Stage 11: The Dark side of Troy
Covenant Cruiser: Life and Sacrifice
Slip Space time difference 4 hours:
17:49 October 21, 2552
Slip Space to elite home world; Dorenth
Massive strength, four fingers, seven feet tall, and quick reflexes; the elite warrior is a formidable foe for any Spartan to tussle with. Their complex mind is war torn, battle ready and always sharp. They never seem to relax in battle, always watchful, always ready, and impressively knowledgeable of combat. If God created a creature of war, the elite is that creature.
No ordinary man, short of being a Spartan, would dare stand face to face with these alien creatures without a weapon, but Eric Raynord was no ordinary man. He challenged the beast directly, showing no fear, no apprehension or doubt. He knew his limits, he knew his strength and he knew going up against the elite was not the smartest idea, but someone needed to put Gridolee in his place. Eric was very much aware that the other elites would continue to berate this aggressive warrior known as Gridolee, but only force would calm his hostility. Only a human could slow his furry and feed his blood lust. Eric didn't want to, but it wasn't the first time he had rumbled with an elite head-to-head.
Gridolee was the largest elite on the ship, and by far the most aggressive. Then there was also the added bonus of his training within the Mirratord. Gridolee was not only massive and far stronger then most elites, he was also agile, quick, and skilled at hand to hand combat.
Eric quietly wished that he were a full Spartan. The added speed and strength would be useful, but for now he would have to hope his own enhancements would be enough.
Gridolee landed the first blow, a deadly strike that slammed across Eric's shoulder. The blow sent Eric to one side of the room; slamming forcefully against the wall. Gridolee roared as he dashed across the room, thinking that the Sergeant would be easily subdued.
Eric turned his head and glared at the elite that was bearing down on him. His vision began to sharpen, his eyes focused and he pushed the pain from his shoulder into the depths of his mind. The harder he focused on the elite the more everything appeared to be moving in slow motion. He could see things clearly, he could hear his own heart racing and he quickly ducked Gridolee's massive fist. Eric planted his foot firmly on the ground and opened the palm of his right hand. Gridolee swung madly, and blindly at Eric, but missed completely as Eric ducked and countered with the open palm of his hand.
He struck Gridolee square in the center of his head, between the elite's eyes, with his open palm. Eric used the full length of his arm, not just his hand strength. The combined speed and force of the blow was like a piston striking concrete. Gridolee's head rocked backward and he groaned deeply. Eric wished he had a Spartan's strength because the blow he hit the elite with would have surely knocked it off of its feet. Eric pulled his hand back and timed his next move. On cue Gridolee began to return his head to its normal level and Eric jumped into the air; raising his knee toward the base of the elite's skull. Contact… or so Eric thought. Eric took notice that Gridolee had crossed his arms under his chin and blocked his blow.
"Shit." Eric cursed. Gridolee gripped Eric's leg and flung him against the wall. Eric's lungs flattened from the impact and all the air exploded violently out of his lungs. He felt the urge to pass out, but gathered his composure. He couldn't breathe, and knew that the elite wouldn't give him a time out.
Gridolee was far too strong and much quicker then Eric believed possible. The only option to beating him was speed, and patients. He charged again and Eric waited. With each passing moment Eric tried to inhale, but searing pain filled his chest each time. He couldn't breathe because of the sudden shock to his lungs. Short breaths were all he could manage for now. Eventually his breathing would regulate, but he couldn't wait. Gridolee lunged across the room, catching Eric slightly off guard. He was thinking the elite would throw punches or kick, not dive at him.
Eric tried to side step Gridolee's approach, but the elite stretched his arms wide and caught Eric by the arm. This was bad, and panic gripped Eric. Gridolee pulled him in and slammed his fist into Eric's back. Eric screamed and tried to pull away, to little affect. Gridolee then gripped Eric around the waist and lifted him off the ground.
What was he thinking? Eric pleaded in his own mind. How could he possibly think he could beat this monster? Eric soon found himself weightless as Gridolee forcefully began to throw him backwards toward the deck.
"No!" Eric screamed. The shout caught Gridolee's attention as he forcefully throttled Eric toward the floor. Eric quickly took advantage of Gridolee's loose grip and turned over. He raised his arms and braced himself before hitting the deck. With a solid thud Eric landed, absorbing the majority of the fall with his arms. Gridolee added more pressure by pushing down, but Eric held firm. There was a sudden explosion of pain in the back of his neck and Eric's body quickly went numb. He could still feel but any form of pain in his body quickly vanished. He sprang to his feet, smoothly raising his right fist, and caught Gridolee in the chest. The elite groaned, wincing in pain. He kicked out, striking Eric in the stomach. Eric was tossed across the room again, but felt no pain. He hit the opposite wall of the room and repelled off of it; dashing at full speed toward Gridolee. Gridolee swung wildly, missing as Eric dodged and blocked with his left arm. Eric then used his momentum and once again struck Gridolee between the eyes with his open palm. Eric's momentum carried him forward and he locked his elbow and pushed harder into Gridolee's head using extra force from his shoulder. Once Eric's back foot landed on the ground and he pressed even harder with the full weight of his body.
The two warriors tumbled and rolled to the ground. Gridolee grabbed Eric's hand and tossed him over his head and he once again slammed into the wall.
Gridolee slowly stood to his feet. His face throbbed and his mind was slowly fading as consciousness began to slip away. The human had wounded him greatly, and the pain was coursing down his spine. The blow to his face had reared his head back so suddenly, and violently, that Gridolee's spine had compressed. Gridolee dropped to one knee, cursing to himself in his own tongue. His aggression had blinded him and he failed to judge the human's abilities. His legs were becoming numb and his thoughts clouded as the pain began to intensify. He looked up and spotted the human charging at him again.
"Focus." Gridolee thought to himself. "This human has strength, but he is nothing compared to the Demon. I must focus, remember my training and push aside the pain."
Eric kicked out with his foot and Gridolee grabbed it with little effort. He pulled Eric closer and gripped his neck with his left hand. Eric was stunned at the sudden fluid speed Gridolee had displayed. He hadn't seen the elite react and was caught off guard by the fluid movements. It quickly dawned on him that Gridolee was beginning to take him seriously.
Everything about the elite had changed. His movement, his breathing, his stance and his posture were all different. He held Eric in his hand and slowly began to squeeze his throat like a vice. Eric grabbed his arm and violent began to struggle to get free, but he couldn't escape the elite's hold. Gridolee then brought up his free hand, and with both hands he squeezed tighter and tighter.
Eric felt darkness consume him. He felt light headed rapidly and new that this wasn't a good thing. He was stupid for trying to fight the elite in such a small room, stupid for thinking he could best something twice his size and speed, but he wasn't going to give up.
He grabbed Gridolee's arms and lifted his legs. The sudden shift in weight forced Gridolee to bend over as Eric's back rested against the floor, but the elite never released Eric from the death grip. Eric wrapped his legs around Gridolee's arms as his vision faded. He could no longer see the elite's face, but he knew it was there. With his left foot he felt for Gridolee's head, and when he found it he used his left foot as a guide for his right foot.
The first blow sent a mind numbing surge throughout Gridolee's body. The size eleven boot felt as though it had gone through his brain, but it was nothing compared to the second blow he felt. Eric's right foot impacted Gridolee's head with such force that Eric pushed himself free and sent Gridolee backwards; slamming into the opposite wall.
Gridolee felt tremendous pain in every inch of his body. His face felt numb, his back screamed, and even his feet seemed to feel the blow. He opened his eyes and couldn't focus, his vision was staggered. He tried to gaze at the human lying across from him, but all he could see was the silhouette image of Eric lying on the floor. Gridolee could no longer stand the pain. It had been too long since he had last used his Mirratord teachings on how to ignore pain, and now he was suffering for his lack of training. He slumped against the wall and slowly slid to the ground as consciousness escaped him.
For Eric, the moment Gridolee's grip left Eric's throat there was a sudden surge of blood back into his head. This caused several actions to take place. First his brain shut down so that no damage would occur, then his body dispersed the blood to other areas, and his heart stopped for a moment so that the sudden pressure change wouldn't force the blood to build up in his head. Essentially, he blacked out.
