ACT 1

PROLOGUE

LOCATION: Deep Underground Military Base Site X-Ray Bravo 05

11.28.25XX

Somewhere in the Southwest.

Winter in the high altitude desert mountains was his favorite place to be. The air had a cleanliness to it, cutting almost; it felt sharp as he inhaled it. Squinting, he looked beyond, and the awesome views began to unravel; beneath the dawning horizon, it ignited the golden valleys surrounding the Mesa, once again thawing out the vastness of the Mountain Vista plateau, becoming crystal clear, pristine and ancient. A fresh blanket of snow sparcely covered he area, jagged ridges peaked out of a checkered landscape of muddy and still frozen flora, a comforting reminder of the natural deterrent which kept the base well preserved and safe, tucked back into a unspecified location within the caldera. The only access in to or out were dirt frontage roads, forked off from ancient wagon trailheads which seemed to be forgotten rather than ignored from any state sanctioned upkeep or maintenance. Other than the seemingly vast expanse of unchecked forest and the almost imperceivably small artificial lake (which provided another natural barrier), it was mostly unknown to the local community dotting the area, whos ancestors had lived there for many centuries and countless generations..

The interior of the base was a fair bit smaller than most of his previous posts. The remoteness of the environment seemed to crackle to life under the afternoon sun, revealing the background noise of sentient life of which all species were ignorant of the proximity of the other. At times it seemed as though you were experiencing life within a silent and quiet stasis, only when the wind cascaded down from the huge thunderheads that gathered on the dark horizon and at the same time a few rays of light from the sun seemed to highlight an arbitrary small patch of land where it would stir up the snow, the glacial passage of time was suddenly be perceived in a moment of rare levity, enough to remind you that you were still moving forward.

The conflict with the Covenant was coming to a close; nothing more than roving bands of pirates and hidden sleeper cells that posed no serious threat (that is according to the Sangheili Command). Of course there was still the Banished, who still maintained a large standing force, but it was mainly stationed in certain regions and wasn't nearly as mobil or spread out as the original Covenant. Yet, considering the evidence of reports compiled from a ever growing mountain of data which pointed to more serious threats, it was undeniable that the real war was far from over. It seemed it would continue on indefinitely, and humanity was to survive on the brink of extermination forever.

It was because of this that humanity had to look to all available resources in order to outlast thier eventual removal or extermination. The several hundred or so of colonies spread throughout the galaxy had been drastically reduced, the threat still darted into and out of UEG territory unchecked.

ACT 1.1

Major Talos

Only known as Talos, or Em-Tee. His rank of Major should have been Lt. Coloniel by now, but advancements could only be recieved on account of extraordinary services, of which had to be ignored due to the clandestine nature of his past. ONI had decided it would be a suitable rank, just as long as he continued to be as vigilant behind a desk as he was as an agent out in the Field. His Section 0 credentials by which he was known, definitely pinned him as a Spook, and had made him quite a few enemies within the organization over the years. No matter what he seemed to be doing in life or at work, the shadow of Section 0 seemed to loom about.

Somehow, the military science branch seemed to be a improvement to where he could continue his studies into the development of adaptation and survival strategy which contributed to the Asymmetric Action Group (or AAG.) This department required him to hold the rank of a CO to allow him all the privileges and freedom which is connected to the rank and title within the job. Now, officially off the radar, unofficially still required to return to active operational field status if duty called, it seemed like his responsibility was more to the idea of survival than the task of ensuring it. Although he had to admit that he didn't really miss being boots on the ground.

AAG studies, regarding research, development and the analysis of all abstract data gathered by every UNSC branch was becoming vastly more important than previously thought; detailed actions taken from the AAGs reports seemed a surefire way the UNSC could begin to exploit hypothesized weaknesses gathered in numerous campaigns, against a growing list of increasingly undiplomatic enemies. Yet, due to the obscene secrecy surrounding the group, it couldn't reproduce miracles; the ones which kept them from toiling in blue tides of Covenant blood. It was bearing down on thier part of the Sol System as a violent typhoon spreading havoc around a expansive conflict; the riptide of war drew them to the furthest parts of the known/unknown galaxy. Staffing was limited to cautiously attached personnel who had a invested mindset and narrowed diligence to solve these kinds of inquiries.

