Hello again, everyone, and welcome to my remastered Halo - MechWarrior/BattleTech crossover. I want to thank you for your feedback since the publishing of my new Halo - Star Wars crossover. Some of you were bothered by the 'meta knowledge' that some of the characters had in the two current chapters, so I reworked those two chapters. I also had a guest publish a review that was in Spanish. If someone would be willing to post a translation for that review, I would be very happy and appreciative.

For those of you who pointed out the inspiration for this crossover, and some of the problems with that story, I want to say thank you for pointing those out. I will be doing my best to make sure the characters are well fleshed out and not naive individuals. Either way, thank you for your support, and I hope to see you in future chapters. As always, leave a review, and enjoy!

This chapter was beta read by drakensis.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Halo or MechWarrior/BattleTech franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of Microsoft Game Studios, 343 Industries, Bungie, FASA Corporation, FASA Interactive, Catalyst Game Labs and Piranha Games Inc. Any material original to the franchises belongs to their respective developers and publishers. Any material not original to the franchises is of my own invention. I do not own any music listed in each chapter. Any music listed belongs to it's original composers and/or artists.

Epsilon Eridani

SLDF MOB Delta

July 22nd, 2552

Sitting at the desk in his officer, Colonel Urban Holland rubbed a hand over his tired features as he continued to work on the mountain of paperwork that had been present on his desk since the day before. Paperwork was a hated, if necessary, aspect of his career in the UNSC, as he would much prefer to be out there with his men, fighting and bleeding alongside them in their efforts to defeat the Covenant and stave off Humanity's extinction. Alas, the paperwork must flow, he thought to himself resignedly. At least we don't have to worry about the SLDF fleet that appeared over our heads.

A relieved smile crossed his face as he remembered the events that had happened nearly two days ago. Once Fremont had agreed to help Chenenko and the SLDF in return for their assistance, the Vice Admirals and Admirals had gotten to work hashing out the finer details of their agreement, from which technologies to share, as well as what information the SLDF would be allowed to gain access to.

According to the finalized agreement, which they had signed at the end of the meeting, the Star League would be allowed to rearm and resupply it's fleet, while sharing the necessary technologies by which to manufacture military grade, SLDF equipment and munitions. In addition, the SLDF would be able to gain access to some classified information, though Chernenko stated that wasn't necessary at all. "I'm not interested in finding out your secrets," he had stated during the meeting.

However, he had made it clear that he wasn't going to share everything with the UNSC. K-F Drive technology, for one, was a strategic technology that he wasn't willing to share, not yet at least, nor was he willing to share how to make some of the more potent military technologies the SLDF had at it's disposal. FTL communications was another technology he wasn't willing to share in the immediate future, and he was not going to release any classified information that the SLDF had to the UNSC, citing 'security reasons.'

Still, Holland had reason to believe that the SLDF had it's own intelligence branch, and it stood to reason that ONI would try to find out as much as it could about the SLDF and it's technology. As a result of the agreement, copies of the information and schematics for certain SLDF technologies were sent to Tribute in order to begin mass production. At the same time, a K-F Drive equipped ship had left for Earth in order to deliver the same information.

Fremont, as he promised, immediately informed HIGHCOM and FLEETCOM of what had happened, from the SLDF's arrival, to the newfound agreement and alliance they had just formed. To say that Admiral Terrence Hood was surprised was an understatement, as the man was silent as Fremont told him every small detail. Once he was done speaking, Hood had commended Fremont's handling of the situation and had asked him to keep working with the SLDF fleet in Reach in order to buy the UNSC any advantage that they could get.

As the other UNSC Admirals and Generals had been present during the meeting, they also expressed surprise, though some were skeptical of the SLDF's offer for assistance. A couple believed they were Insurrectionists, though Fremont's testimony cast doubt on that belief. As a result, it was decided that they would keep working with the SLDF. Time will tell if our alliance falls apart, or remains solid, Holland thought as he finished up the last piece of paperwork.

