Chapter 3: Tucker the Vacationing Soldier

In the hot blazing sky, several Banshees flew like deadly mosquitoes. To them, those on the beach down below were mere ants. The sharp smell of fresh plasma radiated from the pile of ashes all around. Human soldiers pointed their guns up into the air, and as they fought for survival, they fired upon their chosen targets. Bullet casings fell upon the soft, and wet sand. Screams yelled all around, screams of foolish bravery, and for many others, of impending death. It was only a matter of time, they all knew that any one of them could be the one of many flying bodies in the skies. Lifted up like a rag doll, tossed back down to the ground like a heavy sack. In the middle of all this chaos, the aqua sim trooper, Tucker, lied with his eyes dug deep into the sand as his vision was darkened all around inside his visor. Tucker slowly looked up as the darkness gave way to the light. His mouth fell wide open as he felt the ground shake once more. No, he pondered with a panicked gaze all around. I'm back here again, back on this fucking beach, why?!

Yes, to him this was a memory he remembered crystal clear. It was the day where he lost most of his family to the blasted extremists. It was the same beach where he saw Grif break down at the sight of his dead sister. It was the same beach where he witnessed so many things go downhill so fast, faster than he could process. He slowly stood up. Thanks to the shock waves that constantly pounded his body against the ground, he felt every muscle ache. He moved forward to find the rest of his comrades from Blood Gulch stare up in absolute silence, one of dread. He too followed their direction of gaze and nearly fell back as the sound got louder, and closer. It screamed like a strong gust of wind, a sharp current of water. The Banshees neared at an angle, aimed directly at the BGC. Tucker looked all around and shouted, "Hit the sand!"

He jumped forward onto his chest and landed hard with a thud. He gritted his teeth to hold back a groan and took notice of the man in front of him. The ODST soldier in front was unable to react, terrified beyond anything he had ever faced before. Tucker held out a hand as he shouted at the top of his lungs for the soldier's name. "Mike!"

But Mike did not listen, he simply stood like a frozen statue as he gazed up to the nearing death. Tucker cursed under his own breath, he stood up and quickly pushed Mike down with him just as the enemy released a barrage of plasma fire. As the shots hit against the ground, the sand flew into the air, Tucker felt a sudden emptiness beneath his body. Mike's body that once occupied the spot was no more. He once again stood in front of Tucker. What the fuck? Tucker looked on in horror as Mike's body lit up in a bright orange glow. Fire erupted from the cracks in his armour as his screams agonized Tucker's ears. A green plasma glow followed the trails the fire made. Inch by inch, his body faded into ash as it fell down, particle by particle. Only the ash remained. Tucker reached out with his tongue held back, at a loss. He felt the sand and the ash mixture move beneath his fingers with the constant shake of his head. I thought I had changed the situation, I thought I saved him. It shouldn't have gone like this, I changed what happened!

Tucker awoke with a sudden jolt as his body then quickly sank back into the bed. The sounds of the alarm clock, a pleasant bird's chirping sang in the room. He slowly picked himself up and groaned as the pressure eased on the one side of his body. He wiped a build up of sweat that he felt from the most subtle of movements, like a thin layer of water on concrete, in the midst of a rainy day. The sheets on the bed were ruffled all around with creasing formed on every inch of the bed sheets. I must have moved around a lot in my sleep. He looked at his hand, now wet from the sweat and quickly formed a fist in frustration. Tucker slowly moved off the bed and switched out the sheets for new ones, and made his way to the bathroom. In the mirror, he saw red in his eyes. How is it that a nightmare affected the quality of my sleep so much?

He took a wet towel and wiped his face clean and dried at the same time. The stress is finally beginning to catch up perhaps. He washed his face clean, brushed his teeth and took a quick shower to relieve him of all the congesting pressure he felt around his sides from his sleep. Outside, he snapped on the individual armour pieces to the under skin and finally put on his helmet. How have I managed to keep it together for these past two years, especially with the newbies around now?

"The nightmare again?" asked Church as the fragment formed from the binary to a physical representation beside him. "Hmm, your bio scans indicate an increased heart rate, and signs of panic."

