FAILURE
By Kool Killer
EARTH, WASINGTON 8/3/2540 5:13am
Samantha ran her fingers through Gorden's golden brown hair while she whispered to him.
"Gorden, my love, it's time to wake up,"
"Hmmm," Gorden responded as he was awakened by Samantha's soft voice. Gorden smiled at Samantha and brushed a strand of light brown hair back behind her ear.
"Did you sleep well?" Samantha asked, kissing Gorden tenderly.
"I always sleep good with you, Gorden said, pulling Samantha into his strong arms.
"You will have to leave soon, go and shower while I prepare your morning meal," Samantha broke out of Gorden's embrace and left the bedroom. Gorden questioned himself having heard what Samantha said; wouldn't it have been easier just to say breakfast?
Gorden let out a sigh; he moved to the side of the bed and stood up. Gorden yawned and stretched his arms as he staggered to the bathroom, still half asleep. Gorden entered the bathroom, turned on the lights and closed the door. Gorden rubbed his eyes and stared bleakly into the mirror. Today is going to be a good day, Gorden lied to himself. He picked up his tooth brush, applied the toothpaste, and started to clean his teeth. When Gorden was finished with brushing his teeth he stepped into the shower with haste.
"Wow, it's really cold in here," Gorden uttered out loud, turning on the water to the shower. At first, cold water came out, causing Gorden to tense up and step back. Then the water became more welcoming as it got warmer. Gorden entered the stream of hot water and was enveloped with warmth. He smiled as the water danced across his shoulder's, taking all his troubles away. Gorden grabbed a bar of soap and started to wash his body. The soap had fresh crisp lavender smell to it. Gorden finished showering, stepped out and dried himself off with a towel. Gorden closed the shower door felling clean and refreshed. Suddenly, the air in the bathroom became very cold. Gorden then got the feeling that he was being watched. Gorden cringed when he heard a deep voice call to him.
"Gorden," the voice echoed throughout the bathroom.
Gorden looked at the bathroom mirror; the sound came from the mirror itself. Gorden stared at the mirror and he could tell the reflection wasn't right. Steam covered the mirror and the outline of the image was much bigger than his. Gorden cautiously approached the mirror and stopped at the sink. Gorden prepared to wipe the steam from the mirror but stopped. Gorden wasn't sure he wanted to see what was on the other side. Gorden collected himself and quickly wiped the steam from the mirror. Gorden jumped back and shouted in fright when he saw a huge black elite staring back at him with large green eyes. The elite seemed to be just as frightened as he was; which was pretty odd, since elites are not afraid of humans. Gorden stood deathly still as he stared at the elite. The elite did the same, not moving a muscle.
Gorden shuttered as an icy feeling quickly shot up through his legs and spread out to the rest of his body. Gorden looked down at his feet and gasped. There were two toed hooves where his feet should be. Gorden checked his body over frantically and with terror he realized that, the reflection in the mirror was his.
"Nooooooo!' Gorden yelled, taken back by how deep his voice sounded. Gorden looked back into the mirror and took a deep breath, his mandibles moving as he did so. Gorden whipped around in panic when the bathroom door flew open. An elite female rushed in and ran right up to him.
"Gorden my love! What is wrong?" the female questioned, placing a small clawed hand on the side of his face. Gorden studied the elite that stood before him, staring into her hazel eyes.
"Samantha?" Gorden breathed out.
"Yes, my mate," Samantha replied lovingly. She nipped at his neck, taking in his sweet sent.
"No, no this is not real, it's just a dream," Gorden rationalized, taking a step back. Samantha stepped forward and pressed her head against his.
"Is this, not real," She cooed to him as she locked her mandibles into his, in a breathtaking kiss. Gorden was speechless as Samantha wrapped her long arms around his waist and buried her head into his chest. Warmth radiated between the two as they came closer together. Maybe this dream isn't so bad, Gorden thought to himself. Gorden leaned his long neck over Samantha's shoulder and started to rub her back with his large hands. She started to purr as he continued to massage her back. Samantha broke away from Gorden's grasp and brought her head to his, staring deeply into his eyes. "Gorden?" Samantha questioned, shaking his shoulder.
