The man ran his hand through his hair.
"I see your familiar with me," Ackerson hissed.
"Yah. You're the guy with all the propaganda against all the Spartans," Dylan yelled, "It must have been a hell of a surprise after they were such a success."
Ackerson shot a glare at Dylan. His eyes filled wit hateful rage. Dylan took a quite step back. The Captain changed the subject.
"Sir, what brings you up here?" the Captain asked.
Ackerson calmed down and looked toward the Captain.
"Personal safety," the Colonel said," ONI feels that I am to valuable to fall into enemy hands."
"Really," the Captain said in disbelief.
"Yes, really," Ackerson smirked.
The marines and the Captain removed their helmets and holstered their weapons. Ackerson's men put down their weapons and cleared the way.
"So what brings you here," Ackerson asked.
"My ship was destroyed. We came here in search of food an fuel so that we can get back to Earth," the Captain replied.
"Interesting," Ackerson mumbled, "Very well, my men will fix your Pelican and stock up your food supply. In the mean time, why not stay here. My men will escort you to your rooms."
Before they could say anything four guards surrounded the marines and escorted them down the hall. They led them to a large room with several bunks in a straight line.
"The showers are down the hall Captain," one of the guards said, "The Colonel expects you for dinner in two hours."
The Captain nodded and walked in. The marines removed their pressure suits and hung them on the wall. The sergeant squeezed his burnt arm and winced in pain. He pulled out a medical kit that he found on the wall and sprayed some bio-foam on his arm. He wrapped a bandage around it and closed the medical kit. He sat up on his bunk and turned to face the Captain.
"Some thing ain't right about all this," the Sergeant said.
"What do you mean Sergeant?" the Captain asked.
"You know, the whole thing about his protection and stuff. It doesn't seem credible," answered the Sergeant.
"Yah, if you ask me he's hiding something,' Kenny added.
"And how do you know that, Private," the Sergeant asked.
"The way he talks to the Captain. The way he looks at us," Kenny replied.
"Not to mention he has a stare that could kill a man," Dylan added.
"Ohh, so know you're the Psychologist, Washington," the Sergeant yelled from across the room.
"Well, not to mention that this is supposed to be a abandoned warehouse, and the fact that we just had the most guns pointed at us at one time ever," Kenny said with a chuckle.
"He's right, Ackerson should be in Sydney not here," the Captain said.
Jacobson thought back to what he found in the crate. What was Ackerson doing with those files? He thought for a moment.
"You alright Captain," asked the Sergeant.
The Captain snapped out of it.
"Yes I'm fine," he said.
"Well if it's not a problem with you guys," Dylan said with a smile, " I'm hitting the shower."
"Two minutes, Private," the Sergeant yelled.
"They never gave us a time limit, Sarge," Dylan yelled back," Might as well take advantage off the hospitality."
"That's why you're still a private, Clarke," the Sergeant yelled.
Jacobson pulled out his data pad from his pocket and turned it on.
"I was beginning to think you forgot about me," Archimedes said, "It's quite crowded in here.
"Sorry, Archimedes, you'll have to bare with it for now. I need you to do me a favor," the Captain said.
"What is it sir," Archimedes said.
"I need you to hack this facilities main frame. Try to be covert. The last thing we need is Ackerson's goons all over us," The Captain said.
"Yes sir. Don't worry I picked up a few hacking tips from Cortana," Archimedes laughed," All those times Cortana screwed around with my Riemann cycling thought matrix I studied her every move and actually stole some of her hacking software while she wasn't paying attention.
"You can brag about it later, Archimedes, now go," the Captain ordered.
Archimedes disappeared from his data pad. The Captain slipped it into his pocket and headed for the showers. The water was surprisingly warm and the Captain cherished every last drop. The Captain finished and walked back to the room to find a neatly folded ceremonial outfit for him. Jacobson put on the uniform and straitened it out. He put the ornamented cap on and proceeded to the door. He walked down the hallway were he was met by two guards who lead him to a large and elegant room. A giant chandelier hung above a large mahogany table.
"Please sit down," said Ackerson from across the room.
Ackerson sat at a large chair, which was in front of a large glass wall. Earth could be seen from it, along with the debris from the destroyed ships and stations. Ackerson faced the captain and filled up a glass of scotch, which he downed in one gulp.
"A little too nice for the military, wouldn't you say," said the Captain.