"Well a good morning to you too," Tucker commented as he took a step back from his friend in slight disapproval. As Tucker turned to walk away, Church popped up in front of him once more. "You didn't answer the question, come on."

"And I told you to not go poking around in my body with your scanners unless necessary," Tucker replied as he stepped around Church and left the room. Church followed closely and said, "Well, it seemed necessary. Any time we think you are unwell or in danger, its in our protocol to conduct these scans."

"Protocols which you modified," Tucker shot back. Church slumped his shoulders with a loud sigh and spoke, "Fine, I admit it, I did it. But only because I was worried about you guys, I still am. So, are you going to answer or not?"

Tucker entered the kitchen and found a note, written in Junior's hand writing, on the bright green coloured dining table. He looked towards the fridge and smirked underneath his helmet. You should let your old man make his own food while he is here, and not be such a burden to you. He opened the fridge and was instantly greeted by a smooth, richly flavoured smell that created a smile on his face. Thanks for looking out for me, son. You have grown to be reliable. He took off the plastic wrapping around the plate and heated up the food. As it heated, he found his mouth water for this local dish as it was an instant hit with him since the day he landed here. He took a fork and dug straight in. As it made contact with his taste buds, it left a sweet taste, but a sour aftertaste quickly followed when it left on its journey for Tucker's digestive system. The meat in the dish was moist and chewy, same could be said for the beans. This combo made for a most satisfying eating experience every time he had the dish. Tucker held the plate high up to his mouth and slowly tilted it up. The juices left behind by the dish were an added bonus, an additional gift one would initially not expect to live up to the same tastiness. As he set the plate back down, he rubbed his belly slowly only for a loud burp to escape.

"Gross," commented Church. But he was quickly silenced as Tucker waved a finger in the air. "No, that is a sign of a well made, and a well eaten dish."

He firmly placed his helmet back on and looked out the open windows. "What should I do for the rest of the day?"

He took in a deep breath and sighed in thought. "It won't be until the afternoon that Junior returns from the embassy."

"Um, how about we continue about what we were chatting in the morning?" Church inquired. Tucker shook his head in annoyance as he turned to leave, but was quickly stopped by the fiery fragment, as Sigma came out of stasis in a burst of flames. "I agree with Epsilon. If we are to continue performing efficiently, it is better that we have open communication."

Church looked at his roommate fragment with a long and paused gaze before asking, "Sig, are you alright?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"I just thought that you would be more...you know, manipulative about the whole situation."

"Epsilon, you offend me," Sigma responded as he shot a sharp glare in Church's direction. "I have no such thoughts. I have spent long enough with Tucker now to know that manipulating others doesn't result in anything good. It is only by working together do things ever get resolved."

"Wow," Church moved forward to his companion and gently patted him on the back. "You really surprised me there Sig. Didn't think I would ever see this day, feels strange, like I'm a proud parent or something."

"Get a room already, why don't you?" Tucker mused as he left the house to the open streets. The streets were brightly lit, but he still saw the traces of the two moons that circled this colony, barely visible like transparent dots under the sun's gaze. With each step forward, he found himself being crushed under the overwhelming stares of those around him. While those who had dared to venture out into the universe, encounter different species paid him no mind outside of a kind morning greeting, others felt attracted to him like a bolt to a magnet. Many children Sangheilians also pointed at the aqua armoured figure with curiosity as their mothers would quickly slap those fingers back down. Tucker could only nod, and smirk underneath his helmet in kind. "I don't think I will ever get used to the immediate stares I get here whenever I step out."

"It is only natural for a sentient being to be curious about those that look different from themselves," Sigma commented as the two fragments followed closely on Tucker's shoulders. The blue soldier stopped at a moderately busy street and took note of the star like design, separating the streets into many different directions. In the middle was a big light post with many other lights hanging off to six directions in total. It must look pretty under complete darkness when it's lit up, pondered Tucker. He took note of the brick roads all around, simple. The buildings too fashioned a simple sense of decor, and no fancy designs on the outside. It was all kept so simple. I like it. He continued his morning walk and took a turn into a street he never had gone down before. It was far less crowded, but that did not stop those around from looking in his general direction. Funny, even though there are less of them around, their stares feel even heavier now. He saw a small alley opening and hurried his way inside.