"It's over." Siren stated in the hallway that Rose and Melanie were running down. "Life signs are weak but Eric is alive. His Neural Lace is responding and sending a clear signal. I can't tell if the elite is dead or alive, but he's hurt."
"Good for Eric." Rose pleaded as she increased her pace. "How much further?"
"A few more corners and you will be there." Siren replied. "Medical teams are on the way."
"What's Eric's vitals?" Melanie questioned as she turned a corner at full stride, going fast enough so that Rose could keep up.
"Blood pressure is through the roof, heart rate is slow; most likely compensating for the high pressure." Siren stated as she mentally scanned Eric's vital signs via his Neural Lace. "He's losing blood through the ears and nose, dislocated shoulder, broken right foot, two cracked ribs, lung damage… I think I'll stop, but the list goes on." Her voice was panicked as she listed his injuries.
"Jesus." Rose stated.
"He'll be fine." Melanie stated. "He's been through worse."
They reached the door just as the medical team arrived, along with four grunts, and another elite bearing red armor. The marine's medical team quickly sprinted toward Eric and cautiously stretched him out as Siren spoke to each of them through their personal com links. She told each of them the severity of his injures as they struggled to stabilize him.
The elite and the four grunts quickly ran over to Gridolee. One of the grunts connected a small device to Gridolee's black armor and it began to list information about his injuries. The red elite looked back at the humans and shook his head with doubt.
"How is it that this human could do such damage to one with such skill as the lieutenant?" The elite mumbled. The grunts quickly placed two metal rods beneath Gridolee, and there was a soft hum as a purple light began to connect the two poles. The light began to intensify as the grunts lifted Gridolee from the ground and started walking from the room. The red elite followed, giving no further concern to Eric.
Rose gently began to wipe the blood from Eric's ears and nose as the medics strapped Eric to one of the covenant stretchers. The purple light engulfed him and he was lifted from the floor.
"Yeah, he's been through a lot worse." Melanie stated. The medical team cautiously carried Eric from the room as Melanie and Rose followed.
"Captain." Siren stated through the bridge intercom. "Both Lieutenant Gridolee and Sergeant Raynord are being sent to the temporary infirmary. The medical teams will do what they can."
"Who was the victor, construct?" Domadree questioned. The other elites on the bridge, as well as Red Squad, were also eager to hear the results.
"Both and neither." Siren returned.
"Explain." Domadree stated. The command crew and Red Squad eagerly listening.
"They did a job on each other, there was no clear victor." Siren stated. "Each suffered substantial injuries, but neither of them walked away from the fight. They are both unconscious and being given medical attention."
"I see." Domadree stated. He then ventured off into his own thoughts saying, "I was correct in having my suspicions of the Sergeant. Gridolee's strength was clear, but the Sergeant must have something special about him. No normal human can compare to the strength, or skill, of an elite."
The temporary infirmary on the command deck was bustling with activity. Wounded elites from the first battle against the brutes were still being attended to by other elites and grunts that had been trained for medical situations. The room itself was fairly large in size, and chairs and tables from around the deck were brought in. A curtain was erected in order to divide the room into two sections. When Gridolee was brought into the room he was quickly attended to by the grunts and elites. As a senior officer, his rank garnered him respect and honor, so all other injured warriors would have to wait to be treated. Eric received the same respect from his human medical team when he was brought in.
Wesley slowly sat up as he realized who was being brought into the room. He ignored the activity on the other side of the curtain, but quickly took notice of Eric. Several other wounded marines also took notice.
"Blood pressure is down." A medic stated. "I'm going to reset his shoulder." The medic gripped Eric's arm and began to pull, but to his amazement he couldn't pull Eric's arm free from the socket.
"You better let me help." Melanie stated as she walked through the curtain. She placed her gun on an empty table and stood beside the medic. She quickly gripped Eric's shoulder while the medic placed a hand on his shoulder joint. Melanie gave Eric's arm a long tug and eventually it shifted back into place.
"I don't think I've seen a muscle so tense before." The medic stated. "How did you do that?"
"You'll find that Eric and I are full of surprises." Melanie smiled.
"Chief Warrant Officer, it would appear that you are now in command." Siren stated into the com system.
"What?" Rose questioned oddly. She walked closer to Eric and placed a hand on his shoulder while Wesley watched; keeping silent in his chair.
"Eric's orders were for Wesley and Melanie to take command, but Wesley is still not stable." Siren replied. Wesley sat up right, curious at the statement.
"I'm fine." He shouted. Rose turned and noticed Wesley sitting in the corner. She quickly walked over, looking confused.
"What happened to you?" Rose questioned. Wesley wanted to smile, he hadn't seen Rose show this much concern for him in a long time. He liked the attention.
"Another victim of Gridolee." Siren commented.
"That elite bastard got to Eric too?" Wesley curiously questioned toward Siren's statement.
"Don't worry, kid." Melanie returned. "The sarge left a few scars on him as well. Take a look on the other side of the curtain." Wesley stood and walked to the curtain, pulling it slightly to the side, and saw the massive elite lying on the table as grunts tended to his wounds. Wesley began to tremble as he gazed at the elite. Memories flashed back to his forefront and he began to panic. That was the monster that nearly killed him. The elite was monstrous in size and build, bigger then any elite he had ever seen. Another elite in red armor saw Wesley looking through the curtain and slowly walked toward him. Shock quickly surged through Wesley as the elite approached. He was afraid, terrified to move. He wanted to scream but couldn't. The elite reached out and took the curtain from Wesley's hand and closed and closed it
Wesley hung his head and steadied his breathing. He was then startled as Rose placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Come back and sit down." She said calmly. Wesley looked around the room and saw that everyone was looking at him, and they had all seen him loose it. "It's okay." Rose stated calmly.
"As I said, Wesley is not stable." Siren repeated. "Melanie, you're in command until the sergeant recovers. Which shouldn't be long, a day maybe."
"What the hell?" A medic awkwardly questioned. "What is this?" The medic had removed Eric's shirt and armor and saw that his body was scarred horribly. Long scars ran up the length of his arms and his chest.
"The scars are clean, and old." Another medic stated. "There was extensive laser surgery on nearly every quarter of his body. What could have happened to him to need this much work?"
"Like I said," Melanie commented. "Eric and I have our secrets." Melanie rolled up her sleeve and exposed her arm, showing the same form of scars.
"Eric." Rose stated with a gasp. She left Wesley and walked to the table where Eric laid. She rubbed her hand across his arm and chest scars.
"What happened to you two?" Rose questioned as she turned to Melanie. Melanie smiled and sat in a nearby chair. The medics returned to working on Eric but their attention was clearly on Melanie. She took off her helmet and relaxed.
"We trusted the military more then we should have." Melanie calmly stated.
UNSC Medical Facility
January 12, 2539
Colony world: Troy
"If you think that we have the potential to succeed then do it! I don't care about Halsey and her freaks. My project has the potential to go well beyond them in only a fraction of the time. Do whatever needs to be done, but get the studies completed ASAP. I won't a full report on my desk in three weeks, or you can kiss your career goodbye!"
The video feed faded leaving a lone woman pondering what she had heard. The woman gazed into the blank screen for a moment in order to gather her thoughts, and her composure. She then stood and kicked the base of the monitor with all of her force. The small machine tumbled to the floor, spilling paper and pens in all directions. She smirked at the mess and stormed out of her office. The door closed behind her and she slipped her hand into the pockets of her jacket.
"Ackerson, you pompous jerk." She mumbled to herself. "But I guess I'm a fool for bringing it up." She walked down the hall and entered a secured section of the UNSC medical facility. "How many of these experiments are you conducting around the galaxy? There is no way that the UNSC Special Weapons committee would approve of these actions. I never should have mentioned this idea."
