Chapter 6 The Rescue
Orbit above Felucia 20 BBY
RRS Resolute Hanger
Rex and Anakin watched as the sleek-looking UNSC dropships landed in the hanger of the Venator, and their black armoured occupants walked out the rear of the ships.
"Definitely a lot bulker than what we are using, sir," Anakin said while observing the UNSC forces unload their equipment and set up a little encampment.
"Seems a little odd that they're able to build ships like the ones in orbit but have transports that seemingly run like a jet and use slug throwers," Rex replied while looking at the dropship.
"That it does, one would think that at least one or the other would be more advanced. Well, we better introduce ourselves. Just hope that there's a familiar face among them." Anakin said as he started to walk towards the UNSC encampment.
Walking through the encampment, both Anakin and Rex felt stares coming at them through the UNSC troop's blue visors.
Now that they were closer to the encampment, they both studied the armour in greater detail. While not as well armoured as the typical clone trooper, the UNSC troops did have a fully encased helmet, nearly fully armoured torso with gaps on the side to allow movement, armoured shoulders, elbows surprisingly and fully armoured lower legs. They were also wearing a camouflage pattern under the armour along with various pouches and rigging at various points, and what looked to be a sticker with a big letter on it along with s few other symbols that they couldn't read. Looking at some more troops, it seemed that they all had a sticker like that on them. It must be for some kind of ID system, they both thought to themselves.
"Might not be as well armoured as the boys, but I wouldn't want to start a fight with them," Rex said aloud as he and Anakin walked around the encampment.
"Neither would I, Captain." A familiar voice said behind them
"Captain Smith. I'm surprised you decided to join us." Anakin said, both surprised and relieved that the UNSC Captain decided to join his men.
"Well, someone here has to make sure my boys perform well for their debut show," Smith said jokingly.
"That's great to hear. I'm curious, though, what are those patches on the shoulder of your guys' armour?" Rex said and asked.
Pausing for a moment, Smith said, "It's basic medical information. In case we get wounded in the field. Unlike you, we don't have the same luxury of being made from the same blood." Smith said somewhat jokingly.
"I do suppose having men from all over would complicate medical matters," Rex said.
"Now then, besides wanting to see my men, is there a reason you came here," Smith asked.
"Actually, Captain there is. I was hoping we could plan our strategy of attack once we get to Wasskah." Anakin replied as both and Rex started moving.
"Of course, General. Mayr, Letho with me." Smith ordered as he started to follow Skywalker and Rex. Quickly the two ODST Sergeants joined Smith in following the Jedi and clone to discuss strategy.
Orbit above Wasskah 25th June 2535
RRS Resolute Hanger
"Load up, men, we only have a short amount of time before we leave sli- hyperspace, and I want us to be ready to move as soon as we drop out of it. Smith ordered nearly mixing slipspace and hyperspace up.
During final prep, Marcus went over the plan once again; his squad and Beta-Five would go at what the Trandoshan's called island four and search for Ahsoka and others there. While searching, they'll spread out and keep in regular radio checks with each other.
Wasskah 20 BBY
Island 4s jungle
It was starting to get dark. Good Ahsoka thought. That meant the hunters would be returning to their ships. It also meant she could stop running around and return to the camp, or so she thought when she heard the distant sound of two ships along with the feeling that something was off. Not knowing if they were a threat or not. Ahsoka decided to investigate.
Wasskah 25th June 2535
Island 4s Beach
We haven't even started, and we're already at half-strength. Though it seems we get the easy job, Marcus thought to himself as he started to move on the jungle. Least we're not the ones going after that floating compound. Marcus thought I can barely see a thing as he quickly turned on his flashlight on his rifle on. Illuminating the alien jungle up having its activation button pressed.
Two radio checks and still nothing. This wasn't really surprising to Marcus as he would assume any survivors wouldn't want to be found. But it also meant that they'd have to wait till Beta-Five was finished with the Hunters base till help could arrive for the search, or so he thought. As he heard the snap of a twig to his right quickly, he turned his rifle to where the noise came from, only to see a red and grey blur move away from his light. Realizing it might be a survivor or Tano. He attempted to follow where the blur went. But quickly found nothing. Thinking she probably went further inland, he moved forward. Not looking forward to having to move through all that jungle.
Wasskah 20 BBY
Island 4s Jungle
Ahsoka wasn't sure what to make of the dark armoured individual that she was tracking. So far, it wasn't acting like any of the hunters per see, but that didn't mean it was friendly yet. Though what did confuse her was when she accidentally alerted him to her presence and dived out of his, and he didn't fire a shot or anything. She was sure he, or at least she assumed it was a he based on the armour and the fact she occasionally heard a voice when he radioed his teammate. She was sure he had the reaction time he had. That's when she heard his voice again.
