Disclaimer: All HALO characters not my own belong to Microsoft and Halo studios, for all, this particular book may contain many, and I mean many OC plots, maybe my own interpretation of events/ events that weren't really expanded much by the actual HALO writers and what not…I'll stick to the lore as much as possible, but…since many things from here aren't really mentioned in many of the Novels….yeah…
Chapter 1: So close yet So far
March 13th, 2532, 0934 hours [MILITARY CALENDAR]
Location: Sol system, Luna…
Third Person POV
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Luna…the natural satellite of Earth…the homeworld of Humanity…Luna or simply the Moon as it was known by humans back in ancient times had been one of the first step of mankind into a space faring species..
It was a symbolic place, where man first made their first step on a land other than Earth…the residents of Luna were always privileged to have the greatest view by the standards of any other humans…the view of Earth…both night and day, Earth was always visible, its large celestial body was a majestic sight from Luna.
And it was here that Bravo Team had been dropped off at, Captain Hood had taken the Roman Blue to Mars for proper repairs. The Captain had somehow gotten word that Luna was Tyler's Birthplace, his Home.
No matter how much Tyler denied it, the Captain still have him and his team atleast two weeks of Shore leave…it was something Command would probably never approve of…but since the Captain too had connections…Tyler and his Team were now stuck on Luna.
"Come on guys, cheer up a bit, atleast we get some much needed rest" Alexander tried to lightened the mood as they walked through tubes the connected the Canopy settlements of Luna.
"Rests which we could have received while onboard the ship, not when we're on a planet…" Maria said, she was the least happy to get a leave.
"It is what it is" Tyler simply accepted, that was all he could do…the spire dots with windows which were the only real wall for the tubes was a massive difference contrast to other colonies, it was the most accurate depiction of what Space Colonies would look like back in his universe, if humanity ever became an interstellar civilization.
"It feels very….cramped in here" Owen stated, it was on point…they were after all Seven feet tall super soldiers, and the fact that they were still clad in their armor made it worst…
"Or we're too big" Cassandra commented.
"How do people even walk through these tube like passage…I sure as hell would go crazy if I lived here" Maria stated…"Tyler, how did you even grow up here?"
"Well…." Tyler said trying to find a proper explanation, his files and the story he told basically everyone, except Chief Mendez, Doctor Halsey and Leroy, was that he was from Luna, born and raised on Luna…. "You get used to it after a month"
"I sure am not" Maria responded.
"So…what are we supposed to do here?" Cassandra asked.
That was a good question…Tyler didn't know what was on Luna, what cities…or where ever…hell he didn't know if there was even a UNSC base here. "We walk…and find out" Tyler gave a vague answer.
"That doesn't help" Owen mumbled.
Other than being inside their MJOLNIR…the SPARTANs didn't really carry their weapons as Luna was probably the safest place on the Sol system…and because the Captain prohibited them. Being so far away from Reach was…strange to the SPARTANs.
The only real place they took any downtime at was either a warship or Reach…and so Luna was…quite a first for each of them.
The SPARTANs had been continuing on their trek, as they shifted from the tubes which led towards the Docks, they entered into one's which had actual civilians…something that was not good, while they were in armor.
Tyler and Maria had been the First to react and immediately pulled the others into a corner, behind some coincidently kept crates where they wouldn't be spotted, "Was that really necessary" Alexander said as he hit his butt on the ground as he got pulled.
"Keep quite…" Maria answered as she helped him up.
"Great…we're in public, and in full armor…what could go wrong?" Owen sarcastically asked.
"Everything" Cassandra bluntly answered, she turned over to Tyler who peek out their cover, "How's it looking?"
Tyler shook his head, "Not good, too many contacts"
"I don't know about you guys, but I feel kind of ashamed that we have to hide from our OWN people, people who we're fighting to protect" Alexander stated.
"I'm with him on that one" Cassandra agreed.
"Any bright ideas then?" Maria asked in an annoyed tone, "We can't just walk out there in full armor…we'll be dragging too much attention, which is something Command wouldn't want us to have IN public"
"So what, we're just gonna spent the next two weeks hiding?" Owen questioned, "We're not even in a combat zone…so hiding on a planet right NEXT to Earth doesn't really sit well"
Tyler stayed silent, listening on their continuous arguing, Maria did have a point, SPARTANs still weren't public, seeing a whole team of them casually walking around in public, and that is also in FULL MJOLNIR wasn't really the brightest idea.
But the others also had their own point. Hiding from their own, and civilians none the less sounded silly, and that also for the next two weeks as well? That was impossible even for them.
That was until he noticed a piece of paper on the floor next to him, picking it up; he turned it around to see what it really was. Turns out, it was a propaganda leaflet, it's background was a mixture of yellow and orange, while I the centre there was a Globe, which was Earth, at the top there were few Longswords drawn flying, and finally just above the Globe, highlighted in white, it was written, WE FIGHT FOR HER.
Tyler looked around, trying to figure out where this leaflet had come from, however there was nothing in sight, other than the crates they were hiding behind….That's it!
Tyler slowly stood up, his teammates were still busy with their arguments about what their next move should be, or how they should proceed…however Tyler knew it best, this was no mission, yet his teammates still took it as such.
The crate wasn't of Military grade, instead simply being a grey box, sliding the lid open; Tyler slightly peeked inside, and as anticipated, inside there were bundles of leaflets of multiple variation…all of them being UNSC propaganda.
"I think we have our ticket" Tyler said, which gained the attention of his teammates.
Tyler grabbed atleast five bundles of leaflets, each bundle containing atleast sixty leaflets each. Handing each member of his team one Bundle, he explained, "Leaflets, our way to blend in"
Over the past year, he had called in some crazy ideas and plans, yet his team never seemed to have questioned it too much or given too much thought…however this was different.
"What?" Alexander asked perplexed.
"How is this supposed to help us?" Cassandra questioned, while being just as confused as Alexander.
"Tyler, sorry if I offend you, but this is stupid" Owen stated.
"What are leaflets supposed to do? I'm sure we aren't covering ourselves completely with it just to hide our armor" Maria tried to understand what Tyler had meant or what he even means.
Tyler sighs, "Look, this may sound mad…but trust me, it's the best way to blend in"
The others seemed confused but still eager to hear his idea, it was understandable, up until now, no matter how crazy Tyler's plans may be, it still somehow worked.
"Since the public doesn't really have any idea about us…atleast in mass" Tyler stated, "We pretend to be mascots, distributing propaganda leaflets, pretending to be pro war citizens"
There a moment of silence among the SPARTANs, each one of them processing what Tyler had just said, "You serious?" Alexander asked in disbelief, Tyler was sure had he not been wearing his helmet, his jaws would have been dropped on the ground.
Tyler nodded, to which it made the SPARTANs fall into a further state of disbelief, shock and surprise, "Tyler, you can't be serious" Cassandra further asked, still not believing his idea.
