CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE:
It's been a long time…
"Jesus…" someone in the communications center muttered.
The communications center was dead silent, so the muttering sounded like shouting. Everyone was locked staring at all the display consoles. They had witnessed the ambush on the column and the battle between the Spartans. Adriana had taken control of the computer networks and she had directed military drones over the area to video everything.
Riley had seen Michael in combat before—on video and live, but he was still speechless as he watched how fast he moved and impaled the other Spartan. He understood what Adriana was doing and why.
They're sending a message… they want everyone to know that you think these guys are bad-ass…they are nothing compared to me.
Riley recovered enough to reach for a handset. He didn't know what channel to use, but he figured it didn't matter as Adriana was probably monitoring all of them.
"Adriana…are you there? What happens now?"
"Yes, Director Finn…I'm still here. I am also in Colonel Baker's base. I was having a 'nice' conversation with him…you know explaining the facts of life to him and so on."
Riley smirked as he could easily imagine the conversation, "How did he take being explained the situation to him?"
"Not very well…he is quite stubborn. Oh Colonel Maselli…I've disabled the remote controls on the nuclear device they have in the base."
Maselli quickly refocused, "Excellent…if you give us the coordinates of his base I can call in an airstrike and take him out."
Riley was flabbergasted by the Colonel's response, but Adriana spoke first, "Colonel, we still have the matter of Michael's wife and children in that building… I don't think he would be too happy at them being in the kill-zone of an airstrike… I have disabled all remote controls, but the nuclear device can still be detonated manually, but I don't see the Colonel or any remaining members of his unit pulling a suicide self-destruct."
"You're not absolutely sure then about that then…there is still a risk and I have a town full of civilians and my people to consider!" Maselli replied somewhat frustrated and angry at being dictated to by an AI.
"Colonel…when have there been absolutes in life? Either way I give it a less than five percent chance that the Colonel or any of us troops will manually activate the device."
Maselli and everyone else in the communications center were shocked by how deep of a thinker and emotional this AI was.
"We still have the problem of dealing with the Colonel and making sure that Faith and the children are unharmed." Adriana quickly added.
"Michael will easily take out Baker." Riley said without thinking.
There was a pause, "Director Finn…I wouldn't underestimate Colonel Baker. He is not only a Spartan-III…he was a Headhunter."
Riley felt a little rebuked by Adriana's response, "So what does that mean? It shouldn't be anything that Michael couldn't handle." he said still expressing some overconfidence.
Adriana sighed, "Headhunters were specially chosen Spartan-III's given advanced training and equipment…they were assassins/wetwork teams sent on what were considered high priority/high risk missions...basically suicide missions. His record indicates was that he was very successful and came back every time."
Riley shook his head in disbelief, "Jesus…your universe is very good at making people good at killing each other."
"When you're fighting for your existence, morality is easily blurred and our universe/human race doesn't have a monopoly on developing killers and assassins." Adriana replied.
Riley frowned as he was rebuked again by the AI, "So what's the plan? What will Michael do?"
"I've already accessed the Colonel's dimension portal system and sent a message back to UNSC high command. The message contains a report of everything that the Colonel has done and planned to do… He's finished back home."
"That doesn't answer the question…what will Michael do?" Riley asked as he tried to figure out what was going to happen.
There was a long pause before the AI responded, "He'll call the Colonel out… Michael will challenge the Colonel."
Maselli interrupted, "You're kidding me! He's going to challenge him to a duel?" he said incredulously.
"Director Finn…Colonel Maselli… We looked at all the scenarios and options available to us. If Michael or you go storming in, there is a greater than eighty percent chance that Faith, one or all of the children would be killed in the ensuing firefight. We estimate that Baker has at least half-a-dozen Spartan-IVs still with him and it would be a bloodbath for you and the hostages… This is the only way."
Riley had dealt enough with Adriana to have the feeling that she was holding some bit of information back, "What else is planned?" he asked.
Adriana paused again, "There is a remote chance that my 'contingency' plan may come through and support us."
"What contingency plan?" Maselli asked with concern hoping it wouldn't cost the lives of anymore of his troops.
"I'm not at liberty to discuss it at this time, but you'll know it when it happens."
oOoOo
I take giant strides as I make my way towards my objective… Baker's base of operations. Adriana has the nav point plotted on my helmet display. I don't try to hide and seek cover anymore. They all know that I'm here. I can see and feel the Marines looking at me as I make my way past them. They are hesitant and some lift their rifles, but I hear orders being shouted out to let me pass.
I feel my ribs ache and the pain shoot through my body. I push it aside as I only need to last a little bit longer and I've been in worse situations and in worse shape before.
