Chapter 1: New Crew, New Ship, New World
"This is a terrible idea" Ruu said, protesting what Captain Jax Emerson was thinking. The small AI had the appearance of a young boy, wearing a short sleeve zipper hoodie, shorts, a T shirt, and sneakers. And he was staring at the 60 year old Captain with extreme displeasure.
"Oh come now Ruu, where is your sense of adventure?"
"I am an experimental AI on board an experimental ship with a newly formed experimental Spartan team. And you want to take us to an unexplored area of space, chasing rumors and ghosts. Oh, and we still have a first mate to break in" he mentioned, as a woman came through the door and looked at the two of them. She had brown hair and blue eyes, contrasting the Captain's grey hair and teal eyes.
"Settle down now Ruu" Captain Emerson said, looking over at the woman. "I would take it you are Commander Sabrina Becket?"
"That is right sir. From today forward, I will be the Commander, and not the first mate, of the UNSC Bastion. It will be a pleasure to work with you" she said to the Captain, while shooting a glare at Ruu when mentioning the first mate comment.
"Pleasure to have you. Don't mind Ruu too much. Despite his childlike appearance, he has some weird obsession with being overly cautious".
"Me? Overly cautious? You just cant admit this is a terrible idea. You know the Bastion isn't even supposed to exist yet right? No records among UNSC. Hell, I am the only AI that even knows she exists...seriously, how do you build an entire Supercarrier in secret?"
The UNSC Bastion. Officially, it didn't exist. It was a UNSC Infinity class Supercarrier, although it had heavy modifications to it. Its purpose was for long term exploration, habitation, and such. Really long term, but its design would ensure everything would be fine. At least, that was the hope. Nothing about this could be considered standard, typical, or even rational.
"Seriously, do you plan on colonizing a few new worlds or something?" Ruu asked suspiciously.
"Well, who knows" the Captain replied jokingly, much to Ruu's ire.
Commander Sabrina Becket was not entirely sure what to do about this scenario, when another officer came over to her.
"Don't mind those two. They are often like this, but for an emergency they can get serious too. I suppose the side effect of working with family".
"Family?"
"Ruu is some sort of prototype AI. Apparently used a new system, so different from normal Smart AIs. That said, it was created from the Captain's grandson".
"Wait...then does that mean..."
"Yeah, he was killed. He was an exceptional and bright kid, but he got shot apparently, some sort of botched car jacking. So to spend as much time with Ruu as possible, he had an AI created from him".
"So that explains the child appearance then...is that normal? Or rather, is that even allowed?"
"I am sure he pulled in a couple of favors. But, it wasn't just the Captain...we all had met his grandson. This...this feels a lot better then just letting him die, or even him getting shot in the first place...ah, sorry. I forgot to introduce myself. Lt. Commander Richard Price, at your service. I help manage and monitor all the various posts, systems, and such of the Bastion, and also stopping those two from fighting time to time".
"I see. Pleasure to meet you Lt. Commander Price. So, what is this treasure hunt Ruu is complaining about?"
"Well, as you know, our mission is to do long term exploration, assessment, and scouting, and if we encounter hostile forces and high priority targets, we are to dispatch them. As for the scale of this ship...its because unofficially, I hear we will be searching for Halo Rings and other Forerunner installations. Apparently, the Captain heard a rumor about one such place, however its not quite in our planned route...it is however in line with our mission. Ruu doesn't want to jump there blind, but the Captain has a taste of adventure...well, he is still a good Captain though".
"I see...and what of our Spartans?" Becket asked.
"Ah yes. I believe Spartan Commander Sharp will be leading them, if you want to meet him. As for the fire teams, we have five major ones, the top scorers, and then we have ten standard fireteams. The five top ones go by Fireteam Crown, Fireteam Scepter, Fireteam Bishop, Fireteam Knight, and Fireteam Rook".
"...seriously?"
