Chapter Two: Arrival
A loud creak issued from the bowels of the ship that loomed ahead. A dark, deep stench bellowed from the grav-lift. Two Phantoms flew into the loading bay; while one guarded the doors. The energy barriers went down and the Phantoms entered. The remaining Phantom sped off into the distance as the energy barriers went back up with a blue shimmer. A group of three Elites came out of each Phantom and circled around the loading bay.
"All clear," A Spec-Ops Elite stated.
"Alright, we're on our way out," the commander Elite spoke. "Everyone, keep on your guard. The Flood has infested this ship, and we must take it back."
"Something told me that this wasn't going to be a walk in the park," Johnson muttered.
Johnson, Keyes, the commander Elite, and the Arbiter hovered out of the Phantom and landed on the cold, chrome floor of the landing bay.
"Johnson, you and two Elites cover our six. Make sure they're in the back; they've got shields. You don't," Keyes ordered.
"Okay, ma'am," Johnson replied.
"Arbiter, if you wouldn't mind, would you take point? You can lead the way to the control room."
"Of course. Grab some weapons if you need them, and we'll be off. We don't have many human weapons on board, but we've got a large assortment of plasma weapons." The Arbiter commented.
"Let's see what we've got here." Johnson said. He walked around the Covenant container and saw the human weapons behind it. "Oh yeah, that'll do." He picked up a M90 shotgun, four frag grenades, and a couple packs of shotgun shells.
"Make sure to keep the loading bay clear," The Arbiter said to the four Spec-Ops Elites. "Commander, will you be coming with us?"
"No, Arbiter. More than likely, the Elites will need my help," The commander said. "Grab your weapons and go, quickly!"
The Arbiter went over to a Covenant weapon container and pulled an energy sword from one of the slots. He readied his Covenant Carbine and grabbed a few energy pods for it.
"Alright, we're on our way. When we secure the control room, send a couple Elites up." The Arbiter stated as he threw a BR55 battle rifle to Keyes. He walked up to Keyes and gave her four plasma grenades before running to a set of doors. The doors automatically opened as he got close to them.
"Let's go!" Keyes exclaimed. Suddenly, a group of 10 infection forms came out of the hallway that had just been exposed. The Arbiter fired multiple Carbine rounds into the infection forms, each of which popped right after they were shot. A few seconds later, all of the infection forms were dead.
"I knew the Flood had infested this ship. We will have to search the ship for any Flood before we take off, or they could spread," The Arbiter muttered and shook his head. "Come on, we should hurry."
John waited several seconds before he heard anything.
"I am an Elite," the voice declared. "I lead a large group of Elites on Delta Halo, but the Brutes destroyed my ship and captured me. I imagine that they thought they could use me for information, but I got away from the Brutes and killed several of them." The voice continued, "I thought we could team up, seeing as there isn't much hope of either of us getting out alone. Just before I was captured, I received a message from the Arbiter. He says that two humans, Johnson and Keyes, have joined him and a group of Elites. They will be attempting to recover his ship."
The door made its signature beeping noise as the lock disengaged. The door pulled up and slid into its compartments. The Master Chief readied his Carbine. The door opened to reveal the Elite that he had just been talking to.
"Demon. I never thought I'd say this, but it's good to see you." The Elite growled.
"Call me Chief, not demon. What is your name?" John stated.
"My name is 'Pulmalee," The Elite lowered his plasma rifle and scratched his head with one of his long, thin fingers. "We should be off. The armory isn't too far. We should stock up before going to Truth's room."
"Alright. Make sure to stay close, we don't know what's going to be ahead." John said.