Halo: Axios

by Winter Frontier

Short story about Wyatt S049's deployment of the Human colony of Madrigal. The Covenant have been at war with Humanity for 2 years, with no end in sight. The Spartan IIs were originally made to fight off insurrectionists but are now a asset against this alien threat. Spartan 049 Wyatt is one of these few soldiers.

Halo: Axios

By Winter Frontier

authors note: I do not own Halo, Halo is owned by 343 Industries. This story goes over the the time of Wyatt S049 during the Madrigal Campaign. Wyatt is a Spartan II OC I created, and is as lore friendly as physically possible. Enjoy this short story.

2528, 23 Librae, Planet Madrigal. The pelican rumbled as it entered the planet's atmosphere. In the back of the pelican seated a squad of six marines and one 7ft tall man seated towards the door of the vehicle. The marines couldn't help but stare at the sage armored man before them. Wyatt was aware of their stares but paid no mind, instead focusing on the objective before them once they hit planet side. It had been 2 years since the covenant attacked harvest, Wyatt like most of his fellow Spartans had seen a lot of combat in those 2 years, nowadays he hasn't seen much of the other Spartans he grew up with.

Wyatt was pulled from his thoughts by the pilot over the comms "almost at landing zone, ETA 2 minutes". Wyatt got up from his seat and grabbed his MA5B assault rifle and put it to his back, the magnetic grips of his armor locked the weapon into place. Wyatt stood by the door waiting for them to reach the LZ. The marine prepared their weapons for what was to come. The pelican came to a stop. "we're here, good luck marines" said the pilot as she lowered the ramp. Wyatt could hear gunshots and plasma rounds go off a short distance away. Amanda, Staff Sergeant of the squad barked at her marines to move out, the marines followed her order and moved out of the pelican. Wyatt moved out as well, it was gonna be a long day.

Wyatt and the marines made it to the rally point. The fortifications were nothing but sand bags, destroyed warthogs, and downed covenant vehicles. Plasma rounds whizzed by the stationed marine's heads. Sergeant Amanda ordered the marines to join the other marines in the defense, she looked to the Spartan next to her "you should join them as well, petty officer. Unless you have another idea". Wyatt looked down at her, his gold visor reflecting her face "I need to find the CO before I make that decision, sergeant" said Wyatt as he pulled his rifle from his back. Amanda gave him a nod and ran to join her marines. Wyatt looked around and saw a man giving orders with an air of confidence mostly seen in officers. Wyatt made his way towards the man's position, putting down suppressing fire as he ran. The Spartan slid into cover next to the man, the man turned to him "good evening. Welcome to Madrigal, I am Major Densin". Wyatt faced Densin ``what's the situation, Major?". Densin's face turned to a serious scowl "covies have made 3 attempts on this position, and I'll be damned if I let them take it. They are hitting us from that fortification" Densin pointed to a collection of large rocks and deployed covenant shields "no one wants to assault them and I don't blame em, the bastards are dug in tight". Wyatt looked at the encampment "any flanking routes?" Wyatt asked. "Negative, we wouldn't have enough cover to last long even if we did ''. Wyatt thought about his options for a second, he looked to the mounted plasma turrets. Wyatt stood up "if someone were to take out those turrets, do you think you could get your marines to push up?" The Spartan asked. Densin looked at the Spartan with a confused look "I suppose but who's gonna do that?". "I will '' Wyatt coldly said, the Spartan prepared himself for the sprint. Densin laughed "and I shall speak highly of you at your funeral". Wyatt jumped out of cover and sprinted towards the encampment. The plasma turrets started to fire upon the Spartan, super heated plasma landed towards Wyatt's feet as he ran. Once he was approximately 100 meters away, the Spartan fired his rifle in short controlled bursts at the turret operators. Two of the four operators went down, the other two continued to fire upon the green armored human running towards them. A few moments later Wyatt was only a few feet away from the turrets, he closed the distance fast and jumped, sending his knee into the elite operator's face before recovering with a roll. The Spartan turned around and put a burst into the now downed elite before putting another into a grunt operating the other turret. "Enemy turrets are down, Major" said Wyatt as he got to cover behind a rock. Plasma rounds burned into the side of the rock he was behind, Wyatt fire bursts into the enemy, taking down a few grunts and jackals. Wyatt tossed a grenade towards two elites, one was smart enough to dodge out of the way while the other was consumed in the blast and died instantly. The surviving elite ultra drew his sword and engaged the demon, Wyatt unloaded his rifle into the approaching ultra. The white elite's shields depleted before he reached the human. The ultra swiped at the Spartan, but Wyatt rolled to the side to avoid the strike. Wyatt bashed into the elite with his shoulder, nailing it against the rock. The ultra let out a roar before attempting to stab the Spartan, Wyatt grabbed its sword hand and crushed it in his grasp.