"Yeah. Anyways, you will probably want to coordinate with them sometime as well today..."
"So, you think the rumors are true?" A Spartan in a Red and white uniform asked eagerly, her smile could be seen as she was currently not suited up.
"You mean that we will be exploring and investigating strange alien ruins in hopes of making sure they dont cause a catastrophic apocalyptic event?" a younger male next to her replied, wearing the same uniform. As they were both members of Fireteam Rook, this was standard.
"I can't believe I got thawed out of cryo to listen to this" an even younger boy said, lamenting on his position as he laid down on a bench.
"I am surprised you stayed" an older man replied to him. "Given everything that happened".
"...I would rather not be treated like a freak..." he replied.
The uniforms had their names on them, which gave away their identities. The woman was Traynor Karolyn. The younger man was Taylor Shaw. The boy was Maxwell Smith. And the older man was Jacob Reese.
"Plus admit it, you just have grown used to our company" another man said, a bit younger then the older one but older then the rest of them. On his uniform and dogtags, it made his name clear. August Forge. "Fireteam Rook, you ready for an adventure?"
"Yay" Maxwell said half enthusiasticly.
"You know that prototype tech you were eyeing in that ONI base? I got it for your armor".
At those words, Maxwell shot up with a light in his eyes.
"Seriously?"
"Seriously".
"Okay, I am ready" he said.
"As expected, the Captain knows how to get his attention".
"Well, we are the only family this kid really has" Traynor mentioned. "But, if he got prototype tech from ONI, then that must mean the rumors are true".
"Rumors are not your concern right now" a voice said, as a large man came from around the corner.
"Fireteam Rook, Commander on Deck!"
Instantly they lined up and saluted.
"As you were. Indeed, I am Spartan Commander Issac Sharp, and I will be your boss from today forward. I hope you are all ready to get cozy, because this will be your new home for quite awhile. Ruu, can you give them a briefing" he said, looking towards a terminal. However, there was no response, which was odd. "Ruu?"
Suddenly, the holographic image of a young boy appeared.
"Sorry, some technical issues. Or rather, Captain issues..."
"Ah. Arguing about our current mission again?"
"Yes. Please talk some sense into him".
"Since when have I been able to succeed when you fail?"
"...once or twice, at least".
"Don't expect any miracles".
"I always do. You are a Spartan after all" Ruu said, causing Sharp to form a wry smile on his face.
"I see. Anyways, this is the ship AI, Ruu. He is responsible for handling multiple ship systems and functions, but above all else, he helps keep the Captain reasonable...its as if you two had been switched".
"I think a whimsical AI would be far worse" Ruu muttered as Sharp walked off. "Anyways, as he mentioned, I am the ship AI. If you try to bribe me with candy, I wont be amused at all" Ruu mentioned.
As that was said, something very conspicuous arrived, flying right into the hanger.
"What the..." Taylor Shaw said, having already instinctively pulled out and readied his sidearm.
"Woah now. I gotta say, that was great instincts and reaction time, really. But those guys are allies from the Arbiter's faction. Friendlies. So please don't blow them up...oh, and if you blow up Scotty or any of his people, I will be extremely upset and vent you off the ship".
Ruu then left suddenly, likely to focus on the Elites that arrived, while Forge just motioned him to put the weapon down.
"Relax, don't worry. And as for Scotty...iv been briefed. This ship has a continent of Engineers on it. Apparently, the one known as Ben is sort of like their leader? Well, apparently the AI and the Engineers have a strong friendship, so messing with one earns the ire of another. Or as much ire as a ship AI and a group of pacifist tech lovers can produce".
"So dont shoot anything pink then, got it" Jacob repeated. "But, do you know what the Elites are about?"
"Only a rough idea, seeing as how they brought weapons and armor with them...and the fact there is a Covenant Corvette parked inside our Supercarrier. My guess, something above our pay grade or clearance is going on in this ship".
