Bleeding Out

Disclaimer: I do not in any shape or form own Halo. It belongs to Bungie, 343 Industries, and Microsoft, nor am I associated with them in any way. This is a non-profit fan work written solely for the purpose of entertainment. This is in no way canon. This should be obvious at this point, but just in case.

Responses to questions or statements:

-The Project Artemis: Don't worry. I'll tell you guys if I ever have to abandon this fic. I ain't planning on doing so anytime soon, though, I can't promise that my updates will be consistent or frequent. As I have said before, real life comes first. I hope you understand.

-Malgrath: ...maybe...ok, how did you know? I was planning on having it be revealed later that he basically blackmailed ONI using his knowledge on the Spartan programs and his own covert missions so that he can get paid. Seriously... how did you know?

-The Awesome Guy 2: Thanks, man. I don't want to keep you guys waiting. But I have to put real life stuff first. Plus, sometimes I just lack the motivation to write, which is admittedly rather difficult for me to overcome at times. I'm glad you understand.

-edeath756: Thank you very much. Hope this chapter was enjoyable.

-Shad0wGh0st: Thank you very much. They're going to be meeting soon.

-Krieger Techpreist: Glad you caught the fat electrician reference. Yeah, we all love S.T.E.A.L.I.N.G stuff. Nobody wants to admit it, but we do.

-Yeah, the salary and benefits thing was heavily inspired by red vs blue. Glad you caught!

-That's hilarious. Maybe in the future, I'll have something similar.

-Mythic Imagination: Thank you very much. Hope you found this chapter to be satisfactory.

-Blaze1992: While they are upset, they really only have themselves to blame.

-Guest: Yeah, Noble team is not all that interested in money. They're just mainly upset that none of them had ever though to ask before now. Definitely, while they're not all that money focused, everyone likes to get paid at the end of the day. Even augmented, super-soldiers would like to have some money.

-Last Primaris: Thank you very much! Hope you enjoy this chapter.

Now, with that out of the way, onto the story!

Chapter 15

(Time: August 29, 2552)

(Location: Babd Catha Ice Shelf, Eposz)

It's been a couple of days since they had left New Alexandria. Instead of immediately deploying to SWORD base, the team was temporarily diverted on a search-and-rescue mission to locate and extract a missing Army Major General belonging to military intelligence that was apparently carrying some valuable intelligence on him. Since they were the closest unit to where his transport was shot down by Covenant air assets. Once they had got him off world, they were then directed to level the ONI facility. Of course, the higher-ups deemed that it wasn't necessary for them to know what intel that the man they were extracting was carrying, much to Kat's annoyance.

She did attempted to pry what she could from the general before being shut down by Carter. Which she complied with after much grumbling.

So, now just over half a day later here he was. Hiking through the rocky landscape carrying a rucksack full of explosive charges that he was to use to take down the Covenant's anti-aircraft array. Or as the old saying goes in the military "been volun-told." Though he wasn't going to complain as this made more sense as opposed to being volunteered to fill sand bags in full kit under a hot desert sun back in his past life. Thankfully, being a Spartan meant he was exempt from having to perform those kinds of work and other garbage activities like being forced to wake up early in the mourning and then having to wait for hours for your boss to show up so you can finally get started on PT.

He was dropped off about a klick away from where he was supposed to meet with the pathfinder team. Much to his displeasure, but he could see why. They couldn't risk the Covenant anti-aircraft guns detecting them. The rest of the team was prepping the explosive charges that the dropship was carrying for the mission while he was ordered to link up with the airborne pathfinder to destroy those guns so that the team can land at SWORD base's main parking lot which was designated as LZ Alpha.

Since they were a much smaller element going up against a larger force, stealth was paramount. Make sure that the first strike hit hard to turn the odds in their favor as much as possible. It was a mission statement that he was all to familiar with, having conducted it many times on a multitude of different operations in the past.

After about ten more minutes of walking where the only company he had was his thoughts along with the gunfire and explosions echoing in the distance, he approached a small cliffside he heard a small whisper which caused him to instinctively take cover behind a large boulder.

"Blade!" The voice whispered out again and clearer this time.

"Chaos!" Casper hissed the countersign he was given back during the mission debrief.

