Here is the next chapter of Halo: Nexus. The story takes place in Halo Legends: Homecoming currently. But another Halo related story is going to be involved as well. Hope you enjoy this new story. Enjoy the show!
Planet Reach, 2517
There was 75 children compiled into one room. One of them was shivering uncontrollably. "Huh? What's going on?" He looks around, seeing other kids like him. Ever since the two grown ups grabbed and took him away from home, he wondered if his mom and dad is going to pick him up.
"You asking that now?" One of the kids mentioned.
Then a middle aged woman walks up in front of the whole class of children. She explains what's going on. What gets the scared child's attention was the following. "Your parents are gone. Planet Reach is your new home. Your fellow trainees are your new family." He looks to his left and right, wondering if this is real. "Each of you have been hand selected and called to serve. Your bodies are already faster and stronger than most children, and we are going to make them better." After the assembly, he would eat dinner, but it would feel lonely, despite being surrounded by others like him.
After sleeping, he hoped it was all a dream. He hoped he would go back home and he wouldn't have to spend time with scary strangers, and his parents wouldn't leave him. But as he woke up, he hears shouting.
He woke up to see one grown up grabbing one kid. He was holding one kid with a silver baton that seemed to almost shock him. He then calls on more adults that made the kids panic. "I am Chief Petty Officer Mendez. The rest of these men are your instructors. You will do exactly as we tell you at all times." He points to the bathroom. "The showers are aft. You will all wash and then return here to dress."
He was very scared of this. He couldn't find his parents, and this man is terrifying. Then one of the grown ups with the terrifying man flashes his own baton in front of him, making him scream in terror. "Get moving! Move it, move it, move it!"
He keeps on crying out, screaming out as he gets stroked by the baton, feeling the electricity hit his back as he stumbles around to the shower. He would get dressed, still crying. "No crying you sack of shit!" He gets shocked again. He could only gasp out with tears streaming uncontrollably, and slight whimpering. The kids could't help but eye on the constantly crying kid.
The men would escort them out of the room for exorcises. Running around in laps. He would be the last one done. "I wanna...go...home..."
This earned him another shock. "No crying bitch!" This would continue, as they would go into brutal training. Push ups, sit ups, laps, he would fail to do as much as everyone else. A continuous cycle of hyperventilating, limbs aching, and the shock. It all blurs together, as he would find himself in bed. He was scared to even move.
Two grown ups spectates the broken kids slumber. "Are you sure he is ready for this?"
"I assure you Dr. Halsey, he is going to be a soldier you have never seen before." A male doctor replies.
"Whatever you say Dr. Tandem. You mentioned how he was your responsibility. May I ask why do you put so much faith in him?"
"Why put your faith in John-117?" Giving her his response.
"Because he holds traits that could lead humanity to its future."
The male doctor chuckles. "You can say that kid will open humanities eyes."
Halsey raises her brow. "I see..." Feeling even more distrustful. But Tandem has shown to prove himself to the Spartan Program.
"You would bring so many children to this program. Yet you expect so much for them."
"And yet you implored me to bring in your problem child here." She retorted.
"Its best not to underestimate him. He's different to John, but he holds something else in the plate." Dr. Tandem watches in interest, and see's the kid he was talking about. Laying on his bed, shaking, and petrified, worried on what is to come next.
After days past, he was standing along with the others. "You will be paired into three men teams!" Mendez said. The process was again a demoralizing experience. He would find himself with two other kids. One a boy, with brown hair, and brown eyes. The other, a girl, with blonde hair and blue eyes. The girl caught his attention. She was very pretty, and hoped she was nice to him. They look at him. They seem to now about his over the top reactions and constant shocks. They seem to have hints of pity in their eyes. "Today's mission is ring the bell! Every member of the team must ring!" Mendez introduces the kids to the obstacle course.
"Um...wh-"
"What do we win?" The boy felt hurt for being interrupted. It was also from John. The last exorcises was hell thanks to Johns rough housing. He never did liked John.
Mendez replies to John. "The winner gets dinner. Roast turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes." The kids muse. The problem child more so, feeling hungry just hearing it. "Corn in cobs, brownies, and ice cream. Now the problem child was now excited. "But, for there to be winners, there must be losers. So the last team to finish goes without food. The children was silent, and looked at each other. The problem child was shocked, feeling the pressure already due to his hunger. "Make ready!"
The blonde girl looks at the petrified one. "Don't worry. We can get through this!"
The brown haired boy speaks up. "I sure hope your right."
The race was on, and the kids scramble through the course, with John having a head start. Through the run, he completely ignored his own team, even when they asked for help. The problem child was running as fast as he could, but easily tired himself out. He almost fell on the flipping bridge. He would climb up to the net, until he got trapped. "Help! HELP!" With his voice cracking hard.
