Welcome! I'm sorry for the short chapter, but I wanted to post something so ya'll knew I'm not dead. Sorry it took a while, school's been really busy and I didn't really have a whole lot of inspiration. I rewrote this thing twice, then I deleted it entirely because I didn't like the direction it was taking and wrote this.

Thank you all for all the reviews, favourites and follows.

P.S. I just found out that the new Metal Gear game will be called Phantom Pain, so well… fuck. I didn't rip it off, 'swear. Also, don't forget you can still give me suggestions for stuff, I don't really care what it is.

Hope you enjoy.

~Chapter 8~

07:35 Earth time, Orbit around Naboo

Andrew looked around at the commanding officers of both ships in the meeting room. Of course those from the Unbending Justice were not really there, but in the meeting room of their own ship and were projected by means of several hardlight emitters around the room. They were there to discuss the next course of action in this new galaxy.

Didect's balls, they're like a bunch of squabbling children. He sent a pleading glance at Kiyo', but she just sent an amuse one back. He sighed in defeat and turned to Edward's hologram. "Ed, if you would please play file 445689."

"Of course, sir, I would advise you to cover your ears." Two seconds later, the sound of someone screeching their nails over a chalkboard shreiked over the speakers and all but he cringed at the horrible sound that had been stopping arguments since the chalkboard was invented.

"Alright, now that I have your attention, we can really start this meeting without everybody screaming at each other. Any suggestions for a possible course of action?"

The Shipmistress spoke up, "I would suggest setting up a long-term base of operation on the ground. Perhaps on a planet in this 'Outer Rim'."

Lieutenant Colonel Jean-Pierre Deralioux of the Marine battalion aboard the Orange quickly found a problem with that; "And how are we supposed to get food and water? Our hydroponics can only sustain us for so long and the soldiers will eventually grow tired of eating vat-grown meat."

"The Colonel is right, not to speak of the fact that we do not have the resources to establish a long-term base." An Uggnoy Major added. "Perhaps we can buy the materials."

The Marine Colonel scoffed, "We'll need money to buy food, supplies, and water, somehow I don't think they'll accept our currency. Unless y'all find a way to make some credits, I'd say we're all pretty damn fucked."

An idea started to form in Andrew's head and a smile formed on his lips, "Perhaps we already have a solution to that problem."

Kiyo' gave him a quizzical look, "If you would enlighten the rest of us, Captain Hallsson."

"Remember what we told the Nabooians? That if the Senate asked, we were a mercenary group from the Outer Rim."

"Sir? Certainly we won't put our forces up for hire. Have you forgotten this is still a UNSC ship? We cannot do that!" Deralioux objected.

"Bah, we are no honourless mercenaries." A Sangheili Major snarled, "We will not disgrace our families by leaving the coalition in such a despicable act."

"Listen, I get that you may feel resentment for mercenaries, but there are not many other options. We will certainly not leave our respective factions and we will certainly not disgrace any families by trying to survive."

"What about Naboo? Surely they will help us."

"Do not forget they just came out of an invasion, they will need time to rebuild. We cannot ask them to help us while they are in such position." Apparently Kiyo' still supported the idea.

"I agree with the captain and Shipmistress, we need the money and places to dock. The crew can't live on the ships forever, we'll need some time to 'stretch our legs', get some shore time." This time it was Anna Lintegren, the chief engineer, that added her two cents.

Another Sangheili spoke up, "I may have a solution for a base of operations. We have all read the reports, there seems to be much pirate activity in this galaxy. We would do well to eradicate the honourless scum and take possession of their base and equipment."

"Alright, I think we should put it to a vote. All in favour of becoming a temporary mercenary company; say Aye, all against; say Nay."

The only ones to vote against the proposal were Deralioux and the Sangheili commander that had spoken against it in the first place.

"Good, I propose the William of Orange goes to this 'Coruscant' the Nabooians told us about to establish us as a merc group while the Unbending Justice goes to the nearest pirate base to secure that for us. Now all we need is a name." the young captain said.

"Sir, what about Orion Operatives, we are from that part of the Milky Way after all." Edward said.

"Anyone opposed? No? Orion it is then."

"Chamber round!" the ODST lieutenant ordered.

The sound of seven rifle bolts that shot in place was deafening.

"Firing position!"

Seven ODSTs placed their feet at shoulder width and held their rifle ready.

"Aim!"

The Helljumpers each raised their rifle so that they were pointed over the empty casket.

"Fire!"

Seven rifles fired and the seven shots merged together into one loud boom. She cringed at the sound, being reminded of all the times Gus had taken her to the shooting range. The sun was warm, surprisingly warm for the usual weather on mars, and shone mercilessly down on her black dress.

"Chamber round!"

The sound of seven empty casings hitting the grass vibrated through the military graveyard.

"Aim!"

She glanced at the Marines and Helljumpers in their spotless white and black dress uniforms almost shining in the midday sun as they held the tight salute.

"Fire!"

She grabbed her mother's hand, providing comfort for both of them. Rico's hand found hers as well, he hadn't really known he brother, but his presence helped.

"Chamber round!"

Tears flowed freely from her eyes, creating black lines from her mascara.

"Aim!"

She looked at the white gravestone inscribed with his name and rank; PFC Gus Emile Swanson, ODST.

"Fire!"

Gus' previous lieutenant slowly folded the UNSC flag into a triangle and with three graceful steps he was stood before her mother, handing the crying woman the flag and saluting.

A Helljumper stepped towards the coffin and folded the remaining flag, it was crimson red with a yellow outline and a pod with a skull in the middle, exactly the same as her brother had had on his arm. Claire, their mother, had been so angry with him.

She saw the ODST slowly walking towards her with the red-and-yellow flag folded in a triangle. He extended his arms and she took the flag with shaking hands, having to release her boyfriend's to hold it.

The ODST put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "I- ehm… I didn't know your brother for a very long time, but I knew him in boot camp and he was a good man, a good Helljumper. Stay strong, okay?" ,he saluted as well.

She nodded in between sobs and the man turned around and took his place amongst his comrades again and as the casket was lowered in the grave, they started to sing.

"When I die please bury me deep!

Place an MA5 down by my feet!

Don't cry for me, don't shed a tear!

Just pack my box with PT gear!

Cuz early morning 'bout zero-five,

The ground will rumble,

There'll be lightning in the sky!

Don't you worry, don't come undone!

It's just my ghost on a PT run!

Well… wasn't that depressing. I took some hints from the ODST live action trailer and a piece of Casquis' The Life. Also, check out Rilwen-Shadowflame's Stormtrooper, it really changed my view on those guys.

May the Chief be with you.