"Duly noted" Max said. "You think we need to be combat ready right now, or..."
"Ah, you should be good for getting some rest right now. But, make sure you dont get drunk or anything".
"Thats more of an issue for Traynor then me".
"Hey!"
"If it makes you feel better Traynor, I hear they have a bar on the ship".
"Yeah. The ship isn't just full of soldiers, but also scientists, engineers, as well as a large number of people not used to long term missions away. Because of that, I hear the Bastion has been stocked with plenty of comforts to make this mission easier. Plus...they said if we meet flood, we will likely need the alcohol afterwards".
"Max, if we encounter flood, you are completely safe to ignore the age restriction on alcohol".
"...I mean, technically speaking im like thirty five years old cause of Cryo".
"Are the flood really that bad?" Traynor asked.
"Yeah, they are" Jacob mentioned. "The UNSC let the new Elite allies glass half a continent just to make sure it didn't spread across Earth after all. That said, thankfully, the Flood has been wiped out at every location it was known to exist on. UNSC and Sanghelious are really clear on the subject, to the point of practically speaking in unison. Remove all potential food sources, quarentine the planet, burn it out. If encountered, retreat immediately and do not risk infection. If one is infected...well, show them mercy by eradicating their body from existence".
At that point, alarms went off across the ship, indicating it was time for departure.
"Sha'Vehm, its nice to meet you again" Ruu mentioned to the Elite Commander, appearing as a hologram.
"Ah, Ruu...so the news was true. Sorry to hear that, friend" Sha replied, expressing condolences.
"Ah...that means a lot. Especially since memories of you were among one of the various memories I retained. I hear its actually abnormal how many of them I still have".
"You sound strained. Is your burden too great?" Sha asked, as he and his fellow Elites made their way through the ship.
"Sort of. Did you really need to tell the Captain about that one rumor? He won't let it go".
"You mean Sanctuary? It may fit in with what we know. Apparently a sanctuary for those seeking refuge from the Halo Ring, some records indicate that humans were mentioned quite a bit, though the logs were too damaged to be fully re-created. Even our new Smart AI, Reh Jeeneh, was not able to reconstruct it...you two should meet some time, you might enjoy it".
"I just think its not a good idea to rush into an unknown with an experimental ship, an experimental AI, with a newly formed crew, and put everyone at risk".
"You always were wise beyond your years" Sha'Vehm mentioned, as they entered an area far different then any others. Inside, the structure and architecture was more Sangheili then human. "Ah, they did very well".
A cry of satisfaction was heard as that was said, causing the two to turn and look to the side. There, a Huragok, or Engineer as they are known as, did what appeared to be a fist pump with its tentacle, and then a wave.
"Ah! Scotty! You really outdid yourself! Nice job on the diplomatic suite!"
Making another cry of cheer and satisfaction, Scotty put his tentacle on a wall, interfacing with the terminal there.
"I see I see...makes sense. Oh, so you drew from that design for inspiration...wait, you made one of our arcade games work on an Elite console? A few dozen of them? Nice! Oh, yeah, we did get the fruit. I will have someone send it up. Ah, that is really cool! Nice work Scotty!"
Although it appeared as if Ruu was speaking one sidedly, Scotty was speaking to him through the terminal.
"Right, well. The Captain will see you in a bit. We are about to launch now, so I should go deal with the fifty thousand things that need doing".
"Stay well, Ruu".
"Talk to you later! And can't wait to meet Reh!"
As Ruu disappeared, Sha could not help but wonder if the AI really was overworked. But as the ship AI, he was supposed to be everywhere at once, providing information to everyone, managing and maintaining countless systems, and also dealing with the Captain, though that last one was more him.
"This is Pelican Zulu-347, code name 'Icarus', finishing final docking procedure and the last supply gathering mission" the pilot said as he landed his G79H-TC/MA-XL Pelican into the landing area. The pilot, Flight Officer Charles "Charlie" Roads, checked to make sure everything was properly docked and deactivated aside from the comm.
