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Battle for Outpost 5

Part 1

After the end of the Human-Covenant War, UNSC High Command decided to build outposts around the city of New Mombasa after it was rebuilt. The public didn't know why this was done, but some members of High Command believed the Covenant may return one day. One reason is to have UNSC Soldiers close to the city if it ever comes under attack. The only two UNSC Bases near New Mombasa were Rat's Nest and Fort Avery Johnson. However, after 15 years most of those outpost were torn down, leaving only 5 standing. The remaining 5 outposts were undermanned with Outpost 5, the closest to New Mombasa, only had about 100 men to defend it. The layout of the base is a square with a guard tower in each corner and four towers around the Command bunker. It has eight buildings with the barracks and armory being underground, along with the vehicle bay. The North Wall is a wall of sandbags with razor wire above it, the east wall is a trench that is waist high with some sandbags for additional cover. The other walls are reinforced concrete and have battlements similar to a castle walls. The gate has a gatehouse where soldiers can drop grenades down and into the attackers' ranks. The gate itself is reinforce Titanium C Plates which can stand numerous plasma attacks. Most of the area around the outpost is desert, though on north side is a small forest. UNSC forces placed wire and a minefield around the base, except on the east side as the enemy would have to attack uphill, giving the defenders the advantage. They do have some wire and mines a few yards in front of the wall. The base has three Scythe M71 Anti-Aircraft Guns, a Mass Driver, and 4 Wolf Spiders, two at the front of the gate and two guarding the command bunker. They have a landing strip for Pelicans and other transports outside of the main gate and on the right side of the dirt road leading to the base. The base has pads for Hornets which is the only air support they have.

Three days before the Second Human-Covenant War begins:

A Pelican Drop ship arrived at Outpost 5 and a dozen new recruits walked off the transport with their duffle bags and weapons. They were sent from Fort Johnson after they finished basic at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. They head to the barracks and begin stowing their gear after they found empty bunks not belonging to anyone else on the base. All of sudden they heard a gunshot and seek cover.

"If I was an enemy you would have all been killed. Welcome to Outpost 5 Maggots, you've been sent here to reinforce us in preparation of a Covenant attack." The troopers were stunned as they hadn't heard about any attack. The sergeant major started to laugh and the new recruits realized he was joking with them.

"You mean the planet hasn't been attack again?" one of the new recruits asked.

"What's your name Maggot?" He asked.

"Private Greg Caldwell," he answered.

"If the earth was attacked trust me, we would know," he answered. "Now listen up Maggots, I may have joked around a little bit but I hate the color green and you all reek of the damn color. I'm sure many of you haven't ever held a rifle and basic was the first time you ever held, much less saw, a weapon. I'm a strict Son of Bitch and it's my job to keep you alive, but I might not succeed with all of you." They didn't feel reassured. "If I was an Elite you would have all been killed. Never put all your weapons on the rack; always keep one weapon where you can get to it at all time. Captain "Jarhead" George has all personal wear a sidearm at all times."

"Sir, why is he called Jarhead George?" another private asked.

"He used to be in the UNSC Marine Corps before he retired in 2554, but he hated civilian life so he tried to rejoin, but he suffered an injury and the Marines wouldn't take him back, so that's how we got him."

"I like to know my greenhorn so I can always send a nice letter to their families when they expire." He said with a chuckle before He points to a Private.

"Private Gregory Caldwell, my friends call me Greg," he said.

"Private First Class Rashad Thomas."

"Private Scott Rafalko."

"PFC Laree Alford."

"PFC David Alexander."

"Corporal Brian Golf."

"PFC Tommy Key."

"Private Beth Key." The rest of the new recruits introduced themselves. 10 boys and 2 girls, the other girl's named is Ginny Hook.

"Welcome once again to Outpost 5, I'm Sergeant Major Cody Blackman, I'm the senior NCO of Lieutenant Tigh's platoon," he told them.

"What squad are we in sergeant Major?" Private Beth King asked.

"No one talks while I'm talking maggot! Now drop and give me thirty push-ups."

"Yes sergeant major," she said as She got down and begun doing the thirty push-ups.

