1000 Hours, November 17th, 2552 (Military Calendar)/ ONI CASTLE Base/ Reach/ Episilon Eridani System
"Lieutenant Solomon Kent," the elderly woman said as the young officer entered the well lit room. She was the only person in the room, sitting behind a small metal table with a glass of water . The officer saluted, and then stood at attention. The woman looked him up and down, and then pointed at the seat across the table from her. "Please sit."
The officer stepped over to the chair, and sat down. He tried not to make eye contact with the woman; every move he made was being graded. "Admiral Parangosky. It's an honor," the officer said, smiling. She simply looked at him, and tapped her fingers on the table. He shifted in his chair uncomfortably, waiting for her to say something.
"Rousing speech by Fleet Admiral Harper," the head of the Office of Naval Intelligence spoke.
"I agree. Very inspirational," Lieutenant Kent replied.
"I understand that you were tasked with the investigation into the fall of Earth?" she asked.
Lieutenant Kent nodded, and set down a folder filled with papers. "Yes, ma'am. By Admiral Harper himself."
"And what are some of your findings?" asked Admiral Parangosky, cocking her head to one side.
The Lieutenant opened the folder, and pulled out a sheet of paper, clearing his throat. "Well... transcripts from all ships in the Home Fleet detected some sort of error with scanners. A large Covenant fleet was detected around Jupiter, and Harper took around half the fleet to engage. Then, hundreds of Covenant vessels of varying classes appeared in Earth's atmosphere, completely bypassing the defense grid...," he flipped through the papers, and then continued, "As the fleet prepared to attack, all systems crashed. The captain of the destroyer Marne, along with all ships with A.I.'s installed reported that the artificial intelligence was disabled just prior to the crash."
"And the Covenant did this? They disabled our A.I's? Crashed the fleet?" asked Parangosky, a hint of doubt in her voice.
"That's how it appears. The Covenant then... they... they nuked almost all of the cities. Just after, they destroyed every single orbital gun. The fleet started to come back online. Then, before weapons systems were online, the bastards destroyed the fleet, Admiral Hood included," Lieutenant Kent concluded, closing the folder.
Admiral Parangosky leaned back, and asked, "What about the Elites? Did they show up at all?"
"Yes, ma'am. They jumped in just as Admiral Harper arrived back at Earth, and assisted in rescue efforts," Solomon said, running his fingers over his nose.
"How did the Covenant manage to hack our systems? The A.I.'s could have easily defeated any attempt at hacking," Parangosky said.
"A virus was uploaded. From where, we don't know. All we know is that it could have disabled any fleet that was engaged with Covenant forces," Lieutenant Kent said.
"So, a few to save the rest?" Admiral Parangosky asked.
Lieutenant Kent looked at her, confused. Parangosky reached out and snatched the folder from in front of Solomon. She opened it and began looking over the papers, reading every word. "You know, many are saying that the Elites could have saved Earth, had they been quick enough," she said.
"I've heard of the rioting in the cities, ma'am," Lieutenant Kent replied.
"Indeed. Many are even blaming the Elites for what happened. Saying that they aren't useful. That our alliance with them is pointless," Parangosky explained. She closed the folder, and then opened a drawer and set it inside. Lieutenant Kent looked down at the desk, and opened his mouth, about to protest.
"I would disagree. I say that the Elites are useful... for now," she added, looking up at Solomon. "They are good fighters, and excellent at fighting in space. Of course, that doesn't mean their threat to humanity is over."
"Ma'am?"
"Do you actually think that the peace would last? Sure, Fleet Admiral Hood would be glad to just sign a peace treaty when the war is done. Let the Elites build up strength again. And then what? Do you really think that they would actually honor the agreement?" Parangosky asked, her tone very serious.
Lieutenant Kent remained silent.
"Silence. I like that. You know when to your mouth shut. I need someone like you," Parangosky said, leaning back. "Which is why I'm pulling you from your current duties and assigning you to Section Three. High clearance. Access to all records, classified or not. Do you know what Section Three is?"
Solomon was surprised. He was all of sudden part of ONI, and no longer part of the fleet. "Top secret, ma'am. Black ops, etc," he replied.
"Bright, too. Glad I made the right decision. Now, I hope you realize what you are part of. Should you tell anyone of what happens in Section Three or because of it, you and your family will die," Admiral Parangosky threatened, though not sounding it.
Lieutenant Kent squirmed in his seat, and said, "I... I understand, ma'am."
She gave a small smile, and then said, "Lord Hood, had he... survived, would have probably plunged us into another bloody war with the Elites. I intend to have the Elites be rendered incapable of waging a war."
"Why does Lord Hood matter in all of this?" asked Solomon.
"Because he was a fool. Blinded by the appeal of having allies in the fight. The Elites have far too many leaders that can rally their entire race together. This Imperial Admiral... the Arbiter. We cannot let the Elites build strength," Parangosky explained.
"Ma'am, I have a question," Solomon said.