Just as he finished up the last piece of paperwork, he immediately noticed that something was wrong. He was about to wonder what felt wrong when an alert came up on his computer. Looking at the monitor, his heart nearly stopped when he saw the words, ALERT: Communications Failure Detected. Please Contact Local Maintenance Crew. As soon as he saw those words, he realized what had happened: Visegrád Relay was offline.

The Visegrád Communications Relay was Reach's sole communications link with the rest of the UNSC. Designed to use Wavespace to transmit information faster than the speed of light, the Relay allowed for near-instant communications between Earth and Reach. If that Relay went offline, which it had just now, then Reach was blind and deaf, making the planet highly vulnerable to invasion. As a result, he immediately got to work scrambling together a team. We have to get on top of this, he thought. Otherwise, we're a sitting duck!

. . .

Six Hours Later

Standing inside one of the prefab buildings in the outpost, Carter frowned as Colonel Holland explained the situation to him. He had been finishing up his morning workout when he got an urgent COM message from Dot, the UNSC AI that was assigned to Noble Team. He wasn't told the nature of the emergency, but he knew that it was bad news, which prompted him, and the rest of Noble Team, to gear up and head to the outpost they were at. Now, he was getting the full story from Colonel Holland, and it wasn't a good one.

As Holland talked, Carter remembered the events that had happened about two days ago, when the SLDF fleet arrived over the planet of Reach, near one of it's moons. It was hard to believe that there was a fleet from another universe near the planet of Reach, and even harder to believe that it used technology that was far more advanced than what the UNSC had. The most unbelievable part of the entire event, however, was that all of this was true.

Scientists are certainly going to have a field day, he thought, now that we know the Multiverse Theory is true. What had him more interested, however, were the military capabilities of the SLDF, specifically what it called it's Army Command. He'd learned that the Army Command in the SLDF was responsible for the ground forces of any planetary action that the SLDF commenced. This included infantry regiments, Combat Vehicles, as well as what they called 'BattleMechs.' He'd heard stories from the people at SWORD Base what a BattleMech looked like, but he had yet to see one in action. If anything else happens, I just might see one in action.

With that in mind, he drew his attention back to the holographic computer screen he was looking at. The screen showed the portraits of two men, one being Colonel Urban Holland, and the other being SLDF Colonel William O'Donnell, who was Urban Holland's equivalent in rank and experience. William O'Donnell looked similar to Holland, but his skin was tanned, and his eyes were a dark brown color. His uniform was white, with gold pipping, and two, three-dimensional silver stars on both of his shoulders that indicated his rank in the SLDF. "Contact with Visegrad Relay was lost last night," Holland informed Carter. "All signals flatlined at 2600 hours. I responded with trooper fireteams, which have since been declared MIA."

"And now you're sending us," Carter finished.

"Agreed," Holland nodded. "The Office of Naval Intelligence believes that deployment of a Spartan team is a gross mis-allocation of valuable resources. I tend to disagree, as does my counterpart here."

"Correct," William replied, his deep voice rumbling over the COM-link. "When I was informed of the FTL Communications blackout, I immediately requested the deployment of an SLDF Elemental fireteam to assist in any way that I could. Given how vital FTL Communications is back in the Inner Sphere, it was decided that speedy restoration could only be done once the area was cleared of any hostiles… that is, if there are any hostiles at the Relay."

Carter was about to ask a question when he heard Kat, one of his team members, speaking up. "Commander," she said. Turning around, Carter got a good look at the newcomers, as well as the members of his own fireteam. There were five members on Noble Team, with a sixth that was supposedly on his way there as well. Kat was the technical expert of the team, and was good with both explosives and electronics. Emile was their CQC expert, and had an explosive personality to go with it as well, while Jun was the cool headed marksman of the team. Jorge was the only Spartan-II on the team, having been part of the program since he was recruited, and served as the Heavy Weapons Support member of the team.