She rounded a corner and before her was an open ledge over looking a two-way mirrored ceiling. She could clearly see everything and everyone in the room below, but they could not see her above them. There, beneath her watchful eyes, sat twenty-five men and twenty-five women. Fifty of the best soldiers stationed on Troy. But these marines and ODST's never attended any military schools. The brass would never let their future prospects sign up for experiments such as this. These soldiers were men and women that had volunteered to join the military; grunts. When battle would come, they would be sent in as cannon fodder against the Covenant horde.
As she looked down at the fifty humans beneath her, the woman realized that their lives were in her hands. They were awake, talking to each other and trying not to think about the duties they were about to perform. They had been thoroughly sanitized and wore nothing but standard hospital garments. The men wore loose fitting paper shorts while the women wore similar shorts and paper tops. The paper tops the women had to ware were too small for some of the more buxom women, in which case they had to fold their arms across their chest to keep themselves from being exposed. The silliness of the paper garments was a running joke to them all, but they didn't complain.
They were a mixed group of soldiers and most of them didn't live on Troy. As the Covenant threat came closer and closer, the UNSC began to ship soldiers to Troy from all corners of the inner colonies, including Earth. In this group sat four such earthlings. Privates Eric Raynord, Kim Peters, Melanie Peters, and Ralph Wiggum sat close to each other and struggled hard against ripping the garments off of each other. During their dorm days in college, such clothes would have easily been used as fuel for practical jokes. Together they had fought and killed many of the Covenant invaders while they did their tour of duty in the outer colonies, but always they were forced to retreat. This group was lucky because they escaped death on many occasions, only to do it again. That was a quality that the researchers wanted to see; they wanted survivors.
"Doctor?" A man said as he looked toward the woman. She was startled out of her gaze and turned to see the man that had addressed her. He stood near a door leading into the lower room where the soldiers were socializing.
"You may begin." The women stated. The man sighed and lowered his head as he turned and walked through the door. "May God have mercy on my soul."
The doctor walked into the room and addressed the soldiers before him, "Atten-hut!" An older volunteer stated across the room. They all snapped to attention quickly while quickly running back to the front of their beds.
"At ease." The doctor stated as he walked down the isle. He looked at each face as he slowly walked down the center of the room. His eye naturally glanced upward at the reflective mirror, knowing that the head doctor was up there watching. He then turned and addressed the group.
"It gives me a great sense of joy to tell you this." The doctor stated with a smile. "We have been given a clear signal to begin the procedure. Your efforts here will ensure the success of humanity in the future, as we push back these Covenant invaders." The group of soldiers all smiled and nodded happily. "On behalf of everyone you have met during your stay, I say thank you for volunteering." The side door to the room opened and several doctors and nurses entered the room with metal carts filled with syringes.
"We will begin immediately." The doctor stated with a forced smile. "If you will all lay at your assigned bed, a nurse will begin your treatments." The doctor looked up once again, starring at the reflection above. She was watching, he knew that she was watching and listening to every word that was said. Her research was about to be implemented, and despite the success ratio, she was told to do it anyway. The man lowered his head, consumed in the horror of what was about to be done, and how he just lied to fifty people that believed they would be the next generation of Spartans. He looked up and gazed into the eyes of a well-toned black man. He walked closer to the man's bed and looked at his chart.
"Private Eric Raynord." The doctor read to himself. "South America, Mexico, Earth. You're a long way from home, Private." The doctor mumbled.
"I'll go as far as I need to in order to stop the covenant." Eric replied.
"Oh, sorry, I must have been thinking out loud." The doctor added. A nurse quickly walked up to Eric and injected him with an old fashioned syringe. The needle worked its way into Eric's arm, and the nurse slowly injected him with its contents.
"So how long before we can all get back into the fight?" Eric questioned as the nurse walked away. He was already beginning to feel the affects of the drug. The doctor's conscious quickly got the better of him and he leaned closer to Eric.
He then whispered, "I'm sorry." The doctor then turned and walked away. Eric was puzzled by the words, curious as to why the doctor would apologize. The drugs were quickly beginning to take affect and he was finding it harder and harder to stay conscious. He watched as several of the doctors and nurses began to roll the beds of several soldiers out of the room. He then noticed another nurse run into the room with red and blue bands in her hands. She quickly walked to every bed and wrapped the bands around the unconscious soldiers wrists. She approached Eric and placed a blue band on his left wrist. He followed the nurse for as long as he could and watched as she placed a blue band on Kim and Melanie. She then reached Ralph and placed a red band on his wrist. Eric felt concern that his friend was marked differently but his concerns were quickly forgotten as the drugs rendered him unconscious.
High above the room, and peering closely through the two-way mirror, the doctor sat quietly and absorbed the overall actions of the fifty soldiers. She took mental notes of all them and wrote down several important facts on her data pad. Her focus quickly turned to the one soldier that took the longest to be rendered unconscious. She pressed in the location of his bed into her data pad.
"Eric Raynord." She stated curiously. "A private from Earth." She then entered a number into her data pad beside his name.
"Doctor, the first test subject is ready." A nurse stated over the hallway communication system. The doctor turned and walked toward the main operating room. As she entered she was quickly aided by one of the nurses. After dressing in her surgical uniform she walked closer to the body of the ODST that was first to be brought in. On his left wrist was a red band.
"Does the first one have to be red?" The head doctor questioned to herself. She walked to the unconscious man and gazed at him.
"Doctor, I recommend not looking at him." The male doctor stated. "It will only add to the difficulty at hand. You should know this. He's marked as Red, we need to move on."
"You're right." She replied. "Test Subject one, male, age 22. Beginning muscle enhancement study on heart, lungs, chest, and upper back."
"Yes doctor." The man replied with a soft sigh. After twenty minutes of operating the man sat up from the blood soaked table. His brow filled with sweat, as a nurse dabbed him with a soft dry cloth. "Time, twenty minutes. First test was a success. Muscles responded well to treatment, but cellular collapse accord. Test subject died at 0840. We're ready for the second test subject."
"Data recorded." The lead doctor stated. Her heart filled with remorse. In clinical terms, she and her staff had just committed murder. Her studies needed reliable data, and only from extensive research on living healthy soldiers would the best results be found. "I'll perform the next procedure doctor. You look as though you could use a moment to breath." A cold lump was in her throat. She didn't want to do this, but if her findings were accurate, they could have stronger and faster soldiers in the war before the end of the month. This was her duty and these men and women were giving their lives for the advancement of humanity.
"Thank you doctor." The man replied, his face pale from the shock of what he had just done. He turned and a nurse removed his bloody gloves and garment. He was then aided with clean garments as the woman passed her data pad to him to record the information. As the body atop the first bed was rolled out, another living subject was brought in, a young woman wearing a red wristband. The male doctor looked the woman over and lowered his eyes as he saw the red wristband. "Red for test subject and blue for application. 25 will die, and hopefully 25 will live." The doctor thought to himself.
"Test Subject two, female, age 22. Beginning muscle enhancement study on heart, lungs, chest, and upper back." The female doctor stated. She never looked at the woman's face, never raised her head away from the location she was studying. Soon, another soldier's life was taken in the name of research.
After ten hours of surgery the first 25 tests were complete. The data gathered would be used to enhance the muscle application to the remaining 25 soldiers. Which were being cautiously monitored in a separate room. They were all sedated and being slowly given a drug that would aid them in acquiring the muscle enhancements.
"Two hour break everyone." The female doctor stated as her aids quickly removed her bloody garments. "I'll be in my office if anyone needs me." The female doctor stormed out of the room, with her data pad in hand. Once she exited the operating room, she began to run up the stairs and entered her office. The door closed behind her and she stood motionless for several seconds. Darkness encompassed the room as she gathered her thoughts.
"Don't loose it now." She sternly roared to herself. "I have two hours. Two hours to study and prepare for the first patient. I can't let any more of them die. I won't kill any more of them." She walked further into the room and the lights automatically began to power on. She sat at her desk and focused on the data pad in her hand. The men and women she had just killed were now just stats and data to her, and she knew she had to keep it that way otherwise she would loose her focus.
"Chief Betty." The doctor stated in her desk communicator.
"Yes doctor?" The head technician replied.