Admiral Parangosky rose an eyebrow, waiting for the inquiry.
"Was Earth's fall intentional? I've had a hunch. Everything was too perfect. Too organized," the Lieutenant asked.
Parangosky stared at the Lieutenant, and then said, "Notice how public distrust of the Elites is rising after this. Notice how much reliance on them we have had, thanks to Hood. The attack? Completely on the Covenant. The blackout of the A.I.'s? Yes, we were responsible. We are the reason the fleet is destroyed and why Admiral Hood is dead."
"Ma'am, that is treason," Solomon immediately said.
"Maybe. But in the long run, it is for the better. If humanity comes out of this war ahead of the Elites, we will have dominance of the galaxy," Admiral Parangosky explained.
"Why am I Section Three, ma'am?" Solomon asked bluntly.
"Straight to the chase. I'm liking you more and more every second, Lieutenant. I want you to cause an accident among the Elites. Sow some dissent. A... civil war of sorts," the Admiral said. "There is a unit, Kilo-Five. I am assigning you to it."
...
1026 Hours, November 17th, 2552 (Human Military Calendar)/ UNSC Magellan/ Fleet Rally Point/ Vela System
Thel 'Vadam was on the ground, a magnum pressed between his mandibles. His pupils constricted, and he froze. The human on top of him backed off, and holstered the pistol. Thel grumbled, and then rose to his feet. The man in front of him stepped back, sweat soaking his grey shirt. Thel stretched his arms, and then said, "I almost had you there, Demon."
The Spartan wiped sweat from his forehead, and said, "I can not hold back, and kill you, if you like."
"Hey, hey, no need to get too rough, Chief," Cortana, who was plugged into a panel inside the gym, said.
"If we were using blades, you would be slain in moments," Thel quipped.
"So, what's the score? 7-7?" one of the marines on the deck asked.
"Yeah. Come on Chief, you can get this xeno down!" Private Chips Dubbo yelled, cheering on the Spartan.
Thel looked at the marine, and said, "If you wish, you can duel me solo?"
Dubbo threw his arms up, and said, "Woah, woah, I never said that. Umm, come on, both of you!"
Then, Cortana yelled, "Ding!" And John threw up his fists. Thel growled, and stood his ground. John lunged at the Elite, and then jumped back. Thel took a step closer, and then John threw a punch. The Arbiter slid to the left, and then shoved the Spartan into the rope. Thel then jumped forward, punching John multiple times in the abdomen. John recoiled, and then tackled Thel around the waist, taking him to the ground. Thel grabbed John's shoulders, and then rolled him off. Thel then picked up the Spartan by the throat, lifting him high. John struggled, and the marines watching went wide eyed. The Spartan then drew his pistol, and shoved it under Thel's mandibles once again. Then, the Spartan felt something press against his stomach.
"That is an energy dagger pressed against your abdomen," Thel said, loosening his grip.
"And that is an M6D Magnum ready to blow your brains out," John replied.
"Tie game!" Cortana yelled.
Thel dropped the Spartan, and then said, "I am finished."
"Damn. Arbiter nearly had him," Chips Dubbo remarked.
"I wouldn't say that, human. He could have killed me, as well," Thel quipped, looking at the marine as he climbed through the ropes. John got out of the ring and grabbed a towel, wiping sweat off of his face. He then pulled Cortana from the panel, and left the gym. Thel sighed in tiredness, and sat down at a bench press. He observed the humans work their muscles, quite impressed. Though many of the marines were competitive in their tendencies, they were also cooperative, assisting each other with the gym equipment. Two marines in all black climbed into the ring, both with four letters on their shirts. Thel squinted, and read the letters out loud as they began the fight. "ODST."
...
Staff Sergeant Scott Williams and Lieutenant Robert Murphy walked down the bright hallways of the UNSC carrier, stretching their arms and talking. They wore all black, with an ODST exercise shirt and black gym shorts. As they rounded the corner to the gym, a massive man almost walked into them. They looked up at him, and looked at three numbers above his breast. 117. Immediately, he apologized, and went around them, continuing down the hall. The doors to the gym hissed open, and the two shock troops entered. Immediately, Scott stepped ahead of his lieutenant and began walking backwards.
"Ready to get your ass kicked LT?" Scott taunted.
"Hey, I may be old, but I can still take you down any day," Robert replied, cracking his knuckles.
Scott climbed onto the ring and rolled between the ropes, standing at the opposite side. Murphy got in the ring, and popped his neck. Scott began bouncing in place, and put in a mouth guard, Rob doing the same. "I've learned some new moves since Halo, LT," Scott said.
"Yeah? Hopefully after that Brute knocked your ass to the dirt," Rob replied.
"Hey, fuck you! Sir," Scott laughed. "Care to ring the bell?"
Rob raised his left hand and said, "Ding. Ding."
