THE UNSC AQUILA
A loud clattering of metal rang through his enclosed helmet. His vision still blurred from awakening immediately. A soft chuckle can be heard as he regain his composure. Looking up his eyes set on half a dozen other marines with smug grins plastered on thier face. "Well... even on guard duty you manage to fall asleep. Don't you think it's a little too warm wearing an ECH252 onboard private?" The nearest marine said smiling, clearly the person who woke him up. The Private didn't know how to respond, was he dreaming all along? It felt real, almost like a bad omen.
He was kind of lucky to have his helmet on, they could've seen his face while dreaming. "Alright private, captain is here to brief us at the barracks so get up, something about a station going dark. Wouldn't want to keep him waiting." The marine said. Hearing this the Private stood up now eye to eye level against the marine. Looking closely to the marine pauldron which a UNSC insignia bravely displayed there, reminding why he is here, to be mankind's last defence. Eagerly he walked along the marines, feeling his body ached, he stretched after what looked like an uncomfortable nap on the corner of the hall, how he fell asleep there must have been impossibly difficult. Looking closely to the previous marine, he remembered that he was a higher ranking than the Private, He was his squad leader, and his name was Mike. Although he was the one in charge, he is the person who fools around to cause a good laugh or two which is clearly proven by the Privates's rude awakening. Essentially being the most person willing to mess around, despite being a Marine with a rank of a Sargent. The two marines next to him was close friends to him, both brothers. The older brother, Brand was more brave out of the two, the first to stand and fight and the last to run. The younger more intelligent brother, Graze excels in technology and during his spare time he prefers to mess around with the squad's equipment, might even be his hobby. The Marine next to the Private, was more quiet and reserved, only talking when he needs to and answers when questioned. Kinda like the Private, however he is close to being strict as the sergeant, no nonsense and one hundred percent compliant was his main ideology but he knows his limits, only tolerate when needed to. Nobody was willing to ask his name, either from ignorance or outright fear of angering him, so we nicknamed him Sevrin. He agrees almost like he didn't like his own name as if it was a cruel joke to his belief of no nonsense.
As the Private looses his gaze on the strict marine, his eyes fell yet to a new marine rather a rookie marine looking just like him down at the hallway . Not only him but the rest of the marines also gaze at the new marine still looking kind of green, a mere recruit experiencing his first time onboard a UNSC Frigate. The Rookie fumbled around his BDU armour searching for any loose gear or any incorrectly placed equipment. The eerie silence was enough to make him notice the marines staring at him. He awkwardly stared "Pri-Private Finn, reporting for duty is there anything I could do for you sirs?" he quickly said whilst doing his best to salute. Mike had a visible worried look somewhat annoyed in fact, this caused him to quickly turn the corner,not bothering to return the salute. He willingly rush past two maintenance crew carrying equipment causing them to stumble on to the metallic floor. Mike didn't stop to help them back up let alone to look at the two of them to give an apology. The Private looks at brand which only gave him a similar confused look. The Private looks at the new marine look but his response was a simple shrug. The Private pursuit Mike into the barrack but was met by a fear inducing sight, the captain . A face marked by countless amounts of burned marks proof that the captain was in every hell hole he fell in and crawled out of it. " Something wrong, Private?" The Captain said with his voice coarse as evidence of long conflict with the covenant. The shear sound of it made his spine chilled, "He does not want to mess with this guy" he thought. The captain gaze went to Mike,he noticed the annoyed look he is giving off. "Problem Sargeant? What is it this time", he said as grimly as possible.
"With all due respect, I can't possibly take care of another recruit. We already have one I can't possibly do this with two" Mike said with a louder tone in his voice. Mike quickly looked towards the Private,"Sorry 'bout that, no offense to you Private", he said a quick apology to the Marine. The Private didn't mind it though and simply shrug it off. "What I mean is that I will not accept another Marine. I can keep an eye on him but there is no way I can take care of him all the time", he continued. The captain loosen his posture, "Relax Mike, I know you long enough for you to take good care of other marines, if anyone that can take good care of his marines its you Mike" the Captain said with confidence in him. Mike simply stare at the captain before giving a defeated sigh and proceed to walk to Finn. "Mike Anderson, glad to have you onboard our team. I hope you can do well, cause I ain't one to babysit recruits like you expected " he said his tone becoming more serious after each word. Mike looked and thought of an idea " Alright listen up, I got a plan we are going to split up into two fire teams with each team consisting of its own squads. Each fire time should be taken care of by a squad leader at least. I'll be taking care of fireteam one, that's us and I think I know how to sort this out, were gonna split this fire team into three squads, Brand and Graze you make a great versatile squad with Brand's love for firepower and Graze's technological expertise will make a great squad and as for you two recruits, relying and looking after one another is your best bet to surviving a war zone." Finn looks at the Private hesitantly and ask Mike " S-Sir! If you don't that is don't you think it's better for me to be in your squad? If you don't that is, its just that I can't quite be sure to be accompanied by a fellow. I'm just saying." The Private was slightly taken back by this request, not because he was the same rank as Finn but rather that a fellow marine, let alone a marine who can't trust enough to be his squad mate. Mike was quite surprised by this request, he took one single look at The Private and glance back at Finn, " Careful there, I think you hurt the Private's feeling a little. Also you gotta have faith in him, a squad who doesn't trust each will crumble and fall apart the second they enter a firefight." He said to remind them.