"According to my notes, the subjects' hearts begin to tear themselves apart once we begin to revive them." The doctor stated. "Begin administering a mild counter agent now. That should prevent that from happening."
"Sure thing doctor." Betty replied. She turned and looked at the 25 heavily sedated soldiers and silently sighed. All of them were connected to breathing masks and several intravenous tubes connected to their arms. She motioned for another nurse to come closer. She pressed several buttons on her main terminal and the contents of the IV's changed. Soon a pink colored material flowed down the line. "Doctor, the counter agent is being supplied. We will begin checking the patients for side affects."
"Thank you Betty." The doctor replied. "Notify me immediately if there are any adverse affects."
"Yes doctor." Betty replied. "And doctor, what happened to the first 25? Did we really loose them all?" The doctor blanked out for a moment as she thought how to answer the question. She could only gaze at the communicator blankly.
The doctor didn't know how to reply. She leaned closer and simply whispered, "Yes."
"I'm sure you did all that you could to save them doctor." Betty replied over the communicator. Along with several other nurses, Betty checked the unconscious group of soldiers, each of them wearing the blue wristband. "We learn from them and we move on."
"Thank you Betty, keep me posted." The doctor terminated the com link, and feverishly gazed back into her data.
Two days came and went, and the surgeries were complete. Eric sluggishly opened his eyes and peered at the ceiling above him. His body was numb, his mouth was stuffed with a tube to aid his breathing and the room was filled with activity. He could here the voices of several people happily talking beside him. He wanted to turn his head, but his body didn't respond.
"Doctor, another one is awake." A woman's voice stated. Eric couldn't see the woman that spoke.
"Who is it Betty?" A voice replied.
"Black Op 19." Betty replied. "Eric Raynord, ma'am. Should I run the normal routine?" Eric felt odd hearing the woman call his name and not being able to respond. He also found the label she gave him as being odd. What did Black Op 19 mean?
"No Betty, I want to speak to him directly." The doctor stated over the com. "Start cleaning him up, but don't answer any questions. I'll be there shortly."
"Yes doctor." Betty replied. She walked over to Eric and cautiously removed the tube from his throat. She then began to check all of his vitals on the instrument panel beside his bed. Eric wanted to see what was going on around him, to see the rest of his friends and squad mates.
"Good morning 19." A soft female voice stated. "Chances are you don't know what that means so I'll address you by your birth name, Eric. Your surgery is complete, and the second phase of this procedure will begin soon. You will simply learn to adapt to your newly acquired strength and speed. Relatively speaking, you're faster then normal but not quite as fast as the Spartans, and not quite as strong. Of course, this is also relative to you personally. You will gain or loose speed and strength as your life continues. The enhancements to your body will act just as your normal muscles do, however the potential for strength and speed is beyond measure." The doctor walked over to Eric and looked at him closely.
"I'm sure you have questions." She said softly.
Eric gasped for air, as the added muscle reflexes in his lunges suddenly forced the oxygen from his body. He slowed his breathing and focused on speaking slowly; he understood that his simple motor functions would have to be relearned.
"How are the others?" Eric slowly slurred.
"Of the volunteers…" The doctor paused, thinking hard on how to answer the question. "Of the volunteers only twenty survived." Eric's eyes grew wide.
"Kim, Melanie and Ralph?" He stated with a smoother tone.
"The Peters sisters are fine." The doctor replied. "Wiggum died in surgery. A communication has been sent to Earth, notifying his family." The doctor stated the words while looking away from Eric's face. No one would ever be told of this incident, as Ackerson's cover up had already begun. "You and your squad have had an interesting background, Eric. You've survived some of the worst encounters during your short tour of the outer colonies. Private, you're everything we've been looking for."
Within six hours Eric was on his feet and gingerly walking around the recovery ward. He was sore, and scars lined nearly every inch of his body, but he didn't mind. The scars were his tattoos of service and he wore them proudly. The doctor told him that once all the surgical steps were complete, the scars could be concealed easily, but he turned down that option. He wondered into Kim's room and she quickly sprang from the bed. She had already fully recovered from her surgery and was one of the first to finish.
She looked at Eric with a crooked brow and smiled saying, "Aren't you going to salute?"
"Why, should I?" Eric laughed.
"I out rank you." Kim chuckled. "I'm a Chief Petty Officer now." Eric's jaw dropped but quickly turned into a smile. He quickly snapped a furiously fast salute and then Kim dived into his arms, laughing happily. "I can't believe it, they made me squad leader. I've been brushing up on all the new protocol we have to learn, we're no longer marines, we're officially ONI Spec Ops now."
"Spec Ops?" Eric questioned. "Special Operations? How the hell?"
"We'll be debriefed about it tomorrow, but we have a hell of a lot of shit planned for the second phase of this operation." Kim added. "Apparently they want us to train and show off for a few of the ONI brass planet side. It's a whole list of whose-who in the military."
"So how long will we be jumping through hoops?" Eric sighed. "I want to get back into combat."
"No telling." Kim groaned. "There's only 20 of us, barely enough to form a small platoon, so that's why they're calling us a Black Ops squad. But once the brass see us and see our success, they will ship us out to the edge of the inner colonies to do some clean up of those covenant bastards. We might even get to fight along side the Spartans."
"Maybe." Eric laughed.
"I feel like shit." Melanie stated as she walked into the room. "My butt hurts, my chest hurts, my arms hurt, my neck hurts, and my breasts hurt." She then spotted Eric and wickedly smiled at him. "Eric, I'd ask you to massage my breasts, but I think I'm too sore to be touched."
"Melanie." Kim stated angrily. "Shut up, and solute your superior."
"Eric you got promoted?" Melanie happily shouted. "I knew you would, you deserve it!"
"Mel!" Kim roared. "I was promoted!"
"There goes the squad." Melanie grumbled. "We'll be dead on our first mission. Life was good, I enjoyed it, but now it's over. I should just put a gun to my temple and end it all right now."
"Mel." Eric laughed. "Quit goofing off, you know she deserves it."
"I know." Melanie laughed as she sharply saluted. "If I didn't tease her, she wouldn't know what to do with herself. What's taking Ralph so long? The nurse said the surgeries were complete." Eric lowered his head, remorseful over the loss of their friend.
"He didn't make it." Kim added. The trio was silent for a short while as they thought of a suitable response to the situation, but they couldn't think of anything to say. The doctor soon entered the room with an ODST dressed in full gear.
"19, 04 and 05, this is Lieutenant Samson of the third Troy Division ODST's. He's here to lead you all in some heavy weapons training and battle situation tactics for the obstacle course. I'll leave you three to get acquainted while I call for the other Spec Ops to gather. You're training has been pushed up from tomorrow to this evening, because of your high rate of recovery." The trio sharply saluted the Lieutenant as the doctor walked from the room.
She went to each of the recovery wards and saw the same sight in each room. The survivors were talking, doing loose activities as they readjusted to their new bodies. From here on out, she knew that things were only going to get harder.
After notifying all of the Black Op survivors to gather in Kim's room, the doctor went to her office and left the military work to the soldiers. She turned on her desk computer and began recording a transmission to be sent to Earth.
"Day 1 was successful and they have fully recovered from their surgeries within 2 days. Of the 25 application subjects only 5 were failures. Training will begin tomorrow. Also, I must warn you once again. There is a reason why muscle enhancements are banned. It is because the withdrawal rate is severely high, and these subjects could go into complete muscle failure within a month. Colonel Ackerson I wish you would reconsider the option of prolonged muscle treatment. If you check the new data I am sending you, you will see that the option of surgical enhancement without prolonged treatment is a futile effort. If applied slowly, there is a higher success rate. I understand the war will not wait, but consider that these men and women could turn the scale of this war, not as opposition to the Spartans, but as the Spartans aids."
The doctor paused for a moment and drank some water. She rested the cup back on her desk and focused on continuing her update.
