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This topic has moved here: Subject: Halo Fanfic: If I were your hero
  • Subject: Halo Fanfic: If I were your hero
Subject: Halo Fanfic: If I were your hero

Phoenix is dead, long live Phoenix!
Is it?

Off-Topic.

Just gotten a new Desktop with windows vista home premium and a huge 32" screen, ah in heaven.

Hmm. I wonder...

On-Topic.

Got an exact date yet?

  • 04.30.2007 10:56 PM PDT

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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Anyway the actual query I wanted answered the most, Soul, was how I increase the attention (aka advertising) for my thread where the story is. Whether or not you were reading it could have waited for the next post but hey- it happens. Guess I'll need to update the thread, cos I have more material ready, I've just been too lazy to actually post it because I'm always having trouble with the char limit. (leave it to me to complain about something as benign as that.) There was this one segment of time where I think it was four guys posted on it, but then they all got real quiet.

~Aardvark

OHHHH yeah, that question. Well, firstly a link to your thread in your signature (sorta sucks that it is no longer on the screen, but the hover option isn't that bad), then people will be able to quickly access and save your thread. Try makeing lots of story updates... yeah, I know, I do it a lot and it doesn't really help get readership, but it keeps your current readers interested. I think? Well, it makes them feel more important cause you're letting them know when the story is coming, what they can look forward to reading about. It's also a lot of luck. I consider that the main factor. My readership for the bungie forum is down since IIWYH, but I'm not complaining. 3 people reading my work makes me smile! And the char limit thing does take some getting used to, but it works now and keeps a real count as you copy-paste, and it does get quiet from time to time, but focus on the story and keep writing. Hopefully it will turn around.

Fred
Hey did you ever consider what I mentioned about doing more side stories since your gonna take a break on POR.

The thought has crossed my mind, and I am looking more into it. I guess the question would be, how would the readers respond. I plan to make an announcement that the story would be "paused" with "fillers" to tie people over until the official story picks up again. I'm looking into the option of doing 4 large chapters based on Character Back stories; namely the Black Ops, Captain Monroe, Rose, and Major Rawlings. I've been wanting to do a Black Ops back story (more of their super secret missions) for a long time now, and Major Rawlings story, after she found Kelly (end of GotLK). But there is still some plot points I'll cover in POR before I think too much about that. But as for more about Vasmeola and the others... ahem... I can't say just yet. But don't worry, I haven't forgotten about them. ;)

x Lai Tasha x
Tomorrow, noon B.net time. I'm still looking at it now... it grew into 18 pages .. again... but a lot of it seems unnecessary. This will be a very slow chapter.. I mean... SLOW... no action, but a lot of character interactions and plot movements. Kelly will get her time to shine, as well as Rose. I'm just worried that you will all get very bored and irritated at this chapter. It is new... something ... I haven't tried yet.

Stay Tuned....
~soulguard

  • 05.01.2007 8:56 AM PDT
Subject: Halo Fanfic: Level 6

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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Notes: A bit of a slower paced chapter this time. Some good character points and interactions to fill some of the gaps that some of you may have forgotten or missed in the last book.
*****************************************

Level 6: Family Matters

Camp Eden
The Box // Military Sector Alpha
Central Egypt
November 2, 2552

Rose pulled up her welding mask and sat back from the table. She tossed her arms into the air and stretched. She was covered in grime and sweat; the side effect of being miles underground and in an underdeveloped room. ONI neglected to inform Rose that they chose not to install Air Conditioning or adequate lighting in the Box in order to ‘preserve’ its contents.

“Gibson.” Rose stated as she returned to welding a circuit board. “Time check.”

A voice replied over the room’s speaker system. “The time is now 0430 hours, Doctor. You have been working for nearly seventeen hours straight. You must rest. I can assign your current task to another member of your development team.”

“I’m fine, Gibson.” Rose smirked. She was content with what she was doing, happy to be doing her part to save humanity, and she knew that she couldn’t afford to let time be wasted. Her current project was a terminal that would decrypt the software used within the Reclaimer armor, and give her more knowledge into the software of the Forerunners. “What’s the status of the MJOLNIR gauntlets and leg units we shipped out two days ago?”

“Currently, Spartan 117 has received his enhancements, database, and new under armor layer. Spartan’s 043, 058 and 104 received only the database enhancements prior to being sent to Cuba.”

Rose sat up and pondered the location. “Cuba? Isn’t there another Orbital Tether located there?”

“Yes. Your security clearance allows for me to tell you the status of their situation. The enemy has been using the Oribital Tether to transport weapons to and from the Earth’s surface. The Spartans were sent to retake control of the station.”

“Even though the Prophets want the Ark, I guess they still need to deploy their forces all over the world.” Rose smirked as she examined her latest circuit board.

“That information is not available.” Gibson replied. A smart AI would have been able to carry a conversation, but Gibson was a generation behind.

Rose chuckled at the words. “What about the Black Ops?”

“The Black Ops mission was a failure. The Rogue Fantasy was destroyed on October 31, 2552 at time index …”

Rose jolted up from her work “What?”

“The Black Ops mission was a failure. The Rogue Fantasy was…”

“What happened to the Black Ops, Gibson?” Rose angrily questioned the AI.

“Black Ops 05, 08 and 19 survived the destruction of the Rogue Fantasy. Black Ops 19 is currently completing surgery at Eden Medical facility 4114. Would you like to see the relative data?”

“No.” Rose sat down as her mind became divided on her duty and her affections. She was grateful to hear that they were alive, but Eric’s injuries sounded severe. She looked around the spacious interior of the Box and suddenly realized that she was alone. Only the flickering lights of the Tree of Life and the mysterious Reclaimer battle armor gave her company. She pushed away from the table and began to unbutton her dusty and sweaty jump suit. Because of the heat and humidity she wore very little clothing beneath the jumpsuit. Sweat stains lined her sport bra as she pulled her arms from the sleeves of her jumpsuit.

Rose let the upper section of her jumpsuit fall to her midriff as she tied it off around her waist. “Gibson, I will return in a few hours. Tell someone to finish working on the circuit for me, and I need it to be finished by the time I return.”

“Yes Doctor. But Doctor, what time should I inform them of your return?”

Rose was loosing her patience with the AI. “Damn it, I don’t know! I’ll be back sometime before midday.”

“Yes Doctor. But Doctor, such a time frame is not sufficient for your demands. In order to complete the task before you return, you must notify the workers of a better time frame.”

Rose walked to the door and waved for it to open, but Gibson would not let her pass. “Damn it, Gibson! Open the door!”

“Forgive me Doctor, but you must give me a time to relay to your team.”

“1200 hours! Okay?”

“That is sufficient.”

The door parted, and a flow of cool air brushed over her Rose as she stormed out. She quickly jogged through the cave site and climbed the metal stairs to the elevator. The door opened and she stepped inside with the three unknown soldiers. Wearing only a tied off jump suit and bra, Rose planted her hands to her hips and put her back to the soldiers. Rose was never shy about exposing herself in public.

“Where are you headed, Doctor Santos?” One of the mysterious soldiers questioned through his helmet’s external speaker.

“A Spartan III that can speak? I’m shocked.” Rose quickly returned. “Why are you asking?”

The Spartan III remained motionless as he answered. “Major Rawlings orders. You haven’t left the box since your arrival, and she would like to be aware of all of your activities.”

“I’ll tell you, if you tell me about that armor you’re wearing.” Rose answered smugly.

A female voice sounded from one of the Spartan III’s “She has clearance. She designed the MJOLNIR.” She was young. Rose could tell by her voice that she was most likely still in her mid twenties.

Rose countered, “I was head of the MJOLNIR project, but I only designed the Gauntlets, internal circuits and HUD. I pulled together the designs and the diagrams, but I rarely touched any of the actual parts. In fact, my first time seeing the full armor was in Port Said.”

“Still, you have clearance, ma’am.” The female Spartan Replied.

The male added. “Semi-Powered Infiltration Armor, or SPI Armor for short. It is equipped with photo-reactive panels, ballistic gel layer, active HUD and motion sensors.”

“SPI armor you say.” Rose added as the elevator door opened. She stepped off and turned to the young soldiers. “I guess Colonel Ackerson found further funding for his project after all. I remember the details of the SPI program while I was putting together the team for the Mark VI. It was proposed as a cheap and …” Rose caught her tongue, as she looked at herself in the golden reflective armor of the SPI armor. They were kids, just like Eric, Kim and Melanie had been when they were pulled into the Black Ops program. The UNSC had dark secrets; the type of secrets that were never spoke of in public. “I’m headed to Eden, to visit a friend in the hospital. If the Major is looking for me, tell her I will return by noon.”

“Yes ma’am.” The elevator door closed and Rose quickly walked to the showers.

“I told them that the SPI Armor was a waste of time.” She fumed. “Those poor kids… ‘a cheap and disposable army’.”

Rose was one of the many protesters of the SPI armor program, as it took more of her budget away from the MJOLNIR project. But also, she knew it had its limitations. She felt that if the battle armor provided no additional protection then it was a considerable waste of time and resources. Being the head of the MJOLNIR project, she had gained many supporters, but even more enemies. However, what Rose was not aware of was that the SPI armor had already been in service since 2531, and stopping its production was not possible. Once the plans to create the Spartan III had been approved, there was no looking back. Eric and the Black Ops were a direct result of the first stage of the Spartan III research. Colonel Ackerson’s research team boasted that for the price of one Mark V, they could build forty SPI armors. Yet Rose Protested that one Mark V could do the work of fifty Spartan IIIs wearing SPI Armor. Her view was understandable, but the ONI brass didn’t see her terms. Simply put, SPI Armor could not protect a Spartan in a serious firefight against the Covenant.

Rose quickly walked toward the Section III bunks, removed her dirty jump suit, tossed it into a pile and walked into the co-ed military showers. The cold metal floor and open shower stalls was a huge contrast to Major Rawlings private quarters. Several other female officers were in the shower and they gave a solid nod as Rose entered. She replied and turned on the shower.

It was apparent to the other officers that Rose wasn’t a soldier. They commented that Rose didn’t fit the body structure of a grunt, and that ‘desk jockeys’ didn’t use the showers in the barracks. It was at this point that the girls began mumbling that Rose was perhaps an ONI spook. They didn’t know how close they were to the truth. Rose tried to ignore the young women’s constant mumbling, but the echo in the shower made it easy for her to hear every word they were saying. She let them talk, and enjoyed the cleansing water while it lasted.

  • 05.02.2007 8:18 AM PDT

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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Camp Eden Medical Facility // Civilian Refugee Camp
Camp Eden
Beneath Central Egypt
November 2, 2552

The hospital doors parted as Melanie and Mathew walked out. Melanie strode ahead and Mathew silently followed. They said nothing to each other, but knew that they wanted to. Eric would survive, that was all that mattered for now. Melanie patted the flask on her hip pocket, and was reassured that it had been filled by the ongoing ‘celebration’ she had just left. Above her head was the lighted interior of the massive cave ceiling. A few Pelican transports soared over the city, carrying supplies for the civilians and VIP personal. Camp Eden was always a paradise for the UNSC forces, but now it was a huge civilian refugee camp. Millions of survivors lined the city streets and wilderness beyond. It was hard to imagine that nearly all of humanities survivors had retreated to this one location, but it were only the lucky few who could afford to travel. Rumor floated amongst the military that bands of non-military combatants were still fighting against the Brutes in various locations all over the world.

