Shack.
Jake emerged from his tube to see Dr. Halsey reading a book on the Avatar Program. Everyone else was up in the living area. Though he could see Fred and John outside the shack, so he figured that Kelly and Linda were outside the front part of the shack.
"I will admit, the Avatar program does have its advantages." Halsey said, not looking up from her book.
"I'm sorry?" Jake asked, getting back into his chair.
"It lacks the clean, clinical precision of the Spartans. But given the right genetic material workings, and we could very well infiltrate the Covenant." She said, closing the book.
"Yeah. Actually Master Chief talked to me about that not too long ago. He thought of it, but figured it would be useless, considering that the bodies have Human characteristics." Jake said.
"Indeed. That's why technology and persistence exists. I noticed that the mixture is 50% Human, 50% Na'vi intentionally. Going any further in either direction would 'create either a too Humanistic looking specimen or a specimen without proper Human characteristics.' Whatever the hell that rule is for." Halsey said.
Halsey placed the book down and grabbed another book on Pandoran botany. The one Grace wrote. "Better read than this." She said, smirking.
"Well I guess that makes sense, you getting along with other people better than Grace. Hell you study Human physiology." Jake said. Halsey laughed at the comment.
"You're definitely not the science type are you?" Asked Halsey.
"Nope. NO I'm not." Jake said as he wheeled himself to the front.
"Are you okay?" Halsey asked. Jake quickly looked at her. "Yeah, why?" He asked.
"You look a little pale. Like you've seen a ghost."
"Heh. About that, I had a run in with a Thanator in my Avatar." Jake lied.
"Sounds terrifying." Halsey said. 'She bought it. Thank God.' He thought.
"Yep. And it wasn't the first time." He said heading to the front. When he had the back of his head turned to her, his face went to one of uneasiness. "God why?" He asked. The meeting between Eytukan and the Elite fresh in his mind still.
Omaticaya Hometree.
"They are offering us a chance to get rid of those demons Eytukan. We must take their offer! We will finally be free of them and our home will be ours again!" Tsu'tey said.
"And risk falling into a permanent agreement like with the Sky People? Possibly be dragged into a union which we want nothing to do with?" Eytukan replied.
"Father is right. These aliens have appeared before us speaking of peace. But what if it doesn't last? What if they do the same that the Sky People did to us,? We must tell the Sky People that this 'Covenant' is here and trying to negotiate with us!" Neytiri said.
"And risk the Sky People turning our home into a battleground? Like they have claimed their worlds have when this Covenant appears? How long would it be before our home is nothing but a place of fire and ash?" Eytukan replied.
"Listen to your father Neytiri. We do not have to join them per say. Merely help them, and as Leka said they would reward us." Tsu'tey said.
"It has only been a short time since they came and promised, but not all our people feel that way." Neytiri said.
"Neytiri." Eytukan said, trying to calm her.
"Jakesully certainly does not!" She declared.
"Jakesully, he is ONE of those demons. He walks in a false body and pretends to be one of us!" Tsu'tey argued.
"ENOUGH!" Eytukan yelled. "Both of you, go tend to whatever duties come to you. We will talk when you are both calm." He said.
Disdainfully, but surely, the two left. Eytukan put his head into his hands and sighed. "They tried to tell us. And we wouldn't listen." His mind flashed back to the Sky People's talk of the Covenant. The Sky People, who preferred the term 'Humans,' spread from their own planet to colonize other worlds. They had hundreds if not thousands. Their empire was vast. Then came the Covenant. And the war began. He remembered seeing the Sky People presenting him with weapons, 'videos,' even warriors from those from their 'UNSC' come to speak with them face to face. Eytukan and his people ignored it all. Not only did they disregard the pleas of the Sky People, they brought further hatred from the Humans.
So far that hatred has resulted in the near extinction of the Tipani, one of the most powerful clans on all the planet. Now the best they could do was grow to restore their numbers. Many became feral after being cut off from their fellow tribespeople. And it resulted in the troubles of today. He did agree with one thing her daughter said. Jake was terrified when the Covenant appeared in Hometree. Like one seeing the beast, Toruk, before being devoured by the legend. He even left the gathering to go up on the Ikran branches.
