Flag of the United Terran Federation: It has a rectangular shape design with a white image of an eagle, with its wings spread open, perching on the white image of Earth at the center and a navy blue background. Golden stems of Olive partially surround the image not reaching the head. It has a ribbon below, arcing upwards, where "United Terran Federation" can be read.
Flag of the UTF Star Command: It has the rectangular shape design with the white image of an eagle, its wings spread outward, at the center. A large gunmetal kite shield is placed behind the eagle. It also has a ribbon below, arching upwards, where "United Terran Federation Star Command" can be read.
Flag of the Confederation of National Species: It has the symbol of the Heretics at the center, and light purple background. A thick circular sign surrounds the symbol with three four-pointed stars equidistant with each other and one placed on top.
Flag of the CNS Military Command: It also has the symbol of the Heretics at the center with same circle and star positions. Two crossed energy staves behind the symbol of the Heretics.
Symbol of the United Orion Alliance: The symbol of the UOA is very similar to the symbol of the United Federation of Planets from Star Trek. The exception is the writings on the circular border of the symbol where "United Orion Alliance" can be read.
Chapter 13: Revelation and Rebirth
February 13, 2614 / 2182 CE
Omega Sagittarius
Dawn
Dawn is one of the jointly colonized planets of the UOA and the main base-of-operation for the United Orion Alliance. It was discovered during the reconstruction period over ten years after the Human-Covenant War (or Great War for others) and is situated between the UNSC and Covenant Separatists space.
It is one of the most prosperous planets in the UOA as it is the main hub for trade and commerce between the UTF and the CNS. New Eden and other planets like it are also the places for cultural exchange and promote unity and understanding between the Humans, Sangheilis, Unggoys, Huragoks and Mgalekgolos.
Now a great conference is being held on the planet's capital city "New Hope" in the UOA Headquarters. The security of the planet has been greatly increased and tightened as fleets of ships from both the UTF and CNS patrolled the orbit of the planet and scouts roamed the star system. The LRB's are on high alert and kept a constant watch of both real space and slipspace traffic.
New Hope
New Hope is the capital city of Dawn which is jointly occupied by the UTF and CNS governments. It is a mega-city like no other. The great city can be visibly seen from high orbit due to its large size and the largest of all cities in the planet. It is a planned city in order to accommodate the dangers of in the event the three orbital elevators collapsed, it has a general circular shape with large patches of forests, fields and other natural plains located within the mega-city.
The capital city is also connected to the other mega-city around the planet, turning the world into an ecumenopolis ("city made of the whole world" in Greek) made of inter-connected mega-cities scattered all over the planet.
It's a symbol of triumph for all the races of the United Orion Alliance. The city has a mixture of varying cultures from the four races, mixed together in harmony.
UOA Headquarters
The UOA headquarters, as seen from the UOA Embassy at Citadel, is the main seat of power for the UTF and the CNS.
The area of the structure is largely oblong in design. The border is formed by a series of buildings that forms a wall, they are used the offices, living quarters and security bunkers. The main building at the center is connected, perpendicularly to the longer length of the whole area, to the border buildings.
The main building is largely rectangular in shape with marble-coated pillars braced at the sides. A large dome is built on top of it which is over a short cylindrical lower base with pillar covering its circumference.
The main building is where the offices of the representatives, ministers and UOA leaders are located. It also contains the UOA Committee Hall and other conference rooms are located.
Main Building
UOA Committee Hall
The UOA Committee Hall is largely similar to the interior design of the United Nations Conference Hall. At a large wall is the large symbol of the United Orion Alliance and under it are flags of the United Terran Federation and the Confederation of National Species. Before the wall, there are tall arced connected tables similar to the design of the tables of the Supreme Court. Seating behind them are the four leaders of the United Orion Alliance, 2nd term President John T. Adamson of the UTF, Chancellor Thel 'Vadam of the Sangheili Republics, Grand Darkas Radira of the Unggoy Hegemony and Prime Migado Tora Derru of Mgalekgolo Hive.
At a smaller long table before them are Dr. Lawrence D. Seaborg of the UTF Ancients Research Program and Dr. Ghel 'Loremee of the CNS Forerunner Research Ministry along with some of their assistants and colleagues. They are assembling themselves and their materials for the conference as the large sea of viewers and reporters from the UTF and CNS, the Citadel News Network and other non-UOA news network are not invited into the conference though they will be informed later on, are forming before them.
"This conference is giving me the chills. Never in my life that I will ever have such number of reporters as my viewers." Dr. Seaborg whispered to Dr. 'Loremee as his hands sweated.
