Chapter 2: Welcome To Eden Prime
Metal reverberated with each step in the hold. Electromagnets in the armored titans boots kept him from floating with the rest of the objects. Crates, weapon cases, ammo boxes, and a plasma cannon where being strapped together into a bundle. He made sure the cables where secured with a tug. Satisfied with that he trudged on over to the door.
The back of the Pelican opened up into the vacuum of space. He made his way to the edge looking out beyond the slipspace drive. Mere meters away from the ship an exact copy was lined up. Two figures stood on opposite sides of their drive.
On the left was a figure in green brown armor configured for long patrols and sniper duties. The other was much taller then her in green, yellow, and red. Up-armored grenadier package for the Mark V with a replacement EVA shoulder. An exact replica of what he wore. Looking at it both amused and terrified Jorge.
Carefully bringing out the first package lining it up with the clone. One strong push sent it sailing in the void. After a long minute the smaller Spartan caught it making the ship rock a bit. He nodded his head when the other gave a thumbs up. After two more throws it was time to send the last occupant over.
Jorge unlatched the crash harness he placed on Six. Just as it released their body started to float. Gently he positioned his fallen brothers body so that they would be straight. Manual command input locked the armor in position.
One last look over to make sure everything was there. Six, his Six, wore something much different from the other one. Standard Mark V right off the factory floor. He mentioned he never liked to add anything unnecessary, preferring to work light and improvise. The only thing he did personally do was have the techs paint it bright red. A personal emblem was also painted on the right chest. A white wolf with a blue background surrounded by a gray ring.
Stepping out one last time with him in his arms he took a breath and stepped off. A feeling of weightlessness brought back memories of only a few hours ago. Gliding over a world he loved as it burned below him. Looking down he could see another world as green and blue as it. Peaceful and tranquil.
He was brought out of his thoughts as a hand grabbed his shoulder. Reddish bronze visor stared back at the same as they set him down on the ramp. Maglocks active giving off a faint clank. The clone patted his shoulder before turning back into the ship.
Six closed the hatch while Jorge moved to the nearest seat. Armor twitched and went limp as the armor lock disengage. Much like in the other ship his Six was placed down and secured in the crash harness. Jorge caught the other Noble Six looking before she went back to securing cargo.
Internal lights went green signaling life support being active again. Audio sensors picking up sound again in the air. There was a faint hiss as the other him pulled off their helmet. It was striking to see that it was truly another him. The same brown eyes looking over him finally settling on his own.
Giving the same courtesy Jorge pealed off his own placing it in the crook of his arm. They looked at each other for a long while. No changes in facial expression. He was always told that he was a hard to read man. It was another thing to see it for himself.
"Well," the other finally spoke up. "This is... awkward."
"Indeed." he replied softly.
The pilot of the Pelican tracked the sailing cargo. Silver visor reflected the image of two other ships. It was Six's job to intercept stray equipment during this transfer. However he somehow knew deep down it would never come to it. If the person claimed to be Jorge really was him he had no worries.
"How's the supply transfer going?" A voice asked behind him.
He turned and looked up to the ODST working away at the copilots console. Its monitors reflected off his round wired rim glasses. Information scrolling past as if the glasses where the monitor. Gloved fingers daftly typed away inputs and calculations.
Sweetwater looked up from what he was doing. Green eyes darting all over the visor to try to get at least some eye contact. Frowning after a few moments when Six never replied back.
"Really are a silent type eh?"
"That's what the handlers always told me." His voice was deadpan.
The ODST raised his brow and asked "You had handlers?"
A shrug was the only answer he got. Eyes rolled as the tech specialist got back to work. This left Six to go back to watching the exchange. Now this Jorge was finally leaving the damaged dropship with the other version of him.
He watched intently at this. Mind processing thoughts and feelings at seeing another "him". From what little he knows this Noble Six died during the mission leaving only this Jorge to survive. Faint plasma marks could be seen and what looked like a hole punched in the chest. Six didn't know why but a chill ran through his spine.
"Creepy isn't it?" Sweetwater asked. Six turned to look at him again. "Seeing another possibility in your life. Or in this case the end of your life."
He stretched out in his seat as he continued. "So many possibilities in our lives. So many outcomes from decisions we make. Never knowing what they are. Just speculations." He looked back at the Spartan. "There are many sci-fi stories that explore this sort of thing. Strange that we are living it huh?"
Six turned back just in time to see two Noble Five's walk back into their Pelican. "Wouldn't know Corporal."
Four ships flew in formation as they made their decent to the planet. Two Saber fighters took the lead as two Pelicans followed behind. Radio crackled to life as they hit the upper atmosphere.
"So what do we know about this planet?" Second Lieutenant Hayes was asking that for everyone of his surviving ODSTs.
Sweetwater started his ansewer. "Well El-Tee based on our ships limited sensors the air is breathable. So that's good. Picked up some electronic signatures. More then likely communications of some sort so someone's calling this place home."
One of the Jorges spoke up. "Saw lights on the dark side. Large settlement but nothing else."
"Do we even have colonies that small?" Another asked.
"Looked at what stars are out here. Nothing matched any star charts I had on hand." Sweetwater tapped a few buttons on his tacpad. "Could be new UNSC colony. Could be an Insurrectionist colony we don't know about. Or..." He trailed off.
Another male voice cut him off. "Or could be something else entirely." One of the Noble Six's in the Saber spoke.
"Still think this is all bullshit Sweets." Carmen crossed her arms.
"Y'all still want to be skeptical about what the tech expert said?" Henry turned to his subordinate. "Sure he's read one too many sci-fi books but givin' the fact that we tripled up on a lot of things I'm willn' to believe."
"Don't be an ass about this either Aviles." Hayes added.
"Do we have a landing zone?" One of the Jorges asked.
"Give me one second." There was a few loud clicks from the keyboard before Sweetwater answered. "Found a clearing near that settlement. About 35 miles. Close enough for me to tap into whatever communication there is."
"You think that's a wise idea?" Dareion their sniper piped up.