"Oh Eywa. What are we to do?" He asked to the goddess. Hoping for an answer to come.
Citadel.
Leka looked upon the growing forces of his army. The Citadel had extra Halls for the infantry to stay. There was at least one Summit to maintain aircraft and a factory to maintain and make more vehicles should the need arise. Warehouses ensured that any resources from the ships could be refined into usable materials should the need to make anything arise. The Temple in the rear, facing the sea, would give all the chance to pray for the worship of the Gods, without whose favors, all their efforts would be for naught. A single shield generator protected the base.
Of course a shield cannot destroy attackers. Four turrets surrounded the base. Two facing the sea armed with needler launchers. While those fired from the standard Needlers carried by ground forces homed into organic targets, these were meant for air targets. The two at the front had a plasma launcher and fuel rod cannons, for infantry and vehicles respectively. The fleet was still far from the planet to avoid Human satellites from spotting it. But the dropships were small enough that they could for the most part, get by unnoticed. Meanwhile, several ground forces, Zealot Sangheili scoured the jungles searching for Human locations to later attack when the time was right, and for the possibility of Forerunner artifacts.
Forerunner relics were the holiest of gifts. Be it one of the sacred rings, or a minor data device. Only the San 'Shyuum had the proper clearance and knowledge to decipher these relics once brought back to High Charity. These were reverse-engineered while respecting the originality of the Forerunners into tools for the Covenant. Be it a weapon, a ship, or armor. Even buildings.
Liko was accompanying the Zealot search parties while Leka kept an eye on things at the Citadel. 'I wonder, will Eytukan take my offer? Or will he not become involved? Either way, I will destroy the Humans. But Prophets forbid they help the Humans. I mean why would they? The Humans have burned their forests and taken their land for resources. Resources being used to fight US. Then there's the fact that the Demons, one of them being the greatest of devils, have already killed some of their kind.' "I can only hope Eytukan sees to reason. For if he aids the Humans, I will be forced to kill his people… maybe even this whole planet."
…
Neytiri call me shxawng. It means moron. Norm has helped me out with the language thing. It's nice to know his attitude has improved. But he thinks I'm a shxawng too. He's a good guy though. Sometimes I think he really should have been the one to get this honor instead of me.
The docs have stopped bickering.
"Oh really, I'd like to see one of your Spartans sweet talk a Na'vi chief into an agreement."
"Hah! A Spartan would have better luck than one of your Avatars trying to fight off a Brute."
Relatively anyway.
Ryder's been dropping by the shack every couple of days. It's nice to talk to a fellow jarhead from time to time. For a signals specialist. He has a knack for war. Guy was a signals genius. He joined the UNSC to fight rebels, and later the Covenant. Guy could even break into Covenant signals and figure out their plans. Then came the Athens II incident.
"It wasn't your fault Ryder." John said.
"Yeah? Sure feels like it." He replied.
"Come on now sir. We all know it was the Covies' fault, not yours!" Batista said.
Batista was larger than life. Always looking to blow something up. He was always in high spirits. Destroyed a major floating rock sometime after getting here that blocked a planned transport route. He added to his task, set the bombs to dislodge a large collection of rocks, they drifted into a collage of mountains high above the roadway that from then on became Batista's Pass.
"Come on Ryder. You know that the Covenant are responsible for the tsunami there. It wasn't like you told the tectonic plates to go haywire when the Covenant dug for those alien ruins." Winslow said.
Winslow is an older guy, like Quaritch, only less in rank. He's at odds with Ryder in a friendly rivalry way. Winslow kept saying he knew Ryder was the best option for his successor of a Captain. Looks like he got his prediction. Been here almost as long as Quaritch.
"Quit beating yourself up sir. You were given a second chance. That means you were in the right. Screw the few who held you responsible, if they had a brain they'd realize the Covenant was to blame. Idiots blaming someone they can actually face. Especailly without fear of repercussion." Dalton said.