The pain doesn't matter…only getting my family back matters. Colonel Baker won't be so easy to take out. Adriana has shown me his battle record and it's quite impressive. That he survived his time as a HeadHunter makes him even more dangerous.
He won't be easy to draw out, but I think I know his weakness…he hates us Spartan-II's. With that and what I know about his background, I think I can bring him out in the open…
oOoOo
Colonel Baker was also viewing the video feed from the drone on a flat screen display in the conference room. He had heard the gasps from his prisoners when Sierra-113 had impaled one of his Spartans with a plasma sword. He knew that the AI Adriana was playing the video feed to intimidate him and mess with his mind, but he pushed any doubts or concerns out of his mind as he had been trained. He focused on his situation and tried to find a way out of it.
I'm locked out from going home… Staying here is not much of an option. I could take what's left of my team and we could breakout and disappear and hide on this planet, but damn it! That means leaving my prisoners and writing this mission off as a failure… I've worked too damn hard and sacrificed too much to fail this close to success… I could kill them and then disappear, but that is still a failure, the only satisfaction is that it would deny 113 his victory and probably destroy him…
Baker turned and looked at his prisoners, he ignored the looks that Faith and Adriana gave him. It wasn't any sort of moral quandary about killing his prisoners that was weighing on him. He had killed lots of people and aliens during his time as a HeadHunter and with Section-12. He was pausing to consider the strategic ramifications and what would give him the best outcome. He finally made up his mind and reached for his assault rifle on his back.
Short bursts…don't want to make too much of a mess out of it…
He was stopped as he heard his com channel crackle and then speak.
"Kyle G-319…do you read me? This is Sierra-113…respond."
Baker paused as he heard his Spartan-III designation. He was going to ignore it, but his curiosity won out and he answered the com channel.
"The name is Baker and the rank is Colonel… Do you hear me soldier!"
"One shouldn't be ashamed of their past."
"You're one to start talking about the past. I'm not ashamed of anything."
"I've learned to live with everything I've seen and done… Have you?"
Baker was puzzled, "What the hell are you talking about?"
"I'll make you a deal…you come outside and we face each other. I know your record and I know that you're pretty skilled at using a plasma sword."
"Why would I be that crazy to take you up on that offer?"
"If you win… You get to go home…you get to take my family with you."
Baker paused as he couldn't believe what he was hearing. He thought about it for a moment before responding.
"Bullshit! You wouldn't give up your family that easily."
"If you win… I'll be dead and it won't matter to me."
"Sounds too easy."
"Nothing easy about this… I said 'if you win'. When I win you'll be dead and I'll have my family back."
"You're an arrogant bastard! Why would I take your 'offer' when I have hostages?"
"Several reasons."
"I'm listening."
"One…your hostages mean nothing to the people of this world and they will bomb the building you're in rather than negotiate with you. I'll come in anyway and kill you and every last remaining member of your unit."
"Not much of a reason for me to come out there?"
"Two…you're a Spartan-III and that's always bugged you…being compared to us Spartan-II's. Knowing that you aren't as good as us…not given the same abilities as us. You hate us knowing that Doctor Halsey never considered you the same as us…you want to show how good you are…how much better you are than us."
Baker took a deep breath and closed his eyes to not lose his temper, "I know that I'm not some freak medical experiment like you…I've got nothing to prove to you or anyone else."
"What about your baby sister? Don't you think you have something to prove to her?"
Baker froze as the last image of his sister replayed in his mind. He saw her standing there screaming and crying for him as he got pushed further and further away from her…he couldn't save her as he had been too small…too weak then. He felt his anger build up as he heard Sierra-113 taunt him and his memory of his sister.
"You bastard! You don't ever mention my sister again…"
Michael didn't even hesitate as Baker threatened him, "Three…you want to kill me now? Don't you? I can hear it in your voice. I can hear the anger there…at being reminded of your failure. Come on admit it, you would love to stick that plasma sword in my chest…you want to twist it. You want to take all that hate and anger thrust it into my chest… Maybe that will wipe away that stain of failing your sister and your family…"
Baker was breathing heavily now as the memory replayed in his mind over and over again, "You fucking bastard! I should kill your family right now!" he said in a low angry hate filled voice.
Michael didn't hesitate as he knew that he was playing a risky game with high stakes involved. He continued taunting Baker, "I may have killed my own father, but at least I never abandoned my family to be glassed by the Covenant…her skin melting away from the heat. I wonder if she had time to cry out your name."
Baker fought hard to try and keep his composure, but his blood was boiling and the image of his sister was replaced by the thought of sticking a plasma sword in 113's chest and twisting it, "You and the rest of those freaks think you're so good…the best of the best. You were nothing but lab rats...LAB RATS AND FREAKS! You want to fight…I'll dissect you and show the god damn pieces to your wife and your kids! I'll laugh as they cry over you!"