"Look they could be friendly or not. Optimistic side of me is saying friendly. Otherwise if they are hostile Ava's going to be screwed."
Hayes sighed at that. "Anyone else agree?"
It was not the most ideal place to land. In front of them a vast forest, behind a vast clearing of grassland and rock outcrops. The two dropships parked at an angle in a sort of semicircle, troop bays open to the forest. The sabers on the other hand where far in the clearing with one somewhat dug into the earth.
Night had begun with the clear dark skies dotted with alien constellations. Smoke rising from the makeshift fire pit that Sanders and Hayes made. Dareion, Carmen, and the three Jorges sat around on dragged out crates. The groups grenadier tore into an MRE while the rest watched the fire in silent thought.
Across from them Sweetwater was cross-legged on the ground with his hard case leaning on a log. A portable computer system open up before the tech expert giving off low static. Basking in the light of LED, face scrunched as one idea proved wrong. Fingers dancing again on the keys as a new idea is tried.
Two of the Noble Six's decided to patrol the open fields while one, Hiroto, stood on top of a Pelican. She tasked herself with providing over watch given her skill sets. Head constantly scanning both forest and grassland. Software in the helmet was customized for scouting thanks to Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance. The surrounding area was lit up in an orange glow. Out there in the vast field she could pic up both Spartans.
It had been odd meeting them. Each of them where Nobel Six, and yet they each where vastly different. She herself was of Asian decent and a woman at that. Leon was African American and a guy. Wolf was also a guy but no one knew what he looked like. He had refused to take off his helmet all this time even to the behest of the three Jorge's.
Hiroto glanced down at their little encampment. That was the other odd thing. There was three identical men all sitting across from one another all staring at the fire. Each one of them was exactly the same from what she had gathered. Been through the same rigors of training, missions, everything up till her, or more specifically, till Nobel Six arrived. That was where everything diverged for them.
For one of them he threw Six off the side of the corvette so she could continue fighting. For the other he lost his fighting to make sure the mission succeeds. And lastly one ended up with her in this whole mess.
Her mind went back to scanning their surroundings. Head always on a swivel with eyes looking at every detail. Occasionally looking at the motion tracker that she boosted to roughly 3 times the normal radius. Yellow blips here and there showed where everyone was at.
There was still a bit of tension to her. Unknown world that obviously has someone calling it home. No UNSC frequencies but some sort of transmissions are being broadcaster. Either it's an Insurrectionist colony, Covenant colony, or most frighteningly this could all be a first contact with unknowns.
Six honestly didn't know what was worse out of all of it. So she put it to the side of her mind for now and continued on.
There was "silence" in the makeshift camp. No one had talked for sometime since setting everything up. It left Jorge and everyone else to just think on the past day in their own way.
Glancing around he could see the one woman just absentmindedly look at her food while eating. The other just huddled with his knees at his chest. A gloved hand just rubbing at the cat charm he had with him. 'Most likely a memento.' he thought.
Eyes soon turned to one of the "Clones" as the Corporal put it. Head propped up with both hands under his chin, arms leaning on his knees. A forlorn look on his face as he watched the embers drift in the air. The loss of Noble Six hit hard on him. It wasn't long ago that they had lost Thom, but now another Six had died.
The other was also deep in thought. Arms crossed his chest while eyes darted from fire to the one guarding up top. It was either luck or bad luck that they had both been caught in the blast. Their bomb had set off early due to major damage. Whether it was close enough to do damage to the Long Night they may never know.
Jorge then thought back to the Spartan that he tossed off. His own words echoed in his mind. "Tell them to make it count."
Thinking more on it there was a likely chance that Covenant forces where on their way to begin with. A sigh left his lips. 'God please let them have enough time for our reinforcements to get there'.
One of the others, the one that lost his partner, looked at him and asked "Something on your mind?"
"A few things." he said solemnly. "Mostly about home."
"It's... on my mind as well." The other said grimly. "Our bomb set off earlier then it needed to. Doubt the carrier got caught as well."
Both ODSTs shifted a bit from hearing that. Jorge saw this before shifting focus back to the others. "Giving the size of the bubble generated I'm sure it caused damage."
"But would it have been enough?" His eyes looked intently at his.
A long awkward silence followed after. Jorge was about to say something before the other cut in. "Wouldn't matter anyways."
Now everyone at the fire, and even Noble Six that over heard, looked at the man. He gave a huff before continuing. "In all likelihood they would have had an invasion force in rout to Reach. They already had a cloaked Super Carrier on planet for God knows how long. Did we think that they wouldn't have called in more in all that time?"
"God damn it." Carmen tossed the empty MRE tin on the ground. She looked at the Spartan angrily "Do you have to be a fucking downer right now?"
"He has a point Carmen." Dareion sighed. "Reach is important. So why wouldn't Covies bring the hammer down on us?"
She was about to say something, but stopped. Thought for a moment. Then simply slumped down with both hands on her head. Jorge felt sorry for the marine. He has seen this sort of thing many times in the course of the war, it never got any easier for anyone.
"Well," He spoke up, "Can't think too hard on it right now. I think it's best to figure out where we are right now."
Dareion nodded. "Man's right. I'm hopeful that whatever settlement is here could help us out."
'I really hope so.' Jorge thought. 'We need a bit of good luck right now.'
Far in the forest two figures carefully made their way in the dense thicket. Both women wore form fitted Phoenix Armor. One in standard Alliance blue, the other in white and red. Both of them where of the 212th of the Alliance Marines.
Ashley Williams kept her M7 Lancer forward as eyes swept the surroundings. Next to her Nirali Bhatia was checking her omni-tool. The tactical map was showing that they where close to the landing site.
"See anything yet Gunny?" The Indian woman asked.
"Nothing ye- Wait. Light up ahead." She dropped to a knee while Bhatia quickly shut off the tool. Both moved to cover by the trees. She looked at Bhatia. "How far?"
"About 150 meters out." She turned to her superior. "You got eyes on them?"