"Understood Zulu-347" the comm officer responded. "Confirmation all cargo acquired?"
"Yes Ma'am. Package and passanger, both secure" he said, looking to the man who was riding shotgun. "We have arrived sir".
The man was wearing a cool sleek grey and black Spartan Armor, although it appeared to be some sort of special varient. Featuring an Argonaut Idmon Type of MJOLNIR Power Armor, Along with a Secrets VISR design and a tacpad on the right wrist and a hardcase on the right leg. ANd the only thing Roads really knew for sure about him was his name, Argus Aetós.
"That will be all Flight Officer Roads. I will be heading off now to meet with my forces already here" he said, before heading off the Pelican.
"...that guy has to be ONI, for sure. The lack of conversation during the trip was a dead giveaway after all..." he said, as he watched a Condor fly in as well towards a different area of the hanger. He decided to head off as well, making sure to check with his fellow crewmates, Junior Cadet Jake Harper and Cadet Luci Harper.
This was a larger and more unique design for the standard G79H-TC/MA, being a bit bigger. This is because the Pelican itself, like the rest of this ship, was refit and redesigned for extended long term operations. As such, it even features a very small shower room, a toilet that can be pulled out of a wall that can be opened along with a sink, and a small room with four bunks. Of course, as it was still a Pelican, all of this was very small and cramped, so the crew got to know each other quickly. The shower room was about the size of a small closet, maybe even smaller, and the bunk room had two lower bunks and two upper bunks, along with a small amount of space inbetween.
After all, it was made for practical military use, not comfort. Roads figured he should probably be thankful they even gave them a shower at all. From how cramped it was though, he knew for sure there was not any wasted space.
As for his two Cadets, he sometimes wondered what command was thinking. But then he saw their operational capacity and ability to work. The two of them were the sole survivors of a Covenant attack on a fringe colony world, although survivors might not be quite the right wording for it. When the UNSC arrived, they were certainly the only two left. Every other human and alien were all dead, a Covenant Corvette was a smoldering pile of ruin, and about a quarter of the planet had been glassed. Supposedly, they were responsible in some way, good or bad, for that outcome. That was six years ago, a bit before the Covenant attack on Earth, when Jake was eight and Luci was thirteen. Apparently they were both genuises, which was something he could attest to since they operated this Pelican like a pro would. Apparently because of certain redacted factors of what happened, they were raised in various ONI and military facilities though, which certainly raised some alarm from him.
He wasn't sure about the circumstances about why they were together, or why command had allowed Jake the unorthodox role of Junior Cadet. Their files had a lot of redacted content, mainly about their time on Pillar, their colony planet. But it seemed the two didn't want to be separated, and Command didn't want to waste their talent. Plus, they both had passed the requirements placed on them to pass all of the tests and exercises with flying colors.
Well, considering they were assigned as a flight crew for himself, and would not be picking up weapons and fighting directly, he supposed he could see how they were able to justify it.
Besides, that ONI guy is way more suspicious... Charlie Roads thought to himself, reserving a modest amount of paranoia for the mysterious Spartan that he was asked to transport.
"Hey you two, is everything good?" he asked.
"Manifest confirmation is done, sir!" Jake said, saluting quickly. Luci did as well.
"Dots and crosses done on the paperwork" Luci added.
"Alright, thats good...and please, when we are alone, you dont need to bother to salute me".
"Ah..sorry, it was drilled into us" Jake said. "Anyways, Mr. Chatty say anything good?"
"He did acknowledge that it was all he needed from us...not even a thank you".
"I bet his entire file is as black as those bits on his armor".
"...I suppose you would know" Roads mentioned, as a thought crossed his mind. ...I wonder if those blacked out sections are related to whatever is going on in this ship...
His thoughts and suspicions grew further as he noticed the Phantoms, but was interrupted when the ship entered Slipspace.