"Where are you going?" asked Church. Tucker looked back and shimmied his way along the alley till he finally exited through to the other end. "Don't know, but I just don't want to be stared at for a while now. So somewhere away from the crowds."

"Strange, I have not seen this street before," Sigma pointed out as he projected the map of the colony for all to see. Church rubbed his chin in thought and suggested, "We should turn back, better to not get lost."

"Oh come on," Tucker moaned as he began walking forward. "I don't want to go back. Plus, lets just call this a little detour."

"Detour to where exactly?" Church crossed his arms in annoyance as he groaned to himself. "You know, a detour is only effective if you know it will take you to your destination. What exactly is your destination in this case?"

"Who knows, who cares?" Tucker waved back as he left the fragments hovering behind him. They quickly followed as Church held up a hand and said, "Uh, me, I care."

"Doesn't hurt to be curious once in a while about exploring a new area, Church."

"I hate it when you get like this," Church looked back and marked their footsteps on the map, a reassurance. Tucker noticed his friend's activity and chuckled underneath his breath. "Thanks for looking out for us."

"Someone has too," Church snarled back, leaving a huge smile on Tucker's face. As they continued to walk, slowly having reached an incline leading them uphill, Tucker stopped to take a break. "It's a shame that there are no chicks here."

Church quickly sighed as he holographic-ally bumped his fist against Tucker's helmet. "Are chicks really the only thing on your mind right now, seriously?"

The blue-sapphire fragment pointed out to their surroundings and noted, "Take in the sights, enjoy your vacation and the scenery around."

"I'm taking in the sights," Tucker replied with a finger pointed at his pal. "It's just that I like the other kind of sightseeing better."

"Well Tucker, there are plenty of chicks here too you know."

"Dude, I'm over the whole fucking aliens thing," Tucker said as he quickly protected his crotch. "That was a one-time thing to fulfill some dumb ass prophecy. But at least it wasn't all a waste, I did get Junior out of it."

"Gentlemen," Sigma suddenly interrupted as he formed beside the two. "I have scouted ahead and I believe that you will be pleased with the results of our little trek."

"Really?" Tucker wondered as he quickly stood back up and continued walking. "Now I'm really curious if you are recommending it Sig."

Tucker continued up the hill. With every step forward, he felt his muscle work harder than before. He finally reached the peak as it quickly turned into a downhill run. He stopped atop the hill and looked at the scenery with his eyes widened, and his mouth open in awe. Sigma stood by the various perfections and the lack of deterioration on the materials. "This street hardly sees much use."

"Yeah," Church agreed whilst walking around to observe the objects all around. "You could consider this street to be brand new, only weathered by natural elements mostly."

Tucker quickly covered his visor as he felt the sharp, yet warm glare of the sun come over his head. He walked a little forward to get a better look of the view. In front of him stood nearly the whole colony, captured all through this one street. He stared in complete silence, as the two fragments soon joined him. Tucker felt his legs nearly give out from the complete calm around him. He took in a deep breathe and out. Church nodded his head and said, "It wasn't such a bad idea taking this detour after all then."

"Yeah," Tucker spoke as he felt his eyelids close halfway, and a smile stretch from one end to the next. "There are still things to be discovered in this universe."

Church looked up to his friend and back out to the view. Yeah, you got that right. He looked down at the ground with his shoulder slumped. "You know, I hate to be the one to do this over and over again, but Tucker, tell me."

The aqua soldier looked in the direction of his friend. Church looked up and made sure to stand with a firm pose. "Was it the same nightmare again this morning?"

Tucker smirked underneath his helmet, followed with a sigh. "Yeah."

Church instantly looked at Sigma, who knew his next course of action. The burning fragment quickly silenced and went to sleep. Church looked back up after having confirmed Sigma's status. "You should think about going to the health center here, Tucker. They maybe able to tell you some sort of technique to control, or even get rid of your nightmares."