"I'll be waiting for you outside in the parking lot…" Michael said as he cut the channel.
oOoOo
Baker was seething inside as the channel was cut. He looked at his prisoners and his finger stroked the trigger of his assault rifle. He heard a voice in his head, but it wasn't his voice…it was a dark angry hate-filled voice.
Just do it…it would be worth it to hear the pain in his voice to know that he can't do anything to save them.
Baker shook it off as he refocused on what he needed to do, but the voice spoke again.
You know you want to do it…start with the boy and work your way up to Faith. That bitch deserves to die…let her see her son die first.
Baker was shocked as he didn't know where these thoughts were coming from. He turned away from his prisoners and pushed the thoughts away. He opened a com channel.
"Lieutenant Wood…meet me outside the conference room ASAP!"
"Yes Sir!"
Lieutenant Wood showed up within two minutes from her position. She saw the Colonel leaning with his back against the wall with his helmet off. She came to attention, but he waved her off to stand at ease.
"Sir?"
"Remove your helmet Lieutenant…"
Wood was a little confused, but she did as she was ordered.
"It appears that our communications have been compromised…" Baker said getting a smirk as he saw the look of surprise on the Lieutenant's face.
"How?" Wood asked confused over how the locals could crack their encryption.
"Too long to explain, but here are your orders...do you have someone stationed on the roof?"
"Yes…I've got Harrison providing overwatch. He's got a sniper rifle."
"Excellent Lieutenant…I'm going outside. It appears that 113 wants to settle things with me. He says that if I win we can leave with our prisoners…"
Wood was confused by this turn of events, "Sir?"
Baker didn't respond to Wood's question, but he kept talking, "In the event that I lose to 113, I want your man on the roof to take out 113 if he has the shot…I don't want him walking away from this if possible. I also want you, Lieutenant to be in the conference room with our prisoners…"
Baker paused as he took a deep breath, he heard the voice again in his head and he pushed it down as he didn't need the distraction. He saw the young Lieutenant looking at him expectantly.
"If I fall…whether you can take out 113 or not. Your orders are to kill the prisoners and then you and the rest of your team are to disperse and melt into the population…"
oOoOo
Michael had barely cut the channel when a female voice came over the com channel, "Are you sure about this? You did push his buttons a little hard."
"I've got no choice Adriana…he's holding all the important cards and I need him outside away from Faith and the kids."
"And if he manages to kill you?"
"It doesn't matter…he doesn't leave Sunnydale with my family. You got everything ready and in place?"
"That's an affirmative…" replied the AI.
"Time to let Riley know what his role is."
oOoOo
Riley was standing in the command post watching the controlled chaos around him. The fighting had come to a halt with Michael's help, but there was still lots to do. Colonel Maselli was busy briefing his superiors on the changing situation leaving Riley alone and feeling a little out of place in the military command post. He was debating whether to call Washington back to give them an update, but the thought of having to tell his bosses that the AI Adriana was back and running freely through all their computer systems was not a conversation he was looking forward to.
Riley felt his smart phone vibrate in his coat pocket and he quickly scrambled to answer it. He hoped it was his wife as it had been a few days since he'd been able to talk to her and it would be nice to hear her voice. He looked at the screen and he arched an eyebrow in slight confusion. The screen just read INCOMING CALL. Riley was a little perplexed as his government phone should show all call numbers and locations—it was one of the perks of being a director for a government intelligence agency.
The phone kept vibrating several more times and he was hesitant to answer it. The screen suddenly displayed different text and his eye's widened in surprise.
RILEY ANSWER YOUR PHONE…ADRIANA
Riley answered his phone, "Hello?" he said somewhat awkwardly and still confused. He immediately recognized the voice.
"About time you answered…you need to go outside right now!"
"What? What's going on?"
"I'll explain on the way, but right now we don't have a lot of time and Michael needs your help…"
This refocused Riley and he made his way quickly out of the command post back on to the street. He was a little shocked to see two black SUVs with his agents and three HUMVEEs that appeared to be loaded with a squad of Marines parked outside with engines running.
"What the…?" Riley said confused.
One of Riley's agents got out of the lead SUV and approached him, "Sir…we're here as you ordered."
Riley shook his head slowly, "Good job…" he said somewhat blankly and confused as he got in the SUV.
He sat down and brought the phone back to his head, "I take it that this is your doing?"
"Yes…like I said we don't have a lot of time. I've already provided the GPS co-ordinates to your men and the Marines I 'borrowed'…" replied Adriana.
"You're taking a lot of liberties here and expecting a lot of me."