Finn saw the mistake he made, he looked at the Private's eyes. The Private was lucky enough that his face is barely visible, hell he was glad that he had his helmet on most of the time. "Sorry about that I didn't mean it that way, it's just that it's my time in an real firefight. Never really know how to treat a wound in case of a life or death. Fuck man, I don't want to loose a fellow marine in fire fight just because I can't do shit about it," he said, almost hating himself for pointing out his flaw, to save his own partner. The statement kind of shocked of his blatant rant was a small enlightenment. He wasn't reluctant to be his partner, it was Finn's lack of trust in himself to actual be worthy of a partner. This showed a different side to Finn's attitude, he doesn't like seeing his partner dead. With a sigh, Isaac said a reassuring note "Its alright Finn, I know and I got your back. Just call me Isaac, just Isaac will be fine".To the Captain point of view, this was an invaluable trait for both marines, he knew the right the Marine for each worthy squad. Soon after the rest of the platoon finally pour into the barracks, slightly filling up the available space in the barracks. The impossibly large amounts of marines is filling up the few remain space in the room, slightly agitating Isaac due to cramped feeling around him.
Shortly, the captain began his briefing to the entirety of his platoon, " Alright everybody on me the briefing is starting, our target is the Ares station, a hidden large UNSC station has gone dark and is believed to be infiltrated by the Covenant. Your platoon is tasked to inspect the station and bring it back on its feet. Your platoon will be assisted by the 475th Marine Regiment and should you need any assistance the fleet can send in reinforcements from the UNSC MARIKH, a UNSC Charon class frigate ready to deploy at least a thousand marines to come and save your sorry. However, I don't expect that you will be needing that much help since this is only a recon mission. You will all be launching in approximately an hour from now so do what you have to do and finish whatever that is needed to be done. Understand Marine?" The Captain ended the briefing with a question every marines know how to respond.
"SIR YES SIR!" Every marine respond in unison, as the brief ended everyone went back to their usual routine. Some even had went to the bunk beds nearby to get one last hour of sleep, one final rest before the storm. On the other hand, Isaac squad left to their on accord and dispersed to their own agenda, finishing some unfinished tasks. All is that left in the room besides some sleeping Marines are Isaac, Finn and the captain. "What are you standing there for? I suggest you get to know everyone round here, you too Isaac you only been here for a day" The captain said, Isaac was surprised to be advised let alone by the captain himself, he gave him a meekly "Yes sir," before heading out accompanied by Finn.
Finn followed Isaac, at the intersection Finn asked "Alright Isaac, you know the way the land more than me so which way first?" Isaac didn't knew what to do so he thought of an idea. Why not do it one at a time, it is the the most efficient way to show him the entirety of the UNSC AQUILA." Yea...yea, follow me I know where to go first," Isaac ordered him to follow. Corridors after corridors,the UNSC AQUILA was still a maze even for Isaac. Luckily he just barely knew enough of the layout to keep him from getting lost. They finally arrived to their desired location, the engineering bay home the UNSC's devastating war machine. One such machine is the well know Scorpion tank, a vehicle so powerful it can take out hundreds of the Covenant's forces. The person Isaac was looking for was there and to his luck his brother was also there. This is perfect for his opportunity to show Finn around.