"Yes, Samantha," Gorden replied, nuzzling her affectionately.
"It's time to wake up," Samantha said, fading right before Gordens eyes.
"Wait!" Gorden gasped, shooting up in bed. Gorden felt smooth hands wrap around his body which startled him slightly.
"Gorden, it's okay, you just had a bad dream," Samantha explained, which calmed him down.
"Oh wow," Gorden sighed, grabbing Samantha and pulling her close. The two held each other tightly, their heads were pressed together. Gorden had that nightmare every time he would try to sleep since he had got back. This time however, the dream was different from the rest. Samantha had never been in the dream before.
"Gorden, are you alright?" Samantha lifted Gordens head up and looked at him with concern.
"Yes Samantha, I was just thinking," Gorden replied, taking her hands in his, squeezing them lightly.
"It's five twenty five, you have to leave in forty minutes, go and take a shower while I make you breakfast. Samantha started to climb out of bed but she was stopped by Gorden.
"Samantha, I can skip breakfast, why don't we shower together," Gorden smirked and nodded toward the bathroom. Gorden didn't want a repeat of the dream he had just woke up from.
"Yes lieutenant,' Samantha exclaimed. Samantha got out of bed and walked into the bathroom. Gorden chuckled to himself, following Samantha in the bathroom. Samantha was already turning on the water and adjusting the temperature. Gorden closed the door behind him and walked to the sink. He stared into the mirror; the reflection was normal and revealed nothing odd. With that, Gorden turned and looked at the shower. Samantha had the shower door open letting steam flow past her. She stepped back and beckoned Gorden to enter. Gorden walked across the cold tile floor and stepped into the shower. Gorden closed the shower door and was surrounded by warm steam. The water coming out of the shower head was very warm. Gorden stood close to Samantha and smiled, she smiled back. Both Gorden and Samantha began to wash themselves with soap. Gorden grabbed a shampoo bottle and squeezed some out onto his hand. Gorden rubbed his hands together, and then he ran them through Samantha's hair. Gorden played with her hair as he worked the shampoo in. Samantha in turn, began to mess with Gorden's hair. Gorden brought his head down lower so Samantha could toy with his hair more easily. Gorden always liked it when Samantha would play with his hair; it was very relaxing for him. Every time she would run her slender fingers through his hair, it would bring a tingling sensation throughout his scalp. Both the lovers pressed up against each other and let the welcoming water rinse all their worries away. Gorden and Samantha exited the shower feeling revitalized and alert, ready for whatever the day might bring.
Gorden closed the shower door and wrapped a towel around his waist. Gorden turned and slowly faced the mirror. From where Gorden was standing everything seemed to be normal, but he had to be sure. Gorden carefully approached the mirror and wiped the steam away. To his relief, the reflection was his and that monstrous elite was nowhere in sight. Samantha walked over to Gorden, grabbed him and leaned her head next to his shoulder.
"I'm going to get your uniform ready, uh, you might want to shave," Samantha smiled, running her hand over Gorden's cheeks.
"Yeah, I'm starting to look like a flea ridden brute," Gorden joked, brushing his fingers over his chin.
"Don't be that hard on yourself," Samantha laughed, before leaving the bathroom. Gorden grabbed his can of shaving cream and lathered his chin and cheeks up. Then Gorden got his trusty razor blade out and started to shave.
Samantha left the bathroom and walked over to the dresser. She opened both doors of the dresser, grabbed her nightgown and slipped it on. Then Samantha got Gorden's uniform out and laid it neatly on the bed. Samantha really liked the uniform Gorden would wear while he was on duty. The uniform is an olive green color, with black boots and a black under shirt. The insignia of a lieutenant was clipped onto both sides of the collar and on the hat as well. Samantha admired the uniform while she walked to the right side of the bed and grabbed Gorden's handgun. She also got his holster out and slipped the hand gun into it. The model of the handgun is a glock forty five Auto Chambering Pistol or ACP. Gorden liked to use glazed hollow point rounds, since the chances of the bullet going through your target and killing a bystander was very slim. Samantha laid the firearm down on the bed with distaste. Samantha has always disliked handguns, since the only real purpose they serve, is for murdering others. But, Samantha also knew that they were required while serving in any branch of the UNSC.