"No choice and he trusts you to do this…Once you get to the co-ordinates you will dismount from your vehicles and approach the building address I am currently displaying on your phone from the South-West…"
Riley's eyes widened a little in surprise at the revelation that Michael trusted him. "Why there?" he asked.
"Faith and the children are being held in a conference room on the second floor… North side of the building."
Riley finally clued in to what was going on, "Are we to hold and wait for Michael?"
"No…Michael will be keeping Colonel Baker busy. You and your men will enter the building and extract Faith and the kids…"
"What about resistance from other Spartans?"
"It's a calculated risk, but we have no choice. Whatever happens to Michael…we get Faith and the kids out of there."
oOoOo
Michael was under cover, but he could easily see the building that Baker was using as his base. He carefully scanned the perimeter, each window and the roof. A small smile came to his face as he saw a shimmer on the roof top.
Has to be a sniper using Active Camouflage…I wouldn't expect anything else. Hopefully I can keep him looking out front here…
"What's the status of Riley and his group?" Michael asked.
"They're almost at the designated spot…they'll park and make their way on foot. Less than five minutes." Adriana replied.
There was a long pause and Adriana spoke again, "Are you sure about this?"
"Not much choice in the matter. I would've liked more time to get Riley up to speed and in position, but we go with what we got… It will be fine."
"How are your ribs?"
Michael actually chuckled, "They hurt like hell, but they'll hold up."
He actually heard Adriana sigh, "It will be fine…" he said
"I hope so, I want to meet my goddaughter and those other two children of yours…"
Michael didn't reply as he refocused on the front of the building.
There's nothing to say if this goes bad, he thought.
Any further thoughts were put aside as he saw Baker step out the front door.
Time to go…
"Tell Riley to get a move on…"
Michael stepped out to face Baker moving slowly towards him. They faced each other about 50 meters apart. Baker started moving to his left slowly keeping his eyes on Michael. Michael moved and they started circling each other slowly sizing each other up.
"You could just walk away…let my family go and Adriana will open a portal for you and the rest of your unit to go home." Michael said knowing it was a vain attempt, but he was trying to buy more time for Riley to get into position.
Baker huffed, "Unlike you I know my duty and my oath…I didn't turn coward and run and hide from my duty."
"Don't lecture me about oaths and duty… Last chance."
Baker snorted, "You sure you don't want to run away and hide…"
Michael answered by activating his plasma sword. The shimmering blades appeared. Baker activated his sword and both Spartans circled picking their moment with the blades crackling and shimmering.
oOoOo
Riley was feeling winded as Adriana had been hassling him and his "team" to get into position as soon as possible. They had finally reached the position she had wanted them in. They were 100 meters from the building and he could see the door. It wasn't a long distance, but it was a pretty open 100 meters with just a few retaining walls and some dumpsters for cover and that made Riley nervous. He could see his nervousness reflected in the Marine squad leader's face. Riley had barely had time to introduce himself to the Marines, but from what he had seen of the Sergeant and his men they appeared to be competent and experienced.
Adriana would have made sure she got Marines that could handle the situation…
"Okay Sergeant…just a quick sprint to the door. We go in. My agents and one of your fireteams secure the entrance…You, me and your other two fireteams go to the second floor and secure the hostages from the conference room on the North side…Understood?"
"Seems pretty straight-forward…I like straight-forward." replied the Sergeant with a grim look. "What about resistance?"
"Unknown, but estimated to be up to six militants…"
The Sergeant snorted, "Sir…no need to bullshit me. I served in Iraq and Afghanistan and these guys we are going up against are anything but militants. The stories I keep hearing call these guys 'Spartans'."
Riley shook his head and smirked, "It's a long story Sergeant and it's classified…even if I told you…I don't think you would believe me."
The Sergeant nodded as he was an old hand at missions that were on a "need to know" basis. He turned to his fireteams and gave hand signals for them to get ready to move.
oOoOo
Baker was studying 113 as they moved around each other looking for an opening. It felt like they had been doing this dance for hours, but it had been less than a minute. They were both well-trained killers and they both knew that unless it was a rush, then you didn't rush in until you knew where you were going to strike.
Baker watched 113's movements and his training noticed something…he wasn't moving as smooth as he should be. He seemed to be favoring one side.
He's hurt…probably his ribs on the right side. I need to force him to use his right and overexert and overextend himself.
A small smile came to Baker's face as he visualized his moves. He was about to make his move when he heard the loud noise of a SAW firing from the back of the building. That was quickly followed by Lieutenant Wood's voice on the com channel.
"We got hostiles trying to enter the building from the South-West side…engaging now!"
"Lying bastard!" Baker muttered as he realized that he was being played. He was momentarily distracted as he tried to decide what to do and that almost cost him. He barely had time to react and dodge as 113 lunged in and tried to impale him.
