Athens Station Hanger Area
" Oh, my Jesus we've been waiting here for almost two hours how much longer do we need to wait for this package" Makoa Whined.
Rigo groaned in annoyance. " Oh my fucking god just shut the fuck up I am tired of your complaining!"
"But—"
" Oh my god, just shut the fuck up!!, I don't want to fucking hear it just SHUT UP!!"
He threw his glasses. " It is 3:00 in the fucking morning, and I am sick of your fucking shit!!" He continued.
At the last second, the group was notified of the time change and had to wake up at three instead of five much to everyone's annoyance.
" 3:22 technically" Makoa retorted
Rigo groaned " You know Makoa, Have you ever thought for once in your fucking life to just not speak because every time you do you make it worse"
" Fine then I guess I would just go kill myself then." Makoa responded.
" Please," Rigo said desperately.
"That would be a miracle," Manny added aggravating Makoa. " You know what Manny–"
" Humans are very interesting" Thezo commented to his companion watching the marines argue with each other.
" They are indeed," Vadum chuckled to himself. Thezo turned to his superior curious about why he was laughing. " What is so funny sir?" He asked.
" It is just that seeing these humans act so unprofessionally is odd and humorous at the same time." He said.
" Care to elaborate sir," He asked.
" I mean just think about it the Humans for 25 years were able to stand their own against us, they survived the onslaught and everything we threw at them" He exclaimed.
" You would think that the humans would have more discipline, but no, many of their warriors act like this," He said pointing at Makoa, Rigo, including Manny who was again in another shouting match with Kelly and Sara trying to calm down the three. While Ash was dying of laughter, Everybody else just ignored them as it was not anything new.
" It honestly makes me very impressed that they were able to hold out for so long" He finished.
" Well, I wonder How they were able to survive all of that?" Thezo asked.
Vadum chuckled again " You should read up on humans Major, Did you know that in one war one man was able to convince all of his followers that they lost the war before because of one race of people," He said with great interest. " Not only that but this human had a ridiculous thing on his face" He continued with great enthusiasm. " What was it called" He pondered for a minute "Oh yes a mustache!!" He exclaimed.
" You are very interesting sir" Thezo complimented bewildered by the zealot's interest in the Humans.
" All right that is enough chit-chatter Marines" a voice yelled. Everyone turned around to the voice. Makoa's eyes went agape as soon as he turned including everyone else. What was standing before them was their former squad leader Sgt. Marcus Stacker was stoic as ever. " I see that you boys have not changed one bit," He said. The last time they saw him was at the final battle at the Ark and he was reassigned moments later.
Everyone remained dead silent, nobody knew what to say as everyone avoided his icy glare including the Elites. The two grunts hid behind Kelly's legs and were clinging to her like frightened children. "Grunts" Thezo muttered to himself.
" So uhm sir, if you do not mind me asking what are you doing here?" Kelly finally spoke up. Stacker turned to her. " I was assigned to this assignment the same as you" He responded. This confused everybody as Colonel Shepard did not mention that their former sergeant would be joining them.
" Assuming by the looks you are giving me, I am guessing the commander did not let you know about me" Everybody nodded their heads. " Well I am here now I will also be leading this mission, and Manny, Rigo, and Makoa will you three just shut the fuck up" He ordered.
" You see Makoa even Sarge wants you to shut up" Rigo insulted.
Makoa turned to Rigo annoyed. " Man fuck you he told us to both shut u–"
"Omg, you are a bunch of children!!" Marcus yelled. " For once can you guys do an op without arguing, just shut up!!" He continued scaring the grunts even more and causing them to cling to Kelly's legs much to her annoyance. When Stacker calmed down and went to introduce himself to the two Elites. Makoa quickly flipped off Rigo who returned the gesture. Kelly rolled her eyes " Children absolute children " She said to herself. " Where is Dani?" Stacker asked.
"Hungover" Everyone responded. Marcus just facepalmed."Well somebody go get him then he ordered." Rigo sighed " I will go"
10 minutes later Rigo came back with a hungover Daniel who could barely keep himself up and was leaning on him.
A few more minutes pass and finally, the Pelican arrives. " Right on schedule," Marcus said. " Everyone at attention" He ordered.
" I wonder what the package is?" Makoa asked.
" Ten bucks it is some secret weapon that ONI is developing." Frankie bet
" Nah man it is got to be some money or some shit" Carlos argued
" You are both wrong," Jesus said. "It is obviously the remains of our favorite actress from the 21st century Lana Rhoades" Jesus joked.
" A man of culture as always" Makoa joked back.
" Shut the fuck up Makoa no one asked you" Jesus responded.
" You mean down bad as always," Frankie said.
" Not as down bad as I am for Christian, Right." Makoa said slapping his ass.
" Ah!!"Christian jerked back
" You gay dork!! You are going to pay for that!" He yelled rubbing his ass cheeks.
" Jeez, Makoa just fuck him already or get some bitches" Carlos joked.
" I am working on it" Makoa smirked.
" Hey cut the chatter!!" Stacker ordered shutting the Marines up.
The Pelican finally landed in the hanger bay. " Here we go." Manny said. The doors of the Pelican opened and with it a bunch of ONI agents came out in file Kelly counted at least ten of them all in Security armor nothing really special all it was just the Armies but colored in black with some bearing the ONI logo, one who she was guessing their leader was in a suit. "Man, they are serious about security," Makoa said.