Maria nodded; agreeing with Cassandra, "I am" Tyler further solidified his plan.
"Stupid was an understatement, this is downright insane" Owen added, "How is that even supposed to work?"
"Listen, as Maria had been stating, we SPARTANs still aren't public, we're classified, meaning the average man living here won't have any clue about us" Tyler explained. "And our armor is…different, most likely anyone outside the UNSC will have no clue about what it even is…so we have a small chance for it to work"
His explanation was followed by another brief moment of silence, it did somewhat make sense to the other SPARTANs, but his idea still sounded crazy…too crazy. Doubt was clearly imbedded in the minds of the other SPARTANs, this idea, this strategy sounded too…compromising.
"I don't know, Tyler…this seems a bit too farfetched?" Alexander remarked, still skeptical.
Tyler sighed once more, "Just tell me if you're all willing to do this. If not, I'll have to figure out another way", he never thought he would have to go through such difficulties to get his team to adapt in civilian ways, partially even if that is.
The four SPARTANs looked at each other, before returning their gaze back to their leader, "I don't think we have a choice here…we're in" Cassandra said.
Tyler internally sighed in relief, in truth, if they had rejected his idea, then Tyler had no other way or plan as to how they were to blend in. "Before we go out, another thing" Tyler said. "Don't act too discipline, people may get weary and suspicious, and make sure NOT to garner too much attention…if we're lucky, we may just not raise too much suspicion to get naval intelligence down here"
The others nodded, giving a green wink, "Oh, and we're splitting up"
That however, did not sit well with the rest of his team who immediately started protesting, "Alright, now this is crossing the line" Cassandra stated.
"What the hell do you mean by spilt up? We're a team Tyler, you can't just expect us to do well on our own in things like these" Alexander nearly exclaimed. "I mean, you're the best guy at knowing how civilian life works, without you, how the hell are we supposed to do well?"
That was it, Tyler was getting irritated now, "Enough!" he exclaimed, although quite enough to make sure it wasn't hear by anyone else other than the SPARTANs.
Tyler got up and looked at his team, "You've all agreed to it, now there no backing out" he stated, "And all of you can adapt, and I know it…last of all, this isn't a mission"
With that Tyler left their cover and started walking into the masses, where many civilians were seen walking, going around with their daily routines and etc.
His teammates couldn't help but peek around the crates, they were worried. What if something went wrong? What if the cover didn't work? That was all that swirled inside the minds. They watched with anticipation as they saw Tyler walk among the main crowd, his tall stature and unique armor making him easy to spot.
And to their surprise, the people weren't looking at him like he were different, sure they did give him some stares, but most if not all of them were friendly ones, some with children even pointed at the large SPARTAN, it was all very strange.
What was even more gawking was that some bold ones tried to approach him, and seemed to have some small talks, talking a leaflet after their talk was finished. What was going on? This was something they weren't taught in training…none of them were.
To see Tyler so casually blending in with the civilians, with his armor on as well, just with a stack of leaflets was…unbelievable…and should have been impossible. But there he was, strolling around as if it were a normal, unusual and simply average day.
"I don't believe it" Owen mumbled.
"How…is that even working?" Maria questioned disbelief in her voice.
"Your guess is as good as mine" Cassandra shrugged.
"Now that I see…it isn't that bad of an idea" Alexander said, gaining the attention of the others, "Right?"
Walking down the tubes of the lunar colony was already difficult, but with actual civilians using the same tunnel…it was almost suffocating.
Tyler didn't know how this was working THAT well, he had expected it to work to some extent, but not to the point where people would start to interact with him and then take a leaflet…was it a success? Yes. But it was too much success.
The people that had often approached him had only asked questions like, Was he a mascot, where he got such a cool looking costume, was he a part of the UNSC and what not. But the thing was, they didn't suspect or even question if he were something else…maybe a Super soldier apart of a program which had kidnapped kids and trained them into weapons?
That was a farfetched possibility, but he only wondered if his teammates would follow suite…'Nah, I'm sure they'll do fine' Tyler mentally brushed it off.
He had been walking for…actually, he had no idea, he had passed by many tubes, some led to some population centers, others led to docking sectors…this was the best example of a Maze, if there was one thing he was grateful for, then it had to be the civilians thinking he was just some random guy, in a homemade suit, promoting joining the UNSC.
If one thing was common between humans back in his universe and here in the Halo universe, then it has to be the fact that they believe everything that is fed to them…which, doesn't really sound too good.
Honestly, walking on the MOON was something, old Tyler would have never imagined, even if it was in a different universe. He was walking on the very ground that the likes of Neil Armstrong walked on back in the 1960s…one small step for man, and a giant leap for mankind as they said.
Even though a year had passed…a year since the end of the Battle of Trove, there were still many things Tyler was yet to learn…in terms of Military…Trove had simply refined his commanding abilities, while also reminding him that the Flood were a massive no, no.
Bravo team had gotten more refined, more experienced and most of all…his family over the past year, they had been through all the crap, all the crazy ass plans he always churns out…everything…everything they had gone through together…and still, they follow him.
But one part of him still missed blue team…his original team, his first real family, his closest friends…and still, some part of him…some part that was still Tyler Williams, that part of him still gawked…geeked at the fact that he was in the Halo universe…being actual friends with Characters who he thought were just fiction…
But that part was slowly fading away, replaced with the more hardened, SPARTAN like, yet still the gamer…Tyler 071…Tyler glanced at the leaflet once more…WE FIGHT FOR HER…Earth, home…or was it really at this point?
He stopped in his tracks for a moment…to think everything that had occurred, he had come so far…yet it was still not far enough…Trove was simply a minor victory in the grand stage…a victory which won't make any difference…atleast, not in the Canon universe.
"Hey, big guy" Tyler was snapped out by a voice, a male's that is, He had a very Irish accent.
Tyler turned around to see a man standing in front of him…or by his height, shorter than him. The man was Five feet eleven, atleast by the rough calculations of his features and statures.
He wore a grey jumpsuit; it had some stains, possibly oil? It was black after all, he seemed around mid twenties, had a triangular facial structure with a pointy chin, his hair was fashioned in a crop, the colour being brown.
"So, I see ya got the leaflets, let me guess, you're the new guy they were sending to help us paste these papers around, eh?" the man continued, Tyler had to give it to him; he seemed like a confident man, and a loud mouth at best.
"Yes…" Tyler answered, lying…it was the only real answer that wouldn't raise some eye brows.
"Well, come along mate, we got a lotta work to do, ya" the man said as he gestured Tyler to follow him. Seeing no other choice or option, Tyler followed the man.
"I must say, when the bosses said they'd send a mascot, I wasn't expectin a blok in armor, what's its made out of any ways?"
'What a coincidence' Tyler thought, luck seemed to favor him at times, however he had a question to answer…and he didn't know what to say…Plastic? Nah I don't think that would cut it, steel…too heavy…for a normal man…"Tin" Tyler answered.