The elite roared again, this time in pain as he dropped his weapon. Wyatt drew his side arm and shot the now disarmed elite once in the neck and twice in the head. The Spartan turned around to see marines pushing up and eliminating the remaining enemies. Major Densin walked towards the Spartan "god damn, and I thought today was gonna be a damn massacre" the Major turned and walked towards the UNSC outpost "come with Spartan, it's about time you were briefed".

Wyatt followed the Major into a makeshift command center. Densin walked over to the other side of the table in the middle of the room, resting his hands on it. "You the only one of...your kind deployed here?" Densin asked. "Perhaps more on the planet, but I'm the only one deployed here, sir" Wyatt responded, no emotion conveyed in his voice. Densin looked down "well that's a damn shame, but i'll take what i can get". The Major turned to look out one of the windows, "let me give you the rundown of our situation. The covenant has a base about a klick north of here, along with three makeshift outposts. I can split my marines to take on two of those outposts but the third will cause problems if left unattended. I need someone to take out the third outpost, then regroup with the rest of the unit. But I can't spare anymore marines". "I'll go" Wyatt responded immediately. "That's twice you suggested the impossible, but i was proven wrong last time so quite frankly you're probably my best shot at taking that outpost". Densin said, rubbing his chin in contemplation. "I'll make it an objective to prove you wrong then, sir".

Mission Clock; 17:25 hours, Wyatt was 1200 meters from the covenant outpost. He was driving a Mongoose he was provided with, strapped to the back of the mongoose was a M41 SPNKR. The rocket launcher was provided due to reports of an enemy wraith that patrols around this outpost. Once the spartan was 1000 meters away from the outpost Wyatt killed the engine and got off the quad. He pulled the SPNKR off the back and mag gripped it to his back. Wyatt began to sprint the rest of the way, he couldn't attract too much attention. He could cover the distance to the outpost in 75 seconds, the Spartan's augments and MJOLNIR armor made him far faster than any man. Once Wyatt could see the outpost he slowed his pace and masked his approach in the nearby woods. Despite the weight of his armor, he moved almost completely silently through the woods. When the spartan reached just 20 meters from the outpost, this was when the real mission began.

Mission clock; 17:27 hours, an elite and two grunts, that's the numbers of the squad patrolling the outside of the outpost. Wyatt watched them as he screwed a suppressor onto his rifle, he preferred if things went quietly but he liked being prepared for the worst case scenario. Wyatt aimed his rifle at the first grunt and waited for them to get closer. Once they were in range the spartan let loose two quick suppressed bursts from his rifle, dropping the two unsuspecting grunts. The Spartan pounced at the elite, smashing into it and bringing the alien to the ground. Now that it's shields were down and had no way to protect itself, Wyatt quickly aimed his rifle and put a burst into the elite's face. Wyatt looked around, confirming nothing saw him. Once he was sure he quietly moved into the outpost. Upon entering he saw a Watch tower, these towers were usually used by Jackal snipers. He saw two snipers in the tower and determined that he could use it as a vantage point. The Spartan went up the gravity lift and immediately grabbed the first jackal by the muzzle from behind and bent its neck backwards, the neck snapped backwards from the pure force and the jackal fell limp. The second jackal turned to see the armored human killing his companion, it wasn't able to get a squawk out before Wyatt was on him and eliminated the sniper with a well placed burst to the head. Wyatt began to scan the outpost, counting the numbers. From what he could see the outpost consisted of seven grunts, five jackals with energy shields, and four elites including an ultra. Wyatt knew that stealth was gonna be out of the question due to him being on his own and the close proximity of the enemies to each other. The Spartan thought for a minute before coming up with a plan.