"Same here. I feel like my hides are wilting. Well our announcement will inevitably change the galaxy and our perspective." Dr. 'Loremee replied as his mandibles fluttered from the tension.
The same tension can be seen from their assistants and colleagues as some of them drink too much water or a somewhat shaking.
Later the announcer, a Sangheili named Nero 'Teram, stands up from the speech table between the leaders and the researchers. He then calls out for silence to the reporters and viewers.
"People of the United Orion Alliance, I welcome you all here today to attend to one of history's great discovery. This discovery has great effect upon today's history. With us today, are Dr. Lawrence D. Seaborg and Dr. Xyro 'Loremee who are part of the research teams. May the doctors please proceed with their presentation."
Dr. 'Loremee is the first to speak up as it was his team who first set-up a base on the planet.
"On November 19, 2613 of the Earth calendar, a planet was discovered in the Raltar region in CNS space. On the planet dubbed as Raltar 3-12, ruins are discovered on the said planet and were put into notice of the Forerunner Research Ministry.
The first teams were sent in to examine the star system for other ruins and found several more. After a few months of investigation, we found that the ruins are over a hundred thousand years old which is beyond the time when the Forerunners disappeared from the galaxy.
After our extensive investigation, we contacted the UTF for assistance."
Dr. Seaborg then takes over the conference.
"Over a week ago, the main office of the Ancients Research Program received a request from the UTFSC to head to the Raltar region to investigate the said ruins. My team is sent to the planet to assist in the investigation.
Upon our arrival, we are given a tour of the site. The ruins bare resemblance to the architectural designs from various ancient and old human cultures."
He touches a symbol on his data pad and a large thin LED screen displays high definition images of the ruins.
"As you can see, there are Mayans, Japanese, Chinese, even Babylonians. We are very baffled by this information. The possibility of another human civilization existing so far away from Earth and once existed over a hundred thousand years is very low.
But our answers came in when a CNS team came across a hidden cavern. We immediately head to the site to investigate.
We then enter the cavern and notice that the inside is artificially made. The design is also similar to those of the underground shelters that we use. There are a lot of molds over the surfaces indicating the amount of time it has been there. We then reach the end of the cavern where a tightly sealed doorway and an access panel beside it.
We discussed upon the methods that we will use to get to the access panel but one of the CNS research personnel suggested on using human genetic imprint to access the panel in order to confirm the possibility for the ruins to be human-made. We agreed and I used my genetic imprint to access the panel.
The panel accepted my imprint and activates the doorway before opening it. We are quite surprised by it. The doorway led us to an elevator platform which led us to a vast subterranean structure which contains vast treasures."
He touches the screen of the data pad again. The LED screen then displays the images of the Vault along with the technologies and vehicles present. Unknown to the viewers, the images are chosen to keep most of the warships and military vehicles out of view and show only few of them.
"This is the 'Vault' where all of the technologies and knowledge of the ancient humans are stored to be used for future generations. At the center is a superstructure that turns out to be the command center of the Vault where we met the AI who called himself as 'Guardian.'"
He touches the data pad again to display a small image of 'Guardian's' avatar on the screen.
"He told us that everything there is made by our ancestors who existed during the reign of the Forerunners. Their interstellar empire is made by an alliance of the Humans... and of the San 'Shyuum."
Gasps can be heard from the reporters side and some are about to ask a question when Dr. Seaborg continue his speech.
"These San 'Shyuum are not the same San 'Shyuum that we encountered during the Human-Covenant War. The ancestors of the San 'Shyuum are less radical than their present counterparts. Together they have formed a large interstellar empire and possess great technological advancements that are equal to those of the Forerunners."
"We are still reviewing the vast history stored in the database at the Vault and are compiling them. As of today, we won't be able to release more information until further notice. But the site is open for other parties to assist on the site."
Dr. Seaborg ends his speech and the reporters starts sending them a barrage of questions.
"This is going to take a while..." He thought.
The announcement of the ancient human civilization, as expected, becomes one of the hottest topics in both the UTF and CNS space. The affiliation of the ancient humans with the San 'Shyuum, or Prophets for others, also comes under heated debate. The effects of the revelation quite a shock to the public but relatively peaceful nonetheless as there are relatively little upstarts about it. Organizations of historians, archeologists along with the scientific community are in uproar as they discuss about the new discovery.
