Summary/disclaimer: Time for another chapter of Hunter and Soldier. Enjoy the 3500-word chapter. I don't own Halo, Microsoft, and 343 do.
(2526, April 5th Valiant Class Super Heavy Cruiser Everest, noon)
Vice Admiral Cole looked over the 4 Spartan IIs who looked upon the commander. Cal and Gram held data chips in their hands, ONI's present to the duo and an edge they'd need. All 4 looked at Cole, their helmets held under one arm neatly.
"As you know, Operation: SILENT STORM is being put into action currently," Cole said and brought up a hologram of the fleet. "Your mission is Operation: HOLY SPEAR," Cole said as the group nodded.
"Your mission is simple: Infiltrate the enemy flagship Pious Rampage and capture the prophet aboard the vessel," Cole stated, gaining another nod from the Spartans. "Battle Group X-Ray will be inserting you under the guise of an ONI intelligence gathering group… We've made sure the Covenant will capture you and take you aboard. You will be on your own until exfil. Any questions, Spartans?" Cole questioned as Gram hummed.
"How do we know they won't destroy the infiltration craft, sir?" Gram asked which got Cole to nod.
"Because they're under the assumption a VIP is aboard the craft that has vital intel," Cole said which got Gram to nod as Cole cleared his throat. "Take what you need, Spartans. Your dismissed." Cole said as the quartet nodded and donned their helmets.
Cole watched the quartet of Spartans move as one towards the armory. They moved like machines, emotionless, cold, ruthless, and efficient.
"Do we know enemy troop strength?" One of the Spartans put in which caused Gram to turn.
"Half strength, their sending ground forces to attack Biko." Cal put in as she grabbed her SRS-99 alongside her MA5B. "Admiral Cole said he's giving us 3 hours before he attacks the covenant fleet. We got our window." Cal added as she grabbed 5 extra clips, attaching them to her armor.
Gram grabbed his BR55, an M6S magnum, and an M45D shotgun, grabbing several fresh clips and a pair of M9 grenades. He turned to see Solomon grab an M319 grenade launcher and an M41 rocket launcher.
"Really?" Gram asked and shook his head. "Arty, you ready?" Gram asked and turned to see the spartan grab a pair of M7 SMGs and several spare clips alongside an M392 DMR.
"Let's go, Spartans," Cal ordered as the 3 followed behind her towards the Sahara Class Prowler. It was named the Whispered Lance… But none of the Spartans cared much for its name.
None of them said anything as they boarded the craft. They knew very well that the covenant might kill everyone aboard. They were prepared for the worst… Even if they hoped nothing came of it.
"Cal, do you have a plan?" Gram asked as he turned to the team leader. "We're going in a little blind." Gram said as the craft accelerated out of the cruiser.
"We land in the hanger, neutralize enemy crew, and go from there," Cal responded before looking over her data chip. "Chips in, let's see what ONI cooked up for us," Cal stated as she slid the chip into her helmet.
ONI had created 2 AI for this mission, 2 'Smart' AI known as 'Mimir' after the god of knowledge which was gifted to Cal for infiltration of enemy systems… And 'Heimdall gifted to Gram for encryption and planning.
Mimir appeared on Cal's visor. A bearded man with glowing horns emerging from his skull. His eyes seemed to glow golden like hers as he bowed, clad in amber armor.
"Cal, good to meet you, all checks out," Mimir stated as he stood up. "I'll have you know I've run your file, very interesting and well suited to this mission." The AI put in which caused her to smirk.
"Don't go digging where it's too dark to see," Cal responded and turned to Gram who was busy humming.
Heimdall looked at the spartan scout. He was clad in soft white armor, his sweeping helm as splendorous as the god was in real life. His eyes seemed to see everything, clearly interested in life… In the spartan who was busy using his talents.
"Spartan." Gram heard from the AI, his voice seeming to reverberate around the very craft. "Good to see you." Heimdall put in as Gram chuckled with amusement.
He knew very well that things would be different. This mission would have a happy ending… Or they'd die trying. The AI nodded; his flowing cape equaled only by the sword he held in his helm. He knew more than anything that this would not be an easy mission.
But all 6 knew you didn't send Spartans unless it was a mission worthy of the best soldiers that they had. Gram heard the sounds of another craft slowly approaching there's.
"Standby for infiltration, Spartans." They heard as the comm went silent.
They knew what they had to do. Words would not be needed among the group… And it would indeed only hamper their assignment when it came down to it.