Samantha looked at the clock and sighed; only thirteen minutes left and Gorden would leave and be gone for a very long time, well, long enough anyway. Samantha left the bedroom and walked down the hallway, stopping at Austin's door. She quietly opened the door and peaked in. Austin was sound asleep, with a small smile creasing up from his lips. Samantha closed the door quietly and continued to walk down the hallway. Samantha walked past the living room and headed into the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator and got out some ham and cheese. Samantha grabbed two pieces of bread and started to make Gorden a sandwich for lunch later.
Gorden finished shaving, washed his face, and left the bathroom. Gorden's uniform was laid out neatly on the bed. Next to it was his custom handgun with all the works. Gorden put on his black shirt and underwear before getting into his uniform. Gorden pulled his black socks on and tucked his pants down around his ankles. Next he slipped on his black boots and tied them tightly. Gorden stood up and ran his black belt through his holster and fastened it on. Gorden pulled his handgun out of the holster and inspected the thirteen round magazine before sliding it back into his handgun. Sure this forty five might not pack the same amount of a punch as the standard issued M6C magnum. But the forty five bullet was slightly bigger, and there was no doubt that this round would make an elite do a backflip. Gorden smiled at his glock before putting it into his holster and securing it with the Velcro strap. Gorden snagged his hat and put it on firmly. Gorden left the bedroom and started to walk down the hallway. Gorden stopped at Austin's door and opened it carefully. Gorden peered in and saw Austin sleeping peacefully with a blanket snugly covering him. Gorden closed the door softly and walked down the rest of the hallway. Gorden entered the living room and noticed Samantha doing something in the kitchen. Gorden smirked mischievously and crouched while he advanced towards the kitchen. The carpet in the living room softened his foot steeps as he neared Samantha. When Gorden set foot in the kitchen, his boots made a clunking sound as they hit the kitchen tile.
"I know your trying to sneak up on me, Gorden," Samantha said, not turning around to face him. Gorden stood up out of his crouched position and walked casually over to Samantha. Gorden wrapped his arms around Samantha's soft waist as he looked over her shoulder.
"Oh, you're making a lunch, for me, how thoughtful," Gorden kissed Samantha on the cheek before letting her go.
"I hope you like stale bread with moldy ham and cheese,' Samantha joked, putting the sandwich in a bag and closing it.
"Lunch spoils, my favorite," Gorden replied while he chuckled. Samantha turned and walked past Gorden, setting the lunch on the kitchen table. Gorden walked over to Samantha and stood behind her. "It's time for me to leave," Gorden said it in a sad tone. Samantha whipped around and embraced Gorden tightly; pressing her head against his warm chest, trying to hold back tears.
"I'm going to miss you, Gorden," Samantha paused, lifted her head from his chest and stared deeply into his brilliant green eyes. "YOU COME BACK SAFE TO ME,"
"I will, I promise," Gorden brought his lips to hers in a kiss that seemed to last an eternity. Gorden broke away from the kiss and grabbed his lunch as he walked to the front door.
"Call me tonight," Samantha spoke in a shallow voice.
"I'll call you tonight, don't worry about me, I will be fine," Gorden winked at Samantha before opening the door and leaving. When the door closed, Samantha broke out into tears. Samantha had always heard horror stories of men that leave their family's to do their duties; a lot of them never came back. The thought of seeing Gordens' grave and having Austin with her sobbing as he held her, made Samantha cry even harder. Gorden always came back every time he said he would, and he would come back this time to, just like he said, Samantha thought to herself. Soon Samantha was able to collect her thought and she wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Only three more months," Samantha said out loud. Samantha walked back to their bedroom and climbed into bed. Samantha pulled the blankets over her body and she drifted back to sleep.