"Its rather noisy around here today" Dr. Rebeca Hope mentioned as the ship entered slipspace. "You would think they would know this is a major overkill of resources for a simple scouting mission. What do you think, Zaraz?"
"I think that everything could get very exciting! Or very frightening" Zaraz, the Uggony, or Grunt, mentioned as she moved around some equipment. "Maybe it will teach whoever stocked our stuff in this lab to be more serious about their work! Everything is misplaced!"
"Yes. I certainly agree with that" Hope replied to her co-worker. Although the two were entirely different species, they seemed to get along greatly. Even among Uggony, Zaraz was a rapid learner, who had already learned ten human languages, every Covenant language, and a fictional language that was created by a long running human space soap opera. She even knew the Hurogok sign language, and had enough scientific knowledge to be considered a highly regarded scientist by human standards.
"Do you think the new slipspace drive will get us there in a few days?"
"For all we know, we might get there in a few hours. After all, physical distance does not measure the same for slipspace. I think its possible, although extremely rare, for us to get there in mere minutes".
"Should we ask Ruu for an answer?"
"I suspect that AI is far too busy complaining to the Captain about the first destination choice".
Zaraz nodded, agreeing with Dr. Hope.
"The Swords of Sanghelios group arrived today. You think they brought any scientists with them?"
"Maybe. They are also interested in joint research projects to acquire and make use of Forerunner technology. I hear they have room to spare too, with some of the latest victories made by the Arbiter".
"Excuse me, is Doctor Hope here?" a voice requested as they entered the lab. Doctor Hope turned around to see a large grey and black Spartan there.
"Hold it, don't enter! We dont want to risk breaking anything" Hope replied, coming over to him. "Yes. I am doctor hope. Is there a reason you came to see me directly instead of going through the dozen or so research staff I have?"
"I have to deliver this package to you, personally" he said, handing her a strange cylinder of Forerunner origin. "I was told you would know what to do with it".
"Yes...it appears this is a Forerunner Data Storage Module. Most data was just transferred from system to system directly, or through the use of Sentinels...they are very rare...yes, I understand. You want me to access it then?"
"Yes. And then report your findings to the ONI Branch on board this ship, or to me personally".
"Yes yes, understood" she said, not interested in talking to the Spartan anymore. Understanding this, he just nodded and left.
"A mysterious package? How interesting, and mysterious" Zaraz said, as her eyes looked it over. "But, you know the Forerunner stuff is still misplaced right?"
"...of course it is. Round up some interns and have them look for it".
"Interns?"
"...right, sorry. Used to my old research compound. Right, grab some of the science staff, and have them search for it. And any low ranking crew members you come across".
"Got it! I love being in charge".
ANd so the Grunt went off to do its due dilligence.
The next morning, after breakfast, was a day full of uncertainty and busywork, except for those who were still trying to get organized and set things up.
Perhaps though, the ones that were the most uncertain were the Spartans in what to do. Fireteam Rook in particular was a little uneasy. At the moment, excluding their leader which was looking over some paperwork, the four of them were playing cards.
So when the AI console came to life, they all jumped with interest. Ruu appeared quickly after.
"Hey Spartans, could you perhaps do me a favor and suit up now?"
"Why? Has something gone wrong? We have indicators of danger ahead?"
"Not sure...something weird just happened with our slipspace drive readings, and I think we might be approaching the location in question".
"Ruu, are you trying to command and deploy Spartans?" Sharp asking, having heard what was going on. "You know that is my job".
"No no, I know...its just, I was just asking cause I think it might be best for our Spartans to be ready to deploy the instant we exit slipspace. Something weird just got detected, almost like a second slipspace signature...while we are in Slipspace. Anyways...I just think it would be good to be prepared. Besides, there is a good chance we will exit soon".