The Ultra looked around their outpost, they were supposed to be on higher alert due to the humans being able to push back the last force four hours earlier. Suddenly a body fell from above and landed five feet away from the Ultra, him and the other sangheili looked at the body for a split second before scanning around trying to find what could have thrown it. The body was of a Kig-Yar, after seeing nothing around the Ultra and two other sangheili approached the corpse. A minor turned over the body to see a flashing red light. Upon seeing it the light went solid red, then detonated. All three sangheili were killed on detonation and thrown back, shrapnel flew in all directions killing a grunt. The grunts and jackals started getting picked off from an unknown location, they could barely hear the weapon discharging. Soon the outpost occupants only included the remaining one sangheili, who suddenly hit ground, landing on his knees. He looked up to see a green armored human approaching, reloading its weapon as it walked. The sangheili minor reached for his plasma rifle on the ground, an armored boot crushed the weapon. The minor looked up to see a gold visor staring down at him, he growled recognizing this creature as a Demon. The Spartan pointed at the base a short distance away and asked a simple question, "how many?" his voice cold, almost lifeless. "You dare ask information of me, Demon" the minor growled, showing no fear in the face of this creature. Wyatt raised his rifle to the elite's head and pulled the trigger. The Spartan was about to walk away but saw a signature on his motion tracker. He rolled to the side, just barely dodging an energy sword. He looked to see the Ultra, its white armor scorched from the explosion and half of its helmet missing, revealing its injured face. The elite swiped upward, cutting off the barrel of the Spartan's rifle. Wyatt threw the rifle remains to the side before lunging at the alien, bashing into it before it could deliver another swipe. The Ultra fell backwards onto the ground, the impact ejecting the air from its lungs. Wyatt punched the alien in its face before pulling his knife and stabbing the elite up through the head. The Spartan got up and looked around for any other surprises, all he saw was one half of what looked like a SPNKR. Wyatt reached for the rocket launcher on his back only to pull the other half out. The Spartan sighed as he dropped it to the ground, this certainly complicated things.

2528, 23 Librae, Covenant occupied base, Planet Madrigal. A fist slammed onto the holo table, "YOU ARE A FOOL, SYRE '' shouted Rartous, the brute chieftain of the base. "Because of you, the humans were able to push back your forces. They could be at our front door right now, and we would never know". Syre, the base's General breathed deeply "Rartous, if they were here we would know. I have seen the human force, they don't have enough soldiers to take on all our outposts at the same time" Syre calmly stated to his companion. Rartous huffed "and how do you know they didn't receive reinforcements". "Our mission here is nowhere near the main forces, the humans can't afford putting too many resources here" stated Syre. Rartous sighed "very well", Rartous grabbed his hammer and walked towards the door. Syre grabbed the brute's shoulder as he passed him "Rartous" the elite said. "Yes, General?" the chieftain asked. "If you insult me again, I will not not hesitate to remove your head myself. Am I understood?" Syre asked. "Yes, General" Rartous responded, now leaving the room. Rartous met with his captain outside "your orders, chieftain?" asked the captain. "Gather some of the Unggoy, and a few of the brothers and move to reinforce the Outposts" Rartous ordered. The captain ran off to do as ordered. Rartous looked out into the field, knowing that humans will soon be upon the base.