The man turned his head around to look at him, as they continued to walk, "Tin? No wonder why the costume looks so thin, haha, get it?" the man joked with a small laugh.
Tyler let off a small chuckle, it was clever pun and a joke, and the man sure knew how to keep someone from getting bored. "Nice pun" Tyler commented.
"Thanks, although I must say, ya helmet looks like a really large egg yolk" the man stated, Tyler frowned a bit beneath his face plate, but let it slide.
"Respect the helmet, it keeps you covered" Tyler answered.
The man smirked, "Sure it does, by the way, I'm Connor, sorry for the quick rush, but the manager aint the lad to wait" he said as they continued walking.
Tyler nodded, understanding what he was implying, "I'm Tyler"
Tyler didn't know what the hell he was getting into, but it was better to just roll with it, for now. "Say, Tyler, where were ya workin before ya ended up here?" Connor asked.
"Reach" Tyler answered, honestly, it was the only answer he could tell, and one that might, just might not raise any eyebrows.
"Reach, eh?" Connor repeated, "So ya worked for the military before? How was it like there, heard its all dark and all"
"It's not that bad…although I would say…its dark sometimes there…at night that is" Tyler joked to which Connor burst out laughing.
"Damn, didn't think ya Reach folks would have some humor, always heard from me pops that lads from Reach were humorless" Conner said as he wiped tears of his eyes, having laughed hard.
"That not a lie, I would say" Tyler assured, "Reach is very…serious compared to other worlds"
"So I've heard…let me guess again, you don't know where to go do ya?" Connor asked, to which Tyler, even with his helmet on, gave a confused stare, "I'm saying, the parts around Luna"
"Oh…yeah" Tyler answered, realizing what he was saying, scratching the back of his helmet as he said so, he was quite embarrassed that he didn't catch on what he was saying.
"As I thought, well, I'll show ya around as we go on pasting these posters" Conner assured him, "Say, by ya body ya seem to be a buffed guy? What kind of work ya did with those UNSC folks on Reach?"
Tyler pondered, he was trying to find a job that would make sense for a buffed guy aka a SPARTAN, cargo shipping often had heavy equipments for it so that was off the chart, he couldn't go say security as that would raise eye brows, and medical of off the list…"Engineering…work in the shipyards you could say" he answered.
"Ah, so you're one of those heavy boys from the docks, eh, fitting works for buffed men like ya" Conner said, seemingly buying his story, "Well, me and me mates over here on Luna are maintenance fellas, but we're more like the janitors for colonies like Luna"
"So, you grew up here?" Tyler asked as they entered another section of the colony.
"Nah, born back on Earth, good ol Ireland ye may say" Connor replied, "Was workin there until 2525, till we got called off to Mars, the bloks had no idea what was goin on, but all we we're told was that we at war with Aliens"
"Now, couple of bloks, me included didn't believe in no aliens, that was until those news fellas telecasted some actual news, me and the chaps were at the bar, drinkin like men, when that news came" Conner continued…it was for Tyler, the first time he was hearing the perspective on the Human covenant war from a Civilian.
"All hell broke loose after that, half me lads enlisted in the Marine Corps, while other folks went for the Army, but me? I knew I ain't no fighter, my hands ain't for killin but for fixing, wasn't long till I got sent here on Luna back on 30" Conner ended.
Tyler silently nodded, the man sure as hell did have a story, even if he claimed he is no soldier, or isn't capable of one, Tyler could see, just with his voice and physic that he was meant for the military.
"So…how's the average life here?" Tyler asked.
"Eh, it's pretty average, wake up, eat ya food, go to work, eat ya food, come back from work, eat ya food and sleep, and maybe a drinking session some times on weekends" Conner answered, "How bout you on Reach?"
"Similar you could say…except the different types of ships to work on" Tyler answered, he was actually doing a pretty good job at blending in and trying to fit into society.
Both of them continued to walk through the tubes of the Colony, each of them exchanging stories and their lives…although one, Tyler, was making up everything he was saying, except for a few parts where he partially gave a true answer.
Being with a maintenance worker really helped Tyler blend in more, it was either of the two, he was a Mascot or was wearing some high level maintenance gear, most likely EVA, which was partially true.
Doing a normal job actually felt strange to Tyler, they had been going around, pasting posters in every public gathering place and whatever walls they could fine empty, life here seemed so different compared to the one on Reach…it felt more like how people back on HIS Earth would be.
He didn't know how many hours had passed, he was actually enjoying his time with Conner the Irish man, he was a pretty solid guide as well, showing places like the Armstrong Alley, it contained the Bronze statues of lunar rovers and the first astronauts to land on the Moon, it was…stunning to come to the realization that Tyler had lived, or was born closer to the moon landings than anyone that was alive as of 2532…although it shouldn't have shocked him.
Around that area, they had pasted some more posters on an apartment's wall and nearby, around the vicinity, people went around with their day walks and routines, some who were bold, bothered to approach Tyler and Conner and inquire what they were doing.
Although most if not every of them had some small talks, or simply took a leaflet for themselves, had the leaflet been an actual business, which Tyler guessed it would have been, it would have made millions.
The populace seemed very interested with all the leaflets, even though some were propaganda, some of the leaflets they had contained drawings or arts of Covenant elites, to the folks living in safe places like Luna, seeing even an illustration of the alien enemy they were facing was big…very big…while some were terrified, others like the young teenagers were eager to join the war when they came of age.
If only they knew. Tyler and Conner left that part of the colony and made their way over towards what Conner called, Mare Nubium, as he had phrased it, they had something 'Important' to ship to an 'important' place.
Of course this caught the interest of Tyler who was curious to see where or what this Important place was, if it was UNSC, he was sure the personals there would be appalled to see him, a SPARTAN, and not to forget, a Lieutenant-Commander, simply strolling around, pretending to be a worker…WHILE IN FULL MJOLNIR.
It was very crowdie here, that was expected in one of the main cities on Luna, people went around with their day, some were rushing to their or with their work, while others walked with friends, family…laughing and having a great time.
It was all very foreign to Maria, she had never been in such…peaceful place, it was too peaceful for any SPARTAN's, except perhaps Tyler or Sam, liking.
People had bated her an eye or two, but never in a way as if she were something different, or not human…to her amazement, the leaflets actually worked, she didn't know how, or why, but somehow his plans always seemed to work in one way or another.
In other words, he uses very unorthodox tactics and strategies at time…strategies which always ended up in their favor, not even Grey team was known to use such tactics as his…they were…new, and eye opening for any SPARTAN.
She walked around what she would guess is a park; the artificial landscape of the park was very…calming. How long had it been since she last felt such…peace?
Training had been far from peaceful, everyday; Chief Mendez would find one way or another to make their day harder, more challenging, it also didn't help that on almost every day, the losing team would often receive a punishment in some form or another.