February 15, 2614 / 2182 CE
UOA Private Sanctum
The UOA private sanctum is the most secured room in whole UOA Headquarters. It boasts the best security features of both the UTF and the CNS. It has titanium-A2 and tungsten alloy blast doors, shielding systems, genetic imprint security access points, and more. It also has countermeasures against espionage; the room is built inside a type of Faraday cage that renders every type of electronic communication useless. There are also sonic emitters that renders all audio recorders only receive static. There are guards at each access points along the way to the sanctum along with security monitors, detectors and scanners.
Inside the sanctum, the leaders of the UTF and CNS have gathered around an oblong conference table and are discussing about the intact technology and equipment in the Vault from Charum Hakkor along with the other planets once affiliated to the ancient humans.
"There technologies are truly on par with those of the Forerunners." Re-elected Pres. Adamson commented. He never thought in his life that he will be part of this discovery. "Some of them are also in the theoretical stage according to our sources."
"True, it was really a surprise when the researchers reported about it." Chancellor 'Vadam said. He was really surprised at the report; he never thought that the humans have already attained Tier 1. "There are even other Vaults located at different planets."
"Our ships and soldiers will benefit greatly from this discovery." Grand Radira said. "There are enough armaments to build up an armada."
"I agree." Prime Migado Tora Derru said through the deep vibrations of the Lekgolo worms that made up its body. "There are enough of them to be used on the field and have enough for further research."
The Prime is a rare "actual" Mgalekgolo formerly used for interaction with the Covenant before. They now represent the Mgalekgolo/Lekgolo race in politics as they are versed in the works of politics than the others.
"The UTF Senate calls for full ownership of the planets and the technology by birth right but I was able to amend it that allows everyone in the UOA to benefit from them." Pres. Adamson told them. "I proposed for partial human ownership to the technologies but open for research and development to the CNS. It was hard but it works."
"I already foresee that the UTF Senate will want full ownership to the technology which I understand." Chancellor 'Vadam replied as the others nodded in agreement. "I thank you Pres. Adamson for your gracious actions."
"It is my duty to maintain our alliance between our governments and people. Our alliance has gone a long way to be dissolved due to a history that none of us know that it even existed."
"Now that is done, we must discuss the situation on Elysium." Chancellor 'Vadam said.
"According to Fleet Admiral Cutter-Field, Elysium's command is on yellow alert and has increased security measures. The RRF's at the deep space outposts are also on alert and are ready to respond anytime." Pres. Adamson answered.
"Don't we have the estimated date when the attack will start?" Grand Radira inquired.
"Unfortunately, no. Our sources can't confirm it as of now. We only know that the Terminus systems are amassing ships for the attack." Pres. Adamson answered.
"Can't we just attack the Terminus ships while they are still amassing?" Grand Radira asked.
"It will be too costly and we may have higher casualties. Also their main base-of-operation is too deep inside enemy territory." Chancellor 'Vadam answered. "We also have sent in more ships to defend the colony along with more troops to supplement the Elysium Defense Forces."
"What about the Halo Ring that the Citadel has discovered in the Minos Wasteland?" Prime Migado Tora Derru asked. "We all know how dangerous the ring is?"
Pres. Adamson checked his data pad .
"We have already enacted the Hood Protocol as ONI has sent in a stealth cruiser, three Mobius and one NOVA-class ordinance." Pres. Adamson answered. "They will be taking the long way around the galaxy to get their as the direct route through the Citadel will compromise the operation due to the heavy traffic. Once they accomplish their objectives, they will jump into slipspace straight to UTF space.
"That's good to hear, Mr. President. That ring can't fall into anyone's hands; it is way too dangerous especially if it holds flood samples." Grand Radira said as he took a deep breathe.
The rest shudder at the image of the flood as they recall their debriefing, except for Chancellor 'Vadam who has already the met the flood and knows how dangerous they are. He recalls the time when he have fought against them and how they corrupt every life form they encounter.
"I hope the Gods forbade that the Citadel or those in the Terminus unleashes the flood. Now with the mass relays, we won't be able to stop them from spreading throughout the galaxy and consume every life they reach." Chancellor 'Vadam prayed. "They must succeed or all life in the galaxy will be in grave danger. We can never let that happen."
The rest solemnly nods at that. The weight of their authority begins to bear on their shoulders as they hold not only the power to command but also the lives of every species in the galaxy. The flood must not be released , no matter the cost.
"May God bless us our souls." Pres. Adamson muttered a short prayer.