Although a Sergeant, Dalton's got the personality of a young Private. Hell he's only been here for about two years. Same as Ryder, but not as violent. But that's what makes the guy so lovable. The others would joke about how he would keep getting attention from the females at Hell's Gate, who would talk about how cute it is when he blushes or gets nervous. Other guys tried to seduce them, he simply gives 'hellos' and 'goodbyes' like a normal man.
Ryder sighed. Still having the guilt weigh on him. "It's not like it could've been stopped at that point Ryder. Sad but true. What's important is you keep going-"
The squad's had this talk before. Each time actually seems to make Ryder feel better. I just wish I could feel better. The Covenant are here and I'm still not doing a damn thing about it.
As for my learning experience. My feet are getting tougher. I can run farther every day. I gotta trust my body to know what to do. Even with all this, it's reading the trails, the tracks at the water hole, the tiniest of scents and sounds. She's always going on about the flow of energy, the spirit of animals. I hope this crap isn't on the final.
Then there was the time we came across the Spartans on one of our runs.
I'll never forget Neytiri's face when she saw them face to face. Easily reaching up to the bottom of her neck. She thought they were devils alright.
"How do you sleep knowing there are Humans like that in your armies?" She asked. Jake chuckled.
"Simple. I know that I'm on their side." He replied.
She challenged one of them to a race. In the trees and on the ground. Naturally, it was Kelly who was volunteering. When she took off, Neytiri looked like she saw a Thanator ran past. I'll never forget that shocked face when she lost.
I managed to talk Mo'at into letting Grace back into the village, as well as Norm. Figured they'd appreciate it. It's the first time since her school closed down. Since the massacre.
As I continued to learn from Neytiri, we often encountered the Spartans more often. They'd be on escort missions or simple reconnaissance. Whenever Neytiri inquired about their curiosity of Pandora. They'd say 'This place is like a dream. So beautiful.' This earned her trust pretty quick.
Of course we ran into Covenant patrols too. I did my best to not draw attention to myself.
I'm still trying to understand this connection the Na'vi has with the forest. She talks about an energy flowing through all living things. All energy is only borrowed. And someday, you must give it back.
As far as the Spartans went, the Omaticaya people were beginning to relax, since they eventually knew they were around every so often. It was all going nice and well, until Tsu'tey's ego got big regarding the Spartans. He demanded that I speak with them for a one on one contest.
"The Sky Devils are nothing more than mere normal Sky People whose successes have been embellished and made up by the Sky People and the Ferals!" He declared. Jake stood there with his arms folded. Looking at Tsu'tey in a rather disappointed way.
"You, Jakesully. You can talk to them. You know their ways! You will talk to them and get them to challenge me!"
"Tsu'tey. What is this going to prove?" Asked Jake.
"That your tales of a superior warrior are but stories from a false mouth!"
"And you think I can just go to them and make them accept this challenge?" "You do NOT refuse me!" Tsu'tey threatened. Jake chuckled.
"I'm not saying no Tsu'tey, I'm saying, you have no idea what you're dealing with. I'll talk to them. But you better prepare for disappointment. Whether they agree or not." Jake said with a smile on his face. He turned to walk to his sleeping quarters. But not before turning around first and looking towards Tsu'tey.
"Next thing you know you're gonna say the Covenant is a bunch of Sky People in suits." It took about four Na'vi to hold Tsu'tey back.
I told them about Tsu'tey's challenge. At first it seemed a bit of a joke. But they knew I was serious. And when Quaritch heard, he thought it was a damn amazing idea. This would slam it to the Na'vi once and for all. 'Don't fuck with us.' And Master Chief accepted.
The meeting place would be the hunting grounds of the Omaticaya. Everyone was gonna be there. Thankfully the Elite, Leka came earlier and wouldn't be back for at least a few days.
Dividing the two species was the little arena made by the Na'vi. Everyone was there. Quaritch, Ryder, Grace, even Selfridge was there. Who was currently talking to his wife on the phone. They were in a shack flown in by a Samson, so as to not expose them to any unnecessary danger. On the other side was Eytukan, Mo'at, and Neytiri with Jake on their side of the field. Fred, Kelly, and Linda were sitting on top of the shacks with dozens of RDA soldiers playing spectator and waiting for the fight to begin.