Whether it be cleaning the barracks and all the uniforms of the other SPARTANs for the next month, or going without food for a whole night, or having their training's doubled for the next week…the Chief made their childhood lives a nightmare.
But it was that nightmare that hardened them, turned them into proper soldiers…proper killing machines, they had received the best training the UNSC had to offer, were genetically superior as Doctor Halsey said, and were destined to be the greatest warriors in human history.
But nowhere in their training had they been taught on civilian life, what the environment is like, how they live, how they behave, how they interact and how they contribute…all their lives they were only told to fight for Earth and her colonies…something which ever SPARTAN still holds to heart.
But it was also that indoctrination that destroyed any chance of them ever being allowed, or capable of returning to civilian life…having trained as children for years had squeezed out any sense of normalcy from them, they didn't know how it felt like to have a proper childhood…what school's even were like, all they knew was the military and training.
That is where Tyler came in…someone who never trained with them, someone who Doctor Halsey had conscripted on the day they were being augmented…it was said that he was already perfect, had self taught himself how to fight, had the proper discipline, and was deadly at CQC, enough to give even Fred a hard time.
Unlike them who were molded…he was already perfect…perfect as in the sense that he came in with everything they didn't have, a proper childhood, proper education, proper idea in Civilian life, proper training, proper discipline and proper genes…he was perfect…in their eyes.
Yet even with the differences, Tyler was one of them, he felt like one of them since day one…he was simply…relatable, understanding…and a good company to have…now that she thought about it, all of those that happened seven years ago, happened so fast…it only took months to have Tyler prepped up and up to date…while it had taken everyone else, years…with some of them tragically not making it.
Maria's moment of deep thought was cut off as a voice interrupted her, "H-hello?" the voice of a child, a girl greeted her ears. Maria looked around to see where the voice came from, before she looked down and saw a small girl no older than five, staring up at her in awe.
Maria didn't know how to proceed, what was she supposed to do in this situation? She simply stared down at the little girl, tilting her head a bit.
For the girl's part, she was doing an extremely good job at being brave, any kid that would see a tall armored giant, who stared at you, its golden faceplate directly gazing at you, would scare even a grown man.
"A-are…you a-a s-soldier?" the girl stuttered.
Maria blinked a bit behind her faceplate…she would have said yes on other occasions, but this one was different, she had been instructed by her CO to maintain secrecy, to blend in with the public…but she couldn't just lie to a kid…it simply felt wrong, "Yes…although a more…action less branch" Maria answered.
It was the only answer Maria could find that was not a lie, but also not true…a active duty soldier that is near seven feet tall, and in FULL power armor would raise suspicion, a lot of suspicion.
Awkward silence followed after her answer, neither the child nor the SPARTAN made any move, both for their own understandable reasons… It was a…strange situation for Maria. She knew how to deal with other soldiers; the little social skills she had learned and developed while onboard the Spirit of Fire and the Roman Blue were helpful in…less active situations.
But this…this she had no idea how to deal with. She was facing a child, almost the same age as she…no they were when they had been taken from their homes, abducted to be trained and turned into the Best and Ultimate soldiers of humanity…she did not know what approach to take.
So, she knelled down, enough to be close to her height, "Anything else?" Maria asked, in the least threatening or stoic tone her vocal chords could produce.
Clearly it was not soothing or calming as the child nervously shook her head. Maria couldn't think of any other alternatives to make her seem less intimidating, so, she handed the girl one of the leaflets…Maria did not know what she was thinking, handing over a propaganda, clearly ultra patriotic ones, to a mere child.
Before she could correct herself of the error she made, the child had already taken the leaflet. Maria swallowed all the attempts she was planning to take back the leaflet, as the child seem almost…fascinated by it, entranced.
She could see the sparkles in her eyes as she held and watched the leaflet…now that she thought about it, she may have accidently set a new aim for her…the Military.
No…that was foolish, surely children weren't so naïve to join the military, and surely her parents would have strong objections to it…but would they? All of this was speculations, speculations which she herself was not sure if she was correct.
Maria's only thought now was to say something to the child, she had already done something she was sure would one day screw her…but what would she say? She thought, trying to find any word that could make sense of this situation…it was hard, but she finally remembered something Tyler once said while in the mess hall on the Roman.
"You can have it…take it as a…motivational tool" she said to the child who looked at her, she could see the confusion yet understanding in her eyes.
Their short yet interesting interaction came to an end when another voice was heard, one which was clearly loud, almost as if trying to gain the attention of someone, "Sarah! Sweetheart, where are you at?"
Maria immediately reacted by standing back up and scanning the area, among the already present civilians she could single out a man, in his late thirties, he seemed to be looking around the area, searching for someone.
Then it hit her, she looked down at the child, who looked at the direction of the man, giving her one last look, the child hastily made her way over to the man.
Maria watched as the girl ran up to the man and embraced him…Must be her father, or a relative maybe? That was her first thought, she could see the relief wash over the face of the man.
Maria couldn't remember the last time she had felt such relief…the closest was maybe back on that alien Dyson sphere world thing, when Tyler actually managed to not only survive but kill that large Elite.
Although that relief seemed nothing compared to how she saw the man feel, which only made her wonder…what was being a parent like? It was a thought that would have never crossed her mind, ever.
But now, after seeing the…peaceful environment of Luna, she couldn't help but wonder, how being a civilian, a non combatant in a war felt…would they, the SPARTANs ever get a chance to return to civilian life? As far as she knew, the average UNSC personal after a given set of years would be allowed to discharge from the Military.
So would they, the SPARTANs be allowed such opportunities...No… what was she thinking, of course not! They were Super soldiers, they were meant for war, to protect humanity, civilian life would prevent them from continuing these duties.
Maria watched as the girl and her 'Father' slowly were out of her view, she was about to move on as well, but noticed something on the ground…a small doll…picking it up, Maria examined it, it was very ordinary, nothing of use.
Turning it around, on its back there was something written. 'Belongs to Sarah Palmer /Smiley face/", "Sarah Palmer…must be that girl's name" Maria said under her breath as she held the doll.
As much as she would love to give it back to the child, Maria had no idea where she even was, or where she lived…so there was only one option…she would keep it with her until she meets her next time…if there was a next time.
Maybe it could be her motivational tool from now on, to return the doll back to its original owner, a reminder. She didn't know how Tyler even came up with these words, but on the bright side, it was helpful…somewhat.
Wait…she had just moments ago, told that little girl to use the leaflet as a motivational tool…a military propaganda for motivation…'Great job Maria…you just recruited a future marine' Maria internally face palmed at her actions, she was NOT thinking or doing things straight today.
Tyler felt the immediate need and sensation for a sneeze; it took all efforts and silly faces behind his faceplate to not sneeze. 'Who the hell is talking about me' Tyler wondered as he recomposed himself.
