Volume 2: Chapter 2: Cultural Exchange
Originally Drafted: May 18th, 2022
Originally Uploaded: May 27th, 2022
Updated On: August 11th, 2022
"It's bigger than it looks!"
/ UNSC Eternity, Science Deck, November 18th, 2558. /
As Colbert walked amongst the halls of the venerable flagship of the stranded UNSC fleet, the UNSC Eternity, as it was called. He was incredibly awestruck at the magnitude and breadth of the vessel.
Being among the first Halkeginians to set foot upon the vessel, he felt a sense of pride at the fact. Something that the other Nobles would be envious of, were he a braggart and boasted about this; but he was too frugal a man to act this way.
No, he viewed the vessel with extreme fascination as the Sangheili escorted him to a section of the ship known simply as the "Science Deck," where the Captain, along with several of his own research staff, were awaiting their arrival.
"We are here." V'tas gently said to the Professor, who was busy staring with great interest over the facilities of the ship that they passed by as they walked.
Colbert was slightly startled at the Elite's words, but he quickly recomposed himself.
"Thank you. For taking the time out of your day to escort one such as myself, Lord V'tas." Colbert bowed profusely at the Sangheili.
With a humph of acknowledgement, the Kaidon replied: "Think nothing of it, Professor. This is not enough to repay you for your aid with my own men's curiosities." The Elite reflected it back to the Professor.
Stepping through the doorway which led to a brightly lit and sterile environment, more akin to a lab than any other space aboard the ship. The pair were greeted by Captain Morgan and the ONI Lieutenant, Redding; Dr. Belle was off at her own corner of the room with another man by her side — the pair talking animatedly over a subject that the Professor couldn't quite make out from a distance.
"Greetings, Professor. To you as well, Kaidon." The Captain said to them both.
"Shipmaster." V'tas gave him a Sangheili salute. "I have escorted the Professor here. His company is greatly appreciated." He gestured to Colbert.
With a nod of acknowledgement at that, the Captain spoke. "Professor Colbert, allow me to welcome you aboard the Eternity." He moved forward to shake his hand.
"It's a pleasure to be here, Ser Captain." Colbert took the Captain's hand and shook on it. His firm grasp reminded him of his days within the military. "Might I say, this is quite the marvel of engineering." Colbert said with a bit of excitement. His hands still clasped with the Captain's.
"Yes, it is. The Infinity-class of Supercarriers are a wonder in and of themselves." He responded with a hint of pride in his tone.
"But, alas. That is not what we're here for." Lieutenant Redding cut in. Interrupting the moment.
"Yes, let's get down to business shall we." Captain Morgan sighed. "Monty!" He then called out.
Colbert seemed confused at the man, seemingly trying to talk to the air around him; before a transparent figure came into view.
It was being projected by a small device embedded into the walls of the room itself.
A tiny figure wearing a rather sharply designed uniform. One adorned with symbols and decor foreign to the Professor appeared in the midst of the gathered persons.
"Aye, Captain?" The figure spoke.
"Remarkable… you've managed to tame a spirit?" Asked Colbert in surprise. It seems these kinds of happenings never ended when it came to the UNSC.
Captain Morgan gave a dry chuckle. "Sort of… Monty's an Artificial Intelligence. I'm not an expert on the topic, but you can ask Dr. Hiraga about the subject." He pointed to the man standing next to Dr. Belle. "If you want to learn more."
Colbert nodded at this bit of information, he'd love to inquire about this at a further date.
"Very well, let us get down to business. What is it that you wish to know?" Colbert asked.
His posture straightened as the Captain motioned for the little spirit before them to show something.
Before Colbert's eyes, a detailed yet simplified overview of the continents was shown.
It's the same magic they used during the meeting. He thought to himself.
He was surprised at how easy and wordlessly they could conjure up such spectral images. Such a thing would be beneficial in allowing people to relay information faster in Academics… or for relaying information for the military on the battlefield. Before he could think on it any more, however, the Captain cut in.
"Monty, bring up the records of the recent incidents we've had over the Sahara region." He ordered the tiny figure. Promptly obeying, the tiny figure conjured up new images in front of them.
A series of clips played along. Some depicted UNSC patrols scavenging the magically displaced technology being attacked by the Elves.