The two began dancing around each other, faking each other with their fists. Rob smiled, and then pounced forward before jumping back. Scott then lunged forward and threw a punch, landing straight on Rob's cheek. Rob then took his leg and stuck it around one of Scott's, pulling forward. Scott was swept off of his feet, and was quickly on his back. As Rob leaned over him, smiling, Scott clocked his lieutenant in the face, throwing him into the ropes. Sergeant Williams got back onto his feet, and got up against his lieutenant, unleashing a flurry of punches into his stomach. Rob then stepped back, and kicked Scott in the groin. He then grabbed the Staff Sergeant, and pushed him up against the ropes. Scott then put his hands against Rob's face, and pushed backwards. Coinciding with this, Scott kneed his commander in the stomach. Rob fell to the ground, arms outstretched. Scott then got on top of him, and punched him twice in the face before Rob tapped.
Scott helped Robert up, and then said, "Ready to go again?"
Rob shook his head, and wiped blood from his nose, "Nah, I think I'm gonna hit the bench press." He then noticed a massive Elite sitting at the bench press next to the one he was looking at, and then said, "Hey, you see that thing over there?"
Scott glanced over at the Elite, and said, "Yeah. He looks different then the other ones."
"I think that's the Arbiter," Rob whispered, climbing out of the ring. Scott followed him to the bench press next to the Arbiter, and Rob sat down. The Elite turned his body to face the troopers, and looked at them.
"Very good sparring match, humans," the Arbiter complimented.
"Thanks. Hey, Scott, could you put on two of the hundred pound weights?" Rob asked. The sergeant obliged, and put one weight on each side of the bar.
"I notice that you are ODSTs. Which unit of them are you with?" Thel asked.
Rob laid down, and grabbed the bar, Scott scouting him. "105th Shock Troops. Omega Platoon. We were on Halo," Scott said as Robert began doing reps.
"Ah, yes. Dropped from the... In Amber Clad, correct?" Thel inquired.
"Yep. You must be the Arbiter?" Rob asked as he pumped the weights up and down.
Thel nodded, and then said, "Indeed. Your units have caused us many problems."
"Yeah, well, the 105th has lost a lot of guys too," Scott said, annoyance in his voice.
"I understand that your platoon hasn't taken any losses?" Thel asked.
"Of course not. We kicked your ass wherever we went. Even if the fleet took 90% losses," Rob said.
"That is the past human. We must focus on the task at hand: the campaign," Thel said, holding out a hand to calm the ODST.
Rob dropped down the weights on the rack, and then leaned up, "Tell that to everyone who's died in this war. Who are still dying. Those that you killed."
Thel looked at the ground, and then lowly said, "Whenever I look at a human face, millions flash through my head. To know that I had been deceived, along with my whole kind... it is painful. It brings dishonor to us all."
"You realize that if it were up to any of the grunts, we would have nuked your planet the second you offered an alliance," Scott grumbled, leaning on the rack.
"Were it so easy," Thel said, clenching his fists slowly.
Scott noticed the Arbiter curl his fingers, and was ready to start a fight, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Anton-044. He looked at the two ODSTs, and then nodded at the Arbiter. "How is everyone doing today?" he asked, putting a hand on the two ODSTs shoulders.
"Fine, how have you been?" asked Rob.
"Good, good. I heard you raise your tone with our friend here. Look, he may have caused us much suffering," Anton began, looking at Thel, "But now he and the Elites are offering us help. Help is something that we need. He is an honorable Elite. I for one am honored to have him among us."
Robert got up, and then began walking away, "Yeah, well, maybe some of us just can't accept it." Scott sighed, and then followed his lieutenant away. Anton rolled his eyes, and then sat down where Lieutenant Murphy sat.
"Don't take it personally," Anton said, following the troopers with his eyes.
"I won't. They'll see our kinds' value soon enough," Thel replied.
"Of course. It took a while for the ODSTs to respect Spartans," Anton said, his accent infiltrating the words.
"Why? You are all human," the Arbiter inquired.
"Not in their eyes. When we were first augmented, we were still a secret. We were on a carrier, just after putting the bodies of our fellow Spartans that didn't survive augmentations to rest. John was actually in the gym, and around four ODSTs started a fight. They took it to the ring. Two of them ended up dead. We didn't even have our armor yet. Ever since then, the ODSTs have held a deep hatred for Spartans, calling us 'freaks'," Anton explained.
"Can't they just enlist in the Spartans?" Thel asked.
"Umm no. It's classified how one becomes a Spartan," Anton said, shaking his head.
"You are more friendly then the other humans," Thel observed.
"I... do not like your kind. But, I can understand that we both in the same struggle. And after Earth, I've held respect for your kind. Many of the Spartans wish to fight by your side," Anton said.
"All hands, this is Admiral Whitcomb. All ships are accounted for. We will begin the campaign in two hours. I repeat, the campaign will begin in two hours. All ground units, suit up. Whitcomb out," the intercom sounded.
Thel looked at the Spartan, and said, "It appears as though your wish has been granted."