2528, 23 Librae, East side coviant outpost, planet Madrigal. With the loss of his SPNKR, Wyatt knew that his engagement with the wraith would be very risky. The wraith was making its patrol round, around 300 meters away. The Spartan started to sprint, going as fast as his body and armor would take him. After 10 seconds the wraith noticed the Spartan approaching like a missile, and turned the face Wyatt. The Wraith fired a plasma mortar at the Spartan, who sharply dodged the right to avoid the shot. Wyatt continued his pace straight for the vehicle, earning himself a few more plasma mortars which he dodged once again. Once he was 8 feet from the tank, Wyatt leaped onto the hatch where the pilot was held. The spartan punched into the center of the hatch, the corners of it bending upwards from the force. Wyatt grabbed the top left corner and tore the hatch off, exposing the elite minor pilot. The minor attempted to defend itself by drawing a plasma pistol, receiving a kick to the face from the Spartan, breaking its shields. Wyatt drew his M6C sidearm, and fired two into the minor, killing it. The Spartan stood up straight before four spiker rounds just barely missed him, piercing into the Wraith's armor. In less than a second, Wyatt slid behind the Wraith's right wing. Now in cover, Wyatt peaked around to get a view of the new contacts. He saw three grunts followed shortly behind three brutes. The Spartan stood up and aimed his pistol at the group, firing three shots, each one killing a grunt. The first brute closed the distance, jumping onto the wing and roaring down at the Spartan. Wyatt saw a spiker grenade on the brute's belt. The brute jumped down and swiped the bladed end of its weapon at Wyatt who dodged it, while dodging he grabbed the grenade off its belt and swung the grenade into the side of the brute's face. The other two brutes followed their companion and were right behind the first. Wyatt kicked the brute in the chest, sending him fumbling back towards the other two. When the grenade detonated the spikes killed the first brute instantly and the brute to its left also received spikes the the face and was also killed. The last remaining brute was still standing and charged the Spartan in anger. Wyatt fired off five rounds at the brute before it was right on him. The brute swung his spiker at Wyatt, who dodged the attack and punched the brute square in the nose. The brute recoiled from the hit, blood ejecting from his nose. Wyatt aimed and fired two more rounds into the brute's head, killing it. "Sierra 049, do you copy?" Major Densin asked in Wyatt's comms. "This is 049, go ahead sir" Wyatt responded. "The two other outposts have been taken out, what's your status?" Densin said, sounding slightly out of breath. "Outpost and wraith have been eliminated, sir" the Spartan stated over the comms. "Copy that, good work. Make your way to the rally point" the Major ordered. "Copy, sir. Over and out" Wyatt confirmed the order then ejected his empty pistol mag, putting in a fresh one then getting a move on to the rally point.

2528, 23 Librae, outside Covenant occupied base, Planet Madrigal. Major Densin looked at the covenant base, a good 600 meters away. "Look, it's the petty officer" a marine shouted. Densin looked to see the Spartan looking up to him. The Major walked to the Spartan, an aura of pride coming off of him. " good work. I was worried I was sending you to your death. I don't think I could pay the UNSC back for that in my lifetime." the Major laughed "what happened to the SPNKR?" Densin questioned. "Destroyed during my attack on the outpost, sir" Wyatt responded. "Then how did you" Densin paused, giving Wyatt a confused look before composing himself "nevermind. Mission is still not over. We still have a covenant base to take". Densin looked at the marines "load up in the hogs. Demo team get ready to set the charges on the door. If this is gonna work we need to go in hard and fast" ordered Densin. The marines did as they were told and prepared for the assault. The Major looked back up at the Spartan "you will go with the demo team and cover them" the Major ordered. "Yes, sir" Wyatt acknowledged the order.

Mission clock: 17:35 hours. Wyatt and the demo squad made their way to the front of the base, staying out of sight per the Spartan's suggestion. Once they made it to the front door, the team got to work rigging the door with M168 demolition charges, setting up four of them to make sure the door came down. Wyatt stood watch, just in case a scouting team they missed came back from patrol. The team lead gave Wyatt the heads up that the charges were set. "Good, get behind those rocks" the spartan pointed to a set of decent sized rocks, the team ran towards the rocks. "Major, demo charges are set. Make your approach" Wyatt said over the comms as he ran for the rocks. "Copy, petty officer. See you at the party" Densin responded. Wyatt gave a thumbs up to the team lead, signaling him to blow the charges. He nodded and set them off. The team's ears rang as shrapnel blew past and hit the rocks they hid behind. After a few seconds warthogs drove past and through the now open door and into the base. Wyatt and the demo team followed with the rest of the foot marines.