Gorden left his house and started to walk over to his car, which was parked in the driveway. Just as Gorden was about to get into his car, a black UNSC service vehicle pulled up next to the sidewalk. The windows of the car were tinted and the UNSC insignia was printed on the sides of the doors. The driver's side door opened and a man stepped out. He walked around the front of the car and stopped at the passenger's door.
"Lieutenant," the marine exclaimed as he promptly saluted, "I have orders to take you back to the SilverSides,"
"Who sent you?" Gorden asked, snapping a crisp salute back.
"Captain Dogartt, lieutenant," the marine said, giving Gorden a friendly smile.
"All right, let's get going," Gorden said, the marine opened the passenger door with his right hand while keeping the other hand behind his back. Gorden got in and the marine closed the door. The marine walked around the front of the car to the driver's side and got in. The service car Gorden was in had a really nice interior. The seats were made of smooth black leather with red trim. The seats had heating elements inside them. Hell, there was even a mini fridge built in to the back seat of the car. Gorden looked over at his driver and pondered. The man had black hair and light brown eyes, and his skin was a light brown color. "You look very familiar..Corporal," Gorden stated, looking at the drivers rank.
"I used to be your childhood friend a long time ago," the driver smirked as he pulled onto the street and drove down the road. Gorden scrutinized his driver and a realization hit him.
"James Fetcher!" Gorden exclaimed, shifting in his seat.
"You always got my last name wrong Gorden, Fletcher," James responded, turning left at an intersection.
"That's right! It's been a long time James, what like, almost eighteen years," Gorden moved his lunch down to the floor by his boots.
"Yeah, it's been a long time, how have things gone for you," James asked, glancing over at Gorden.
"Things turned out pretty good for me, I got a son and a wife, a nice house too, you saw it," Gorden replied.
"Your wife and son, what are their names?" James asked, putting on shades to keep the glare from the rising sun out of his eyes,
"I named my son Austin, and my wife's name is Samantha," Gorden answered, looking out into the horizon. The sun was just starting to come up, painting the sky shades of orange and pink.
"Well that's great Gorden, good on you," James complemented.
"Yeah it's defiantly something special, how about you, have a wife or any kids?" Gorden questioned James, looking for a wedding ring on his hands.
"Nope, nothing like that, I just, never settled down I guess," James explained, deep in thought.
"Well I'm sure the day will come," Gorden told James with confidence.
"I don't know man, things are getting pretty bad, James replied, pausing a second before continuing."You know, the covenant and all,"
"Things can't stay like this forever," Gorden assured James. James became solemn as he bit his bottom lip.
"What's wrong James," Gorden asked, trying to figure out his friend's sudden sadness.
"The covenant, they uh, they murdered everyone in my family," James forced his words out, with sorrow dripping from them.
"Oh James, I, I'm so sorry, they were really great people," Gorden remembered James's family, they all had good hearts, and they were very respectable people.
"It's not your fault, they were on Harvest when those twisted fucks came," James stopped in his sentence to take a breath, "My family made it off Harvest, but, Covenant ships were just waiting for them; the ship they were riding in wasn't a threat to the covenant, it was a civilian ship," James briefly looked over at Gorden and said. "They died out there.. how the fuck can they do shit like that, blow up a civilian ship, with women and children aboard, they never did anything wrong, and those heartless bastards in the covenant killed them, like it was nothing more than handshake," Gorden wanted to tell James everything would be all right, but he couldn't fine his voice. Gordens throat tightened up and his eye's started to water. James smiled as the sorrow left his face. "Screw it, they didn't get me," James let out a stressed laugh.
Gorden decided to change the subject to something less depressing.
"You still play baseball James?"
"Here and there, I don't play it that much anymore, well, since we grew up," James responded, checking his speed. Gorden let out a loud chuckle, startling James.
"Do you remember when we broke that cops' squad car window with the baseball we were playing with," Gorden grinned wildly at James.
"Oh yeah! That was perfect teamwork, you threw the ball just right," James laughed.
"Boy was that cop pissed off, he couldn't get over the fence because he had a very unfortunate weight problem," Gorden thought back to that day, they must have been eight years old.