The Colonel didn't say anything. He leaned on the table and looked at the Captain.
"So, what brings you all the way out here," Ackerson asked.
"Our ship was sent to scout out these vectors. We were ambushed," Jacobson answered.
"I see," Ackerson said.
Several guards walked in with silver platters containing shrimp, lobster and turkey. They placed a plate in front of Ackerson and Jacobson. Jacobson pushed the plate away.
"With all do respect sir, I have to get back to Earth. I can't be here enjoying myself," he said.
Ackerson got up. A crooked smile came across his face. He turned to face the large window behind him. Several large pieces of smoldering metal were moved to one area.
"You see that over there," Ackerson started, "That was a horrible incident and do you know what I blame."
"No sir," Jacobson answered.
"That was the result of poor planning," Ackerson roared, "If ONI had invested in my projects instead of Dr. Hasley's Spartans, we would have blown every last Covenant ship out of the sky."
"Sir, the Spartans sacrificed themselves to save Humanity. I think they deserve more respect than your giving them," Jacobson answered.
"Open your eyes, Captain," yelled the Colonel as he slammed his fist into the table, "Reach is gone and Earth on the brink of destruction, the Spartans did nothing to stop that. They just barely slowed the Covenant down and ate up our budget. Not to mention that the one Spartan that every one put their hope in to stop the Covenant on earth has disappeared."
Ackerson straightened his cloths and sat back down. He filled up another glass with scotch and took a sip.
Soon the guards returned and cleaned up the table. Jacobson walked back to the room were he found all the marines playing cards or checking their gear. The Captain sat down on the bunk and pulled out his data pad. It flickered to life and Archimedes's voice rang out.
"Sir, I think I've found something," Archimedes said.
"What is it," the Captain asked.
"Well sir I tapped into Ackerson's personal files and found several folders with information on the Spartan project," Archimedes answered.
"It probably has to do with his obsession over them," Jacobson replied.
"Did I forget to mention that these are top secret files from ONI CASTLE base," Archimedes announced.
Jacobson cocked his eyebrow. What was Ackerson doing with top-secret files from ONI?
"What's in these folders," asked Jacobson.
"DNA codes of every Spartan that survived augmentation, X-rays, schematics of the MJOLNIR armor and more," said Archimedes.
"What else did you find," asked Jacobson.
"I also found an unmapped area of the base. It wasn't in the files you gave me," Archimedes replied.
"Fishy wouldn't you say. Were you able to get inside," inquired Jacobson.
"No sir, There were layers of encryption. I was not able to get in. Maybe if I had direct contact with the door I could get it open," Archimedes said.
"Then we will have to check it out our selves," Jacobson muttered, "Marines suit up."
The marines snapped to attention and grabbed their gear. Jacobson briefed them on the situation and led them out the door. This mission had to be covert. The last thing needed was Ackerson's goons all over them.
"Archimedes, I need the camera's taken care of," Jacobson whispered.
Archimedes paused for a second and assured the Captain that the cameras were off line. The marines walked through the many corridors and reached the place that Archimedes pointed them to. There were two guards standing by a locked door. The marines marched up to them.
"Sorry sir, this area is off limits to those without authorization," said the first guard.
"Here's your authorization," muttered Kenny as he slammed his fist into the first guards fore head.
The other guard tried to raise his rifle but was too late. The butt of rifle knocked him across his face and he collapsed onto the floor. Private Moody dragged the bodies out of the way. The Captain then put his data pad to the locked door. In an instant the two doors parted with a loud hiss and the group walked in. Inside were several cyro tubes lined up next to each other in a neat row. The marines split up and looked at each individual one. By each one was a control panel and a smaller tube with the liquid that Jacobson found in the crate.
"Sir, I think you might want to take a look at this," yelled one of the marines.
Jacobson walked up to one of the tubes and looked inside. He wiped some of the condensation that was covering his view away and stood in shock. Inside was a seven foot-tall man with brown hair and blue eyes. Several silver streaks lined his head.
"Archimedes, I want you to figure out what's in those tubes," Jacobson yelled.
"Sir, those tubes are cloning tanks," Archimedes said puzzled, "Looks like Ackerson found a way to improve flash cloning."
"That's what he was doing with those ONI files," Jacobson mumbled.
"Sir, if Ackerson is cloning Spartans that only helps us," said Moody.
