Halo – "Love at Long Range"

Location: Jun's office, Hydra Base, Mars
December 29th, 2552
4:27pm

"You seem conflicted,"

"That's because I am conflicted..."

"What is the matter, Jun?"

The former Spartan-III heaved a big sigh as he leaned against his leather chair. "It's been 3 years since I last saw her. I didn't know how she was, where she was, if the PTSD got the best of her or if she was even still alive. I've been trying to write this letter to her, to tell her everything that's happened so far... but all I can get out is how much I've missed her." Jun let go of another sigh and leaned forward, looking at Death as he stood at his AI console. "This won't work. I need closure - I need to see her."

Death nodded, indicating he understood what his carrier meant. He held onto his scythe with both armored hands as he addressed Jun. "Well, I was just going to tell you this. It will definitely make you feel better. Joyful, in fact."

"I'm listening."

"I have found a second potential recruit for you. Edward Davis. He is currently stationed at Starwave Base."

Jun struggled to keep a stupid smile from forming on his face.

A smile could be sensed from the faceless AI. "Yes, yes, Jun. I know how much you love me. You do not have to repeat it."

"I must have done something really amazing once upon a time to deserve great family like you, Death."

"Thank you so much for the compliment, my little Spartan," He gave a little bow. "But we simply... 'lucked out'. When do we leave?"

Location: Hope Relay, Outskirts of the town of Hope
Beaumontia, Epsilon Eridani system
January 3rd, 2549
8:23am

"Since when did we operate in the daylight? We're a sniper and infiltration team!"

"It wasn't like Shadow Team had something else to do, Celest. Oliver's still nowhere to be found so here we are."

"Great..." They stopped at their objective, after taking the long walk from where the Falcon had dropped them off. "Well, here's the relay - at least... what's left of it..."

Jun and Celestina, Shadow Three and Four, observed the demolished communications relay as its large satellite dish was in pieces on the ground in front of them. "Well... At least we know why the UNSC failed to connect with this relay station. It's been completely barbecued." He glanced up at the damaged base. "How is the rest of it still standing, though?"

Celestina kept the winced look on her face. "I think 'barbecued' is a polite way to put it, Jun. Damn..." She took the first steps towards the pieces. "The rebels put in a lot of effort to take it down."

"Maybe we should stop underestimating them." Jun said as he glanced around at their surroundings consisting of nothing but the relay in a large grassy area. The sun was burning high in the sky. The town of Hope was miles away from the communications relay.

Celestina continued to inspect the pieces in front of her. Her soft hazel eyes then widened. "Um... Jun?"

"Yes, princess?" He turned his head back to her.

"... This is plasma damage..."

"Oh shit."

She spun around to face him. "Hope. The UNSC needs to get those people out of that town!"

"Agreed. Hold on, I'll get Valen-" He was cut off by something in the corner of his eye. His motion tracker came up blank though.

Celestina's forehead creased with worry. "Jun? What's wrong?"

"We're not alone."

Immediately they stood back-to-back, with Jun clutching onto his sniper rifle and Celestina fishing out both magnums from their holsters. They tried their hardest to find the similar glossiness that came from the active camouflage of an Elite.

She snapped her head to the left and to the right over and over again. "Come out, you bitch!"

"Or bitches," Jun added, still eyeing his motion tracker. "What's the matter? Afraid of a couple of Sparta-"

Without a single warning, Celestina saw the energy sword flicker to life right in front of her.

A/N: Here's a new chapter! ^.^

I could really appreciate some constructive critism in regards to the action and mission planning of this story. I'm trying my hardest, but I could use some helpful reviews as well!