Over the next two days, Lieutenant Commander Palmer and Master Chief 117 adhered to their regular schedule, with evenings reserved for running each other through the challenging Agoge test they had presented to Captain Lasky and the department heads. For these battle-forged warriors, accustomed to combat and situations demanding them to push beyond limits for mission success, the Agoge presented a familiar yet demanding challenge.
Truth be told, the two found immense enjoyment in their joint training sessions. Witnessing significant improvement in the hard light simulations after completing their conditioning workouts, they would practiced shoot-no-shoot scenarios and engaged in sparring matches, varying the combat settings daily. From hand-to-hand combat in bio-suits to a mix of bio-suit and Mjolnir armor, and eventually both in armor, their sessions were a testament to their adaptability and combat prowess.
This experience led them to incorporate another test into the Agoge – operators would now need to train with and become proficient in a melee weapon, be it an energy sword, combat knife, tomahawks, battle axe, or gravity hammer. The pair believed that adding this element to the training would significantly enhance operators' survivability, emphasizing the importance of training with precision rather than desperate swings.
The most significant change to their routine was the presence of onlookers. Word had spread about Cmdr. Palmer and Master Chief's insane workout regimen, and despite the initial shock going around concerning the proposed Agoge, the two Spartans were encouraged to see members from all branches recreating their sessions independently. They had even had a few personal approach them for pointers and ways to improve their results.
Another welcomed surprise was that Dr. Mumbato had granted Noble 6 and Blue Team permission to observe the two Spartans during these sessions, as long as they vowed not to attempt any exercise not cleared by the doctor before hand. This led to Brice, Fred, Linda, and Kelly performing their rehab exercises while Chief and Palmer delved into their ever intensifying training regime. Each of them was eager to regain their fighting strength and stamina so that they could join fireteam titan in training.
The members of Fireteam Titan were not the only ones who noticed others joining in and working through their routine. Commander Umar had witnessed multiple ODST fireteams going through the training. On one occasion, he saw a Force Recon fireteam challenge an ODST fireteam to a competitive simulator combat run. The two teams had pushed each other to their limits. A smirk graced the Commander's lips at the memory—perhaps this could work to bring the branches closer and create better unit cohesion in combat.
As the meeting resumed, Captain Lasky surveyed his department heads. "We've had a few days to ponder Cmdr. Palmer and the Master Chief's proposition. What conclusions have we reached?"
Commander Umar rose from his seat, his ODST insignia catching the light. "Captain Lasky, I see the merit in pushing all of our branches to excel, but we must strike a balance. I suggest incorporating the team challenges where Spartans work in conjunction with ODSTs, Force recon, Marines, & Navy fostering camaraderie while maintaining peak performance, while Cmdr Palmer and The Master Chief hammer out the finer details with a test group." Cmdr Umar stated then retook his seat.
Lt. Colonel Aikawa, the Marine CO, stood up, adjusting her uniform. "I appreciate the focus on improving readiness across the board. It's become evident that an unacceptable number of Spartans that adopted the superiority complex stated previously. I have taken the last few day to observe interactions between our forces and believe that something defiantly needs to be done. I agree with Cmdr Umar, Palmer and the Master Chief that joint training exercises between Spartans and all the other units on Infinity, addressing specific combat scenarios would prove most beneficial. This way, we ensure practical integration and build mutual understanding."
Captain Martinez, representing Force Recon, nodded thoughtfully. "The Agoge events are rigorous, no doubt, but that's the essence of effective training. I'd recommend incorporating surprise scenarios during the Agoge, simulating real combat unpredictability. It'll keep them on their toes and enhance adaptability."
Dr. Mumbato, responsible for the health of all Infinity's crew, spoke up. "I believe that the emphasis on medical check-ups is crucial, However we need to ensure the medical staff can handle the increased workload. I believe that Integrating medical personnel into the Agoge planning would be beneficial. I also believe that adding two medic's to the proposed teams will increase the survivability of our personal in combat."
Captain Lasky, leaning forward, added his perspective. "I see potential in these proposals, but we must address concerns about attrition. To ease the transition, we could implement a trial period, closely monitoring the effects. Additionally, I suggest forming a review committee comprising representatives from each branch to continually assess and adjust the program."
These suggestions aimed to refine the proposed changes, aligning them with each department's specific needs and concerns.
The department heads deliberated on various ways to implement the Agoge into their branches and strategized on the mechanics of the annual competition between bases and ships before the meeting concluded. As everyone prepared to leave, Captain Lasky requested that Palmer and the Chief remain behind for a moment.
"Cmdr. Palmer, Master Chief, on behalf of Lord Hood and the Admiralty, I want to express my gratitude for your hard work on this issue. Your proposal has impressed me, and I'm eager to witness its impact. However, I regret to inform you that I must send you back into harm's way. This morning, we received a report detailing the disappearance of two Paris-class heavy frigates. While this wouldn't typically concern you, our recon team in the Centaurious system reported sightings of what we believe to be those missing frigates in orbit above Centaurious III, accompanied by at least six Covenant capital ships. Lord Hood believes we can no longer delay deploying Fireteam Titan, given this new intelligence," the Captain conveyed to his top operators. "A Pelican will arrive on board in two hours from the UNSC Gorgon. The Gorgon will jump to the outermost edge of the system to insert your team behind enemy lines for the mission. I suggest you get your gear ready and meet the Pelican in Hangar Bay 23 in two hours."
