Chapter 3 – 0814 Hours
"Commander, I understand that you came with several Marines, but remember that I have tactical command of this mission, and that includes you, ma'am," I stated. "Arbiter, retain command of your Elites, because you know them better than I do."
"Understood. May I make a request?" the Arbiter replied. "I wish for my Elites to be armed with the Brute Shots, because we are more used to them than your men are."
"Do any Marines have a problem with that?" I asked.
"Not at all, sir. I prefer my Sniper Rifle over a grenade launcher, anyways," Davis replied.
"Sure, they can have it. I still have plenty of rounds for my rifle," Nicholson said.
"I wouldn't hit anything with it, so I don't mind at all," Posada answered.
"And Cummins didn't pick one up, so that makes three with nine grenades each. Here you go, Arbiter." The Marines handed the Brute Shots to the Elites, along with the grenades. An Elite whispered something into the Arbiter's ear, or where I think his ear was.
"The Brutes have stockpiled some of your weapons in a nearby cave. I suggest that we go and get them," the Arbiter said. The explosions in the background suggested that the battle was not going in the Covenant's favor. "We should move now, or we risk being defeated."
"Good idea. Arbiter, lead the way to the weapons cache. Let's move out." The Elites went up front, Sergeant Johnson and Commander Keyes in the middle, and we ODST's were in the back. As we were jogging I remembered that the Sniper's rounds normally over penetrated the Flood. "Amanda, do you need a new weapon? That rifle won't do much to the Flood."
"Don't worry about it, sir. I picked up that Carbine that a Brute had, so I should be good," Davis responded. "I just hope those weapons are still there."
"I call dibs on a rocket launcher, if there's one there," Nicholson shouted.
"The hell you do! It's mine," I answered.
"Fine. I call a shotgun if there's one, then." Just then three Banshees flew overhead, apparently not seeing us. "Take cover!" Everyone scrambled to the foliage nearby. I heard the sound of a scope zooming in, so I looked over at Davis.
"Hold your fire. We're not sure if it's a friendly or hostile," I whispered. We waited there until the sound of the Banshee engines faded away. "All clear, let's go!" Once at the cave we were greeted by a group of several Elites, Grunts, and four Hunters. A white-armored Elite ran up to us.
"Arbiter! Good thing you're all right," the Elite said.
"Good to see you, too. Lieutenant, this is the Special Operations Commander for the Elites. He is leading the resistance on Halo against the Covenant," the Arbiter stated.
"Nice to meet you," I commented. "What kind of weapons you got in there?"
"In this cave we found many of each of your weapons, as well as a Rocket Launcher and ammunition for all of them. You are free to choose whatever you wish, since you have aided the Arbiter and we have no use for them," he replied.
"Ok, Marines, you heard the man. Take your pick, but you better leave me a Rocket Launcher." My squad rushed in, pushing each other over trying to beat each other to the cave. I activated my long-range radio. "This is Echo Squad reporting in. We have located a group of rebels and are requesting evac. Over."
"This is Colonel Hegwood. We can send an evac for your squad, but the pilots won't pick the rebels up. Over," Colonel replied. Sergeant Johnson turned his radio on.
"The hell they won't! If the rebels aren't extracted, then Keyes and I aren't leaving, and neither is the Lieutenant. Isn't that right, Henson?" Johnson asked.
"Damn straight! They're as much part of the UNSC as I am now, so I sure as hell ain't leaving without them… sir."
"Marine, what the hell makes you think you can bargain with me? I'm ordering your squad, and only your squad, to get on those birds when they get there. Is that understood?" Colonel replied angrily. I hesitated for a moment. "Well?"
"No, sir, I don't understand why I have to leave my allies to die."
"Because they are not part of the mission! You, your squad, Johnson and Keyes are the only people the UNSC cares about! Unless you agree that only humans will get on those birds, you will receive no evac. Is that understood?" I looked up and saw everyone staring directly at me. It was then that I had to make a very important decision, one that would determine the fates of at least sixty friendlies. No one said a thing, which meant that this was entirely my decision. Of course, it really wasn't a decision at all.
"Yes, sir, that is crystal clear." Johnson was about to yell at me, but Miranda motioned for him to remain quiet. "It's settled, then, sir. We'll find our own ride off of Halo."