That left the newcomers that walked into the room. The first was Spartan B312, known as the 'Lone Wolf' by those that commanded him. From what Carter could recall from the man's dossier, B312 was an incredibly efficient and lethal killing machine, having earned the 'Hyper-Lethal' designation from ONI, a designation that was shared only by Sierra-117. According to the dossier, B312 usually dealt with Insurrectionists, but when the Covenant-UNSC War started, he was assigned to assassinating high ranking members of the Covenant, where he had earned quite a reputation. However, as his nickname suggested, he usually worked alone.

Then there were the obvious newcomers to the planet, and to the UNSC. Just behind B312 were five men that were standing close together in formation, arms and hand behind their backs, while the leader walked inside. Rumors had it that Star League Elementals were normal people that had undergone extensive nanotechnological and genetic augmentation, which was said to make them as effective as a Spartan. All of the SLDF Elementals were wearing what he learned was called Nighthawk L Powered Armor, which had a close resemblance to MJOLNIR Powered Armor. Ironically, convergent design evolution had apparently happened, as Nighthawk L Powered Armor made use of more advanced versions of the technology used in MJOLNIR Powered Armor.

The only difference were the lack of energy shields, a disadvantage that was countered through the use of Advanced Armor, which he'd learned was a variation of the SLDF's standard issue armor plating. Either way, SLDF Elementals were the finest soldiers in the entire SLDF Army Command, and it showed from their training, discipline and equipment. "So," Jorge, who was sitting near Carter, remarked. "That's our new number six, and those are the SLDF Elementals that William talks highly about. They look impressive, I can give them that much."

"Indeed," Carter nodded.

Emile, who was near the door sharpening his kukri, asked, "Kat, you read his file?" He motioned to B312 when he said this.

"Only the parts that weren't covered in black ink," Kat admitted. "It was a similar story with these 'Elementals.'"

Ignoring the newcomers for now, Carter turned back towards the computer screen. "Anyone claim responsibility, sir," he asked.

"ONI thinks it might be the local Insurrection," Holland replied. "Five months ago, they pulled a similar job on Harmony. Hit a relay to take out our eyes and ears, then stole two freighters from drydock. That cannot happen here. Reach is too damn important. I want that relay back online, Noble One."

"Sir, consider it done," Carter replied.

"Then I'll see you on the other side. Holland out." With that, the COM-link to Holland cut out, while the MILCOM link to William remained up.

"Any other orders, sir," Carter asked. He was uncomfortable with calling someone from outside the UNSC 'sir', but he knew that the alliance they made meant that the SLDF also had a say in any military matters as well, as they were also a legitimate military authority. As a result, he would have to tolerate it for now.

"Holland pretty much spoke for me there," William replied. "As for the SLDF Elementals, if they have arrived, their orders are to assist you in bringing Visegrad Relay back to full functionality. Once that is done, we can proceed from there. Colonel William out." With that, his portrait disappeared, leaving Carter alone with the others.

Turning around, helmet in hand, Carter decided to address the Elementals first. Looking at the Elementals, he couldn't tell who the leader was, since their armor shared the same color theme: olive drab with steel gray accents. "Who is the leader of your fireteam," he asked.

"That would be me," one of the Elementals replied, stepping forwards as he did so. "Star Command Alex Conners"

"Same rank as I am," Carter remarked.

"Not quite," Alex clarified. "I am technically a Captain by SLDF rank structure. The Clans use the rank of Star Commander as the equivalent. Typically, I lead a Trinary of BattleMechs, each one consisting of a Three stars, which in turn consists of five 'Mechs. The good Colonel, however, wanted discretion for this op, so he sent me, and four other Elementals. It is no problem, however, since I am trained in the use of Battle Armor and Power Armor."

As he said this, Carter spotted the rank insignia on their armor pauldrons. The rank insignia looked similar to a square, with the square being a light to dark brown gradient, with a red star located at the bottom left corner of the square. The others only had the gradient square, indicating they were either Privates or their Clan counterpart.

