Authors note: ok if you have read the fall of reach, this takes plave right before the first chapter in that book, and this explains how Locklear became an ODST. thx for the reviews, i'll try to keep writeing.
War
November 18, 2535
Lamdba Serpentis System, above Jericho VII
Aboard UNSC destroyer Excalibur
"Battle stations!" yelled Captain Travis. "Lieutenant Murphy prep all weapons systems. Lieutenant Jefferson get us to the position I'm sending to your station now. Lieutenant Jenkins I want to know how many are out there, and seal all bulkheads. Lieutenant Reuscher get me Commander Merago's ship. Lieutenants Allan and Lasky I want minutely damage reports." ordered Captain Travis. The crew was still a bit stunned and didn't really move. "That means now! Move it."
Five 'aye, aye captains!' were heard in the room. And then the thumping of locking bulkheads.
"Ahh, sir," said Jenkins, "Merago's ship took a direct hit with by the enemies' plasma rounds. It punched right throw its shields, the cruiser and all hands are gone."
Travis couldn't believe it. Why, him. His last friend. Again he doubted himself, maybe it was his fault. No! he couldn't save his friend but he has his responsibility to his crew.
"Sir, there's two cruisers and one carrier." Said Jenkins.
"Reuscher send a message to fleet command," said Travis, "tell them that a Zahn invasion force has been spotted in the Meridian system, near planet Jericho VII. 'Need assistance immediately. Pass code Alpha niner 7692'."
"Sir," said Jenkins, "the two cruisers are advancing on our position, but the carrier is hanging back. It looks like its going to launch drop ships."
"Their invading Jericho VII!" Gasped Lieutenant Allan.
"Sir, the two cruisers are splitting up to flank us," said a worried Jenkins, "The carrier is launching drop ships and Seraphs towered the planet."
"Lieutenant Murphy, prep all weapons systems, get the MAC online." Ordered the Captain. "Lieutenant Johnson, keep us going straight."
"Sir, with all do respect, that's suicide," said Jenkins.
"If I wanted your advice I would have asked for it." Said Travis, glaring at Jenkins.
"Jefferson, Wake up the marines, they have a job to do." Travis said, while thinking of a battle plan. God help us.
Private Locklear, woke as he hit the deck of the barracks. He quickly stood as the explosions after math wore off. "What the hell was that!" He yelled.
"Oh god," Said his bunk mate, Private Perez, as he picked himself off the ground. " I don't know, but I think I broke my ass."
"Oy!" Said his squad mate, private Chips Dubbo, in a heavy Australian. "Thos damn pilots better learn how to fly, or I'm gonna teach em somethi……"
"Attention!" The Marines fell into a lined formation as Sergeant Banks walked into the bunks. "Alright boys," Although he was only half dressed he looked ready to kick some ass. "The Covy have decided to through a party, and didn't invite us!" He said with a scowl on his face. "I find that rude, and I think we should them some manners! Don't you?"
"HOO-HAA!" Shouted the thirty marines.
"Caporal Rico, get the men dressed and armored now!" Banks said as he walked from the room.
"Yes Sir!" Rico yelled after him, "you heard him boys, I want you men ready two minutes ago."
Locklear was worried, it was his first actual battle. He was scared to death as he remembered about the reports from Harvest. He didn't want to die, but he didn't want to look like a cowered either. All he could do was fight.