"I know you're out there somewhere. So please come out." The armoured individual said as he sat down on a nearby fallen tree branch and setting his weapon aside.
26th June 2535
Island 4s Jungle
Well, this is either going to work, or I'm just going to waste some time, Mason thought to himself as he removed his helmet. Hearing nearby rustling and not knowing it was a survivor or not. He thought about grabbing his rifle. Hearing a feminine voice, he immediately stopped moving and turned to face where the voice came from.
"Don't move." The voice said as an orange-skinned near-human form appeared.
"You must be Ahsoka?" Marcus asked, remembering the pre-mission brief and her appearance from the hologram.
"How do you know my name?" she said hostilely.
"Because we were sent here to recuse you along with other possible survivors," Marcus said with slight unease in his voice.
"How do I know you're just not another hunter. Ahsoka replied, not sure whether to believe him or not.
"Because of this," Marcus said as he removed his helmet.
20 BBY
Ahsoka wasn't sure what to make of the unknown human as he took off his helmet, revealing his lightly coloured skin and his short black kempt hair that reminded her of the clones a bit. Though him taking it off did set her at ease.
"Who are you anyway?" Ahsoka asked, still wanting some more information from him.
"I'm Lance Corporal Marcus Anderson. I was sent here with my squad to help rescue you and other survivors of the Trandoshan hunts." Marcus said in an accent that was foreign to her.
"Okay, Lance Corporal Anderson. Say I believe you. Why would you be looking for other survivors and me?" Ahsoka asked the Lance Corporal. Trying to sense him through the force, she realized that she couldn't. That he's just a void in the force. Panic started to run through her mind as she tried to figure out why he was a void in the force and why she couldn't sense him. Her thoughts of panic were quickly interrupted, however, as he physically shook her.
"Ahsoka, you still with me?" Anderson asked with a sense of worry in his voice.
"Yes, I'm fine. Could you repeat what you said previously?" Ahsoka asked as she was unable to hear him over the panic that was going in her mind just seconds ago.
"Of course. I was sent to help with search and rescue as part of a joint operation with General Skywalker and his men." Marcus stated.
Upon hearing her master's name, she became relieved. Knowing that her time on this hunting ground will soon come to an end.
"Wait, do you mean Anakin is here? Ahsoka said, trying to contain her excitement.
"On the moon yes, on this island no. Only my guys are on the island." Corporal Anderson replied.
"I see then," Ahsoka said as she turned around and started walking.
"Wait, where are you going," Marcus asked as he grabbed his helmet and rifle.
"You said you were looking for survivors, right, Corporal," Ahsoka replied, looking back at the Corporal.
"Yes, that is the objective. Why?" Marcus asked.
"Well, I happen to know where a few are, so come on. Ahsoka said. Before she was able to start moving again, she was interrupted by the Lance Corporal.
"Then at least take this." He said was pulled out what looked pistol from his right thigh.
She grabbed the pistol and started walking again. As she was walking, she inspected the pistol and noticed it was a slug thrower because it had a slide and mag release. These people are defiantly an odd bunch, she thought to herself. However, he did me a tool to fight with, so I can trust him a little more.
26th June 2535
Interior of Island 4
Marcus wasn't sure what to think of Jedi Padawan before him. Sure, it wasn't the best introduction. But under the circumstances, it was probably the best he could hope for. However, he did notice a shift of tone in her after he handed her his sidearm. I guess someone's trust does go up if you hand them a tool that they can use to kill you. She seemed like a good person, though. His thoughts were soon interrupted by the said Padawan, however.
"Just up this tree," Ahsoka said as the ODST caught up to her.
"How far up the tree?" Marcus asked with a hint of dreed.
"Just to that branch there. It's the by that hole there. Why? Getting tired." Ahsoka said while pointing her finger.
"A little bit, actually," Marcus said as Ahsoka started climbing up.
Seeing Ahsoka's superhuman climbing abilities. He decided to use the jetpack that he brought with him to help with climbing the tree.
"No fair," Ahsoka said as she saw the ODST flying through the air.
"Didn't realize that this was a competition," Marcus said while attempting to stifle a laugh.
After several minutes of climbing, they both reached the hole that leads to the encampment that Ahsoka and her fellow Jedi were at.
"I'll go in first, and you'll follow behind," Ahsoka said as she and Marcus discussed a quick plan.
"Got it," Marcus replied as Tano jumped into the tree.