Anything pertaining to, or even related by coincidental correlation to the AAG was all coldly denied by ONI and HighCom. If certain materials, ideas or strategies were found tenable enough to be funded for inclusion into the theater of war, firstly, it needed to be throughly reviewed for avenues of disengagement and to be immediately disposed of/and or denied by ONI HighCom. Specifically, the AAG IS illegal, and its presence is looked into by ONI S0 and should it be discovered, who and what all is included, everything related to it will be destroyed and dealt with to the fullest extent; this includes equipment and even personnel attached to AAG. That was the nature of the beast.

On the other side of the coin, because of ONI's persistence on shoveling half-baked and dead end technological solutions to the generally uninformed public through thousands of umbrella corporations which are used for a number of reasons, over decades long funded agreements to oversee thier expansion, first through the Sol System, and now, officially beyond. Their colorful in house circus horse and pony show ate up most products, all that was left after the S2 propaganda department was through shoveling it down the throats of every fucking contractor in the sector, what could be offered to the UNSC's HighCom was gaudy bullshit, following the tradition of contracts given to the lowest bidder; but it had worked for centuries, and would continue to do so. He was somewhat of a over-achiever in that regard, knowing what to disguise in order to request the optimal funding. Or, enough so they could focus on only projects that had an earnest chance of making a difference, seeing the end of the development cycle without midway being discontinued or budgetary restrictions that cheapen quality or makes it impossible to produce enough in a run, any number of setbacks. HighCom. also wasn't willing to take the time to look at the hard data. It seemed they hardly possessed the inclination for tactical military progress, or strategic thought in the matter. This allowed ONI to continue on and develop unnoticed shortcomings as an intelligence agency, eventually leading him to leisurely sift though thousands of classified projects and files, and/or otherwise highly sensitive material. With enough time reconfiguring the endless permutations of code words and cyphers, a lot of what he had looked into which piqued his interest was related to (specifically) the GRINDELL/GUNGNIR Project, which was developed in tandem with the Spartan Program, sometime 2513.

Without raising any alarms, he was able to copy the data and "reinvent" leftovers which were available to be disguised as something

of work related to the project was almost easy, in ways which would have gotten him some kind of promotion or medals, had be been working for an opposing faction. His character was beyond reproach as a former Spartan, and his demeanor seemed to keep unwanted questions in the mouths of the intrusive. Naturally, he never drew unwanted attention, or attract any beneficial compensation, which, after nearly a decade of diligence, seemed a bit offensive; Skimming some icing off the top wouldn't have made a noticeable difference. It was very imperative, (if he were questioned by internal affairs, his former department) how to explain the minutia of all these scientific devices and gadgets, and exactly why he knew so much about them in the little amount of time he had spent in the department.

As the war began to unsympathetically reap asteriod belts and planets of their material and energy, the (absurd) results which were being requested by HighCom. were to be fielded, immediatly. Having little to no design flaws and hardly any logistical drawbacks seemed loonacy. He was under strict scrutiny, and even imperceivable fouls or missteps were somehow caught, always summed up with faux threats from ONI shadow men or fiduciary reprimands. He was also handed demerits and had he not previously been a legendary Captain in the ranks of the 105th ODST (and even beyond), he would have been cut, fined and imprisioned long ago.

