Burton Medical Facility
Insularia, Luna
December 2, 2557
"Oh my God!" Gabrielle gasped, putting a hand to her mouth and rushed to the ward's bedside where Austal lay unmoving. His hair had grown out thicker and his normally clean shaven face now sported a five o clock shadow. Seeing all the equipment hooked up to him, providing him with an essence he required for the time being for survival. She knew that he was always a strong person, both in a physical and mental firms, but the sight of him being helpless was nearly too much.
"Miss Addison?" A pretty blonde nurse approached from behind, Austal had listed her as an emergency contact during an update in his service. "I need to change his IV if you don't mind."
"No go ahead." She scooted aside and bowed her head before the nurse did her job.
"Hey." She looked up to see her placing a hand on her knee, "I know it's hard for something like this to happen, but he cares a lot about you. You're a very lucky and special person to have his attention."
"He's all I've got." She whispered, almost inaudible.
"Well he's a fighter all right. When he was brought in, there were half a dozen fragments of armor inside his back, miraculously missing his spine or any vital organs, although he did lose a lot of blood. If everything checks out, he can be out tomorrow afternoon. You know he was worried about you?"
"He was?" Gabrielle wiped a tear from her eye.
"Oh yes. He was worried you weren't going to come and visit him because he never said who he was."
Lying on a deathbed made some people talk about crazy things, regretful memories, cheerful ones and mostly, secrets, ones that people shouldn't know.
Marcus had told her about himself being a Spartan, but she didn't hold any of his secret keeping against him. As a matter of fact, she adored the fact that he was dauntless enough to put his own well-being on the line to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. Sometimes she was better off not knowing some of the things that he did, but at the same time, he kept any sensitive topics about his work away from when they spent time together.
"If you need anything Miss Addison, just flip that buzzer switch over there," She gestured to a white display by the doorway, "We're just right outside."
"Thank you."
As the nurse departed, Gabrielle felt something soft and warm touch her palm and looked up.
Marcus had regained consciousness and had tilted his head, staring at her. His face turned from surprised to happy as he tried to speak, but the oxygen tube prevented any words from coming out. Shakily, he used his free hand to try and remove the tube.
"No," Gabrielle put her other hand on his and set it down, "You need some rest."
He nodded and his eyes began to dip shut.
She had no idea why it struck her mind, but it felt right. She drifted over to his side, face just hovering over his limp form and planted a soft kiss on his forehead before it met her cheek.
"Please don't ever do that to me again." She whispered, "I can't lose you."
More than anything, Marcus wanted to kiss her, but he once again cursed the breathing tube attached to his nose and mouth. Still, he enjoyed the moment until he had finally settled back into sleep.
Colonial Natural Resources Department Earth and Luna Headquarters
Vancouver, URNA
The Terran headquarters for the CNRD had undergone extensive repairs ever since Gustafson had blown parts of it up and held dozens of people hostage in order to obtain classified information. The hole had been mostly repaired and people were bustling around their normal duties, this time all with smiles. As a community, the city of Vancouver had reached out with open arms to their new agency's tenant inside the metropolitan area, paying tribute in sports events held inside the city for the victims and vigils to ensure that such a tragic and unspoken act of evil could never occur again.
Following her debrief with the UNSC, Agent Meredith Adrian was being reported back to the CNRD for a well-deserved leave along with handing project GAIA back to its long-lost owners.
The elevator dinged at the top floor and she immediately headed towards Vice Minister Clark's office. The secretary greeted him with a warm smile before ushering her inside.
"Agent Adrian." Clark smiled as he shook her hand, "So glad you managed to get off safely."
"Thank you Minister. Although I can't take credit for all of it. I owe my life to the Spartans of Fireteam Eon." She set the case of GAIA on his desk, "I only hope all the lives of all that died in the battle were worth it for the recovered intel."
"Ah yes, the ones who had also liberated this building from Gustafson and that attack. Agent, I deeply appreciate all the things you have done for the agency and the retrieval of GAIA. I will be putting in a request for a promotion in the near future."
"Many thanks Minister," Adrian flashed a smile, "Although I do have one inquiry I would like to ask."
Clark looked surprised, "What is it?"
"While I was out in the field, I kept hearing about a Prophet of Clairvoyance being talked amongst the Covenant invading. This Prophet gave them a lot of motivation to retrieve Project GAIA."
"A prophet?" He asked, "I thought the prophet species was nearly extinct."