"I see," Carter replied. "I'm Commander Carter, Noble Team's leader." Motioning to the others, he said, "That's Kat, Noble Two, Emile and Jorge, Four and Five. June, Noble Three, is currently outside in the Falcon. B312 is our new Noble Six. What is your designation?"

"Gamma One, for the time being," Alex replied. "Alberty and Hoskins are Gamma Two and Three respectively, Ward and Shaw are Gamma Four and Five. Normally, I would be in charge of a Star of BattleMechs, but given that discretion is advised, I was chosen for this mission since I also lead Stars of Clan Wolf Elementals from time to time, since I also qualified as an Elemental."

When he said this, Carter nodded. While it was a little strange that a Clan 'MechWarrior also led a group of SLDF Elementals, he could see the reasoning behind having multiple teams to command. "I see," he nodded. Turning to the right, he said, "Lieutenant."

"Commander, sir," Noble Six replied.

"As you've probably heard, I'm Commander Carter, Noble Team's leader. You're riding with me Noble Six." As he said this, he put his helmet on and walked out to join the others, while the Elementals walked towards their Falcon-like VTOL, which Carter learned was called an Anhur III. As their VTOL's powered up, he said, "I'm not gonna lie to you, Lieutenant. You're stepping into some shoes the rest of the squad would rather leave unfilled. Me, I'm just happy to have Noble back up to full strength."

As he got in to his Falcon, he said, "Just one more thing – I've seen your file, even the parts the ONI censors didn't want me to, I'm glad to have your skill set, but we're a team. That lone-wolf stuff stays behind. Clear?"

"Understood, sir," Noble Six replied. As he said this, the Falcon took off, with the VTOL quickly climbing into the sky. Behind them, he could hear the Anhur III taking off, with the powerful VTOL quickly reaching their height before matching their speed.

As he settled in for the ride, he heard Jun say, "Welcome to Reach."

. . .

Around two hours later, they were flying over a mountainous area that the Relay was located at. Looking around, Alex could tell that Reach looked similar to his world's version of Epsilon Eridani. According to records, the planet needed to be terraformed before it was suitable for colonization, which was different from his world, where the planet didn't need any major terraforming before it could be colonized.

One of many differences between this universe and our own, he thought to himself. This is just one more thing to deal with on top of everything else. He looked down at his armored gauntlet a moment later, remembering why he took on this mission. Normally, he was a 'MechWarrior, not an Elemental, but he had qualified for Elemental augmentations when he was getting re-certified for BattleMech operation.

His acceptance was out of practicality, as Clan Wolf had made a disturbing discovery when it came to Jade Falcon's Elementals. During a combat operation, they had discovered a Jade Falcon science facility; while the facility wasn't disturbing in it's own right, it was what was inside the facility that had the Khan spooked. Apparently, Jade Falcon was performing genetic research in order to create an Elemental phenotype that combined the traditional AeroSpace, Elemental, and 'MechWarrior phenotypes into a single one, known as an 'Elstar', which was short for Elite Ristar.

This had Clan Wolf deeply worried, prompting them to ask the Star League for help in this regard. Fortunately, they learned that the SLDF had created specialized units that combined the three phenotypes that the Clans used, effectively making them the SLDF's equivalent of the Elstar. The process had been refined to the point where trueborn and freeborn alike could receive the augmentations, even when fully grown.

As a result, Alex had been one of the candidates chosen for the augmentations required. Due to his experience and tactical genius, he was given Elemental-grade augmentations, and command of his own Elemental Point in the unit, along with the Trinary that he usually commanded. This resulted in a high level of cohesion, and lad led to them becoming one of the most successful squads in the Multi-Command Operations Unit that Clan Wolf had created.

As they flew along, he decided to check his long arm to make sure, just one more time, that it was ready to go. Ever since the development of advanced nanotechnology, the Star League had invested heavily in creating advanced small arms for it's infantry personnel to use. While LASER based weapons had been developed during the Age of War, they reached their full potential during the ongoing Star League Era, with the pinnacle being the Mauser 96IV Free-Electron Pulse Laser Rifle.

