The halls leading into the living quarters were packed with Marines. The urgency of the situation was clear on all of their faces as Tz'eal made his way through. Most of them, if not all of them, completely ignored him, rushing about from room to room, gathering clothes and equipment, packing them into tough looking backpacks or soft duffle bags. Pushing through the masses Tz'eal continued towards his quarters when he spotted the figure of Drake ahead. He appeared to be above the crowd looking over everyone, shouting and pointing from one Marine to another, giving directions.
"Get your shit in gear, we need to be packed and ready to leave in the next 30. Shapiro wants us ready to board the moment the Pelicans touch down to get us to the Glasgow." Drake called out as he continued to scan the hallway for anyone who seemed to be lost.
"Sergeant! How much medical should we go and get?" A Marine shouted over the crowd to him.
"None. Focus on what you can get personally. Everything left behind is staying behind. We can get gear and ammo from the Glasgow when we're aboard. Focus on your stuff for the time being. Other clothes, any pieces of armor that you can fit into your pack, any belongings that you don't want to lose." Drake explained as he glanced down the hall and spotted Tz'eal.
"That includes you. Get in there and get your shit. We need to go." He shouted at Tz'eal who abruptly stopped at the sudden focus. He felt the eyes of almost everyone in the hall land on him for a moment before they continued about their business.
Tz'eal continued towards Drake who slowly shook his head as he approached. "Whatever it is you're going to say, it can wait. Get your gear. Now." Drake said as he abruptly turned on the spot, hopped off of the small crate he was using as a stool and began to walk away.
"Drake I-" Tz'eal started but before he could get anywhere Drake had walked away without another word. Slowly Tz'eal walked over to his door, pressed his palm on the reader to open the door and entered, the sound of the hustle and bustle of the Marines behind him vanishing in an instant
Ever since he had suggested that they do nothing to protect Earth, Drake had refused to speak to Tz'eal. Several times he had tried to make contact by simply knocking on his door or trying to get his attention in the mess hall. Nothing had worked. Now it was even more apparent. Shaking his head Tz'eal slowly began gathering the few items he had in his quarters that were his. A second undersuit and the Ranger combat harness. He managed to pack them into a soft pack that would fit everything , barely managing to fit the gauntlets in with the room available.
His thoughts of abandonment began to surface when there was an audible knock that echoed throughout the room. He slowly turned to his door and looked at it confused. Something didn't sound right.
"May I enter?" The voice of Watson echoed around the room, like the knock did, his voice emitting from the speakers in each corner. Tz'eal nodded as he understood what had happened.
"Yes. how can I help you Watson?" He asked as he turned to the cot he had been provided and sat down. To his side, from a small metallic plinth the depiction of Watson appeared with a soft orange flash.
"I've been keeping an eye on everyone while this situation has been exposed and expanded upon. Making sure everyone's psychological condition is managed and maintained. Some have been in need of help and for the most part they've been alright. You however look like you're in need of some help." Watson explained as a projection of a small chair appeared behind him, allowing him to sit also.
"So, would you like to talk to someone about whatever it is that is getting you so down?" He asked as Tz'eal chuckled, leaned back slightly and looked up to the ceiling.
"It has been several days since Drake last spoke to me. Ever since I suggested our current plan of action he has kept his distance." Tz'eal explained without looking back down to Watson.
"Ever since you suggested we sit back and do nothing, while the Covenant potentially glass our homeworld? Sound about right?" Watson asked, the sarcasm clear in his voice.
"Yes, that does sound correct." Tz'eal replied with a sigh.
"You have to understand something here Tz'eal: Drake has put a lot of faith in you, he believes without a shadow of a doubt that you're here to help us. However this is the first time something has happened that has shaken him. His homeworld has been threatened and you're telling us to do nothing. I wouldn't be surprised if he has it in the back of his head that you're playing the long game and you're about to reveal yourself as a betrayer and stab us all in the back." Watson continued as Tz'eal slowly began to sit upright again, listening to him intently.