"They are." Adrian replied, "Their numbers are dwindling rapidly. Although brutes are quite blindly loyal, I think they would have established a meeting with this prophet before they moved in to risk their resources on anything. Of course, this meeting and agreement never really happened."
"What are you saying?"
"Well for one, a clairvoyant is an individual who manages to gain information about something without using the five senses, sort of an extrasensory perception. Just for good measure, there was no record of a prophet going under the name clairvoyance since nearly five hundred years ago. Unless he's very old," She chuckled slightly, "I don't think he is who he says he is."
Clark made to speak, but Adrian held up a hand, "As a matter of fact, the brutes and their forces had usual updates from this prophet on our whereabouts, making it rather difficult for us to get to extraction. Surely with this uneasy agreement between the prophet and the brutes, even they would start to question the legitimacy if they're nothing like a real prophet."
"Agent, please." He tried to reason, "This absurd theory needs to stop."
"Why's that?" She pressed further, "Is it because you're hiding something? I figured once they obtain their objective, GAIA, they'd start to question if the prophet was in fact real, but instead he led them to Eon, where we ambushed and escaped."
She was about to continue when a clicking sound echoed through the room. Slowly, she rotated to see a rather smug looking Ivey aiming a pocket pistol squarely at her forehead.
Clark stood up, displeased "Miss Adrian, I mistook you for a loyal employee of the agency and expected you to just follow orders of your handlers and myself. It seems as if you could not carry out these simple instructions. Unfortunately, you've learned too much. Truly a pity indeed."
A bang on the door caught their attention and suddenly it swung open with enough force to dent the wall. Two tall men immediately entered, pistols drawn and trained on Ivey.
"Hey, hey drop it now!" The more aggressive looking one of them urgently shouted, aiming to prove his point that he was not joking.
A third man in an Office of Naval Intelligence uniform stepped behind them, "Agent Welker of the Office of Naval Intelligence. Director Clark, you're under arrest for treason, conspiring with a known enemy of the UNSC," He jerked him around before slipping on a pair of metal cuffs, "and a bunch of other things."
Ivey quickly surrendered and Pine quickly escorted him out as well.
Adrian turned and shook Fowler's hand, "Thanks for backing me and Agent Welker there. You know I found it rather ironic that all prophets we know about perform the opposite of their namesakes. Even though Clark wasn't a prophet, he undertook clairvoyance, but failed to see us catching onto him."
"Agreed." Fowler smiled, "I just hope it was worth the captain's sacrifice. What is project GAIA anyway?"
"I'd tell you," She gave a little laugh, "But then I'd have to kill you. How about this; when Marcus gets better, I'd like to buy you all a round. The Nasty Splinter, downtown. For Bowman."
"I'd like that."
New Alexandria, Reach
December 5, 2557
Austal was released two days later from the hospital and Gabrielle had driven him home after a long flight back from Luna.
Funeral arrangements had been done for Bowman, with his ex being the only family member listed as an emergency contact. She had received notification, but did not reply since.
Things must have been very bitter between them.
The highways were cluttered with their afternoon traffic, about a half hour away from rush hour in the evening and they pulled up to their apartment complex.
She had finally agreed to move in with him, despite previously living next door and during his time away before she was dragged into the conflict, had unpacked her things, settling in quite nicely.
"You know, food sounds great right about now." Austal began to stand up, but Gabrielle put a hand on his shoulder, forcing him back down on the chair.
"You relax. I know we'll have to go grocery shopping later on, but there's still a few things we can make."
"Gabs," She loved his new nickname for her, "I don't want you to burden yourself because of me."
She mockingly glared back at him, "Shut up and let me cook."
"Yes ma'am." He did as he was told and eventually, she had set a steaming bowl of the classic macaroni and cheese in front of him.
He took a bite and instantly savored the intensity of the flavor before noticing the opened cardboard box by the stove, "This came from a box?"
"Yeah. Don't believe it?"
"I think I've been on MREs for too long." He had to force himself to eat it all at once. The ration meals issued out had tendencies to be not very pleasant and even more disgusting was the nutrient supplements that one could put in the water as a compensation to the bitterness the nutrient powder tasted. They were all awful, especially the grape flavor.
He quickly finished his food and took their plates up to the washing machine. They spent the next hour getting ready to sleep when he had found her lying on the bed face down. He heard a muffled cry and silently walked over, turning her to face him.