"Hey Isaac! What brings you here? Showing Finn our arsenal are you now?" Brand said while cleaning his shotgun, nothing can keep him away from his shotgun. Killed more Covies than any marine could using his trusty shotgun, rumors has it that he also had killed a Hunter before Isaac was even on thier team. Next to him, Isaac could see that his brother Graze, calibrating his sniper rifle, "Just Makin' sure my rifle is fit for duty, don't want to have a jam now do we?" He reassured himself. The brothers always keep their tools in check, always making sure thier weopens are in working order in a firefight. Finn once again set his sights at the powerful Scorpion tank under maintenance, inactive as if resting before a bloody battle. "I see you loookin' at her Finn, UNSC's finest war machine. A worthy vehicle to make a last stand ain't that right Isaac?" He asked. With a simple nod, he knew the full potential of a single tank, let alone a whole company of them could easily wreck havoc. Rumor has it that there is a far more powerful vehicle in the UNSC's arsenal, the Grizzly tank. They could only imagine the damage they can do. "Sorry sirs, I haven't properly introduced my self, My name is Finn, just got out of training last month." Finn said. Both brand and Graze stood up from the crates they sat upon and introduced themselves,"I'm Brand he is my brother Graze, pleasures mine. I see great potential in you Finn,better get ready soon mission is about to start." He said in his thick accent.
Heeding the marine's words, they waved them off as they go to the next destination. The Frigate's Armoury. Again they ventured through the labyrinth like hallways of the frigate each time finding another doing some sort of task to which they simply ignored. Endless amount of halls and blast doors that look alike, "Damn, they should get some sort of navigation hub or alteast a detailed layout," Isaac thought, coincidentally he managed to stumble upon a heavy blast door guarded by marines. A large sign above the door reads 'ARMOURY' this shows they were going on the right track.
"Stop right there, I need to see your identification for you to proceed beyond this point," the speaker loudly announced. Looking to their left, a reinforced glass window is seen and behind it is a marine on checkpoint duty. Both Isaac and Finn stated they were from the 267th Marine Platoon,a new member of the squad 'Lightning Fox' which was an awkward process when being asked again for them being not specific enough or simply telling him their Platoon number was 'insufficient information' to the checkpoint guard but eventually they were allowed to enter." Alright, your cleared for entry. Lieutenant Mike is awaiting inside." The announcer stated. The heavy blast doors made a huge metallic creak,the lights shut off and red alarms blare loudly almost deafening the marines step aside to make way. The heavy blast doors slowly open upwards, the sounds it made almost felt like it was a burden to lift.
Eventually, the blast door opened after what seemed like an eternity. What they didn't expect was that Mike and the Captain was in the armoury, already finish arming themselves to the teeth. "Glad you can make it Private, get some ammunition for the coming firefight," Mike said handing an MA5C Assault Rifle to Isaac.
However, Finn was unsure what to get with the amount of weapons present in front of him,"Here kid, take this it suits you," the captain said handing an SMG. Although the SMG is lacking in firepower, its lightweight and superior fire rate is a good trade off for new recruits that haven't seen combat before.
On the other hand, Isaac was still baffled by the amount of ammunition present before was enough guns here that a well targeted shot at this specific part of the ship is strong enough to cause a large explosion, no wonder they installed a blast door here. Hell, even the ship's hull is reinforced layer upon layer of pure titanium at this section of the ship. Isaac did not thought too long as he was suppose to get all the equipment he needed. Soon, the rest of the squad arrived grabbing anything that isn't nailed down and so did the rest of the 267th Marine Platoon came to gather all the equipment they needed. The Armoury is now busy with marines looking around for the guns they needed, Isaac was quite agitated by the crowded feeling.
Isaac was now ready, three pouches of MA5C ammo. Two grenades strapped to his belt and two clips of magnum rounds for his holstered magnum. He felt like a force to be reckoned with. The rest of the squad eventually left the armoury, now armed with deadly weapons the UNSC had to offer. The alarm blared once again, and the blast door made its descent onto the floor. It screeched louder than before as the blast door closed two marines began to walk back to the side of the door once more to protect its contents.
They walked towards the hanger where the Pelicans are prepared for launch, heavy transport built to transport you to the gates of hell. That was what everyone said back then."I'll be back, I have some business to attend to," the captain said as he went left instead of right. The squad went on without him still puzzled on what is so important for him to leave so suddenly. However, the mission waits for no one and so all six of them went on without him.