"I see no future for your S-III project if you choose to ignore the results I have uncovered. The DNA comparisons of the Spartans that successfully passed the Spartan II program cannot be quickly replicated or cloned into living hosts. However, if we take our time and study these subjects and treat them over an extended period of time then, and only then, will we have a chance to create what I proposed to you six months ago. Using what I have learned from Halsey's Spartans I believe it is possible to clone the organic tissue of the Spartans and implement them within living hosts. But this will take months of post treatment. The recovery time for the 20 application subjects has been remarkable, but like any muscle enhancement procedure they will fail unless we take our time with them. These muscle enhancements are the cloned muscle tissue of Spartans that share the same blood type of our subjects. The 25 test subjects gave us great results, better then we expected results, but the results also confirmed that the muscle enhancements are fatal if applied too quickly. The cloned tissue will be received better if we give them more time to adjust."
"In conclusion, Colonel. You want these application subjects to be ready in 3 days. I am telling you they need 3 weeks of post treatment and then 4 weeks of adjustment. 7 weeks Colonel, or all of your research will be for nothing."
"Doctor Carolyn Smith
Head of S-III Research Team 4
UNSC Medical Facility
Troy"
The doctor slammed her hand on the computer and ended the recording. She then pressed several keystrokes on the computer and the message was transmitted to Earth via a secure channel. She leaned forward and rested her head in her hands. She hated the Colonel, and she hated that she agreed to work on his program. She wasn't making Spartans, she was slowly torturing humans. Ackerson wanted her to find a faster way to create super soldiers, because the only draw back to the Spartan II program was the incredible length of time to produce them. Doctor Carolyn Smith was sure that her theory would work, but not in 3 days. Comparatively speaking, it took nearly eight years for the Spartans to actively begin their missions, but her research could take ordinary soldiers and have them battle ready within two months.
Carolyn knew that she was basically stealing doctor Halsey's research, but her applications could change the scope of the war. The problem was with Colonel Ackerson. Ackerson was being pushed to bring forth results or his budget would be cut, and redirected to Master Chief Petty Officer Mendez's training facility, where more Spartans were being trained. These second generation of Spartan II were ready for enhancement surgery and Colonel Ackerson was felling the pressure.
Carolyn stood from her desk and tied her hair back. She wasn't going to let the Colonel jeopardize her research because of his impatience. She paced around the room, knowing that the Colonel would receive the transmission and respond quickly. It would take only two hours for the transmission to arrive on Earth, and then two hours for him to reply. She paced, but hunger quickly consumed her. Four hours was plenty of time to eat. She gathered her chatter and walked out of the office.
The research ward of the lunchroom was empty, and Carolyn figured that there was little chance of having fresh food. The only available courses were lunchtime leftovers, which were being heated under hot lamps. The option to go to the food replication system was quickly becoming her best option for something fresh, but the idea of eating genetically enhanced paste that was shaped in the style of meatloaf quickly turned her stomach. She walked to the counter and stared at the leftovers.
"Hey, cook." Carolyn shouted. "You mind tossing this beef back on the grill for me?" The cook tossed aside his newspaper and smiled at the woman standing in front of him.
"Haven't seen you in here for a while, doc." He stated smoothly. "Are they keeping you busy downstairs?"
"If I told you, I'd have to kill you." Carolyn replied. The cook chuckled as he took the side of beef from under the hot lamp and slapped it onto the griddle. The hunk of meat wasn't fresh, but at least it would be hot. Carolyn heard a commotion in the hallway and turned to see what was happening. Suddenly a group of men and women dressed in black fatigues burst into the lunchroom. She counted 21 of them and quickly recognized each one.
"Alright boys and girls, get some grub." Kim stated to her squad. Beside her stood the ageing ODST, Lieutenant Samson. "Thirty minutes to eat and then it's back to the obstacle course."
"Doctor." Lieutenant Samson stated as he walked into line behind Carolyn. "I must say they are quite impressive. We just did a short warm up hike and some sprints in the obstacle course; all on empty stomachs. They performed better then any group of soldiers I've ever seen."
"I said they would begin tomorrow, Lieutenant." Carolyn sternly barked. "They need time to fully assimilate the new muscle fibbers."
"My orders come directly from the Colonel, doctor." Lieutenant Samson stated. "You'll have to take it up with him. My duty is to make sure the second phase goes off without a hitch." The lieutenant then turned his attention to the cook.
"Grill up some meat, I've got a starving squad coming in." Samson shouted.
"Let me get the other cooks, they're on break, and we'll fix you boys up." The cook stated as he passed Carolyn her warmed up beef. "If you want to wait, I can get you something better."
"No thanks, I'm just a civilian." Carolyn stated as she walked off. The military cooks rarely prepared fresh food for the medical staff, but if soldiers came in their duty was to serve them hot food at any time. The cook quickly called for two more cooks to assist him and within two minutes the grills were steaming with hot food.
Carolyn sat down and watched as Kim 04, Melanie 05 and Eric 19 sat next to each other and patiently waited for the food to be prepared. They let the other members of the squad get their food first before motioning toward the line. Carolyn couldn't help but feel sad for them. They were all eager to fight and help win the war, not knowing that they were only guinea pigs in a much larger plan. Carolyn knew that without treatment they had less then thirty days to live.
She gripped the knife in her hand and sliced a hunk of beef. With the fork in her hand she motioned to pick up the meat but paused in the midst of the act. She turned and watched as Betty sat next her, smiling happily.
"You must be proud." Betty happily stated. "These soldiers will help end this war. I can't wait to hear about their actions in the future. It'll be just like the Spartans, except I get to tell all my friends that I helped to make them. This is a proud day for…" Betty paused as she watched a tear roll down Carolyn's eye. Carolyn was blankly staring at her food and crying at the noble words of her chief technician. Betty was the head nurse at the hospital, but she was not allowed to know the full details of what these soldiers would endure.
"Your right, I am proud." Carolyn stated with a bright smile. "And I'm not going to let anymore of them die." She pushed away from the table and walked over to Kim, Melanie and Eric. The group of friends was isolated from the rest of the group.
"04, I need to speak with you." Carolyn stated.
"Sorry ma'am, it'll have to wait till later." Kim replied. "Food, then training. I'll be done obstacle course drills around 20:00 hours. We can talk then."
Carolyn clinched her fist and sternly stated, "If you don't order your squad back to bed, you will all be dead in 30 days." Kim, Melanie and Eric froze and blankly stared at Carolyn, waiting for an explanation.
"You were never expected to live beyond the initial tests." Carolyn explained. "If you live then maybe you'll be allowed to see combat, but they aren't expecting it. You are all test subjects, merely guinea pigs. You were the application's group and we applied what we learned from the other 25 subjects to you, to see how you would react to the muscle enhancements. Without prolonged treatment you will all die…" Carolyn froze as Lieutenant Samson pressed his side arm sternly to the back of her head. A crisp click could be heard as he primed the chamber.
"Step outside, Doctor." Samson stated softly. His voice was calm and crisp, showing no emotion or hesitation.
"Sir, is that really necessary." Kim stated to the ODST Lieutenant.
"04, you and your squad will ignore everything this woman has said." Samson replied. "She has violated her privileges in this manor."
"Your show of force, sir, is clear indication that she is telling us the truth." Eric stated. "We came here to better our chances to fight the covenant, not throw our lives away."
"What she has said is of no concern." Samson stated. "Doctor, into the hallway now! I will notify the MPs to escort you out of this facility. Your work is done."
"She's right." Betty interrupted. "The wristbands, I didn't know what they meant at first, but now I understand. All of the soldiers with red wristbands are dead. She's telling the truth…" A crack of the lieutenant's pistol sounded and Betty tumbled face first to the floor. The exit wound in her back a clear sign of her death.
"Betty!" Carolyn screamed.
"The soldiers are considered Black Ops." Samson stated. "Knowledge of their existence and their duty is specific only to top brass and a small crew within the facility. Doctor, you and your nurse have been sharing secret information after you were explicitly told to share on a 'need to know' basis only. 19 get an MP in here immediately."
Kim raced over to Betty's still body and checked her pulse.
"She's dead." Kim stated. "She was a civilian lieutenant; you didn't have to kill her."