The Lancer folded into a block and snapped to the maglocks on her back. Replaced by the unfolding sniper rifle she looked down the scope. There ahead she could see the campfire that a few figures sat around. Beyond that two ships she had never seen before.
"Got eyes on a few people and two of the ships that where picked up." She grimaced. "Can't really see much with the foliage. Think I spotted three mechs."
"Three mechs?" Nirali questioned. She shook her head. "We should probably call the rest of the squad."
Ashley hummed a bit. "Somethings off about them though. Backs are turned and sitting on crates."
"Shut down maybe?"
She switched back to her assault rifle. "Probably. Might get the jump on them." Ashley singled her to move up slow and silent.
Keeping low and leapfrogging from cover to cover they where soon within 75 meters. Keeping eyes moving from each detail of the camp Ashley soon saw someone on top of the ship. Heavily armored with green and brown paint. A square head with a single sapphire dot on the upper left motioning from right to left. A large imposing rifle in it's hands.
"Damn that's a big gun." She whispered. She shifted a bit but then froze.
The head on the mech snapped in her direction. That same sapphire eye was looking directly at her. It sent a shiver down her spine and head spinning. 'How?' she thought.
Nirali tried to say something but was quickly hushed by Ash. Eyes still on the mech she prayed that they didn't get spotted. It went out the window when it lifted the rifle at her.
But just as fast as it pointed at her it stopped, then lowered it. She let out a breath that she had not realized she was holding. Cold sweat ran down her face. Glancing over to her squadmate Ash was about to tell her something. It was caught in her throat when she saw the fear in Nirali's eyes.
There was a metal sounding tap to the back of her helmet as it was pushed forward. The unmistakable rack of a shotgun reverberated in her ears.
"Freeze dirt bag."
Out in the grasslands the two Spartan III's swept the immediate area. Each of them chose to take the M392 DMR for this patrol. Leon opted to have the standard M6G as a side arm, Wolf however took a plasma pistol. To Leon it was an odd choice personally. He never liked touching the weapons of his enemies even when there was no choice. Wolf on the other hand didn't care, a weapon was a weapon.
For the past hour they made a wide sweep. Nothing but grass and boulders as far as they could see. The only signs of life was the distant glow of some settlement far beyond their little camp. Leon just prayed to God that whoever they where where friendly. Last thing he needed was Insurrectionists or Covenant to be here.
"Think anyone friendly is here?" Leon asked.
"Unknown." Was the only reply from Wolf.
Leon looked right as Wolf looked left. "Not picking up any UNSC signals, or any civilian signals for that matter."
"The Corporal said there wasn't any Covenant signals too." Wolf looked back over his shoulders. "Could be a good sign."
"Or bad." Leon interjected. "Hell, could be first contact."
He didn't know if it was worse possibility. The only sentient aliens humanity encountered where hostile beyond comprehension. Over 400 worlds had been glassed, to "Cleans the universe" as they put it. Just the thought spiked his heart rate, memories of a family he once had now gone.
Leon shook his head. He had to get his mind off it. "Take it you where part of the SABER Program too?"
Wolf grunted. "Yeah, short time. Enough to know how to fly, but got called in to put down a cell on Forlorn."
Leon stopped a bit causing Wolf to turn to him. "Forlorn got glassed while I was in the program."
"And it did," Leon's head turned sharply the other Spartan. "Not long after I put down the Insurrection Leader Covenant came in swinging." Wolf shook his head. "Spaceport got glassed just as the Prowler I was on lifted."
"Shit you lived through a glassing?" Leon never been on the front lines in the war till Reach. Even then they hadn't gotten to the point where they started scorching the earth.
Wolf held up a hand with four fingers. "ONI had me do last minuet touch ops. Before that a few black ops missions against key Covenant targets." He chuckled a bit to himself. "Took out a Prophet with a rocket launcher no less."
He walked away continuing on their patrol. Leon on the other hand just looked at the "other him" with mouth agape. He jogged back up to Wolf. "Hold on," He said "ONI had you fighting frontline?"
"On top of other things, yes." He turned to him. "What they have you do?"
"Tested equipment, weapons, that sort of thing." Leon tapped at the pilot helmet. "Got to keep a few of it."
"Along with that," He continued. "They mostly had me do solo headhunter ops against Insurrectionist cells. Make sure any data on earth gets cleaned as the aliens roll in to town." Leon shrugged. "Only fought a few units before Reach. Wish they had me fighting frontline."
"You're not missing m-" Wolf immediately froze. Left arm shot out with a fist up. Leon in turn snapped his rifle up. His motiontracker had a faint red outline front and to the right. Whatever was moving was behind a large tall bolder.
Quickly the Spartan flashed a few hand signals. 'Circle right, I circle left.'
Leon flashed his HUD light green, and moved swiftly. In sync with him Wolf did the same. As they both moved at the opposite ends Wolfs light flashed amber twice. Each of them just stopped short of rounding the corner, whoever was on the other side wasn't moving much. He could hear some noises, none human in nature.
With a green flash of his own he waited. Not long his partners went red, then amber. Readying himself the light went green. Both popped out at the same time. What they saw made them lower their guns immediately.
It was an odd creature that floated about a bit. Large luminescent orange bags puffed out from its back. Four limbs and four tentacles lazily hung from the underbelly. A pudgy neckless head looked up to him with five glowing eyes. It snorted as it shook at him.
Leon turned to Wolf. "Huh, Gas Bag." There was a long pause as the gears in his mind turned. "Wait, Gas Bags are only found on Eve's Garden."
"An outer colony that got glassed in 2549." Wolf then turned to see a few more enter into tracker range. "Was there when it happened."
Before anything else was said their comms cracked to life. "Spartans, got a situation back at camp." Lieutenant Hayes sounded tired. "Need all hands on deck for this one."
"Acknowledged Lieutenant." Leon looked on at the creature returning to the herd. "We found something interesting too. Will report in right away."
With that they both made their way back.