Her face was stained with tears as the haunting memories of the warlike ordeal plagued her and now she just had to get it out of her system.
There was no need for words as he wrapped his arms around her and brought her close. Her tears began to soak into his shirt, but he didn't care.
When she had finally calmed down, he held her at an arm's length, smiling as she tried to do the same. They were both alone and in need to be with one another. A perfect place to get a little more intimate.
Gabrielle knew that Marcus wasn't like other men, from her perspective, he took the time to read her and act accordingly. Austal actually had no idea how to read women, being a man and all, but he took a different approach, which he believed was what mattered and put him above others.
He gently eased a hand to cup her face and brought his own closer to her. Their lips touched once again, sending that same electric shock between the two of them. Their eyes shut, as they savored the moment and this time, nobody was here to interrupt.
Gabrielle moaned slightly and her own arms slid around to the back of his neck. At the same time, Austal laid himself on their bed and positioned her so that she was straddling his waist. Breaking apart, he gave her a second softer kiss before switching off the lights and laying in bed with her fitting securely in his embrace. Their foreheads pressed against one another and his mouth brushed gently right above her eyes.
"I love you Gabs." He whispered.
It had been a long time since anyone had told her those words, last time being her mother right before her death. While it brought her memories of her and Jacqueline, her long dead twin sister, it also brought her memories that were more painful with having to deal with their abusive father. All she wanted to do was forget about him and Marcus Austal had been giving her just the attention and love she needed to erase his essence from her memory forever.
As for Austal, he had never cared for someone as much as he did for the beautiful young lady in his arms. He thought back to the memory of when he had first seen her with the young kids of her cousin's. He then vividly pictured himself next to her on a couch inside a wonderful home, smiling as a little infant played with his toy in front of them. The thoughts of having a family with her were very possible, but also seemed unreachable.
Or was it?
Two weeks had passed by before Bowman's funeral. The Spartans and some members of their families had gathered on the base, mingling with one another. Bowman's sister and brother were also present, with solemn faces and mustering the best they could to appear strong.
Losing a brother in combat like this was just another thing that happened in the line of military duty. Everyday there was a chance that the men and women sent out into the field would not return.
There were no remains to be transported home, but Pine had managed to gather multiple shards of MJOLNIR armor that had been barely recognizable from the explosion and they had settled it into a clay urn to be set next to a large portrait of Bowman in a suit during his wedding and another one with him in his MJOLNIR armor, just before meeting Eon.
Tyrant led the way as Austal and Pine flanked him, followed by Fowler who carried the urn down the aisle of Firebase Noble's small chapel. The Spartans set it down in its proper place before returning to their seats after offering their condolences to his siblings, who had still managed to hold back tears.
Austal had to write a eulogy, as both Pine and Fowler had thought he would have been the best person to be a speaker during the ceremony.
Dressed in his Spartan uniform, he silently strode to the podium just beside the portraits. He straightened his tie and panned everyone watching him. Gabrielle had sat next to him and gave him an encouraging nod. He wasn't accustomed to being the center of attention.
"Hello everyone," He started, almost immediately regretting such a pleasant greeting to a somber mood, "I'm Marcus Austal, one of the members of Fireteam Eon and I served with Jake during the Battle for Providence. When I first found word of him being transferred from the MTSFOs to the Spartans, I didn't know what exactly to think. Seeing his impressive record against the Covenant, I knew that if we had gone against the force again, that I…we would be in good hands."
"Now some of us didn't click instantly with him." He glanced at Fowler before taking another breath, "We were rather bullish believing someone associated with the Space Canoe Club," He got a chuckle out of everyone at that remark, "was higher and mightier than us Spartans. He proved us wrong time and time again. I only knew him for about a month and from the missions we undertook at Cyrus to the intense battles of Providence, under his leadership, we played a pivotal role in helping to end the genocide that was happening there. Bowman maintained supernatural focus and even when everything was shot to hell, he pulled us through and if we had any additional questions about his leadership, they were silenced there."
Tears began to cloud up in his eyes but he wiped them away, trying to keep his emotions in check. It wasn't him to break down in front of everyone. Especially her.