Corporal Hall ran from the medical facility and raced up behind Melanie and Mathew. “Chief!” Melanie and Mathew turned as he approached. “I just wanted to thank you two again. You guys kept us alive; we should have died out there. I’m being assigned to the 501st platoon in a few hours, and before I ship off to the west, I wanted to say good luck.”

“Give’em hell, Corporal.” Mathew stated as he shook the man’s hand.

“Where are the others?” Melanie questioned.

“They’ve all been reassigned to various platoons, except for Tsueng. He volunteered for a pelican shipment to that Spartan heading toward New Mombasa.”

“The Master Chief.” Melanie smiled as she lowered her head in thought. “He called us Spartans when we fought beside him.”

Hall smiled. “Doesn’t surprise me much, I’ve seen what you can do.”

Overhead the roar of a phantom could be heard and the group looked upward. Mathew smiled, “There’s our ride.”

But Melanie turned and watched as a man in a naval uniform raced toward them as well. “He cleans up pretty good.” She instantly recognized the clean shaven face of young Wesley Williams.

Wesley stopped and saluted firmly. “Chief, I have orders from Section III. They’ve finished analyzing Siren from the recovery mission, and they need Spartan 087. Major Rawlings demanded that she return to Camp Eden, but… well… Spartan 087 says she will not abandon Abu Simbel.”

“Kelly disobeyed a direct order?” Mathew replied.

Wesley sighed. “She’s been acting weird since the moment she put on the Mark VI. According her record, and Doc Halsey, she’s more in tune with the armor then any of the other Spartans.”

Melanie looked at Wesley awkwardly. “You really are a spook, aren’t you? Were you spying on us as well?”

Wesley smirked. “I’m not at liberty to say at the moment, Chief. But I can say that I’ve never lied to any of you.” Wesley looked up as the Phantom powered on its gravity lift. He knew Gridolee was inside and instinctively unfastened his side arm. “We tried to contact you two via your com frequency, but you haven’t turned on your radios. Your orders are to extract Spartan 087 and return her to ONI command on level 41.”

“And if she says, no?” Melanie asked.

“She’s a Spartan, she won’t say no.”

Melanie sighed and flipped up her face mask. “And if she says, no?” She questioned more forcefully, glaring into Wesley’s eyes.

Wesley looked away nervously. “If she says no, then you have to convince her that she must come back. Orders are orders, so if you have to force her… well.” He understood how futile that sounded.

Mathew stepped forward. “Force a Spartan? Force a Spartan wearing MJOLNIR Mark VI battle armor. A Spartan that could actually kill every last soldier in a battalion if she so pleased. You want us to force her?” Mathew lifted his mask and looked at Wesley curiously.

Simyaldee and Gridolee descended from the gravity lift of the Phantom, and Simyaldee addressed the humans. “Palab is still being examined by the human, Doctor Halsey. She will examine him further, but she seemed most concerned for his condition. We came to speak with the Honorable human, Sergeant Raynord. Is he well?”

Melanie nodded. “He was coming out of surgery when we left. We were headed back to the front lines to join your defensive. Your timing was perfect.”

Wesley looked at Simyaldee as he ignored Gridolee completely, but never removed his hand from his side arm. “What happed to Palab?”

“He was infected by the Flood.” Simyaldee replied, as he noticed that Wesley’s hand was affixed to his weapon.

“But the cure should have prevented any affect of the Flood spores.” Wesley pondered.

Simyaldee added. “The human Doctor Halsey is unsure of the cause, but the Flood spores are not dieing within his system. Nor are they spreading.”

“This needs to be reported to command.” Wesley whispered, but his words were heard by all.

Melanie gripped Wesley by the collar and pulled him close. “Doctor Halsey can handle it. If you tell Command or Section III, they’ll kill Palab, and you know it.” Corporal Hall stepped back in shock, knowing that the situation could get out of hand.

Wesley glared at Melanie’s hand as it clung to his shirt. “Sorry Chief. It comes with the territory. I have to report this because Dr. Halsey sure as hell won’t! We have to consider the safety of the civilian populace down here.”

Simyaldee clinched his mandibles at the words. “I understand. To protect your civilians you must do what must be done. The human doctor has been most resourceful in the past and she will figure this out as well.”

Wesley pushed Melanie’s hand from his collar. “Not my problem. Chief, you have your orders. Simyaldee, shouldn’t you be at the front line with your team?”

Simyaldee turned on his heel, ignoring the human’s tone. “Very well. I will forgive your words because fear has consumed you.”

Gridolee looked at Wesley but did not speak. He followed Simyaldee into the phantom’s gravity lift and they waited for Mathew and Melanie.

“You little punk.” Melanie said dryly as she pulled down her visor. “Have you forgotten what the Elites sacrificed to be here? They watched their home become obliterated by the Flood, and the last of their race just left them here… maybe to die with us. You have no right to talk to them like that! I know Gridolee hurt you… but still. We owe them.”

Wesley looked at her sternly. “Did you forget that the Elite’s killed your sister?”

Mathew gripped Melanie’s hand before she could bring it up to punch Wesley. He then turned to Corporal Hall. “Tell 19 to get on his feet quick, we need him. Good luck to you on the western front.” A quick salute and Corporal Hall raced back into the medical facility. Mathew pulled Melanie to the side and then turned toward Wesley. He also felt the urge to hit the young man, but there was no time to get into a heated debate. As long as Wesley branded the bars of an ONI officer, his orders were law. “We have our orders, Sir! Permission to disembark?”

Melanie wasn’t so humble. “I swear to God, Wesley, you better get your head clear. Next time Mathew won’t save you … Sir!” She hated this version of Wesley. Without Rose around he was more of a pain in the ass. Rose was his weakness, although he showed signs of disliking her, in secret he loved her deeply. But whenever she wasn’t around, Wesley became a true ONI Section III operative once again.

Wesley clinched his jaw and nodded toward the two Black Ops. “Dismissed.” Melanie and Mathew quickly boarded the phantom and they proceeded to soar toward the massive cave exit in the distance.

Wesley was a spook, a cloak and dagger operations specialist under the disguise of ONI Section III; the top secret projects division of the Office of Naval Intelligence. This was the group responsible for executing the Spartan Programs, and Project ORION. Before joining with the Black Ops and losing the crystal, Wesley was a young Section III rookie, and had been reassigned to Rose during her recruitment period to lead the MJOLNIR program. He shadowed her for many weeks, going everywhere she went in order to make sure she didn’t reveal any information to potential spies. But Rose was everything that Section III needed to complete the Mark V and lead the Mark VI. It was at this point that Wesley’s connections to Section III began to fade, but it was only externally.

Wesley watched as the Phantom flew off into the distance, his ordeal with the Elites, the Black Ops, and the Flood was finally over. He decided to embrace his duty as an operative, and do his job to the best of his ability.

He looked over his shoulder at the dusty metal walls of the medical facility. Lines of civilians sat in huddled shantytowns along the street. Water trucks slowly rolled through the ‘town’ passing out rations of water and food, as people nervously begged for more.

“This is nothing like Dorenth.” Wesley snarled to himself. “The Elites didn’t have a weapon buried beneath their planet. The Elites didn’t have food and water rationing. They didn’t have a centralized government attempting to deceive them and make them think that everything was going to be alright.”

  • 05.02.2007 8:20 AM PDT

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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Rose quietly appeared and stood at Wesley’s side. “You’re right.” Wesley was startled at seeing her. “The Elites could survive on their own without the aid of others. We are far weaker then they are. They are natural hunters, and collected their own food from the numerous plants and animals that lived in their Inner Sanctum. But look at humanity. We’re pathetic.” She looked at Wesley and smiled. “We sit on the top of our food chain, yet while we are in this cave we complain about being hungry. We are surrounded by wild animals, dogs run up and down the streets, cats eat our scraps, but yet we complain that we are hungry. Birds fly over our heads, cattle graze a few miles beyond this city, and fish swim in the lakes to the North. But we say we are hungry.”

“Rose…”

“Look around you Wesley.” Rose sighed as she looked at the civilians sleeping in the streets, in cardboard boxes, empty ammo crates, and vehicles. “This is all that is left of humanity. The strong continue to fight, but the weak sit here and complain about being hungry and thirsty. The smart ones left the city to live in the forest, or near the lake, but the majority of us humans have gathered here hoping for handouts from the military. You hate the Elites and I can’t blame you, Gridolee was wrong in his actions, but I admire them. They embraced the technology of the Covenant, but they have not forgotten the pride in their past. If we live through this, I’ll be living in the forest and walking back and forth to the city in order to finish my work. We will need to eventually rebuild this ‘alien’ world.”

Wesley was once again docile in Rose’s presence. “We aren’t that weak. The Forerunners thought we were strong enough to be the leaders of their military.”

“No. They thought we were ‘smart’ enough to lead their forces.” Rose commented. “Humanity is cunning, elusive, thinkers, and that is why we led the Forerunner military. If they wanted strength, they would have used the Brutes or the Elites… hell, even a Grunt is stronger then the average soldier. Sorry Wesley, humanity is quite sad without our mental capacity.”

Wesley slipped his hands into his pocket. “Well if you like the Elites so much, why don’t you live with them?”

Rose laughed. “I guess I struck a nerve.” She looked at Wesley and smiled. “Have you been inside to see Eric?”

“No.”

“Well, let’s go.”

“No. I have some work I need to do.” Wesley began to walk away but paused. “You said you would rebuild this ‘alien’ world?”

“You know about the Box, right?” Rose questioned.

“Yeah. What of it?”

“There are fossils of Elites down there.”

Wesley walked closer to Rose and glared at her deeply. “Who else have you told this?”

“No one. I’m not in the business of giving away secrets… unless it’s a crystal.” Rose laughed.

Wesley sighed. “Keep everything you see in that box to yourself. Don’t talk about anything… you still haven’t earned Major Rawlings’ trust.” Wesley turned and waved his farewell.

Rose said a soft goodbye to the young man and continued into the Medical Facility. She approached the front desk and began to speak but the receptionists cut her off.

“They are waiting for you on the third floor, Doctor Santos.” The nurse then gave Rose a badge with a photo ID on it. “Follow the signs on the wall until you reach the Military ward. Someone at the military branch can assist you from there.”

Rose clipped the ID to her shirt and proceeded to the military ward. After following the signs she arrived at a Military checkpoint. A guard asked her to have a seat and soon a naval officer approached.

“Doctor Santos, it’s been a while.” A younger woman stated as she extended her hand. She wore the uniform of a Naval Officer and the stripes of a Captain, but her age and rank didn’t match. Rose recognized the woman as she struggled to recall her name.

“Captain… Monroe?” Rose said as she took the captain’s hand and gave it a soft shake. “It has been a while. I think we spoke only briefly on the Seed Ship.”

“Yes.” Monroe smiled. She had never fully looked at Roselyn Santos, and now she understood why there was such awkwardness around her. “You’re not Eric’s type.” She laughed.

“Excuse me?” Rose sarcastically questioned.

Captain Monroe simply smiled. “It’s something Kimberly Peters told me once. We were off duty, and she was drinking and she mentioned how Eric chased after you while you were in college. Whenever Kim asked Eric about you he would always say that ‘you weren’t his type.’” Monroe laughed. “Come on, he’ll want to see you. He just came out of surgery.”

“Shouldn’t he be resting?” Rose questioned as she followed Monroe down the hall.

