July 2nd 2552 0600 hours Earth
Sydney Australia
Office of Naval intelligence Headquarters
Section: One Special Warfare Unit Epsilon
Spartan Lucas-B312
Prologue: Lone Wolf
I looked down at my Green Mjolnir Mark V B left laying on the table with equipment laying strewn about. I take a deep breath before I equip my Mark V B helmet, the helmet slides on quickly and pressurises on my head. I look around the armoury and see where my weaponry is and I start walking towards it. Taking a glance at the equipment issued for this Operation, on my left lay an SRS99C-Anti Material Sniper Rifle with high velocity armour piercing rounds. Directly infront of me was an M7 Caseless Sub-Machine gun.
Nothing special about an SMG, I think to myself.
Directly on my right was an M6D Personal Defense Weapon System Handgun.
I look at the Sniper rifle on my left and grab it without hesitation. Loading it quickly and with precision, and slinging it on my back with one fell swoop. I then peer left and pick up my M6D and holster it on my right leg. Satisfied with my weapons for the next potential assignment, I begin walking towards Colonel James Ackerson's office to get my final briefing.
I know what my mission is so why are they wasting my time? My job is to take out some other Insurrectionist group on a planet best left to fend for themselves against the Covenant.
Lucas realized he was at Ackerson's office a few moments later and entered with a salute.
"At ease son. The office likely had you thinking this is a small mission. We unfortunately had to keep you in the dark in case of a mole in our intelligence"
Come on sir. Everyone at ONI wastes my time with these pleasantries.
"I understand sir. What's my mission?." I state quickly.
"Well… Unfortunately this will be." He takes a deep breath. "Your last mission with me."
Now that was unexpected, but a little exciting, a new mission. I think to myself.
I'm hoping for a mission not on a slagheap like New Jerusalem.
"You're staying here. In the Sol system for this last mission, and your objective, Is to silence a very well known Martian journalist. She has potential ties to an insurrectionist group that's growing more and more popular on Mars and Titan named the Columbian Liberation front. Her name is Jessica Korosi. Now normally we wouldn't expect a journalist to have supported this." He said mildly upset. "Her antics as of late have been, spying on Government officials, such as those in our main ODST base in Kenosha, or Misriah, and so we've begun doing some counterespionage. Checking on her whereabouts when she disappeared and we found what she's been doing."
Sir just get to the point! you want me to murder, her, or capture her stop wasting my time.
"She's been smuggling offworld weapons from Misriah by bribing Workers and High Ranking Officials. Now the problem is we don't know where. Your job Lieutenant is to spy on her from the shadows and find out firsthand what she's been up to. She's done a fantastic job at covering her tracks. So ONI and I decided to send our Wolf on the hunt." He paused.
"Understood?"
"Sir yes sir" I replied excited
I turn to leave the room
"Lucas, one more thing. We will need to upgrade your armour for this mission."
I turn back to face him.
If only he could see me in the eyes, he'd know I don't need an upgrade.
"We're giving you a new Active Camouflage module for the next mission and the rest of your career. It's just being sent to the armoury now" He paused. "Goodluck Spartan. The UNSC In Amber Clad will transport you in 3 hours time." He paused, and saluted.
I saluted back, and couldn't help but realize I was smiling.
Jesus Lucas you've found a shred of respect for a man who you've hated for a long time
"Thank you sir." I finally left his office and began for the armoury.
In Amber Clad huh? Hopefully the Commander isn't another pawn of ONI and someone whom I can respect.
I push the button to open the door to find 3 Marines inside the armoury
"Hey look it's a Spartan." He managed a salute with his shaky left arm.
Looking at his Tag his name states Private First Class Evan Wong.
"Marine you're saluting with the wrong hand."
"S-sorry Sir" He shakes out. "It's alright Marine. Do you have my new Module?" "Yes sir Fresh off the boat from Misriah itself. Still warm actually" He jokes to lighten the mood.
Before walking up to him I glance at the other two marines in the room. One is loading a BR55 Battle Rifle and the other is holding an M7S Suppressed SMG. While walking towards him I ask "Any idea of what this module is Private?" "N-no Sir they didn't tell me"
I simply stare. If only you knew truely what was happening Private you're lucky you aren't a tool and safe here on Earth. He hands me the Active Camouflage module and I equip it. Leaving the room a notification appears on my Heads up Display.
UNSC In Amber Clad
Captain: Lieutenant Commander Miranda Keyes
Personnel: 1800
Destination: New Harmony
Commander Miranda Keyes is going to be my escort? She better know I work alone.