They consisted mostly of ordinary Marines along with some of the Civilian crew who were part of the engineering team for the Eternity while she was in the midst of construction and refits, before the escape. They barely had any fighting experience — made evident by their inability to fight back.
The Marines themselves fared better, albeit, not by much, as many of them had been attacked with several kinds of yet unknown magic.
Most of them barely survived with the sheer brutality the Elves inflicted upon them.
Colbert nearly paled at the sight as the footage went on.
The Elves! He couldn't imagine himself surviving for long if he fought against them, even with his experience from his days in the military, when he was known as the Flame Serpent.
As the footage finally concluded, ending on a close-up shot of an Elven male looking upon the downed Marine in disgust. Their disdain for humanity was made apparent by their reactions.
The lights of the holograms soon faded, returning back to the overhead lighting above them. Bathing the room in a harsh bright light, though it left those in the room with a taste of bitterness at the bloodshed.
"You encountered the Elves?" Colbert said weakly, still shocked over what he had just seen.
"Unfortunately. We would have tried to make peace with them. But, it seems our every attempt has been rebuffed." The Lieutenant chimed in.
"Lieutenant, there is no parlaying with these… monsters! They're the enemy of man for a reason. Especially given the amount of disdain and violence they've displayed." Colbert pointed out. "Ever since Founder Brimir died at the hands of these Elves, there has been no peace."
"Have you at least tried to? 6,000 years is a long time for things to change." Monty asked curiously.
"Tried? If we did, that would be heresy. The Vatican will not take lightly those who consort with the Elves… No matter how good their intentions may be." Colbert bitterly answered the AI.
Throughout all this, V'tas had stood silent. The footage reminded him too much of his fellow Elites in the early days of the war. During their campaign against the humans, they'd often deluded themself into thinking the humans beneath them. Justifying their attitude as the will of the gods.
It was a bitter thought to carry, making him clench his fists involuntarily at the memory of one of his first missions.
He'd have thought themselves to be better now, but he knew he was deluding himself.
"Your destruction is the will of the gods, and we are their instruments…" V'tas said out loud.
The situation reminded him of that fateful day, nearly three decades ago.
The humans in the room stared at the towering figure. His voice had apparently cut deep into the hearts of the UNSC members as they seemed to have pained expressions to their faces at his words.
"Harvest…" Captain Morgan weakly said. "It's the same situation with the damn Covenant all over again." Anger threatened to well up within him.
"This planet keeps reminding us far too much of it for our own good." The Lieutenant too had his head held down in sorrow.
Colbert looked on in confusion at the scene before him. It seemed whatever the Kaidon had said had greatly upset them.
"I did not mean to bring up such terrible memories, Shipmaster. I apologize." V'tas attempted to make peace.
"What would you know, split-lip?" The Lieutenant insulted him. "Your people burned entire worlds to glass!"
His outburst was loud enough to call attention to him that Dr. Belle and Hiraga turned to see the commotion. Only to go back to their work upon realizing what the issue was, avoiding the awkward confrontation.
"Geez, talk about a tough crowd." Another voice added. Though they couldn't see where it was from.
At the Lieutenant's outburst, the Sangheili hung his head in shame.
The genocide his people had so willingly enacted on the humans — the ones their gods chose as their true inheritors, was a mark of shame for his species. They could never truly pay back what they owed.
"Lieutenant, stop." Captain Morgan intervened. "Now's not the time for this." He shot a glare at the ONI Agent.
"I apologize, Professor. You didn't have to see that." The Captain said to Colbert., who just seemed confused through it all — though he could read the atmosphere in the room and chose not to pry.
"It is alright, Captain. I take it whatever it was that caused you such grief to be a sore topic, yes? Then I shall incur no further." He said as neutral as possible.
He didn't want to upset them any more than they already have, though that comment about the Sangheili burning entire worlds was concerning to him.
"Thank you." Was all the Captain could say as the room fell into an uncomfortable silence.
The tension in the air was laid thick — with how hateful the Lieutenant seemed to glare at the lone alien in the room. The Captain seemed to have gone staring off into the distance after they went quiet, his eyes glossed over with pain as he seemed to recall some bitter memories and the Kaidon himself seemed to be uttering silent prayers of penance.
A strange sight to be seen by the Professor, but the only one he could have talked to at the moment was the tiny figure who stared forlornly at the group.