February 20, 2614 / 2182 CE
Epsilon Eridani
Reach
Franklin Mendez Training Facility
In honor of Senior Chief Petty Officer Franklin Mendez, one of the First generation Spartans and mentor of the Second and Third Generation Spartans, the new training facility of the UTFSC on Reach is name after him for his great contribution for molding the Spartan soldiers in the Spartan-II and Spartan-III programs.
On one of the training grounds of the facility, a live fire exercise is being waged as the Spartan-V's fight their way through the obstacles and a hell of a fire fight.
On the grounds, drones fly over firing gauss rounds or plasma bolts across the terrain. Auto turrets spew streams of gauss rounds as rockets fly through the air and the land. Some ODST's and Spartan-IV's, both are heavily shielded for safety measures, are also fighting against the V's.
The Spartan-V's are the special group of Spartan-IV's, similar to the Headhunters of the Spartan-III's, who exhibit great skills and leadership. They are the best of the Spartan-IV's, they take part in missions where absolute victory is required.
A Spartan-V is hiding behind a trench, armed with a Sniper Rifle SR-110B AM, along with four more Spartans firing suppression fire as they destroy the drones with deadly accuracy.
She aims his sniper rifle towards a Spartan-IV and fires a powerful Gauss round into its torso. The IV moves as soon as the shot is fired and nearly evades the round as he received a strong glancing shot that flares his shield brightly. The IV's then receives another round from his sniper rifle and "killed" him.
"We need to get to the extraction point." John-H272 said over the sounds of the explosions and gunshots.
"Steady there, John. We just need to get through those auto turrets. Ezio take the one on the right. We'll punch through there." the strong female voice of the NCO Jane-H273 ordered.
Ezio-G293 quickly charges up his M6 G/GNR "Spartan Laser" and fires the beam at the guns of the auto turrets. He then hides under the trench as the others fire their LPR's, GBR's or sniper rifles at the attacking drones, ODST's or IV's.
"The M6 is fully charged!" Ezio-G293 reported.
"Alright be ready everyone. We'll blitz through their position and fight our way through the extraction point." Jane-H273 said as she ducked under the trench. "Ready?"
Everyone nodded as they ready their weapons.
"GO!"
They then jumped over the trench and blitz through the enemy formation. Their weapons blaze as the M6 strafes into the enemy formation. A trio of ODST's appeared before them and fired their LPR's.
The Spartans-V's quickly scatter either by jumping or strafing and fire their weapons at the same time. The ODST's quickly moves around to evade the V's shots as their shields protect them and strafe their shots back at them.
The Spartans continue running at high speeds towards the extraction point. It was a hell of a gunfight especially when confronting the ODST's and Spartan-IV's as their clashes often lasts longer. But their objective was to get their fire team out alive to the extraction point.
They mostly bypass some of their human attackers and take care of the drones attacking them. After a few more bypasses and gunfights, they eventually reach the extraction point, an arch with an energy shielding, and turns out to be the first to enter.
They are soon accompanied by the other Spartan-V fire teams. Behind them is a wasteland littered with craters, fires, mangled drones, dead bodies and destroyed structures.
They quickly assemble themselves into a rectangular formation and spread themselves equally. Their NCO trainer then appears from a bunker nearby and starts walking towards them.
Their NCO has a black hair with silver streaks, faint scars over his right eye, left cheek and the bridge of his nose, sharp narrow eyes and a stern face. He is Lieutenant Commander Frederic "Fred-104" O'Connor of the Spartan-II.
He approaches the assembled Spartans before him. He looks at each of them with a hard look until he is in front center of the assembly.
"You all did well, Spartans. All of you managed to pass through the "Hell Storm" and make it out complete as a team." LCDR Frederic O'Connor said to them.
"For that, all of you have passed the exercise. I commend you all." LCDR Frederic O'Connor saluted them.
The assembled Spartans then returned the salute in perfect order and movement.
"You're all dismissed." LCDR Frederic O'Connor told them and looked at two particular Spartans. "Except you two."
The rest of the V's breaks away from the formation and leave the vicinity leaving the LCDR Frederic O'Connor and the two V's alone.
"Jane-H273 and John-H272 follow me."
He ordered as he led them to the command center of the facility.
Franklin Mendez Training Facility
Command Center
A tall man wearing a white navy suit, muscular like a marine, has faint scars on his face, a stern face, brown hair, faint freckles across his face and narrow brown eyes.
As he walk down the corridor, all officers and soldiers that he pass by step aside from his path and salutes him with great respect. He returns the salute to all of them.
He is Admiral John "John-117" Angelus or renowned as the "Master Chief." He then pass by a large window and decides to look out into the pristine landscape. He stands there reminiscing the past.
