Chapter 7: Smile

Date: 17 November 2552
Location: Crow's Nest, Kenya, Earth

"Chief," My breath caught upon hearing his name. I turned to the sound of heavy footsteps approaching.

"Have a look,"* the Commander continued.

I did not hear another word as his helmet shifted down to look directly at me, swiping two fingers across his faceplate.

A Spartan Smile.

The Master Chief swiped an upward curve across his faceplate. I mimicked the action, a bit puzzled.

"A Spartan smile," he informed me. "The armor conceals a lot… we Spartans created the signal to make up for some of the limitations…" he trailed off.

I beamed up at him in response, "I like it. Thank you for sharing that with me." I took his hand and he shifted his stance in response.

"It was nothing. I… I wanted you to know." He looked down at my ungloved hand in his armored one.

"Thank you. So," I redirected the conversation for his benefit. "When you signal the Spartan Smile to me, does that mean you're happy to see me?" I asked lightheartedly.

Chief nodded once in affirmation.

"If you get to escalate your way of greeting to a smile, does that mean I get to escalate as well?" I looked up at him coyly.

"What do you mean?" he asked quietly as I stepped closer, eyeing him up and down.

"Anything on your suit going to explode if I hug you?" I laughed as the Spartan visibly stiffened. "Okay. Hug postponed. Maybe some other time, when you least expect it."

"Jayne…"

"Jayne?" the Master Chief questioned my silence.

No amount of training could stop the smile that spread across my face in response. My heart soared and I had to look away to recover. When I met the Arbiter's gaze observing us with open interest I turned back to the Chief.

"Hi! I'm very glad to see you," I whispered.

"Likewise." Hearing his deep, gravelly voice gave me chills.

"You reminded me, just now, of when you first taught me the Spartan Smile. I think I'm beginning to remember things!" I took his hand and gave it a brief squeeze for emphasis.

"Alright you two. Sorry to break up your tryst," Johnson interrupted with a smirk.

The Master Chief snapped to attention and I stood to the side squinting a mock-glare at his obvious lie. He wasn't apologetic at all.

"Chief, Jayne, Arbiter, follow me," Sergeant Johnson commanded. "Brutes have taken the barracks. Marines are trapped inside. Those apes ain't much for mercy, Chief. We both know what they do to prisoners."* We all grabbed ammunition and supplies and I turned to the Arbiter.

"Thank you, Arbiter. I heard you helped get my dead weight out of Covenant clutches." I smiled at him.

"It was… no trouble." I arched an eyebrow at the understatement. "It was a nice change of pace, saving you Miss."

"Call me Jayne. Ready for yet another change of pace?" My smile grew into a grin when he nodded, mandibles flickering.

"I'll guard the bomb," Johnson stated. "Get to the barracks, save those marines, and escort them to the landing pad for evac."*

We headed through the corridor to the motor pool. It wasn't long before we ran into a pack of large, hairy unfriendlies.

Covenant. Jiralhanae. Brutes.

One by one the Brutes fell to our attacks. It felt good to be back at the Spartan's side, back in the swing of things.

"Jayne, get behind me," Chief commanded and I obeyed without question.

An animalistic roar flooded my senses as the Jiralhanae Chieftain charged, hammer at the ready. I merely looked on as Spartan and Arbiter teamed up to take him out. They made the task appear effortless but I knew better.

Passing by portable Covenant shields, we continued on our course to the barracks. Human casualties marked our way to a collapsed hallway with only an empty elevator shaft as an exit.

"We have to jump down," I stated simply. The Arbiter did so without comment.

"I'll catch you," Chief stated firmly and jumped.

"You okay?" I called, peering down the shaft when he didn't move or speak.

"Yes," he said, stowing his weapons. "I thought I heard something. Ready." He extended his arms and I held my breath as I took this literal leap of faith. The Spartan caught me with ease, swinging with my downward momentum for a softer landing, and gently setting me down.

"Thank you," I exhaled and opened my eyes only to stare at my reflection in his visor. "Did the Arbiter already push forward?" Chief only nodded causing me to smile.

"What I wouldn't give to know what's on your mind," I commented, moving onward.

Along the way we encountered two more drops requiring me to jump and the Master Chief to catch. We met Thel 'Vadam as he vainly attempted to convince some Yanme'e to rebel against the Prophets.

The Arbiter turned to us as he spoke, "The Brutes have taken your soldiers. As prisoners or meat for their bellies, I do not know. In case some yet live, let us be careful when we shoot."* With that grim statement in mind, we entered the barracks. Rounding a corner we spotted Brutes and Jackals alike.

"I'll handle the Jackals easily. Focus on the Brutes' shields and I'll do my best to get in some headshots," I stated firmly. A blush spread across my cheeks as I realized it was not my place to call the shots. My mortification fled my mind as we engaged in combat. Using a battle rifle I quickly and effectively took out the Jackals on the upper walkways.

The Jiralhanae proved to be more of a challenge but we prevailed as a team and rescued the Marines. As I assisted one Marine I looked up to see the Master Chief swing a Gravity Hammer easily crushing the final Brute. He looked up from the defeated foe and I blushed crimson when he caught me staring.

With the area secured everyone regrouped and restocked their weaponry. I swapped my spare assault rifle for a Type-51 Covenant Carbine, leaving my battle rifle on my back. We approached and boarded a lift and as with all elevators, an awkward silence filled the space. I steadfastly ignored the Spartan still embarrassed from having been caught ogling him earlier.

"Who's this no-rank?" a Marine asked in regard to me. The Master Chief took a step forward and I spoke up to intervene.

"The name's Jayne Lasky. I can't remember crap and the UNSC isn't sure what to do with me. We can all agree that we need to get the hell out of here and I'm here to help." That seemed to have settled most of the questioning looks as we reached the top only to discover we weren't alone.

Jet packs. Jump packs. Jiralhanae Jumpers.

As combat came to a close I was well-winded. Spotting Sergeant Johnson's arrival I couldn't help but call out a sarcastic quip.

"Hey Sarge! Thanks for all the help!"

He shot down some Drones and barked back, "There! I helped!" I laughed and gave him a pat on the back as our Pelican dropship landed and people boarded.

"Your ride is here," Chief commented.

"Can I stay with you?" I asked quietly.

He shook his head and replied, "I have my orders. You'll be safe if you leave."

"And what of your safety?" I turned to face him fully, ignoring the sound of my heart pounding in my ears. When he didn't respond I sighed, deflated.

"Understood. Whatever it takes to end this war, right?" I asked rhetorically. I ran my fingertips across the braille on his chest piece and then hopped on the pelican.

As the bird took off I flashed him a coquettish smile and said "See you soon, Big Guy."

*Direct quotes from Halo 3.

It is at this point that I realize I haven't written a disclaimer (although I find it silly to do so since this is obviously fan fiction and no money is involved).

Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the Halo universe. I can only take credit for my O(riginal) C(haracter) Jayne. This applies to all chapters preceding, this chapter, and those to follow. I write this not for profit, but for pleasure.