"Excuse me, Monsieur… Monty, was it?" Colbert attempted to call out. Not wishing to be left alone in the awkward mood that settled.
"Yes, Professor?" The AI responded almost immediately.
He debated with himself over what to ask in this situation, as it seemed they weren't going to snap out of their stupor at the moment.
"The Captain and Lieutenant. What seems to be their issue?" He asked the AI after a moment of deliberation.
Monty visibly hesitated to the eyes of the Professor. While he wasn't born during the war — he had known enough about it to understand where the Lieutenant was coming from. Given that it was a recent event, one which spanned 30 years; some hostility would inevitably still linger.
"It's complicated." Was all he replied.
Colbert simply nodded at that. If they didn't want to explain their grudges at this time, he wouldn't push it. He'd known the feeling himself.
Captain Morgan was the first to break out of their little deadlock of melancholy. Turning to apologize once more to the Professor for the inconvenience, he moved the conversation back to the previous topic.
"Is that all you could tell us about the Elves?" He inquired.
"Yes. I'm afraid that's all we know about them. Any contact between Humans and Elves tend to end in bloodshed." Colbert had explained all he could. Though, he was sure the great libraries of Romalia might contain the information they sought. He didn't bring it up. Thinking it unimportant for now.
"Well, we're not going to solve anything if we don't actually talk to them." Monty interjected, his arms held crossed in frustration.
"If it's the humans they take issue with. Do you think there would be no problem if I were to meet with them in their stead?" V'tas cut in.
All eyes turned to him as he spoke. "Their problems lie within their distrust of humanity. Then I see no reason that they would act this way towards my kind." He explained.
Captain Morgan seemed to follow along with his logic, as did Monty and the Lieutenant; begrudgingly for the latter's case. Though he was worried about sending out the Sangheili to an openly hostile territory.
"I see." Lieutenant Redding seemed to have come to a realization. "It's only heresy if a human does it. Right, Professor?" The Lieutenant seemed to poke at him.
"I guess so." Colbert was unsure if that would actually be acceptable within the eyes of Church of Brimir. But they couldn't possibly hold the UNSC accountable; given the disparity of capabilities they have shown so far.
He pondered over the proposal, wondering if he could persuade them otherwise; but they seemed to be adamant about this.
"Yes, I believe it would be alright for Lord V'tas to do so." Colbert said after thinking it through.
If the Church took issue with this, it would be petty of them to do so. He'd have thought them better than to hold them to that.
"Excellent. Then we have a course of action." V'tas declared. He turned to the Captain and bowed in respect. "Shipmaster, as I have none of my own disposal at this time. May I request permission to borrow one of your sub-vessels for this operation?"
Captain Morgan hummed in thought. "Monty, are any of our Strident-Class Frigates busy at the moment?" He asked the AI.
Afterwards, Monty showed them a list of all their space-worthy assets in the nearby area. The Captain could see that the Just Another Day, commanded by Commander Parker had just recently departed from Alpha Base, based on Monty's records. They too were off on their own exploration mission to see how far they could travel within this other dimension. Their Strident-Class Escorts however, were still in the area. With most of them in low-orbit around the site as a precaution — now that their two Cruisers have gone elsewhere.
"Eternity Sub-vessels 1 through 10, are holding position defensively around Alpha Base at the moment Captain. But, I'm sure we can divert one of them for this mission." Monty replied immediately after a few milliseconds of calculations on the effects of having just one of them be reassigned. From the Captain's perspective, it all happened in the blink of an eye.
"Then you have a ship. Kaidon." Captain Morgan turned and said to V'tas after giving a silent thanks to Monty.
"You have my thanks, Shipmaster." He gave a Sangheili salute. "I shall go inform my men of our mission." He turned to leave after he ended the conversation there. Giving a small nod to everyone before doing so.
"Good riddance." The Lieutenant said quietly after V'tas had left the room. The heavy footsteps of the Sangheili no longer echoed throughout the room after his presence had left.
"Seriously?" The Captain chided the man.
He didn't expect him to be so hostile, especially after six years of working in tandem with the Swords of Sanghelios against the Covenant Remnants.
Colbert could only watch as the events before him played out. He couldn't understand some of the terms the UNSC and their ally threw around, he couldn't understand how hostile the Lieutenant acted towards them, even. But, he knew that things were about to be set into motion based on the results of their meeting today.