"Yeah, no shit" Frankie added. They surveyed the room a little bit. Until one agent came up to Stacker. " Are you our extra security?" He asked him. He responded with yes. " Where is our hunters? I specifically asked them to give us two hunters." He stated. Hunters? What exactly are they transporting here?
" Well, sir were all you got" Stacker responded.
The ONI operative rubbed his eyebrows " I guess you will do, my name is Agent Ramirez" He said sticking his hand out The Marine sergeant obliged. " Stacker" the marine responded. " Sir the coast is clear," One agent said.
" All right bring out the package." With great excitement, the Marines and two elites watched as the doors opened. Walking out of the Pelican looked to be a woman who seemed to be in her sixties with grey hair and wearing a lab coat, with two agents by her side alongside a Spartan. " Oh, shit is that who I think it is," Carlos said.
" Yeah, we are looking at the person behind the creation of the Spartan program and later a savior of Humanity, Dr. Halsey," Frankie said.
So this is the package that they were escorting. No wonder security is so tight they were protecting one of the most brilliant minds of the UNSC. It would be an understatement to say that the group of marines were surprised and ONI handpicked them to protect and guard Dr. Halsey. " For someone who is in her sixties I must say she is pretty attractive," Makoa said admiring the doctor. Rigo groaned in annoyance while Kelly, Ashley, and Sara just ignored Makoa's comments as they got used to it.
" Oh my god Makoa just get laid already" Carlos insulted making Dani, Pards, and Raj laugh. " If it is Christian I would gladly take it" Makoa commented Eyeing Christian. " Bro, I think I would pass" he responded. " I would also comment that Spartan is pretty attractive too." Makoa added
Halsey then walked up to the Marines, "So you are my extra security, huh?" She asked while handcuffed. " Yes, ma'am," they all said in unison. She looked at each of them carefully she stopped at Makoa and Kelly, She analyzed Makoa a bit longer causing him to blush. She then looked over at Kelly noticing her different-colored eyes. " You have beautiful eyes soldier"
" Why thank you, ma'am" She responded to the compliment.
" Well I was expecting ODSTS but you will have to do," She said. She then looked at the two Grunts and Elites. " I guess should feel honored that a zealot is escorting me" She commented.
" The honor is mine miss" Vadum bowed.
" Well agent Ramirez, shall we continue?" She asked.
" Yes ma'am, everyone was heading out". He ordered. The squad walked through the space station
"Where are we going, Sarge?" Rigo finally spoke up.
" Halsey was forcefully sent to meet up with the Admirals after that we are heading down to ONI headquarters in Maryland." Agent Ramirez answered for Stacker. The Marines and agents escorted Halsey to the meeting room. Once they arrived everyone went to their assigned positions. " Who here is Shefte?" Ramirez asked. " That will be me, sir," Makoa said stepping forward. "
Alright, you are assigned with me you are to be near Halsey at all times, you will be her personal bodyguard. you will remain close to her at all times" He said. " Also this right here is Catherine-B320 also known as Kat." Makoa being the degenerate that he is could not help but notice that Kat was now wearing some new armor which was a Mark 6 which caught her curves very well, not to mention she had the same helmet as before. The Marine then kept on staring, until Kelly hit his helmet off, the marine turned around to a disappointed Kelly. She shook her head. "What?" He asked.
" Can you stop staring it is weird Koa" She told him calling him by his nickname. Everyone started chuckling except Stacker, which confused Kat the most.
" No need for introductions agent I served with all of them before, Good job becoming a Marine Sara." Kat complimented.
" Thank you, Kat." She responded.
"Nice to see you again," Makoa said, Everyone else greeted the Spartan that they fought along with since Reach.
" As much as I want to continue this reunion we need to get going." Agent Ramirez said.
5 minutes later
The group then arrived at the command room
" The rest of you will keep a lookout, Shefte with me" He finished. The two along with Halsey then entered the board room.
" Looks like Makoa gets to spend time with his crush" Rigo joked.
" Hopefully he can finally get laid" Carlos added making everyone chuckle besides the agents.
Once they entered the meeting room the trio was met with all the Admirals and leaders of the Elites including the Arbiter gathered to meet with Dr. Halsey. She took her seat at the end of the table where all the Admirals and generals could see her. " Well, Dr. Halsey shall we get Started" Lord Hood spoke.
"Let's." She said. Everyone then sat back down
"So what is this talk about a Spartan 4 program?" Admiral Stanforth asked.
" We are working on building a new program for making and training new Spartans" Halsey answered
"New Spartans," Makoa thought this was big, This would greatly help the UNSC, and especially with rising tensions with the insurrectionists, having a bunch of super soldiers would surely give them an edge.
" Halsey and I laid down the groundwork." A synthetic voice said pulling Makoa out of his thoughts.
" How exactly are we going to find recruits for this program Athena?" Admiral Gering questioned.
"Yeah it is not like we can go ahead and kidnap young children again," Admiral Paragonsky said. The statement made Makoa chuckle but little did he know.
"Well for one instead of kidnappings we will ask for volunteers for the program ideally ODSTS that show much promise." The AI said appearing on the table.