The past years spent slinking around top brass paid off. They knew of him, but nothing about him. His record was clean, and glancing through it provided nothing but a seemingly untouchable persona who had a solid career and all the right contacts. He was a role model citizen, career soldier of fortune, and huge contributer in the engineering and science division helping rebuild and create a vision for the future of humanity. Of course this sugar coated crap-fest history and background of his did nothing to really make a difference where it was needed the most. And in the back of his mind he knew that he wouldn't really even need to leave the office in order to make that difference; because the front lines were not so far from home anymore. The problem he had was this: without help from any of the original think tank of GRINDELL/GUNGNIR, (BLACK LIGHT), not only would this entire rebooted project be left by the wayside again, but the completion of some of its more strategic deployment philosophies and pragmatic integration into the hands of Spartans was a much needed force multiplier, one which was overdue, against Covenant tech., a potential revival of the Flood, and against Forerunner and Promethean weapons; something which couldn't be ignored.

There was one lead. A Spartan III, the dossier included appellation: Park G-108, or "Dozer". He was involved in a series of phased out experimental activities that would make him not only a perfect candidate but there was a high probability that he was also part of the design teams testing unit who were directly involved in the Grindell/Gungnir Project. The file only gave dates however, no names, and it took another deep dive into a labyrinth of sealed access projects and classified personnel files to finally open otherwise highly sensitive data, which can only be summarized as "placeholders". By which it is meant; the only reason for the existence of the personal certificates was to reinstate or validate an otherwise "unknown" citizen or bonafide non threat in case of emergency. The dates given during active field testing as part of ALPHA unit was operational during the Project Grindell/Gungnir timeline. Although his eventual removal from Gamma Detachment then lists him as MIA. Which could mean 2 things: He was either a combat casualty, or moved to the Headhunter programme. For all intents and purposes, him being KIA would be far more likely due to high casualty rates among Spartan 3's. The parameters and conditions for mission success were considered near impossible (even for Spartans) as they included extenuating lists pages long as well as time limits which didn't need to be instated, yet Talos believed it was to gather data on the limits they could be push to.

Augmentations of the 3rd generation Spartans had massive amounts of information relating to subduing pain, resistance to it, or dealing with injuries sustained in combat that were most times fatal. There seemed to be no limit to the pain tolerance provided by the augmentations, . As time passed on though the initial run of the augmentations, it was discovered that nearly all persons from the entire program required "smoothers", or doses of other pharmaceuticals because of the inherent mood destabilizing effects of the augmentations. Most were put on a steady course for years, because without them, it became nearly impossible for them to distinguish between friend or foe.

However, this Park G-108s record was unique in that he didn't require smoothers for some reason. This may be the reason that he was selected for a number of attached operations.

ACT 1.2

Rhodes-056

Work continued as usual.

It had been 4 months since the Rolling Thunder excersize. Finally, word came down from HighCom.: his investigation and research would be moving into the next phase of development. That meant that he would have less red tape surrounding the project and be put in charge of an entire platoon of ODSTs from the 105th special forces as well as a fire team of Spartans to conduct a legitimate operation. Procuring all of the equipment and materials for the mission wouldn't be hard, seeing as how his duties directly correlated with such detailing. It was the matter of keeping it entirely covert and away from prying eyes which made him nervous, as mentioned before, this was all highly classified, as well as illegal.

A Spartan II, Rhodes-056 was currently attached to the mission and was involved in tracking down and locating Park-G108. Acting as an official leader (as most times rank wasn't usually a concern within the population of Spartans.) Talos would retain seniority of all aspects during the mission, and Rhodes-056 was to act as a 2nd in command, ensuring the soldiers were all looked after and followed procedure.

Rhodes-056 personal dossier included all information related to his background training and mission briefs. All of it was predictably impressive. The 2nd generation Spartans had a sort of mythos behind them.