After a few tense seconds, he saw a man in an air assault helmet peak out from behind cover and frantically gestured for him to come over. In which he obliged as he ran and leap down the cliffside, coming face to face with the eight man pathfinder team.

"You sure took your time getting here." The man who had waved him over snarked as a man with a Staff Sergeant chevon on his body armor stepped forward.

"Nice to have you hear, Spartan. Staff Sergeant Devon of the 507th." He put out his right hand for a handshake, which Casper accepted.

"Same here, Sergeant." Noble six greeted. "They told you what we're supposed to be doing here?"

While by all accounts the unit should already know what they were here to do and been briefed on the task at hand, Casper felt it was better to be sure. He had been on too many ops that nearly went downhill because the guys in command didn't bother informing the men under their command just what exactly they were supposed to be doing. Nothing made his blood boil more than good gunfighters nearly dying- and sadly, actually being sent to the Almighty- because their commanding officers didn't deem it necessary to inform them on what their mission was. Lord knows he had dealt with two many officers and senior NCOs with that mindset.

"Our orders to assist you on a torch-and-burn on SWORD. We've been instructed to follow your lead in taking out those anti-aircraft batteries we've been observing for the last few days. That's everything, right?"

Casper nodded in confirmation. Relieved that whoever briefed these guys told them exactly what was needed and saved him the hassle of having to do it himself.

"So, anyone want to tell me why we can't just drop a JDAM or MOAB on the thing." A pathfinder with the nametag "Granger" on his body armor asked aloud as he passed one of his extra M9 frag grenades to his Sergeant, which he took. "Once we take down those cannons, there's nothing stopping them from just sending in a A-50 or F-99 to finish the job. Don't see why us guys have to go in and blow it to kingdom come ourselves."

"I don't know, Granger," Devon admitted. "But you know how it is, orders are orders."

"Yeah, 'cause this place is some important that us and an entire Spartan team is needed." Another Specialist snorted as he remained watchful over his sector. "All because the spooks who worked here forgot to clear their browser history before they left."

"That's enough, Chafflin." The Staff Sergeant said firmly as he addressed the rest of his team. "Alright, boys, pack your gear and get ready to move out." He instructed as the team began loading up what stuff they hadn't already packed yet.

As they were readying to go, Casper's radio a voice filled with static came though on his helmet's built-in radio.

"/ Noble One, this is Noble actual. Do you copy? Over. /"

"/ Copy actual, go ahead. /"

"/ We need that base taken out, son. What's your status? /"

"/ Just passed phase line trigger. Thermal on the interior shows standing room only. /" He reported. "/ We're going to have to thin them out before we get any closer. /"

"/ Copy that, Noble One. Actual out. /"

"/ We got a job to do. So, let's stay focused and get it done. /" Carter said. "/ Six, are you in position? /"

"/ Affirmative. /" He responded as he pressed the push-to-talk button on his helmet. "/ I've found the pathfinders. We're ready to move on your word. /"

"/ Good...execute. /"

With that, the hyper-lethal of Noble team went into action as the Pathfinders quickly fell in behind him and got moving down the hill. They walked for several minutes before stopping at a ledge overlooking the valley, where the first defense tower could be seen with what looked to be a squad sized force comprising of grunts, jackals, and elites guarding it. Exactly what was reported by the pathfinders earlier.

"Alright, I say we head down by the river, move in behind them so I can set a charge on the inside. What do you think? " He asked the Staff Sergeant who took up position right beside him.

While Casper was technically in command, Devon and his guys were much more familiar with the area than he was. They possessed greater knowledge on the terrain, Covenant positions and patrol routes, and potential alternative routes they could take. Plus, it did help to establish trust between himself and the unit considering that this was the first time that they were working together. He didn't want to come across as someone who always thought they knew best and didn't heed the advice and warnings of others who were more knowledgeable in certain areas like flanking routes.

"Not a bad idea." The pathfinder NCO admitted. "But I say we go around the flank of the hill on the right. It'll give us better cover from their shade turret nests."

"Alright," Six nodded in acceptance. "Let's do it." He got up with the soldiers following him while maintaining dispersion.

As they came up on the first Covenant cannon, Casper took off his rucksack and placed it against the boulder he was hiding behind before taking out a C-12 charge and checking it over to make sure it was synced to his M102 firing device. Once he was certain he had everything he needed, he turned back to Devon.