"Huh, she is pretty cute." Makoa thought to himself. Athena looked almost exactly like Halsey with a bob haircut and lab coat that had the UNSC Logo.
" As you can see, this new program will be different– "Hah!!" Admiral Standforth rudely interrupted. "Different!! Due tell because to be frank Miss. Halsey, I do not trust you, same with you as well Admiral." He spat pointing at Paragonsky.
" And what use are the Spartans anyways? They did very little Navaly, out of anything we should make improvements on our Navy not waste our money on a bunch juiced up super soldiers." He continued.
"Man I do not like this guy" Makoa whispered to Ramirez, who hushed him. " With all due respect Admiral, I think you don't give our Spartans enough credit, Data will show that they were very effective fighting against the Covenant." She stated.
" As somebody who fought against the Spartans, I will say that they are very effective." The Arbiter said in defense of Halsey. " Shipmaster Fulsame will agree with me".
" Compared to regular troops, even the legendary ODSTS, The Spartans performed significantly better by a thousand percent" the AI responded confidentially with data backing her claims. However, that did very little to convince the stubborn admiral.
All eyes then went to the shipmaster. " With great regret, I must admit that these Spartans are formidable warriors" The shipmaster reluctantly said.
" As you can see our Spartans are more than capable at per–"
" Did they help when our ships and fleets were getting butchered!!, Did they make a difference when We lost Reach!!" The Admiral yelled catching everybody off guard. " Admiral please let Dr. Halsey finish," Admiral Gering asked Stantforth.
" No Admiral, the Spartans barely helped when it came to our Navy, and it blows my mind that you are even considering funding and supporting a new program." He ranted. " On top of that she is under house arrest at the moment" He continued
" Admiral I am sorry that my Spartans, were not able to save your father," Halsey Stated. The room then suddenly went very quiet everyone including Athena was in shock by the statement as it was abrupt and no doubt was going to piss off the enraged admiral even more. The Admiral slowly turned his head to Halsey. " What did you say?" He asked coldly giving the doctor a death stare. " I know about your father, and it is pretty obvious that your personal loss is contributing to your objections and fallacies about our Spartans, So I am so-" Before she finished the Admiral slammed his fist on the table. " Don't you dare speak his name!! He has nothing to do with this!!" He screamed walking towards Halsey. Before he could get any closer Makoa put himself in between the two, " Don't fucking touch me, Marine!" the enraged Admiral yelled hitting Makoa's hands. " Ok buddy, we need to relax now." Makoa said attempting to calm him, but only having the opposite effect. " Shut the fuck up!!, don't tell me what to do" The Admiral spit in his face acting like a child.
" You might want to back up their buddy" Makoa warned, wiping the Saliva off his face.
Admiral Hood and Gering not wanting things to escalate further rose from their seats. " Admiral stand down and calm yourself" Lord Hood ordered stoic as ever. " "With all due respect sir, no" Standforth defied.
" He wasn't asking Admiral" Jeromi joined in. The Elites and Arbiter looked on in amusement shipmaster Falsume chuckling. " Marine would you kindly fuck off so I can teach the doctor some manners" The admiral threatened again making Ramirez raise is guard, but Halsey remained calm.
" Sorry buddy not going to happen, also you really going to beat up an old lady, that is very low of you admiral." Makoa shamed.
"Dishonorable" Shipmaster Vadum muttered in agreement.
" Listen here marine, I am only going to ask one more time to move out of my way." He threatened. Makoa rolled his eyes not taking his threat seriously. " Lord Hood permission to speak freely," Makoa asked.
" You may speak." He responded.
"Thank you, admiral, Now I will first off by saying as a marine and veteran, your entire assessment about Spartans is false." He said.
" Oh do tell how I am wrong" the Admiral spat.
" I was just getting to that, sure The navy is important, but on the ground and in some cases, in space, the Spartans proved more than once how much of a valuable asset they are," He continued. " For example the number of times they infiltrated a Covenant carrier giving our Navy a fighting chance." He stated.
"Lance Corporal Shefte is correct there have been many cases where Spartans infiltrated carriers and blew them up from the inside." Athena said.
Everyone nodded in agreement as Makoa was making very good points reinforced by Athena. " And for the infantry and the troops on the ground, we were filled with relief when a Spartan showed up."
Makoa continued. " The number of times the Spartans saved us Troopers and Marines and there are not enough words to express how grateful I am".
" They gave us hope Admiral, and I hope you can understand that." Makoa Finished.
Everyone sat in silence waiting for the Admiral's response. The tension in the air was thick.
" With all due respect Marine, I didn't ask for your opinion" He finally said. The comment left the Marine exasperated, no pissed off would be more accurate, Halsey shook her head knowing the admiral wasn't going to change his mind.
Makoa fumed with anger " Excuse me? Did you not listen to anything I said, and ignoring the fact that I was literally on the ground fighting alongside them" He responded.
" To be honest," the Admiral said. " I could care less about your opinion." He said venom evident in his voice.
" To be honest you can go fuck yourself Admiral for one you did ask for my opinion, I honestly don't think you are qualified to be one but due to who your father is, you likely benefited from nepotism," Makoa responded. The last comment pushed the Admiral to the brink, who quickly responded by sucker-punching Makoa in the face causing his nose to bleed. Makoa held his nose in shock But quickly responded by punching the admiral in the face and tackling him onto the table.