Him and Conner had been walking for almost half an hour…they had retrieved the 'Important' package…it was a lot of crates, which they moved on a trolley…military grade, which only further proved his assumption that this 'important' place too was a military base or a facility, or something related.
"So ya see, folks from the north ain't all drunk bloks like us" Conner said, he had been ranting about how the Northerners which Tyler assumed were either the northern Irish or the Scottish weren't drunk enough and too 'Pussy' in terms of drinking.
Atleast the people from Ireland from the Halo universe were like the ones from his as well…his father had once told him, "Challenging an Irish man to a drinking contest is like challenging a Mime to a mimicking contest" meaning you were going to be utterly humiliated and made a fool of.
While Conner continued to rant on, they passed by another connection of tubes. As the passed by the tubes, Tyler noticed the lack of any Civilians around these parts of the Colony.
"Oh, looks like we're here eh, that was quick" Conner stated, finally stopping on his rant.
'If walking for more than half an hour is quick, then I guess so' Tyler mentally said to himself, "So, what exactly is this important place, you still haven't said anything about it" he further asked.
"Ah, you see mate, its-" he was about to finish but, they soon came to view of a checkpoint of sort, there were four marines standing guard.
'Wonderful' Tyler thought as they near the checkpoint.
One of the marines upon seeing them started approaching, his arm extend out, signaling them to halt, "Halt! This is a-" the marine stopped half way as his eyes landed on Tyler.
'This is awkward' Tyler thought as he scanned each and every marine, the one that had approach them seemed stunned, but to his credit, hid it extremely well. The other three…they had their mouth agape.
He noticed that each of them had those green eye lens, tactical thingy on their right eye, that the marines in CE were seen wearing. If Tyler remembered correctly, that lens displayed some tactical data or basically the aiming reticle, motion tracker, BIOs and…IFF tags.
Meaning all four of them knew who he was…atleast what rank he was, he doubt they had ever seen or encountered a SPARTAN…although they might have heard stories of them…in the few millisecond that passed for Tyler, he immediately, oblivious to his Maintenance companion/partner, signaled the marines to keep quiet and continue on.
The lead Marine didn't acknowledge openly but Tyler was sure he understood what Tyler was saying, "Sorry chap for the inconvenience, we were told to bring some stuff to this place, you know, the usual deliveries" Conner said in a very carefree manner. It was clear he had done this a very many times.
The lead Marine looked at the crates that he was moving on the trolley, looking back up at Conner, he nodded, "Continue on, I think you know where the storage unit is inside the campus"
"Yeh, I've been here more than I can count" Conner proudly replied, as he and Tyler passed the checkpoint, he could still feel the gaze on the marines on him…'I'm going to have a lot of explaining to do' he thought.
Getting clear of the checkpoint, they walked down another set of tubes, at the end of which was an open exit. "Well that was weird" Conner said.
"Hmm?" Tyler could only raise an eye brow beneath his faceplate.
"Other days those grennies would attach an escorting guard, eh guess they changed as well" Conner assumed.
"So, mind telling me where or what this place we're heading to is?" Tyler asked, he was now one hundred percent sure it was a military facility, but what kind of, he was unsure.
"Eh, ever heard of the Officer Candidate academy" Conner asked.
In fact, he did, both while on Reach back on 25, and from the books. If Tyler remembered correctly, it was the place where the future Captain Keyes would be teaching as a lecturer of some sort…"Yeah"
"That's the place" Conner gave a grin.
As they walked out of the tubes, they entered a vast complex…Military complex, it was hard to describe, but the best way would be…a cluster of strings…the strings being all the path ways..
"How do we even know where to go…this is…" Tyler couldn't find the words; this place gave him headaches just looking at it…guess spending a majority of times over the past years on warships where paths were more simple really did spoil his eye sight.
"Eh, it ain't that confusin, just taking a few turns you'll get to ya place, even a child could walk these halls" Conner said as he moved on, "Come along chap, let's get this shift over with"
Tyler, snapping off his daze and awe, followed his companion, atleast he knew what he was doing, unlike Tyler, who now questioned on why he was doing this in the first place…suddenly, his whole blending in idea sounded dumb…it was already dumb, but Tyler simply never realized it was dumb.
As walked through the hallways, they passed by more marines, who all gave them some stares…gave Tyler some stares, it was with luck that they were walking through the security block of the campus, where the Marines were mostly stationed and based at.
It was much, much better for marines to see Tyler than some random Cadet in the camps, Goodness the amount of red alarms that would cause was simply immeasurable, "They seem to like ye costume" Conner whispered over to Tyler, still with the conclusion that Tyler was wearing a costume, and not an armor that was literally worth many destroyers.
"Yeah…they sure do" Tyler pretended to agree.
Continuing through the hallways, the duo or the actual maintenance guy, continued to talk more about Ireland, his past and being drunk…He was very trusting, Tyler had to give him that.
Tyler had been keeping tract on the areas they passed by, the security block, as its name suggests was filled with marines, both off and on-duty, Tyler was sure if he wasn't constantly motioning them to keep quiet or to act normal, one of the marines would definitely salute and address him.
After all, he did not want to give his maintenance friend that he accidently made, a damn heart attack. His liver might already be crumbling at this point with how much beer he says he drinks.
They were about to near the entrance to the storage unit, until Tyler halted mid way. He swore he hear someone call out to him, Conner seemed to pick up as well, "Anything mate?"
"Thought I heard someone calling me" Tyler said as he looked around, before he fully turned around, he felt something, or someone hug him…or his legs, he was tall after all.
Looking down he saw a girl, she had grown much older since the last time they saw each other, a little taller as well, though nowhere near his height, "Miranda?"
The young girl he had first met on CASTLE base simply stepped a bit away from him, and looked up with a mischievous grin, "I thought you would have forgotten me"
Tyler cringed internally as he remembered that Miranda had become a bit sassy, the last time he had seen her…all thanks to Sam, those few days the three of them spend together, which now felt…so long ago…it certainly had changed all three of them in some way, and for Miranda…she had learned how to be sassy…all because of Sam.
"Well, well, who's this young lady now eh" Conner asked as he let a small whistle, he didn't know if it was same here, but in HIS Earth, talking like that to a seven year old GIRL…you're in big, big trouble.
Before Miranda could answer, Tyler spoke up, "She's the daughter of my…manager back on Reach" Tyler paused for a moment, thinking of any other words he could add to make it sound less suspicious, "Me and a friend often were instructed to stay around her, my old manager being a workaholic"
Conner didn't seem to find anything strange…he never found anything strange, "Ah, babysitting eh, been there and done that here a lot as well. Although our boss pays us extras for that"
Miranda didn't understand what Tyler was saying. Manager? What did he mean by that, if he was referring to her Mother, then she was sure she was no manager; she was a doctor…although she did hear Sam once call her mother as Ma'am.
And so, she came to the only conclusion, one which she was amused with, Tyler was pretending to NOT be a soldier, a fake identity.