Ashley grunted as the shotgun nudged hard in the small of her back. "C'mon, keep moving." Her captor had one hand holding the gun while the other held some sort of blocky black pistol. This one aimed right at her subordinates temple.
The heavily armored man somehow got the drop on them. Chastising herself for not thinking they would have sentries moving about. And now she and Bhatia where hostages with both hands on their heads. There was no discrete way of calling for back up now. She prayed to the Lord that the rest of the squad would come in to check.
Clearing the brush she could see the people clearly. Three others where wearing the same armor as the man behind. Different variations with personal touches, but more or less uniformed. What got her absolute attention however was what she thought where mechs. Instead three men, all identical in both face and armor, looked down on her. An absolute monster that had to be over 7 feet tall.
"Hell's going on?" A voice reverberated from one of the ships.
Another man in heavy armor stepped down from the ramp. Brown eyes narrowed as he looked up and down. "Who are they Sarge?"
"Beats me El-Tee." The gruff voice called out. "Caught them snooping around with guns pointed at us. Same with the "Lil'Lady" on top."
He looked up as the mech shrugged. "Trooper had it handled sir."
Ash was taken back at the feminine voice that came from it. Looking at the three men in heavier armor she now knew that there was an actual person. One that quickly spotted them.
"I'm starting to think these are not merc's Gunny." Bhatia whispered.
"Merc's?" The southerner laughed. "El-Tee, we merc's right?"
"Last I checked we're still Marines." He took off his patrol hat and scratched at the buzzcut.
"You're no Alliance Marine I ever met." Ashley sneered.
"Alliance?" One of the larger men asked. He glanced at the two identical ones, they in turn gave a very subtle shrug.
"Insurrectionist maybe?" Another asked.
"Armor doesn't look like anything manufactured by UNSC." The last one spoke.
"Either way," The man placed his cap back on. Two fingers pointed and fanned between her and Bhatia. "Bomber, Hawkeye. Secure their weapons."
Two soldiers, the woman in orange, and the man in blue drew their pistols. The one behind her side stepped pointing the shotgun in the air. His pistol stowed away in a hip holster of all things. Quickly he took her rifle that was still unfolded from the maglocks of his pack.
"Pretty strange design El-Tee." He handed it to their Lieutenant. "No magazine. Think it's direct energy?"
Ashley felt a hard tug from her right back. The Latina woman looked at the collapsed M7 over. Over by Bhatia the man was doing the same with her sidearm.
"Looks more like a child's toy then a gun Sarge." Her sidearm was also yanked off. "Still has some weight."
"Armor doesn't leave much to the imagination either." Dareion patted down Bhatia. "No pockets, webbing, grenades, or anything else."
There weapons where placed on one of the large green crates. Looking closely she could make out different markings. "UNSC" plastered in dark letters with an eagle and globe. More questions where popping up in her mind on who they where. Obviously they where military, but who's was her guess.
"Right, calling in the rest back." Their Lieutenant took out an earpiece and started to talk in it. There had to have been more people patrolling. Ashley started a head count among the ones in the camp. Four in massive heavy armor, and five in bulky hardsuits. So far edging out of her squad by one person, but they don't know it.
Bhatia was looking over at the one by the computer setup. He was eye both of them with a worried look while tapping away at a physical keyboard. Something that people rarely use in this day and age. Their weapons too where archaic by any standards leading Ashley to think that maybe they where from a lost colony. There had been rumors that the UN did test out an FTL drive but no one returned. Given that there was a "UN" on everything these people had those rumors where sounding to be less and less.
"Alright Spartans are returning." Their Lieutenant turned back to them. "Now if I may ask which one of you is in charge?"
"That would be me." Ashley spoke with authority. "Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams, Alliance Marines. And you sir are fucked if you think you can keep us hostage."
Bhatia looked nervously at her superior. "Er, Serviceman Nirali Bhatia, Alliance Navy."
"You a Corpsman?" The gruff southerner asked politely.
"Yes, medic assigned to the two twelve." She could see that some of them had a look of relief.
"Where's your kit then?" The blue one spoke up.
"My kit?" Bhatia thought for a moment. "You mean my medical supplies?"
He nodded fast. "Well, I have extra stores of medigel in my suit to apply to combat wounds. I also have a few stims too."
"Medigel?" The Lieutenant was confused. "You mean biofoam or is it something else?"
"I... Guess?" She looked over to Ashley who herself had the same confused look.
"Look, Bhatia is it?" She gave a nod while the Lieutenant continued. "We have someone who's badly hurt. Both legs been severed and we did everything we could."
"So you want her to help?" Ashley was a mix of anger at the situation, but also she did feel bad for whoever it was.
He rubbed the back of his neck while looking away. "... Yeah. We're desperate now." He glanced at the other people in hardsuits. "I already lost a lot of people these past few days. We can't have another." The one in blue stiffened while the orange one clutched her hand in a tight fist.
"Gunny?" Bhatia looked at her with a hint of pleading in her eye. She had upheld that oath that all medical professionals take, even combat medics in the Alliance.
Ashley sighed. "Do what you can." She then glared at the Lieutenant. "You better not pull anything or so help me."
He held up a hand with two fingers. "Scouts honor. Dareion!"
"Sir!"
"Watch over this one while she does her thing. As for you Gunnery Chief." He motioned at one of the empty crates. "Why don't you take a seat."
Dareion escorted Bhatia into one of the large ships. Ashley sat down slowly and placed both hands on her knees. In turn the rest of the group sat opposite of her. The three identical looked at her with a blank gaze, the woman with inference, and the Lieutenant leaning in with interest.
"Now we'll begin once the others-" He was cut off by a clanging noise. Ashley jumped as two more of those giant soldiers appear in the light. One of them with a bronze domed helmet had tapped on the ship.
"Sorry, did I interrupt?" The other with a silver visor slightly shook his head.
"Just in time." His smirk dissipated fast after. "You said you had something to report?"
"Yeah. Ran into local fauna." The bronze domed man said while thumbing to his back. "Ran into Gas Bags."
"Gas Bags? You sure?"