Designed as the SLDF's primary long arm, the M96IV was designed to replace the M96III, with the new rifle making use of a bullpup configuration, Advanced Power Packs, nanocomposites and other groundbreaking technologies. Mounted on the fore-end was a magnetic grenade launcher that could fire 40mm HEDP grenades up to 500m. The use of a Inteli-Link Projection Sight meant that a soldier with an M96IV could repeatedly hit a target up to 500m with the weapon. The Advanced Power Packs provided enough power to supply 500 laser pulses, while being 1.5x larger than the magazine of an M42D. Either way, this was one energy weapon you didn't want to be on the wrong end of.

He finished checking up on the weapon just as Carter began to speak. "Listen up, Noble Team, Gamma Team, we're looking at a downed relay outpost fifty klicks from Visegrad. We're going to introduce ourselves to whoever took it out, then Kat's going to get it back online."

"Just get me under the hood, Commander," Kat replied.

"Sir, why would the rebels want to cut off Reach from the rest of the colonies," Jorge asked.

Carter was about to reply when Alex spoke up. "Probably to cripple the UNSC command structure," he said. "If I was the commander of an invading fleet, I would cripple the communications of the planet in order to cut it off from help, then I would begin covertly landing ground troops in preparation for a full scale invasion. Still, I do not think that the Insurrectionists, as you call them, did this. They would not want to risk the UNSC hammering down their doors. I think someone else did this, someone with the intent of invading the system and taking it."

"Wait a minute," Jorge interrupted. "You're saying that the Covenant had something to do with this?"

"If I was an Admiral in the Covenant, taking out the communications relay is exactly what I would do," Alex nodded. "The Clans used that tactic during the invasion of Beta VII in the Federated Commonwealth. It is not unreasonable to assume that the Covenant would do the same."

"Either way, we'll figure out once we're on the ground," Carter finished. Internally, however, he found that Alex's assessment was chilling, not because it was right, but because it was exactly what the Covenant would do if he was their commander. Either way, we'll know more once we're on the ground.

As he thought this, he thought he heard a bit of static on his COM, before it went dead. Moments later, Kat said, "Commander, we just lost our signal with HQ."

"Backup channels?"

"Searching… Nada. Can't say what's jamming us."

"You heard her. Dead zone confirmed. Command will not be keeping us company this trip."

"I'm lonely already," Emile said half-jokingly.

"I am attempting a satellite uplink," Alex informed Carter. "Give me a minute." After a few seconds, he said. "Got it. Satellite Uplink established. I cannot get a MILCOM channel still, but I can get us terrain telemetry and overhead scans."

"Good," Carter replied. "At least we won't be running blind." Banking left, they began to move towards a nearby farm, which had a series of terraces nearby. The farm was fairly small, with what appeared to be wind turbines providing power to a series of houses and structures in the area. A small river was visible from the air, as well as a bridge crossing said river. As they flew overhead, he told the pilot, "Shoot down attempts are likely, so keep your distance."

"Yes sir," the Pilot replied.

"There's the communications outpost," Jorge called out.

Looking in that direction, Alex could see a large dish that was beyond their current location. It was large, roughly the same size as a HyperPulse Generator Relay Dish, but without some of the normal features of an HPG. "Reminds me of a HyperPulse Generator," he remarked.

"That your form of FTL communication," Kat asked.

"Yes. HyperPulse Generators can send information up to 50-100lys away, though they typically work in circuits for optimal performance. Still, remain focused on the mission. We have a job to do; we are not here to chat and drink beer."

"Let's stay focused," Carter agreed. "Watch your sectors."

"Picking up a distress beacon," Kat called out.

Looking down, Carter could see a waypoint marking where the signal was coming from, which was a small garage that had a fuel canister nearby. "Could be the missing troopers," he decided. "Let's check it out." Switching COM frequencies, he told the pilot, "Put us down on the bluff. Jun, I want your eyes in the sky."

"Sir," Jun acknowledged.

"I will accompany him," Ward added. "I am a marksman, so I should be able to help him out." With that, they landed on the bluff.

