Chapter 2
Sergeant John Forge
After capturing the Apex site, John Forge, Spartan Red Team, and 2 squads of marines escorted the FTL reactor to the control center of the shield world. "Gentlemen we're burning sunshine here" Forge announced "lets move it". As they set up a perimeter, a Leiutenant got to work opening the elevator that lead to the core.
It was at this moment that the Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee and the remaining Elite Honor Gaurd attacked. In one swift strike 'Moramee cut down the Leiutenant then turned to face Forge. "Take care of the elites", Forge commanded. He turned to 'Moramee, "the big guy's mine" he added, Forge kicked the a lever releasing the reactor from it's carriage, the reactor slid towards 'Moramee pressing him against the wall. The other elites engaged Forge's troops but even they were no match for the Spartans who made short work of them. Soon all the elites were dead but they manage wipe out 1 marine squad save for a single member, Corperal Billy Sanders.
The fight between Forge and 'Moramee was intense and the reactor ended up taking heavy damage causing it to overheat. Eventually 'Moramee knocked down Forge and punched him in the stomach. "Like the rest of your race, weak and undisciplined" the Arbiter snarled. 'Moramee grabbed him by the neck and threw him against the reactor. "There will be no female to save you this time" he continued to gloat. "Look me in the eye and say that", Forge taunted back. "As you wish", 'Moramee agreed. He picked up the sergeant by his neck and held him close "my face will be the last thing your pathetic eyes ever see". Just when he was about to deliver a coup de grace, Forge whipped out his knife and drove it into 'Moramee's neck. Surprised, 'Moramee groaned in pain and dropped his energy sword. Forge quickly snatched the weapon, activated it, and drove it through 'Moramee's chest. The Arbiter crumpled to the floor and breathed his last. "And for the record", Forge said "I would of kicked your ass the first time if the lady hadn't stopped me".
After dumping the bodies of their foes, Forge and Red Team examined the reactor, the damage it recieved meant that the reactor now had to be detonated manually. Forge volenteered to be the one to do it, but another stepped in. It was Sanders, the marine whose squad was wiped out. He held Sergent Forge to a high regard having fought by his side during the Harvest campaign. He knew that Forge was more valuble than he could ever be so he volunteered to take his place. Forge and the rest of his men went back through the teleporter while Sanders went up the elevator to the planet's core.
Forge and his remaining ground forces disabled the shield world's gates. Forge then returned to the Spirit of Fire and escaped the shield world just as Sanders activated the reactor. Two weeks after the battle Ellen Anders met Forge on the observation deck to see how he was doing. "You got us all out of there alive" he said. "Not all of us sergeant, not all of us" Anders replied grimly. "They'll be remembered" Forge assured her. He vowed that as soon as they returned home he would make the HIGHCOM award Billy Sanders with the Medal of Honor. As Anders turned to Forge caught her and planted his lips on hers. Anders didn't bother pulling away.