"I still can't believe that Tsu'tey has demanded a challenge from the Spartans. And I really can't believe he'd choose John of all people." Halsey said.
"That's something we can both agree on." Grace said.
"He's a goddamn fool." Quaritch said.
"Whatever gets the Na'vi to see just how powerful the Spartans are right?" Selfridge asked.
"Have you learned nothing Tsu'tey?" Eytukan said rather upset.
"Olo'eyktan. It is nothing to fear." Tsu'tey assured.
"Nothing? These Sky People are responsible for killing many Na'ring 'aws." Mo'at said.
"They were fools for rushing a Sky People fort like that. I will not be. It is ONE Sky Person." The chief and shaman simply sighed and shook their heads before taking their seats. "I'll show them. Look well Jakesully." He said, gaining Jake's attention. "For today your 'Spartan' falls."
Jake just shook his head. "Fucking idiot." He whispered placing his face into his palm. All these stories on the capabilities of the Spartans has done the complete OPPOSITE for Tsu'tey. Making him ever more determined to prove the rumors wrong. He was already running to and from his waiting position, bow held in the air while shouting. His fellow warriors doing the same.
John had some rooters in the RDA rank and file, but he and his fellow Spartans simple kept their cool. The rules were laid out. John would use his hand to hand skills while Tsu'tey could use whatever he saw fit. For an indefinite time until one fell. Some would say it would be unfair. Everyone would agree, but John would have the advantage.
With his time fighting the Ferals, he knew the na'vi fighting strategy. Either with bows and arrows, or up close and personal with axes, clubs, swords or staffs. Plenty of which were placed around the area to give Tsu'tey access to a weapon at all times. He knew that he could stop a club with his hands, whether or not one would shatter on his armor was still up for debate. "Ok peeps. Listen up!" A SecOps soldier said, getting their attention. "You know the rules. Start from your respective sides, be ready to fight. We start when the flare is launched."
John nodded while Tsu'tey chuckled. "Prepare to have your stories destroyed by me false warrior." He said with a sneer on his face. John said nothing. Simply stared back at Tsu'tey through his visor. The gold faceplate reflecting Tsu'tey's face back at him. The two went back to their respective places and waited for the match to begin.
The soldier looked around, keeping the tension in check. Then aimed his launcher in the air, and fired. The brilliant red flare shot forth and fell back slowly to the jungle.
John made his move as Tsu'tey rushed towards him. Spartan time kicked in as the distance closed. John ducked as a club swung straight at him, then using the momentum, leapt back towards Tsu'tey and slammed into him. Bringing the Na'vi down. John readied for another strike and put about a few arm's length between him and Tsu'tey to discern his next move.
Tsu'tey got up and prepared for the next attack, he swung his club yet again, only to watch the one known as 117 merely lean backwards and dodge it. Then bring a fist into his gut. Tsu'tey felt the wind blow from his lungs. 'Impossible. Ryder moves fast, but not even he can match that speed. How can a Sky Person be so responsive?!' He barely had time to see the next punch go straight to his side.
John kicked Tsu'tey after he jabbed him in the left, sending the Na'vi warrior onto his back. Clutching at his side. Seeing the pained expression on Tsu'tey's face, John knew he was starting to realize just how serious the Spartans were about war. Tsu'tey got up again, albeit slower than last time. John bent his knees and readied for the next attack Tsu'tey may have readied. Tsu'tey suddenly threw a clutch of dirt towards John, hoping it would at least slow him down.
John saw this coming a mile away and didn't even flinch as Tsu'tey followed with a club swing. John brought a single gauntleted hand up and caught the weapon. On the Human side, the cheers were as loud as ever, they knew the power a single Spartan held. And this Sparta, John 117 was the greatest of all. On the Na'vi side, things went dead quiet. It was one thing to hear of the capabilities of a Sky Devil. But to see one in action was something else entirely.