Point of view: Miranda Keyes
Miranda Keyes was viewing her data screen in the Bridge of the In Amber Clad when she got. notified of a new assignment. Hopefully I'm being sent to a fleet closer to action than defense of Earth and more so attacking Covvie ships. She clicks on the notification Titled "New Orders''
Miranda Keyes,
We are relocating you to Mars for a Lucas B-312 for Transport to New Harmony your orders are to meet with him at the Sydney Drydock, and his orders are investigating potential Insurrectionist activity in the Sol system. All else is classified. His transport is required to arrive at the Olympus Mons Spaceport at 0800 Hours tomorrow.
Colonel
James Ackerson.
Transport of a Spartan? This must be special, this is the first time I've heard of "Insurrection" in Sol. I'd better be on my way.
"Lieutenant?" I ask. "Yes ma'am?" A Scottish accent replies. "Search the ship's database for a Spartan B-312 and fill me in when I've returned. I have orders" "Understood ma'am"
Keyes stands up from her seat and exits the Bridge entering the Corridors of In Amber Clad.
Why are my orders so damn vague? Why have I never heard of a Lucas B-312? What insurrection? Well the best thing is Spartans always answer your questions, even if they don't talk much.
Keyes chuckled to herself.
Seriously, what did the Office do to them? They act like robots, at least they're great soldiers.
Keyes reaches an elevator and presses on the ground level.
Her thoughts are interrupted by her earpiece ringing.
"Go ahead Lieutenant" "The only data I have clearance to states he's been designated a Hyper Lethal Vector by the office, and the only one who also has that title is the Master Chief himself." He emphasised. "His armour is Olive Green with a Silver visor, stands at about 6'9." He stopped. "Lieutenant?" Keyes asks. "I just lost clearance to the rest of his biography. All I have is surface level information." He paused again. "And that he's assigned to you." "Thanks again lieutenant." and Keyes hangs up.
Or they just bring more questions, the Office itself is rewriting history by it's whole "clearance" thing, We are in a war! A losing one at that! We need all the information available! And all I have are more questions.
Point of View: Lucas B-312
Lucas finally arrives at the Spaceport and pauses for a moment to take in the view of Sydney which he's become so accustomed to. It's a shame I can't see the two Opera houses. Both of them are gorgeous, The newer one especially with its shining design. The Antique one with the look of the late 20th century. Lucas continues walking when he gets contacted by Ackerson. Watching the letters appear on his in a large Blue box in his HUD.
Lucas we have gained new intel. You are to head to Olympus Mons Spaceport Jessica Korosi is going to make her next big speech about The starboard side of the mountain is opening a new ski resort. capture her or poison her, It's all your choice.
James Ackerson
Come on Ackerson you and your office is so monotonous all I want is a frontline position. SOMETHING NEW! Unfortunately we can't always get what we want. seventeen years of service underneath this man… He's the only family I've had since-
Lucas continues walking towards the In Amber Clad when he sees a woman running out to see him.
"Commander Miranda Keyes, is it? I hear you and your father have quite the service record." Lucas salutes, Keyes nods. "At ease Spartan." She extends her hand for a handshake, and I handshake her.
Maybe this assignment isn't worse than rebel hunting.
She beckons for me to follow her, and I oblige.
Lead the way. You only have the most important man in the UNSC behind Master Chief himself. Lucas nearly chuckled to himself. We continue along throughout the Spaceport and I observe Pelican Dropships loading up Weapons and Supplies for Police forces or Marines. To the right I see seventeen marines being drilled by their Sergeant. The two of us turn a corner to see a Fireteam of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers Unpacking a Troop transport warthog.
I look up only to find the glory of the Frigate In Amber Clad, the fastest ship of her class. Smaller than I thought but Sleek and powerful. I look to see Miranda Keyes giving a kind hearted smile my way. I simply nod and we continue onto the ship.
July 2nd 2552 1600 hours Earth's Orbit
In Amber Clad's Mess hall
UNSC Special Forces Spartan Three
Spartan-B312: Lucas (REDACTED)
Lucas had been enjoying his tenure on board the In Amber Clad He'd seen hundreds of marines and ODST's walking around the ship: He saw dozens in the mess hall in cliques. He'd even named some of them
"The screaming eagles" For the rough and rowdy ODST's
"Shinies" For a squad of Marine Privates.