"Why would running into Gas Bags be important?" Ashley looked between each one.
"There only found on one planet." The Lieutenant looked at the two figures. "One that doesn't exist anymore."
"What?" Ashley said flatly. She knew that they where only found on Eden Prime. The planet that they where on. As for them saying that a planet use to exist. "Can someone explain?"
The One talking the most answered. "The creatures we ran across are only found on an outer colony world, Eve's Garden. Place got glassed a few years back. Both for me and Wolf over here."
"Was there too." The southerner shook his head. "Fuck'n nightmare 'nd a half."
"Who the hell glassed a planet!?" Ashley started to panic. Was there someone out there killing planets.
"What do you mean who?" The orange armored woman said with anger in her voice. "Does "The Covenant" ring any bells, or where you living under a rock for the past 30 years?"
The one in glasses gave a very loud cough making all of them turn to him. "What is it Sweetwater?" The Lieutenant asked.
"Mind if I ask a few questions?" There was an undertone of nervousness in his voice.
"Go ahead. I ain't stopping you."
"Thanks." He then turned to Ashley. "So Miss Williams, or is it Misses?"
"It's Gunnery Chief to you." Her gaze narrowed in annoyance.
"Sorry, Gunnery Chief. Right, uh, how's the orbital elevators been back on Earth?" This caused a few brows to raise among the UNSC troops. Before the Lieutenant could speak Ashley cut in.
"The hell are you talking about? There's no orbital elevators on Earth. It's impossible to build such a thing."
All eyes where now on her like she grew three heads. An unnerving silence feel with only the crackling of the fire in the air. She could see the expressionless look of the triplets crack a bit. Their Lieutenant slowly turned back to Sweetwater.
"Sweets?" His voice was low with a tint of fear.
He looked down shaking his head. "One of the worse case scenarios." He turned over the massive case to show monitors and other computer hardware. On one of the monitors a show that Ashley watches now and again, Battlespace, was playing with Earth in the backdrop.
"Was able to get images off the transmission, just not sound but..." He leaned in to look with the rest.
"And, what is the worst case Sweetwater?" Their Lieutenant asked slowly.
"Too put it bluntly, we're in a whole new dimension that is well and truly different." He sighed. "One where the UNSC doesn't exist."
It had been some time since the revelation was dropped on all of them. Wolf stood there thinking and listening while the rest conversed with the two Alliance soldiers. The one, Ashley, was not buying their explanations on who they where. The other, Bhatia, wasn't as confrontational as her superior on the subject. Still Wolf himself wouldn't believe it either if he was in her place. Yet after all that happened to him in the past 24 hours the evidence was there.
"Gunny these people still need help." Bhatia pointed at one of the Pelicans. "Their Corpsman already has an infection in both legs, she needs to be taken to Eden Medical."
Ashley looked at all of them then to Hayes. "I need to call this in anyways. Already past check in for the squad."
"Right," Hayes nodded. "Take it we'll be taken in for questioning too?"
"Obviously. I mean you all are heavily armed trespassers."
"That all right with you Spartans?" He looked at one of the Jorge's for an answer.
He in turn turned to the others. "Well?"
"Got no choice." Leon shrugged. He turned to Wolf.
Wolf gave a slight nod. As much as he didn't like it, they had little choice at the moment.
Hiroto jumped down from her perch. "Personally I hate it, but we have a wounded marine."
"I have to agree with Six here." The Jorge that was with her spoke up. "Don't like it, but no choice in the matter."
Hayes turned to his squad. "What about all of you?"
"Ava needs help sir." Dareion was looking at Bhatia. "If it mean handing us over I'd do it in a heartbeat."
"Not one more." Henry growled. "We already lost so many." Carmen grunted with a nod of begrudging approve.
"And I take it you as well Sweets." He motioned to the groups tech expert.
He shut the large case close and got up. "Yeah. Let's rip this band-aid off as quick as possible."
Hayes pinched the bridge of his nose. It was a tough call for him but like everyone else said, what choice did they have? "Alright Gunnery Chief. We'll go quietly into custody with this "Alliance". But I want your word on getting Ava medical care."
"You have my word." She nodded. Her hand and forearm glowed orange as a holographic overlay came to life. "This is Gunnery Chief Williams to Sergeant Donkey, how copy?"
Carmen looked at Dareion mouthing "Donkey" with a question. Ashley rolled her eyes at this as a male voice spoke up. "Gunny, we where about to head over to your last position. Where the hell are you?"
"Made contact with the unknowns that landed. They're armed but not hostile. We also have wounded, over."
"Wounded?" The other replied.
"Alert Eden Medical that we will be dropping by via shuttle. Have medical teams there waiting."
There was a long pause before Donkey spoke up. "Alright called it in. Do I need to also get a hold of command?"
"Negative, I'll handle it Sergeant."
"You sure Ash?" The man questioned. "You know ho-"
"Yes I know!" She cut him off angrily. This cause the ODSTs and the other Spartans to tilt their heads a bit. Bhatia just sat there squirming. "Look just get back to HQ. I got to go with these guys and show them where to go alright?"
"Yes Gunny." With that the line was cut.
"Take it your not well like from the higher ups?" Hayes questioned.
"You don't know the half of it." She mumbled as she keyed in the local garrison. A new voice came up from the glowing holograph.
"Williams, you're late checking in." The voice was older and was annoyed. "Have you found those ships."
"Yes Major. Can confirm that it isn't Batarian Raiders."
A sigh of relief could be heard on the other end. "Well that's good news, but now I want to know who it is."
She looked at each of them trying to find the words she wanted to say. "It's... It's a first contact scenario sir."
"What?" The voice was surprised by that. "Williams are you positive?"
"Complicated sir. Right now one of them is wounded and needs treatment. Sargent Donkey already called Eden Medical for a heads up and will be there. Me and Servicewomen Bhatia will be on two of the ships."
"I'll give air control a heads up." The voice muttered something that couldn't be picked up. "Captain Hawking and a few marines will meet you at the hospital."