“You really are shy around him, aren’t you?” Monroe smirked. “You know him better then that. Eric will be on his feet in no time.” They turned a corner and entered a more secure wing of the Military Ward.

Monroe continued, “Kim was like a big sister to me, in fact all of the Black Ops are like my family; particularly Kim, Mel and Eric. Despite the fact that I am their C.O., we all worked together. Kim told me everything, and Mel usually filled in the blanks. But you, you were an enigma. Kim would say one thing while Mel would say another. Eric rarely mentioned your name… well, until Kim died.” Captain Monroe and Rose stopped at Eric’s door. “Kim would say that you were a fierce Lacrosse player, and that you had the eye of everyman on campus. But Eric was the only man that made you nervous.”

“Kim and I shared a great year together as roommates, but then she followed Eric to war.” Rose stood motionless. “I wasn’t shy around Eric, I was distant because I knew how Kim felt about him.”

“That was the piece that Kim never told me.” Monroe smiled. “It doesn’t matter now. Major Rawlings sent word a few minutes ago that you would be coming. Don’t expect any privacy, Rose. Eric is a valuable asset to many people. You aren’t the only one that’s worried about him.”

Monroe stepped forward and the door parted. The atmosphere inside the room was far from quiet and peaceful. Numerous officers, and soldiers littered the small room. In the center of the room lay Eric Raynord, bandaged heavily and with an Intravenous drip in his arm. Captain Monroe walked in and was greeted by a young male officer at the door.

“Hey Captain, where’d you go running off to?” The man laughed.

“I had to get more meat for the party.” She smirked as she wrapped her arm around Rose’s waist. She then looked at Rose and winked.

The young officer smiled at Rose. “Well hello, love. Were you on the ship with us?”

Monroe cut in, “She was, but she went ashore during the Camp Eden defense campaign. She missed the fun.”

“Lucky for you, love.” The officer stated as he tossed back a shot of liquor.

The color and smell of the strong alcohol swept across Rose’s nose. “Scotch.” She looked around the room and noticed that they were all drinking at six in the morning, with the exception of Doctor Carolyn Smith.

The oldest woman in the room, Doctor Smith, examined Eric from head to toe. Rose had never seen the woman before, but she knew who she was by reputation only. Melanie had told her about the Doctor that made the Black Ops and saved their lives, but she had never seen her before. Even in her mid sixties, Doctor Smith was a beautiful woman. Rose began to move toward the bed but Captain Monroe cut off her path.

“Here.” Monroe gave Rose a shot glass of scotch. “Melanie said you’d like it. She just left for the front line a few minutes ago. You must have just missed her.”

Rose smirked at the irony that Melanie left before she arrived. “What made her think that I would like Scotch?” Rose took the small glass.

“She said you helped finish off her last hint of Whisky. They’re in the same family.” Monroe smiled.

“Not really.” Rose stated as she examined the liquor. “Scotch-Whisky should never be connected to plain whisky. It’s either Scotch-Whisky or just plain whisky. Besides that, aren’t you all on duty? You shouldn’t be drinking. And on top of that, it’s too early to be drinking.” Rose placed the small glass to her lips and let the bitter-sweet liquor race down her throat. The tingle burned up her nose, but she embraced it, letting the sensation fill her. Rose preferred the heavier burn of generic whisky, the cheap stuff that she drank often while in college to drawn her worries, but in her opinion Scotch was the better whisky; the difference was its Scottish roots.

Monroe cheered. “I won’t comment on the irony of you drinking right after that statement. Besides, somewhere on this planet it is time to drink. Plus we are celebrating the lives of our fallen comrades, and us lucky few who survived.”

“But, this is a hospital.” Rose sighed. She quickly found that she was being passed another shot. As she gripped the glass she began to remember the parties of her college nights, and how shot after shot after shot kept coming her way; the next morning was usually painful.

“Well, if we’re going to break the reg’s we should do it in the most obvious of locations.” Captain Megan Monroe was young for a navy captain. She had bad luck with her commanders in the past, which was the main reason Colonel Ackerson recruited her to lead the Black Ops. She was nineteen when she was first approached with the idea of being a Commander in ONI. Usually this meant being a pencil pusher for the higher ranks, but in Megan’s case she was going to be given her own ship. Her youth and inexperience showed over the years, but over time she learned and adjusted thanks to Eric’s mentoring. He was ten years older then her, and it was another reason why she respected him so much.

“You really are young spirited.” Rose took the shot and waved off the offer for a third; the men seemed eager and excited to see her drink. “How old were you when you became Captain?”

  • 05.02.2007 8:21 AM PDT

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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My Novel, available on Amazon.com

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Monroe downed her second drink. “I think it was about two years ago. It was thanks to Kim, really.”

“To Kim!” A very intoxicated man shouted after overhearing the captain’s words. Everyone raised a glass and took a drink.

Monroe continued. “Her recommendation to ONI earned me the promotion. We had just successfully tested the Rogue Fantasy’s cloaking engine. We slipped past an entire Covenant fleet, right down the middle of their formation, undetected. It was the first test of the cloak.” Monroe smiled as she thought about the memory. Obviously she had more memories involving the incident that she didn’t want to share. She then looked at Rose with an awkward glance. The scotch was starting to take its toll. “Sergeant Raynord is waiting for you. Quit your staling!” With a quick nudge Rose stumbled past a few ‘happy sailors’ and stopped at Eric’s bed side. Monroe had already gripped another shot, and was waving Rose away as if she were a bad puppy.

Rose looked down at Eric with an embarrassed gaze. “It looks like they’re using your quiet time in order to have a party.”

Eric mumbled. “That’s because I can’t order them to get out.” He winced after attempting to laugh. Rose reached out, her heart filled with concern, but Doctor Smith placed a hand on Eric’s chest to calm him.

“Eric, say the word and I’ll kick them out for a little while.” Doctor Smith mumbled. A few comments rumbled from the crowd and Captain Monroe clearly ‘booed’ out loud. Although the officers of the Rogue Fantasy were talking amongst themselves, they could still hear some of the conversation at Eric’s bedside.

Eric patted Doctor Smith’s hand. “Everyone in the room is the only family I have left, Doc. Let them be.” Eric sighed.

“You see, that is why we love you man!” An officer near a window shouted. The atmosphere returned to its carefree nature.

Corporal Hall walked to Eric’s bedside. “Sir, I wish I could stay, but I have to dispatch to the 501st. 05 says that you need to get on your feet, fast. They need you.”

Doctor Smith cut in as memories of the 501st quickly appeared in her mind. “You’ll be under Colonel Ackerson’s command. Word of advice; ignore him. He’s a prick, a desk jockey pushing for power. He wants to win this war just like the rest of us, but he’ll do anything to achieve it as long as he gets recognized for it. If you happen to face him, agree with everything he says, and then report to Captain Brain Haden. He’s the captain of the Inner Power. He’s about the only man that Ackerson will honestly listen to.”

Eric saluted loosely. “You heard the Doc. Watch your ass, Corporal.”

“Sir, it has been an honor.” Hall turned, took a shot glass from a soldier and held it high. “To 19!”

“To 19!” Everyone repeated as they tossed back the drink.

Rose watched this familiar display; how all of the soldiers that had survived the Rogue Fantasy’s crash had gathered around Eric and were morning and celebrating. Eric always had a magnetic personality. People followed him no matter what. Even in college he was able to convince his closest friends to join the military and help protect their homes. He was a natural born leader, the type of man that anyone would follow and willingly respect. Rose knew the feelings all to well.

Though she chose not to follow him to war, Rose struggled hard against the decision to remain in college. A piece of her heart had left when Eric, Kimberly, and Melanie joined the UNSC, but she made a conscious decision. She could still visually recall the day she found out Eric and the others were dropping out of school to join the military. She could still feel her heart sinking as she raced across campus to say goodbye to Kim and Eric. She could remember her frustration of fighting through the crowd of sports reporters, which had blocked her path to the campus tram station and prevented her from saying her farewell.

Fate brought Eric back to Rose, yet at the cost of Kimberly’s life.

Rose watched as Eric talked softly to the Doctor, they had known each other for well over fifteen years, and talked on a level that Rose knew she couldn’t understand. Rose sat silently at Eric’s side, listening to the happy comrades gossiping around her. This was Eric’s family, the soldiers he had been fighting with for all of these years. She looked around at all the inebriated faces and smiled softly. It was at this point that she realized she was holding Eric’s left hand. She nervously looked downward at her hand, and felt the lock of her fingers within his. She became nervous. How long had she been unconsciously holding his hand?

Rose looked around the room again to see if anyone had noticed, or cared. Eric did not seem phased by it, as he continued to talk with Doctor Smith. The other officers in the room continued to talk and drink, occasionally looking toward Eric, but not making a fuss. Was this okay? Kimberly was their leader, the Black Operation’s Senior Chief Petty Officer, and their friend. Clearly they all noticed that she was holding his hand, a sign of replacing Kim, but they didn’t care.

Rose lowered her head, and focused on Eric’s hand. It was scarred badly from the surgery that made him into a Spartan. She rubbed her finger over the scars, gently messaging the wound. Eric rolled his head over and smiled toward her, Rose softly returned the gesture, and Eric returned to his conversation with Doctor Smith.

Apparently it was alright for her to hold his hand. But was it really okay to be trudging over Kimberly’s grave?

- - - - - - - -

Troop Supply Territory
Camp Eden Civilian Defense Net
Abu Simbel, Egypt
November 2, 2552

The sun burned brilliantly overhead as transport ships landed and took off from the nearby airfield of Abu Simbel. In the distance, nothing could be seen, but every Marine, Grunt and Elite knew what lay further to the South. The Flood would arrive, and it seemed that nothing could slow this particular wave down. Not even the mighty Nile River would slow their onslaught. Once the Flood crossed the River, they would literally be in Camp Eden’s backyard.

Several Grunts sat in a circle, quietly resting as a red armored Elite paced around them. The Elite focused his attention toward the south, knowing that the creatures would come. He then looked to his left and watched as more humans began to rest in the shade of their vehicles. It was hot, and the sun was beating down on them, but the Elite was not going to become relaxed; the wealk humans would not last a day under his command. The Elite then watched as the armored human, the Demon, sat atop the massive Scorpion Battle Tank. The Demon’s gaze was like his, staring toward the south in anticipation of the coming battle. Clearly, the Demon was the only warrior in the human military.

Kelly sat motionless, her eyes focused on the southern plains beyond the mighty Nile River. Yet in her mind she replayed the events that had occurred a few moments before.

“I gave you a direct order!” Major Rawlings had fumed over the line. “Return to base, immediately!”

“I can not obey that order, Major.” Kelly calmly replied. “Defense of Abu Simbel is top priority. The Elite commander of this defensive has not returned, and I can not leave this defensive front without adequate seniority.”

“Kelly, this is bigger then you. Your mother understood, and even though she was reluctant to give you to me, she knew it could not be avoided. This is the future of humanity we are attempting to save.”

“From what I can tell of the situation, you are attempting to use me in order to further your own motivations. I’m a soldier defending the Earth from a threat. I remember the stories you told me when I was young, but I have come to the realization that I am nothing like the woman in your story. If I am forced to choose between the path she chose and the path of a Spartan… I choose to be a Spartan, ma’am. My duty is to eliminate this threat and lead my unit. You trained me, made me, and gave me the tools to be a Spartan, not a Reclaimer. You should know this.”