Everyone scrambled to break up the fight while Halsy looked on in amusement, and the Elites were entertained by the little scuffle. Makoa continued his onslaught of haymakers on the admiral.
The admiral kicked Makoa off the table and tackled him to the ground. Makoa pushed him off, and uppercuted the admiral knocking him to the floor. The enraged marine kept on punching the downed admiral to the point of unconsciousness. " Will somebody just break them up already!!" Hood yelled. Agent Ramirez tried to grab the enraged marine off the unconscious admiral but it was no use " Can I get some help over here!" He yelled for help. Right on cue, Kat decided to step in and easily grabbed Makoa off of him with one hand who was now unconscious. Agent Ramirez quickly checked on the Admiral's condition and sighed in relief as he was still breathing. Badly beaten but still alive.
" Let go of me Kat!!" Makoa screamed Struggling under the Spartan's grip. Kat stayed silent and pulled the marine like a child
" Throw him out, he needs to cool off," Ramirez said, picking up the Admiral.
Kat opened the door and threw the marine out with ease Surprising Kelly and everyone else. " Go on and cool off still the hothead huh?," The Spartan said.
"Tell that to the dipshit that busted my nose" the marine responded. Kat just shut the door on the marine who held his bloodied nose
Carlos then pulled Makoa up, who was now surrounded by all his squadmates. " Damn bro, what happened to you?" Carlos asked.
" Fucking idiot of an admiral sucker punched me" Makoa responded holding his bleeding nose. " Shit, Makoa picking fights with the brass now consider that career suicide" Manny sarcastically commented.
" His fault for punching me" he responded.
" Did you at least win the fight?" Carlos asked.
Makoa nodded his head.
" Well, at least you won I guess." Carlos said patting his back
" I better not get in trouble for this" Makoa said while Sara started bandaging his nose and cleaning his cuts and bruises. Everyone then went back to their posts except Kelly and Sara who were bandaging him. Noticing the look that Kelly was giving him Makoa decided to ask. " All right, Kelly, what is on your mind?"
" What is on my mind is how exactly you got into a fight with a high-ranking admiral?" She asked with her eyebrow raised.
Makoa shrugged his shoulders " Guy was being a dickhead, and sucker punched me" He simply responded.
"That can't be it, what did you say to cause him to punch you Koa?" She asked one more.
" Dipshit was being an asshole to Halsey as well and was criti—-"
" SIMP!!" Jesus rudely interrupted.
" Can you at least let me fini—"
" What a simp!!" Carlos joined in. "Simp!" Raj yelled
"Simp!!" Manny yelled. Soon everyone excluding Marcus started yelling Simp much to Makoa's annoyance. With Kelly and Ash chuckling.
" I fucking hate all of you" Makoa groaned.
" They did not change much at all" Sara thought to herself
A few hours passed Carlos, Manny, Frankie, and Rigo decided to play a game of Uno while the two elites spectated, Thezo looked on not understanding while the Zealot watched with great interest. While Kelly and Ash remained at their posts catching up with Kat. Raj and Christian were talking about Star Wars.
The door then finally opened Ramirez poked his head out"Corporal Kelly they want to talk with you" he said. Kelly and her squad looked at him in confusion " What do they need me for?" She asked.
" We will talk about that once you come inside," He said. Kelly looked over to Stacker for some advice. He just shrugged and motioned her to follow the agent. She sighed and proceeded into the meeting room.
" Ah, Corporal Kelly nice of you to join us." Hood said.
"Sir." Kelly said saluting the Admiral. "At ease corporal"
"What is it that you called me in here for sir?"
"Ask the doctor," He said diverting the attention back to Halsey
"Ma'am," She said.
" May I see your helmet, Marine?" She asked.
" Uh, sure why not" Kelly responded tossing her helmet. The doctor then started to get to work.
5 minutes later...
"They're all done." Halsey said handing back Kelly's helmet. " Woah." Kelly said in amazement. " As much as I appreciate the upgrade may I ask why?"
"I modified it so you can insert an AI's chip" she responded.
" I don't know what to say, ma'am, but why me?"Kelly responded.
Halsey chuckled. "Ask her yourself"
Athena then appeared. " Hello, Corporal Kelly we were not properly introduced." she said.
"Athena here is a copy of Cortana, Obviously personality-wise she is different." Halsey explained.
"Flattered." Athena said not appreciating she was being compared to Cortana. "
"So I am taking her into the field?" Kelly asked.
" Yes despite our better judgment." Hood said.
" None of you agreed to this?" Kelly questioned. Everyone in the room besides Halsey nodded their head. " Yes, Athena was the one that came up with the idea, she wants to collect data out in the field, So for your sake Corporal, keep her safe but this a one-time thing so don't get used to it." He ordered.
Kelly saluted " I will not let you down, sir."
" Good, Athena you ready." The admiral said turning to the AI
" Yank me" she responded.
"Uhh." Kelly said awkwardly. Halsey shook her head. "Grab the chip from the console Corporal."
" Come on Marine I don't bite" Athena joked.