The hanger was bustling with engineers repairing damaged Pelicans or workers carrying precious cargo. The hanger was ten times busier than before, looking for their pilot is going to be a nightmare. However, lady luck was on their side as a pilot walked up to them. "Hello! I am the pilot your captain tasked me. Looks like I am going to be stuck with you guys for a long time," the pilot had to shout to make herself audible over the loud sounds of repairs and heavy lifting."Oh and by the way, you can call me Maria, but if you can't even call me Maria just call me Ria," she said with a hint of sass."I don't like the way she said that.." Graze said with a hint of could've went better than they expected. "Hey Finn how are you holding up?" Isaac asked Finn who looked slightly on edge. "Hmmm? No... its nothing just the feeling nervous on my first mission," Finn responded as best as he could. The speakers buzzed to life,"Attention all personnel, we are approaching Ares Station. Marines are to be combat ready in five luck out there, give em' hell," the announcer ended his announcement.
"Alright, 267th Marine Platoon on me! we have five minutes to load up, say your prayers, load your guns check your gear, we need to be at our very top. Earth is counting on us," Mike said informing the platoon. Everyone was busy double checking their was impress on how everyone was busy making sure they are at their optimum battle ready state, however Isaac was thrown by this single marine who just stood there. Looking into his eyes all that he could see was hatred. "STOP!" the marine shouted, everyone stood where they were, dropped everything were holding even paused to look at him."EVERYONE STOP! Are we going to throw ourselves to the enemy?! Do you know how many of us are going to make it back alive?! NO ONE IS GOING HOME,WE ARE GOING TO DIE LIKE DOGS!" the marine vented out on everybody."We don't have to die like Idiots! Just think for once!" he added. He had a point, everyone felt unpleasant, uncomfortable even, some whispers can be heard at the back of the hanger.
Everyone was getting ready to leave, but a loud cough rooted everyone at their spot. "Well...well...well,where is all my marines off too?" the captain on top of the balcony flanked by two marines entrusted to him."We are not abandoning the mission are we?" the captain said with a hint of mockery. "SIR YOU ARE NOT SENDING US TO DIE LIKE ANIMALS!" the marine shouted letting out his anger. "I can't stop you there, be my guest. Leave, go home, hell even quit being a marine," the captain said blatantly. The angry marine almost walked out of the hanger before the captain continued, "And what would they think? The one you cared for, the people who believed in you... the very one that you sworn to protect. What would we they think about what you did here?" captain said darkly. The marine didn't move, he thought strongly, afraid and ashamed."What would they think? Will you be the person who dies for other? Or the person who cowered in fear, betrayed the people who you swore to protect?" the captain added the final in the coffin.
The marine didn't move he stood there, his face was mixed.A faint shamed look was present and so was a glimpse of fear painted his he die like a dog or will he die protecting humanity? He turned around and began getting in a separate pelican, he did so without a word. Isaac was bewildered by the conversation by the the captain had with the marine. "You alright Isaac? you seem on edge." Finn asked the similar question he had asked. All he did was nod, "That was not the same captain I spoke to, this was different..." he thought. He followed suite into Maria's Pelican, The Valkyrie. The Pelican has an image of a Skull with Black Feathered Wings. This will be their own personal pelican and one hell of a pelican that any marine envied to ride on. He almost felt proud to be in this Pelican, but proud was not the correct word."Hello welcome aboard to Valkyrie, please keep your seat belts on while you enjoy the ride. If you are scared just close your eyes." Ria cooed. Everyone in the Pelican felt annoyed,"I still don't like the way how she acts," Graze said. A slight giggle can be heard through the intercom which caused Graze to cringe. Finn laughed silently,he was eager to be in combat with his fellow teammates.
However, something was off. Isaac felt like this is a mistake, something is wrong. It doesn't add up, how can a Station be overrun and be infiltrated at the same time? Even the covenant would have at least sent a fleet orbiting the station. Everyone was quiet as the Pelican turn dark, the ramp of the Pelican closed in on them,the darkness was suppressed by a eerie red light that now covered them, barely able to see one another. This is creepy as if they were slowly being transported in a coffin being sent to their changed his mind, something was really wrong. He shouldn't be proud, he should be afraid. The Covenant couldn't have done this, this was something else...
Too late to turn back now, his confidence was dwindling. His courage slowly melted off of him. The Pelican started to shake as it lift off, no words were said, everyone on the Pelican was silent,Not a sound can be heard, except from his raspy breathing echoing in his helmet.
He was terrified...
AN: For all of those who read this chapter before 14th January 2017,this chapter has been heavily rewritten due to countless amounts of missing sentences,words and lots of names being incorrectly inputed.
Do note that I am not an expert at story writing, just had to continue. If you think introduction is bad here then sorry, I did all I could. I will
will try to make it up to you at the next chapter.