"Say Conner, would you mind if you continue on? Me and this Young lady here have some catching up to do" Tyler said in a casual tone.
"Yeh sure, if ya want, I'll take care of the crates myself, take ya time catching up" Conner said patting Tyler's back, before entering the storage unit.
Tyler watched as his companion disappeared into the room, turning back to Miranda, Tyler could see a smug on her face. 'Now what's up with her' he thought.
"You're a very good actor you know" she commented.
"So, you figured out?" Tyler asked, this girl sure had gotten smarter and bolder, not surprising, after all, she was Doctor Halsey's daughter. "What are you doing here anyways? And weren't you on Reach?"
"I was until last year" she answered, "Mom sent me off to live with dad here" Tyler could see the sadness in her voice, but that soon disappeared and was replaced with a bright mood, "And I don't regret it!"
'Ah…she was sent off to Luna on 31…I'm forgetting stuff' Tyler thought, he was forgetting small details from the lore; "She's still a workaholic isn't she?"
"Don't even bother asking" Miranda replied, clearly annoyed. "She just spends all day inside her lab and on that stupid pad, I hate it"
"Now, now, don't get too judgy, knowing her job, it would be a miracle to see her having any breaks" Tyler said, trying to save some of Doctor Halsey's face in front of her own daughter. 'Christ doctor, follow my advice for once' Tyler thought.
Miranda simply gave him a glare, a silly glare that is. "Don't give me the look, young lady, you're still a very many years young to act like an adult" Tyler said, "But yeah…the Doctor is a workaholic, it can't be changed…it's a habit of her"
"That's the worst habit then" Miranda commented, still grumpy.
"Trust me, there are people with worst" Tyler said, "Now, you still haven't answered, what are you doing HERE exactly, you're a bit too young to be a cadet here"
Before she could answer, another voice was heard through the hallways, a very concerned voice, "Miranda! Where are you at!"
Tyler could see the 'Opps' in Miranda's face, look at the hallway in front, around the corner came a man accompanied by a marine, the man's gaze first fell on Miranda, his pace quickening up, he didn't seem to notice Tyler, a super soldier in full armor, who stood out like an apple mixed with some oranges…well atleast the marine did who stopped for a moment, before following behind the man.
"There you are, do you know how much trouble you caused me, I've had to search the whole campus for you" the man scolded. His voice sounded way younger than the one heard in-game, well that was expected, after all, he was atleast two decades younger, compared to when he first appeared in-game.
Tyler had never really met him in person, he remembered seeing him at FLEETCOM back on 25, right after he and blue team had returned from their first mission, like in lore, it was John that spoke to him.
'My God…that's bloody Captain Keyes…young Captain Keyes' Tyler thought as he observed the young future Captain. He looked very…handsome in person, no wonder the good Doctor fell for this man.
As Keyes neared his troublesome and adventurous daughter, he finally noticed the literal giant that was next to her, he didn't need to verify his sight twice to know what this giant was…of course he had played a part in their creation…it was something he could never forget.
He stopped a few feet away from his daughter, his gaze now shifting over to the SPARTAN. He couldn't remember who he was, which was unusual…he remembers all the SPARTANs that were abducted, each one of their names…as he took a closer inspection, he finally remembered.
Seven years ago, back on 25, when he had visited FLEETCOM for some matters. Catherine had told him about a boy he had recruited into the SPARTAN program recently, of course Keyes was not happy with it, but what stunned him was how she had gotten him into the program.
"It would have been very troublesome to simply bring him in, there would be too many questions, too many blanks about his background…So…I adopted him" he still remembers his reaction that day…it was…something, the last time he was that shocked was when he learned the Doctor was pregnant with HIS child…although that was his fault.
"Am I interrupting something?" Tyler asked, quite frankly, it would have been the other way around as Tyler and Miranda were already in a conversation, but, family over rules.
"No…I'm sorry if she troubled you, she's quite…adventurous" Keyes said as he stared down at Miranda who shied away.
"No no…its okay, it isn't the first time I'm meeting her" Tyler assured, extending his hands for a shake, "Tyler, Tyler 071"
Keyes accepted the offer and shook hands, "Pleasure to meet you, Tyler, Cath- Doctor Halsey talked a lot about you"
"I'm sure she did, a pleasure to meet you as well…Leute-" Tyler was about to finish but Keyes cut him off.
"Instructor now, I'm no longer in the front, Instructor Jacob Keyes"
However, before either of them could further continue, their attention was shifted to Miranda who was sneaking away, "Where do you think you're going, Young lady" Keyes said, Miranda halted on her tracks.
Miranda turned around and spoke, "I left my stuff behind dad, can I go get that, please" she pleaded, clearly using the innocence tactic, a very effective one as the Lie-, Instructor couldn't resist.
Keyes sighed, "Alright, but not alone" he looked at the Marine that had accompanied him who nodded.
"Yes, sir" the marine said.
Miranda, like every child, then ran off, while the marine simply jogged behind to catch up to her. Keyes sighed and turned back towards Tyler, "She's just like her mother, stubborn and reckless"
"I would be surprised if she was NOT like her mother" Tyler commented, nodding.
"Mind accompanying me, Tyler?" Keyes asked.
"Gladly" he answered.
The two then walked together, following the direction where Miranda had went off to.
"So, mind sharing what you're doing here, Tyler?" Keyes asked, "If I remembered correctly, you SPARTANs were all on Reach, seeing you here on Luna…its surprising to say the least"
"I don't blame you" Tyler agreed, "It's a long story, but to put it simply, the ship that me and team were station on suffered heavy damages, the closest system the ship could stop for repairs was…here"
"Well that's not good" Keyes said, it wasn't, there were many worlds and systems capable of hosting repairs for warships, Epsilon Eridani being the greatest, and if Sol system was the closest…there were so many reasons that could be possible, none of which were favorable for Humanity.
"Usually it won't be…but we took precaution" Tyler answered, "Now back to the subject, the Captain of the ship was kind and stubborn enough to force me and my team to take a shore leave, while his ship was being repaired…and Luna happened to be where we got dropped off"
"That's one hell of a story" Keyes commented, "I know I'm not meant to know about this…but how is it looking? How is the war in the front?"
Tyler paused, pondering what answer he should give, "The best answer would be…unfavorable"
"So we're losing?" Keyes bluntly asked.
"Pretty much, but not totally…the UNSC is winning here and there, although it isn't much" Tyler answered. It was true; there were very minor victories here and there in Human space, the whole showdown at Trove being their largest victory against the covenant yet.
Keyes sighed, "It aches me to be stationed here, as a Schoolmaster, while others risk their lives so that we may live…"
"Trust me, sir, I think that may be better than being in the front" Tyler stated, he was a higher rank than the future Captain, so calling him Sir was unnecessary, but no one needed to know that.
