SURFACE OF ATLAS

0911 LOCAL TIME

ECHOLEON PASS

The instant Bravo team touched down they had trouble. Unbeknownst to them, a squad of Jackal scouts had been resting near their LZ, and as soon as the first marine stepped out of the Pelican's rear hatch, one of the Jackals shot him with a Beam Rifle. The marine died instantly.

A sniper from the second of the four Pelicans lined up the Jackal and managed to kill it and three others before having to duck back behind cover to avoid an overcharged plasma bolt. The third and fourth Pelicans dropped their Warthogs, and a trio of marines from both jumped on and began unloading a barrage of gunfire into the large group of Jackals. More marines poured out from the Pelican hatches and began firing upon the enemy. Outnumbered, the twenty or so Jackals stubbornly created a shield wall, shooting hot plasma bolts back at the marines.

The marines quickly switched tactics, and began lobbing grenades at the shield wall. The concussive force from each grenade caused the Jackals to stumble and every time a gap appeared in the wall, marksmen took advantage and quickly lined up the heads of the enemy in their rifle sights. Within minutes the squad of jackals had been eliminated, and the marines let out a rousing 'Hoo-rah!'.

Suddenly a sniper rifle boomed and a string of curses could be heard over the radio. 'One of the Jackal skirmishers got away. They'll soon know we're here.' Corporal Fred Granger, the sniper from the second Pelican reported.

'All right men.' The senior Sergeant in charge, Donald Weathers, said. 'Establish a defensive perimeter. The Covenant could be on us any minute now. Snipers, make some hides. The rest of you, unload the rest of the gear from the Pelicans.'

Extra ammunition and supplies were quickly unloaded, enabling the Pelicans to return to the Testament. Meanwhile, the Snipers quickly scouted the surrounding area for some safe holes where they could shoot without being seen. As soon as they had the area secure, the marines got ready for battle. One that might be their last.

Charlie team had it a lot easier. Their LZ was a few miles east of Bravo's, and was clear of any enemies. The downside was that it was a lot closer to where the Covenant were based, and the Pelicans had to fly low to avoid being seen be the Banshee patrols. Three scouts climbed a small ridge so they could see the enemy encampment. 'Geez, would you look at that.' One of them said shaking his head. He was looking through the scope on his sniper rifle. 'I count maybe four groups of Hunters, at least a thousand Grunts, couple hundred Jackals and maybe two score Elites.'

'Copy that, Jackson.' The sergeant in charge of Charlie replied over the radio. 'What is their vehicular status?'

Jackson, the scout, replied 'Two… Three Wraiths, a dozen Banshees and perhaps the same amount of Ghosts.'

Moving the sniper rifle around he spotted some strange looking metal objects. 'Seeing something strange here Sarge. What looks to be giant wheels with seats, unsure of any possible armaments. Maybe the Covenant have made a new kind of vehicle?'

'We'll have to see what they do with them.' The Sergeant replied. 'Send the other two back down, while you keep an eye out. I don't want any nasty surprises.'

'Roger that, Sarge.' Jackson said, nodding to the other two scouts to leave. They had heard the radio broadcast, they were just waiting on his confirmation. The three had been together on many campaigns and trusted Jacksons judgment over any other commanders. As they left, Jackson took another look through the sniper scope. The enemy camp was at the extreme distance of the scopes magnifying abilities, so any real details were unknown. This was why he had a strange feeling in his gut about the report he had made. Something didn't sit right with one of the groups, the Elites. Ordinarily they were extremely disciplined, but the ones he could see here seemed to be arguing with each other.

They also didn't look quite right. Normally, Elites were tall, athletic looking aliens. These ones, while still huge, looked more bulky. Added to the strange huge wheel things, this Covenant army was quite a mystery. Hopefully, not one that would prove fatal to his comrades.

Suddenly hurried voice came over the radio. 'Charlie team! This is Bravo. Our position has been compromised by a Jackal Skirmisher. It was last seen heading in your direction. If it gets to the main force, we will lose the element of surprise here!'

Another voice came over. 'Just saw it run past my position. Should be approaching you now Sarge.'

A short barrage of automatic fire was heard. 'Shit! It dodged behind a tree! I can't catch it!'

Jackson turned towards the Charlie base and scanned the surrounding forest. He saw a flicker of movement and followed it with his scope until he was sure it was the Jackal. He fired once, twice, but was unable to hit the nimble alien. It finally broke the cover of the trees and Jackson was able to line up a shot. He killed the Jackal, but it was seen by the Covenant army.

Jackson said quickly 'Sarge they know we're here, and know at least my position.'

Back at Charlie camp, the Sarge gave his orders. 'All right men. Let's give 'em hell.'