"As I was saying before I was interrupted, you're in Domino Squad which has three other squad mates who are on a run with another platoon sergeant. Let me introduce you to your squad sergeant; this here is Staff Sergeant Tom Ryan. Another veteran, like myself, from the Human-Covenant War. We're both tough son of bitches and like me he doesn't take shit from anyone. Now Staff Sergeant Ryan is going to take you on a run of this base so you can familiarize yourself with the locations of the mess hall, firing range, gym, infirmary, and the motor pool. Take them out staff sergeant."

"Yes sergeant major," he replied. They leave the barracks and began their run singing an army cadence. After they do their run they reported to the barracks.

"You will report to the Sim Room in 6 minutes. Get on your combat gear and grab you weapons and be there on time. If your late, well trust me you, don't want to be late." He said before leaving. Four minutes later the new members of Domino Squad arrived at the Sim building. Sergeant Major Blackman and Staff Sergeant Ryan are already there. They weren't surprised to see a majority of the greenhorns had MA37 Assault Rifles, two have the new M5A4 AR (next gen. version of the M4 carbine), two are armed with sniper rifles, one being the bolt action Intervention II Sniper Rifle, and 2 have the M739 SAW and the rest have DMRs.

"Line up maggots! Today's SIM is to defend this outpost from an attack."

"Who's attacking Sergeant Major?" Private First Class Key asked.

"The Covenant will be the attacking enemy," he told them. "Let's see how you maggots do. Hera, begin the simulation." The outpost A.I. appeared on a hologram table. "Beginning Simulation in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1." The area around them turned into an exact replica of the outpost. The soldiers had their helmets on and glasses which functioned as their HUDs. Sergeant Major Blackman sent the snipers to the towers then he dived remaining men up to defend the perimeter. PFC Key aims through the scope of his Intervention Sniper rifle which fires the same round as the standard UNSC Sniper Rifle. He preferred a bolt action over semi-auto because it keeps him from wasting ammo as every bullet must hit the intended target.

"Sergeant Major, I got enemy infantry advancing towards Eastern Wall." His first target is the leading Elite, he doesn't know the ranks of the Elites or any of the other Covenant species, but this one is in crimson red armor. His bullet hits the Elite in the head and blows it apart. The first wave is decimated. The recruits cheered, but they heard a scream and PFC Key falls out of the tower. Private Caldwell gets up from the trench to get him but he's hit by Covenant snipers. Private King contacts the sergeant major and tell him they have two people down. "I'm aware of the situation private," the sergeant major said. The Covenant then attack the Northern wall and Covenant snipers keep southern wall busy. After about 30 minutes the simulation ends when everyone was killed. They didn't even get pass the 3rd wave. Sergeant Major Blackman has them line-up again.

"That was the worst I've ever seen! You maggots don't know how to work as a team, the Covenant, hell any organized military could overwhelm you. What did they teach you in basic? Teamwork is key to any situation. Snipers, you have overwatch, so you tell your teammates were the enemy is, but always look out for enemy snipers. Did they send you to sniper school or just gave you a sniper rifle because you scored high on your marksman test? You know what, I don't care. we're going to try it again. Communicate with one another. If you panic in a fight and run you cost the lives of everyone, including your own. This Sim is to make things fill real because combat is hell. Hera run the Sim again." The Sim begins again. Sergeant Major Blackman didn't participate in the SIM he wanted to watch to see what he needs to do to get his men ready. They improved some, but the 4th wave with Hunters and Wraiths caused them to panic. He yells at them again, this time pointing out the rocket launchers, Spartan Laser and target locator that could've been used or the vehicles to take care of the Wraiths and Hunters and they would've beaten them back. They tried a third time but they failed when Banshees, Phantoms, and Sprits are brought in along with everything else. However they are coming together as a team and they're communicating with one another and the third time they didn't panic, they held their ground. He knows they still have some work to do.

"Sergeant Ryan, take them to the firing range and let them fire off some live rounds for a while, then send them to get some chow." He nods. Sergeant Major Blackman goes to see Echelon Squad NCO Sergeant Terry Crow. Echelon squad is also part of Lieutenant Tigh's platoon. After chow they headed back to the barracks. The other 3 members of Domino Squad are present. Staff Sergeant Ryan entered.