"Is it?" Keyes questioned as they continued to walk, "Here I am, an instructor in an academy I graduated from, I could be in a ship, doing whatever I can to support the war, it certainly is more contributing than staying here in the safety of earth. I don't even know if I'll ever get back into the war"
"I'm sure you will instructor, command would realize sooner or later that you'll be more of use in the front than in an academy, maybe you will even get promoted, get your own ship to command maybe" Tyler assured, already knowing what's going to happen to him in the next three years and decades.
Keyes chuckled, "Something's should be kept as dreams, Tyler"
"Dreams can come true as well, and getting promoted isn't that hard, I did go from a Lieutenant to a Lieutenant-Commander in…three months" Tyler said, he wasn't really bragging, just showing an example…although he realized he accidently revealed his rank to the future Captain.
Keyes upon hearing this, readied to move his hand up to give him a proper salute, after all, he was superior in rank. But before he could, Tyler brushed it down, "No need for salutes, and don't call me, Sir, it feels weird at times" he said.
"This was…unexpected" Keyes said as he scratched the back of his head. Both of them had stopped in their tracks, there was no one in the vicinity near them.
They had stopped probably in the best spot, right above them, was a large window, one which gave an open view to the sky…or space as Luna had no atmosphere. Today was a lucky day, as the window was aligned perfectly with Earth…giving them a majestic view of Earth in all its glory…
Tyler and Keyes looked up at the window, staring at the planet, the homeworld which they all fought for, currently, they were given the view of the European side, it was dark there, with the whole continent glowing with light due to the heavy urbanization.
"Earth…haven't been there in a while" Keyes stated as he stared at the planet. "Have you ever been there, Tyler?"
"Yeah…with my Parents" Tyler half lied, he had been on Earth…just not this Earth.
He stared at the Planet which used to be his home…in his universe that is, but it still didn't change the fact that it was Earth; Home…it was the closet he was going to get to going BACK home.
Just a view of the planet which everyone in the UNSC fought to defend, his gaze focused on the British isle, like the main continent was filled with light. A small smile formed behind his faceplate as he observed where Edinburg would be, shining with light, 'Atleast that existed…I hope' he thought.
He wanted to visit it, see how it looked like in the Halo universe, if his address was still a thing…if it ever even existed…but that won't be possible; he had a job, a purpose to fulfill. He was So close, yet So far from his home…both physically, metaphorically and universally.
"Halsey did tell me about your…situation" Keyes stated snapping Tyler out of his daze, immediately gaining his attention. 'Did the Doctor tell him about THAT' he thought.
Tyler could only brace himself as he waited what he was about to say next. "About your…adoption…" Keyes continued, his gaze still fixed on Earth, but his face…it showed a sense of acceptance and awkwardness like 'Yeah….'
Tyler internally sighed in relief, knowing it wasn't what he had feared. But that didn't last long as she soon caught on what he was implying, 'Oh…shit' Tyler mentally cursed and returned his gaze back to Earth.
Both men avoiding eye contact, while understanding each other's feelings at the moment. "So…?" Keyes said, urging Tyler what he thought of.
"Don't, sir. You're making it weird now…if it already isn't weird" Tyler stated. Since the good doctor had adopted him for more legitimacy to get into the program, now not only was Doctor Halsey his mom, and Miranda his sister…But the Young Future Captain Keyes…was also his dad…legally.
"Does Miranda know about this?" Keyes asked.
"I don't know, I never told her, and I don't know if the Doctor did either" Tyler replied.
"Well in that case, she probably didn't either" Keyes stated, "When she sent her to me, she told me to give Miranda good care, and spend more time with, since she couldn't"
"As an Instructor in the OCS academy, that's very challenging. Not that it's any harder than Halsey's field of work, but it's not easy" Keyes further stated.
"She seems to have matured...way more than she should have Tyler expressed.
"I know…she spends most of her time alone at home, since my…work gets little leaves" Keyes explained, "She watches a lot of Holovids…some, a little bit too matured for her age.
Tyler simply gave Keyes a look, 'Wait…are you saying' he mentally asked himself.
Keyes probably predicting what was on his mind, further added, "Not those type of Matured things…I don't even have such things with me, I'm saying the old, Historical battle movies from the 21st or 22nd century"
Tyler calmed himself, relieved it was not what his dirty mind had thought of.
Just then, they heard Miranda approaching them, obviously in a fast pace. Both Tyler and Keyes turned at the approaching girl.
"I got it!" Miranda proudly displayed her…data pad?
"So, dad, can we go get ice cream as you promised?" Miranda asked innocently.
"Darling, I've got a class scheduled in the next minute" Keyes explained, while Miranda simply whined…Tyler didn't blame her, his younger sister had been like this as well.
However, Keyes got an idea, and Miranda seemed to have the same idea…Tyler too somehow figured out what was going to happen.
All three of them looked at each other, "I think we have a solution to that dad" Miranda said with a playful grin.
Keyes nodded, while Tyler nodded as well understanding what was going to happen next, "I think you know what I'm going to ask" Keyes said.
"Yeah…I don't mind" Tyler replied, "Just can you tell the maintenance guy, his name is Conner, that his partner will be catching up with him at the port"
"I can do that" Keyes said.
Tyler nodded and looked down at Miranda, "So, shall we?" he asked.
"Can we ride a Mongoose this time as well?" she asked.
"No?" Tyler replied, that was impossible here on Luna.
It had been an eventful day today, for Tyler. He had gone from pretending to be a mascot, forcing his team into it as well, then as the new maintenance worker who happened to come in a costume as well, and finally, meeting two very familiar individuals.
He and Miranda had gone on another Ice cream trip…No Sam this time. And unlike last time, they got the normal ice cream, instead of the absolute troll that was that Turkish ice cream seller, something's really don't change.
He had dropped Miranda off at Keyes's apartment, which was near Armstrong alley ironically, passing bay many of the posters that he and Conner had pasted.
Tyler stuck around for a while in the apartment, Miranda showed him around. It was modest, definitely better than anything back in his universe.
Tyler had left just a few moments earlier, even though Miranda insisted and begged him to say, Tyler knew he simply couldn't. After all, this wasn't his home, and he was only going to stay here for a while.
Tyler stopped near a bench, one made of metal, looking around, he didn't see anyone in the area, it was strange as this was and seemed like a main square of some sort, a plaza maybe.
Tyler didn't know, nor did he care, carefully sitting on the bench, he slowly relaxed, seeing that the bench was able to hold is weight, or his armor's weight, it was a win.
Leaning against the back of the bench, Tyler sat as he looked up at the large dome that encompassed the entire area from the roof, it having multiple smaller windows, all of which joined to give a single view of Earth.
As Tyler relaxed, he heard some footsteps approaching him, and then he felt someone sit next to him, slightly turning to see who it was.
He was greeted by a man in black uniforms, no medals or name, just his rank insignia, which was of a Commander. His gaze shifting at the face of the man who sat next to him, his eyes widened, the man too was casually staring up at the ceiling looking at Earth……Leroy.