XXX
He never thought that he will see Reach again. His birthplace as a Spartan. His home. He remembers how the Covenant ruthlessly burn the planet without hesitation as they believe it is their Gods' will.
After the battle over the Installation 4, Installation 5, High Charity, second Installation 4, and the Ark. Confronting the hordes of the Covenant, fighting against the rouge Sentinels of 343 Guilty Spark, and the all-consuming Flood. Escaping the Halo Ring, on the verge of being destroyed, over the Ark through slipspace which then collapsed. Being stranded in an unknown region of space, he never really thought that he will be rescued.
After drifting for six years, the aft section of the Forward Unto Dawn eventually reaches an unknown planet. As the derelict section of the Dawn approaches the planet, Cortana detects incoming ships but is unable to identify due to the damaged sensors.
The ships turn out to be UNSC ships and more so, when they are rescued, the planet turns out to be Reach itself. He remembers what Cortana said during that fateful time.
"Looks like your luck saved us once again, John." Cortana said full of joy and was on the verge of crying if she can cry. "From Reach to Halo, from Halo to the Ark, then from the Ark back to Reach. ... It's a full circle."
It baffled John and Cortana on why of all places Reach was the drop-point when the slipspace portal collapsed.
Later investigations reveal that Reach was once occupied by the Forerunners and was also an important stronghold of their empire.
When he was brought to Earth, it was a celebration that officials from both the UNSC and the Covenant Separatists. Fleet Admiral Terrance Hood and Arbiter Thel 'Vadam were at the airfield to meet up with him as soon as he stepped out of the UNSC Cruiser Shining Light.
XXX
He then reaches the door to the conference room and enters it. Inside is Capt. Shiro Rodriguez of the Spirit of Fire (2) sitting on a chair around the conference table with a large screen holo-projector at the center. After a short greeting, he makes his way to the seat at the back of the room, where the seat of honor is located, and sits.
The door opened a few moments later, a masked Sangheili wearing a gold-ornamented purple armor enters the room and is followed by Jane-H273 and John-H272. They then took their seats around the table.
"I see everyone is present." Admiral Angelus started as he scanned the present officers. "The newly refitted Spirit of Fire will be embarking on a mission three months earlier than expected. So the UTFSC has hired Huragoks and transferred workers from the other stations to finish the refit within three days."
"What is this mission, Admiral? How urgent is it?" Capt. Rodriguez inquired as he did not expect for the Spirit of Fire to be deployed much earlier.
Admiral Angelus fishes out a data crystal and inserts it into a slot near him. The hologram projector on the screen then projects a map of the galaxy. A highlighted border appears on a quadrant with the label "Minos Wasteland" at the bottom. Using the controls on the holoscreen in front of him, the Minos Wasteland enlarges enough to show the star systems and the label "Halo" and "Unidentified Forerunner Planet" appear with a connecting arrow pointing to a star system.
"The Citadel has discovered a Halo and a possible Forerunner planet and has begun forming an expedition and sending in ships." Admiral Angelus stated.
"HIGHCOM has initiated the Cortana Protocol and ONI deployed a task force to destroy the Halo before the Citadel be able to make a mistake and release the flood. In light of this situation, HIGHCOM has assigned you, Capt. Rodriguez, and the Spirit of Fire traverse the Citadel and Terminus space and search for the Halos as well as gather intelligence."
"I understand the situation but the problem is, Admiral. Most of the crews are still on shore leave and on the other planets. There will be no time to get them here." Capt. Rodriguez stated his concern.
"We have already taken the liberty in the emergency selection and your ship's crew has already been selected. They will be here in the next few hours, Captain Rodriguez." Admiral Angelus replied.
"I see. But Admiral if I'm going with a new crew, I'd like to have a chance to pick those who will be directly under me, and responsible for my ship and its crew."
"I thought you'll say that." Admiral Angelus then took out another data crystal and handed it to Capt. Rodriguez. "Inside the data crystal is the list of available officers and personnel for your quick review and selection. If you have other people in mind, please inform me so I can arrange the transfer."
"Thank you, Admiral."
"Also there will be others joining you in this mission." He then looked towards the Spartans and the armored Sangheili on the across the table.
"Major John Shepard of the UTF Army. Spartan Tag H272. Good to meet you, sir." John-H272 introduced himself.
"Lieutenant Commander Jane Shepard of the UTF Navy. Spartan Tag-H273." Jane-H273 introduced herself.