"Well, that's one problem sorted. But, there's actually something else we could use your expertise in." The Captain said, attempting to dispel the awkward mood in the air.
"Which would be?" Colbert asked. He was unsure if he could help any further at this point.
"Your magic for one. We're curious about them." Dr. Belle said. Moving towards the group after she noticed that their previous discussion seemed to have ended. "We've been doing our own research on the topic. But, without a proper frame of reference, we've been stuck at dead ends mostly." She gave out a sigh at that.
"Dr. Belle, here was in the middle of looking into it. But, her projects have hit a recent roadblock. It's basically studying a new field outside of her expertise after all." The Captain explained.
"Of course, I'd be glad to offer my help. But if I may, why are you interested in our magic?" Colbert questioned.
"Great. While we're at it. I'd also like your aid in looking into things such as the magic stones you people seem to use as a power source." Lieutenant Redding added.
Colbert raised an eyebrow at that. He had no idea why the Lieutenant was so interested in the matter.
"I'm curious about the applications of these things. Especially, the military capabilities these magical stones could do." He motioned for Dr. Belle to show the man the research she'd done so far.
Showing a projection of the island of Albion — floating high above the continent of Halkeginia, the Professor began to notice what they were getting at.
"The Floating Isle." He said in astonishment. "Why are you so interested in that region in particular?" Colbert asked hesitantly.
"Well, for starters. We know these things carry a tremendous amount of energy with them based on the type of stone: Wind for flight, Fire for explosions, et cetera. Energy which could be weaponized — given how your people managed to achieve flight with relatively simple technologies compared to us." The Lieutenant said smugly. To which Captain Morgan and Dr. Belle shot him a glare.
"His poor wording aside, that's basically the gist of it, professor. Though, I do apologize for his candor." Captain Morgan added.
"It is alright, Captain." Colbert returned his own glare at the Lieutenant.
He'd been told by the Director early on that the Lieutenant seemed quite confrontational. Which made his attitude expected. But, he didn't think he would be this overt about it.
"So, what exactly am I going to be helping with?" Colbert finished.
Dr. Belle took this as her cue. "For starters, we could use your expertise in the field of magic. Anything can help. After all, this is a field of study none of us here are qualified for — you being the exception." She explained.
"Well, it just so happens that this is my area of expertise, Madame Doctor. I will gladly aid in your endeavors, if you promise me one thing."
"And that would be?"
"You help me with my own research." Colbert gave a counter-offer in turn, pulling out detailed sketches of something he had designed from his satchel he carried with him. "I've been fascinated for a while now in inventing technological alternatives for magic. That way even the Commoners could benefit from it." He showed the sketches to Dr. Belle.
She stared at the pages the images were drawn on. The design was archaic, but revolutionary for this society. A design which sparked the single greatest revolution humanity had seen before they left for the stars.
"Is this… a steam engine?" She asked in bewilderment.
"Pardon?" Colbert seemed confused. He hadn't quite come up with a name for his invention yet, but it seemed the UNSC was already familiar with the concept.
"The steam engine was one of our first stepping stones towards where we are now. It kick-started the industrial revolution for God's sake!" She exclaimed a bit excited at this.
"You're already aware of such things?" Colbert felt somewhat humbled at this.
"More than familiar, Professor. We've matured past this centuries ago." Monty chimed in, the tiny figure apparently still present as he had been listening in to the conversation.
It would seem Colbert would have his dream come true after all.
《 Elven Council, Nephtys | November 21st, 2558, UNSC Calendar 》
Deep within the Elven heartland; a meeting was taking place.
Ever since the humans had set up a rather small, yet impressive, fortress out in the deserts — they had been acting with impunity on their hallowed lands. The humans had even begun defiling the wrecks dotted throughout the dunes, repurposing them for unknown purposes, greatly worrying the Elven Council.
The room they were currently in, was designed like a mirror, the seats were arranged like a stepladder at either side of the room. At the podium in the anterior of the meeting room, the Elven Council speaker looked disturbed.
"There was only one ship." An obviously wounded Elf replied before those in attendance. He'd been involved in a small skirmish with the humans, after they attempted to enter the Ancient Speaker's Observatory.