Before Tyler could snap into attention and salute, Leroy placed his hand on his shoulder and halted him, "Don't, no need to salute" Leroy casually said.
Tyler straightened himself, "This is a surprise…Sir" Tyler said.
"No need to refer me like your superior, call me by my name, after all I don't want to ruin your careful disguise that you manage to forge" Leroy remarked, giving Tyler a half stare.
It was at this moment Tyler realized…he screwed up. 'Oh…'m screwed' he mentally cursed.
"You know how much panic you caused me when I heard from my associates that there were sightings of SPARTANs on Luna" Leroy stated, not angry but simply annoyed, "You're damn lucky your plan somehow worked, I don't how but it seems luck simply favors you"
Tyler chuckled, "Well in my world we had a name for it…Plot armor, although I doubt I have it"
Leroy sighed, "You know, it took me and my men hours to find the rest of your team, your genius plan to split them up really made my job easier" Leroy sarcastically said.
"Sorry for that, I had to adapt, and that was the only option" Tyler replied.
"You took a gamble…one that paid off somehow" Leroy commented. "By the way, congrats on our promotion"
"By the way as well, Fuck you" Tyler said, he still hadn't forgotten Leroy, who promoted him and forced him off of blue team…not that he was complaining now, but he was still petty about it.
"I guess I deserve that" Leroy chuckled, "Also, your recent one had no involvement from me, Admiral Cole simply took a liking to you"
"I'm going to be doing paper works with all these promotions" Tyler joked to which Leroy laughed.
"Actually…about that, I'm here to offer you something" Leroy said, gaining Tyler's interest, "Not that you have a choice"
"When did I ever have one at this point" Tyler remarked
"You did" Leroy corrected, "Anyways…you and your team are gonna be working for ONI now"
Tyler simply gave Leroy and baffled look, it was clear even with his helmet on, "You're joking right?"
"No, I'm not" Leroy reassured.
"Are you serious? You can't be doing this to me!" Tyler exclaimed
"Let me finish" Leroy shot back, which silenced Tyler, all ears now. "Now, as I was saying, you'll be working for ONI, But…but, you'll be working under me in ONI"
"Wasn't I already working for you?" Tyler asked.
"Unofficially, this is official, meaning your team will get some more perks, especially you, you'll get more authority and clearance" Leroy explained.
This was surprising for Tyler, he hadn't imagined working for ONI, ever…but now, he was actually intrigued. "It...Doesn't sound bad"
"It isn't, and since you're only one rank bellow me…you'll be my XO, or the 2nd in command of ALPHA-ONE, yes that the name of the group" Leroy stated.
"Wait…doesn't that mean?" Tyler was about to continue but Leroy beat him to it.
"Yes, you'll share responsibilities with me" Leroy answered to which Tyler cursed. "Come on, I've done a lot for, its time you give me a hand as well"
"I'm a soldier damnit, not a manager" Tyler said.
"You're a pretty good Commander, close enough to administrate" Leroy remarked with a smirk.
"I am not!" Tyler exclaimed, "And how did you even get this organization out in the first place"
"I asked Admiral Stanforth before his resignation as head of Section III, yes, before you ask, we're under Section III" Leroy stated.
"Great…how amazing" Tyler sarcastically said, out of all Sections, it was Section III, the one that was most known for…un-pretty actions. "So, how much does…Alpha-one have"
"Not much, it was formed in late 30, so a few dozen associates of mine, some trusty fellow agents, and some familiar faces for you…Kilo-two" Leroy listed.
"What?" Tyler asked, how did his former team of ODSTs get into this…'Leroy, you dirty bastard' Tyler thought.
"I must thank you for constructing such an effective team; they've been singlehandly carrying out all operations for Alpha-one"
"They were a good bunch, I simply gave them a team to call family, nothing else" Tyler said.
There was a pause of silence between them, both of them staring at Earth.
"I feel like there is more you have to say" Tyler said, there was always something more with Leroy.
"Correct" Leroy answered. "Jericho had been attacked…the first covenant ships arrived in February, the defenses are still holding, and a fleet has been assembled to counter it"
"So…let me guess, we're joining this fleet as well?" Tyler asked.
"No" Leroy answered, which took Tyler aback. "While Jericho is where the most fighting will be happening for who know, the next days, weeks, months or years…we've also analyzed another small splinter of ships heading towards…Vodin, that's where you're heading"
"When?" Tyler asked.
"Once the Roman Blue is repaired, Captain Hood has already been informed" Leroy replied, to which Tyler nodded, "I've arranged a place for you and your team to stay until then, you're in leave after all"
"Is my team also-" Tyler wanted to ask about his team, but Leroy understanding, nodded, which satisfied Tyler.
"Tyler…I'll be honest with you, I want to squeezes every, single, information you have on the covenant and our future…but as I said on the night we met…it's going to have dire consequences for the reality" Leroy said.
"I don't blame you, I myself want to tell all of your…everything about the future…but yeah, the same reasons as yours has what been holding me back" Tyler agreed.
"Just one question…do you regret coming here? Becoming a SPARTAN, I mean having witnessed everything as of now…I won't blame you if you have seconds thoughts now" Leroy stated.
"No…I don't" Tyler immediately answered, stunning Leroy, "Although I do miss my world…I don't regret coming here, I mean, the war might suck…but hey, atleast I get to do something, I mean back in my universe, even if I did achieve my dreams in the military…I probably would have rotted in a base somewhere…here, I get to go all out, use my skills I had honed as a child to its fullest, and my knowledge of course" Tyler explained, to which Leroy gave a short yet bright smile.
"I'm glad to hear that" Leroy said, "Oh and, you'll be getting a new member for your upcoming mission, one SPARTAN 037, or Randall 037
'Randall…oh yeah' Tyler thought, he remembered Randall from back on Reach, when he first came there, he was one of the SPARTANs that John or well Sam and Kelly had introduced.
He had been less social, which was very relatable, but in their short talk, he was pretty chill, for Tyler. Although he seemed a bit…interested, no FAN of Norse mythology, well mostly Valhalla, God he could only imagine how he must have felt knowing that their armor is named Mjolnir…named after the legendary weapon of Thor…but Tyler was quite embarrassed that he learned about it through Marvel and not actual mythology.
"Are we just going to sit here?" Tyler asked, as Leroy seemed a bit too relaxed.
"It's one of the few times I get to rest and enjoy peace" Leroy replied.
"I can relate" Tyler agreed, leaning against the back of the bench, just like Leroy. 'Well…lets enjoy this small peace before the next mission…God it's gonna be annoying returning back into combat after so many days of inactiveness…or I'm just lazy' Tyler pondered as he doze off…
A/N: Well that's it mates…hope you enjoyed, and damn I wrote more than I had hoped…I wanted this to be short, actually I want the early chapters to be short but…eh…anyways…Chapter one…..C O M P L E T E….so….until next time…..P E A C E….