James let out a happy sigh then said,
"He spilled his coffee all over his shirt, he was pissed, you know I almost thought he was going to shoot us when we ran," James remembered seeing the plump cop reach for his sidearm while shouting curses.
"Well what was he going to do, that fat fuck couldn't fight his way out of a crowded Denny's booth, let alone climb over a fence," Gorden snickered loudly as he looked out his window.
"We did him a favor, now he wouldn't have to roll his window down anymore when he would go pick up his pretzel nuggets," James looked at a sign to his left that read Fort Bradley ,one mile.
"Good times, good times," Gorden said, remembering all the trouble he would get in with James.
"Hey Gorden, were almost to the base, make sure you have everything ready," James said as a checkpoint came into view. The car slowed down and stopped at the checkpoint. James rolled down his window and showed the security guard his clearance. The guard checked the papers over and looked at Gorden. When the guard saw Gordens rank he saluted him, Gorden saluted back at the guard.
"You're good to go," the guard said, handing back James his papers and waving them through. James nodded and drove through the checkpoint. James pulled the car up next to the airport and parked. James got out first, Gorden following suit, making sure he grabbed his lunch. Gorden and James walked up the stairs and stopped at the front doors of the airport. Two armed marines saluted Gorden together, and then they opened the airport doors. Gorden saluted both the marines as he entered the airport with James. The airport was alive as different service men and women hustled about doing their jobs. The tile floor inside the airport was freshly waxed and revealed a clear reflection of James and Gorden.
"We are late, we got to hurry," James stated, Gorden began to jog with James to the pelican that was waiting for them. Gorden and James entered the landing bay and saw one pelican on standby. The engine of the pelican was already on, and wind was blowing out of its thrusters. James and Gorden walked over to the pelican and saw the pilot sitting down on the seat closest to the loading ramp. The pilot looked up and stood when he saw the two marines standing in front of him.
"Lieutenant, we need to leave now," the pilot said, saluting Gorden as he waved both of them over. James and Gorden boarded the pelican and sat down next to each other. The pilot walked over to the loading ramp and prepared to close the ramp. "Ramp clear!" the pilot shouted as he closed the loading ramp. The pilot turned and smiled at Gorden and James, his helmet covered most of his face and only his lips were visible. "All right, get buckled in, we have a long flight ahead of us," the pilot walked back into the cabin of the pelican and closed the door. Gorden and James buckled in as they waited for liftoff. The intercom inside the pelican came on and the pilot said in a joking voice. "Welcome to delta airlines, we would like to remind you that this is a nonsmoking flight, if this is your first time flying with us, you will be receiving fifty free credits this afternoon, and as always, the barf bags are located in the seats next to you," with that, the pelican lifted up into the air and started to shoot up through the sky..Gorden felt his stomach sink as the pelican started to climb high in the sky. It was quiet inside the pelican and the only sound was the humming engine. Gorden shuttered slightly as the pelican exited Earths atmosphere. Gorden looked over at James, he was resting with his head back, James had the right idea, Gorden thought as he in turn leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Gorden exhaled as he began to relax. Gorden let his mind wonder back to his son and wife; he smiled as he let the warm thoughts carry him into a peaceful sleep.
Ten hours later Gorden was awakened by James.
"Hey Gorden, we just docked in the SilverSides, come on get up," James commanded as he helped Gorden up. James held Gorden for a moment until he was alert enough to stand on his own. Gorden yawned and stretched his arms as he grabbed his lunch. Gorden put his hat on and followed James off the pelican. The Docking bay inside the SiverSides was brightly lit; blinding Gorden as he first stepped out of the pelican. Gorden began to adjust to the new lighting and looked at James.
"That was a long ride," Gorden said, arching his back as it was stiff from the long ride over.
"Yeah, that was not fun," James responded. The pilot walked down the loading ramp and walked over to James and Gorden.
"Hope you guys slept well," the pilot joked as he took his helmet off.
"Yeah it was a calm ride, thanks for getting us here," James said as he shook the pilots' hand.
"You bet," the pilot replied as he saluted them before walking away.
James and Gorden started to walk across the docking bay to report to command. They were stopped when they heard a joyful voice boom from behind them.