Baker quickly reacted and spun and swung his blade to counter-strike…
oOoOo
Riley kept his head low and tried to hear above the roar of the weapons around him and the automatic weapon that was firing on them from the second floor. They had only made it about 50 meters when the gun opened up on them.
He looked around and saw a couple of Marines being tended to along with one of his agents. They hadn't suffered any killed, but they were pinned down and couldn't get any closer to the entrance.
He raised his head to see if he could pin down where the fire was coming from, but another burst forced him to duck down again behind the retaining wall.
"Damn it!" he swore feeling frustrated at being so close, but unable to get inside the building.
oOoOo
Michael dodged Baker's blade and spun to face the Colonel. He could hear the weapons fire from the back of the building and he felt his heart sink.
If they can't get in then Faith and the kids are finished…
Michael pushed those thoughts aside as he attacked the Colonel again with their blades striking each other causing plasma lightning to shoot out and sounding like thunder cracking.
oOoOo
The drones were providing a real-time video display of the fight and the Marines in the command post were mesmerized by what they were watching on the video display. If someone had told them days before that they would be fighting an unknown force in an American town and getting their asses handed to them and then watch two armored men fighting with some sort of light-saber well that person would have been laughed at and called crazy. But here they were watching two men in strange body armor moving with speed and reflexes that were hard to keep up with.
Colonel Maselli was right there with the rest of his men watching what was happening. When he had come back to the command post he had wondered where Riley had disappeared to, but the drone was also showing the firefight that was occurring on the other side of the building and could see that Riley along with some of his Marines were pinned down. He quickly deduced what was happening and he got a bad sickening feeling as he felt that he was watching a hostage rescue attempt going bad.
Everyone in the command post was so involved with watching the fight on the video displays that they missed the flash traffic message coming in from NORTHCOM warning about another energy burst detection…
oOoOo
Michael was getting desperate. The fight was pretty even—Baker was very skilled using a plasma sword and had quick reflexes. Michael's advantages were that his reflexes were faster and he had a longer reach. The problem was that this fight was taking too long and it was now time to start taking risks. This meant getting in closer which negated his reach advantage.
Michael parried another strike and stepped in to try and punch Baker, but he wasn't there as the Colonel dodged. Michael tried to anticipate where Baker was going to be, but he mistimed it and felt the dropkick to his right side.
The sound of the rib cracking was loud and the pain rushed through Michael. He pushed it aside as he tried to recover his footing as he momentarily staggered from the kick. He just managed to avoid the tip of Baker's plasma blade from striking his chest armor. He saw Baker overextend himself and Michael spun and caught him in the head with his elbow hard causing the Colonel to stagger backward.
Baker shook his head as he recovered and turned to face Michael. He could see 113 favoring his right side more now. He'd heard the rib crack when he connected with his foot and a little grin came to his face.
"Not so tough are you…"
Michael used the moment to recover too. He was having a hard time breathing and could taste blood.
"I've faced worse…"
The words barely left Michael's mouth when Baker lunged again forcing him to shift to his right and fight off the shooting pain in his side. He could see that Baker was eager to finish him off. He could still hear the weapons fire from the back of the building. He needed to finish this fight fast. He faked to his right and stepped to his left hoping to draw the Colonel in. It looked like it was drawing Baker in, but Michael almost missed it. If it hadn't been for his reflexes and eyesight he might have missed Baker's slight shift of his shoulders at the last moment. It wasn't much, but it was enough for Michael to quickly realize he had made a mistake…
Only the reflexes of a Spartan would have it made possible for Michael to react and recover—he almost avoided Baker's blade. The tip of the Colonel's plasma sword sliced across Michael's stomach cutting through his armor and titanium bodysuit and inner padding. Michael felt new pain flare through his body and saw his helmet display light up with warning messages of his armor being compromised. The pain from the sword was immediately followed by another searing pain as his suit's automatic biofoam injectors tried to close the open wound on his stomach.
Don't know which is worse…the plasma sword or the injectors. Both hurt like hell!
Michael fought through the pain and his blurred vision to keep Baker in front of him. He could see from the Colonel's body that he was becoming more confident and aggressive. It was only a matter of seconds before he would lunge again…
Baker saw 113 shift his plasma sword to his left hand and move his right arm tight against his side as if to try and support him. He saw the blood dripping from 113's stomach. He knew it wasn't a deep slice, but it was enough to compromise 113's armor and slow him down.