"But you understand? A tactically sound decision such as this should not cause such issues. This is the most logical course of action in this situation." Tz'eal argued.
"While that may be true you have to consider this from Drake's point of view. You yourself brought the planets that the Covenant have glassed into the discussion. Drake's homeworld is now a target, regardless of whether the Covenant know it or not. And you told him to let it happen." Watson retorted as he slowly stood up, his glow vanishing from the plinth towards another beside a large display on the wall.
"But as I explained, they do not know their prize. Earth is not a threat in the eyes of the Covenant. I do not see how this is such an issue." Tz'eal continued, still confused about the scenario.
"Okay how about we do this then." Watson began as he pulled up an image on the screen. It showed several Covenant ships mixed with Human ships surrounding Earth.
"Imagine for a second that Humanity was approached by the Covenant before the Sangheili were, and for the sake of this argument, that we accepted their invitation. Now, your people declined them and are now at war with them, the planets that you have expanded to are being glass and your people murdered." Watson continued as the image on the screen swapped out to barren looking planets with glassed surfaces.
"Your position is swapped with Drake, he has become a heretic and has defected to your side. Our Covenant has found your homeworld and is threatening it, regardless if we know what we have or not. He tells you to do nothing. How would that make you feel?" Watson finished as the depiction of a planet that looks quite similar to Sanghelios was left on the screen.
Tz'eal sighed as his gaze made its way to the floor. He now understood. He had not considered how it would make him feel if the positions were reversed. He had not been put into this kind of scenario.
"If it were Sanghelios that were under threat and he had told me not to inform my people of the threat I would feel betrayed." He confessed with a slow nod.
"There you go. That's how he feels right now. I believe he understands why it had to be this way but that doesn't prevent the feeling of betrayal from affecting him. If I were you I'd go and say you're sorry for everything. Even if you technically did nothing wrong. Humans tend to be more apathetic until they hear the words 'I'm sorry'." Watson finished with a nod as he vanished from the plinth.
"Do you know where he is?" Tz'eal asked aloud as he stood up and picked up his backpack, slinging it over one shoulder.
"He's in the hangar waiting for everyone to form up in assembly before the Glasgow arrives. You should be able to pull him aside and speak to him alone." Watson replied, his voice emitting from all of the speakers once again.
"Thank you Watson. You have opened my eyes to this situation, not unlike the lies told to me by the Prophets." Tz'eal said as he opened his door, the sound of the rushing Marines flooding the room once again.
"You're welcome Tz'eal. Unless you're very capable of hiding your true intentions I don't need feelings to be able to trust your intentions. I can simply tell by your vital signs and body language what you intend to do. Which is why I never had any doubts." Watson explained before there was an audible click as he disconnected from the room and left Tz'eal alone.
Glancing back at his now, slightly emptier room Tz'eal nodded to himself before closing the door behind him, pushing through the swarming marines to make his way to the hangar bay where he would find and confront Drake.
Many Marines were rushing about inside the hangar bay, moving large crates of ammo and provisions from storage to be loaded onto the birds prior to take off. Drake was coordinating everything, telling people who needed to go where with what. He needed to keep his focus to ensure they were as prepared to fight for Earth as they possibly could be. He passed from Pelican to Pelican, signing off on their cargo before stopping abruptly before a new bird.
This Pelican had been painted a deep Blue color with White accents that trailed across her body. Behind it there was a group of Marines who were tapping their feet with their arms crossed looking angry, the rear ramp of the Pelican hadn't been lowered to give them access, preventing them from getting their assignments done.
"What seems to be the problem here gents?" Drake asked as he approached the group.
"The Pilot is either asleep or an idiot. We've been standing here for like ten minutes waiting to get these crates aboard so we can get airborne as soon as possible but they're not opening up." One of the Marines replied as Drake approached the ramp.