The final group of Marines that caught his attention were rough and rowdy marines that were arm wrestling "The wannabe superheroes"
Even though he wasn't looking he knew the rest were looking at him and admiring his height and armour, as Lucas walked throughout the mess hall. He stopped for a moment to take it all in one last time, liking the marble white floor and metal tables. Seeing friends converse on their time off and seeing the view one last time of earth out of the mess hall windows. Lucas wished he had a friend, Lucas wished he had family
Miranda Keyes' Point of view
"Lieutenant Campbell what's our ETA to Mars?"
"Ma'am we will arrive at 2500 hours Martian calendar, or 0100 hours Earth calendar"
The officer's Scottish accent is heavier than usual.
"Glad to hear, Lieutenant I need a few hours of rest.
"And time to think. Campbell nods, and I walk out of the Bridge into the hallway, I see two Marines chatting excitedly to one another until they stop for a second to salute me and I nod. I continue walking, my thoughts wander towards the Spartan.
A Super Soldier? On my ship. I know my father has one under him, the best of the best named Master chief. I'm sure one day I'll meet him, as this war has a funny way of forcing you to. I snap back to reality to see the Spartan entering the firing range-Sim room,
a squad of ODST's behind him. ODST's also considered to be the best
If I could compare them to anything my thoughts go to Elite Paratroopers. The stories of my ancestors fighting on the beaches of Normandy in the 2nd World War, or the first ODST's in the Interplanetary wars of the 22nd Century. I look out a window to see Earth's Moon Luna getting larger and larger. Good, Campbell to save energy you're going to shoot out of Lunar gravity to triple our approach to Mars.
I'm glad the In Amber Clad is a part of Sol system's main defense fleet, I'm truly proud to support the homeland of Humanity and the Capital. Twelve billion people rest on the hands of mine and the rest of the fleet's shoulders. Earth, Mars, Luna, Titan, Ganymede, Io, Europa, research stations on Pluto and the mining stations on Phobos, Deimos and the Kuiper belt to name a few of our final stand worst case scenarios. Earth is in good hands. Keyes smiles to herself watching In Amber Clad rocket passed Luna.
Point of view: Lucas B312
Lucas unloads his Sniper Rifles armour piercing rounds only to load with training rounds as quickly as possible, keeping his M6D loaded. He notices the ODST's pick up M392 Designated Marksman Rifles, they move up to the firing range each walking with a purpose.
How cute glorified Marines are stepping up to the plate. Go on shoot the targets.
Lucas hears the firing range siren go off signalling the start to their challenge. The four ODST's quickly start shooting the targets as they appear and disappear. One siren, the ODST on the left, missed a shot. He's out, three remain.
My money's on the one on the right, he shoots slower. But more calculated than the rest. Whoever wins this challenge I'm challenging, I don't want these "Elite troopers" thinking they're the best when only one can be. I look at the scoreboard, Polonski in the lead with 1532 points, Mahmud close behind with 1495 points and Garcia in third with 1453 points. Another siren! Mahmud is out. I look back at the range and see targets moving nearly faster than the human eye can see. Garcia pulled ahead of Polonski with 3 quickly shot but well placed bullseyes, 1753 points for Garcia, 1690 for Polonski. Garcia noticed this and decided to show up his colleague. He missed and Polonski pulls ahead with 1823 points, winning the challenge. "God Damnit Polonski you lucky S.O.B, how do you always manage this?" Garcia says "Patience and skill my friend." The two friends grab hands and bro hug each other. "Hey Davids, looks like you owe us lunch." Mahmud says to the first one out. "Mahmud I know for a fact you're out first next time, and Polonski is gone second!" "Ooooh I'm so scared of big man fourth place over here." They chatter as they leave the firing range.
Now's my chance to challenge Polonski.
"Polonski stop." I say with authority in my voice.
The Marksman stops and turns to meet me giving me nothing but an empty visor to imagine his face.
"Yes Spartan?"
I point to the DMR he left on the table.
"Pick it up I'm challenging you" The ODST says nothing and walks to pick up one of the four and throws me one. I walk towards one of the stands and click the Ready switch, he does the same a few seconds later.
Time to put this ODST in the grave.
I hear 3 low pitched beeps signaling the challenge is starting and the challenge interfaces into my HUD. In one tenth of a second seven words appear and disappear on my screen.
Challenge: Red Targets
Difficulty: Spartan Master Chief
Ok Polonski, you want to be the best? You have to beat the best.