“You aren’t listening.” Major Rawlings sighed heavily. “You are the last of us who is able to…”

“Major, the com channels should not be used for personal chatter. If I survive this defensive we can talk when I return.” Kelly cut the line, losing her patience and tolerance for Major Rawlings lack of understanding what she is forced to decide. Her constant spats about the Ark, the Crystal, the Reclaimers, and humanity. Kelly only wanted to focus on the now, her duty. Humanity had to come first, and right now the only humans she cared about were the ones standing at her side on the front line of Abu Simbel.

She understood what the Major wanted. Kelly remembered the story of Elena, ‘The Guardian of the Luminous Key’, and what it meant. It was a story which had been passed down for centuries throughout her family, and it was clear that it was more then just a story; it was history. Kelly’s heart grew even heavier with this burden. She was no longer a simple soldier, created to be the most powerful weapon against the Covenant, she was the last of an ancient clan whose sole duty was to protect a powerful ship buried underground. A ship that recreated humanity and controls the most powerful weapons system the universe has ever seen, Halo. And according to the history of her family, it was time for her to defend and use it. She was being called to activate Halo and fulfill her duty the universe.

  • 05.02.2007 8:23 AM PDT

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The red armored Elite approached Kelly’s side. “Spartan, do you feel the approach of the parasites?”

Kelly stayed poised but replied. “I do. But there is something else that is troubling me. Where are the Brutes?”

“They are with the Prophets, attacking the human defenses around the Ark.”

“Not entirely. There are scattered reports of Brute sightings all around the world, and several supply transports have been shot down recently.”

“Lieutenant Simyaldee will return shortly. He will have more information with him.”

Kelly stood from the top of the Scorpion and jumped down to the Elite’s side. “I understand he’s your superior, but he may not have any additional information. The Brutes must have been aware that the Flood are still coming toward us. Strategically, they should take advantage of this.”

“The Jiralhanae are many things, but strategists, they are not.” The Elite replied.

Kelly returned her gaze to the distance. “Yeah, but they aren’t the ones running the show. Truth is. And that’s what has me concerned.”

A marine jumped from the shade and called out to Kelly. “Sir, Juggernaut is on the box! It’s urgent!”

Kelly walked toward the marine. “Patch him in.”

“Chief?”

“Go ahead Juggernaut, I’m here.”

“Sir, we can’t get near the Flood for our bombing run. It’s the Brutes... they have a line of Seraph interceptors blocking our path. I’ve lost … three birds already. Requesting backup.” A large explosion sounded in the background. “Damn! Mayday, Eagle-109 is hit… damn it! This is Eagle-109, we’re going down… all fighters break off and return to base! Get out of here! … ”

“Juggernaut?” Kelly shouted into her com. “Eagle-109 can you get clear of the Flood’s path? Juggernaut?”

The marine pulled his hand from his helmet earpiece. “We lost him, sir. Juggernaut’s gone.” Another ally that had survived the mission on Dorenth had been killed. Juggernaut was a great pilot, but eventually everyone ran out of luck.

“Patch me into the fighter squadron.” Kelly ordered to the marine. “All remaining fighters report to Zone 2 and standby. If the Brutes pursue you have permission to engage.” Kelly then turned to the Elite. “Do you have any ships on standby?”

“Yes. Several Banshee pilots are ready to fight, but we do not have anything strong enough to compete with a Seraph squadron.”

“Get your pilots in the air for a bombing run against the Flood. I’ll send my Longsword fighters against the Brute’s Seraphs.”

“Understood.” The Elite radioed his pilots.

Kelly changed frequencies. “HighCom, priority Beta. I repeat, HighCom priority Beta. This is Spartan 087, requesting command override for Longsword Squadron operating under Echo-109, call sign Juggernaut.”

A male voice replied over the com. “Override accepted Spartan 087. Status.”

“Echo-109 has been shot down. Longsword Squadron is in full retreat from Flood bombing run. The Flood is under possible Brute protection. Requesting that the remainder of our Longswords engage Brute seraph squadron, while Elite support attempts a bombing run on the Flood.”

“Stand by 087.” There was a long pause over the com. “Negative 087. I repeat, that is a negative. The Longswords will be rerouted to provide air support over Abu Simbel …”

“Sir?” Kelly fumed over the line. “With respect, sir, that would be letting the Flood get too close. Surely Fleet understands that…”

“087, Abu Simbel is not the last line of Defense for Camp Eden. We are well aware that there is still two hundred kilometers between you and Camp Eden. We can not allow the Elites to split their forces to attempt a futile bombing run.”

“Sir, we are trying to stop the Flood from reaching our last supply station!” Kelly’s frustration was growing drastically. “And this is a clear sign that this is a Brute controlled wave of Flood. They are using the Flood as a shield to mask a later advance. If we loose position here…”

“087, our Longsword fighters will be on standby to provide air support of Abu Simbel defensive. Do not use Elite support. I repeat, do not use Elite air support. Focus all of your troops to possible ground engagement. HighCom out.”

The line cut and Kelly held her anger behind her tongue. “Cancel your last order.”

The red armored Elite turned. “The squadron is ready, the plan is worthy, why should we cancel?”

“I have my orders.” Kelly silently replied. “We are to hold here and prepare for ground engagement.” Kelly knew what this was really about. The Major was forcing her hand and Fleet HighCom was not happy about having aid from the Elite forces. Hatred was still running deep between the two forces, something she completely understood.

The Elite tilted his head in confusion. “But the Jiralhanae will be providing air support for the Flood.”

“I know.”

The marine spoke, “Sir, doesn’t HighCom know that this is a trap?”

Kelly stood at the Scorpion’s side and gazed into the distance. “We can’t worry about that. After the Flood cross the river, they will hit us first, with the Brutes engaging from overhead. If we survive the Flood’s initial charge, we’ll only be hit by another Brute ground assault.” She zoomed further into the distance and focused on the edge of the massive Nile River crossing. She had blown up the bridges hours ago, but now she was thinking of another strategy.

The red elite stood at Kelly and the marine’s side. “It would seem that your leaders do not clearly understand this situation. Or, they do not want our aid.”

“That’s the polite way of putting it.” Kelly mumbled. Kelly had seen the Elites fight and she had watched as the Elite lead Covenant overwhelmed her fellow Spartans. She hated them, but for now they stood by her side and she would work with them until the flood and the Brutes were dealt with. She knew that the Elites didn’t respect humanity, they considered humanity ‘weak’, but none of them had a choice in the matter at this point. Humanity and the Elites would need to work together, and look beyond the thirty years of hatred that clung to their hearts. It would seem impossible, but it would have to be done.

After studying the terrain once again, Kelly turned to the Elite. “This will have to be a dual sided battle. And we will have to concentrate all of our firepower at the river. This is the only shot we’ll get.”

To be continued…

********************************
Notes: Hope you enjoyed this small taste of who these characters are and what they have to deal with. The next chapter will pick back up and provide even more story plot as we find out why Kelly is so important to the Major's plans. As always, comments are welcome. Thanks for reading
~soulguard

[Edited on 05.02.2007 8:29 AM PDT]

  • 05.02.2007 8:27 AM PDT
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I am a Sangheili Bard.
Tomes of the History of the Mirratord
For the honor of the Mirratord!

Oh, man. Guys, I really dont mean to be meloncholy right under Soulguard, but I'm beginning to feel a real heavy sense of loss. I cant connect with anything or anyone without it blowing up in my face and somebody getting hurt. I didnt really read the chapter, Soul, but I skimmed it, and I think you lied to us- it isnt boring nor is it slow and there is action, if scant. (sigh) dont mind me, I'll get over it...

  • 05.02.2007 2:15 PM PDT
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Wow, Soulguard. Amazing. While the action began to pick up at the end, the background story and the depth at which you developed Rose in that chapter was superb. Her worry about taking Kim's place and stepping on the toes of the othe survivors of the Rogue Fantasy was amazing. Also, I like how you linked GoO with the story. How the Spartans that went to Onyx in the book, actually went to the *draws blank to real name* Thingie in Cuba.

Some things i picked up on:
a) How much of a manipulative, backstabbing, -blam!er Wesley is. I wouldn't mind him getting through off a cliff with nothing but a shoe string and a wife beater to protect him.
b) Palab is still having issues even though the vaccine was given. Hmmmm
c) Eric welcomes in Rose's affect, and it is about time she gives him her affection.
d) Kelly is really not interested in being a Reclaimer, but more with her duty.
e) Even in the future, the government/military can't tell the truth!!!!
f) That the Elites respect the Spartans, but not regular humans.

Now somethings I have questions about:
a) Where did the Elite forces go? Am I forgetting something. I just can't remember.
b) Where is the Arbiter right now and where was SImyaldee and Grimoldyee???


Ok, now for more of what I thought. I really liked the part b/w Wesley and Rose about being hungry and the comparision of the races. It was wonderful comparision. I enjoyed it greatly.

Thanx Soulguard for answering my questions about the side stories.

Fred

  • 05.02.2007 2:28 PM PDT

Phoenix is dead, long live Phoenix!
Is it?

She understood what the Major wanted. Kelly remembered the story of Elena, ‘The Guardian of the Luminous Key’, and what it meant. It was a story which had been passed down for centuries throughout her family, and it was clear that it was more then just a story; it was history. Kelly’s heart grew even heavier with this burden. She was no longer a simple soldier, created to be the most powerful weapon against the Covenant, she was the last of an ancient clan whose sole duty was to protect a powerful ship buried underground. A ship that recreated humanity and controls the most powerful weapons system the universe has ever seen, Halo. And according to the history of her family, it was time for her to defend and use it. She was being called to activate Halo and fulfill her duty the universe.

Have I hit the biggest jackpot of a paragraph ever?
- Kelly as a fully fledged reclaimer would be unstopable.

And according to the history of her family, it was time for her to defend and use it. She was being called to activate Halo and fulfill her duty the universe.

You better explain this quickish, I won't be abe to put it out of my mind otherwise.
History of her family? This to me makes ot seem that they (Litran and Bitran) were planning on reactivating the rings.
~ Duty to the universe. Powerful

That paragraph made this chapter wicked. Oh and it wasn't slow it was interesting and really cool, kinda like Politics and some of GotLK.

  • 05.03.2007 12:17 AM PDT
Subject: Halo Fanfic: If I were your hero
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i think im lost again, where did the other SII's go? for some reason i think they went to the yucatan and unlocked the temple of the sun and moon or something...or maybe that was another story. someone please let me know what's goin' on.

otherwise this level was awesome...throwbacks to GotLK and IIWYH, right on, this is great stuff.

  • 05.03.2007 6:21 AM PDT
Subject: Halo Fanfic: Level 6

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Don't let it get to you Aardvark. The first thing you need to remember is to write for yourself and not others. If you worry to much about people reading it, then you won't be enjoying the story you've written. Trust me on this one, as I struggle with it daily.

Wow, Soulguard. Amazing. While the action began to pick up at the end, the background story and the depth at which you developed Rose in that chapter was superb. Her worry about taking Kim's place and stepping on the toes of the othe survivors of the Rogue Fantasy was amazing. Also, I like how you linked GoO with the story. How the Spartans that went to Onyx in the book, actually went to the *draws blank to real name* Thingie in Cuba.

Some things i picked up on:
a) How much of a manipulative, backstabbing, -blam!er Wesley is. I wouldn't mind him getting through off a cliff with nothing but a shoe string and a wife beater to protect him.
b) Palab is still having issues even though the vaccine was given. Hmmmm
c) Eric welcomes in Rose's affect, and it is about time she gives him her affection.
d) Kelly is really not interested in being a Reclaimer, but more with her duty.
e) Even in the future, the government/military can't tell the truth!!!!
f) That the Elites respect the Spartans, but not regular humans.

