Chapter 2:

If Things Get Ugly…

The Marines took every step with caution in four tight groups of men all taking cover behind the Scorpion or one of the Warthogs. They had been in the Convenent territory for over 2 hours and were encountering nothing. It seemed the Convenent had fled to some unknown area or were perhaps hiding in the darkness, waiting for the opportune moment. This theory or option floated among the Marines and had been floating in the tense air for the last hour as the Marines advanced without conflict. A few Marines were particularly puzzled at this seemingly non-existent mission, and others were like the Chief, happy and confident as long as they had their assault rifle by their side and a couple clips in their belts.

The pale stagnant air lingered as they advanced quiet as night through the undergrowth of the Convenent grounds. The Marines were alert and focused at all times, expecting an ambush that never came. The Sergeant had been taking stats from the info-red monitor but nothing had appeared on his screen as his team moved on. Suddenly the Sergeant received what seemed to be an extremely frightened and anxious radio call from the Commander.

"Guns up! Take cover and get ready to blow the shit out of some Convenent 'cause their advancing on you, and fast! 300 meters…200…50…They're inside 25 meters, get your God damn GUNS UP! That is an order! Sergeant? Shit! ANSWER ME!" But the Commander only heard radio interference as the Sergeant's radio was hit by an E.M.P. blast from one of the Convenent fighters' weapons. The Marines were in an ambush of over 300 Convenent enemies. The radio recovered contact 12 minutes later when many of the Marine soldiers lay motionless as others dragged them under cover. Convenent enemies washed down over them with incredible battle tactics, breaking the backs of Marines with their weapons, and some being slaughtered later on by other Marines engaged in the fierce battle, inheriting stomachs filled with searing hot lead. A nearby Marine was firing when the shouts of curses and anger filtered into his ears. He quickly made radio contact with the Commander, urgent with requests.

"Can anybody here me? Shit! Answer ME!"

"Yes, sir, we're getting wasted down here! Bring in the E-Vac, NOW!" shouted the Marine panting from the fierce battle.

"We're sending them in now son, hang in there! Get the dead and wounded under cover, and hang in their son!"

"Don't mind if I do, Sir. See you in 5 then!" concluded the Marine as he mercilessly bashed an Elite over the head, losing contact as the radio shattered over the it's head. He then shot it in the back.

"Hang in their boys, E-Vac's coming, we're getting the hell out of this war zone!" shouted the Marine as he filled another Grunt full of lead.

About seven minutes later the Marines and Convenent were nearly swept off their feet as a huge gust of wind swept over the battle field. Flying quickly from the mounted chain gun of a large ship which had the word 'E-VAC' painted onto its side, was hot lead. Over the remaining Convenent forces is swept, saving the remaining Marines from complete annihilation. The ramp opened at the back of the enormous ship, attracting the remaining Convenent forces sprinting toward the ship. These were attempting to board undetected, but were beaten to it by the remaining 47 Marines and were shot down at once. Even the last couple of aliens clinging to the edges of the on-ramp were de-fingered as several bullets grazed the tops of their knuckles. Each and every one of the exhausted soldiers was panting with beads of sweat dripping from their faces. Some even had open wounds which were spilling blood, but the battered soldiers showed no pain or care for their wounds. The Marines had escaped the vicious battle, although not victorious, but blood still pumped in their vanes, sustaining their lives.

22:38 hours…

P.S.- Ummmmm… bah! I'll write more later. Until then, I hope you like!