"I see...alright then, makes sense" he said, as he activated shipwide communications. "Attention all Spartans. There is a chance we may be arriving soon, and so to prepare, I want all Spartans suited up and ready to deploy on a moments notice. Fireteams Scepter, Crown, Bishop, Knight, and Rook are also to standby with their assigned assault Pelicans ready to deploy! Everyone, form up and prepare!"
Immediately, Fireteam Rook and the other Spartan Fireteams began to prepare and get to the armor bay. Fireteam Rook, in which all the members wore red and white colored armor, had different armors however. Some Spartan Fireteams liked to use uniform armor, the same thing for each Spartan, while others preferred to have each Spartan use Armor that suited their individual abilities and specialties.
August Forge wore Teishin Raikou Armor, and while it lacked an armor ability, it made up for it by having extra weapon storage capabilities, and a dedicated enhanced uplink that would allow him to maintain communications even while being jammed, while underground, and with a secure AI linkup. This link was not just to command, but also his other Spartans.
Traynor Karolyn wore Enforcer Armor that had a dedicated Hardlight Shield Projector, adapted from technology acquired on Requiem. In truth Forge had wanted to get her better armor, but she kept breaking hers during training, putting the term "Stress test" to whole new meanings. As such, her armor was far more heavily reinforced and durable, and provided better shielding. Engineers were still baffled how she was able to damage her armor that much during training excercises.
Taylor Shaw had Locus Edge armor, with a tacpad and enhanced technical abilities and comms. Also is able to deploy an automated drone that can provide fire support, flank enemies, and even assist him with hacking technology remotely.
Maxwell Smith had probably the most unique armor, although it wasn't all that expensive. It was specially designed by an Elite who relished the challenge to adapt the Helioskrill Armor, made by another Elite, to someone smaller, making all the systems more compact without losing out on performance. The result was considered very successful, with some features in this version that were not in the original, like enhanced cloaking, energy sword gauntlets, and more.
And Jacob Reese had the Venator Cestus, which featured exceptional target acquisiition as well as a refitted prototype technology that mimicked Promethean Vision armor enhancement found on Requiem.
As they finished suiting up, the ship suddenly raised several alarms as it exited slipspace.
"Get to the armory" Ruu mentioned, before disappearing.
"What the hell just happened?" Becket asked as they exited slipspace. "Did we confirm what the anomoly was?"
"Yes...I think I understand" Dr. Hope said, entering the bridge. "I am not sure how, but our slipspace travel got redirected as we got close to the target location, and sent us somewhere completely different".
"Redirected? Then where are we?"
"Guys, I am detected a planet ahead...its reacting to the Forerunner tech we have on board" Ruu said, appearing on the bridge. For some reason, they had exited slipspace in low atmosphere of a planet.
"I have a bad feeling about this..." Lt. Commander Price mentioned. "Captain, we need to pull back from the planet".
"Agreed. I like adventure, but I have no plans on going along with someone else's trip. Pull back from the planet immedaitely".
Unfortunately, before they could, a high intensity scan swept across the ship, causing a few systems to short out.
"SENTIENT LIFE IDENTIFIED. BEGINNING SAFEGUARD PROTOCOL!" a loud voice said ever their comms, which was followed by a loss of power on their bridge. Following that, the ship shook, suddenly going towards the planet instead of away from it.
"Captain..." Ruu said.
"...you can say it Ruu".
"I told you so" Ruu responded, when suddenly a large portion of the mountains seemed to open up, and the ship got pulled into the planet itself.
Since a large number of characters got introduced, here is a handy little guide for you that will be posted with updates later as more people are introduced (Cant exactly go and introduce every single character in the first chapter lol):
Command Staff:
Captain: Jax Emerson
First Officer: Sabrina Becket
Third in Command: Lieutenant Commander Richard Price
Shipboard AI: Ruu (Prototype Long Lasting Smart AI, created from the Captain's Grandson)
Science and Engineering Staff:
Lead Scientist Rebeca Hope.
