Chapter 16

Dark Wolf stared at the Colonel, Jewel and the recruits for the (new) New Noble Team.

"How about an answer?" he snarled.

Holland and Jewel shared an awkward look.

Holland stepped forwards.

"Well, judging by your past… um… problems… we judged it prudent to-"

"Not consult me about reconstructing my team after almost all of the members were KIA? Twice?"

Colonel Holland coughed and stepped back, giving the floor to Jewel.

She sighed, "Okay, listen here, Dark Wolf. I'll tell you why we're rebuilding the team again."

Dark Wolf folded his arms, "Then say it."

"We're rebuilding the team again because we need them. The past Noble Teams have helped to take down or capture Covenant Spires, recapture UNSC territory, everything. They've helped our cause exponentially, God rest their souls. This new team might be able to help reclaim Reach if you let them."

Dark Wolf looked around at the newly assembled team, "Is that how you all feel?"

The Colonel, and the rest of the New Noble team nodded. Even a computer terminal on the wall chimed, showing an affirmative.

"We're going to help reclaim Reach for humanity," said Angela.

"And for our fallen friends," added Nova.

Andrew's face was covered by his helmet, but something in his voice indicated a smile. "And why not bust some heads while we're at it?" he said.

Prometheus stood there silently.

Dark Wolf growled in annoyance.

"Don't you all get it?" he asked, "I've lost two teams fighting against the Covenant. The second team was sent into action against my will several times, despite the fact that I was chosen to head it. And no matter what happens, I will not allow more good soldiers to die for the cause of a team that ended a long time ago."

Then he turned and marched out of the room. Everyone stared after him.

Jewel sighed and turned to Colonel Holland, "I think I should talk to him about this."

She exited the room after Dark Wolf.

The Colonel coughed awkwardly and checked the computer terminal, "Okay, let's see. Cortana just readied your designations. Angela will be Noble Three, Andrew will be Noble Four, Nova Noble Five, and Prometheus Noble Six…"

Nova leaned over to Angela and whispered, "Wow. Awkward, much?"

There was a muffled snort from Prometheus.

Colonel Holland drew himself up and said, "Alright, then. The New Noble Team is dismissed until further notice."

The team exited the room, each not exactly sure what repercussions would come from reminding the Colonel that this was technically the New New Noble Team.