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  • Subject: "Path of Reclamation" Level 11 posted 6/15 --p83--
Subject: "Path of Reclamation" Level 11 posted 6/15 --p83--
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Seriously, Stand Five Feet High was a great story. I actually started with Elaine and the first story and feel in love. I loved the way he weaved religious lore into his story. I couldn't believe how awesome the story was. I have been a loyal follower since I found the story. It is like every Friday, I look forward to a new installment, especially because these levels have been insanely good, high paced, and I want to see Eric finish his fight like John will finish his fight on September 25.

  • 06.28.2007 10:39 AM PDT

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Now now, bbender, I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad. But I do put a lot of thought into my notes and ideas.

I've been looking through your stories lately, but haven't taken the chance to read one yet. The Arbiter and Ash looks to be quite the riot!! I'm sure I'll read that one first.

Yeah Fred, Elena was a fun story. The time period gave me some challenge, but it was fun looking into history and gathering some data. Once Halo 3 is released, I'll be working some of the story elements into PoR, just like I did with biblical points with Elena. Hopefully I'm not too far off the beaten trail for halo 3, as I'm sure the timeline will be something I'll need to adjust to.. and perhaps some locations. Time will tell.

~soulguard

  • 06.28.2007 11:33 AM PDT
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Heh, I try not to get down on myself too much. I have been at it for a little over a year now so I have room to grow in the writing department. If you are a fan of the Evil Dead/AoD stuff then I think you will like my story. Definitely AU for both series, but it holds more true to the Army of Darkness universe. I got pretty much railed in my reviews, but I think that was due to the fact that I originally placed it in the Halo category, and people didn't catch the "Bruce Campbell-esque" tone to the story, but hopefully it won't disgust you too much.. LOL

As for my other stuff, I (personally) like my Flash Clones:Last Light story the best in the Halo realm, although I am really trying to hash out my writing with the Heroes story I am currently working on. Both are attempts to write more drama and develop characters than anything. That is one thing that just floors me about your stories is the interaction between characters and the drama it brings in the midst of chaos.

It would be great to have you read/comment on my stuff, but if not then use that time to get back to work on Soulguardian.. LOL



[Edited on 06.28.2007 11:49 AM PDT]

  • 06.28.2007 11:46 AM PDT
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I am a Sangheili Bard.
Tomes of the History of the Mirratord
For the honor of the Mirratord!

Posted by: SPARTAN 1O4FRED
I wonder where Lai Tasha is. I am surprised she hasn't posted. I will go to FF.net right now. I didn't know you could discuss this there

Lai isnt a woman. I am. I'm told his sister came up with that callsign... no ideas as to his whereabouts.

I'm actually more wondering how mad everyone will be by the time everything gets back to Rawlings- she'll have her hands full, for sure, with the kidnapping of a valuable asset followed by the frustrations of being drilled and hammered to death (litterally) so that at the loss of Mel, things get real hot. I would like to see what Eric has in mind for the conniving witch.
~Aardvark

Edit; where is this happening, by the way? Is it Africa?

[Edited on 06.28.2007 2:22 PM PDT]

  • 06.28.2007 2:19 PM PDT
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For some reason I thought Lai Tasha was a girl b/c he knew all the names for Natasha or something like that. Thanx for clarifying Aardvark.

I agree with your questions as well.

Africa --> East Africa--> Kenya or so I think

  • 06.28.2007 2:26 PM PDT
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Back from a small holidays from the internet and first thing i did was check for a new chapter. I almost cried there, i was actually hoping Eric and Mel ended together instead of the other girl..... <.<
But i agree with soulguard there, it had to happen, after all they can't win every battle and Mel's death might be good to develop Eric's feelings more since i think they represent a big deal in this story and everyone's future. Siren is beggining to seem a little like Cortana :p
Great job soulguard keep on with this :D

  • 06.29.2007 12:47 PM PDT

Phoenix is dead, long live Phoenix!
Is it?

I'm on holiday, I've just come to say I've read this chapter, and Soul it's some of your best work yet. In this chapter you have managed to capture all the intensity of Palab at the battle of Jorenlee (not the right spelling) all the angish of Etahs death, all the mystery and intrigue of Elena in the battle of the watchmen against the angle of the gods.

Nice scene though since this feels like a climactic scene here, I wonder what will happen next...

Phoenixian.