The blonde girl was trying to catch up to John, but she stops once she heard his voice. She looks to see John almost there, but immediately runs back to help her teammate. She tries to untangle him, with the brown haired boy helping out. "John rang the bell!" The brown haired boy states.
They untie him as he falls on his head. "Oooow..."
"Come on!" The blonde girl grabs his hand, and pulls him to the rest of the course. This got the problem child blushing hard. He never had girls touch him, ever. His shyness didn't help either. But they ran as fast as they could together, and once they all climbed up on the poll and rang the bell, they saw everyone waiting for them. The three sighed.
"Aw...we lost..." The brown haired boy groaned.
The blonde notices their other teammate was whimpering silently. She then pats his head. "Sorry..."
Mendez then announces. "Good work trainees. Lets all chow down! Except 117 and his team.
The team beamed with hope. "Huh?"
John protests. "But I came first!"
Mendez answer. "Yes. You were first. But your team came last." He points to his team members, Sam and Kelly, who were behind the previously thought last team. "Remember this, you don't win, unless your whole team wins. One member winning at the expense of the whole team, means that you lose.
The group look at each other with smiles on their faces. They cheer. "We did it!" They eat dinner and desert together, with the problem child being the most happy. The brown haired boy swallowed his turkey. "This is so good...we make a good team."
The blonde girl nods. She notices their team member humming with delight. She then states. "Daisy." He then stops and looks at her. "My name is Daisy." She gives a very innocent smile.
The boy swallows again and lets his own friendly smile. "The names Ralph. Nice to meet ya. What's your name?"
Their friend hesitated. "My...name...?"
Planet Harvest, 2530
The darkly clad Spartan walks through the wastelands, with no fear or terror. Only interest. As he continues his trail with the suits A.I keeping him company. "I'm guessing they're going to bring in a Pelican."
[That seems to make sense.]
"That is why I mention it. But is there another ship they can bring?"
[None I can think of. A Frigate would be too big and too valuable. Falcons are not made for space. Vultures would be too small seeing how there is a group of marines to consider.]
He stopped for the moment. "You know...I haven't thought of it at the time, but are you really on my head or something?"
[No. It may seem that way, but I am really a part of your helmet. Although the UNSC is currently working on ways to make A.I's be more in tuned with their hosts. Mostly via neural implants. But we don't have the resources or time for that, so that's why I'm a part of the helmet. As long as its not damaged, I will assist you.]
"Neural implants? So they are working a way to make it so they can be literally on your head?"
[More or less.]
"Ugh...That sounds like a pain." He continues to walk.
[You have not explained your relationship with those two names you mentioned before. Ralph and Daisy, was it?]
He groans. "You really have to know everything about me? I made it clear that your not getting in my head. Any glimpse of that would count."
[I feel it would benefit both of us if we know as much as we can. I do know they are not marines. Seeing from your reaction, they must be Spartans.]
He shows anger and confusion. "How the hell did you figure that out?"
[My creators has informed me that the only one who could use the suit I am in, is a Spartan II. If your past is just like the Spartan's past, then I am assuming they share the same background as well.]
He shrugs. "So you can do math, you really must be a computer."
[Sarcasm is unbecoming for a Spartan.]
"Don't start with that shit." He then notices some gunfire on the horizon. "You seeing that?"
[Indeed.] The hub then zooms out to see marines in the middle of a firefight. [That is most likely the marines mentioned in the transmission.] The Specter paused, fell silent for a couple of seconds. [Are you ready?]
Then he moves his head around, and stretch his arms. "Yeah. I am." His tone was slightly deep. He brings out his Assault Rifle and rushes there.
Jackals stomps their way through, as they shoot their plasma pistols to the marines. Some with needlers shoots through the heads of the human resistance, easily killing them. One tan marine avoids the needlers at the last second, frustrated. "Gah! Not again! I'm getting off this rock, and I'm not leaving on a body bag either!"
A red armored soldier turns to the marine. "I'm going to create a diversion, keep low! You make a run for the extraction point!" She leaves to get the aliens attention.
"Keep on firing men! We're not going anywhere unless we push!" The soldier shouts out to his troops. As they keep on shooting, something gets thrown on the side. Then the jackals gets blown up.
"Snap!" A grenade pin was snapped. "Crackle!" Then the grenade was thrown, and lands on the feet of the unexpected grunts. "Pop..." The grunts was flung to the air in a blazing explosion. "Any one else wants some more pineapples?" He brings two grenades and throws more on the Covenant forces.