Cal brought up her hand and pumped it twice. The spartan signal for getting ready.
She was greeted by 3 green acknowledgment lights. Gram ran his arm across her shoulder before squeezing it as she returned the gesture. Both would have their backs as much as the rest of the squad did.
There was the sound of metal being pushed as a tug craft captured the Prowler. Every Spartan shared a look as they awaited their chance to board the craft. They waited in the shadows of the craft, unmoving as shadows.
"Enemy is taking the craft to the enemy flagship." Heimdall put in as Gram nodded. "Are you prepared, 077?" Heimdall asked and got a hum.
The Spartans waited for their window to strike. The second the covenant revealed themselves? They'd be blasted by the Spartans.
"Boarding party…" One of the groups said before the hatch sparked before something cut into it.
The Spartans slowly readied their weapons. Cal grabbed her knife as the metal was flung out from the entry point.
"Capture the craft." They heard from one of the elites as a pair of the blue armored saurian entered the craft.
Cal and Gram looked at each other while drawing their knives. The creatures approached the console where the ONI personnel stood. Gram and Cal nodded towards each other before looking at the Spartans.
One of the soldiers finally reached them, its plasma rifle aimed towards the pilots while the other hung back. Solomon emerged from behind the group, smashing into the preoccupied elite.
Gram and Cal smashed into the other elite, overwhelming him easily. They smashed him into the ground, draining his shields as they battered him to the ground. Both Spartans stabbed their knives into the soldier's neck, killing the creature as they stood up.
"Ah, so that's what a spartan is like," Mimir said while looking around at the duo as Solomon wretched the creature's neck to the side.
The covenant soldiers fell silent as both Spartans drabbed the covenant soldiers into the mine room. Gram turned and looked at Cal who was busy checking on the ONI staff.
"Was killing them necessary?" Mimir questioned to which Gram nodded. "Fair enough, Heimdall has secured communications. I can't promise their untraceable, but they should be good for a moment." Mimir stated as the duo looked at each other.
"We can't have them knowing what's aboard the craft." Gram stated while sheathing his knife. "We're on the clock. Keep our signals off their radar." Gram added and hummed.
The craft entered the hanger of the Pious Rampage. Both knew for a fact that stealth was good, but it wouldn't last. It would be only a matter of time before they were discovered. Gram was silent for a moment as he looked at Cal.
She watched as more covenant soldiers entered the craft. A pack of grunts with an elite at the moment. He pointed at the craft's crew. Gram watched Cal spin her knife between her fingers.
"Take them to the brig." Gram heard from one of the elites as he motioned for the grunts to move. "Check their computers. We must find their planet…" The Elite ordered while Gram hummed and nodded once more.
The grunts spread out, their waddling across the deck told them where they were beyond the radar. Gram looked at the soldiers while cracking his knuckles, ready to fight the rest of the covenant.
"Just give the word." Gram said, keeping his eye on Solomon. "Solomon, don't move up. I know how headstrong you are." Gram stated while chuckling to himself.
Cal turned and gave a nod to Gram who reached out, grabbing the grunt by the throat, hoisting the alien soldier off the ground. He ended the alien's life with a single twist of his hands. Gram spun and threw his knife into the head of one of the grunts who let out a shriek.
The covenant soldier slumped to the ground, the two other grunts turned to run before Arthur and Solomon emerged once more.
There was a blur of motion which ended with the 2 falling to the ground. Arthur turned and pulled the knife from the creature's head. He turned and tossed the weapon to Gram who sheathed the knife.
The Spartans stood surrounded by dead covenant soldiers. Gram brought up Heimdall as he looked at the craft. Gram drew his magnum, the weapon being one of the few things which were silenced besides Cal's assault rifle.
"Clear." Gram said before motioning the crew down the ramp. "Heimdall, how much time on the clock?" Gram asked, sweeping his gun around the room.
Gram was quite curious about how the covenant hadn't asked for the boarding crew… Then again? Assuming that they were busy? They probably didn't care at the moment.
Several grunts and jackals were milling around the hanger. Gram and Cal took spots by the frame. He turned to look at her and motioned towards the grunts and jackals.
He brought up his pistol, it had an effective range of 115 meters. The only weakness the weapon had was its small magazine and lack of armor-piercing. Gram turned to Cal, questioning if he should engage the rest of the hanger crew.
"There are about 7 soldiers in the hanger," Heimdall said, bringing up Gram's radar. "Do either of you have a plan?" Gram asked as Solomon was busy policing the Covenant weapons.