The siren blares signalling the start. Fifteen targets appear and I shoot four of them in one second two of four bullseyes. My points flare up to 230, His being at 225. Each of the four collapse and double giving me 19 targets to hit, and over the course of two seconds I hit nine of nine with a bullseye. My points flare up to 1130 points.
Every millisecond counts I hear a flash of Ackerson's voice from training.
In the course of a second I have a flashback of Ackerson training me from when I was ten years old, and having me spar with another member of the Spartan Three Program.
I snap back to reality. Polonski has 845 points, being behind me I notice him looking a little stressed and he misses. The siren goes off and his stand has a red light signalling he's out.
That's right, Polonski go, and eat with shame.
"Good shooting Spartan, that is simply too fast for any normal human to see and I'm amazed. I hit eight out of nineteen in three and a half seconds"
"Likewise Polonski you're a good soldier"
Maybe ODST's aren't so bad after all.
I give him my hand to shake, and he grabs it with a good grip.
I feel myself crack a smile as he puts his DMR on the table and I do the same. Polonski the Marksman leaves the room and I hear the door make a hissing noise as it shuts behind him.
Now that I'm alone I should try out my Active Camouflage.
With the thought in my mind the onboard MJOLNIR system activates the invisibility cloak, and I see myself disappear.
July 2nd 2552 2500 hours Martian calendar
0100 Hours Standard
100km above Olympus Mons
In Amber Clad Pelican drop ship Kilo 2-3
Lucas B-312
Pilot Miranda Keyes
"Lucas I figured I'd give you more of a scouting-field commander role. So I'll be in the skies watching over you" Keyes says on the comms. "Thank you Keyes"
Ackerson was good at one thing and that thing is being quiet. I need time to think before, as I like to call it. Operation Flat Tire.
The Pelicans engines roar louder than a lion as it flies over the green trees and red soil of Mars
"Commander pop the hatch" I say as I grab my Sniper Rifle.
Give me a breath of the fresh Martian air. The hatch opens while we're over top of the Olympus Mons City river delta.
I take one good look at the city skyline of six hundred fifty thousand people and look at the massive skyscrapers, futuristic offices and the Police headquarters.
"Jumping in three, two, one"
I jump out of the Pelican and look up at the winged aircraft as it roars over top of me. I fall at terminal velocity within a second due to the weight of my armour. I land directly in Mons River. The river softens my fall by 65%, the remaining 35% is softened by my suit's gel layer. I hear the loud splash I make as my head and helmet fall under the water.
"Lucas Korosi's convoy will be arriving in six hours with heavily armoured guards according to Ackerson. So if it gets dicey you'll know what to do"
I remain silent as I climb out of the river and get to the tallest hill to get the best vantage point. I spot it and begin climbing to the middle of the river delta.
I get a flashback of the last time I was on Mars, and I remember the hills of Kenosha City and the ODST headquarters. I was sent to drill as team of ODST's known as Alpha six
"Remember! The key to defeating the enemy is to know yourself and the enemy according to Sun Tzu over three thousand years ago. That knowledge!" I paused to let it sink in
"Is still valuable to this day! It's never been more valuable than before the last twenty years when these aliens attacked us!"
I know for a fact that we as a race will win this war. I think to myself
"Keyes I'm at Mons Delta. Which of the seven bridges will the convoy be on?"
I look at my surroundings.
Heavily forested, so they won't see me here. The landscape on Mars has always been my favourite, feels more home than where I've lived for years.
I look down at the Forest green moss and lichen growing on the first Arch-Bridge my computer dubs it "Acropolis bridge."
"Acropolis bridge the first of the seven." She replies after likely checking her map.
"I'm going to need a bigger gun than a pistol" Her communications icon beeps green to signal understanding in my HUD. "payload is dropping on your coordinates. Sit tight."
I look up to see a tiny speck above the Martian clouds.
Activate 50 times zoom. There she is letting a heavy weapons drop pod down.
The computer tells me the payload is 5000 metres and counting. 2500, 1250, 675, 300, 100.
The payload lands and the ground beneath me starts shaking and a shockwave of energy is transported through the soil and into the delta, creating a tall wave.
Keyes sure took her time. Speed up the pace next time.
"Payload received."
I walk up to the drop pod and find an M41 SPNKR Rocket Launcher loaded with two rockets in it's twin barrels and a case of four rockets slightly to the side.
"Lucas? This is Ackerson."
I was wondering when I'd hear his voice again. "Go ahead Colonel."