As soon as they did, Carter and the others got out, with the Elementals hopping out of the Anhur III and landing on the ground, rolling in order to break their fall. Rolling onto his feet, Alex pulled out his M96IV and began moving forward, weapon at the ready as he and his team advanced, with Noble Team moving along with them. As they advanced, they came towards the building, which soon revealed a burning wreckage nearby.

As he walked forwards, he walked onto a pallet, which broke with a loud CRUNCH. Looking down, he noticed that he had narrowly missed stepping onto a reddish colored object on the ground. Picking it up, he could see that it was the source of the distress signal. "Got something here," he told the others. "It is the source of the distress signal." He turned around and tossed it to Kat, who examined it moments later.

"Make out any ID's," Carter asked her.

"Negative, but it's military," Kat replied.

"So where are the missing troopers," Jorge asked.

The question went unanswered, even as Kat looked around. Spotting the burning wreckage, she noticed something odd. "Why are we not seeing explosive residue," she asked.

"Noble Three," Carter ordered, "can you confirm any 'ex residue in your area?"

"Mmmhhh, negative," Jun replied.

"Plasma damage, maybe," Emile suggested.

"Can't be," Jorge replied. "Not on Reach."

"Let me see," Ward remarked. Scanning the area from the Anhur III, he said, "No high explosive residue, as expected. I am seeing, however, signs of intense heat on the chassis, most likely from a phased plasma weapon of unknown type."

"There's a lot of blood on the ground," Emile observed.

"Either way, we must press on," Alex nodded. "Carter, my team will move forwards and investigate the structure. If we find any civilians, we will inform you immediately."

"Good thinking," Carter nodded. "We'll follow and provide fire support if necessary." With that, the teams moved out, with Gamma Team quickly taking the lead.

As he moved forwards, Alex was frowning at Ward's report, though not from the quality of said report. Plasma damage means that only the Covenant could have done this, he thought, having studied UNSC reports on Covenant weaponry and infantry. Looking up, he said, "Smoke up ahead at the next structure. Gamma Three and Two, circle west with Kat and investigate. Gamma Five, you are with me."

Having discussed the chain of command with Alex, Carter nodded at Kat, with the Spartan III moving with the SLDF Elementals. Moving inside, he said, "Do not telegraph your presence. You have permission to engage, but be selective." Reaching the house where the smoke was coming from, he said, "Noble Six, move up. I have you covered." Nodding in agreement, Six moved inside, MA37 at the ready as he advanced inside. So far, all was going well.

A moment later, Jun said, "Noble leader, I'm seeing heat sigs in the structure ahead."

"Copy that," Carter replied. "Gamma One?"

"I heard it," Alex replied. "Moving forwards to investigate." With that, he moved forwards, checking his angles until he exited the building. There was a courtyard just ahead of him when he exited, with a small, sliding door to his left. Nearby, a Falcon came in for a landing, with Jorge hopping out moments later. As soon as he did, Alex watched as the door opened, before a man with a black beard, wearing a leather coat and work clothes underneath, stepped out. A few people and a small child were inside.

As soon as he stepped outside, Emile, who was with Alex, pointed his shotgun at the man, who immediately shouted, „Én nem csináltam semmit!" ("I didn't do anything!")

"On your knees, now," Emile ordered.

Panicking, the man said, „Ne lőjön! Ne lőjön!" ("Don't shoot! Don't shoot!")

"Relax," Jorge said to Emile. "They're not rebels, they're farmers. Look at them." As he said this, Alex did a scan of the man for any concealed weapons or remote detonators, with none being found on the man, confirming what Jorge said.

"Ask him what they're doing here," Carter ordered.

„Mit kerestek itt" ("What are you doing here?"), Jorge asked.

Relieved that he wasn't about to die, the man explained that they were hiding, while saying, „Csak nem akartunk meghalni. Valami megölte a fiamat." ("We didn't want to die. Something killed my son.")