The other Spartans attached to the fire team were: Horrigan-G254, Cassidy-G262 and the aforementioned Park-G108 or Dozer. G254 and G262 had been a legendary Headhunter team that had been paired for nearly a decade now. Stated in thier classified index; after such prolonged tours in combat, they were no longer suitable to return to any other unit as thier battle stress had accumulated to unprecedented heights. There was no way to reaclimate them back into a "normal" unit, and so they were specifically used for hard front-line combat in the deepest regions of space where help was more of a joke than anything. In thier journeys however, they had stumbled upon Forerunner sites that still had active Prometheans guarding them. So ontop of not being able to return to inner colonies, thier knowledge of classified entities also had complicated thier existance. This project seemed a perfect turn for them. They had seen numerous conflicts of varying intensity and terrain, and were familiar with Covenant tech, Flood, and now Forerunner combatants. Thier knowledge, which was otherwise of no use because of the sensitivity of details, now seemed more of a privilege since only a few persons knew of such incidents or information.

Of course, it was the choice of Rhodes-056 to bring them aboard.

Talos was to meet with Rhodes-056 onboard the DD-752 Selene, a Hyperion Class Destoyer which had been refit with numerous modular experimental equipment for redefining the UNSC Navy's needs in the future. Also onboard would be the rest of the Spartan fire team and the ODST Stargazer Platoon, lead by 1st LT. Reeves. The Spartan fire team would be known as the DARKSTAR, while STARGAZER would be separated into 2 fire teams, SHOCKWAVE and HELLFIRE, respectively. The ODST Platoon was cobbled together from veterans who also had experience with Covenant weapons and tactics, even the more splintered Banished faction, but also Flood race and thier capabilities. They had also witnessed 1st hand Forerunner structures off world, so they were somewhat familiar with the terrain they were about to venture into.

The mission was to refine the tactics related to the original Rolling Thunder project, equipping Spartans with the advanced M6 G/GNR/E Spartan Laser and using intimate small squad hit and run tactics, they were to directly confront the enemy with force multiplier firepower, and outwit them with strategies centered around the deployment of the laser while the ODSTs provided backup and reinforcements on thier flanks. Originally the project was being researched in tandem with the Spartan Program and some of the technology still exists in one form or another today; a bit more updated, yet still not as integrated as intended. This mission was to change that. To realize the full potential and power waiting to be unlocked and let loose on the foes of the UNSC. Only time was not on thier side.

Two Weeks Later

Major Talos boarded the DD-752 Selene and was greeted by Captain Tiberius and a formidable statue next to him in dark BDU, which was undoubtedly Rhodes-056.

Tiberius seemed to be in his early or mid 50s. He wore the standard UNSC uniform which was freshly pressed and tidy. He took a few steps forward and outstretched his hand in a greeting.

"Welcome aboard Major. You'll find that this home away from home has a great deal more amenities than you might be used to during a similar venue." His salt and pepper hair was short, tucked beneath his captains hat and his dark eyes held a steady gaze upon the Major.

"Thank you. Although I am no stranger to the rigors of the work of the ship." Talos briefly glanced over the Captains shoulder to the Spartan II who stood stoically and quietly behind him. He had never encountered a second generation Spartan, and the chatter about thier stature was well informed.

"This stowaway is Rhodes-056. Don't let his demeanor get to you. He's not very interested in small talk, or anything other than business; isn't that right Rhodes?"

"Sir. I am guessing you're the brains of this operation." The Spartan II canted his head, allowing shadow to cover his features more heavily in the Major's eyes.

"You're correct in your assumption." Talos replied angling himself out of the glance. "I'm sure you're also aware that the work has been around for decades. Think of me as the technician to get it back up to speed after a period of inactivity."

"A bit of software to go along with the hardware." Tiberius interjected.

"A good way to look at it."

"Now that we've been introduced, my duties on the bridge call. Good day gentlemen." Salutes were exchanged, Tiberius returning to the bridge and this left the Major juxtaposed to Rhodes-056 in the metal corridor.

"Here is the complete manifest of personnel and related equipment for final examination." Rhodes handed over a small data chip. "The rest of the fireteam is still in cryo. 1st Lt. Reeves should be revived within the hour. I suggest we seek more comfortable lodgings in the armory."