After she got into the tree, he heard two voices one said, "You made it." And the other voice said. "We feared the worst.' "Where's Kalifa?" The first voice said. "She didn't make it," Ahsoka said after a short pause. "I… I can't believe it. She had been here longer than any of us." The first voice said, sorrow starting to appear in his voice. "We're all going to die here. It's only a matter of time," The second voice said. "No, we're not going to die here," Ahsoka said.
Taking that as he que to enter, the ODST jumped off the branch and into the tree. He then proceeded to enter the area that Ahsoka and the two survivors were in. Upon entering, he saw what looked to be two younger Jedi, one that looked almost exactly human except cylindrical looking head and another near human. This one having what looked to be teal skin and two tentacle-looking growths coming from the back of his head.
Upon entering the teal, Jedi asked, "Ahsoka, who's this?" clearly alarmed by Marcus's armed presence."
"Don't worry, Jinx. He's a friend. He came here with my master and others to look for me and others about survivors." Ahsoka explained.
Knelling down and taking off his helmet. "sorry about your friend. I wish we could've gotten here earlier." Marcus said to the Jedi.
"Thanks. It means a lot to them." Ahsoka said to Marcus. Who was putting his helmet back on."
"This everybody?" Marcus asked Ahsoka.
"Got it," Marcus said as he stood up. Whiskey two five this is Five Beta Echo Three Alpha come in over." Marcus said into his radio
Nearly immediately, Whiskey two five replied, "This is whiskey two five. What's your report Five Beta over."
"Whiskey Two Five, my report is that I've found Commander Tano and survivors. I repeat, I've found commander Tano and Survivors over." Marcus reported to the Pelican.
"Copy that Five Beta. Mark your position with a flare, and we'll attempt to land at your location over." The Pelican pilot replied
"Copy that Whiskey two marking LZ with a flare over," Marcus said as he pulled out a Green signal flare, flare gun and shot the flare vertically.
"Roger Five Beta over and out." The Pelican finished.
"So, what now?" Ahsoka asked Marcus.
"We simply wait. Rescue should find us pretty quick." Marcus said as he walked out of the tree and hopped onto the branch leading to it.
Wasskah 20 BBY
Jedi Hideout
"Ahsoka, what're your thoughts on our saviour?" Jinx asked.
"Well, honestly, I'm not too sure besides the fact that I trust him," Ahsoka replied.
'Why do you trust him and don't suspect that he is going to lure us into a trap?" O-Mer replied.
"Well, for starters, he didn't shoot at me when he a chance, now I was following him and put down his rifle to get me to come out, and he also handed me his pistol." Ahsoka finished as she brought up Marcus's sidearm.
"I think if he wanted to lure us into a trap, he wouldn't have given me a weapon is all I'm saying, and he has several opuntias to harm me, so it has to count for something," Ahsoka added.
"I guess so," Jinx said.
There's so much I don't know. During the run to the tree, he was pretty silent. Perhaps I should try asking questions now. Ahsoka thought as she walked to where Corporal Anderson was outside of the tree.
"So, what are you exactly?" Ahsoka asked Corporal Marcus.
"what do you mean, Commander Tano?" Marcus replied.
"You know what I mean. From your equipment, I know you're not a clone or any known force in the galaxy as I don't know anyone that uses slug throwers." Ahsoka said as she held up the pistol.
"Ah, that's what you mean. Since I'm an ODST, an elite trooper part of the UNSC. We use "slug throwers" as we've not needed to innovate really weapon-wise as till recently, we've had nearly three centuries of peace and prosperity." Marcus replied.
"I see. What did you mean till recently, though, for not needing to innovate weapon wise and what's an ODST?" Ahsoka asked, curious about this so-called ODST.
"About two decades before I was born, the outer colonies started growing discontent with the UEG and UNSC controlled space. Eventually, that discontent sparked into an undeclared civil war that's going on even to this day, although in a reduced capacity. ODSTs are the premier forces of the UNSC. The name itself is an acronym. The official name is Orbital Drop Shock Trooper, informally known as Heljumpers, due to our method of entering the battlefield. Marcus answered.
"What do you mean by reduced and by Orbital drop?" Ahsoka asked. Starting to see some parallels between the Republic and the UNSC that Marcus serves
"I mean that we the UNSC encounter something that made them stop or drop their flags and join us. When I was nine years old, we encountered this civilization that calls itself the Covenant. It sent us a message in perfect English message said, "Your destruction is the will of the gods, and we're their instrument. Ever since then, we've been fighting a war for our survival as species. As for the orbital drop part of your question, we ODSTs are deployed into battle sometimes in single-man pods and dropped from a ship to slam into a planet. "Marcus answered with a hint of sorrow as he looked towards the ground.