Now somethings I have questions about:
a) Where did the Elite forces go? Am I forgetting something. I just can't remember.
b) Where is the Arbiter right now and where was SImyaldee and Grimoldyee???


Ok, now for more of what I thought. I really liked the part b/w Wesley and Rose about being hungry and the comparision of the races. It was wonderful comparision. I enjoyed it greatly.

Thanx Soulguard for answering my questions about the side stories.

Fred
From the top: A) the elite forces are also scattered around the world, doing what little they can to assist. Most of them are with the Arbiter on a "yet to be revealed" mission. They obviously took out the other Flood troops, but now.. they're off doing something else. I'll get more into that.. when I figure it out myself. lol.
B) Simyaldee and Gridolee where at the Rogue Fantasy crash sight, then picked up The Black Ops. After takeing Eric to get medical aid, the took Palab to see Doc Halsey. Only 1 day has passed since chapter 5.

Posted by: x Lai Tasha x
She understood what the Major wanted. Kelly remembered the story of Elena, ‘The Guardian of the Luminous Key’, and what it meant. It was a story which had been passed down for centuries throughout her family, and it was clear that it was more then just a story; it was history. Kelly’s heart grew even heavier with this burden. She was no longer a simple soldier, created to be the most powerful weapon against the Covenant, she was the last of an ancient clan whose sole duty was to protect a powerful ship buried underground. A ship that recreated humanity and controls the most powerful weapons system the universe has ever seen, Halo. And according to the history of her family, it was time for her to defend and use it. She was being called to activate Halo and fulfill her duty the universe.

Have I hit the biggest jackpot of a paragraph ever?
- Kelly as a fully fledged reclaimer would be unstopable.

And according to the history of her family, it was time for her to defend and use it. She was being called to activate Halo and fulfill her duty the universe.

You better explain this quickish, I won't be abe to put it out of my mind otherwise.
History of her family? This to me makes ot seem that they (Litran and Bitran) were planning on reactivating the rings.
~ Duty to the universe. Powerful

That paragraph made this chapter wicked. Oh and it wasn't slow it was interesting and really cool, kinda like Politics and some of GotLK.
Indeed, it would be quite the sight to see "IF" Kelly pulled on the Reclaimer armor... but considering that the Reclaimers did have trouble with the Flood themselves, I wouldn 't expect too much of a WOW factor if it happened. Though it would be pretty cool.
the "History of her Family?" is a very big hint that you just stumbled upon. I put it there just so people (and myself) would think about it in depth. Why did the Reclaimers bring the Ark to Earth? oh wait, they didn't... think back and you will notice that the Ship was preprogrammed to exit slip space at Earth. Perhaps there was a hidden meaning in the Forerunners design of the Ark. And also, why did Bitran and Litran bury their armor in that Cave, and what the hell is the Tree of Life? In IIWYH, the story of Litran and Bitran ended with:
IIWYH: Chapter 27
“We are the last of its protectors. This world, and the lives upon it, will develop into a new culture, but if they find the Ark…” A heavy pause followed as Litran embraced Bitran in an attempt to console his weary mind. “We must not let its secrets be released. You were right, Litran. I thought that we could forget and put it behind us. But we can’t. We will have to protect it until humanity is ready.”

“I have been thinking.” Litran sighed. “When our new child is born, and old enough to travel, perhaps we should journey to the ark. We can live there, and together we can keep the Ark protected. We can pass down our knowledge to only a select group, such as our children, the true bloodline of the Reclaimers.”
They eventually left the first village of man, and traveled with the Ark. We shall call this the "First movement of the Reclaimers.
The next piece of history we get is from the First chapter of GOTLK... Several thousand years later. Elena’s mother sighed deeply. “Do you remember the story of Lilith?”

“Yes mom.” Elena sighed in return. “She was the first child of Litran and Bitran, the first born child of our tribe. Yet she grew up and did not wish to become a Reclaimer. She trained with her father and mother but when it was time to take over for them, she chose not to. Instead, she turned on her family and told outsiders where to find the Ark. Because of her Litran and Bitran had to move the Ark. It was the Second Movement of our Tribe.”

Lilith was the purest first born Reclaimer on Earth, yet she betrayed her family. Sound familiar? Is Kelly following Lilith's footsteps or will she take up the path of a Reclaimer? This is sort of a continuation of the struggle the Reclaimers embraced because of their decision. Remember, Litran and Bitran chose to no longer support the Forerunner Empire, to bring it back to power was the reason why they were chosen to protect the Ark, but they decided that the universe was better off with out the Forerunners. So.... what is the Path of Reclamation?

*^_^*
I'm evil
~soulguard

  • 05.03.2007 7:06 AM PDT
Subject: Halo Fanfic: If I were your hero

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heh, it's okay HLC 3. Here's a short recap.
POR chapter 6
“Currently, Spartan 117 has received his enhancements, database, and new under armor layer. Spartan’s 043, 058 and 104 received only the database enhancements prior to being sent to Cuba.”

Rose sat up and pondered the location. “Cuba? Isn’t there another Orbital Tether located there?”

Though I'm sure that they would have preferred to go treasure hunting. haha. Basically, the other Spartans are doing what they did in "Ghost of Onyx". They are about to take off for Onyx on November 3rd. However, Kelly and Doctor Halsey are here on Earth... but you know what... i have a very cool plan for this to work out.
XD

~soulguard

  • 05.03.2007 7:12 AM PDT

Phoenix is dead, long live Phoenix!
Is it?

Posted by: soulguard
heh, it's okay HLC 3. Here's a short recap.
POR chapter 6
“Currently, Spartan 117 has received his enhancements, database, and new under armor layer. Spartan’s 043, 058 and 104 received only the database enhancements prior to being sent to Cuba.”

Rose sat up and pondered the location. “Cuba? Isn’t there another Orbital Tether located there?”

Though I'm sure that they would have preferred to go treasure hunting. haha. Basically, the other Spartans are doing what they did in "Ghost of Onyx". They are about to take off for Onyx on November 3rd. However, Kelly and Doctor Halsey are here on Earth... but you know what... i have a very cool plan for this to work out.
XD

~soulguard


Nice to see your trying to bring in GoO. I though you were going to make it like the book was heresy and not include it.

I'm Evil

Angry scowl.

the part where you talked about the Arbiters mission

Chuckle, so your human after-all

  • 05.04.2007 2:34 PM PDT
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I am a Sangheili Bard.
Tomes of the History of the Mirratord
For the honor of the Mirratord!

I just got word that Aozora is back in town, but since the remodeling he's a bit lost. Yes, i've been looking after him for awhile now, and been talking to his GF alot too. So far so good. Oh, I got up to chapter six posted so I do have the link in my sig, if anyone is interested... but actually why I'm posting it is for feedback, and if I dont get that then why am I bothering?

On-Topic
I was just having a really bad day, Soul, yeah I get depressed sometimes too... but I have to ask, where you get your off-the-wall opinions of your chapters? So far you have had a total of ZERO people here agree with it. We all thought it was awesome, I quote, and faster-paced than you accused it of being. Not to be mean, but the level was great, and if you wear glasses, dude you need to clean them! That or actually READ what you write- you might actually be impressed! You never know...
(giggles)

~Aardvark

  • 05.04.2007 8:14 PM PDT

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x Lai Tasha x I thought about totally abandoning GoO, but I realized that the Spartan III's could be useful, so with that I had to Include GoO. But don't worry, all of my original points still stand about Halsey and Kelly, and I'm still standing by my inclusion of another Halo in which Colonel Ackerson has a base. And it's true, I am human, but only a little. The Arbiter is more like the Chief, in which he will play a major role in Halo 3. If I include him at this point, the same point where the chief is leading forces toward the Ark dig sight (confirmed by Halo 3 Announcement and "Starry Night"), It will be extremely difficult to adjust him once Halo 3 is released.

It goes more along what I was saying before about slowing down or pausing the story. I need to play the game at a certain point in order to further the story. And even though this is not based on the Chief or the Arbiter, they dictate the flow of they Halo verse... hence they are the central figures. At a certain point in PoR I will be slowing down and doing a lot of back story for some of our key characters. It will be a clear point when things are pretty much resolved with Abu Simbel, and then there will be a short transition. But before Abu Simbel is complete there will be more fun facts included... and a little bit more about Simyaldee and Gridolee's connection. And no, he's not Vasmeola's little brother.
<_<
>_>

AardvarkIt's great to see and hear from Aozora again. And all returning folks are confused, but with time they'll get use to it.
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I really beleived that this was a slower chapter then some of the others, and I still feel that way. The action in level 6 was more on the character growth and exploration side, I assume, but the type action that I assume everyone really enjoys, the battles and explosions, were clearly absent. No need to fear though, if level 6 kept you interested then level 7 may tax your health and give you sweats while you read. Consider it a workout and keep a dry towel handy to wipe your brow. Level 7 is hot. There are some down points, but man it'll take you back... and it will almost seem familiar to another seen from IIWYH.... and yes it is intentional, but you'll have to wait to find out why.

Level 7 is still being edited, having trouble with the ending.

Stay tuned.
~soulguard




[Edited on 05.07.2007 6:21 AM PDT]

  • 05.07.2007 6:20 AM PDT
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level is nearly up that is great news. you have a lot of things on your plate in terms of this story and any one of these areas could be a story in its own right i have no worries with you taking as much time as you need because i know that when you get time you can craft a masterpiece.

  • 05.07.2007 1:59 PM PDT
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I am a Sangheili Bard.
Tomes of the History of the Mirratord
For the honor of the Mirratord!

Soul, man- this is Texas. Sweating is what we do!
Awesome.
~Aardvark

  • 05.07.2007 8:46 PM PDT
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Posted by: Aardvark
Soul, man- this is Texas. Sweating is what we do!
Awesome.
~Aardvark


I sweat in Cincinnati.

Soulgaurd
I am glad to be part of the Mirratord. Finally. It took Bungie forever to get the groups back up. I am so ready to become immersed in the group. I love the fact that level 7 is almost done. I will have something to look forward to beside Beta.

I so agree with everyone's comment that level 6 was fast paced, had plenty of action, and was a well done. I can't wait to see how you tie everything together and bring back Simyaldee's love interest. That is something I can't wait for. Oh goodness, I am surged with a rush of pure invigoration for POR!!!!

  • 05.09.2007 6:45 AM PDT
Subject: Halo Fanfic: Path of Reclamation Level 7

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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Welcome to the fold Spartan 104.... and remember how I said I completed level 6 and 7 all at once... well, OMG Here is a another LEVEL!!!
:O

***************************************
Level 7: The Banks of Abu Simbel

Troop Supply Territory
Camp Eden Civilian Defense Net
Abu Simbel, Egypt
November 2, 2552

A lone phantom entered the airspace over the Abu Simbel airport. The mid morning sun reflected off of its armored hull as it slowly lowered to the dusty field below. Dozens of Banshee single passenger air assault crafts lined the field south of the airport, and the Phantom descended behind them.

Simyaldee and Gridolee were the first to exit, and they quickly trotted toward the deployed Banshee grounds. “Why are you at ready stations? Has there been further development?” Simyaldee questioned to the squadron leader. Soon Mathew and Melanie descended from the Phantom and waited as the pilot lowered a Specter from the rear of phantom.