"Sergeant, have your guys maintain overwatch here. I'll go in and place the charge. If I get compromise, light 'em up and provide me covering fire as best you can."

The Staff Sergeant nodded as he quietly began ordering his men to take positions with Casper not wasting any time and quietly made his way to the gun. Narrowly avoiding a passing patrol and grunt on a shade turret before he entered. With the gun being empty, not that it was really surprising as most Covenant anti-air defenses were automated, he pulled off the adhesive tape on the charge before placing it on the core, hopefully the explosion would be powerful enough to neutralize the gun's defenders as well. Checking it once more that it was connected to the clacker, he made his way back out and regrouped with the unit. Signaling that the job was complete and to move out immediately to the next AA gun.

It wasn't long before they did the same thing with the two remaining anti-aircraft towers, though there were a few close calls such as an Elite Major getting to close for Six's liking and a Jackal sniper almost getting a bearing on him. Thankfully, they weren't spotted and managed to maintain the initiative as they made it to the perimeter of SWORD base. With Casper quietly snapping the chain link fence to allow him and the airborne troops to move in.

"/ Noble one, come in. Do you copy? Over. /" He radioed to Noble team's leader as they settled behind the burnt out husk of what was once a M808D Venom Main Battle tank. And judging by the dozen or so destroyed Wraiths, Revenants, and even Spirit dropships, they had fought to the absolute bitter end and made one hell of a last stand before ultimately being overwhelmed by a numerically superior force.

"/ I copy. Ready to receive. /"

"/ All charges have been set. Ready to commence phase two. /"

"/ Copy that, six. Deploying signal jammer now. We're inbound now. ETA is three mikes. /"

"/ Roger that. Out. /" Taking his hand off the PTT button. He glanced at the pathfinders who nodded at him. With that, he pulled out the M102.

"Fire in the hole," he whispered as the clacked it several times. The explosions already seen before they heard the boom from where they were. Not long after, the shouts of Covenant forces could be heard as they figured out they were under attack and attempted to respond accordingly. Though, with the jammer in place that blocked their comm channels it would hopefully hinder their ability to coordinate.

"Let's move," he ordered as they made their way to clear the landing zone. Once they arrived, they spotted several squads of Covenant as they they took up defensive positions. Not having enough time to react once they noticed the frag grenades at their feet tossed by the Spartan-III and several other pathfinders. A shootout commenced soon after between the humans and the Covenant troops whom have now taken cover.

"Push left! Move!" Six ordered as Devon took several of his guys and began to flank the Covenant. Bounding from cover to cover before they managed to get in behind them and kill the Grunts and Jackals hiding behind a 7-ton truck. Realizing they were outmatched and about to be outnumbered as well, the remaining grunts and elites retreated inside the building and sealing the door behind them. Just in time too as the Pelican carrying the rest of Noble team had just arrived and had begun its descent at the LZ which was now marked by orange smoke thrown by Chafflin.

With the landing zone now secured, the D77 Pelican deployed its landing gear and opened its rear doors. Noble team flooding out as soon as it did with Emile and Jorge carrying rucksacks with enough explosive charges to level the entire complex. Once all of the Spartans were dropped off, the dropship engaged its thrusters and took off to exit the AO.

"Good work, Six." Carter praised. "Now, let's finish this."

"Hope you left a few for us, Casper." Emile joked as he readied his M45 shotgun.

"Don't worry, four. The day's still early and there's plenty more squid-heads to kill." Casper quipped.

Seeing as the doors were sealed, Carter ordered Kat to see if she could run a bypass on it. Unfortunately, it was to no avail as she couldn't crack the door's access protocols.

"Let me breach it, boss." Six offered to which after a small moment of hesitation, Carter nodded as he gave him the go ahead. Which he complied as he planted several C-10 breaching charges on the the doors hinges. Given that the door was reinforced, this was the best way to breach.

"Three...two...one...cranking steel!" Casper shouted as he clacked off the detonator, the charges detonating a second later with a thunderous boom. Not wasting a moment, Jun and Carter kicked down the doors before moving back into cover. Once the doors landed with a thud, Emile and Hale tossed two M9 frag grenades inside the main lobby, with the grenades going off a few seconds later.