Kelly Yanked the chip out and inserted it into her helmet. " Hmm, your helmet's architecture isn't much different from the stations." The AI said.
" Don't get any funny ideas" Kelly warned.
Finally, the door opened exiting out where Halsey and Kelly with Ramirez in tow " Finally this wait is over" Frankie muttered gathering his cards. " All right our next stop is Maryland, ONI headquarters so everyone check your gear and don't forget anything" The Ramirez finished.
" It will be nice to finally leave this rock," Carlos said. " It will be nice to breathe some actual air". Frankie said in agreement.
"What's up with your helmet?" Carlos asked.
" A modification so I can come along with you on your mission." Athena said over commes to everyone's surprise. " Uhm is that an ai?" Chips asked
"Yep everyone, meet Athena" Halsey said.
"Uh this is cool I guess." Carlos said.
" Reminds me of Cortana" Makoa commented amazed by the Ai no doubt his degenerate mind is finding her attractive.
"She probably is a copy."Manny responded.
All right marines enough chit-chatter get on board, the Pelican" Stacker ordered
" Before we do that." Halsey said, grabbing Makoa's face despite being handcuffed, analyzing his bloodied nose, causing him to blush. " Huh, thankfully it isn't broken," She said, letting go of him. " All right, Ramirez shall we continue?" She asked
"Right this way ma'am." The agent said leading her.
" What the hell was that all about." Christian asked.
" I think Makoa is going to finally get laid' Carlos whispered.
" It would honestly be good for the gay loser." Rigo said. Makoa turned angrily at the other Marine
" You know what Rigo... go fuck yourself!!" Makoa yelled
"Aww you mad, you mad" he continued mocking him.
" Shut the fuck up Rigo How about you go waste your money on—"
Marcus grumbled in annoyance" For the love of god can both of you just shut the fuck up!!"Both Marines shut their mouths however Rigo smiled mischievously since he got the final word annoying Makoa to no end. " Are they always like this?" Athena asked Kelly. " You have no idea."
10 minutes later Athens Station hanger.
The squad of Marines entered the pelican with Kat. " You boys excited to finally get off this station?" Ramirez asked. Everyone nodded. " Yeah be nice to breathe some fresh air." Makoa responded. The agent nodded. " All right everyone here?"
The agent did a roll call. Once he made sure that everyone was accounted for. He told the pilot to lift off and they finally left the station. The ride down to Earth was quiet and relaxing. Everybody started getting tired, with some falling asleep. Makoa fell asleep on Kelly's shoulder with Manny resting on her right.
" So uh. This is normal for you" Athena awkwardly asked.
" Yeah, I'm pretty much their older sister, but sometimes I feel like a single mom." Kelly whispered. The AI chuckled. " From what footage I gathered it would seem so." She responded.
" Athena, have you been stalking me?" She joked.
Athena went silent. " Well hmm, I will not describe it like that." She responded.
Kelly raised her eyebrow " How would you describe it?"
The AI blushed a little bit. " Are you blushing?" Kelly smirked. " I did not know you could do that, not to mention adorable. She said causing Athena to blush more. " Stop teasing me" she whined.
" Why? This is payback for stalking me" Kelly smiled.
" I wasn't stalking you, I just... Well, I just watched footage of you three not to mention the fight that broke out, and you can't blame me for watching that, nothing happens on that station." She muttered out. "Besides, I did not see the majority of your combat record."
Kelly raised her eyebrow. " You looked at my combat record? May I ask why?" She questioned. " I was just curious" the Ai shrugged.
" I mainly looked at your record on Reach." She said.
Kelly went silent.
" Uhm sorry for bringing that up Corporal Kelly" Athena apologized.
" It is fine Athena, oh and just call me Kelly or Jane Works" She responded.
" Yo Kells quite down, I am trying to sleep" Makoa muttered. Kelly Just rolled her eyes.
" Anyways I looked at your records on Reach.?" Athena told me.
I froze upon the mention on it.
" What about it?" I responded back.
" Nothing it was just that you guys were served a raw deal, and I discovered how Corporal Shefte got his scars." She finished.
" Yeah, Reach was not fun for any of us." I responded sadly.
August 30th, 2552, Planet Reach.
" Already everybody get ready we got about 15 minutes before we disembark" Marcus ordered.
" What is the point of all this when Reach falls we are going to lose." Raj muttered.
" Just shut up and quit being such a pessimist." Pards responded.
" I am just being realistic here." he said. The pilots Contact siren then beeped. " What now?" Marcus asked. The pilot looked at his monitor. " It is another pelican, sir, they're hailing us." The pelican then appeared to their left nearly hitting them.
" Holy shit, they almost hit us!!."Makoa shouted.
" Quite being such a pussy dude" Manny insulted before going into another coughing fit and being scolded by Doctor Watson again. Causing a few chuckles from the other Marines. Before Makoa could respond Kelly gave him and his brother a death glare " You better not start, I don't have the energy for this." She threatened to shut him up.
Back in the cockpit, the Pilot was setting up commes.
"Patch them through" Marcus ordered.
" Bluebird come in, I repeat respond." the unknown voice said over the radio.
" This is Bluebird please identify yourself" The pilot responded.
"May I ask for your commander." A voice asked.