"One? Are you sure?" Asked another Elf inquisitively. Like all the others of his kind, he was tall of height and had blonde hair. The only thing seperating him from the one being questioned before them was the wellness of his dress.
"Yes, but they sent out their men throughout the deserts at speeds which could only be described as impossible." He flinched at the memory. Human ships flying about up and above the sky, on heights not even their finest airships could reach.
"These humans… they were initially able to evade your patrols, yes? Allowing them to be galavanting out from their vessel and desecrate our sands with their filthy footsteps!" Another Elf hotly exclaimed. He was clearly frustrated that their apparent supremacy was now being challenged. Many of the oldest among them feared a repeat of what that Devil had done thousands of years ago.
"Noble brethren, surely you must understand. With the brazen behavior these humans have displayed the past few weeks — we simply cannot allow such behavior to continue!" The wounded Elf argued.
The majority of Council members present simply wanted to end their terms without a fuss. Their main and only concern was not to cause any trouble during this tumultous period. After all, as they were all clan representatives, any mistakes they make here would directly harm their own clan, bringing great misfortunes to them. Because of this, they would avoid any actions which would require them to bear responsibility. And thus, their heated exchanges continued on.
"It wouldn't have come to this if you had done your job in the first place!" Another shot back. He felt insulted that they blamed him for the Human's actions.
Throughout the entire session. One individual stood indifferent to the amount of hatred spewing out the mouths of his countrymen. He'd not had much against their race, finding them fascinating instead of beneath them. He was a rare contradiction amongst his peers. An outlier.
Barely even speaking a single word throughout the entirety of this session he tried to lose himself in his thoughts. But, all he could think of at this moment was how quickly the humans had seemingly advanced.
If he could, he would have poked the minds of those responsible; exchange ideas or even make conversation with them. They seemed quite different from how humans were remembered. He sighed in disappointment when he realized that chance might never come. Seeing as they all seem to have been hell-bent on driving them out of the Sahara for good. He watched mutely as it all went down.
「 Newcastle, Loyalist Headquarters, Albion. 」
Prince Wales watched in mild amazement at how an aircraft had seemingly appeared out of thin air above Newcastle. The ONI Agent, Johanne, had told him this was a "stealth" variant of a common transport they fielded. He was sure that the magic of invisibility was one thought to be impossible, yet these UNSC people he had made contact with, made the notions of impossibility as irrelevant. Making them seem possible.
The craft began to descend as it had stopped to a hover above an empty courtyard. A section of their stronghold reserved for the promised aid the ONI Lieutenant had offered. When the rear of the vehicle opened up, it revealed to them several unmarked crates of unusual make. A sort of metallic like material covered them, an Earth Mage could have figured out its composition. But, he thought that it would be irrelevant to waste their time on such a trivial thing as that.
He watched as another figure emerged from within the vehicle. Pushing the supplies out of the aircraft and gently placing them on the ground beneath. He was a tall man, quite a bit over 6'8 from what he could see. His face obscured by a metal helmet with a golden visor — stared back at him, "G074" was engraved upon his chest piece.
Based on his appearance, he assumed him to be some sort of Knight, or another such figure. The sight of him eliciting a whistle from the ONI Agent.
"Didn't think they'd send a Spartan out here." He said in amazement.
The Prince did not recognize the term. But the name seemed to carry a certain weight to it, if the Agent would react in such a way. Perhaps this man before him was a skilled Knight-Mage? Able to rival most named mages in combat. No, he banished the thought. One single person won't be able to turn the tide of this war. He had to remain realistic.
The figure disembarked from the aircraft, tapping the hull twice upon doing so. The signal being taken as the Pilot's cue to leave. And just as quickly as it came, the aircraft disappeared once more from view. Leaving behind the Spartan and several crates of supplies.
Loyalist troops began to move in after a moment of hesitation. The sight of the Spartan as the Agent had referred to him as — intimidated the good and simple folk around them. Some of the Loyalists attempted to lift the crates, only to stop when they realized it was far heavier than they expected.
They struggled to carry it, even the strongest among them could only carry them by several feet before dropping it in exhaustion.
"What the hell is inside of these?" One of them asked as he and a few of the men around him struggled to carry the crates.