Lead Scientist Zaraz (Uggony)
Head Engineer Russel Walker
Hurogok/Engineer Leader Scotty
Special Operations/ONI:
Argus Aetós. ONI Spartan Operative. Armor Type: Arognaut Idnom with a tacpad and hardcase, as well as a Secrets VISR set up for secure communications. Has extra equipment put in for bypassing communication protocols and management, and a host of AI override codes. Also has a cloaking module and Promethean Vision based technology, as well as other modifications.
Foreign Envoys:
Military Science Envoy Leader: Sha'Vehm. Modified Plasma Rifle and Energy Sword, increased capacity, damage, and in the sword's case, the ability to cut through certain shields and barriers. Armor Type: Specialized Elite General armor, repurposed and redesigned to a degree however that it looks far different then the armor of Elite Generals that attacked the UNSC. The horns in the front and back are gone, and replaced with an antenna that allows for command uplink based on combined UNSC/Covenant designs. Additionally, an advanced Cloaking Module was introduced, as well as components to make it compatible with UNSC datafeeds and comms. It also features small optical visers that benefit from advanced analysis and uplink to the research teams and AIs.
Experimental Smart-AI: Reh Jeeneh (Sangheili for "Made Soul")
Flight Teams:
Zulu-347 "Icarus": Piloted by Flight Officer Charles "Charlie" Roads.
Crew: Cadet Luci Harper. 19. Blonde hair and blue eyes.
Junior Cadet Jake Harper. 14. Blonde hair and black eyes.
Spartan Operations:
Spartan Commander: 46. Issac Sharp. British European, blonde hair and blue eyes. Armor Type: Green and white Noble Valor Armor. Increased tactical bandwith, dedicated AI link.
Fireteam Scepter:
Fireteam Crown:
Fireteam Bishop:
Fireteam Knight:
Fireteam Rook:
Leader: August Forge. 36. Trained with Infinity's Spartans during the War Games period. Commendation for his work in securing one of Earth's orbital stations from Covenant boarding and keeping it operational, which also fast tracked his application into the Spartan IV program. Armor Type: Red and White Teishin Raikou. Possesses additional gun storage ability. Enhanced comm lines to be able to connect to the squad members through interference, jamming, and even while underground.
Members:
Traynor Karolyn. 25. Asian American, black hair and black eyes. Assault Specialist, prefers assault rifles and battle rifles. Also an expert with explosives. Armor Type: Enforcer Red and White Armor, with a Hardlight Shield augmentation based on Requiem Technology. Also has extra hardcase pockets for explosives and detonators. Also has enhanced defense and shielding due to what happened with her previous suits of armor.
Taylor Shaw. 22. Caucasian-Asian heritage, short black hair and green eyes. Tech specialist. Curious and cool headed. Armor Type: Locus Edge with a tac pad that is Red and White. Possesses excellent hacking capabilities, and can deploy an automated drone that provides covering fire, flanks enemies, or can assist with mobile hacking.
Maxwell Smith. 15. Caucasian with a heavily redacted file. Brown hair with one red eye and one blue eye. Had unofficial augments that were such a danger to him due to improper procedure that he was put in Cryo until the Spartan IV Program, which was finally able to correct and upgrade his augmentation. Grew up in the outer colonies. Shows exceptional close quarters awareness and spatial understanding. Armor Type: Helioskrill that is red and white. Has a built in energy sword deployment on the arm, and a cloaking module and a launchable disc that he can teleport to, the disc itself storing back into the armor. The armor was crafted by an Elite that engineer that heard about his counterparts decision to challenge their skill against the UNSC, by creating a smaller and more compact version that could operate just as well, if not better.
Jacob Reese. 42. African American with bald head. Grew up on Earth, had family that lived in New Mombasa. Marksman. Armor Type: Venator Cestus, Red and White colors. Thermal targeting and motion tracking improvements based on the Promethean Vision Armor enhancement found on Requiem.