"Alright let me deal with this. Just hold here and keep cool. Once the ramp is down make sure everything is secured on the deck. Anything on board that goes flying while we break atmo and someone's getting a beating." Drake warned as he walked around the side of the Pelican, making his way over towards the cockpit.
Inside one of their Pilots was looking around frantically with their helmet visor lowered. Drake waved up to them, trying to get their attention. The pilot stopped abruptly before looking up to Drake who shrugged his shoulders and looked at the Pilot confused. The Pilot raised two fingers and seemed to take a deep breath before looking down at their console. Before Drake knew it there was a loud hiss from behind the Pelican as the rear ramp seemed to lower.
"About fucking time! Alright guys, load it up!" The Marine shouted as Drake walked back around and boarded the Pelican, watching the Marines go about their business, fixing their cargo to the floor. He continued to the front of the bird and tapped on the door, the Pilot opening it from the other side. Slowly he stepped in and closed the door behind him, leaning up against one of the bulkheads and crossing his arms.
"I know you're nervous. We haven't faced anything like this before but this isn't the time to lock up. Are you going to be good to fly?" Drake asked as the Pilot removed their Helmet.
"I should be alright. I'm just trying to remember everything. It's been so sudden." Jay explained as he put his helmet down. Drake simply smiled back at him with a nod.
"When did you pass?" He asked as he pushed off the bulkhead and walked forward to the co-pilot seat and leaned upon that, facing the rear door.
"Two days ago. I got my bird yesterday and spent the whole night kitting her out. Then you know…Earth. I've been sitting here trying to go over everything in my head so I don't lock up, which caused me to lock up and not open the ramp or anything." Jay said with a nod as he took another deep breath to try and steel himself.
"You're going to be fine. You're running transport for at least a day before the Glasgow takes us home and then who knows what you're going to be doing." Drake said, trying to reassure Jay.
"From what i've been told i'm going to be running medevac for the first few days. They've been fighting down in New Mombasa already and there's been casualties. Apparently the Master Chief has managed to take down one of their carriers and is currently pushing through the city to get to their Prophet or something." Jay said with a nod and a chuckle as he picked up helmet back up and put it back on.
"Well I've never put my faith in a Spartan so we'll see how it goes. You going to be good to go from here?" Drake asked as he stood up, sensing Jay was going to be alright.
"Yeah I should be. You've got bigger issues to deal with than just me." Jay replied with a smile as Drake looked at him and shook his head. Before he could make any kind of comment there was a knock on the door. Jay reached over and pressed a button on his console, the door sliding open.
"Sergeant? The Split-Lip is here to see you." The Marine said quickly before turning around.
"Sic 'em Drake." Jay commented with a grin as he turned back to his console and continued his pre-flight checks. Drake shook his head and stepped outside the cockpit.
"Private, here. Now." He called out to the Marine walking away. The Marine shook his head before turning back and walking up to Drake.
"Try that again." Drake said calmly as he crossed his arms.
"Sorry, the Hinge-Head is here to speak to you so you should deal with it." The Marine replied once again as he started to turn away.
"Private I'm going to tell you one more time to try that again before I send you to the med bay. Rank and Name Marine. Now." Drake threatened as he stepped forward slightly.
"Lance Corporal N-...N'tha… The Elite Lance Corporal wants to speak to you. I can't pronounce it's name." The Marine grumbled as Drake stepped closer, getting right up into the Marine's face.
"Lance Corporal N'Thanalm. Learn his rank and name and use it going forward. Tell your friends to do the same. I'm getting real tired of this and I doubt he's going to hold me back if someone continues to insult him." Drake warned as he pushed past the Marine, shoving his shoulder into the Marines as he descended the ramp and looked around. He spotted Tz'eal in an instant, stood beside some large containers off by himself. Drake sighed as he approached, he knew what was coming.
"Drake. Are you well?" Tz'eal asked as he closed the distance. They were far enough away from the other Marines that they could speak privately but they wouldn't go unnoticed.