"04 hold your tongue." Samson shouted as his composure became more chaotic. "19 call for an MP, now!"
"Yes sir." Eric snapped. "But only if you tell me that the doctor is lying."
"Until you are fully trustworthy 19, I am not at liberty to disclose the information of this project." By now, all of the Black Op squad was paying close attention to the details.
"He killed Betty!" Carolyn screamed. Her eyes were boiling with tears of terror, knowing that at any moment she would be next to die. "Who in their right mind would shoot someone for talking…" Eric exploded across the table that blocked his path and in one swift movement he had pushed the doctor clear of Samson's weapon. His speed was unreal and caught Samson completely off guard. Eric arched the lieutenant's gun into the air and held him at bay.
Carolyn stood to her feet and was assisted by one of the other Black Ops saying, "Thank you 14." She wasn't sure what else to say as everyone turned their eyes to her. The room fell eerily quiet as Eric held the lieutenant and Betty's body lye motionless on the floor.
Kim stood up, knowing that she had to establish order.
"19 secure the prisoner." Kim stated to Eric. "06, 07, 08, and 09 I want you to secure a path back to the lab. Everyone believes that we are going to be training all afternoon, so let's let them think that. 05 I want you to lead the rest of the squad down to the obstacle course after you eat, and then get back to the lab for debriefing. Don't push yourselves down there; if you feel weak or have any form of strange feelings get back to the lab. Will this be acceptable doctor?" All eyes turned to Carolyn as she agreed.
"Physically, you will be fine for a few weeks." Carolyn added. "But your enhancements will soon begin to degrade without additional treatments."
"Good." Kim added. "19 watch the lieutenant and bring him to the lab with us. 14 guard the doctor and make sure she's not seen on the way to the lab. Move out everyone."
"Yes sir." The Black Ops stated in unison. Melanie 05 and the majority of the Black Ops ate their food, as ordered, and then gathered at the obstacle course a few miles away from medical facility. As expected, several members of the brass watched from the distance, using binoculars when needed. They only observed, never speaking to anyone other then the other ONI officials at their sides.
After several minutes of cautiously sneaking back to the lab, the situation had begun to become more heated.
"I say we gut this piece of ODST trash, hang his entrails on the obstacle course and leave the planet for good." One of the Black Ops stated.
"It's a good plan." Eric added. "But then we won't be able to get the treatments we need."
"Doctor, how much time do we need for additional treatments?" Kim questioned.
"At least 3 weeks of constant treatments." Carolyn added as she leaned against a table. "You'd all have to in bed for the duration of the procedure."
"They'll notice if we aren't training daily." Kim replied.
"What if we did some treatments at short intervals?" Eric questioned.
"The problem with that, 19, is that your body will reject all the treatments once you go into action." Carolyn replied. "It would be like tearing a muscle and then being active on that muscle before it has completely healed; you'd only be making it worse. Sorry, the only option is to completely stop using your muscles for 3 weeks while being treated. The info we gathered shows that reaching muscle atrophy is required, and then the body must replenish the muscle with your own cells. This will guarantee that the muscles will not fail in the future."
Carolyn exhaled and began to explain, "Muscle enhancements are not designed for long term use, only for a few days and then you return to normal. Our method involved replacing your primary muscle structure at the base with cloned tissue. It's much more advanced and also tricky. You feel fine now, but soon the muscle tissue will loose stability, leading to …"
"Thanks doc, but spare us the details." Black Op 14 stated. "Just tell us how to make it work."
"What if there is a setback?" Kim chimed in.
"How so 04?" Carolyn questioned.
"What if we all suddenly began to fail?" Kim continued. "We can fool them into thinking that we need further time to develop and you can add that data to your findings."
"A good plan, however there is a down side." Carolyn stated. She folded her arms and stared at the floor. "The problem is that they are expecting you to fail. The second phase is simply to show the brass that it is possible to have superior soldiers within 3 days, and be equal in strength and speed to the Spartans. If you suddenly began to fail, they wouldn't care. They would only want documentation of all of your deaths, and then they would begin the autopsy phase of the research."
"This really sucks." Black Op 14 snarled.
"What if we're a success?" Eric stated. "What if we don't fail? Would they kill us?"
"No." Carolyn stated. "You would be posted here on Troy, permanently. You would be working directly under ONI Section III."
"So what if we divided the squad up." Kim added, stepping to the center of the discussion group. "What if ten of us started the procedure, and then the others continued training. Once those ten completed the treatments then the last ten begin. Can we pull that off?"
"Tricky." Carolyn stated. "But achievable. I could forge some documents, spin some tails, and tell a few lies. But I do believe it would work. I know my staff here and they're trustworthy. The brass has yet to come down to the lab, so keeping you all hidden down here will be simple."
"Good." Kim added. "It feels good to know that the medical team wants us to live. But now we have another problem." Everyone turned and looked at Lieutenant Samson sitting in the corner; gagged and tied to the chair. His armor and boots had been removed as well as his dog-tags.
"I say we gut him, and hang his entrails on the obstacle course." 14 laughed. The rest of the squad also laughed, trying to find some humor in their life threatening situation.
"The good thing is that we don't need him." Carolyn stated. "His duty was to report to me. Even though his orders came from Colonel Ackerson, he doesn't report to him. If he vanishes no one would know."
Eric walked across the room and tripped the safety on the pistol he had taken from the lieutenant. He pointed the gun at the man's head and paused. Samson tried to pull away, struggling at the restraints that held him in place. His muffled plea for help went unheard and his begging fell on deaf ears.
"Lieutenant, you killed a civilian and assisted in committing crimes against humanity." Eric stated coldly. "12 women and 13 men died for the purpose of research, and each of them were told that they could have the chance to fight against humanities greatest threat. You assisted in the cover up, the lies, and the betrayal against your fellow man. I'm only going to give you one option; work with us." Eric took the gag from Samson's mouth and waited for him to speak. Samson coughed on his own saliva as he struggled to form words.
"I'm sorry, I'll do whatever you want." Samson begged. "Please don't kill me. Not like this."
Eric leaned closer to Samson's ear and whispered, "Not good enough." Eric stood up straight as Samson's eyes widened in horror. Samson screamed for help, but Eric ignored the lieutenant's high pitched shrieks. He placed the gun close to Samson's chest and the M6 pistol recoiled in his hand. The bullet chattered Samson's ribcage and tore through his heart. The exit wound dragged fragments of flesh and blood with it as it carried into the metal wall of the lab.
Samson gasped as the pain coursed through his body. Knowing that he would only live for a few moments longer, he gazed at Eric in disbelief. Eric stared back and showed no sign of remorse.
"I'll take the body to the morgue." Eric stated. He tossed the gun to Kim and as soon as she caught it she swiftly turned on the safety and placed the gun on the table.
"Why did he kill him?" Carolyn asked. "I didn't think he would actually kill him."
Kim looked at Carolyn with a confused gaze and said, "We are dealing with people that would sacrifice fifty human lives in order to test their super soldier plan. Most of us volunteered so that we could become better fighters not test subjects. If we let him live it would only be a matter of time before ONI found out. Not to mention what he did to Betty."
"I understand." Carolyn remorsefully stated. "He did kill Betty, but that doesn't make us any better."
"We're fighting a war, doctor." Kim quickly added. "It's kill or be killed."
Carolyn sighed and looked at the time; fiver hours had passed.
"I have to go report to Ackerson." She calmly stated. "I suggest you chose which group is going to go first." Carolyn exited the lab and made the short trek to her office. As she expected, there was a new message on her transmitter.
"I commend you, Doctor, on a job well done. The data you've sent me will go greatly toward the future of the S-III project. These results are far more then we expected from you. Once again, good job.
"Now, I will ignore your little warning about the success of my program. Seven weeks is unacceptable. Together we will find a way to eliminate the muscle failure within at least a week, not seven. If necessary we will modify the S-III battle armor to sustain the soldiers permanently, but that is not your concern. For now, focus on acquiring as much data from the Black Ops as you can before they expire. When they're dead, send ten of their corpses to Earth, my team here will study them as well. The other ten are for you to study and then dispose of. We have already listed the test subjects as KIA on one of the more recently glassed worlds. Those covenant bastards are pressing closer by the month.