Ahsoka couldn't believe what Marcus told her, whether it was the ODSts insane troop deployment method or the fact that the UNSC was fighting a war against a genocidal foe for the past decade. Yet nothing was detectable from the force. Surly, a war on that scale would be able to be detected, especially if it was a war of genocide.
Noticing that the ODST was still looking down toward the jungle floor. "Are you feeling alright, Corporal Anderson?" Ahsoka asked, feeling that she might've struck a nerve or made the trooper think about something that he didn't want to.
Looking up at her, the ODST replied. "just thinking about Earth and what the state of things was when we ended up here."
Feeling like she should at least get the Corporal thinking about something better than the war he was supposed to be fighting, Ahsoka decides that she'll ask him about Earth.
"What is Earth?" Ahsoka asked.
"In general, or to me personally?" Marcus replied as he looked up at Ahsoka.
"Both," Ahsoka replied.
"In general, Earth is our homeworld. It's where we as a species first grew up and was our home for many thousands of years till we started to explore the universe almost six hundred years ago. To me personally, it's." Marcus was about to continue until the sound of a ship alerted him.
Both of them looking up at the source of the noise. Looking at where the noise was coming from. Ahsoka looked at blocky and sleek-looking ship slowly turn around to reveal an open compartment with seats on both sides.
"Looks like we'll have to put this conversation on hold as our ride is here. It was nice chatting with you." Marcus jokingly said as he stepped onto the ramp.
"Agreed," Ahsoka replied as she went into the tree to get the two Jedi Younglings.
Orbit above Wasskah 25th June 2535
RRS Resolute Hanger
The flight back to the Republic ship was uneventful as besides Ahsoka, the two Jedi survivors, and himself, and only Captain Smith was on board. During the flight, Marcus thought about Earth and the war with the covenant. Will I ever see Earth again, or will there even be an Earth to call home if we're able to get back home? Marcus thought to himself as the Pelican landed on the Venator, nearly missing the fact that the ship landed.
Upon feeling the ship land on the deck, he got up and walked out of the ship with the others. When he got out, he noticed that Admiral Yularen was waiting for them. "I'd like Commander Tano, Captain Smith, and the trooper that found her to come with me, please." He said to the three of them. "What about us," Jinx asked before Erwin had a chance to say anything. "You two are the to report to the medical bay," Yularen replied. "Admiral, if I may, what do you my man for?" Erwin asked, not sure of what Yularen would need him for.
"Both the Jedi council and the Chancellor are going to have a few questions for you, and I'm going to assume that the Jedi are going to want to question the man that located two Jedi youngling and a padawan," Yularen replied to the Captain as he started to walk to the lift.
"Wait, what's going on, Captain?" Marcus asked.
"While you were away searching, it has been decided that the Bonaventure along will head to the Capital, and her Command staff, me included, will meet with both this Jedi Council and their Chancellor. Your recent actions in locating Commander Tano and the Jedi younglings have also ensured that you'll be a part of that meeting." Erwin replied
"Oh, and one more thing due to said actions, you are to remain on board as while the main mission has been completed, the other objectives haven't, so you are to remain on board till we reach Coruscant. Is that understood? Lancer Corporal. Erwin said to Marcus as he walked back to the ship.
Unsure of what to do, Marcus took his helmet and armour off and looked around for any rations to eat. Looking through the supplies brought, it wasn't long till he was able to find one. Using a crate as an impromptu chair, he opened it and started eating.
After a few minutes of eating, he heard footsteps. Looking up, he saw three clones walking towards where he was. Putting his food down on the crate, he got up and walked a few steps towards them.
"You're the trooper that rescued Commander Tano, right." The lead clone asked.
"Yeah, I am. They're something you need?" Marcus asked the lead clone, who is looking slightly nervous.
"Me and the boys here just wanted to thank you for rescuing the commander. She has risked her neck for us more than a few times, and we wanted to come and say thanks." The clone said, looking less nervous.
"Thank you. But honestly, it was just luck that I found her down there. If you see Commander Tano, let her know we have a conversation to finish." Marcus said to the clone. Maybe they are more human than I realize Marcus thought to himself.
"Of course. We'll leave you to your meal then." The clone replied as they turned to walk back to the Republic part of the hanger.
Guess she must mean a lot to them if those three are willing to enter our little part of the hanger, Marcus thought to himself.
Having finished his meal, Marcus decided the next best thing would be to clean his rifle and pistol. He set his rifle on a nearby create and went to grab his pistol. Marcus then remembered that he gave it to her and still hasn't gotten it back. Now, where could she be, he thought to himself as he got up and started walking to where the clones were till he noticed that she was walking over to him.