Of course. The armory. He complied.

ACT 1.2.1

They found a isolated table and the Major sat down, Rhodes-056 remained stationary, standing across from Talos.

M.T. looked around the barren armory, he noticed the few lights blinking and flickering in sequence on the magnetic locks to the weapon lockers and metallic ammo caches. The only noise was a low hum from the A/C unit. There was a moment of surreal cognitive lucidity in that they may not be returning from this operation.

"Before the rest of the fireteam joins us, I want your opinion on them." Rhodes-056 asked.

"Opinion?"

"You've read the dossiers, done the research, connected the dots. Does it seem like HighCom. was interested in your research, or in disposing of a few outliers who've stuck thier noses into things which they don't belong."

"If that's true, then what about you? Your record is cleaner than most. Why would they have anything against you?"

There was a pause. Rhodes stood motionless staring at the Major, although he could almost feel with certainty that it was more of a glare.

"Why did you green light Cassidy-G262 and Horrigan-G254?"

"Well, because since it was your recommendation, I assumed it was a sound decision and I needed veterans with specific qualifications which are really difficult to find. I was lucky enough to find anyone on such a short list as it was."

Rhodes-056 scanned the room.

"It was a test. I wanted to see if thier exploits, which appear more violent in the later years, seemed to worry you; There are not many options for man eating lions. Once they get the taste for it. Realize how simple thier new food source is to prey upon. Or if its just the thrill of the hunt they're after."

"If you think that they're going to be a security threat or compromise the operation, you should have said something."

"I don't think any of those things. In fact, I believe they are of the highest level of skilled combatants to be fielded. But any humanity you may think they have left, I suggest you put that out if your mind. They know only one thing now. Just be sure to understand that. I'll do my best to back you up and keep them in line. However, in battle, it's best to let them fight the way they know how." His assessment seemed scathing, almost demeaning to his position, but he agreed. After all, he was (a bit offended as) the youngest member of the operation.

"Anything else?"

Rhodes-056 guffawed. Animating him in a way which was unexpected up until this point.

"Since you asked. This Park-G108, or Dozer, Spartan III. Dicey at best, sounds a bit like a hermit, or artist, nothing like a Spartan. But really more of a questionable choice for a team based operation."

"Other than you, he seemed the most qualified. Even more so than me." He admitted. "His assessments of Covenant build-up and movement have been more precise than the actual agency who has seen the data. What do you make of that even? I feel as though-"

"Speaking about you; you seem to be somewhat of a Pandoras Box. Marines, ODST, Spartan IV, and finally ONI spook. I'm sure you have your fair share of skeletons in that closet of yours, right Major?"

"I think it's safe to say that I am more educated than most." He resisted the urge to divide his attention further. "...about things lllphich should otherwise be left alone, had it not been for the fact that those things are actively working to eradicate our species. But this war has taught me that strategy and tactics is not a one way street. You should know that. I beleive that in your file it stated that for a brief period you acted as a liason between the Sangheili and the UNSCs Special Forces. I admire your diplomacy. Rare. But the Spartan IIs did have a unique way in resolving conflict."

"They are a troubled race. This conflict has done nothing in resolving those issues. Yet gaining a new ally in us was a sort of beneficial compensation for the loss of such a devoted belief in the Covenant. But it's not enough. I think that this war has yet to see its most unforgiving conclusions. And what of the Forerunners?"

Talos knew it was on the minds of most people who are, "in the know", this new foe rising from the ashes of digital fissures of eons past. This ever revolving entrance of characters and endless layers of complex power struggle between them would overtake the unaware in a moment if it had the opportunity. There were no real answers. Just a series of unforeseen outcomes.