"I am. What's this about Tz'eal, I've got work to do." Drake replied quickly.
"I will not take much of your time. I simply wish to tell you that I am sorry." Tz'eal replied quietly as Drake glanced over to the other Marines. His demeanor changed instantly as his shoulder sagged. Sighing, he turned back to Tz'eal.
"I did not consider how this would affect you, your homeworld finally coming under direct attack from the Covenant. I can not begin to understand how you must feel. However I have considered how I would have felt if I were in your position. And I now, at least understand how you may feel in regards to what I suggested." Tz'eal explained slowly, his head slumped over, staring at the floor.
"I did not mean to offend or upset you. I understand if you can not trust me anymore." Tz'eal finished without looking back up. Drake simply sighed and considered what had just been said. Tz'eal was right that he was hurt that their current plan was even a consideration, but he knew better now.
"Hey, look at me." He said as Tz'eal slowly lifted his head and made eye contact.
"I know you're sorry. And I accept your apology while also offering my own. I was selfish and shouldn't have acted the way I did, like a kid." Drake started as Tz'eal continued to stare at him.
"The thought of losing my home without being able to do anything to help was so strong that I felt as though this was something more vile. Something you might have been planning from the start." Drake continued before he looked back at Tz'eal with a big grin on his face.
"You spoke to Watson didn't you?" He asked abruptly.
"I-...Yes. How did you know?" Tz'eal asked, sounding confused.
"Because he spoke to me too. Apparently he has some kind of subroutine in his programming that is designed to work on a soldier's mental health. So if someone could help us out of this slump it would have been him." Drake explained with a smile while shaking his head. He should have known.
"What did he say to you?" Tz'eal asked as Drake waved them away from the crates they were beside and made their way towards Jay's Pelican.
"He explained why you suggested what you did and told me I was being stupid to think it wasn't a good idea." Drake began explaining as they reached the Pelican and began watching the Marines continue to stack boxes.
"He went so far as to calculate the odds of us losing the fight if we had gone ahead with pre-warning Earth down to a seventeen decimal place." Drake continued as Tz'eal leaned over to look at him.
"Seventeen? That seems very precise." He commented.
"A little too precise. He was trying to explain that if we had not done what you suggested that the odds of us losing and all of us dying were significantly higher than what they are now and how our odds have improved so much that there is a very high likelihood that we might come out on top of this coming fight." Drake finished as he looked over to Tz'eal who had rushed forward. A Marine had lost their grip on a box and almost dropped it before Tz'eal had caught it.
"He did something quite alike to me. Asking how I would feel if our positions were reversed and it was Sanghelios that was under attack. I had never considered this before as I still do not consider Sanghelios to be a target. I do now." Tz'eal replied after helping the Marine, getting a quiet thank you in response before returning upright.
"We both have our issues and with Watson's help we can hopefully move past them." Drake commented before Jay opened the cockpit door and leaned out of it.
"Hopefully you can get past your issues faster. The Glasgow is here and we're about to take off, grab your seats." Jay said with a nod before returning back behind the doorway and closing the door.
"Alright I guess this is it. Everyone strap in and prepare to break atmo. We're about to go through all of this all over again." Drake commented as he took a seat.
"What makes you say that?" Tz'eal asked as he too took a seat and watched his fellow Marines Strap in and secure themselves.
"Well, The Glasgow doesn't know about you so I bet we're going to have to explain everything about you to them all over again and deal with the aftermath of that." Drake explained as the engines of the Pelican roared into life, the interior shunting them around as they took off into the air.
"Hopefully we will not have as much of an issue with them. We need to get to the fight quickly." Tz'eal commented as he felt gravity move around him as the Pelican raised its landing gear and moved to break atmo.
"I doubt you will, you'll have us to back you up." One of the Marines commented with a nod as Tz'eal looked around at them. This one group of Marines who he had never spoken to were on his side it seemed. And Drake seemed to read him like a book.
"I told you. You're one of us now. We've got your back."