"It's only a question of whether or not it's authorized," said Jacobson.
The Captain waved for all the marines to leave the room. The quietly snuck around to were the Pelican was docked. Davies stood next to it and gave instructions to the mechanics around him. He saluted the Captain as he walked by.
"Davies, I need you to get me a secure line to Admiral Hood," ordered Jacobson.
"I can try sir," Davies answered as he walked to cockpit.
Davies pressed a few buttons, which were followed by the hiss of static.
"Now that I have more power I think I can try to…"
Davies was interrupted by Admiral Hood's voice, which boomed on the speakers.
"State your name and rank please," Said the Admiral.
"This is Captain Matthew Jacobson. We have a problem," Jacobson whispered on to the microphone.
"Jacobson, your alive. We thought you went down with the Leviathan," Hood said.
"We're fine. Admiral, what do you know about Ackerson's whereabouts," Jacobson asked.
"He is stationed in Sydney," answered the Admiral.
"That's not the situation here," Jacobson relied.
"What is your location," Hood asked.
"UNSC moon base," Jacobson answered.
Jacobson heard the admiral yell something across the room.
"We will take care of the situation," the admiral said.
"Another thing, Admiral. Did you authorize the cloning of the Spartans," the Captain asked.
No answer came from the admiral.
"Sir, can you hear me," asked Jacobson.
"Yes Captain. This is the last straw. I want you to arrest Ackerson for treason. Then I want you to hold Ackerson at your location until a ship arrives to pick you up," yelled the Admiral.
"Yes sir," the Captain said as he flipped the switch to turn off the radio. He turned to Davies.
"Stay here. Keep the guards distracted," the Captain said.
Davies nodded. The captain unbuttoned his holster and gripped his sidearm. He walked back to the barracks and immediately briefed the marines. The marines prepared themselves. The squad stormed down the hallways. When they reached Ackerson's office the Captain gently knocked on the door. There was no answer. The Captain took a few steps back and sent a powerful kick into the door. The door broke in two and toppled on the floor with a large crash as the marines and the Captain stormed in weapons drawn. Ackerson sat at his desk with a puzzled look.
"What is the meaning of this," Ackerson yelled as he stood up and slammed his fist into the table.
"Sit down," said the Captain.
"Excuse me," Ackerson's eyes locked on to the Captain.
"Sit down," yelled the Captain as he raised his pistol higher.
Ackerson slowly sat down and slipped his hand under neat his desk. He felt around until he felt a slope and then jabbed his finger against it. A red light glowed from the object.
"Colonel Ackerson," Jacobson continued," You are charged with treason against the United Nations Space Corps and are under arrest under the order of Admiral Terrence Hood."
Ackerson scowled as his face turned red with anger and rage. He discreetly reached for his drawer and slowly opened it. He silently slipped his hand and shuffled through some paper until he felt the rubber grip of a magnum. He quickly brought it up and fired a single round. The shot tore through the marine next to the Captain. The marine crumbled to the floor in a pool of his own blood. In an instant the Captain leapt over the desk and grabbed the Colonel wrist in an attempt to wrench the weapon from his hand. Several of Ackerson's guards entered the room with there rifles drawn the marines turned to face the squad.
"Drop your weapons," yelled The Sergeant as he gripped his rifle. The guards stood there un-sure of their next move.
"I said drop them," yelled the Sergeant again this time slowly squeezing the trigger.
One of the guards lifted his rifle towards the Sergeant. The squad of marines opened fire and tore through the squad. Meanwhile the Captain and Ackerson continued their struggle. The Colonel dropped his weapon and twisted the Captains arm behind his back, however the Captain broke free and sent a powerful kick to his ribs. Ackerson gasped as he lost his balance and fell against the wall. He regained his strength and slammed his fist into the Captains face. Jacobson clutched his nose and returned the punch, which threw Ackerson against the floor. The Captain wiped some blood of his face and grabbed the Colonel by his collar. He pushed Ackerson against the wall and brought his magnum up aiming it squarely at his forehead. He pressed the magnum deeper into Ackerson's head.
Two cords flew through the air and hit the Captain in his chest. Pain shot through his body as he convulsed from the electricity. He fell to his knees and crashed face first into the ground. He groggily looked up in time to see the marines restrained and thrown against the floor.
The room spun around and darkness filled his vision.