An Elite in blue armor approached. “Lieutenant, sir. We were ordered to scramble a moment ago. But the human’s ordered us to remain here. It was most unusual. We are now on standby.”

Simyaldee nodded toward Gridolee and they hustled towards the powered up Specter. “The Unggoy packs shall remain here as an emergency precaution.” Simyaldee stated in passing. Gridolee manned the gunner’s station while Simyaldee drove. Melanie and Mathew climbed onto the passenger’s seats on either side. They sped across the dusty airport toward the southern station, where Kelly had positioned the majority of the Human and Elite forces. They could see that the defensives had been deployed successfully; several rows of soldiers and armament positioned across a thin line nearly two hundred yards in length.

Melanie powered on her com. “Chief, this is Black Ops 05. What’s your twenty?”

“Copy.” Kelly replied over the com. “Central bombardment location. Look for the heavy guns.”

Melanie focused and her HUD zoomed into range. She could see the Spartan standing atop a Scorpion. At her side was a full deployment of long distance weapons; Wraith mortar tanks, Scorpion battle tanks, Warthog “Spits” and marines huffing RPGs.

“Copy your position.” Melanie replied. “Where do you need us?”

“Is the second with you?” Kelly questioned, referring to Simyaldee.

“Yes sir.”

“Patch him in.” Kelly heard a quick pitch change on her frequency, but she maintained her glance on the forward battlefield. She eyed the edge of the river, ignoring the numerous Egyptian statues that lined the coast. She rolled her battalion of long range weapons past the temples of Ramses the II and positioned them one hundred yards off the coast of the Nile River; less then two miles from the Airport.

“I am here, Spartan.” Simyaldee huffed over the transmission. “What has happened?”

“Our first attempt at a bombing attack on the Flood was a complete wash. We were intercepted by a Brute Seraph squadron. We lost several Longswords and any attempt at slowing the Floods advance. The Brutes are using the Flood as a means of weakening our defenses. They are driving them toward us like a stampeding herd.”

“Damn.” Simyaldee cursed with the often used human slur. “A clever tactic. This would explain why the Jiralhanae… the Brutes, have been active in this area. We encountered many of them at the human ship crash site.”

“Confirmed.” Kelly sighed. That was all she really needed to know. This last Flood outbreak was indeed a Brute setup.

“I can vouch for that as well, Chief.” Melanie added. “The Brutes were also stationed outside of Mukutan. We knew they were watching us the whole time, but we didn’t understand why. We figured they knew that the Flood was coming, but if that is where this outbreak began, then we can almost guarantee that the Brutes set this up.”

“But how?” Gridolee questioned. “The Flood cannot be controlled. Even the Heretics could not wield the Flood’s power for themselves.”

“For now, we don’t need to worry about how.” Kelly added to the conversation. “Simyaldee, I’m returning command to you, this was your base.”

“Understood.” Simyaldee stated as he stopped the Specter at the side of Kelly’s tank. She jumped down and stood at Simyaldee’s side. “What was your initial plan?”

Kelly looked out over the Nile River. “I just sent a spotter to the top of the temple. He’ll keep watch for the Flood on the far side of the river. When they get in range we start firing. The trick is, the Brutes. When the Flood enter the river our fighters will engage the Brute Seraph squadron. Hopefully we can hold off the Brutes before the Flood cross the River.”

Simyaldee turned and looked at the Temple of Ramses the II, and the spotter climbing to the top. “I see. This will work. We can not fight the Brute’s and the Flood, however, the water will slow down the Floods advance, giving our aerial units the time to fight. When the parasites clear the water… we crush them. They will no longer have the support of the Brutes.”

“Couldn’t have said it better myself.” Kelly smirked. “But there is a problem with this plan.”

Simyaldee huffed. “If our air combat fails, there will be no room for a strategic retreat. No matter. We will fight to the end.” Simyaldee turned to Gridolee. “Contact the Banshee squadron and tell them to prepare for immediate dispatch.” Simyaldee then turned to the Black Ops. “Once again we must fight together against the Parasites. Muster your human comrades and prepare a second line behind the front artillery. I suggest that your all terrain vehicles join you.”

Melanie nodded. “I like the way you think. The Warthogs can zip in when the time comes to displace.” Melanie nodded toward Mathew and the two Black Ops raced toward the marines and the ‘hogs’.

Kelly spoke up. “I’m in touch with Fleet and HighCom. The Longswords are in range and waiting for the order to engage.”

The red armored Elite that assisted Kelly grumbled at the words. “A pity they would not aid us earlier.”

Everyone broke off into their lines as Kelly climbed back to the top of the Scorpion. She glared outward across the expanse of water and recalled the words of Major Rawlings. She had made the right choice to stay on the front, or so she had thought. Disobeying a direct order, even an order that she clearly saw as personal, was not acceptable. It went against everything Corporal Mendaz had taught her.

“John, did I make the right choice?” Kelly thought to herself. Her question was more self questioning then anything. John, Spartan 117, was her commanding officer. A man she saw as her friend and family; her brother. A piece of her wanted to feel that he would accept her decision to ignore Major Rawlings. But truthfully, she knew he wouldn’t. John would have obeyed her order. If only someone else had made the call, if another officer in ONI had given the order she may have answered it, but the truth was Major Rawlings had unknown motives. Kelly was not going to risk her unit’s life on a legend.

“Contacts… holly God… there’s millions of them!” A frantic voice cried out on the communicator.

Kelly looked up into the dust storm on the opposite side of the Nile. She zoomed in with her HUD and gasped at the site. The Flood numbered well beyond what she could visually comprehend. Monsters of all shapes and sizes, tentacles slashing from side to side, beasts with unidentifiable forms climbed over one another in anticipation of the fresh flesh ahead of them.

Kelly contacted the spotter. “The seraph squadron?”

“No sign … nothing. The sky is clear.”

Kelly clinched her teeth. That was not a good sign. “All weapons… Fire!” The Brutes were most likely holding back, and letting the Flood be a diversion; they would try to flank her forces.

Fifteen Scorpion MBT’s angled their canon barrels and fired across the river. Explosions dotted the front line of the charging Flood but the creatures continued to advance. The Scorpions fired again and again, turning the far side of the River into a wave of red and black dust.

Simyaldee raised his left hand and waved it sharply toward the approaching flood. Ten Wraith units unleashed their plasma mortars high into the air. The blue boiling masses arced and dropped upon the heads of the Flood in a magnificent explosion of blue fumes. The power of the Scorpions and the Wraiths made the opposite Nile beach glow bright orange and green as the two explosive charges combined.

Marines cheered and praised the onslaught, knowing that the Flood numbers would be greatly reduced, but Kelly knew that this was only the start.

“Where are you?” Kelly mumbled. She turned her eyes skyward, ignoring the constant mind numbing throb of the Scorpion beneath her feet. “Where are you, you Brute bastards?”

“Sir!” The marine driver of the Scorpion shouted. “The front line of Flood are getting closer to the river! I can’t believe some of them are getting through!”

“Understood.” Kelly knew that they would get through, but for now she had to worry about the other threat. She happened to look to her left and spotted Simyaldee calmly watching the Sky. She had a feeling he would be watching for the Brutes as well. For an Elite, Simyaldee had her respect. Kelly knew of his skill, she had fought beside him on the Seed Ship after the Elite Home World was destroyed. And as Second in command of the Mirratord, she knew he was perhaps the deadliest Elite she would ever see in combat. At least for now, he was on their side.

Simyaldee then sharply looked eastward and pointed to the sky.



[Edited on 05.09.2007 7:19 AM PDT]

  • 05.09.2007 7:18 AM PDT

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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My Novel, available on Amazon.com

Homepage

Kelly spun and watched in horror as twenty Seraph fighters dotted the sky, diving toward their line of Wraiths and Scorpions; it was bombing run.

Kelly opened her com as quickly as she could. “Seraphs at nine o’clock, high!”

“Longswords inbound!” Came the reply.

“Banshees scramble!” Gridolee roared.

“On our way, Lieutenant!” Came the reply.

It was a race against time. The Brute controlled Seraphs had a perfect angle on the line of humans and Elites. The Longswords and Banshee were in range, but would they intercept in time? No. The Brutes would bomb them and be on their way out of range before the Longswords and Banshee’s could arrive.

Kelly had to time this perfectly. “Defensive measures, standby! Continue firing on the Flood!” All of the human forces knew what she meant, though they were still concerned about the approaching ships overhead. She waited, counting the seconds as the Brutes came to within weapons range. “Hold!” She shouted over the com, reassuring the marines not to power on their newly added defensive options. “Hold!” Her eyes grew wider as the first Seraph angled toward the line. Kelly could see the Seraph’s weapons bay open as the first plasma charge sailed free from the its undercarriage.

“Deploy!” She shouted as she unclipped a grenade sized device from her belt. Down the line, hundreds of marines were doing the same. She pressed the red button on top of the small device and threw it into the hard sandy ground. A puff of energy sprang forth, and glowed around her and a portion of the Scorpion. An awkward discharge of sound bubbled throughout the air as hundreds of Marines and vehicles were wrapped in Bubble Shields.

“We only get one shot at this!” Kelly radioed to everyone. Simyaldee was surprised to see the unique shield units as several humans also deployed them around the Elite controlled Wraiths.

The first volley of plasma rained over the line of Bubble Shields, and from the Brute perspective it was a direct hit. Flames snapped into the air, explosions rolled across the line of human and Elite vehicles, but beneath the flames everyone was protected.

“I’ll be damned. The bloody things worked!” Shouted a random marine as he and others happily cheered their success.

“Clever.” Simyaldee said as he examined the bubble shields’ interior.

Kelly radioed, “No time to cheer. Maintain fire!” The Wraiths and Scorpions continued to propel their arsenal through the shield at the charging Flood forms as they entered the Nile River. Soon the Bubble Shields faded and all eyes once again turned upward as the Brutes turned for another bombing run. The twenty Seraphs banked and rolled toward them again, but this time they were greeted by Fifteen UNSC Longsword interceptors. They streaked over Kelly’s head, the roaring engines propelling them higher into the air to greet the approaching Brute advance.

Kelly’s com burst with static. “We have engaged the enemy units, Spartan 087. We’ll show these monkeys why we flyboys rule the sky.”

“Roger that.” Kelly sighed. They only had one shot at using the Bubble Shields, and that was it. The defensive units were new to the UNSC arsenal, and very limited. Thankfully she chose the best way to use them. “Black Ops, what’s your status?”

“Were fine, Chief.” Melanie replied. “The Brutes completely ignored the second line, and we could see the fireworks. What the hell were those shield things?”

“The latest from the Section III R-&-D.” Kelly sighed. “Stand by to engage with Warthog’s.”

“Roger.” Melanie replied over the com.

So far everything was going smoothly, but eventually the Flood would get close, and there would be chaos. She took the moment and opened a wide-com line to every Marine and Elite.

“We have no place to retreat too. Behind us are the people we have sworn to protect. If we fail, they will die. We can not turn our back on anyone. As in instructed, this will be a two line defensive and you will only fall back when ordered. Hold this line!”

“OHH RAH!” Came and rolling reply from the marines.