"They're live munitions. Be careful with it." The gruff voice of the Spartan came through, surprising the natives. Who promptly dropped the crates in surprise.
"It can talk?" Exclaimed one of the men.
The ONI Agent laughed at the scene. "Yeah, they get those a lot. You'd think they were nothing but mindless automatons when they're that silent."
The Spartan ignored the Agent's comment, instead choosing to stare at the man. Eyeing him for any signs of injury or abuse. Thankfully, no signs of it were to be found. Satisfied that the Agent seemed to have been treated fairly, he turned to the crates before them.
"Shall I carry them for you?" He asked. Though the tone in which he spoke seemed a lot more gentler now.
The Loyalists simply nodded, directing him to where they should place their new equipment.
The Spartan pried open the crates one by one. Showing to the Loyalists for the first time, the UNSC's equipment. To the untrained eye — they all seemed unremarkable. Strange muskets of an unorthodox design, along with metallic tubes with which they didn't know the purpose of.
Accompanying them were a series of cased ammunition loaded into "magazines" and a few items jokingly described by the men as "phallic-shaped." But the Spartan was adamant that they shouldn't play around with the latter. His voice boomed over them, cowing many into submission.
The Prince looked warily at the supplies the UNSC had sent. While he knew they were advanced, just based on that aircraft from earlier it was evident. He didn't quite feel it from the weapons displayed here now.
"What exactly are these?" He inquired to the Spartan. Who then proceeded to deftly pick up several of the weapons and gave a brief explanation for each.
He held in his arms one of their black colored muskets. Holding it tight to his body and his finger kept off the trigger.
"This weapon in particular, is known as the MA5 Series of Assault Rifle. It is an Individual Combat Weapon System, air-cooled, gas-operated assault rifle produced by Misriah Armory. These rifles are rugged and sturdy, performing exceptionally well in a variety of environments." He explained.
Lowering the weapon down he picked up one of those pointed bullets from a nearby crate. "The MA5 series rifle uses the M118 7.6251mm Full Metal Jacket, Armor Piercing rounds. These rounds are designed to pierce body armor so the rounds are reasonably large, and are surrounded by a molded jacket of metal, which enhances its armor-piercing capabilities."
"Armor… Piercing?" The Prince muttered in disbelief.
"Correct. The bullet will penetrate even the toughest of armor your enemies will be fielding." The Spartan responded dryly.
He set the MA5 down and picked up a different weapon this time. A white L-Shaped firearm, reminiscent of the flintlock pistols he'd seen the Musketeers of Tristain used, though much blockier and heavier in appearance.
"The M6 Personal Defense Weapon System, also produced by Misriah Armory. It has been in service for about a hundred and forty years. A reliable design for the common infantryman."
"The M6 is either the galaxy's biggest pistol or the smallest rifle. I'm still not sure which is more accurate a descriptor." The ONI Agent added. He picked up the weapon and inspected it. Seemingly looking over it in nostalgia as the Spartan went on with his business.
The Spartan picked up the relevant ammunition for it from the crate again. "The M6 is recoil-operated and magazine-fed. It typically fires 12.740mm projectile ammunition."
The Spartan proceeded to explain the rest of the weapons the Loyalists could recognize as fjrearms.
Many eyes gleamed with joy, like children receiving a new toy — they all seemed excited at the prospect of using them.
Though as the Spartan went on to explain the rest, that interest soon started to morph into one of seriousness. They noticed that most of the weapons they had provided them were similar in nature to the first two that the Spartan showcased. Though they carried different titles, such as "Designated Marksman Rifles" or "Battle Rifles" the differences between the two were lost on them without a proper point of reference — but they knew they would find out soon enough.
Finally reaching the last of the crates the spartan pulled out one of those twin-tube designed items. Looking like a conjoined pair of cannons.
"Now, this is the M41 Surface-to-Surface Rocket Medium Anti-Vehicle and Assault Weapon. Commonly known as the Jackhammer or the SPNKR. It is a heavy ordnance weapon."
He hefted the device on his right shoulder before leaning to pick up its corresponding ammunition.
"The M41 rocket launcher fires M19 102mm high-explosive shaped charge missiles, featuring a smart-linked sight, allowing users to fire rockets over long distances with devastating accuracy. These systems allow the operator to track their targets guaranteeing a strike, even if it attempts evasive maneuvers."