"Listen up ladies, we're going on a nighttime stroll so grab your gear." They grabbed their packs and their rifles before throwing their packs over their backs and heading outside. They get into formation and Sergeant Major Blackman and Staff Sergeant Ryan are in front of the formation. They begin their march the gates open and they exit. They have no clue where they're going.

"I want no lights, but you may use your Night Vision to see."

"Sir Yes sir," they reply. They marched for what seem like hours until Sergeant Major Blackman orders them to halt. "I want sentries posted around the encampment, no fires." Six recruits are selected for sentry duty by Staff Sergeant Ryan. Staff Sergeant Ryan and Sergeant Major Blackman leave the recruits alone.

"You know Cody, some of these recruits will fall asleep while on guard duty." Sergeant Major Blackman smiles.

"I'm counting on it Tom but after tonight they won't fall asleep on guard duty ever again," he replied. "Tell Echelon squad they can attack at their own discretion." He nods and radios Echelon squad leader. At midnight the sentries on guard duty go and wakeup their relief, so they can get some sleep. Staff Sergeant Ryan turns towards his longtime friend.

"The first group of sentries did an excellent job staying awake. Only one fell asleep for a few seconds until he woke himself up." Cody didn't reply. The first watch show their replacements were to setup for the night and warn them not to fall asleep. Three hours into the 2nd shift the sentries are all asleep. Around 0500 Echelon squad attacked Domino squad's encampment. They throw grenades which wake almost everyone up. The sentries wake up and head back to the camp but Echelon squad wipes out Domino before they even had a chance to react. Staff Sergeant Ryan gets them into formation while Blackman thanks Echelon squad for their help. Staff Sergeant Ryan is already yelling at the recruits who fell asleep. "All of you drop down and give me 100 push-ups." They assume the position.

"Delay that staff sergeant." The soldiers get back up with smiles on their face. "Wipe that fucking smile off your face! I didn't say you were off the hook. I want each recruit to empty out their backpacks and replace the items with the largest rocks they can find, we're going on a run. I want each maggot to take a swig of water and then dump it." Tom looks at him. The recruits do as their sergeant major ordered. They begin their run with backpacks full of rocks, their weapon, and ammo. Some soldiers attempt to get a swallow of water but forgot it's empty. They arrived at a spring and Sergeant Major Blackman allows them to refill their canteens and get some water then they head back to the campsite with empty backpacks, once they return all their gear back to their backpacks they head back to Outpost 5.

Two days before the Covenant invasion

After the events during the early hours of morning Domino squad is worn out and just want to fall asleep but Sergeant Major Blackman has other ideas. However Staff Sergeant Ryan sends them to the barracks and the soldiers collapse on the bed from exhaustion, but their sleep is cut short because 2 hours later they're being awaken by two other sergeants. The recruits lined up in front of the bunks. "Ladies we have more training today so I want you shower and on the parade ground in 3 minutes!" tom told them. They hurry to the showers. The men in the squad watch the females wash themselves but quickly washed. They arrive on the parade ground 2 minutes late which made both sergeants not happy.

"Recruits! What the hell took you so long to get out here? Was it because you were thinking about fucking your female comrades or you just like watching them shower and dress."

"No excuse staff sergeant," they chant.

"Outstanding recruits you are learning," he said with a smile but the sergeant major isn't smiling.

"Assume the position maggots!" Sergeant Major Blackman said.

"What position sergeant major?" Private Rafalko asked whose mind was still on about fucking the girls.

"Why the push-up position private dumb ass get your fucking head out of the dam clouds," the sergeant major said.

"Sergeant major, you're treating us like we're in basic training again," PFC Thomas said.

"You're in my basic training maggot, and I'm your new drill instructor," he replied. "I was going to be generous and have you only do a 100 push-ups but since these two know it all I'm going to have you do 200 push-ups." He said with a laugh. "Now assume the God Dam Position!" they get into the position and begin when Staff Sergeant Ryan told them too. After their two hundredth push-up they had to do 50 sit-ups. They're allow a few minutes to rest and get some water then they begin to run around the base. Sergeant Major Blackman calls a halt after only 45 minutes into their run.