"Right," Ashley looked at Hayes. "How long would it take for the ship to get to the settlement?"
"About two mikes give or take." Hayes turned to his men. "Alright pack it up folks. Spartans your in one with the supplies. Marines with me. Wolf you're our pilot."
Ashley went back to her comms. "We're out a few mikes Major."
"Understood Williams. Let's hope this isn't a First Contact War." There was a bit of a sneer to it as it cut out. Ashley just looked at her arm for a moment even after the holographic orange faded out. Wolf could sense that something was wrong.
"First Contact War?"
She snapped out of it. "... Yeah."
One of the Jorge's looked surprised. "You had hostile contact with aliens too?"
Looking up at the Spartan she gave a slow nod. "Same with you?"
He rubbed the back of his head. "Yes. Been going on for close to 30 years now."
Ashley's eyes widen larger then dinner plates at that. "30 years!?" she cried.
"And going." Hayes chimed in. The crate he had slammed down on the deck of the pelican. "Covenant has been waging a genocidal holy war against us all this time. What about you folks?"
She was quiet for a bit. "Three months. One spent defending a planet, another taking said planet back. That was before the Council stepped in."
"The Council?" Hayes helped Bhatia in the ship.
"Yeah, a conglomerate of alien nations that rule most the galaxy."
At that both Wolf and the rest stiffen up. The Spartans mind reeled at the very thought of aliens ruling the galaxy. It was the same type that had been trying to kill all of them for before he was born. The same ones that killed everyone around him. Fists where clenched and his teeth grind in his mouth. One of the Jorges placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Easy there Six." The older Spartan calmly said. "We'll talk about that little fact later. Right now it be best to take off." Giving a few light pats before heading off to the other pelican.
Wolf huffed as he motioned Ashley over. Stepping into the old she glanced around the interior. The ODST's where taking their seats while Bhatia sat next to the strapped in Ava. Her eyes looked over the bandaged stumps and gulped. Wolf had to keep her moving into the cockpit.
"Take the copilot seat up there." He pointed to the raised seat.
She climbed up taking a cursory look over everything. "Wow, looks like something out of older shuttles."
"Don't touch anything please." Wolf took his seat and began the start up sequence. Turning the radio on he spoke up. "Wolf B-312 ready for take off."
"Leon B-312 ready. Lead the way Noble."
The ship rocked as the thrusters blasted to life. Ashley had to grab hold of the console to keep steady. Teeth visibly gritted from the rocky start.
"Does this thing even have a mass effect drive?"
Wolf ignored that question. "Where's this hospital?"
"Settlements south by southwest from us. Straight shot from there. And look for the big red and white building with a cross."
Hitting the peddles causing the ship to yaw. HUD compass thankfully still worked as it shifted from west to south west. Slowly pushing the throttle the ship gained speed. The ride was smooth for the rest of the trip.
Eden Medical Center was abuzz with activity over by the shuttle pads. Normally it was ever rarely used for medical emergencies, more for transporting supplies or people from one of the farther settlements. But once in a blue moon a call is made and the medical staff spring to action.
Cargo handlers cleared out two of the pads with haste to make room for "two large shuttles". Several EMTs and a surgeon was on hand waiting. Unlike other times however a new group had pulled in.
The Mako grinds to a halt letting the back door drop down. Three armed Alliance Marines piled out with Lancers in hand. A dark man in standard officers BDU follows suit with his men. Captain Hawking scanned the area with a keen eye before it fell on one of the staff. A smile crept on his face as he spots the Asari among the humans.
A lighter blue bordering on teal then most he had seen before with intricate white markings. Reminders of a past life that she put behind since becoming a Matron. Purple eyes soon spot him, and with the same slight smile he gave her was returned.
Sauntering past both staff and marine she called out. "Captain Hawking."
He gave a slight chuckle. "Doctor Hawking." They both embrace each other as he gave her a small peck on the lips. "Didn't think I'd see you this early."
She pulled back. "At least for another few hours till the end of the shift." The smile faded a bit. "Wish it was under better circumstances."
Hawking grunted in agreement. "Shore leave cut so I could greet the new contacts in the place of Major Furling." His head shook. "Lazy bastard always push shit on me whenever I come home."
"I'd rather have a cool headed Navy Captain with me then a hot headed Marine."
The Captain had to cover his mouth from laughing. "Yeah, yeah." slight laugh escaping after each word. "Knowing Furling he'd probably screw up so bad we might have a second contact war."
As the words where said a low rumbling of jets could be heard in the air. Off to the east lights in the sky could be seen. Taking out a pair of binoculars Captain Hawking observed the two ships heading their way.
A particular design that was larger then a Kodiak. Jet streams glowed from both sides of the fat wings pivoting here and there. An obvious chin mounted gun could be seen under large tinted canopy of glass. What stood out however was the "23" written on the upper haul.
"What the..." He lowered the binoculars as his wife started to order everyone.
The noise got louder and louder as the large ships where above. Wind whipped around from the thrusters turning. More details in the light shined on very human words. Two landing legs popped from the sides of the hold that had "UNSC" written. A heavy thud of the front signaled its landing. Engines whined down with its twin on the other pad.
The back hatch opened in a split revealing two Alliance Marines in waiting. Both women held up one side of a single person. To everyone's surprise it was another human woman. Fiery red hair stuck to sweating face. She had on a dark BDU that was unlike anything he'd seen. But what shocked him was the two stumps where her legs should be.
"A little help!" The marine in red and white yelled.
"Get her on the gurney! Move!" Dr. Hawking yelled at one of the EMTs. In swift action the three got to work laying the woman up. Her omni-tool sprung to life with an orange beam of light running over the body. A new I.V was hooked into the arm while she called out questions.
"What happened?"
"Ma'am," The blue clade marine spoke, "Amputation above both knees into the femur. Cauterization and third degree burns around effected area caused by plasma. Unknown substance was used to treat the area but infection had already been set in."