"Once the last of them is dead, tell Lieutenant Samson to return to his original assignment and then report to me. Also, notify me of any sudden changes within the Black Ops. And if some of them live, I will have uses for them on Troy.
"One more thing, Doctor. Kim Peters, the selected squad leader for the Black Ops, is quite an extraordinary candidate. Her collegiate credentials would have earned her a place in any UNSC Academy. She was an excellent choice for squad leader. Be sure that when she dies her body is kept well preserved and sent back to Earth. I'll be eagerly awaiting your next transmission.
"Colonel James Ackerson
Head of S-III Project
UNSC HighCom
Earth"
Carolyn sat back in her chair and massaged her temples. She was in quite the mess, but the good thing was that she didn't have to rush a transmission back to Ackerson. She could take her time and think of a good reason for how the Black Ops survived. She stood up, walked out of her office and returned to the lab.
Carolyn and Black squad set their plan into motion. The first ten Black Ops went into the lab for the three week treatment, leaving Eric 19 in charge while Kim 04 rested. For three weeks Eric took the group of ten soldiers through the daily regimen, while under the watchful eyes of the Section III brass. The ploy paid off and no questions were asked when ten new Black Ops appeared after the six weeks. However the brass quickly began to question the sudden change in numbers after six weeks had passed.
"We have a problem." Carolyn stated. "All of you show no signs of deterioration but the Section III brass are curious as to why there was such a sudden drop in performance."
"Tell them we're tired." Kim laughed.
"That would be truthful." Carolyn stated. "Now that you all have been treated you aren't back to full strength. This is also puzzling me, there should have only been a two day slump in your performance, but none of you seem to be returning to your full potential. It has made for a good source of documentation, but I was hoping you would have regained your strength fully. Anyway, since you've all lived far beyond your expected termination date, the ONI brass want to know if you are all fit to return to duty, or if they should write you off. Even though you are not as strong as you once were, I told them that you are all ready for combat."
"Finally!" Eric shouted. All twenty of the Black Ops applauded in excitement, they would finally be returning to the war.
July 28, 2552
Final Assault of Troy
"I repeat. This is the Apocalypso contacting any and all UNSC forces on Troy. Please respond immediately."
"Captain Greene." The communications officer interrupted. "Planet side transmissions have been jammed. It was as if they knew we were planning to evacuate. Ninety percent of all escape ships have reported in but four ships are unaccounted for. Your orders?"
Captain Greene gazed at the monitor as dozens of Covenant ships exited slip space in high orbit around Troy.
"We have a mission to complete." Captain Greene stated sternly. "We'll have to consider those ships as sunk. Notify all remaining ships to execute the Cole Protocol. Troy has been overrun and we successfully evacuated the vast majority of civilians and troops. Secure the artifact until we arrive at Earth. Melissa, set random slip space jump pattern and get us out of here."
"Aye-aye captain." Melissa, the Apocolypso's AI stated. "Random course plotted, and engines ready."
"Helm, get us out of here." Greene stated. "I pray we haven't left anyone behind."
Plasma fire streamed in all directions within the settlement as millions of planet side civilians screamed and ran to the Pelicans that lined the city. The evacuation of Troy had been ordered and only one last city remained, but the covenant attack came earlier then planned. Covenant drop ships hissed overhead as their ground troops were lowered to the ground. The U shaped drop ships opened their hatches and several squads hopped to the ground.
"Fire!" Kim shouted from the cover of a nearby building. Four RPG's hissed through the air and struck the side of the two drop ships, killing most of its passengers just as they were exiting. The plume of smoldering metal gave the Black Ops squad substantial cover to advance on the remaining covenant forces.
"19 take the second fire team and flank them to the right." Kim shouted over the roar of flame and gun fire. "Fire team one you're with me, we're going up the middle to lay a diversion."
The Black Ops split up perfectly even as Kim led her eight team members directly into the covenant line. Plasma fire crisscrossed as they advanced. Kim held her hand up and spread her fingers wide. She then pointed to the left and right. Her team spread out and took down several straggling jackals and grunts, but then the elites charged.
"05!" Kim shouted to her sister. Melanie found her targets and tossed a few grenades. The detonation engulfed the unsuspecting elites and they died in a furry of dust and ash. "Secure those plasma rifles. They work better on the elite's shields." Several of the team members picked up the weapons a strapped them to their backs.
On the opposite side of the elite formation, Eric and the second team cautiously moved in behind the unsuspecting group of elites, jackals and grunts. Eric held up his fist and all eight troops took cover. He looked the field over and saw that the elites were clearly focused on Kim's head on attack. Eric placed two fingers together and pointed to his eyes. He then pointed to the four elites that watched over the battle field, and then he pointed out the three red armored elites that prowled the edge of the smoldering drop ships. The elites were preparing their troops to advance on Kim and her team, but Eric had a better plan in mind.
Following Eric's hand gestures, two snipers stepped up and took aim on the first four elites. Both of their guns only cracked twice and the four elites dropped to the ground motionless. The grunts that had witnessed their leaders crumble to the ground, began to panic and shoot in all directions, looking for where the shots came from. The snipers adjusted and locked onto the four red elites, and in unison they also fell lifeless to the ground.
Eric held up his fist and opened his palm. He then waved forward and all eight of his team members charged in and mopped up the grunts and jackals with little trouble. Kim and her team cautiously walked around the debris of the drop ships
"19 report." Kim stated as she walked closer to Eric.
"All targets neutralized." Eric stated. "I spotted a few of our marines escorting more civilians back toward our ship. They were in the clear, but I don't know for how long."
"I still can't get a transmission through." Kim added. "They're jamming the entire network. Alright, we've done all we can. We'll pick up as many civilians and troops as we can, but we're heading back to the ship. Troy is lost. We didn't get back to the planet in time to help otherwise they never would have caught us off guard like this."
Kim then turned to Melanie and stated, "05 take 09 and 12, and recon the area. Find us the safest and fastest way back to the ship."
"Sir." Melanie sharply stated. "Let's move boys."
"19 you and 14 take point." Kim stated, as she glared at Eric. "19 you're in temporary command until I can crack through this damned covie jamming signal." Melanie over heard Kim's orders just as she and the other two Black Ops disappeared from view.
"Right." Eric stated as he turned to the rest of the Black Ops. "The chief's going to crack this Covenant jamming signal, so until then I'm squad leader. 03 and 02 assist 04. 14 you're with me, everyone else fall in line. Double time it people or you'll be dodging plasma rain." The Black Ops moved clear of the debris and headed back toward the ship. After a few moments of silence, Melanie chimed in on Eric's short wave head set.
"19 I've got civilians and marines huddled together about one hundred yards from your position." Melanie stated over the com. "Those idiots are in the open and most likely waiting for a transport to come back. Two pelicans just left, and from what I can tell they called for more ships to come in."
"Shit, they're sitting ducks." Eric cursed. "Rough count?"
"A thousand civilians and maybe a hundred marines." Kim replied. "If the covies are monitoring pelican activity…"
"Yeah, I know." Eric sighed. "They'll know to come here. I'll have to risk a wide band signal. Keep your eyes sharp 05."
"Roger that." Kim replied before a static burst signaled she had terminated her link.
"This is Black Op 19 to any UNSC marines in the area. Do you copy?" Eric stated into the wide band signal, hoping to get a reply.
"Copy you sir." A marine stated back. "I'm locking in on your frequency."
"Copy." Eric stated back. "Pull those civilians out of that clearing! You're all sitting ducks out there."
"I know sarge." The marine stated. "They're too scared to turn back. They won't leave because they think they'll be left behind."
"Damn it marine, I don't care if you have to hit somebody, get them to out of that clearing." Eric snapped.
"They won't listen sir, we've been trying." The marine nervously replied.
A sudden burst of static cut into Eric's communication saying, "Covenant drop ships inbound. Distance five miles." Melanie stated.
"Did you hear that?" Eric questioned.