Cal motioned towards herself with her hands before nodding towards the hanger as she brought up her rifle. Cal dropped out of the hole and moved towards a parked seraph fighter.
Gram brought up his pistol and fired 2 times, both bullets hitting a pair of grunts moving a plasma coil. They slowly dropped to the ground, blood spilling from their heads as Gram dropped out as well.
"Enemy patrol at your 3 o'clock." Gram heard from Heimdall as he rushed across the hanger. "Jackals," Heimdall said while Gram turned towards them.
There were flashes of light from his gun as one of the jackals suddenly clutched his throat. The second collapsed wounded to the floor. It let out a gurgle to which Gram did nothing. Conserving ammo was his concern and a dying soldier wouldn't be worth the bullet.
Gram hummed and shook his head once again while he looked towards the craft as Solomon and Arthur moved out. Gram turned to Cal. They were making good time, but they had much more ground to cover.
"Are you jamming their systems?" Gram questioned Mimir. "We can't let them know we're here for a while." Gram pointed out to the AI.
"Upper level." Cal pointed out as Gram nodded before he looked up.
Cal moved towards the door as Gram brought up his pistol. He expected dozens of soldiers inside the hanger… However, he guessed there was a trap.
"Mimir, do your thing," Cal said and turned to see that there was contact behind her. "Gram…" Cal added before Gram moved towards the door.
Gram watched Arthur pop a pair of grunts with his DMR. The hanger fell silent in minutes. Still? Gram didn't notice this at the moment.
"How's the door?" Gram asked, checking for any remaining hostiles as Arthur and Solomon moved to the door.
"Give me a few minutes, Gram," Mimir stated as he paused for a minute, code running down his body. "There are enemies ahead, their aware something is up," Mimir added as the Spartans formed up.
"How many?" Cal questioned while Gram and Solomon took positions at the door. "Are they aware?" Cal asked as Gram switched to his rifle.
"There's a squad around the corner taking positions," Mimir said and snapped his fingers. "There you go. Have fun, Spartans. I'll do what I can to keep them off you, but it only takes one can call to alert the ship. Not much I can do about personal comms." Mimir added and vanished.
The doors slowly slid open, and Gram and Solomon moved in slowly with Arthur and Cal following behind. Gram stopped and squeezed his fist.
The Spartans brought up their weapons in one single motion, their weapons all ready to fire in a moment. Cal held up 2 fingers and then made a cut motion as both Arthur and Gram moved ahead. Arthur paused behind Gram.
The spartan scout slowly peeked his head around the corner and saw a pair of elites directing a squad of jackals and grunts. They had good positions and Gram could see them setting up what seemed like a gun position. It was nothing fancy, but it was a kill box for them. If more reinforcements arrived? Gram knew they'd be overwhelmed sooner or later.
But Gram had an idea. He reached down and grabbed an M9 grenade from his belt. The spartan turned to Cal who was busy awaiting his order.
Gram turned to Cal and shook his head to the side. The signal for trouble ahead. He turned to Solomon and blinked his acknowledgment light while motioning to the rocket launcher.
Solomon nodded as Gram turned the corner and flicked the grenade towards the turret position. Solomon turned, took a position, and fired.
The grenade rolled up to the grunts who shrieked in surprise before the explosive burst, overloading the canon and killing the soldiers. Smoke, shrapnel, and armor flew everywhere. Gram looked up to see the 102mm round detonate.
Gram turned to see there was nothing left of the elites… Nor the door behind them. Gram turned to Cal who turned to look over the carnage.
"Think they heard that?" Solomon asked as Gram hummed.
"No." Gram joked before they moved up, stepping over the bodies of the covenant soldiers. "They have a position set up ahead, Heimdall, how's our status?" Gram asked as they took cover at the next door.
"Your comms remains secure. Enemy chatter, however…." Heimdall stated as the sounds of footsteps drew their attention.
"So much for the element of surprise." Gram said and hummed as he turned to Solomon. "Screw it, I doubt me, or Sol could go the mission without fighting." Gram said, earning a finger from the spartan as he chuckled.
The squad moved up to the door ahead and observed the room which had a hovering platform in the middle of it. An elite clad in crimson armor directed a group of bugs like aliens and several grunts while several jackals milled around.
The Spartans sighed, they were soldiers, but it was clear they going to fight to the bridge. Gram looked at the elite commander who was busy looking towards the door.