"When I give the command I want you to fall out head back to your barracks shower and then report to the SIM building, you have 5 minutes starting now." They hurried to the barracks shower and get ready they don't want to be punished again. They arrive at the SIM building in 3 minutes.

They enter the SIM building and the Artificial Intelligence Hera appeared. "Domino squad, you will be competing with Echelon Squad today. The mission is simple, defend the outpost against as many waves of enemies as possible in the given time limit or until all teammates are dead. NCOs will not be competing in this mission. Pick your squad leader who will then join Echelon squad leader for a coin toss to see who will go first. Domino squad picks Corporal Golf. They meet and toss the coin, Domino squad chooses heads but it was tails so Echelon squad gets to go first. Echelon squad enters. They hold off seven waves until they overrun. Domino squad is shocked when Hera displays Echelon team members' scores, kills, and medals. Domino squad gears up and heads towards the main room passing Echelon squad. Many members of Echelon squad told Domino squad members' good luck. Sergeant Major Blackman and Staff Sergeant Tom Ryan as well as the members of Echelon squad watched as Domino Squad begins their SIM. Domino squad actually got through the seventh wave by taking the Jackal Shield gauntlets from them and the portable energy shields Elites and Brutes were carrying. The 8th wave is where they things got sticky since the Covenant used mostly Elites and Brute with power armor to attack plus it was a night attack with engineers giving the Elites and Brutes over-shields. However both sergeants are proud of Domino squad, even Echelon squad clapped. Sergeant Major Blackman has the squad line-up. He congratulates them and then sends them to get chow and then to bed.

The next day Domino squad is give a much easier time. They spent time on the firing range practicing with their primary and secondary firearms but also how to fire, clean and unjammed the various machine guns spread throughout the base. They are also instructed on the basic operation of each vehicle the base has. However their training is interrupted by a loud alarm. The captain's voice appears over the PA."The Covenant have return, we don't know their full intentions but we do know that Spartan HQ has been destroyed as well as the Home Fleet. The covenant are attacking New Mombasa and at this moment we're at war. Our orders are to hold this position for 14 days then fallback to Outpost 4. I know you will do your duty." The captain hangs up the microphone and many think it's a joke but some soldiers turned on their radios and they hear the reports coming in and know it's not a joke. The new recruits are shocked, but now they'll be able to kill some Covenant for real. The two platoon leaders and senior NCOs go to a conference room to discuss their defensive strategy while Sergeant Major Blackman sends the squad to the SIM building to practice some more. Echelon Squad and other squads are also in the SIM building to practice the outpost defend scenario. The platoon leaders and the senior NCOs enter the briefing room. The captain enters a few minutes later and everyone goes to attention and salute. He returns the salute.

"Once the Covenant finish with driving UNSC forces away from the city they'll be heading here. I need your suggestions for what we can do to keep the Covenant from overrunning us for 14 days," he told them. "Eastern and Northern wall are by far the weakest positions we have."

"We can always build a ditch around the entire outpost," Lieutenant Porter suggested.

"Lay down a shitload of mines," Staff Sergeant Ryan suggest.

"Place more wire and other obstacles to slow their advance down, Lieutenant Tigh said.

"Take the armaments off a few of the warthogs to strengthen the perimeter," First Sergeant Todd Napper suggest.

"I suggest we planet mines in spots the enemy will likely placed their Wraith tanks most notably on the hill surrounding us," Sergeant Major Blackman said.

"We should also dig tank traps, especially along the Eastern and Northern wall," Lieutenant Tigh said.

"Those are all good suggestions and we'll try to get them all done before the Covenant attack us," the captain said. A corporal enters and whispers into the captain's ear. "Gentleman, the Covenant have taken New Mombasa and UNSC forces are in full retreat."

"Are we going to get any reinforcements sir?" Sergeant Major Blackman asked.

