A/N: Sorry its been so long since I updated, life has been ridiculously busy lately. We're near the end of the story, though, so unfortunately that means it may have to be just as long before the next update as the last two chapters have to be written then released simultaneously. I'll do my best to get them out before Christmas though. Hope you enjoy the chapter, and happy holidays, all!
Chapter 29:
Green Light
The room was dimly lit, drawing everyone's attention to the holograph-topped table in the center of the room. The Spartans stood clustered around it, the strange light from the holograms reflecting eerily off of their armor. A city made of light rose up from the table, certain parts of it zooming or turning as one Spartan manipulated the display's settings.
"We've been given the green light on our next mission," Fred explained, gesturing towards the array of buildings. "This is the city of Malpensa on Levosia. The Covenant landed and are wreaking hell on the city trying to turn it into some kind of base. We've received an encrypted message saying that there is unsecured data in Malpensa that could lead the Covenant to Earth. This is a direct violation of the Cole Protocol, and we're being sent to make sure the Covenant doesn't find it."
As Fred talked, John surveyed his team. Once again, he was the only Spartan not in armor. The others were battle-ready. John wished he was going with them. The med techs on the Resolutehad checked him over upon embarking, and he was cleared to go back to active duty with his teammates the day after they were to return from this op. John knew they were just being careful and that he should listen to them, but it didn't feel fair that he had to abandon his team once again. Fred would be just fine leading them, but John wanted to go along, even if he wouldn't be in charge. He hated them risking their lives while he sat in safety.
"One thing that hasn't factored into our missions for a while could play a key part in this one," Fred continued. At the edge of the table, Vinh manipulated the controls and the city vanished. Where the buildings had been, a group of battle-hardened humans not in uniform appeared. "Insurrectionists. As I'm sure you know, this was the real birthplace of the Insurrection. There was an established colony of them here before the Covenant landed. With as many precautions as they took to ensure that we never fully eradicated them, it's not to hard to believe that there are still some hiding out in the city. I'm willing to bet that they wouldn't respond kindly to us trying to delete the data that they may need if they ever decide to return to Earth."
Kelly-087 stepped forward. "Sir, do we know for certain that the nav data is in their hands?"
Fred shook his head. "We have our suspicions, but nothing is confirmed yet." He glanced at Vinh and she changed the display to show the city. "Due to transmissions that we've received from an AI remaining in the city, these are the probable locations of the data." Vinh tapped the controls again, and about a dozen red dots popped up in various buildings. "The AI will help us as much as it can, and when we're done, we will have to collect it. That's why we can't use an EMP and knock everything out; the UNSC wants the AI before it falls into either Covenant or Insurrectionist hands. So, to accomplish this, we'll be splitting into two teams. I'll lead Blue team, and Red team..."
Fred hesitated, glancing around the room. His gaze rested on John the longest, but John didn't say anything. This was Fred's decision to make, not his. "John," someone murmured.
"That would be ideal," Fred agreed. He looked like he was going to say more, but Kelly-087 cut him off.
"You're not hurt anymore, they're just being cautious," she scoffed, eyes meeting John's. "Come with us. Please," Kelly continued softly. "We need you."
John looked over at Fred, who shrugged. "We could use your help on this one," he admitted.
John hesitated, deliberating. He was supposed to spend the next couple of days healing, but he felt nearly back to normal... And his team needed him. He made his decisions. The med techs would just have to get over it. "Okay," he agreed, stepping away from the wall to join the circle of armored giants. "I'm in. Fred, this is still your mission though."
Kelly-087 grinned widely, and several other Spartans mirrored her expression. Fred merely nodded. "Good. You'll lead Red team then."
"Understood," John replied. The other Spartan continued detailing the mission, but John found it hard to focus. As soon as he had spoken, he'd gotten the strangest feeling of déjà vù. There was no memory attached to it, just this bad feeling, like something was about to go horribly wrong.
"You okay, Chief?" Isaac asked quietly.
John forced the thoughts away, attention back where it should be. "Yeah, I'm fine." It was just a feeling, and that was Kurt's unofficial job, not John's. He was probably just worrying about his Kelly and what part she would play in the mission. That had to be where the feeling came from. John dismissed it, reminding himself that Kelly would be staying on the ship. No matter what happened, she wasn't coming to the surface of Levosia. Though the mission was important, her safety was what really mattered to John. He couldn't let worrying get in his way, however. The mission had to take priority over his feelings for Kelly. Fred concluded the briefing, and as John went to put on his armor, he tried to quit focusing on Kelly. She would stay on the ship, and he was going down to the planet. If he couldn't focus on the present, he would get himself and his team killed. Kelly was staying on the ship. Comforted by this fact, John managed to stop worrying. Kelly would be safe. She had to be.
He stopped by her room before heading to the Pelican that would take Red team planet-side. The door opened before John had a chance to knock, and Kelly ran into him as she quickly exited the room. "Sor-hey," she said cheerfully, cutting off the automatic apology that she had started. The smile that appeared on her face quickly turned to a look of confusion at his armor, then understanding. "You're going with them, aren't you."
John nodded, unsure how she was going to respond. He didn't want to upset her... But he had to tell her. It was better for her to find out from him than from someone else over coms once he was down on the planet. "Yes."
Kelly didn't protest as he'd been afraid she would. Instead she nodded seriously. "Of course you would be," she murmured, a slight smile alighting on her face.
"The med techs said I'd be good to go soon," the Spartan explained quickly, "and, well, my team needs me..." He trailed off at Kelly's expression.
"You don't have to explain yourself to me," she said gently. "I know. I figured you'd be going. I just... Be careful down there, okay?"
John nodded seriously. "I'll do my best," he agreed. "You... be careful too, okay?"
Kelly laughed. "How much trouble can I get into on the ship?" she teased.
"Kelly, I'm serious."
The smile slid off of Kelly's face as she understood. He was just as worried about her as she was about him. He just showed it differently. "I will," she replied softly. An alarm sounded throughout the ship, and John glanced in the direction of the hangar. "You need to go," Kelly said quickly.
John nodded. "Kelly..." he started, glancing uneasily at the crew members running up and down the passageway. He wanted to kiss her, to say something, but there were so many people... Any of them could see or hear...
"I know," Kelly cut in before John could continue, smiling lovingly at him. "I know exactly what you're thinking. Now go, okay? And be careful. I'll see you later."
"Yes," John agreed firmly. "You will." After one final smile at her, he left and turned his thoughts from Kelly. His team was his only concern right now, and John wouldn't let them down.