"There will be reinforcements inbound when you engage the enemy," Heimdall reported to which Gram hummed.
"Gram, focus on the infantry, I got the officer," Cal ordered as she readied her sniper. "Solomon, Arthur? Reinforcements, don't let them get in." Cal said before humming and then firing off a single shot.
The bullet punched through the elite's armor, throwing bone and armor aside as the soldier collapsed. Gram moved quickly, firing burst after burst. Cal watched several grunts collapse while the jackals took cover, their shields blocking a shot which Gram sent their way.
Solomon moved quickly, already bringing up his launcher and firing a round from it. The explosive was enough to knock a pair of jackals back, exposing them to a salvo from Arthur's SMGs.
The drone-like creatures swarmed after the Spartans. Gram turned and began to rush around the room, the creatures opened fire, their plasma pistols burning up the metal around Gram.
Cal brought up her rifle and thumbed the trigger. The muzzle flashed as 7.62 rounds exploded from the gun.
"Reinforcements inbound," Mimir reported as Gram turned to see a bug-like creature raining down upon him.
"Thank you, Mimir." Gram joked as he pivoted and emptied the last half of the clip into the swarm.
He turned to greet an elite who exploded from the doorway, his energy sword stabbing at him. Gram was thrown off the walkway and into the pit. Gram's empty rifle spun to the side as the creature advanced on him.
Gram cursed as the creature charged him. Gram kicked off the wall vaulted off the wall and landed in a crouch once more.
"Cal, can you handle pest control, please?" Gram asked as his fists curled up.
The elite growled as Gram rushed towards him, he slid under the slash at his throat. Sparks flew from the blade as it cut into the wall. Gram rushed the elite again, grabbing its sword arm while slamming an open palm into the creature's stomach. The elite slammed backward, its shields sparking and the chest plate crumbling under the force.
Gram looked at the sword before tossing it away, the failsafe cannibalizing the weapon. The alien warrior relied on its weapons and underestimated him, Gram saw how eager the elite was for his blood, the alien thought the battle had already been decided.
There were 2 issues with that… One was that Gram even on his worst day wasn't arrogant… And that Spartans were trained to kill with or without weapons, meaning he didn't need a weapon to fight.
"C'mon, you overgrown alligator…" Gram hissed before the elite roared and charged him.
(With Cal)
Cal put a burst into the last of the drones. It split open at her gunfire, spraying fluid across the room as it crashed into a console.
Cal rushed towards where Gram was as Solomon fired another rocket. Cal didn't need to look to notice the rocket fly down the corridor.
She aimed her rifle at the elite who tossed Gram into the wall before clenching its fist to activate a plasma dagger in it. She was about to fire before Gram managed to knock its arm aside and kick off its chest, throwing it into the wall. Gram leaped at the elite before wrapping his arms around the creature's throat.
There was a quick twist and the creature collapsed as Gram drove its dagger into its throat for good measure. The alien warrior slumped to the ground, dead.
Gram grabbed his rifle and dropped the empty magazine before inserting another into it. He turned to Cal who nodded towards him. She offered her hand which Gram leaped up towards.
Cal pulled the smaller spartan up as the duo swept their guns around the room. Solomon dropped his empty rocket launcher, the gun smoking from forcing the covenant to retreat.
"We got more reinforcements on the way," Solomon stated, looking down the smoking corridor from which the covenant emerged.
"Which way is the bridge?" Gram questioned Cal. "Damn elites put up more fight than I thought. I don't want to see what one will do if they have more combat experience." Gram stated and did a quick check on his armor.
Mimir placed a nav point down an unexplored corridor. The Spartans turned, but they also heard the sounds of more Covenant soldiers coming down another corridor.
"Spartans, the Rampage's crew are now on high alert," Mimir reported as he appeared once more. "I would recommend speed; the bridge is 2 kilometers ahead. Covenant patrols are fortifying paths ahead. I'll see if I can put you behind them." Mimir added as the Spartans formed up again.
The Spartans were good, but it was only a matter of time before they got pinned down. Cal motioned her squad down the path once more.
"Move, Spartans," Cal ordered to her squad.
Author Notes
Phew. Another chapter is done! I want to point out that the next chapter will be in 2-10 months and will hopefully be longer. The next chapter will show Silver Team fighting to the bridge and I will make the fights harder. Until then, Lighting Wolf out!
P.S: Next chapter is 1500-3500 words and might be delayed a bit. I will try to get it posted soon.