"You know that I don't like the idea of getting myself admitted," Tucker moaned. "Plus, I can handle it."

"I wonder if you really can," Church commented as he crossed his arms with a higher voice. "Or if you are just putting on airs."

"Dude, chill, I know what I'm doing."

"I'm just worried about you is all," Church replied as he held up his hands in front of him. "I don't want to repeat the things I experienced with Carolina, or at least what the previous iterations of me experienced."

Tucker calmed his nerves with gentle breathing. "It won't be the same. I have people waiting for me to come back home. I know that they will help should I need it. Plus, I have Junior right now as well. And both you and Sigma."

"Wh-," Church nearly choked at what he was hearing. "Wow, I didn't think you could care like this bud. But as long as you understand I suppose, good."

Tucker chuckled loudly and he pointed at his small companion. "It's cute on how you stuttered like that, and how you tend to look away when you do."

As the time whittled away, the day turned to the afternoon golden hour. Tucker stood before his son's home with a satisfied grin on his face. All in all, this wasn't such a bad day. He looked at the locals all around who gave a friendly wave. His day was indeed a satisfactory one for he visited more locations unknown to him, talked with locals that were once strangers to him and became a part of their community, even if only by a little. He rested his helmet on the kitchen table, prepared a fresh batch of tea and washed his face in the washroom. The front door opened to his notice as he dried his face. Inside walked his large and proud son, who fashioned an aqua coloured armour as well. The Sangheilian took notice of the helmet and asked, "Father, you are home?"

"Yeah," Tucker walked out to greet his son. "How was the day?"

"Good," Junior answered as he noticed the kettle's steam escape violently. He rushed over to take it off the heat and poured them both a cup. Tucker took his cup and gently sipped down the herbal liquid. "This tea is really good, hits the spot in the afternoon."

"I like tea in the afternoon like this," Junior commented to which Tucker simply nodded. Junior checked the time and quickly the fridge. "Uh oh, looks like we don't have anything here. Do you want to go out for dinner father?"

"Sure," Tucker quickly gulped his tea down and fastened his helmet on to his head. "Where would you recommend going to?"

"How about the local diner I told you about, you know, the one that is best in the whole colony?"

"And the one you go to regularly," Tucker chuckled as he patted his son on the back and led them both out the door. "I remember, let's hit that spot tonight then."

As the two men walked towards the brightly lit diner now in sight, Tucker scooted closer to his son and gently elbowed him on his chest with a wide grin. "So, do you bring any girls to this place then?"

Junior's face instantly turned red as he diverted his gaze from his father to the flower gardens along to his right. Tucker's grin only grew wider. The two entered the diner and were greeted by a warm, welcoming atmosphere as a waitress came to get them. She showed the two men to their seats. Sitting opposite to one another, Tucker studied the menu with great interest. "So, what's her name son?"

Junior's blush returned once more as he looked up from the menu rather slowly. In a low voice, he whispered, "Rheai."

"Sounds cute," Tucker thought out loud. The two men put in their orders as the waitress then quickly went to the kitchen. Tucker looked out the window to see the night fanfare the markets experienced. The streets that were once bustling during the day were more in numbers, but tonight was not that bad either. He tapped his finger on the table and traced along a random pattern. "Tell me, is it serious or just something casual?"

Junior visibly shook in his seat. It was clear to Tucker that his son felt uncomfortable in this situation. But I gotta do this for your own good as well. Junior rested his chin against his fingers and pondered the response. "I'm serious about her, and she is serious about me, although we have just started dating."

"Oh, come on, hurry up and marry her," Tucker moaned as he flopped the top half of his body across the table. "I can't wait to see my grand kids' faces."

Junior instantly froze as if he was touched by ice cold metal. His face was visibly red, no mistaking it. So red in fact that one could mistake it for a hot, glowing coil gas stove put on high. Tucker eyed his son from his side and quickly alerted the whole diner to his loud laughter. "You should have seen your face. Man, you should be used to this by now since the school I sent you to did cover sex ed quite extensively."