With hundreds of metallic pings the marines switched off their safeties, pulled back hammers and slapped in fresh magazines. The marines pulled up to the front line and readied themselves as they looked down their respected barrels at the river’s edge. While overhead, a massive aerial dogfight continued. Seraphs and Longswords rolled and banked as they attempted to subdue one another, while the slower Banshees assisted when they could. Kelly looked down the line of Marines and Elites. They were as ready as they would be. But she was already thinking of the next option. Their line wouldn’t hold against the Floods tireless assault.

Kelly’s internal speaker sparked. “Not bad, Chief.” Melanie added in typical Black Ops fashion. “You gave me goose bumps.”

“Goose bumps?” Mathew cut into the private channel. “The Chief can give me goose bumps anytime she wanted to. There’s something about a women in green battle armor.”

Kelly raised an eyebrow, “I can’t believe Sergeant Raynord lets you talk like this. Cut the chatter, Spartans.”

Melanie quickly returned. “Roger that, Sir. That’s how we cut the tension. Sorry.”

Tension. Kelly thought to herself and understood what Melanie meant. Unlike the other Spartans, Kelly had been flying around the galaxy with Doctor Halsey. And while the Doctor was strict, she allowed Kelly to talk more then she ever would have during a typical Spartan mission.

No matter how she looked at it, Kelly knew she was different then her remaining brothers and sisters; her adopted family. The awkward part was that she was becoming more and more like Spartan 051, Kurt. His tragic death in 2531 was something that Kelly and her other Spartan kin kept closely guarded in their hearts. Kurt was extremely sociable for a Spartan, even Doctor Halsey found him a bit to talkative at times, but his unique dynamic nature made him an important asset in the Spartan’s ‘family’. He gave them all a social dynamic that they otherwise needed. It was becoming clear to Kelly, that a bit of Kurt was beginning to show through herself.

Kelly tripped on her com. “I understand, 05. Every squad has its own dynamics. You may continue on your private frequency.”

“Sorry Chief, you’re the leader of the human forces on this campaign. If you aren’t with us, then we’ll stick to protocol.”

Kelly remained silent. She gripped her BR-55 rifle from her back and attached an M-90 in its place. She checked her automated ammo shells from her armor’s belt clip and made sure the BR had a full magazine. She then jumped down from the top of the Scorpion and took a knee at the marines line; facing the water’s edge. She scanned her active weapons inventory. Two M7 sub machines with three spare clips each, rested inside her thigh holsters. Two plasma and two fragmentation grenades rested in her belt holsters. Her trusty BR-55 was sat in her hand with four ammo magazines in her left belt storage. And magnetically attached to her back panel was the UNSC ‘Elite killer’, the M90 shotgun, with thirty extra rounds in her right belt storage. Every storage compartment on her armor was maxed out and bursting at the seams with ammo. She was ready.

Her motion tracker pinged.

“Hostile units detected!” Kelly roared over the com.

Simyaldee joined Kelly in the front, unclipped his dual energy swords and turned on his com. “All tank units begin to fall back to the second line while maintaining fire. Black Ops, prepare for repositioning on my order.”

“Roger that.” The front line of Scorpions and Wraiths began to back away from the shore, but continued to fire until they were out of range. It was a bit unnerving for the marines to see the Tanks leaving them alone on the front, without them there was zero cover in the openness off the Nile River bank.

Simyaldee turned to Kelly. “Spartan, what is your name?” Kelly looked at him awkwardly. “I know this may seem sudden. But in Sangheili culture, a name means many things, and it is bound with honor.”

She answered. “My name is Spartan 087…” She paused. “Kelly.”

Simyaldee stated. “Well then, Kelly, let us decimate this Parasite infestation.”

“I like the way you think.” Kelly stated as the first Flood form rose from the water’s depths.

Water dripped from the creature’s form as it gargled and spat an angry cry. Its words were lost in any form of comprehension and swung it’s tentacles in all directions. Another appeared behind it and another and another, soon the Nile’s coast was swarming with Flood combat forms.

“Brothers, form up on me!” Simyaldee shouted to the Elites under his command. “Fire!” Plasma volleys ignited into the Flood numbers. Pink crystal shards from Needlers also darted across the air. The Flood were cut down in a rapid fashion, but they kept coming. The Flood stormed the beach with reckless determination. The marines fired controlled bursts into them, cutting more and more of them down. The wave of the Flood pushed forward, slowly cutting the distance between them.

One hundred yards turned into seventy five. But the Marines and Elites held.

Seventy five yards turned into fifty. But the Marines and the Elites gave it their all.

Fifty yards turned into twenty five. And the forces began to buckle.

Panic was filling the human lines as the Flood pressed toward them. Grenades were thrown in order to further hold the Flood’s aggression. But they pushed forward without regard for their own fate. The Flood lines exploded, crumbled, and splattered but they continued to push forward.

Kelly felt it. The marines were loosing their calm. “Hold the line a little longer!”

  • 05.09.2007 7:21 AM PDT

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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My Novel, available on Amazon.com

Homepage

She fired rapidly, switching magazines with unrivaled speed. Her Battle Riffle continuously barked its deadly payload with accurate results. By now, it was common knowledge on how to kill a Flood combat form, but hitting it was still difficult. Simyaldee stood at her side, powered on his blades and waited for them to get close. Gridolee stood at his commander’s side and also powered on his dual blades. The Mirratord would not run from this menace, and neither was Kelly.

Spartan 087 stood. In her mind she had no where to go unless the Flood was stopped. She tossed her Battle Riffle, and pulled down her Shotgun. She pumped a round in the chamber and looked down the barrel. Her back was to an invisible wall, and there was no escape.

The marines were loosing their calm, but many were staying steady. Kelly knew that if one marine backed away, that would start a chain reaction and many more would succumb to their fear.

A flood jumped toward her and she pulled the trigger, blowing away the flood forms corpse. “Hold this line!” She shouted as she took one step forward.

Simyaldee roared a battle cry and lunged forward at the closest Flood form near to him. “Black Ops, now!” He shouted into his com.

Six Warthogs speed from around the large temple hillside of Abu Simbel, dust was tossed from the massive wheels. The marines onboard cheered hysterically as they forced themselves to forget their fear. The six vehicles plowed into the Floods thicket, tossing corpses in to the air. The ‘Spit’ cannons and chain guns fired rapidly into the creatures as the drivers swerved wildly.

Kelly cut into her com. “Marines, fall back to the second line. Black Ops, steady the artillery for another hold!” Kelly stepped forward, joining Simyaldee and Gridolee in the midst of the Flood. Her M90 flared with successive discharges as the Warthogs drove in circles around them. More Elites raced into the thicket, not retreating with the human numbers.

“Fall back, brothers!” Simyaldee roared. “Stand with the humans and prepare for the second defensive!”

The Elites ignored his orders. “It is best to face this threat head on, then to turn our backs to it!” One red armored Elite roared. The Elite stampeded into the Flood advance as the marines ran.

Melanie zoomed into the battle and watched as Kelly gave it her all. “Chief, don’t be a hero! The hogs will provide cover! Fall back to our position!” Melanie watched as the Marines ran toward her line. She stood and fired several rounds toward the trailing Flood combat forms. Some of the retreating marines weren’t so lucky. Melanie watched as one poor soldier was impaled by a Flood tentacle and tossed to the ground in agony. The creature left the soldier alone just as several infection forms began to claw at his throat. Melanie did the only reasonable thing she could. She leveled her BR and put a round through the soldier head. His body would be consumed, but at least he wouldn’t endure the torment of becoming a Flood host. His body began to rise and she tossed a plasma grenade to his rapidly decaying form.

Kelly’s shotgun blazed in the chaos as the two Mirratord Elites held firm at her side. The Flood crumbled beneath their combined might. Simyaldee’s blade swung the majestic motion of a river stream; steady and constant. While Gridolee still relied heavily upon his brute strength; lunging into the Flood and disemboweling them with powerful upward motions. The other Elites under Simyaldee’s command slowly began to fall from the Flood’s aggression, one by one they crumbled under overwhelming odds.

“Fall back!” Kelly shouted as she reloaded. She then began to step back while firing. Simyaldee and Gridolee followed, but they never turned their back to the enemy. Several Elite’s joined them in the tactical retreat, firing as they slowly backed away. The Floods numbers where immense, but Kelly hoped that Black Ops 05 was able to get the second line ready.

Melanie watched as Kelly and the Elites began to back peddle toward her, she the looked into the massive Flood wave to see how many of her Warthogs were still engaged. “Hogs, fall back to second line. Hold the Flood as best you can and provide cover for the Elites!”

“Roger that, ma’am!”

Of the six warthogs that entered the flood wave, only two made it out. The hogs were blazing in flame and soaked in flood decay, but they were still running hard. The drivers steered closer to Kelly and the Elites, and their gunner provided ample cover fire as they retreated.

Melanie watched as the Left and right flanks near Kelly began to swarm with Flood forms. “Rocket boys, left and right flanks! Fire!” Several volleys of RPG rounds streaked into the distance and slowed the Flood’s advance.

“Thanks for that!” Kelly exhaled over the com link. She knew they were being flanked on both sides, but there was very little that she could do with the Flood pressing toward her face. “Keep the pressure up! Move more firepower to the nine and six, and be ready for another swell of pressure.”

“Already ahead of you!” Melanie added. “08, unleash hell!”

Mathew tapped the gunner and his several rounds of tank fire began to poor into the line of flood forms. They were firing to the sides of the Elites, making sure to give them plenty of clearance.

Kelly watched as sand and Flood decay rained from overhead, signaling that the artillery was in position. She turned on her heel, and broke into a full sprint to the second line. “Simyaldee fall back, double time!”

“Warriors, fall back to the second defensive!” Simyaldee roared to his kin. The remaining Elites retreated at full sprint. Being naturally faster then average humans, the Elite and Kelly were able to barely outpace the Flood’s wild chase, but they managed to get clear enough for Melanie to unleash her second attack.

“Coverage team, fire!” Melanie yelled into her com. From atop the Temple of Abu Simbel, several Marines fired RPG rounds into the chasing pack of Flood combat forms, provide the Elites with plenty of room to escape. Yet the attack revealed to the Flood that there were humans on top of the massive statue. They quickly turned and began to climb to the top. “Coverage team, get out of there! There on to you!”

“Damn, we’ve been cut off! We’ll try to hold here ma’am. Good luck to you all.” The marine’s transmission cut as Melanie continued to watch them fight off the Flood forms climbing toward them. Shotgun rounds flashed from the top of the temple mound as the Marines took their last stand against countless flood. They were finished, Melanie knew it, and there was nothing she could do to save them.

Simyaldee stopped at her side, breathing heavily. “Such is a command decisison. Do not dwell on them, their fate is no longer in your hands. You must focus ahead of you.”

He was right. Melanie turned her attention away from the temple mound, knowing that eventually the Flood would consume the soldier she had sent up there. This was what it meant to be in charge and to make strategic decisions. She saved Kelly and few Elites, but sacrificed five marines. In terms of strategy, one Spartan was worth the loss of five marines.

Kelly took a knee at Melanie’s side. “Good work. Check your gear and began to move the artillery back to a third position. We’ll keep falling back until we reach the Ariport.”

Simyaldee radioed to the command center at Abu Simbel. “Elder, this is Lieutenant Simyaldee. Prepare the grunts and your Mirratord Guards for a final defensive at southern Edge of the Air port. We will hold them as best we can. Stand by for further orders.”

Kelly couldn’t help but overhear. “There’s more Mirratord with you?”

“Yes, protecting the Elder stationed at the Base. He chose to stay behind instead of fleeing with the other Elders upon the Seed Ship.”