" This Sergeant Marcus, who am I talking to?." The sergeant went on the commes asked.
" This is Spartan Team leader Noble 1" Marcus then looked out the windshield and saw him waving at them, A Spartan team well this should be good
"We are extracting valuable cargo to the Pillar of Autumn, I need your help to escort it back to the Ship." The spartan ordered.
"May I ask what type of cargo?" the sergeant questioned
"That is classified" Noble 1 responded.
Knowing there was no point in arguing Marcus agreed to help escort the unknown cargo.
" All right listen up Marines, we are helping a Spartan team escort some cargo to the Pillar of Autumn!" He told them. Upon hearing it was a Spartan team there was a quick change in the mood. " A Spartan team hopefully they could help escort us to the Autumn," Makoa commented. Manny nodded in agreement while choking on his own blood. " That would be nice, wonder if one of them is single" Ashley joked.
" All right any questions?" Stacker asked.
Frankie raised his hand. " Yes Nieto"
" Just wondering what is this cargo we will be escorting ?" He asked.
" They didn't tell me it is classified" Stacker answered.
" So you mean to tell me that we are risking our asses for some cargo we do not even know about." Carlos said.
"Listen, Ochoa, these are our orders we need–"
"We got bogies!" The pilot interrupted.
Stacker ran back into the cockpit. " How many!!" He yelled.
" We got at least 4 banshees and 1 phantom!" the pilot responded. " They are behind us!!"
"Evasive maneuvers!" Noble 1 shouted.
The four Banshees then started firing at them with the Phantom as support. The Marines then scrambled out of their seats to return fire while Amelia took cover. However, their light arms were doing very little damage. " Carlos check the cabinet for a rocket launcher" Kelly ordered.
Carlos then went to the front of the pelican. Opening the cabinet there was only a grenade launcher with three rounds. " There is only a fucking grenade launcher in here!" He yelled frustrated. " Just grab it!" Makoa yelled. Carlos then grabbed the launcher and went back. He aimed it at one of the Banshees. He shot but the grenade wasn't even close to its target. " Nice shot" Frankie said.
"Shut the fuck up Frankie!, you want to try this shit!." Carlos yelled at him.
"Shut up and focus!!" Kelly yelled at them. Carlos then lined up another shot this time hitting his target causing it to crash. Three more to go.
Emile aimed his launcher and hit another Banshee causing it to crash into another fighter. However, the remaining banshee shot a plasma missile hitting the Marines' Pelican. " Shit our right engines got hit!" the pilot screamed.
" Can you keep a hold of her!" Stacker yelled trying to hang onto something.
"Negative we are going down!" Everybody brace for impact!" " the pilot screamed
"Ah bloody hell!!" Chips yelled
Makoa closed the rear door, while the Marines scrambled to their seats strapping themselves. The pilot tried his best from crashing into any of the rock formations. Stacker saw the Pillar of Autumn, "We are going to crash in the front of the facility!" the pilot yelled.
The Pelican hit the ground.
Moments later:
Kelly's ears ranged, she had a huge throbbing in her head probably had a concussion
" Everyone alright!?" Stacker yelled.
" Dude I am starting to get sick of this shit!!" Raj told Pards.
Surprisingly besides Manny, all the Marines only suffered minor injuries and nobody was killed. " Everyone is good sarge!" Makoa answered. " All right Doctor Watson get Manny up, Makoa get the rear door open, the rest of you get ready to haul ass as soon as that door opens!"
Stacker then looked outside of the cockpit " Ah shit!" Multiple Covenant squads were moving in on their position. " Shefte get that goddamn door open!" He screamed. Makoa slammed the button multiple times until it finally opened the marines quickly ran out and almost immediately were under fire. " Shefte lay down some covering fire!"
" Copy" He responded suppressing the enemy the Pilot and Stacker then started firing alongside marines who were taking potshots while trying to get to cover. While Watson was carrying the injured Manny. A zealot then sprinted at Makoa energy sword in hand the Marine then changed his targets to the new threat but its shields were too strong. Before the Elite could reach him a loud sniper round rang out killing the Elite. Makoa looked where the shot originated from and saw Army troopers appearing. " Shefte they are covering us let's go!" Stacker ordered. The two then rushed to cover. The Marines and troopers then started laying down fire on the covenant. One marine then got shot in the shoulder. " "Medic!" his comrade yelled. Watson sprinted up dragged the Marine into cover alongside Manny and started putting pressure on his wound. " Goddamn it!! I thought this facility was secured!" Stacker yelled.
"They attacked out of nowhere!! we never stood a chance!! We had to pull back!" One trooper yelled running next to him. "Plasma rod!!" Suddenly an explosion hit two troopers killing them.
" You mean to tell me the facility is compromised!?" Stacker yelled back.
" We don't know!! a small contingent of Marines are inside!! Their status is unknown!!" The trooper answered.
" The way I see it we got to fight our way to the Autumn!" Stacker responded.
" How are we going to do that we are outnumbered and outgunned!" He shouted back. Before a barrage of plasma went their way
Stacker then tossed a grenade killing an Elite and Jackal. " A Spartan team should be making their way here!" He responded.