"Speak of the devil." He said aloud, unsure if she could hear him or not.
"I'm not a devil." She yelled back to Marcus.
"It's an idiom, so calm down," Marcus replied to the annoyed Jedi.
"You come to return something or continue our talk from earlier Marcus said as he started to disassemble his rifle.
"Both, actually. Never did get to tell me what Earth is to you." Ahsoka said as she placed the pistol.
"Ah. Well, to me, Earth is also the home I grew up on it. Especially in what used to be Canada in the United Republic of North America." Marcus said as he pulled the bolt out of the rifle.
"What was it like growing up on the homeworld?" Ahsoka asked while sitting down on a crate.
"It was nice. Warm summers and cold winters." Marcus replied as he started to clean the weapon.
"What made you want to leave it all behind and enlist then?" Ahsoka said while watching Marcus clean his gun.
"Honestly, it was to kill aliens and defend, but now I'm not sure as you complicate matters," Marcus said.
Orbit above Felucia 20 BBY
RRS Resolute Hanger
Ahsoka felt conflicted about Marcus's answer. On the one hand, she understood why he joined for the reasons he did. But on the other hand, she felt mortified to join only to kill aliens. However, if she understood the second part right, it seems he was re-evaluating why he joined as now there was a friendly contact to go off of. I really wish I could read into his or any of their minds, she thought to herself. While on the ship to the Resolute, she tried to read their Captain's mind only to find that he was unreadable as Marcus was, and the same went for the pilot and co-pilot.
"On one of my first deployments, one of my squadmates said he kills the enemy but does not hate them. I never really understood what he meant by that, but I think I'm starting to. This hate for aliens that humanity and I have developed we're going to need to drop it. The Covenant might be aliens, but we shouldn't hate all aliens cause of a bad first contact as we've found good ones like you and those two Jedi Younglings." Marcus said as he started to put his rifle back together.
Hearing what Marcus said calmed her down significantly. But also made her wonder about that Jedi-like wisdom that Marcus was told when he was younger. She was, however, happy that he was reconsidering his opinions he previously held about nonhumans.
"Since you're so eager to learn about me, what do you tell me about yourself," Marcus asked as he started to disassemble the pistol.
"Well, I spent most of my life at the Jedi Temple till about two years ago," Ahsoka replied.
"Why were you in the temple for so long, and what happened two years ago?" Marcus asked.
"It takes time to learn how to use the force and how to become a Jedi, and I was assigned to Master Skywalker as his padawan learner?" Ahsoka answered the question.
"So how does one become a Jedi? Is it something you volunteer for or what?" Marcus asked with a hint of unease in his voice.
"Well, one doesn't just become a-, "Ahsoka said before she was interrupted by a landing dropship. The moment the dropship landed, its rear door opened, and seven ODSTs ran out, followed by another who was clearly wounded with a hole in his torso and blood-soaked fatigues.
"Great, you're here. We got wounded and what we have isn't good." One of the ODSTs said to Ahsoka.
Briefly confused by the sudden commotion. Ahsoka quickly regained her senses and realized what was going.
"Follow me to the med bay," Ahsoka said as she gestured to the two ODSTs carrying their injured comrade.
"How much further?" One of the ODSTs asked Ahsoka with a hint of panic in his voice.
"Just around the corner," Ahsoka replied.
"How is he doing, Davis?" The ODST asked.
"He's barely holding there rapid Paulse and low blood pressure. Not sure if he's going to make it." Davis replied.
"Dammit." The ODST said.
"Here we are," Ahsoka said as the doors to the med bay opened.
Orbit Felucia 25th June 2535
RRS Resolute Hanger
'Looks like I missed the fun." Mason said to one of the ODSTs
"You didn't miss much, kid. The Lizards weren't much of a match for us." The ODST replied.
"So, what happened then," Marcus asked.
"After we hit their compound, a few had the wise idea to get out of dodge and go planetside. One of the Lizards was able to get lucky and tear into O'Brian there." The ODST replied.
Before Marcus was able to reply, the second pelican and Republic gunships entered the Venators hanger and landed.
"Looks like we're going to their capital finally," Marcus said as he watched the hanger doors close.
"That we are." the ODST replied
A.N
Arc 1 of this story is officially complete, and this is the longest chapter yet. I needed to get Ahsoka's introduction, and Marcus's character arc started too.
In case anyone is wondering about the uniforms worn in the last chapter for Glenn and Nells, it's the same as we saw in Halo 2. Smith's uniform is the same as we saw at the start of we are ODST trailer.
Few additional things all Marine armour will be we see in H2A and Halo Wars.
Next up is an introduction to intergalactic politics.