Tsu'tey looked like his whole future had been stolen from him. "H-how…" Not giving an answer, John tore the club from Tsu'tey's grasp and swung it into his side, effectively breaking it. John then punched him in the chest, jabbed him in the club-struck region, punched again, backhanded, kneed him into the same region, then grabbed his neck and slammed his helmet into Tsu'tey's face. Tsu'tey fell to the ground. John stopped his attack, figuring Tsu'tey had enough.
He didn't do a victory pose or anything fancy, he simply waited for the match to end. HE stood at parade rest while looking towards the Na'vi. Whose bewildered expressions would forever hold a place in his mind.
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
John felt something heavy and large smack on the back of his head followed by the sound of splintering wood. The impact forced him to a position where it looked like he bowed slightly. Tsu'tey found another club. Unfortunately he didn't realize that the club did nothing. John slowly turned around and looked at Tsu'tey dead in the eye. The same expression of his fellow Na'vi was evident on his face.
John was good at keeping his cool, but if he wasn't angry before, he was pissed now.
No more waiting, John grabbed Tsu'tey's neck and slammed his fist into Tsu'tey's face. Harder than before. The last blows had a reduced force to prevent any serious damage from being done. Now John was upping the ante. Tsu'tey fell, but this time John didn't stop, he quickly knelt by Tsu'tey, grabbed his garments and punched him again and again. You could see the blood coming from his face. After about several punches, John slammed him into the ground so hard it was like a Hammerhead stomped on him. John took it further and placed his armored foot onto Tsu'tey's neck. The warriors tried to move it off, but couldn't.
"I yield!" Tsu'tey finally shouted.
The Human side went wild. While the Na'vi kept the same expressions from before. Tsu'tey, their best and greatest warrior, was defeated by a Sky Devil. They truly WERE powerful. Next thing everyone knew, Quaritch went into the field. "Stand down Chief. He's had enough." John lifted the boot from the Na'vi's neck and stood at parade rest again.
Quaritch took this opportunity to speak directly to the Na'vi who watched it unfold. "Get this into your thick Neanderthal skulls!" He began. "I know some of you can understand me. We tried to reason, ask nicely, offer you things. Hell we even minimized base sizes to appease you. No more. Our people are dying, of course you don't believe that do you? You never did before."
Oh how Eytukan wanted to say he knew now. But he didn't, he sat and listened.
"We're not playing mister nice guy anymore! Next time we say move, we won't be asking. ALL WE WANT IS THE RESOURCES! And we WILL get those resources to save our people. Next time you blues try anything, you can expect soldiers like HIM-" He said, referring to John. "- to 'persuade' you otherwise. He is worth about one thousand soldiers like the ones behind me! So consider this, your last warning."
Quaritch finished his little speech, and made his way back to his side with Chief at his side. Some Na'vi went into the ring and helped Tsu'tey get up. They carried him back to the Na'vi side. Jake stood and went to him before they brought him to get well again. Jake held a saddened and disappointed look.
"Was it worth it?" Was all he asked.
Hell's Gate.
John was standing outside the command center on the walkway where guards usually kept an eye out. He was pondering the events that just took place earlier. He had just defeated the Omaticaya's best warrior in an arranged fight. Would this be the coup de grace to finally get the Na'vi to listen? He didn't kill Tsu'tey, he just severely beat him. Now John was having something else nip at his thoughts. Jake's behavior and the unidentified contacts. The soldiers kept saying whenever they got close, the contacts would disappear.
Then Jake. He would be a bit wary whenever someone asked what was going on. He would say Thanator or something, but John could tell it was a small lie.
What could it be? John had one thought on the matter for both issues.
He just hoped he was wrong.
AN: If you're looking for another story involving Halo. Take a look at my newest fic Halo 5: The Reclamation Begins. It's basically a different take on Halo 5's story. Same events and characters with some additions here and there. Just read and you'll see. WARNING: It kinda feels rushed, mostly to the bland fight scenes. I wasn't really up to snuff there. Sorry.