"I don't know sergeant major, I've contacted command to see if they can send us help and more ammo but I haven't heard anything back," he answered Blackman's question. "Let's get to work." They leave. Sergeant Major Blackman and Staff Sergeant Ryan go and brief the platoon which include Domino, Echelon and Troublemaker Squad. First Sergeant Deborah Morgan is Troublemaker Squad senior NCO. Only Lieutenant Tigh, Staff Sergeant Tom Ryan, Sergeant Major Blackman, and First Sergeant Morgan have fought the Covenant, the rest have never seen combat against the Covenant. Lieutenant Porter's men has all the veterans except for 1 squad but the veterans are those who are just finishing up their last assignment before they retire from the service, but of course the Covenant changed their plans.

Onboard a Covenant Battlecruiser hovering above New Mombasa a Sangheili Field Marshall is congratulated over his victory. He's informed a Banshee patrol found a UNSC base close enough to strike the city. He contacts the Supreme Commander who told him to crush the base with 30,000 troops, which should be more than enough to overwhelm a force under 100. The Elite Field Marshall selects his most trusted general to lead them, plus a Brute Chieftain who has proven his loyalty to lead a 10 thousand Brutes strong part of the 30,000 troops. However the large force of Covenant don't go unnoticed as they leave New Mombasa UNSC satellites pick them up and transferred the images to command and to Outpost 5 Operation Center.

The Hive, Sydney, Australia UNSC HighCom is shocked to discover the large force of Covenant heading for the outpost. "Send some reinforcements to Outpost 5," Admiral Kenmore said.

"Yes sir but who to send greenhorns or veterans?" another person asked.

"Send the greenhorns, but also send the Hellbringer Squad." He replied.

"Sir, Hellbringer Squad are former Spartan-III's, they have no shields and are just wearing ODST Uniforms, they want last long."

"You'll be surprise what these former Spartans can do and besides, Outpost 5 will need all the help they can get colonel."

"Sir, with your permission I would like to send them a few more vehicles such as the new Juggernaut and a few Mantis's?" another admiral asked. Admiral Kenmore nodded in agreement.

The soldiers at Outpost 5 are getting the outpost ready for the Covenant attack. So far they haven't received any reinforcements so as of right now there are only 102 men against 30 thousand. The outpost perimeter has become the home of the soldiers while the barracks became a hospital. They only have 2 doctors and the rest are medics. They all know the Covenant will be there soon and they have only a small window to prepare for them. Four Albatross's land out in the open field in front of the front gate. Two Warthogs exit from the gate and head towards the Albatross. The captain is surprised to see recruits exiting from the first Albatross. The captain is also shocked to watch three unknown vehicles roll off along with four Mantis's. The rest are filled with supplies however out of the last Albatross 12 soldiers exit in ODST uniforms but their appearance said they're bad asses. Instead of the traditional color of ODST they have desert camouflage incorporated into their uniforms. The supplies are loaded onto the vehicles and are then taken into the outpost. The garrison is now up to 162 soldiers, which still isn't good odds against the 30,000 Covenant infantry heading their way. A squadron of Hornets assigned to the base as their own air support return and landed on their pads. They inform the captain about the Covenant progress so He grabs the microphone.

"Soldiers, the Covenant will be here tonight so continue to work until dust then get chow and get some sleep tonight may be the last night any of us get any sleep." They continue to work as Hellbringer squad also aided their fellow troopers and after dusk they head to the mess hall to grab chow. The sentries remained along with Hellbringer squad. Once they're done with their meal they return and try to get some sleep. Sergeant Major Blackman and Lieutenant Tigh look out into the area that will probably become a battlefield in the morning. They know the reinforcements they received may not even help them since command sent a platoon of greenhorns commanded by a fresh lieutenant, but they're glad to have Hellbringer Squad for support.

The Covenant arrived and begin setting up their own camp. A Sangheili Ultra approaches the general who's on a hill that overlooks the human outpost. "When do we assault the base?"

"Tomorrow, our troops need to rest, they have had a long march," the general replied.

"As you command general," the Elite Ultra replied. The general looks through his equivalent of binoculars. He has to admire the humans despite being vastly outnumbered they're determine to hold their position against a large force, how brave of them. He'll test how brave they really are tomorrow.


This is the first part of the Outpost 5. hope enjoy the chapter please read, review, follow, and favorite. I like to think thearizona for his help beta-reading the story. I also like to think Just-a-grazyman for his review.