"Bowman gave his life so that we could save hundreds of thousands on Providence, both military and civilian. He stood his ground between two Covenant brute chieftains and held them off so that their flagship could be destroyed, culminating in their defeat. He made that decision in a split second and never wavered from it. Even with the odds heavily stacked against him, Jake Bowman was unafraid and knew what was expected of him. Any of the Spartans here would do the same in his position, myself included. He taught me how to be a man, even when I thought I had known everything and stayed steadfast, even as the darkest hours during the war there had threatened to tear our lives apart. I can't thank him enough for what he has done for the UNSC, for this team. For me. I'll miss you Cap. Cedo Nulli."
Without another word, he saluted the portrait and exited the stage, joining Gabrielle as the twenty one gun salute began. The sharp crack of the battle rifles echoed emptily through the air as Bowman's remains were escorted out towards his burial site. A place where he would be remembered and rested forever.
A couple of days after the funeral, several Spartans of the 37th and their families had gathered at Pine's house for a family barbeque in order to get away from the mourning. It wasn't that they were forgetting him, but rather remaining as a tightly knit family.
Ross answered the door to see Marcus and Gabrielle with huge smiles and both holding a bottle of white wine and a pan of chocolate brownies each.
"Hey." He shoulder bumped Austal and gave Gabrielle a hug, "Come on in!"
For many hours, the Spartans and their family talked and laughed throughout the night. Ross' house gave a wonderful view of the mountains and the crisp air was refreshing despite the city being a fifteen minute drive. As they ate grilled chicken, salad, baked potatoes and brownies, drank wine, Marcus observed Gabrielle as she mingled and talked with many of the wives and girlfriends of his fellow Spartans. He watched her smile and laugh along, again and again. The only time he had ever seen her this happy was when he had kissed her a few nights ago.
"Nice catch Austal." A Spartan from Fireteam Regal gave him a fist on the back, "She's definitely a keeper."
She certainly was. Today was a day he hoped would make her the happiest woman in his life.
He approached her just as the group of women burst into laughter again and placed a hand on her shoulder. She gave a smile, knowing exactly who it was.
"Mind if I steal her for a moment?"
They all giggled with one another, causing Gabrielle to look questioningly at them, "What is it?"
"Come here." He led her out in the open field. The chatter had suddenly died down and everyone was watching them. The silence was suddenly unnerving. The view of the giant mountains was absolutely breathtaking with the orange sunset casting its glow on their peaks.
She was still questioning it when she turned and her heart skipped a beat. Her mouth suddenly opened. Never did she expect this to happen, at least for a long time.
Marcus was on a knee and clasped her hand with both of his own before turning it over, revealing a shiny gold ring with a silver trim at the edges.
"Gabrielle, from the day I first met you, I wondered why I never met you sooner." Again he regretted his choice of words, already fearing getting embarrassed from the recording later. "I thought I would never get to care so much about someone ever since my heart was broken years ago. You proved me wrong and although our relationship is still young, it does nothing to deviate my objective to make you the happiest woman in my life." He looked into her eyes, "So, Miss Gabrielle Addison, will you marry me?"
Tears began to flood in her eyes from the shock of what was happening. The silence and with everyone watching implied that he had planned this move out well in advance. After the time they shared in Providence, they had come to a greater understanding of one another and although she knew he would keep secrets from her, it made her happy if he was happy himself. He was happiest with her.
"Yes." She managed to gasp out. "Yes I will!"
Marcus broke out into a huge grin before scooping her up and wrapping his arms around her, giving her the most passionate kiss they had ever shared.
The crowd watching burst into applause with loud cheers and whistles. The Spartans ran forward and carried Austal away while the women had all embraced Gabrielle with their congratulations.
"No!" Fowler protested, but couldn't wipe the smile off his face for his little brother, "Don't get married man."
"What?!" Austal had to shout over the cheers of his fellow Spartans.
"Don't bother getting married ever brother! Just find a woman you really hate,"
The rest of the Spartans chimed in to the 37th tradition.
"AND BUY HER A HOUSE!"
Exactly
Happy 117 day everyone
This was one of my favorite chapters to write. Not just in this story, not just in the series and not even the entire Halo archive I have going on...all time. This one had me grinning at every word as I put in remembrance of old memories and ones yet to come.
The main story has now come to a close, although I do have an epilogue in mind. Who wants to see a wedding chapter?
Coming soon are the Blades' next adventure with plenty of action, flashbacks and best of all...laughs. Especially the first part. You are all going to love the first part. Eon is set for their next adventure, but I am also very excited and I am planning something different in mind.
Thank you all for reading and reviewing, you give my writing purpose.