"Yes sir, but I don't know what to do!" The marine was clearly young and Eric knew there was only one option.
"How much time, 05?" Eric questioned.
"Two minutes, maybe more." Melanie replied.
"Hold you're position till I call for you, 05." Eric stated. "Move in everyone. We've got Covenant drop ships inbound and a thousand civilians to get clear." The Black Ops all sprinted through the rubble of the nearby building and dashed the hundred yards in less then eight seconds. Their speed aided by the treatments they had received so many years ago. After entering the clearing Eric ran to the front of the massive swarm of civilians and stood atop a warthog.
"Covenant troops are inbound!" Eric shouted to the crowd. "Go back to the edge of town or you will all die!"
Another burst of static caught Eric's ear as Melanie cut in saying, "Eric, it's an ambush!" In the distance Eric could here gunfire coming from Melanie's position and a stray plasma bolt flared into the sky. Suddenly plasma fire erupted from the edge of the city and toward the mass of civilians.
"Melanie, get down here!" Eric shouted into his com. The drop ships had already unloaded their crew and they had snuck in unnoticed. "Everyone, form a defensive around the civilians. Fire at will!" Marines all ran to the edge of the city and began firing blindly, not sure where the Covenant were attacking from.
"I got it!" Kim shouted from the center of the formation. She was happy that she had cracked the covenant jamming frequency and could radio the ship for aid. She took cover behind a small wall as plasma fire flowed around her. "Rogue Fantasy this is Black Op 04. Do you copy Rogue Fantasy?"
"Good to here your voice, 04." A voice stated on the other end of the com. "What's your location? I can have a pelican to you shortly."
"We're pinned down at West Market place, Captain." Kim replied. "I have civilians falling by the dozen. I'm requesting heavy fire and EVAC of at least one thousand civilians and marines. Copy?"
"Reinforcements are on the way." The captain replied back. "Send up a red marker on the Covenant position for the pelicans to lock on before picking you up.
Kim turned and looked into the wave of fire pressing into the crowd of civilians and marines. Casualties were numerous and then she saw Melanie sprinting from the building that the Covenant forces were firing from. Behind her was 09 and 12. They were running and shooting behind them as best they could. Suddenly 12 was sliced in half by an invisible force. The blood spray covered the camouflaged elite and his plasma sword as two other elites appeared at its side. The three of them quickly began to chase down Kim and 09.
"Melanie!" Kim shouted as she fled her position. She took aim with her assault gun and began firing controlled bursts at the three elites' heads. 09 turned and also began taking shots at the cloaked warriors. The active camouflage systems gave out and they appeared. One of the elites swung his blade at 09 head, but the Black Op dodged it. He then emptied his clip into the elites back, killing it. However he was unable to get clear of the other elite. The warrior stabbed 09 in the back and ripped his blade out of his torso.
"Harry!" Kim shouted as she watched 09 fall. She had to keep moving and dropped a grenade as she came closer to Melanie. The last elite stepped close to the frag-grenade just as it detonated. The blast blew him backwards and it tumbled lifelessly to a stop.
"You okay?" Kim questioned. Melanie was holding her side and blood flowed freely from the wound.
"Nothing a little biofoam won't cure." Melanie replied. Kim jabbed the nozzle into the wound and the foamy mass quickly fizzed into Melanie's wound. Melanie squirmed from the pain and fought against blacking out. "Oh that was heavenly. How about I not go through that again?" Melanie laughed to herself. Kim removed the bottle and tossed it to the side. She pulled a red flare from her hip pack and tossed several of them toward the buildings. The flares puffed bright red smoke into the air as plasma streamed through.
Eric slid in beside the group and stopped beside Kim.
"The civilians are mostly safe behind some barricades, but I'm not sure for how long." Eric stated. "It's tight in here. We have no room to maneuver or get clear of any mortar blasts. And I don't want to mention grenades."
"Noted, 19." Kim stated. "I got through to the Rogue Fantasy and heavy artillery is on the way."
"Great, I hoped that was what those flares were for." Melanie replied. "Look, I see the pelicans!" Forty pelicans dotted the sky and were streaking in toward the encamped group of Covenant forces. "That is one hell of a beautiful sight."
Without warning, Kim pushed Eric to the ground as a plasma grenade dropped at his feet. Kim looked around, torn about her actions. If the lone grenade exploded, they would all be killed including twenty or more of the civilians. It was too crowded in the small area and there was no way to get everyone clear. In an instant she lunged at the plasma grenade and felt the warm heat radiating from it quickly fuse to her hand. The pain began to intensify as she began to sprint away from the group.
"Kim!" Eric shouted. He leapt from the ground and chased her. Kim raised her arm away from her body as far as she could as the grenade began to release its final surge of energy.
Eric could only watch as the grenade exploded, sending Kim's body sliding across the ground. Kim struggled to get to her feat as shock swelled around her body. Eric grabbed her by the shoulder as a hail of plasma blasts roared toward him. He tossed Kim onto his shoulder and ran back to cover. He tumbled to the ground and quickly began to seal the wound were Kim's arm and hip once were. The damage was severe and Eric knew that he couldn't save her.
Melanie crawled beside them as the final volley of plasma tore into their encampment. The pelicans began to release wave after wave of hellfire into the Covenant lines. The majority of pelicans began to land and what was left of the civilians eagerly crawled onboard.
"I can't… I can't… Eric." Kim tearfully shouted. Eric fought to keep her calm and tend to her wounds. "Pull the squad out, get them out… out."
"Shut up, Kim!" Melanie shouted. "You're coming with us."
"Eric, Eric…" Kim stuttered as she gazed into the sky. She slowly exhaled, her mouth opened and her eyes wide. Eric closed her eyes and softly mourned her death.
"Sir we have to go!" 08 stated. "Rogue Fantasy says they can't wait any longer. Those Covenant bastards are preparing to glass the planet. We have to go." Melanie was in shock and sat quietly on the ground, gazing into the lifeless face of her sister. Eric grabbed Kim's body and slung it over his shoulder. With his free hand he grabbed Melanie and pulled her toward the Pelicans; 08 followed closely.
They climbed onto the back of the pelican just as Plasma barrages began to fall in the distance. The covenant had begun to glass Troy.
"How many did we leave behind?" Eric asked 08.
"We lost contact with the front marines." He replied. "We were only able to fill twenty pelicans with civilians. We had to leave the others behind." Of the eighteen Black Ops that begin the battle on Troy, only six survived. The flight back to the Rogue Fantasy was quiet until the pelican docked. The rear hatch opened and the last survivors of Troy exited from its belly. Standing before the Black Ops was Doctor Carolyn Smith; whom had become the ship nurse and chief medic in order to stay with her Black Ops, fearing for her life and career if she went anywhere without them.
"Take 04 to the morgue and put her in hibernation." Carolyn stated to the nurses at her side. "And make sure to take a look at all of them, they all seem to be wounded. It seems this was by far the hardest mission yet." Carolyn focused on Melanie and spotted a tear in her eye. "Are you okay, 05?"
"No." Melanie stated as she slumped onto the side of the pelican. She suddenly balled over and began to sob peacefully to herself as Eric attempted to comfort her.
Eric looked at Carolyn and waved her off. Carolyn shook her head, understanding that she needed her space. He then sat beside her and held her close. No matter how hard they had fought in the past few years, this was the worst battle yet. They had usually worked alone and in secret, doing side missions for Section III, but when word of Troy being attacked crossed their speakers they had to go help.
There was no stopping the Covenant. Humanity had to become stronger, and not even his adjusted strength was good enough. The Covenant was to powerful, too numerous, and too advanced to be stopped. Soon they would sack Earth and nothing would remain of humanity.
"Rose." Eric stated. Melanie had heard him, but ignored it. At that moment Eric decided that this war would only be won if their technology improved, and he didn't want to see any one else he loves die. He was standing only ten feet away when Kim died and the more he thought of Rose, the more he wanted to redeem himself for failing Kim. Melanie would stay with him, he would convince them all to go back to Earth. If they followed him to war then they would surely follow him home.
To be continued…