Time to finish this, Baker thought with a small grin coming to his face and he lunged in to strike a death blow…
Michael anticipated the attack and had switched hands to draw Baker in. As the Colonel lunged he meet and parried the Colonel's blade. As the blades struck each other and the plasma flared and crackled, Michael did a reverse spin. It was a risky move, but this was the time to do it. As he spun his right hand moved at blinding speed for his combat knife in its scabbard on his left shoulder. It was so quick that if you blinked you would have missed it, but for Michael it was if everything was moving in slow motion as he pulled out his combat knife and as he finished his reverse spin he drove his knife deep into Baker's right side thrusting the blade upwards with all his strength.
For a moment everything seemed to freeze as the two Spartans stood there as their plasma swords crackled and hummed from the energy. Michael shoved his knife hard again and could feel it dig deeper into Baker. He couldn't see the Colonel's face through the visor, but he could see his head sag and turn to the side to look at the knife blade sticking in him. Michael watched as the Colonel staggered backwards dropping his plasma sword. Michael stood there rooted to the ground as Baker staggered a few more steps using his left hand to reach towards the knife and feel the blade almost like he was trying to decide whether to pull it out or not. Baker's hand fell away from the blade and then he collapsed to the ground on his left side facing towards Michael.
Michael stood there in that moment looking at the body of Baker, time seemed frozen as he couldn't hear anything else except the warning lights on his helmet display and his heart pounding. It was the pain searing through his stomach and side that brought time back into focus. Michael could feel his strength giving way and his vision was blurring. He dropped his sword and his hands moved to his midsection and stomach. He pulled his hands away and saw the blood on them. He felt tired and he collapsed to his knees still looking at the blood on his hands.
So much blood… I'm so tired…
Michael's vision was greying out and he finally collapsed on his side.
oOoOo
Faith had watched the battle between Michael and Baker on the flat screen display fighting her anger, frustration and feelings of helplessness as she struggled to break her restraints. She saw Adriana mirroring her feelings as she also struggled to break her restraints with no success. Faith didn't want to watch the duel as she was afraid for Michael, but she couldn't turn away.
She gasped and her heart was in her throat as she saw Michael get sliced by the sword. She struggled in vain against her restraints, but her eyes were glued to the screen. It was hard to keep track of both Spartans as they moved so fast. She saw Michael favoring his side and she knew he was hurt badly and it was breaking her heart not being able to do anything to help. It then happened so fast and she saw Baker stagger and fall. She started to feel a sense a relief and triumph, but then she saw Michael collapse and she almost became frantic. The thought of watching and having the children watch their father die on TV was almost too much for her.
Faith suddenly heard the sound of a weapon's receiver being pulled back and she had bigger problems now…
oOoOo
Lieutenant Wood had watched the duel and she could hear the weapon's fire from the other side of the building. She saw Colonel Baker fall to the ground and saw 113 collapse to. She paused and took a deep breath as she recalled her commander's last orders. It was shit duty and she knew, but she also knew that it was an order.
"Harrison…take out Sierra-113." she ordered over the com channel.
She didn't get a reply. She was concerned and puzzled, but she figured that he was either busy or their communications were being jammed. Either way it was time to carry out her orders.
She pulled her MA5 from her back and pulled back the charging handle to make sure a round was loaded. She turned and faced the prisoners. She looked at the woman and her children. They looked at her. The woman and the two oldest children knew what was going to happen. Wood took another deep breath and lifted her assault rifle. She paused halfway lifting the rifle as second thoughts ran through her head. She heard the woman speak softly and calmly.
"Catherine…John…get behind me. Close your eyes. Remember your mom and dad love you."
Wood felt her throat go dry. She had been in combat before and had killed humans and aliens, but this was different.
It doesn't matter how I feel…I'm a Spartan and I have my orders.
She lifted the MA5 to her shoulder and took aim at the boy. He just looked at her with those dark eyes and she knew she would be having nightmares about this for the rest of her life. Her finger moved to the trigger and she paused again. She took one more deep breath and started to apply pressure to the trigger.
She was startled by a deep voice behind her, "Drop the weapon Lieutenant!" followed by the distinctive sounds of weapons being charged. She turned her head slowly and was shocked by who was pointing his weapon at her.
oOoOo
"Michael! Can you hear me?"
Michael heard the voice and he fought through the pain and tried to get his vision to focus. So much of his body hurt, but he tried to focus and push the pain away to clear his mind.
"Yea…Adriana. I hear you…" he managed to groan out as he tried moving very slowly.
He heard the AI exhale her electronic breath, "How bad is it?" she asked worriedly.
Michael tried moving again and pain shot through his body, "It's bad, but I'll live…What about Faith and the kids?"
Before Adriana could reply he heard Faith's voice, "Michael!" and she was looking at him through his visor. He could see that she was worried and scared as she looked at the wound on his stomach.
"It looks worse than it is. The plasma energy cauterized the wound so between that and the biofoam the bleeding has mostly stopped…"
Faith gave him a skeptical worried look, "How bad?"