" For your sake! , they better get here soon!" The trooper responded. The Marines and troopers kept firing and putting up a valiant defense, however, more covenant showed up. " Damn it!! They just keep on coming!" Makoa yelled in frustration. The UNSC troops tried their best to hold them off but the covenant was gaining much ground " Damn it where is a Spartan when you need them" Makoa shouted once again. "Look out we got another squad incoming!!" Jesus yelled. " I need another mag!!" Pards yelled. " Here!" Raj screamed, tossing him one. Pards reloaded his rifle and started to lay fire.
Watson put pressure into the wound, and the marine screamed in pure agony. The doctor yanked out the pink needle and quickly started bandaging it
" Keep firing!" Carlos yelled, reloading his magazine.
Frankie went out of cover, and tossed a grenade Killing a huge group of Grunts.
"This entire situation is fucked!" Carlos yelled.
" Just keep shooting!" Stacker Ordered. "We got a Phantom!!" One of the troopers yelled. The Phantom opened its doors before the Covvies could disembark, a rocket struck the dropship causing it to crash and blow up.
Stacker looked back to see three Spartans jumping down to join the fray. " Hell yeah, we got Spartan support baby." Makoa said. The 3 Spartans then rushed forward acting as a vanguard killing anything that stood in their way. "
" Follow the Spartans!" A trooper yelled. The UNSC soldiers then sprinted out of cover across the courtyard. Stacker then went beside one of the Spartans in light blue armor. " Spartan you Noble 1?" he asked, trying to keep up.
The Spartan looked down in shame " Noble 1 is dead, I am Noble 2" She responded. The two took cover as more Covenant reinforcements arrived.
" We need to get this package to the Autumn." She said.
" We got Hunters!" Emile yelled. The two legolo shot their beams killing three marines.
"Six take care of them" She ordered. The Marines started to return fire their bullets doing nothing. One of the Spartans charged forward jumping on one of the Hunters' back. The 13-foot monster tried to buck the Spartan off to no Avail. The Spartan smashed a plasma grenade on its neck. Jumping off the grenade exploded killing the hunter. Orange blood oozed from the beheaded body, its brother enraged let out a bloodcurdling scream, and charged at the Spartan. The supersoldier rolled behind the hunter and started shooting its back. The Hunter turned around and charged once again. The Spartan then slid under the behemoth and planted a sticky grenade onto its back.
The grenade blew up shredding its armor. Emile then shot into its exposed back killing it
The Hunter fell to the ground. The Marines and troopers sighed in relief " I am glad they are on our side" Makoa said.
" Don't relax just yet we got more incoming!l" Kat yelled. Kelly and her squad moved to cover and started to return fire the 3 Spartans charged killing every alien in sight. Once it was clear the Troopers and Marines made their way to the facility. " Hey open up!! All the aliens are dead!!" Makoa yelled. " Hold up give us five minutes.
" Come on you guys are taking forever!! I don't want to wait here all day" Manny complained coughing up blood. " Any day now" Makoa mumbled. After 2 minutes the door finally opened. " This way we will take you to the ship" The marine sergeant said.
Kelly's squad and Spartans followed them through the factory. The group then stopped at another door. " Hold up I got it" one marine said opening the door. "This way we are close to the courtyard where we will be picked up". All of them then went inside the facility.
Kelly then noticed in the corner of her eye an Elite hiding behind some boxes. Before she could warn him the elite dashed out of cover and impaled the nearest marine with its sword. The Marines and Spartans opened fire, however, it was not enough to break through its shields. Suddenly more covenant started to appear. It was a trap! Kelly and her team ran for cover and started to return fire. The Spartans then charged forward their shields easily absorbing any plasma thrown their way.
The Spartans made short work of the Elites, the group continued through the complex with Watson and Sara helping the wounded. Before meeting some hunters who were quickly dealt with by the Spartans. Kelly and her squad then went up some stairs and then spotted the exit. Almost there she thought to herself. " Keyes to Noble team we are running out of time here Spartan." The captain said over comms.
" Don't worry sir we are almost there," Kat responded.
They met more marines. "What's the situation?" Carlos asked.
" We have a mass drive up top, We lose that the Autumn has no covering fire and will never make orbit." The marine said. This just gets better and better " Six on me!"Kat ordered.
The two Spartans and Marines went down the staircase and made their way into the courtyard with heavy rain. At the same time, Sara and Watson watched over Manny and the other wounded.
Kelly looked in awe and saw the Pillar of Autumn it was majestic, to say the least. She then looked off into the distance and saw that the Covenant was already glassing the planet, Reach was lost. There was nothing she could do and that was the worst part about it. She feels so helpless, yet they must still have hope whatever this package is, it has to save them. "Noble to Keyes we are nearing the Pad." Kat said.
" Copy that Noble My Pelican is ready, Clear me an LZ I will meet you there." Keyes said.
" Will do sir!"
" All right Noble this is it, I will man the big gun." Emile said.
The peace was short-lived as more Covenant appeared and they were fired upon once again. Kelly Jumped behind cover alongside Makoa and Chips. The Spartans charged forward and took out more Elite and grunts alongside Jackals with ease.