"Special Operations Commanding Officer 'Dark Blade.'" The female voice of the armored Sangheili introduced herself. "We will be working together on this mission from this time on."
"There is still another person who will be joining you in the Spirit of Fire but he is still currently unavailable as of this time and won't be joining us today." Admiral Angelus added.
"I see. Thank you, Admiral." Capt. Rodriguez replied.
"You're welcome." Admiral Angelus replied before he looked at everyone else. "Does anyone have more questions?"
No one moved or said anything.
"Good. This meeting is adjourned. You're all dismissed." Admiral Angelus ordered.
Everyone stood up and saluted Admiral Angelus which he returned in the same manner. Everyone then left the conference room and proceeded to their own directions.
Capt. Rodriguez takes the right corridor with 'Dark Blade' behind him. Unknown to Capt. Rodriguez, behind the mask of Dark Blade are gleaming eyes as they look upon the Sangheili captain.
February 24, 2614 / 2182 CE
Designated Receiving Point A-211A (widely known as Par San)
The independent colony of Par San is one of the receiving points where the rescued colonists and slaves are being resettled as part of the UTFSC covert project: Phoenix. The colonists agreed to take in the victims as they know how the pirates and slavers treat their victims. In return for allowing the victims to be resettled and be able to live a new life, the UTF not only provide them security but also economic and welfare assistance.
Par San Sigma Base
The rescued victims from the pirate base are now being briefed about the situation and how they will be living their lives from now on. Some of rescued slaves, mostly captured by the slavers at a young age, are being subjected to heavy debriefing process that will reverse the effects of being a willing slave for a long time.
The overseer of the base is Mrs. Mara Velasquez of the UTF Ministry of Interstellar Affairs. She has a short black hair, broad yet slim figure, light aqua eyes, thin lips, and light brown skin. She has been stationed here at the Sigma Base for over as soon as Project: Phoenix is initiated.
For a few days, the Cerberus Operatives along with the agents of the CNS Special Operations have been raiding the pirate bases and slaver dens where they rescue a large number of captured colonists and slaves. They will then be ferried to Par San and other nearby colonies where they would be debriefed and examined before releasing them with new identities. Their families are also informed about their situation and can have the option to join them with new identities.
She grieves at the great number of victims being rescued and how the Citadel acts upon this. To allow such things to happen right in their own backyard doesn't suit her.
She is currently in her office going through the paperwork. Beside her is a cup of hot coffee on her right along with short stack of folders which contains some orders and directives. She then takes a break as she picks up the coffee and walks towards the nearby window.
Outside the window is the open field within the base. From there, she can see lines of victims being handled by the base personnel and providing food, water and medical treatments. Some are escorted into the base due to their mental conditions from being a slave for a long time.
It was a dreadful scene, the field looks like a refugee camp as they scatter around the area. She then heard someone talking behind her.
"How's the coffee, Mrs. Velasquez?" a sweet yet stern female voice of the AI "Matilda" said from the desk.
"Good… But not as good as them." She replied. "How can the Citadel allow this to happen? Too many lives are suffering due to their refusal to take action."
"Probably due to the fact they care more for their close acquaintances rather than some small outlying colonies."
"And keeps their hands clean as they proclaim to be the true authority of the galaxy. This can't go on for so long. We can't help everyone at the same time."
"Don't worry about it. Just let HIGHCOM do the decisions while you handle those victims. We never made a promise to protect everyone but we will save those we can." Matilda comforted her.
Col. Mara Velasquez continues to watch the scene outside the window as the sun shines upon the field. The scene somewhat becomes milder as the view becomes more vivid. She sees the distant smiles of the victims as the base personnel treat them with care. It warms her heart and her mind starts to ease the tension building up. She now realizes the task given to her. She handles smiles that come from their hearts as she and the rest give them a new life to start over.
She then smiles before taking a long sip from her coffee. She then returns to her desk and continues her work. Matilda smiles at that before flashing out from the desk.
The Spartan-V's wear the latest Spartan armor called the MJOLNIR Mark X Powered Assault Armor; it is equipped with the latest technologies (some of them are the features for the Mark VII devised by Dr. Halsey, which became the platform for the Mark VIII, IX and X) along with the basic parts of the MJOLNIR armor series but more powerful. These include the partial shaping of energy shields, slipspace de-insertion capability, hybrid plasma-fusion reactor, atmospheric insertion using the partial shaping system to form flaps and wings to slow down the drop or glide through the atmosphere, anti-gravity pack, faster energy recovery, stronger armor and better medical systems.