"All I can say is that we need to be able to develop new standards for waging war with enemies who view seemingly everyday ideas or things entirely different. Like the way we are so attached to our own views, it seems too complex to try and view how another race, species, view something like time. Both know of the concept, but the difference in which we perceive it are enough to create a communication deficit. And it's not something which can be obtained or overcome to arrive at some peaceful or even neutral understanding. It's how we choose to regard these aspects which have led us into unavoidable conflicts. So we must think about that in order to not wage war on thier terms. The ability to intercept vessels in slip space. To be able to detect the opening of gates and portals, and locate them. To rapidly deploy anywhere in the galaxy in days. But we're too far behind." It felt assuring to know he could afford to say such things now.

"If our time here is to be spent lamenting our future and bellyaching close calls and what ifs, you'd be doing a fine job. But its to win. To finish this fight. Weapons alone arn't going to win this war. The will to persevere and integrity to do the impossible is what we have left."

"These Prometheans. They can't be reasoned with. You figure; millenia after millenia of self proclaimed dominance and superiority, whatever dares to challenge them will be brushed aside. It's dangerous to confront the beliefs of fanatics. Isn't that what happened with the Covenant?"

"Our own fortitude to press on is hitting a wall. We cannot afford to take too much more punishment or abuse for our mistakes. But I suppose that's why we have Gen. 3 Spartans." They shared a uneasy laugh at the thought.

ACT 1.3

THE CATAPHRACT

1st LT Reeves and the rest of the Spartans were taken from cryo and sent to muster in the main staging area. Rhodes-056 had implicit instructions for the Spartans to impart information and any strategically important information to eachother for cohesion. This boiled down to battlefield maneuvers and cryptic radio chatter meant to confuse the enemy as the comm. links used were notoriously simple to hack and surveillance.

They were also in charge of making sure thier MJOLNIR armor was in operating parameters and weapon detailing was not to be done in the field. Most important, that the M6 G/GNR/E Spartan Lasers assigned to them were fully tested and combat ready.

"Sound off Spartans!" Ordered Rhodes-056. They fell in, thier eyes focusing on the Spartan II squad leader attentively.

"Horrigan-G254, contact."

Cassidy-G262, contact."

"Park-G108, contact."

"Well done. Major Talos, you have the floor." Rhodes-056 stepped aside as M.T. paced into view from behind some metal crates.

"Evening Spartans. I am Major Talos, and I am in charge of this operation. However, while on this ship, all questions will be differed to Captian Tiberius. He has last word on everything, including deployment. If he says it's green, we go. If not, we wait till he is ready. Understood? Now, we will be arriving to our location in 2.5 weeks. I suggest you use that time wisely." Which mostly meant to be active and alert.

One Week Later

When the work of the ship had ceased for a moment, you could usually find the Spartan fire team on shift duties, Horrigan and Cassidy could mostly be found in the armory, Rhodes on the bridge, and Park doing periodic EVAs on the ship's outer hull. It was time well spent, and they even enjoyed it, so much as one could. Cassidy-G262 and Horrigan-G254 already had the onset of cabin fever. The anxiety induced boredom and downtime only magnified how slowly time crept by.

"Leaf cutters." Cassidy passed a plasma cutting torch to Horrigan.

"Roger." He examined it and packed it away in the bag. He glanced up and went back to packing tools. "Tango incoming."

Cassidy already knew. It was Park. The Spartan 3 sauntered towards the pair casually, just back from an EVA to manually check the MAC cannons for any sign of carbon build up or external deformations.

"Checking out or checking in?" Cassidy said when Park reached the caged armory storehouse gate.

"Know where I can find a S-6971charlie?" Park said stretching his neck looking deeper into the armory Bay.

"If I knew that, I'd be on the bridge with a hot cup, breathing down the AIs neck for a bagel."

"Any sign of Rhodes?"

"Ha. Big Brother Duece? Negative. He's probably trying to figure out what he did to be assigned to this kind of punishment."

"What do you mean?"

Horrigan stood up and stretched and made his way over to the gate, unsealing it to let Park inside.