"What the..." He gets a good look at the one doing it. His armor is steel dark grey, almost black, with forest green barely seen on his arms and knees. "Another one? This day just keeps getting better. Men! Push!" His men follows as they move to overwhelm the smaller alien forces. As they kill the last grunt, he catches up with the Spartan. "Sir, didn't think we find another Spartan here."
The dark super solider paused for a second. "Well...I was just in the neighborhood."
"Hm? Didn't think you guys had a sense of humor." He never met a Spartan that talked like that. They are usually stoic, like the one they are with. "Well, if your looking for your friend, she's busy over there." Pointing to some gunfire deeper on the barren city.
"Oh, I'm sure she won't mind me." He walks over the firefight of many against one.
The Red Spartan continues to shoot up the relentless army of Jackals and flying Drones. She keeps on mowing them down with her Assault Rifle. But there is the fear of it running out. Its best to just get to higher ground in one of the buildings and take out one of the drones personally. She would run towards one of them, grab it, and shove of plasma grenade on its chest. As it flies around uncontrollably, then it explodes, taking other drones with it. She would then jump down to land on one of the grunts, instantly killing the poor thing. The red soldier felt a little bad for it. Almost. But she knows better to go easy on them. After what they did. But something catches her off guard again. A large green ball of fire almost hits her as she dodges him time. She takes her pistol out to shoot the white Elite with the Fuel Rod Gun, until something approaches behind it, and it grunts in pain, as it gets on its knees, and falls dead. "What?"
The silhouette of the assassin walks over to reveal a steel grey and green armored Spartan, carrying his knife, filled with purple blood. He cleans it with his other hand. "Jeez...purple blood...Thank god they're not acid."
The Red Spartan gasps. "A Spartan? No one told me you'd be here. What's your name and number?"
The Grey Spartan raised his arms. "Number? Whoa. At least buy me dinner first Daisy."
"Wha-? How did you know my...wait a minute...That voice...Are you...Grim?"
He softly laughs. "Heh heh heh...huh...Guilty as charged."
The one named Daisy's eyes widen from this revelation. "I don't...believe it...Your here too? I thought...I thought you quit years ago!"
He would hesitate on answering. "Well...its a long story."
[Perhaps I can answer on his behalf.]
Daisy was startled. "What the? Who said that?" She looks around to see if they are someone else.
[That would be me. I am Arcade. This suits personal A.I that has chosen your friend to be its wearer.]
Daisy blinks, with questions lingering in her head. "Chosen?"
Grim sighs. "I'm sort of along for the ride. I mean, considering what's been going on, between the rags I wore and this suit? Not a bad deal. Also, I heard about your transmission. You said a pelican is coming?"
Daisy replies. "Yes. But what would the UNSC say about this?"
Grim tilts his head and shrugs. "Hey, for all I know, this was made by some super secret division or something. You guys have that right?"
[You mean Office of Naval Intelligence?]
"Yeah, that!" Not recalling it being in his memory, but rolls with it.
Daisy is still not sure what to think. She is very happy to see her old friend, but he's...different. Very different. Not to mention wearing a suit she is not aware of, and she didn't recall Dr. Halsey introducing it. Her own armor is a prototype for the CQB armor with some configurations she was told would be considered for the next Mark of MJOLNIR. But even if this looks like the Grenadier helmet to her, the rest is defiantly new to her. No doubt customized with some pieces of already made parts from MJOLNIR Mark IV, among some new armor parts made.
She notices the marines caught up with them, and they seem to be a bit more confident. But considering the damage done, they seen better days. Some are still hanging on to hope. She hates to admit it, but she is the same deep down. Daisy only hopes that Ralph gets here in time. She is glad to see Grim is here, and at least knows how to fight considerably. She and Sargent Hauser checks on the extraction, and as he uses binoculars to see a lot of Covenant forces protecting the area. Daisy see's it with her helmet clearly.
"Jesus they're everywhere..." Hauser states with intimidation on his tone.
"All the more reason for us to move out as soon as we see the extraction craft." Her tone is serious and clear. Mostly to keep his morale up.
"Sounds like a good idea to me. I'm going to get us a hog." He walks over to get them a ride.
Daisy stays to look out on the area. Deep in her thoughts. Grim notices this as he plays with an ammo bullet, flipping it with his fingers. "She likes looking at that place..." He keeps on looking at Daisy. Unable to speak, or say something else. His thoughts are only on her. The same blonde girl who he knew when they were kids. They were a lot of other kids with them. But she stuck out to him.
[Specter. If you can grant me a moment I have a favor.]
"Hm?" He gets broken from his gaze.
[A favor. I mentioned it before. There is an artifact deep under Harvest. If we can move in, we can get to it before the Covenant can find it.]
"What? Why mention it now when our ride is on our way?"