A second wave of Phantoms then appeared. " More Phantoms inbound!!" Stacker yelled. One of the Marines equipped his launcher and locked onto one of them. The rocket hit one phantom causing it to crash down. However, two of them remained and started dropping off brutes. A Chieftain alongside a few Majors and minors hit the ground and charged forward. The Chieftain leaped forward and swung his gravity hammer hitting two marines, Their bullets doing very little. One marine tried to run away, but the Cheiftan slammed down his hammer onto him turning him into mush. The Marines started firing on the incoming brutes killing a few. A few of them charged the UNSC and stabbed a few with their spikers. The Two Spartans rushed forward and engaged the brutes in hand-to-hand combat.
Kelly, Makoa, and Chips started to focus fire on the Cheiftan gaining his attention. " The Gorilla charged forward with its hammer, their bullets doing barely anything. "Basterd's shield is too strong!!' Makoa yelled firing his machine gun. The brute lunged forward. But before it could reach them Kat came out of nowhere and tackled the Cheiftan. The Brute was angered and quickly threw her off of him. Kat landed gracefully on her feet. The brute then swung his hammer Kat, however, dodged it and responded by uppercutting his face. She then shot her pistol hitting its shields. The brute swung its hammer again but Kat dodged it. She kept on shooting until its shield broke and emptied her entire mag into its face. The Chieftain let out a cry and fell to the ground
Kelly and her squadmates were in awe, but they quickly focused on the task at hand as a few Brutes were remaining.
With the Spartans' help, they cleared the area and finished off the rest of the brutes. " Noble to Keyes LZ is clear." Kat said.
" I am on my way." He responded Kelly then saw two Pelicans come out of the Autumn. " Six, Kat it is time for you to leave get off this pad, and deliver the package Emile muttered out. Since the pad was now cleared they moved the wounded and waited for Keyes Pelican. Kelly then spotted it coming in. " This is Keyes on hot approach to platform Delta." He said.
The pelican landed with Keyes on board and a few Marines everyone then set up a perimeter. Keyes walked out and took the package. " Good to see you Spartans, Halsey assured me that I could count on you." He told them. " Not just me sir." Six grimaced. Kat put her head down in shame at the thought of Carter
Keyes sighed " They will be remembered." He said patting the Spartan's shoulder. A Covenant cruiser then appeared above them. " Cruiser!! Adjusting head for the Autumn, Noble four I need fire on that cruiser, or were not heading out of here, do you copy." Keyes ordered.
" I have your window, sir." Emile responded turning the cannon.
Everyone then started to board the Pelican. " Bridge, this is the captain we have the package, returning to the Autumn over." Keyes said Finally they were getting off this rock. The Marines let Sara and Doctor Watson go first.
" Look out PHANTOM!!" Raj screamed. The ship fired upon the second Pelican taking it out. The troop transport crashed on the pad. Shrapnel went everywhere. Multiple pieces of it slashed across Makoa's face knocking him down. He screamed in pain while Kelly Rushed over and held his face. His face was on fire Blood trickled down Kelly's hands as she was desperately trying to stop the bleeding " Corpsman!!" She screamed. Watson and Pards Rushed over to Makoa. " Where is he hit!?" The blonde asked.
Kelly looked up to her " His face! it is bleeding very bad" She responded. Kelly continued putting pressure on his wounds " Ahh!! Fuck" Makoa screamed with blood pouring out of his face. Amelia grabbed some meds out of her bag and got to work with Pards assisting.
The phantom flew over the mass drive. Its doors opened and out came Zealots.
One of them dropped in front of Emile and broke the glass of the cockpit. Only for it to be shot. Emile took his shotgun and shot the zealot again effectively killing it.
" WHO'S NEXT!?" He yelled. Another Zealot then snuck up behind him and stabbed him. The energy sword pierced through his armor like paper. Emile coughed up blood but he was not done yet. He elbowed the Zealot and quickly turned around grabbed his Kukri and stabbed the Elite in the neck and slammed it into the ground. With the alien dead he crawled over to the rail and rested his back against it. He took one final look at Reach's sky and slowly closed his eyes.
The Pelican landed back onto the pad "Everybody get in!!" One of the Marines on board yelled. Watson and Kelly grabbed Makoa and carried him into the Pelican. " This fucking sucks" He cursed spitting out some blood Manny laughed " Karma's a bitch" Manny muttered. Makoa turned his head and looked at Manny " Fuck... you.." He muttered. " Even on the verge of death the two idiots still don't know when to shut the fuck up Kelly thought. They set the wounded on the ground with Watson patching up Makoa's face. " This shit fucking burns." Makoa complained.
" Quit being a little bitch Makoa." Pards insulted, lightly hitting his shoulder.
" Yeah Makoa" Raj agreed.
" Fuck you guys." Makoa spat annoyed
Everyone got on board except for Noble Six. " Lieutenant get aboard we go to get the hell out of here!" The same marine yelled. " Negative I have the gun." He said.
"Good luck sir." He finished tossing his dog tags to Kat.
" Good luck to you Spartan" Keyes sadly said, walking to the cockpit. " Hey, Six!" Kat yelled out, making the Spartan turn around. " Make it count!!" She told him. The Spartan nodded and sprinted towards the gun. The Pelican then took off and made its way to the Autumn. All the Marines were dead silent. The Spartan sacrificed themself to fight another day. Some of them especially Kelly can't help but feel useless, but one thing was for sure she was not going to let his sacrifice go to waste.