"At least two ribs broken…you want help me get this helmet off. How are the kids?"
"They're all safe…they're still inside the building." Faith replied as she helped take Michael's helmet off and could finally see his face. He was pale and it was obvious he was in pain, but he smiled at her and she just shook her head and smiled back and leaned in and kissed him.
After what seemed a long time they separated, "I need a vacation…" Michael muttered.
Faith smiled back, "Yeah somewhere with a beach and privacy…"
"I guess I owe Riley big for getting you and the kids out." Michael said still surprised that the plan had worked out.
Faith started to reply, "It wasn't Riley who got us out, it was…"
oOoOo
Baker was drifting in and out of consciousness. The knife was still embedded in his side and he could feel how deep it had gone. His biofoam injectors hurt just as much as they tried to treat his wound. His helmet display was flashing warning messages that his armor had been compromised. He was having trouble breathing and he was familiar enough with anatomy to know from the position of the knife that his lung had been punctured and maybe his kidney had been nicked as well.
His vision was blurry and it was hard to focus, but he could make out 113 lying on ground across from him. There was the hope that maybe he had killed him, but Baker saw him move slowly and then he heard Faith's voice calling out. He saw her kneel down next to 113 and take his helmet off.
"That bitch deserves to die…"
The young female voice surprised him and he slowly and painfully turned his head. Baker's eyes widened in surprise and shock as he found himself looking at his baby sister standing there just off to one side.
"You need to finish it… Just dig down deep and pull your rifle off your back… That's the hard part. Once you've got your weapon, pulling the trigger is easy."
Baker was confused and he knew that he was probably going to die without medical treatment.
His eyes glistened with tears, "Amy…I'm so sorry I let go of you…I miss you so much."
"It's okay Kyle…just focus on this task. Get your weapon and finish it…that will make everything better."
Baker slowly nodded and he fought through the pain and found the strength to reach for his MA5 and pull it off his back magnetic holder. He could feel the knife moving in his side as he exerted himself, but he finally had the weapon in his hands.
The sweat was pouring down his face and his hands were shaking, but he focused on his sister's smiling face.
I missed her so much… That's strange… Her eyes look so empty and lifeless…
Baker was able to push himself up to a semi-sitting position cradling his assault rifle. 113 hadn't noticed him as Faith was between them obstructing his view. He slowly raised his weapon and tried to focus, his vision constantly blurring.
Just pull the trigger and hold… That will do the job…
Baker's finger reached for the trigger, but suddenly a loud voice boomed out.
"DROP THE WEAPON COLONEL!"
Baker ignored the yell and saw Faith turn in surprise in his direction. He saw the look of shock and fear on her face as she realized what was happening. Everything seemed to freeze at that moment. Baker had a memory flash through his mind of his family sitting altogether in their home laughing and smiling before the Covenant came.
The memory was cut short by the loud roar of a MA5.
I'm going home… I'm— was Colonel Baker's last thoughts as he smiled at the vision of his long dead sister.
oOoOo
Michael found reservoirs of strength as the MA5 fired and he pushed Faith to the ground and put his body between her and Baker. He turned his head to check on Faith, "You okay?"
He let go a sigh a relief as he saw her nod. Michael could see Baker dead on the ground. He slowly turned his head towards where the fire had come from. He blinked several times as he couldn't believe what he was looking at.
There was a group of five Spartans standing with their weapons drawn. Michael recognized the lead Spartan as he stood out from all the others. He couldn't believe who it was and didn't believe it was possible.
"John?"
"It's been a long time Michael."
"How?"
"We got a message from your AI…Thought you might need some help."
Michael shakily stood up with Faith standing up and keeping a worried eye on him. Michael moved towards his brother Spartan. They met halfway and stood facing each other.
"You look a mess…"
Michael smirked pushing the pain aside for the moment, "I've had better days. It's good to see you."
The two Spartans clasped hands and stood there quietly for a moment. Faith walked up beside Michael.
"I take it, that you know each other?"
Michael smiled looking at Faith, "This is John…or more commonly referred to as the Master Chief."
Faith's eyes widened as she had heard all of Michael's stories about the Master Chief, "It's good to meet you…Thank you."
The Master Chief nodded to her, "Ma'am."
Faith smirked as she recalled that Michael said that the Master Chief wasn't much for conversation. Her attention was diverted as she saw her children come out of the building escorted by two more Spartans. She ran to her children.
Michael watched as Faith went to get their children. She had scooped up John and was carrying him in one arm and holding on to Catherine's hand and Adriana walking beside her. He smiled at his family as they came closer.
"You've got a nice family there." John said.
"Yeah, I've been lucky."