A soldier from the Loyalist's side raised a hand. A question seemingly on his mind. "When you say it tracks their targets. Do you mean it could magically follow them? What about dragons?" He asked.
"Theoretically, yes. As long as you keep it aimed on your target that is." The Spartan replied. "As for dragons. They're not nearly as maneuverable or fast as the things this weapon was designed to destroy. It should be more than enough."
The Loyalists seemed eager at the explanations given. While they were doubtful of their actual capabilities, they seemed confident when they held the weapons in their hands. A slight improvement on their moral as many of them have resorted to fighting with garden tools.
"I shall be instructing all of you in how to operate these weapons. Once you're all familiar with it, you can begin adjusting your strategies accordingly. We've even included some attachments like: suppressors, for stealth operations and grenade launchers for extra firepower when you're engaging the Reconquista forces in skirmishes." The Spartan spoke up, catching the attention of the common soldiers.
"How hard can it be? Just point and shoot, right?" One of them joked. To which it earned him a slap on the back of the head by his peers. Intimidated by the sight of the Spartan glaring at them.
"No." The Spartan growled at that remark. "You will treat your weapons with the respect they deserve as tools of war. These are not toys, they are weapons made to kill. If you do not have the discipline to treat your weapons in this manner, you do not deserve to carry them into battle." He explained, though a hint of anger could be felt from his tone of voice.
"Understood…" The soldier slinked backwards into the crowd of soldiers around him in embarrassment.
Seemingly satisfied at this, the Spartan turned to the rest of the men around them.
"Good. We'll start, now. Grab a rifle and meet me in the courtyard. I'll be running all of you through drills."
The Prince could only watch as his men's command seemed to have been taken away from him when they all followed the behemoth of a man's instructions. As they all filed out of the room, each grabbing a rifle each — he could only hope this wasn't a mistake.
Author's Notes: Took a while to get this out. Suffered from a bit if a burnout after witnessing the end of the "Halo" show by Paramount. Damn, that was a fustercluck from beginning to the end. Kind of lost a bit of motivation seeing something I liked being turned into… that.
But, I managed to finish this chapter. Been trying to read through the original Light Novels myself and a few other Halo books in the meantime to familiarize myself with the setting. But I ended up making so many notes on things to keep track of I actually got lost and overwhelmed. (Oops.)
If I do get things wrong, feel free to correct me. Please. (I'll add it to the list of things I need to keep in mind when I rewrite the earlier chapters to keep in line with the quality down the road from now) I'm bound to have missed one or more things and I've already forgotten some things that I just recently read from the information overload I received.
Reviews:
TOGDESTROYER: Thank you! Your words mean a lot to me.
Guest (Austin): I've been building up to it. Hope to meet your expectations when I do get to that point in the story. Thank you. As for other X-Over's I've been thinking of some of those for a while, probably as one-shots if I ever get around to posting them.
Guest: Aye, should probably write a civilian POV from those unrelated to the UNSC when I expand upon that area in the story.
Crescentation: Probably one of the easiest job ONI has had to date.
Arvid: My bad. I'm usually used to typing in short sentences without punctuations.
"Straight to the point
Like this"
So I've been trying to remedy that with writing. Gotta get used to actually using the .'s and ,'s.
snipervtk4: Huh, I neglected to include those. I'll try to add them next time. As for Louise and DI's… That'd be fun for a sidestory.
Guest (Halo): You bring up some good points. I intended the UNSC and ONI to be extremely paranoid in this situation, given the circumstances which led them here. So I thought some of the Lieutenant's actions would be reasonable from his POV — looking out for their own self-interest. But I can see how he'd come off as excessive. I'll try to remedy that.
Vctor Nova 12: Cheers, mate.
Guest (Fate): I actually had a plan for that after the Albion arc. When the UNSC's power becomes apparent to everyone around them. Hopefully it'd be good enough for you when I do write it.
dragon44pride: *spoilers*
Kitsune Obsessed Freak: Yep, sorry about that. That bot was recommended to me by a friend and was unaware if it was too annoying to deal with. Hopefully shouldn't be too much of a problem now tho. Cheers.
If you have any suggestions or comments. Feel free to join the Discord server: /sDgJN8F4tY
Thanks for reading. And as always. I'll see you in the next one. じゃ、またね