Author's note 1:
I will explain the length of the chapter in the final Author's note.
ItsDaKoolaidDude: Pretty much!
Tristen343: My answer is a dry "No".
Enjoy!
By the time they came up with enough intelligence to formulate a plan, Jake shared his theory about their predicament.
"I don't know why or how…" He begun, shutting off the comms from his new comrades. "…but I think we ended up in some kind of parallel reality, another universe."
"I didn't want to be believe it either at first, but… it makes sense. This Earth's history in the database we retrieved does not match with our own. There was no Traveler discovered on Mars and no Collapse to bring humanity on its knees, just these 'Covenant' this UNSC is so interested in stopping."
"Unless another Taken portal is created, we are stuck here. We'll help Master Chief and Cortana with their mission and keep our true identity a secret." He tested his glove's flexiblity for a second by clenching his fist. "I'm curious to see what this ring holds and what the Covenant's intentions are."
"This is not our home, Jake. You don't have to partecipate in a conflict that hasn't touched the Last City or the rest of the Guardians."
The Titan remained silent before chuckling. "On the contrary, I have been reborn by the Traveler to protect Humanity: that's the my purpose and objective, no matter how impossible it may seem. This humanity has lost so much because of the Covenant and what is a threat to humanity is a threat I must destroy. Whatever it takes."
They left the conversation at that. Ghost was reviewing some footage and info with Cortana about the mission on a private channel, leaving the Guardian with the Spartan.
He sat inside the Pelican while Chief stood in front of the exit, not looking at anything in particular. Though Jake did not miss the little glances the Spartan sent his way, he could feel that bit of distrust radiating from the bulky warrior. But if he had to be completely honest, he did not trust Chief either.
He learnt to read people by their actions and body language, this analysis was easy enough with his fireteam or even Eris Morn because they talked. While Chief acted just like Jake: a silent soldier who uses his mouth just when needed, no unnecessary chit chat when in missions. It was difficult to get a clear idea.
Still, the glances increased in number when Ghost supplied informations on the Covenant corvette's location and changed the shotgun on his back with another weapon from his inventory… One thousand yard stare.
The little light sheepishly explained that he had found schemes to reforge the weapon but forgot to mention the project or the rebuilded weapon to him. Jake merely huffed from his nose and let the subject be, after seven years he had grown fond of Ghost's antics anyway. They were bonded physically and spiritually, he just couldn't stay mad at him.
Deciding to it was enough he raised from his seat and paced his way towards the Spartan. The sounds of boots alerted Chief and he snapped to attention, turning around.
The Guardian grabbed his strapped rifle and offered it with one hand, while the other had its palm opened. The message was clear enough: "You want to check my gun? I'll do it too."
Chief pondered the request with a slight tilt of his helmet…
He wordlessly dropped his own sniper rifle in the awaiting hand and snatched the other from the Titan's grip. The design itself was strange, along with a symbol adorning its features, but he had already seen it on the combat footage Cortana shared. The scope was a simple red dot, it looked more precise than the standard UNSC weapon and the weight was… well, non-existent. It was lighter than what he held before.
Jake himself already regretted his choice. The weapon was too heavy, which wasn't really a problem for a Titan as him but it would have been for a Hunter or Warlock, the scope was too big and while it held some sort of nightvision-heatdector device installed the target would have been harder to find and eliminate.
The weapons were swapped again… and Chief began a strange staring contest, watching the Titan.
If his height was supposed to scare the Guardian, well it didn't work, Jake had fought bigger and more menacing enemies. From what he had seen Chief was one of the best warriors, but he held no paracausal energy: the Spartan was dead meat if he ever tried to take on the Guardian.
From the corner of his eyes he saw how the Spartan's fingers slightly twitched and the posture hardened.
He was clearly scanning him.
Jake only offered his signature silent stare he held most of the time, wanting to see how much further would the other warrior go. It was… almost exciting, finding someone so similiar in mannerism, it was like looking in a mirror.
Chief dismissed the Guardian with a, almost, imperceptible nod and returned to his previous position.
When Ghost and Cortana returned, they made known the fact that they didn't miss the exchange.
"Now that's a good way to start a relationship/Good job! A strong relationship will only increase the combat effectiveness."
"Shut up/..."
Author's note 2:
Alright! Why did I upload a chapter that is the length of a di- of 8 centimeters?
For starters, school is draining my entire life force between learning new arguments and proceeding with interrogations. I'm trying to keep my grades high.
Second reason is that I've gotta focus on the other projects present on my main (here) and secondary profile on other sites.
Third is the fact that next chapter, featuring "Truth and Reconciliation" will be big and will extend beyond the mission itself with some Keyes drama as some users already figured out.
Fourth… I watched the Halo TV show's version of Chief and almost vomited by the personality. To be honest I'd like to see if my take on it mirrors the games or it sucks too. Leave your thoughts if you want.
Now, yes, the Guardian and Chief will get in some sort of Bromance, but nothing heavy! Don't worry.
Until next time!
Gino out!