[I believe it would be easier to have an exit on stand by rather than wait for it. I know it is questionable, and very risky, but you must know that the Covenant is relentless when it comes to Forerunner technology. The plan is to find it, grab as much data as we can, and we immediately meet everyone to the extraction point and make our getaway. But we must do it now.]
Grim groans. "I guess your right...but still..."
[Are you worried for your friend?]
He flinched. "Pfft, what? You don't know what your talking about...You said you needed me to pick up one some super secret alien thingy?"
[Indeed. If it makes you feel better, we can go back to the armory and collect more weapons to help them.]
"Alright. Gonna need a ride though."
[I scanned out to see a Mongoose for you to use on your way there.]
"Neat." He then walks over to Chief Petty Officer Daisy. "Hey, Daisy."
She turns to him, having broken of her own gaze. "What is it?"
"Apparently, Oz here found some interesting things underground."
[I prefer her to refer to me as Arcade.]
Daisy blinks. "What? What do you found something underground?"
[It is something that would help benefit humanity, and help with the war. You must take our word for it.]
Daisy didn't like the idea of one of her men leaving just when they are about to attack. "But what about the extraction? You'll be left behind!"
Grim then grabs her shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll get back as soon as I can." He looks at her visor, in which he could barely see her eyes.
She thought for a second, then decides. "Fine. But be here by thirty minutes. I'll try to give you some time, but if you take too long...we're going to leave you. Understood?"
Grim tilts her head in a laid back manner. "You became bossy over the years, Princess."
"Excuse me?" Daisy said defensively. "You should know that I outrank you!" Saying out of annoyance, but knows to be true, seeing how he seems to be clueless with Office of Naval Intelligence.
"Yeah, you can be the captain of the Starship Enterprise, and I'll still call you Princess Daisy." He laughed out. "Maybe you should have renamed yourself."
Daisy groans. "Just go! Don't be late!" She demands.
Grim then walks back, with his arms raised. "Alright, alright Mom." He turns around and runs off to get to his destination faster.
Daisy sighs. Unable to fathom her friends attitude. "What am I going to do with him?" She would then turn back to the extraction point, still surrounded by Covenant. This reminds her of a moment in her life. A moment that made her look back at her little bear toy that hangs on her chest armor. She hopes that they can get through this alive, despite how many enemies they are. Mostly because she wished to meet her old friends again. Years since they walked away, this is the first time she heard of both Ralph and Grim for a long time. She'd like for a reunion very much.
Grim then stumbles upon the very Mongoose Arcade mentioned. "Alright. Lets go!" He hops on, and turns on the ignition. It revs up and moves out. "This is like one of those BMX bikes. I think. I don't watch those stuff."
[It is fast enough to get us in our destination. As long as you don't crash. Mind your grip Specter.]
"This ain't my first rodeo, partner." Grim focuses on the road ahead. The faster he finishes this, the better.
Meanwhile...
It was about time he finally gotten deployed. He waited long enough to prove himself to his master, and the Covenant. Boc 'Chava walks over the purple lay out of the Covenant cruiser, Long Night of Solace. He grew tired of the same walls, and lack of action. His family is usually blamed for his lack of usage. He sometimes curse his grandfather for shaming his family, and leaving him in a very purposeless state. But it seems his time is finally come. His blood thirsty rage has been boiling, and he was waiting to let it all out. He walks over a room, where his superior is alone, no doubt deep in thought. "Master. You wish to see me?"
His master was wearing black Ultra armor with red glowing eyes on his eyes, which most Ultras usually have glowing blue. Sai'shu Jahnahee turns to his pupil. "Ah. I see you heard of your mission Boc.
Boc deeply respects his master as he bows. "Only that I have one. I wish to know before I am deployed."
He turns to his pupil. "Very well. Your mission shall be to retrieve the Forerunners holy artifact deep under the glassed planet."
Boc groans. "Is that it? Is there any demons I can kill? With my bare hands preferably?"
"Patience my pupil. This is a very important mission. Only you can do this."
Boc sighs as he walks to the ship. He begrudgingly gets in, grabbing a plasma rifle and his energy sword. Hoping he can use them for this mission. Show everyone his years of harsh training and pent up rage. His ship enters the Planet the humans call Harvest. Still a blaze from the glassing. It has no use for the Covenant. Except its secrets that lies deep underground.
So yeah. I might take some liberties in the story. (I mean it is an AU anyways) But feel free to call foul in any mistakes I make. I have studied as much as I can in Halo, and I hope to make an entertaining story above all else. I have also thought of doing a spin off where the characters go through PSA's similar to Red vs Blue. Something fun for the characters to do. Thanks for reading!