The Spartan duo crisply saluted the Captain before swiftly departing the briefing room, heading to gather their gear from their rooms. Before their departure, they took a detour by the Infirmary to inform their recovering friends of their imminent deployment.
In the sterile confines of the infirmary, Palmer and the Master Chief approached Blue Team and Noble 6, each Spartan lying in their recovery beds. The low hum of medical equipment filled the room.
Palmer spoke first, her tone measured yet warm. "Hey guys, We wanted to drop by and let you know we're being deployed. It's the mission we told you about and the stakes are high, but we'll make sure to bring each other back in one piece."
Kelly, managed a small smile. "You better, Palmer. We've got a training regimen to catch up on when you return."
Linda chimed in, "Give those Covenant & Insurrectionist bastards a taste of what Spartans are made of. We'll keep an eye on things here."
Brice, nodded stoically feeling a mixture of emotions seeing his brother leave. "Make 'em regret crossing paths with Fireteam Titan."
The Master Chief, a man of few words, clasped Fred's shoulder. "You take care of Blue Team, Fred. We'll handle things on our end."
Fred, acknowledging the unspoken bond, replied, "We'll hold down the fort. Bring each other back in one piece."
As Palmer and the Chief turned to leave, Brice (Noble 6) spoke up, "Watch each other's backs out there. We'll be waiting for your return."
With a final nod, Palmer and the Chief left the infirmary, the weight of their impending mission palpable. The door slid closed behind them, leaving Blue Team and Noble 6 to continue their recovery, and Fireteam Titan to prepare for the challenges that awaited them beyond Infinity.
The Spartan team assembled in Hangar Bay 23 just as the Pelican touched down. Approaching the rear cargo hatch, anticipation filled the air. As the hatch opened, the pilot emerged, stepping from the Chief's past into the present.
Palmer hadn't noticed the Chief's absence until she glanced over and found him standing motionless, fixated on the descending figure. A whirlwind of emotions, including confusion and regret, emanated from the Chief through their unspoken connection. Sarah hurried back to his side. "You okay, John? You look like you've just seen a ghost."
The Chief, momentarily lost in thought, snapped back to reality. "I thought she had died on Alpha Halo. That's Captain Carol Rawley, call sign Foehammer/Echo-419. She was the pilot who flew Cortana and me all over Alpha Halo. I believed she had perished when shot down by Covenant forces, attempting to extract Cortana and me from the Pillar of Autumn after we rigged her engines to blow."
Captain Carol Rawley descended from the cargo hatch with an air of seasoned authority. Standing at an impressive 6 feet tall, she possessed a commanding presence that spoke of years of experience. Her middle-aged visage held a weathered wisdom, and her proud demeanor reflected the resilience forged through countless missions.
Streaks of grey gracefully adorned her hair, a testament to the passage of time and the battles she had faced. Despite the signs of age, her gaze remained sharp and focused, revealing an unyielding determination. As she moved with purpose, it became evident that every step held the precision of someone who had navigated the challenges of both the military and the unforgiving cosmos.
What caught the eye most prominently were her cybernetic enhancements—a testament to her unwavering commitment to duty. An artificial left arm and leg, gleaming with advanced technology, served as reminders of sacrifices made in service to a cause greater than oneself. As Captain Rawley reached the hangar floor, nothing in her years of service could have prepared her for who was waiting for her a few feet away from the ramp.
"Master Chief?" A shocked Foehammer stared at the hero from her past.
Foehammer and the Master Chief stood there, years of history and unsaid words hanging in the air. Finally, it was the Chief who broke the silence.
"Captain Rawley, it's been a long time," he said, his voice steady.
Foehammer nodded, still processing the fact that the legendary Master Chief, a hero she thought she'd lost on Alpha Halo, was standing right in front of her.
"I hate to break up this reunion, but perhaps the two of you can catch up enroute." Said Captain Lasky as he walked over. "I just received word from Lord Hood, it appears that the two missing ships have defected to the insurrectionist. We now know that the Captains of both ships had strong ties to Admiral Stevens. Captain Maliki on the Gorgon was been informed and the ship is standing by two sectors over waiting on your arrival."
With a nod Foehammer, Palmer and The Master Chief strode up the ramp into the belly of the pelican. Foehammer took the pilots seat and with in moments the pelican flying free, putting enough distance between them and Infinity to jump to slip space. Foehammer set the auto pilot and moved back to the bay where Palmer and the Chief had just finished stowing their gear.
"I thought you were gone, Chief. When my Pelican was shot down, and I crash-landed on the ring, I didn't think I'd make it out alive."
The Chief, usually a man of few words, began recounting the events after Alpha Halo. "Cortana and I had to finish the fight down on the ring. It was a narrow escape. But how did you survive?"
Foehammer took a deep breath, the memories rushing back. "Staff Sergeant Johnson found me. He pulled me out of the wreckage, got me into a Pelican, and into a cryo pod. I owe him my life. Without him, I wouldn't be standing here today."
The Chief nodded, a sense of gratitude in his eyes. "Johnson's a hero. We owe him a lot."
As they shared their post-Alpha Halo experiences, The Master Chief formerly introduced Lt. Cmdr Palmer to Captain Rawley. The rest of the flight was spent catching up and with Palmer and Foehammer poking fun at the Chief always being so serious. Foehammer detailed her road to recovery after loosing an arm and leg in the crash and how Johnson had been a driving force in motivating her to never give up or surrender to depression.