The Spartans then moved inside with the paratroopers moving in behind them, their weapons raised though they were careful not to flag one another. Seeing that the lobby was empty other than the smoke from the two frags just thrown in, the group continued to make their way inside.

As Casper pied around the corner, he was forced quickly duck his head as he just barely dodged an overcharged plasma shot that was fired right at him. Leaping to the opposite end of the threshold as several blue plasma rounds peppered the wall behind him.

"You good?" Carter questioned as he popped off a couple of shots.

"I'm up." He responded. "Counted at least two Elites and several Grunts from down the hallway with plasma cover. Can't tell how many."

"Alright," Noble one processed the information before swapping his position on the wall with Jorge who proceeded to lay down heavy suppressive fire with his M247H. "Jun, Kat, see if you can flank them from that hallway we just passed. Sergeant, prep for crash!"

Everyone nodded as they carried out his orders.

"Crash it!" Carter ordered as he suppressing fire with his DMR. A pathfinder by the name of "Macer" tossing a M9 as hard as he could down the hallway.

Once they heard the explosion along with the dying cries of a grunt or two, the team quickly moved up as they continued firing, Casper and Carter taking cover behind a new set of doorways while the rest cleared the rooms. The elites and grunts resuming heavy fire to deter them from pushing deeper. As Carter ordered one of Devon's guys to prep another crash, down the hall a table crashed through the drywall and crashed right into an elite minor, killing him instantly. As an Elite Major turned to fire his plasma rifle at the new opening, a frag rolled right by his feet and detonated. Killing the remaining elites and jackals and draining what remained of his shields. Before he could take cover or return fire or whatever else he was planning to do, he was shot through the head by a 6.5mm round from Six's VK78. The Sangheili following to the floor like a sack of potatoes as Kat and Jun breached the doorway and put an extra round in each of the Covenant soliders.

"All clear!" Jun called out as the remaining team members made their way down the hall and stacked up on the door which was designated as the room where they were to plant the explosives. Moving in, they cam across the corpses of a dozen MPs that likely served as the installations garrison.

"Looks like they got themselves cornered." Jun commented as he observed the bodies lying on the floor.

"Or were committed to the position." Carter argued as he walked past.

"I'm going with cornered." Emile chimed in as they reached a dead end. "There's nothing here." He gestured with his arm for emphasis. With the room now clear, Casper, Jorge, and several other pathfinders began collecting the dog tags of the fallen military policemen.

"No load bearing columns either. " Noble three said. "Sir, if we're supposed to level this place, this ain't the spot to do it from."

"Dot, check your vector." Noble one ordered as he consulted his TACTPAD.

"Vector confirmed, Commander." The dumb AI replied. "We are precisely where ONI has directed us to...apologies, coordinates revised. Please confirm."

"Revised...?" Carter asked with confusion as he trailed off. Signaling for Dot to elaborate.

"By an AI of an unknown origin. Whose clearance is well above my own."

"Well, it's pointing us a klick and a half east and two thousand feet underground."

"I didn't bring my shovel, Commander." Noble four shrugged.

"Why would ONI change our detonation point?" Jorge asked aloud. "Something doesn't seem right about-" He stopped as suddenly at the end of the hallway a secret passage opened. Prompting all the gunfighters to ready their weapons in alert.

"What is this, Dot?" Carter all but demanded.

"Our revised route, Commander." Was all Dot said as Emile scanned the way inside.

"Clear." He hissed out as his eyes remained looking over the new entry way.

"Alright, we came this far." Carter gestured them forward with a chop of his hand as Kat took point followed by Jorge. Soon, everyone had entered the passage with Emile taking up rear security.

As the doors sealed behind them and the strike team continued moving forward, Kat had one thought one her mind that she decided to share with the rest of the group. A sentiment that everyone agreed with.

"Told you something was fishy about this."

That's it for now. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. So, I know that in this mission we were accompanied by ODSTs. But I wanted to give the airborne boys some love give other units their moments to shine.

By the way, if anyone is interested I created a thread where I post my future story ideas and snippets. Feel free to check it out if you guys are interested. I already posted some of my ideas like my other Halo x Planet of the Apes story idea, a Gears of War x Halo crossover, my Red vs Blue self insert, Titanfall x Avatar, etc.

Take care, guys. And remember... stay frosty, gents.