Elite and brute roars, plasma fire, rifle and .50 cal fire, these were the things that filled the ears of Wyatt as he put down fire upon the enemy with his new rifle, given by the Major. The UNSC forces tore through the enemy, the covenant were not expecting the humans to attack this soon. Syre watched from the view port of the command center, anger was the only emotion he could feel. Rartous was behind him "you are truly a fool, Syre '' he said as he walked towards the door. "Where are you going?" the elite General growled, looking to the chieftain. "You job" the brute simply responded, going out the door. Rartous ran out into the battle, gravity hammer in hand. He charged one of the warthogs, bringing his hammer down on the hood, flipping it over his head. Rartous swatted the marines in his way, the humans flying to the sides across the courtyard. Wyatt ran towards the chieftain, firing his weapon as he did. Once the Spartan got close, Rartous swung his hammer at Wyatt. Wyatt dodged the attack, the hammer flying over his head. The Spartan raised his weapon to the brute, then his vision went black as the chieftain brought the hammer back and hit Wyatt in the side, sending him tumbling. Slowly his vision returned to him, Wyatt looked up to see the brute killing more marines with each swing. The Spartan slowly got up, adrenaline dulling the pain in his side. He drew his knife and pistol and charged the chieftain, firing all twelve rounds in the mag as he ran. Rartous spun around, swinging his hammer at the Spartan as he did. Wyatt dodged under the swing, plunging his knife into the chieftain's right eye. Rartous roared in both pain and anger. Wyatt tore the hammer out of the brute's hand and with all his strength and precision, he hit the hilt of the still embedded knife. The knife flew through the brute's head like a bullet, embedding itself in a nearby wall. Rartous crumpled to the ground, dead. Wyatt let out a deep breath, dropping the hammer to the ground. Densin walked over to the Spartan "still alive, petty officer?" he asked. Wyatt broke out of his slight daze "yes, sir. Lets secure the inner base" Wyatt said as he moved towards the door, picking up his knife as he made his way. The Major looked to a squad of marines "you heard the man, move" he ordered, the marines followed the spartan inside.

One of the marines handed Wyatt his shotgun as he unslung his rifle from his back "you'll do better with this, petty officer". Wyatt nodded, taking the weapon and continuing down a hall. They reached the last door, Wyatt gestured for the marines to stack up on it. Once they were in position, the spartan gave them a countdown with his fingers 3...2...1...he clenched his fist signaling them to breach. The door opened and the marines flooded in, Wyatt behind them. Nothing was in the room but a few consoles and a table in the middle of the room. Suddenly an gold armored elite dropped from a ceiling hatch and landed on one of the marines before stabbing him. Syre sliced and stabbed and kicked every marine in the room, his shields flaring while it happened. He closed the distance between him and Wyatt across the room. Wyatt let loose a shot from his weapon, finally breaking its shields. The General sliced upwards, cutting through Wyatt's weapon and part of his chest plating. The Spartan bashed the elite with one of the halves of his weapon before throwing both to the sides and drawing his knife, holding it off handed. Syre growled while swinging at this Demon. Wyatt dodged the flurry of attacks while slicing into the General's flesh with each dodge. The spartan punched into Syre's side followed by a slice the the throat. The elite gasped for breath before falling forward to the floor.

Major Densin saw the Spartan exit the inner base, alone. "It-" Densin cut the spartan off "save it for the report, i don't need to know till then" he said, a hint of sadness in his voice. "We lost a lot of good people today, and I'm sure we'll lose more by the time this war is through. It wasn't a big victory but it was a victory, and quite frankly we could use more of those". Wyatt nodded in agreement with the Major's words.

Madrigal would later fall, joining the many colonies that fell during the war. It was the sixth planet to fall to covenant, the insurrectionist survivors would later create "The Rubble" base with the survivors of other dead worlds.