"We have reports Korosi's convoy will arrive at 0440 Martian Calendar She has a convoy of four. Each has approximately four or five Paramilitary soldiers, likely loyal to the insurrection. They are to be shot on sight"
It's 0210 hours. Looks like I have a couple hours to get cozy up here and scout out the area.
July 3rd 2552 4:15 AM Mons State Standard time
Martian Planetary News Network
Jessica Korosi
Mons State highway
Point of view: Jessica Korosi
"Jess don't you think it's a little early to be doing another speech for MPNN? I mean after that whole ordeal in New Harmony. You can't be talking about the Office of Naval Intelligence like that. "In other news, local New Harmony journalist gone missing after making a news story about going inside ONI Section:3. A woman said "liz don't even worry about it the Columbian Paramilitary will give us protection. Look at the driver to our car." The woman nods skeptically. I look out the window at the dark Martian landscape seeing both Olympus Mons and Mons city growing larger and larger.
Dammit I should never have talked about ONI like that even though I was spreading nothing but the truth. Brendan O'Leary my good friend, disappeared that day and was never found again.
The car stops abruptly. "Amir why did we stop?" A man nearing the age of thirty-five looks back at me, shrugs and says "Car one was stopped right on the bridge by a tall figure dressed in dark colours holding heavy weaponry then disappeared." I look outside the front window. In the background I see The Police Headquarters jutting high into the sky nearly a quarter the size of Olympus Mons itself. The middle ground thousands of houses owned by Martian people and the California look to the soil, housing and atmosphere.
Or at least that's what I think California looks like. When I'm done hiding I think I'm going to pay Hollywood a visit
The Paramilitary men in the first truck exit their vehicle, the tallest looking like a mountain holding a riot shield. The next two holding Submachine Guns and the final holding a BR55 Three Round Burst Battle Rifle.
"Flashlights on." All the men turned on their flashlights and started scanning the area around the bridge and the hills. "Hey I think I found someth- AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH." One of the two holding an SMG was pulled off the bridge into the river.
"SIR LOOK OUT BEHIND US!" I look behind them only to see a cloud of fire being launched from a person I couldn't see. Their vehicle explodes and all four of them are turned into a pile of dust and blood.
"Amir! Drive now! Get us out of here!" Elizabeth says in a panic.
Amir restarts the engine to his truck, and he gets it working. The next four seconds all I heard were four bullets that hit our truck.
"Everyone out of the trucks now! We need to stand and fight!"
Or we all might just die.
I pick up the M6C Suppressed SOCOM Magnum. All five of us evacuate the three and four get out next . Amir protected me with his M90 CAW Shotgun.
"Come out here cowards!" He says confidently. One soldier reveals themself out of nowhere.
What? This doesn't make any sense this soldier wearing armour appears out of nowhere! Thin air!
The soldier points their rocket launcher at us and shouts
"This is UNSC Spartan B312 I was dispatched to eliminate all Insurrectionist scum in this area, and well… it looks like all of you are it! Now I give you an option to lay down your weapons and come into custody of the Office of Naval Intelligence. Or face immediate execution!"
"B-but Spartan w-we are news reporters. All we've done is our job," I stumble out fearing for my life.
"Your job has been smuggling weapons off of Mars and giving away Official Misriah Armouries weapons to arm for an attack on Earth!" He yells with an authoritative voice.
"No that isn't true! All we did was report the news. All of us are scared of the UNSC!"
"So you have chosen. Death" he says before firing a missile out of his rocket launcher.
The missile sends me flying 5 metres in the air, my arm falls off of my body. My last thought is of home.
July 3rd 2552 1230 hours Martian standard
UNSC In Amber Clad Martian Orbit
Spartan Lucas B312
Let me guess I'm going to be congratulated on my mission of murdering more people the office have problems with, and I'm going to be sent back to earth only to work for another member of the office.
I walk into Miranda Keyes' office and salute her "Thank you for the support ma'am"
I truly didn't need it the mission would only be harder if they shot back.
"At ease Lucas. Now, where to begin? The mission was a massive success, however. You aren't going back to Earth. You're falling under the command of Colonel James Holland of Reach, and you are joining NOBLE team. An elite team of fellow Spartans. I will be transporting you to Reach but this is the last I'll be seeing you." She paused and extended her hand. "It was an honor serving with you. Give the Captain of the Pillar of Autumn my regards."
I shake her hand "Likewise. Who's this Captain?"
"You'll know when you see him."