There was another moment of silence between the two Spartans, but it wasn't an awkward silence. It was a comfortable silence, the type of silence between two people that don't need to say anything as they can read each other without saying much.
Faith stopped in front of the two Spartans, "Master Chief…"
"You can call me John…"
Faith smiled, "John…these are our children…Adriana, Catherine and John."
The Master Chief had his helmet on, so she couldn't see his face, but there was a pause and then to her surprise he took off his helmet. She saw a man that was the same age as Michael. In some ways they looked so much alike, but in others they were so different. John's skin was pale from wearing his armor for longer periods. His skin was more wrinkled and she saw the dark eyes that carried a strength and weariness as if he had carried the weight of the world on his back many times. It reminded her of how Michael had looked when they had first met.
They were standing there when Riley came from the other side of the building. The agents and Marines with him hung back warily eyeing the Spartans not sure what was going on, but happy that the fighting had stopped and they were still alive.
"Can someone tell what the hell is going on?" he asked confused as he approached everyone.
Michael looked at John, "So what happens now?"
"Captain Espino and his fireteam are securing the survivors of Colonel Baker's unit and all equipment inside the building. Our orders are to take everyone and everything back to the UNSC. The report that HIGHCOM got from your AI has created a mess for ONI and it will be a long time cleaning this up." John replied.
Michael got a small smirk, happy at hearing that Captain Espino and his fireteam had come out of this ordeal in one piece.
Faith got a little nervous at the mention of everyone having to go back to the UNSC, "Does that include us?" she asked warily.
There was a pause and John looked a little uncomfortable at the question.
"We're not going back…this is our home." Michael said meeting John's eyes.
John sighed, "Officially Admiral Lasky has ordered that you and your family return home. He wanted me to remind you that you are still a Spartan and still in active service even if you are listed as MIA. You and your family would testify at the investigation being started to look into ONI's black operations…"
Michael looked at Faith and could see the uncertainty and fear in her face at going to the UNSC and putting their family that much closer to ONI.
"…and unofficially?" Michael asked looking back at John.
John actually got a very small smile on his face. Faith saw the smile and it looked so out of place on that face that looked so serious.
"Unofficially, your AI included everything about your record in her report and the Admiral has informed me to let you know that if you decide not to return he will respect your wishes and you will be listed as KIA and your file sealed."
"What about the dimensional portal equipment? What's to stop ONI from trying again to come after us at some later date?"
"After we cleanup here and portal home, the Admiral has ordered all the dimensional transport equipment in our dimension to be destroyed. He feels that our human race and the UNSC has enough problems to deal within its own dimension without starting more problems in different dimensions or having them spill over into ours."
Michael didn't hesitate with his response as he was certain how Faith felt about this, "Thank the Admiral for us, but we're going to stay here. This dimension needs us and we're happy here…this is home."
Michael saw John get that small smile again, "I figured as much…"
"How long before you leave?" Michael asked somewhat sad knowing that this reunion with his brother Spartan was going to end shortly.
"We should be packed up to go within the next three hours." John replied.
Riley spoke up, "That's it! After all this…all the death and destruction here, you're just going to pack up all your 'stuff' and go home!?"
The Master Chief turned and looked at Riley. Riley tried to stare him down, but he blinked. He couldn't believe how intense those eyes could get.
John finally replied, "That's pretty much it…you do have the UNSC's apology though for this incident."
Riley just shook his head and was dreading having to report all this to Washington.
Michael spoke up, "Adriana is staying here with us…"
It was John's turn to try and stare down Michael, but he gave up after a moment seeing that Michael wasn't going to budge on this.
"The Admiral is not going to like this." John said shrugging.
"Well I think it is the least we can do for this world…"
Riley was confused, "What are you talking about?"
Michael looked at him, "Well Director Finn…how would your superiors feel about getting access to UNSC technology and having a highly advanced AI provide guidance?"
Riley couldn't believe what Michael was saying to him, "You're kidding right?"
"No…I figure since we're going to be here pretty much permanently we have to earn our way, but there is one condition."
Riley was in no mood to object as the thought of getting access to highly advanced technology was too great to resist, "Yeah, no problem…whatever you want!"
"Adriana oversees and controls the release of all technology…we wouldn't want this to get out of control and I trust her to make sure you don't blow up the planet."
Riley nodded vigorously, but he was only half listening as his mind raced with thoughts of all the possibilities that would be opened to them.
Michael shook his head as he could see that Riley wasn't paying attention, Have to tell Adriana to make sure she buries all references and information on NOVA bombs.
A thought suddenly came to Michael, "John…I need to ask you and Captain Espino a favor."
John nodded, "Whatever you need…"
"I need you to find someone back in the UNSC and take them a message." Michael asked as he tried to figure what he was going to say and hoping that Adriana could put something together quickly.