Dr. Hawking's brow furrowed as the scan ran over the stumps. "And what substance is..." She stopped as she looked over by the ship. Standing in the ships hold where several other humans, each one in heavy armor that was stylized individually. A few had stun looks that was directed at her. One in glasses however had more of a giddy face, while another much older and scarred face had a blank face.
"Sorry Doc." The red and white one spoke up. "They never met aliens before."
"Bullshit." A woman in the group yelled out. She had more armor then the rest painted orange. "We've met and killed plenty of aliens. Just never ones that are blue scaled chicks."
"My God," The one with a heavy shoulder plate looked mystified. "Looks like something out of one of Sweetwater's old B-movies."
"No shit." A gruff southern voice of the indifferent older man huffed. Glancing with one good eye at the young man in glasses next to him "Dream come true for you?"
"If they ain't Covenant I ain't complaining!" their jovial voice cried out.
He was pushed to the side by one in more matted black and gray. "Lock it down Sweets. We ain't here to ogle at blue chicks."
Captain Hawking had to cough to get the groups attention. However whatever he was about to say died in his throat as out of the shadows of the ships hold a massive armored mech came into the light. Two of the marines next to him snapped their weapons up while a third twisted towards the second ship and yelled.
"Oh fuck me more mechs!"
Sure enough five more stepped out into the other pad. Two had different configurations while three had the same looks. Hawking observed the way they moved. Too fluid for any security or battle mechs he's seen. A gut feeling told him that the massive titans before him where anything but mechanical.
Lifting one hand he called out. "Hold. Don't fire unless I give the order or they fire first."
Turning to the two Alliance Marines that rode in with them he asked. "Which one of you is Gunnery Chief Williams?"
"That would be me, sir." The white and red armored one spoke up.
"Chief Williams may I ask why you initiated first contact protocols?" His eyes scrutinized the obvious humans. "First contact protocols are only used on unknown aliens."
"Technically we are aliens." One of the three identical armored giants spoke up. This made Hawking jump at the all too human tone. It reached up popping off the helmet to show a rugged face of a man in his early 40's. A slight smile formed as he spoke more "As strange as it sounds, sir."
"He's right Captain." Chief Williams stood straight. "As confusing as the situation is from what little they told me they have never met anyone from the Alliance up till now."
Hawking observed each and every one of them, all human. Soon looking at their ships they had flown in. Nothing like anything he had seen before. Curves and angles that was different then any Alliance ship they had. Equipment that was utilitarian, reminiscent of pre-mass effect technologies introduced by the Citadel Council.
His thoughts where soon interrupted by that familiar voice. "Alright get her to surgery!"
EMT's started to haul away the critically injured woman through the entrance way. Each and every one of the new comers watched on as they disappear around the corner. The man in blue with the heavy plate was visibly pained at the sight but let up as both the older southerner and the woman in orange clasped his shoulders. Solidarity between comrades in arms, something Hawking knew when he was a marine.
"Excuse me Captain." The Indian servicewoman in blue stood at attention with Chief Williams. "Serviceman Nirali Bhatia, I must request that we need the use of the morgue."
"Casualties?" Hawking glanced over by the group. One of the other three identical giants also took his helmet off. Eyes grew wide at the very identical men before him. Unlike the other whose face was like stone, there was pain of lose in the other.
"Yes. One of my comrades sustained mortal injuries before coming... here." Looking down he continued. "I wasn't about to leave him behind."
"Well shit..." The one in the domed gold visor shook his head. "Now I feel bad for leaving you behind."
"Well you where kind enough to bring along Etilka." The last of the three took off his helmet.
The dome one shrugged. "Could have atleast still tried." Reaching into his armor he produced a set of metal dogtags. "Have these too."
"Keep them." All three said at once. Everyone else just gawked at the three while they each looked at each other. After a bit Captain Hawking spoke back up.
"I'll let you make that call Serviceman." She saluted before the glow of the omni-tool came to life. Turning back to Williams. "I can see why this is strange now with three identical men infront of me."
"Not even the half of it." The one the others called "Sweetwater" chimed up.
"You the one in charge?" Hawking questioned.
"No. That would be me." The dark skinned man in black armor made his way. "2nd Lieutenant Tyson Hayes, 103rd Shock Trooper Battalion, UNSC. From what I gather you the ranking officer here?"
"Yes I am Lieutenant. Captain Austin Hawking of the SSV New York, Alliance Navy." He reached out his hand in greeting. "Sorry about not giving pleasantries sooner."
"Yeah," The other took it with a firm shake. "Things have been hell for the past few weeks for us."
Letting go Austin continued his line of questions. "Are you from a lost colony?"
"No sir." Hayes closed his eyes as he shook his head. "It's more complicated then that. Sweetwater?"
"Would you believe we're from another dimension?" The nonchalant answer rolled of their tongue.
Captain Hawking's head snapped at William's who gave a slow nod. His lips pursed as Bhatia too gave a confirmation nod. Slowly looking back at Sweetwater he motioned for him to explain.
"Right. See we had a bit of an "accident" with our FTL drive. Due to a cascading effect of several unintentional incidences we pretty much punched a hole in the fabric of spacetime." A chuckle escaped him.
Thinking for a moment Austin asked. "So that anomaly we detected not to long ago was you?"
"Was there spikes of Hawking Radiation in your readouts?"
Activating his omni-tool he scrolled through the reports. Finding the one a quick skim showed what was picked up. "Large amounts of it along with several other particles that are unknown in the two spikes we picked up."
"Yep that be our doing." Shaking his head with a smile. "Man that was a mess."
"So another dimension." The tool shut off. "Finding that hard to believe." Hawking gestured at the three identical men. "Does the same apply to you three?" At once they answered "Yes." which made Austin cringe. This was truly an oddity the Major pushed on him.
Sighing he thought up a plan. "Alright. I think it would be imperative to sort this out over at Garrison HQ instead of a hospital pad." Turning to the one identical man he continued. "We'll get your man taken care of first."
"We'll have to take his armor off." The other armored soldiers agreed. "Might take a bit, but we are keeping the armor itself with us."