“I think our chances just went up a little.” Kelly smirked as she readied her Shotgun.

Melanie chimed in. “A third line is set, Chief. I’m falling back to set them up.”

“Confirmed, use the high ground as best you can.” Kelly zoomed in as the Flood once again sprinted through the steady down poor of artillery. “And set up a mine field one mile back. If we make it that far, that should give us time to set up our last stand at the airfield.”

Melanie grinned from ear to ear. “One Lotus patch coming up. I think I’ll use a triangle grid this time. I haven’t done one of those in a long time.” Melanie stood and sprinted at full speed to the established third line.

Kelly watched as she went and was amazed at her land speed. “You Black Ops really are Spartans, aren’t you?”

“You got that right, Chief.” Melanie huffed as she sprinted. “When we finish with the Flood, I’ll tell you all about it.”

- - - - - - - -

Eden Medical Facility // Civilian Refugee Camp
Central Egypt
November 2, 2552


“I repeat, Abu Simbel is under attack. All UNSC Personal are to report to duty stations immediately.”

The broadcast sounded over the speakers of the Military ward of the hospital, and the affect it had was spontaneous. The medical facility quickly filled with activity as marines and naval officers began to scramble. Those who were visiting wounded friends or having minor injuries checked, quickly began to exit the facility.

[Edited on 05.09.2007 11:33 AM PDT]

  • 05.09.2007 7:23 AM PDT

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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My Novel, available on Amazon.com

Homepage

In Eric’s recovery room the situation was the same. “Alright people, let’s move.” Captain Monroe shouted to her crew. She began to pass out small pills which would alleviate the symptoms of being intoxicated, yet they would all feel hung-over for a few hours; the pill would only help them maintain their focus. Monroe watched as her crew exited the room, and she turned to Eric one last time. “We’ll be waiting for you.” She saluted and walked out the door.

Eric sighed and glared into the ceiling. “I hate this.”

Rose smiled. “I can imagine.” Her words reflected on her inability to help fight. But she held her peace and leaned closer to Eric. She gripped his hands one last time and leaned in to kiss him. “I can’t fight this war your way, Eric. I’m not a soldier, and no matter how I lie to myself, I’ll never get use to it. I tired it your way, but I’m much more suited to doing this my way.”

After the kiss Eric squeezed her hand tightly. “What have you been up to the last few days?” He questioned, knowing that Rose was hinting toward something more.

“I’ve been working with ONI Section III’s R&D teams on unlocking the mysteries of the Reclaimer Armor. Based on your security clearance, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.”

Eric nodded. “Yeah, beneath Camp Eden.”

“It would appear that Section III did a lot of research into who would be utilized in the ORION Project. The super soldier Gene is dormant in nearly all of humanity except for roughly .09 percent. These humans were selected amongst volunteers of the Military when the ORION Project first began.”

Eric raised a finger. “Wait.” He then turned to Carolyn Smith. “Doc, I need you to come talk with us for a moment.” Rose seemed confused. Eric eased her nerves by adding, “IDoctor Smith has studied the ORION Project for the past seventeen years.”

Carolyn Smith sat beside Rose. “He’s right. I studied the notes left by Section III scientists and Doctor Halsey in order to … help… make faster Spartans.” She sulked. The memories of the crimes she committed still haunted her.

Rose nodded and continued. “From what I found out from Major Rawlings notes, it confirmed everything that the Seed Ship’s main computer said. Humanity was genetically enhanced, but the gene became dormant over time and eventually evolution. The ORION Project was a test to reactivate the Gene. Spartans are the result of this. Major Rawlings is a Spartan I, including several other members of the UNSC.”

“Rawlings?” Carolyn oddly questioned. “But her file were …”

“Deleted.” Rose added. “I know. She only has one copy of her original file. It is kept in her desk and locked at all times. Her file on the UNSC registry was deleted to protect her past.”

Eric questioned, “How do you know that?”

“She showed it to me.” Rose sighed. “She knew that I would need a blood sample in order to open the Reclaimer armor…”

“What?” Carolyn cut in once again. “Rose, you have to back up. Explain this to me.”

Rose cleared her throat. “When I first began to experiment on the Reclaimer armor beneath Camp Eden, I discovered that the suit responded only to a unique genetic code. Without this code, the armor was dormant. So I ignored the interior of the Armor and focused on external research. This allowed me time to finish a few Mark VI upgrades. After a day of work Major Rawlings gave me an old paper file, it wasn’t in digital format, along with a vile of blood. She told me that everything I needed in order to open the armor was in that folder. She was right, the blood instantly charged the armor’s systems, but the servos were burned out.”

“Amazing.” Doctor Smith eagerly listened. “Her blood contained the genetic marker, the code to power the suit.”

“Right.” Rose continued. “But something was odd. The Reclaimer Armor, and thusly the Mark V and VI, were based on humans with the Super Soldier Gene.” Rose continued. “Yet humanity had become too evolved, and the gene lay dormant. ONI had to do research in order to awaken the Super Soldier Gene.”

Eric added. “So they created the ORION Project to study people and find a way to reactivate the gene.”

Rose agreed. “But like I said, something is odd about this. Major Rawlings wouldn’t let me draw more blood from her to do further tests. She told me to do what I could with what I had. And that got me thinking… if studying the suit is so critical, you would think that the Major would be eager to give as much blood as was necessary, but she seemed almost irritated that I need more. I don’t think it was her blood in that vile. Her name was on it, but I think it was a cover up for whom ever it really belonged to.”

Carolyn lowered her head and sighed deeply. “I think I know who it is.” Eric and Rose glared at her deeply, awaiting the information. “The Orion Project contains some fairly interesting information about ‘Human Physical Structure and Experimentation.’ It contains documents dating as far back as World War II -blam!- research and World War III Tzu Fein research. Mind you, these were some of the most twisted human research programs ever documented. During my studies of Doctor Halsey’s research on the Spartan II’s, she noted several things. There were three soldiers who showed an almost immunity to the Catalytic thyroid implant. And of these three soldiers, two of them only needed sixty percent of the full Muscular Enhancement dosages. They showed an immediate reaction to the injection, as if it weren’t needed. These two Spartans were 117 and 087.”

“John and Kelly.” Eric stated.

Doctor Smith looked up. “And of those two, only one of them had their pre-Spartan training file deleted; Kelly. John’s family background, upbringing, home planet, and doctor records are on file. Kelly’s file has been completely erased prior to her training. Also, I found it interesting that Kelly’s family was not given a certification of death, like the other Spartans.”

“Certificate of Death?” Rose questioned.

Eric added. “The Spartan Program used kidnapped children, not volunteers. They were replaced by flash clones which eventually died of selected organ failures. This way, the families would not go looking for their children.”

Rose gasped, “That’s terrible.”

“Do you think John and Kelly know what they are?” Eric questioned. “The only reason we know anything about this is because of the Seed Ship.”

Rose shook here head. “Kelly may no something, but I doubt how much of it is she is aware of. But it makes since, that Prophet clone we found, he said that Kelly looked a lot like the Reclaimer that piloted the Ark.”

Eric leaned closer. “Mercy said that? Are you sure?”

“Yeah. I was there when Doctor Halsey gave her dissertation on the topic.” Rose laughed.

“Then there is a connection between Kelly and the Ark.” Eric added. “I knew several of the science teams that studied the Ark. They said that it wasn’t complete. Something was missing. A few days later Major Rawlings brought in that crystal.”

“You mean the crystal I gave to the Covenant?” Rose said nervously, recalling her past sin to humanity.

“At the time, they didn’t know there was a connection between the Ark and the Halo’s… but now we know they are connected.”

“Oh hell.” Rose sulked. “Now I understand why Rawlings doesn’t like me.” She looked at Eric and smiled. “Well, I thought you’d want to know about this. I’m working as hard as I can to improve the armor. Like I promised… I’m going to make weapons that will help us win this war.”

Eric sat up from the bed and began to remove the I.V. drip from his arm. “Thanks for the info.”

Rose stood and walked toward the door. “If I find out anything more, I’ll let you know. I have to get back to the Section III before noon. Are you… going to the front line now?” Eric simply smiled. Rose returned the smile and walked out of the room; she had to let Eric do what he needed to do.

Doctor Smith stood from Eric’s bed side and checked his bandages once again. “You know I can’t recommend you going back out now. You just finished surgery a few hours ago.”

“My squad needs me.” Eric stated as he stretched and examined his own motor functions. He felt a little awkward, but it wasn’t anything he couldn’t recover from.

“Eric.” Doctor Smith leaned closer. “Fifteen years ago… I …” Eric looked at her curiously. “Your augmentation is based on cloned muscle tissue of the Spartan IIs. In order to save you from complete muscle failure, I had to synthetically transfuse all of your blood. It was the only way to save you back then. This prevented the muscle augmentation procedure from failing and killing you all. As you know, synthetic blood has its draw backs, and that is why you lost so much of your strength. However, thanks to Doctor Halsey, your strength has been restored because of her anti-Flood treatment. The synthetic blood I used in you was based on Kelly’s blood.” Eric glared at the doctor.

Carolyn smiled awkwardly. “Your blood type matched Kelly’s, so we used her as your template. So when the time came to transfuse you, we used Kelly’s hemoglobin makeup. Each of the Black Ops was transfused with their corresponding Spartan II. Based on what we were just discussing, the same gene that makes Kelly a Reclaimer… is also flowing through your blood. I can honestly say that there are now four Reclaimers amongst us. You, Kelly, John… and Melanie.”

Eric lowered his head and starred blankly at his new fatigues resting on the edge of the bed. “Don’t repeat that information to anyone… ever.” He gripped his clothes and pulled them on.

“But this is a good thing.” Carolyn added. “Isn’t it?”

To be continued…

************************************
Notes: Okay, full steam ahead for a while as the action will continuously rise until the next down time. Palab will also show his tiny little head as well, and a little bit more info about what's going on with "Reclaimers".



[Edited on 05.09.2007 7:40 AM PDT]

  • 05.09.2007 7:26 AM PDT
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OK, gotta read it, but when I saw that Level 7 was posted and for some reason I didn't notice the title had changed, I threw my hands up and smiled like I was still a baby. OMG school has reverted me back to infantile form!!! :-(

I have read the level, and I feel like a little kid. I want the story to have more chapters. I can't wait. Pa-pa-pa-please Soulguard, help a fellow Mirratord out out. Now in all seriousness. Here is what I liked:

1) The Bubble Shields: OMG great addition to the tactics and it makes perfect sense for them to be part of your story since this story takes place b/w H2 and H3 or around the time H3 is taking place.
2) How Simyaldee and Gridolyee stands right by Kelly as she fights. It would be cool if Kelly was given twin blades, I bet she would rival Simyaldee.
3) The info about Sargent Raynold and the cloned muscle. It seems that the correlation b/w your SII.5's (Spartan 2.5's) and SII are unrivaled.
4) I like how Rose was frank with Eric and started to open up to Eric
5) I am so interested in the Reclaimers and what not. I can't wait.

There was nothing I didn't like. This was an awesome Level.

[Edited on 05.09.2007 9:39 AM PDT]

  • 05.09.2007 8:42 AM PDT
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i going to have to agree with Fred there

holy crap that was great, not only for the action but for every little thing mmmm4 reclaimers aye wonder why eric told her not to tell anyone?? make for very very interesting reading

  • 05.09.2007 3:52 PM PDT