"Don't you know? Spartan IIs arnt equipped for this kind of sugary coop bullcrap. They work by themselves to save the galaxy." Horrigan explained with a grin.

"He doesn't strike me as a Two. A bit smaller than I had thought." Park mused.

"COPY that. Maybe he was the runt of the litter." Horrigan guffawed. "You want power, you know who to ask." He added as he shelved a few metal crates, one in each arm.

"I hear yall did some great work out in the wet lands. Real cloak and dagger type stuff."

"Yeah, chasing fucking shadows and mapping the insides of Covenant assholes, to start."

"Were you guys somewhat of a walking deterrent."

"Sure. I bet they also said that us losing a company of Marines wasn't the reason for being put on indefinite piss box duty."

"I thought you were still active deep field?"

"Section 3 fantasy and fairy tales. We haven't been in the field for two years. Don't tell anyone. But we've been babysitting vehicle depots and training pukes in Covenant weapon systems for awhile now. All that wash about being too dangerous for regular units was just a cover from the propaganda department. We were damned good at what we did, but a misunderstanding of comms. and a critically bad judgment call for an Orbital strike really put it down our backsides." Cassidy went on to explain. "They thought since we been good so far, they'd give us some slack on our leashes. So here we are." He shook his head and let out a barely noticeable sigh. "And you? I'm guessing your personal rumors haven't caught up, have they? Dozer. The Spartan 3 who miraculously charged through a Havoc detonation with a yield to flatten an entire colony. So. Can you tell us how you did it?"

Park shook his head.

"Sorry gentlemen, that part of the story is still classified."

Cassidy-G262 and Horrigan-G254 looked at one another and let out a hearty laugh at the remark. Hearing personal rumors and gossip of other Spartans was pretty normal, often they were taken as more of a challenge, sometimes as warnings, and still other times just as a conversation piece. Otherwise the information was closely watched and ONI made sure that anyone else who heard about certain exploits, only got the headlines they wanted them to. The line between fact and fiction was blurred, and it was considered safer that way.

"Ever work with Green Beans?" Horrigan asked, referring to the ODSTs.

"Once or twice. They've cut thier teeth enough to earn it." Park shrugged. "What about you two?"

"Glorified stuntmen in uniform."

"Glory seekers with a crooked spine." Cassidy added.

"Thier platoon leader, 1st El-Tee Reeves is a real beauty and the bitch type. Groomed and looked after for something special. This is his big debut out from mostly Grey ops. Although I don't think he's cut from the same fabric as most in this kind of work." Horrigan scratched the underside of his chin. "Do you understand?"

"He means: beware of younger men in a profession filled with old codgers." Cassidy-G262 clarified. "He'll dispose of us in a breath, if he thinks it'll get him a promotion. I also have my doubts. Didn't you read his file?"

"So what. He's a military brat. Stepped on some toes, but that was early in his career. He's paid

out his dues, so it seems. His test scores are phenomenal, but he didn't even consider the Spartan IV program, and decided to stay in his element as a sardine in a tin can. Thats the only thing I find...odd."

"What the Hell do you know anyhow? Your time has been wasted playing with new toys, never taking advantage of what you've been given. Listen, we know you can take apart and put together a Covenant Cruiser, but can you fight the crew on board? Because that was the mission, Einstein." Horrigan clearly was agitated at the nonchalant way Park dismissed his opinion.

"Easy there you malfunctioning piece of hardware." Cassidy passively intervened.

"It's the smoothers. Haven't been working lately." Horrigan explained, wiping his brow.

"Dozer never needed em. Right?"

"What's that? What do you mean never needed them?"

"Just what I said. His genetics vibed enough so that it never affected his mental stability. Bullshit right?"

"A-fucking-firmative."

"Look sharp. We're being requested on the hangar deck. Probably just thawed out the Green Beans."

They secured the equipment and dispersed, making quick work to the bay where all persons were able to meet face to face.