"Sure," Junior mumbled. "For humans that is."

"The idea remains the same kiddo," Tucker sat back up as he playfully pointed his finger towards Junior. "Try not to get so flustered about this sort of thing."

As the plates of food arrived, the two men quietly dug in. Halfway through his plate, Tucker rested the fork to the side and looked up. "Son, listen closely."

Junior was rather surprised to find such a serious tone permeate from his father's words. He too stopped and paid full attention. Tucker looked out the window and with a deep breath. He nodded to himself and then said, "Should you and Rheai get to the point of marriage, be sure to make the decision wisely. It's a huge, life changing choice after all."

Junior bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you for your words father, I will be considerate of my choices. Plus, I have a great example to learn from, of what not to do when it comes to women."

Tucker quickly stabbed the dish, nearly cracking the plate in the process as he held back the urge to respond loudly. He bit his tongue and said, "You know, I'm so glad to hear that."

Their meal continued once more in silence. Junior studied his nearly empty plate and took a sip of the cold water. He sighed in satisfaction as cold water always helped to wash the food down easily. He looked up at his father, who was very much so focused on the steak before him. "Father, I have been meaning to talk to you about something."

"What is it?" asked Tucker as he took a big chunk of the steak into his mouth. He felt the mouth watering juices flood his taste buds, and release joy from his pleasure centres. Junior cleared his throat as he placed his utensils to the side. "I know you haven't been sleeping properly."

A loud cough suddenly originated from their table as Tucker hit his chest hard and reached for the water. "Where did that come from, have you been watching me sleep, and haven't you heard of subtlety?"

"No, I haven't been watching you sleep father," Junior held up a hand in denial. "I can hear you moaning and moving about in your bed often in the night. Sometimes, you even kick the wall. It's not that hard to miss such sounds in my home."

Tucker rested his knife and fork by the plate's side and looked up with a thankful smile, yet his eyes also displayed guilt. "So I made you worry about your old man huh, I'm glad I raised you the way I did. But don't worry son, I will handle it somehow."

"I just want to help you dad."

Tucker quickly reached over the table and gently fist bumped his son's head. "I'm grateful for your concern, and that's enough for now kiddo. I know how to best handle this, and I think its best I do so back in the canyon. Right now, I just want to enjoy whatever time I have left here with you, this is my vacation after all!"

"When do you leave?"

"I still have three days before my return flight," Tucker answered as he finished his final bite. Junior crossed his arms and nodded with a strong resolve. "Then lets make it your best three days here!"

Junior called for the waitress to take the dishes away and present the bill. He quickly instructed her to put both the meals on one bill against Tucker's protests and made the payment. "Let me treat you once in a while father, you have done so for me so many times."

Tucker almost relented before being told to quieten down by Church and simply accept the kindness. Junior held the door open to the brisk night and looked up at the two moons. "For these three days, I will take you to all sorts of places, meet all sorts of people and I will also bring Rheai to meet with you...maybe on your last day here to get your blessings."

Tucker smirked underneath the helmet as he shrugged his shoulder. "You know that you already have my blessings son, because you have always done the right thing till now. You have always been smart about things."

"But I still want to get your blessings for us."

"Okay, I will be happy to talk with her," Tucker gently patted his son on the back as the two walked down the near empty streets. "But you should know, my Sangheili will be weak."

"She knows English as she works in the same embassy as me," Junior reassured Tucker. "She deals with Earth on a regular basis."

"Multi-lingual," Tucker spoke very impressed. "I can't wait to meet her, I will be looking forward to it."

The two men disappeared into the night and back into the comfort of their warm beds.

A/N: I wanted to explore a bit more of the nice father-son relationship between Tucker and Junior here, hope you enjoyed it!

It was never really explored much in the show, and I hadn't explored it before either, so I figured that now was a good time to show their bond, and how Junior is moving forward in life as well. Overall, hope you enjoyed this slice of life aspect to the chapter. What did you like the most about it?

Catch you in the next one!

~ Monty