator returned. "Affirmative. AA Guns are online providing support."

"Excellent, moving in to clear out remaining enemy fighters before we hit the Corvette."

"Negative Shadow the area is too hot, multiple Covenant Banshees and Phantoms are assaulting the base outside of the Anti-Air's range. NOBLE is currently moving in to help clear the air for your approach."

"Acknowledged SWORD Control, backing off." May looked at Drake who gave a confirming nod, hitting the flight stick to turn away from the base. "Let us know when it is safe to engage, we'll mop up any stragglers in the mean time."

"Good hunting Whiskey," SWORD Control replied before closing the channel.

"Hear that Sampson?" Drake called.

"Aye aye sir, breaking off." The Spartan-III answered shortly. While they waited, the two Longswords circled the area near the AA Guns, picking off any Banshees not caught in the gunfire. A trio of Banshees had broken off and were gunning straight for Sampson and Ty. Drake eased up on the thrust, falling back behind the bogeys. The Covenant craft either did not see Drake fall back or did not care, they were focused on one Human fighter. Sierra-114 took the opportunity and spun up the 120mm cannon and unleashed hell. The large rounds erupted from the gun, tearing the Banshees to ribbons.

"Nice save, Commander." Ty thanked.

"Don't mention it," Drake replied coolly. They continued on to clean up any lone Covenant craft, until the call came in from SWORD Control.

"Sierra Whiskey be advised, NOBLE team has cleared up the enemy air support and the Corvette is fleeing. Begin pursuing the Corvette so our Orbital Defense Station can take a safe shot."

"Solid copy Control," Drake sounded a reply. "Moving in." He turned the controls to head straight for the Corvette and throttled up.

"Commander, did I hear them right? Are we not hitting the Corvette?" Sampson radioed.

"That's my guess," Drake replied nonchalantly. "Keep your weapons warm just in case but be ready to split off." Sampson remained silent as they pushed the Covenant Ship onwards.

"Whiskey, split off. You have reached minimum safe distance and Super-MAC is preparing to fire." SWORD Control announced.

"Splitting off," May answered flatly. The two Longswords banked to the side of the Corvette and turned back around towards SWORD Base. As they departed, a Super-MAC round thundered down from orbit. The large ferrous-tungsten round shot clean through the unshielded Covenant ship, causing it to sink into the lake below.

"Thanks for the assist Spartans," SWORD Control called to give thanks.

"Anytime. Oculus Team out." Drake kept it short as he set course for Fairchild Field.

"Returning to the field Boss?" Ty asked.

"Affirmative. May, set up a connection with Admiral Freemont. See if he has anything else for us."

"Aye aye sir," She nodded.