"Now who hell is this standing in my docking bay," Gorden turned around and was greeted by Captain Dwain Dogartt.
"Captain!" Gorden and James saluted Dwain in unison.
"Good job getting the lieutenant here, corporal," Dwain praised James.
"Yes captain," James responded, putting his hands behind his back while he stood in parade rest.
"How have things been since I've been gone?" Gorden questioned Dwain as the trio left the docking bay.
"Things have been pretty quiet, almost like the covenant fucked off and died," Both James and Gorden were surprised by the captain's comment. "Come on guys were all friends here, it's not like I'm going to court martial you if you laugh," James and Gorden let loose with a chuckle as they continued to walk down the large hallway leading to the barracks.
"Sounds like thing have gone pretty smoothly," Gorden told Dwain.
"Well, we will see if those tiny dick losers decide to show up, I'm sure we will be ready to send them to hell," Dwain joked, then said "I've got some work to attend to, report to me tomorrow for orders Gorden, until then, take it easy," Gorden and James saluted Dwain as he saluted them back. Dwain continued down the hallway and disappeared behind a corner. James looked at his watch which read four thirty one.
"Gorden I'm going to get some sleep man, I'll catch up with you tomorrow?" James questioned as he grinned at Gorden.
"You know it buddy," Gorden said as he slapped James on the shoulder. James walked into the barracks for the marines, the door closed behind him. Gorden stayed standing in the hallway, thinking to himself about the day. Then Gorden remembered he was supposed to call Samantha. Gorden walked down the hallway and took a right heading for the officers' quarters. Gorden came to a stop at his room and entered in his door code, which was his birth date, 3/24/2509. The electronic door reader flashed green and then a click was heard. Gorden opened his door and walked in. Gorden closed his door and walked over to his bed, setting down his lunch on his night stand. Gorden had not had anything to eat for ten hours, so he would eat his lunch before calling Samantha. Gorden opened the paper bag and took out a ham and cheese sandwich; there was also some chips and a bottle of coke. Gorden eat his lunch quickly and finished his soda off before throwing the empty paper bag in the trash can next to his bed. Gorden took his black boots off and pulled his socks off. Gorden then stood and walked over to his desk and sat down. Goreden turned on his computer and waited for it to start up. Once the computer had finished starting. Gorden video called his house back on earth. Almost instantly, Samantha answered the video call.
"Gorden, how did everything go, were there any problems," Samantha had worry in her voice as she spoke.
"Everything is fine, I got here safe and sound," Gorden smiled at Samantha.
Samantha sighed in relief and stated to twirl her hair around with her index finger. "I'm glad everything turned out okay, things are going good here as well,"
"Good to hear, is Austin around?" Gorden questioned, as he covered his mouth and yawned.
"Yes he is, I will go get him," Samantha got up from her seat and left the bedroom. A few moments later Austin came running in followed by Samantha. Austin jumped up on the chair and looked at his Father and waved through the video feed.
"How are you doing, little man," Gorden said as he pointed at Austin.
"I'm doing great," Austin responded, his eyes lit up as he looked at his Father.
"What did you learn in school today?" Gorden asked.
"Nothing much, uh, we learned about different presidents, one of them had wood teeth I think,"
"George Washington, he must have got a lot of splinters," Gorden joked, earning laughs from both Austin and Samantha. Samantha leaned over the chair and hugged Austin.
"Mom," Austin complained as he struggled to get out of her arms. Gorden sat up straight and yawned again.
"Hey you to, I'm going to call it a night, I will talk to both of you tomorrow," Gorden said. Samantha brought her head down next to Austin's.
"All right Gorden, we will talk to you tomorrow, I love you," Samantha spoke gently.
"I love you too, Dad," Austin chimed in.
"I love you both too, have a good night," Gorden said as he exited the video call and turned off his computer. Gorden stood up from his desk and climbed into bed with his uniform still on. Gorden pulled the covers over himself as he laid his head on the pillow. Gorden closed his eyes and began to fall asleep. Gorden had no idea that he would undergo a major life transition, very soon.