"They were hiding, sir," Jorge told Carter. "According to him, neighbors got attacked by something last night. He heard screams, gunfire, all of which stopped around sunrise. Says something in the fields killed his son."

"Something," Carter asked.

A moment later, Ward said, "Commanders Carter, Alex, I have heat signatures in the structure directly east of your position. Over."

"Copy that," Carter replied. "Get them back inside."

„Azt mondtam befelé!" ("I said get in! Get in!") As soon as he said that, the family immediately raced back inside, more than eager to avoid being killed.

"Elementals, double time," Alex shouted, running up the incline to the east, where the building was located at. It was a storage shed, with the walls made out of concrete, while the roof was made out of metal, probably a titanium alloy given how widespread the alloy was in the UNSC. As soon as he moved inside, though, he frowned at what he saw.

The room was filled with human bodies, all of which had been badly mangled. Two uniformed bodies were hanging on pegs in the wall, pegs that were usually used for farming equipment. The floor and walls were splattered with blood, with the material having long since coagulated. "Surats," he whispered. "What a display of barbaric brutality. Even Jade Falcon does not go this far."

"Fill me in, sir," Ward asked, just as Carter walked inside.

"Damn," Carter growled.

"We have casualties," Alex replied. "Four uniformed men, two hanging on the walls like meat." As he said this, he looked at the floor to see if the killers had stepped in any blood. As soon as he did, he saw it: three toed footprints that were all over the floor, with two sets appearing as though they were hooves and not actual feet.

Bending down, he made sure he was seeing the footprints correctly before saying, "Carter, is there anyone in the UNSC that has three toed footprints and hooves." He knew it was a rhetorical question, since he knew what this meant, but he wanted to hear Carter's answer.

"No," was the reply.

"Then it is as I feared. The Covenant are on Reach. Those footprints are consistent with the species known as 'Jackals', and two of them belong to the species you call 'Elites.'"

"Oh, no," Carter frowned.

"Fuck," Jorge snarled in a rare display of profanity. "I'd hoped they hadn't found this place." After a moment, he said, "Looks like you were right, Alex. They really are here. Damnit!"

"Relax," Alex replied. "If it is of any comfort, Jorge, I am not happy either. If they are here, then they probably know that the Star League is here as well. Either way, mourning the loss of these people will not bring them back. All we can do now is to give them justice and a restful peace by killing the ones that murdered them. Gamma Two, Three and Five, form up on me. Carter, my men and I will take point. You take up the rear in the event we need fire support. Understood?"

"Completely," Carter replied. While an order would've normally rankled him, he wanted to see the capabilities of an SLDF Elemental in combat, to gauge their threat level against the Covenant.

Moving onward, the team was about to move through when Shaw said, "Watch it! Sensors have picked up movement. We also have multiple unidentified contacts outside of the structures ahead of us."

"Got it," Alex replied. "Ward, do you see anything on your scope?"

"No, but that is probably due to the structure blocking my view." There was sound sound as Ward communicated with the pilot of the Anhur III before he said, "Shifting position."

"Got it." With that, Alex, Shaw, Alberty and Hoskins moved up, M96IV rifles at the ready as they moved through the structure. Moving up the stairs, they moved through a small courtyard before entering another building. This one had some computerized equipment inside, as well as a pair of windows that overlooked the courtyard.

As soon as they entered, Ward shouted, "Star Commander! Movement to your 12!"

"Contact," Alex shouted as he spotted something moving outside. As soon as he did, he saw what it was; it looked like a crow, only it had digitigrade legs, three fingered hands that ended in talons, two three toed feet that also ended in talons, a muscular body, and a beaked head with feathers and large eyes, while it's feathers and skin were black. As soon as he saw it, he knew what it was, a subspecies of Jackal known as a 'Skirmisher.' As soon as it saw him, and the armor he was wearing. It immediately began to squawk in alarm, no doubt trying to warn it's allies.

"Silence, you foul creature," he snarled, taking aim with his M96IV. As soon as he did, he steadied his aim… and opened fire.