"Understandable, but protocols ask that I impound your ships and any heavy equipment."
This gave a piercing gaze all directed at him. Cold sweat formed down the back of his neck as primal urges of danger blazed. What seemed like an eternity of this stare down broke as Lt. Hayes spoke up for the group.
"Come now people. I'm sure they won't touch anything important while we talk with them." A cold gaze from the man joined in on the others. "Right Captain Hawking?"
"Y-yes Lieutenant. My people won't take anything from all of you. We just need to follow standard procedures is all."
With that the large titans walked back to the second ship. Austin gave an audible exhale from the breath he held. The other normal sized people looked at him with mixed reactions. Hayes himself moved to the side slapping the back of the Captain.
"Tough being under the eyes of pissed off Spartans, huh?" A shit eating grin formed on the man.
"Spartans?" He questioned.
"Yeah, bunch of super soldiers taking the our rolls from us." The woman scoffed.
"Carmen, shut up." Hayes shook his head. She in turn rolled her eyes as they moved back into the ship. "So you want to show us where your base is so we could land the Pelicans?"
"Right. How many could you fit on your ships?"
"Normally ten in the troop bay, twice that if need be." Hayes motioned the others back in. "We also got to ask if you have anything that could pick up two other ships."
"You need towing?" Austin asked.
"The two others that came with us don't work as well in atmosphere. No VTOL either." He shrugged.
"I'll see what we could so." Austin to motioned for his men and the two of the 212th to come with.
Somberness permeated the air within the troop bay. Leon and Hiroto shoved the crates to the back as Wolf helped lower the body to the floor. Two of the Jorge's looked on forlornly as the third kneel down next to the body. Carefully removing the blood red helmet the cold blue eyes stare up at all of them. A dejected sigh escaped the kneeling Jorge as a heavy hand palmed over the face, eyes finally closed for good.
Dog tags where soon ripped from the neck and placed in a hip compartment. Looking up to the Spartans present he gave a slight nod. Wolf pulled out his knife placing it into one part of an armored arm. Slowly the screws came undone. Leon did the same on the other side carefully uncoupling the two parts. Each one went over every piece of armor. Many deft hands worked over the body. Discarded slabs of armor gingerly laid out on crate stacks.
When all was done what was left was the body placed in their techsuit. Most of it had been fused to chard skin from where plasma had burned. The stench of it started to waft in the air.
"Is that the body?" Bhatia's voice called from the opening.
"... Yes." The grieving Jorge acknowledged.
"The caskets we use for storage is ready." She solemnly replied. Walking away no one said anything till they where far off.
Wolf was the first to speak. "I still don't like any of this."
"We have to play along for now." Hiroto spoke.
"She's right," The Jorge that came with her agreed. "We're in a situation that is beyond anything we prepared for."
"Training never prepared us to be in another universe," The other Jorge gazed over to the two others. "Or meet your clone."
Leon clicked is tongue "You get to meet your clone. All the others are far from anything like me."
"Still," Hiroto cut in. "We need to operate cautiously. Who knows what they would do if they found out about certain things?"
"Such as the SPARTAN Program." The grieving Jorge looked down at the body.
"Would have better to detonate the armor." Leon placed his hand on their shoulder. "That's what I did."
He looked away in shame as several Alliance Marines showed up. A large white casket was wheeled out in the open. "We're ready sir." one of them politely spoke.
"Too late now." Jorge muttered.
Picking up the body he slowly strides out. Quickly pressing a few buttons the Marine slid open the lid. It was an awkward fit but the lid closed shut. Hissing could be heard as it was hermetically sealed. A display popped up in the same orange holographic, all except for a green "Freeze" flashing.
"Captain Hawking gave us the order to not disturb the body for any reason." The Marine said. "Orders are to watch over and nothing more."
This cause the tiniest of smiles from the giant. "Thank you."
The rest of the Marines walked over to the groups Pelican. "Been told we'll be riding with you "Spartans"." One of them called out.
"Where to?" Leon asked.
"Follow the other ship. The Captain would be in that one. He also asked for a "Wolf" to pilot?" He scanned over the group. "Which one of you is Wolf?"
The ODST clad Spartan walked on by. Leon motioned for the rest to follow them in. "Welcome to Air UNSC, I'll be your pilot for the night."
A few minuets later both ships took off into the night.
Light-years away from Eden Prime was the cradle of Humanity. Earth was a beautiful sight from the view of a Dreadnoughts lounge. Before the site from the other side of the view port Admiral Steven Hackett. His face reflected back at him from the dark side of the blue jewel. Cool blue eyes set in weathered skin looked out into the void, only broken away when he took a sip from his coffee cup.
Some Alliance Admirals abuse their ranks in some ways. Most would say that Hackett does it in the strangest ways. While most use it to skirt regulations, he uses his power to get coffee. 5th Fleet in the past would have all their repair and refit jobs at or near Arcturus Station, but since he was placed as 5th Fleets Admiral he would always request to do it at Earth. All for him to go planet side and restock his stock of real coffee.
"Heh, it's good to be Admiral." He softly laugh to himself. Hackett took another long sip throwing back his head to take in the last. When he lowered his head again to gaze out at Earth, a new sight had replaced it.
In the void not a few hundred meters from the SSV Kilimanjaro a smoldering hulk of a heavy destroyer floated next to the dreadnought. The metal gray ship looked like a giant gun with two rectangle barrels. Most of it was scared by slagged metal and vented holes. Small flames burned out in embers in the coldness of space. On the side in large white letters the name of the ship was written.
"Savannah"
Alarms soon blared as his XO called out for condition red. Slowly he lowered the cup onto the nearest table. A sigh left his lips as he walked out of the the lounge and into whatever storm awaited him.
Man five rewrites and this would have been an even longer chapter. Sorry for the long wait on this. As I said before life got in the way and my own anxiety. So changed a few more things and will get to the interviews of the mix group later. For next chapter we will meet the last two wayward souls. Hopefully won't go nuts writing chapter 3: Savannah Actual