Edit.

dldaddy
2007-06-27
ch 12, reply
No! I can't believe Melanie is gone! How dare you! LOL. Man I hated that chapter, but in a good way. I wonder what Siren is going to think about Mel's demise? hm


My thoughts exactly in reference to Siren wouldn't it be a comical scene if Melenie had an AI made, I'm sure Siren and the mel's AI would get along all nice and dandy. cough.

[Edited on 06.30.2007 12:41 PM PDT]

  • 06.30.2007 2:41 AM PDT
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I could see the two of them conspiring against Rose:

Mel: God, her butt is so big in that uniform
Kim: Eric is just way to good for her

Mel: Yeah if only you had a body.. Such a minor thing
Kim: Shut up before I purge you

Ok, that sucked, but I am tired.. ;)

  • 06.30.2007 4:15 PM PDT

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Posted by: bbender
I could see the two of them conspiring against Rose:

Mel: God, her butt is so big in that uniform
Kim: Eric is just way to good for her

Mel: Yeah if only you had a body.. Such a minor thing
Kim: Shut up before I purge you

Ok, that sucked, but I am tired.. ;)


Mel: You and what army?
Kim: *creates multiple clone army* This one.

Mel: You never could fight your own fights. I thought we were against Rose?
Kim: Shut up.

Mel: Make me!
Kim: Wait, where did Rose go?

Mel: You lost her.
Kim: Crap. Because you were talking so much.

Mel: You're giving me a headache. I need a drink.
Kim: When did you start drinking?

Mel: When you gave me that flask!
Kim: I said put WATER in it!

Mel: Really? I don't recall that.
Kim: .... you never learned anything.


uhhh... so yeah... that is the plot for chapter 13. Kim and Mel arguing while in AI form. Then Cortana shows up and it turns into a massive catfight between Kim and Cortana, while Mel looks for whisky that she can't drink. LOL

But seriously, I'll have an update soon. Expect to see a post for chapter 13 around wednesday, July 4.
~soulguard



[Edited on 06.30.2007 6:13 PM PDT]

  • 06.30.2007 6:08 PM PDT
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Ok, this is really bad as the geek comes out.. I will shut up after this one..

Mel: Do you think this algorithm makes me look fat?
Kim: I told you to stay away from the MS section

Kim: Oh look, there's Cortana. Let's go kick her assembler

Cortana: IF you think you can THEN
TRY
and see if you can
CATCH
me

Kim: *sigh* I've seen division by zero that would give me more problems than you
Mel: Hey what happened? Why is everything blue?.....

Now, if my membership here isn't revoked, I will be anxiously waiting the next chapter.. :)

  • 06.30.2007 6:41 PM PDT

Soulguard please release the next Level on July 3rd, not the 4th, as I will be off celebrating and blowing things up with fireworks.

  • 07.01.2007 7:38 AM PDT
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I am a Sangheili Bard.
Tomes of the History of the Mirratord
For the honor of the Mirratord!

Who told you you could do that?? That's MY master plan! I was going to make a real dramatic show of it, too... (sigh) Maybe the next chapter will settle some coals in the basket, make it light from the bottom like it is supposed to.
~Aardvark

  • 07.01.2007 2:43 PM PDT
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I'm just excited we will have a new chapter and Transformers will be coming out. \m/ \m/

  • 07.01.2007 6:42 PM PDT
Subject: Halo Fanfic: If I were your hero
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pretty good.

Couple of typos that others might have mentioned already

A couple of the "their" you used should be "they are" or "they're"

and surgically not surgical

KOD

  • 07.01.2007 9:19 PM PDT

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Update Level 13 is done, but I am having some trouble with the flow. The ending seems to need more work. Also level 14 is done, yet it seems to be too early in the story for some of these events to be happening; and it feels rushed. So I am editing level 13 and rethinking 14. 15 is already outlined and building, but nothing solid is written.

I am concerned that no one will understand level 13 as it really may go unnoticed in the plot movement. There is something about it that I am trying to figure out, but hopefully I can clean it up and post it soon. I'm now thinking of posting it around friday. It is a short level, clocking in at just under 12 pages. So there is a lot of room to add material without loosing focus of the subject. However I am worried that some things may get lost in this level. Subtle hints that I like to drop are often missed or ignored and then when they reappear later, most are caught off guard, yet in a positive way. I like it when people go back and read it again, they notice all the small hints and how things connect throughout the story. ~satisfying sigh~

So on that note, I'm still working and I'll update soon.

~soulguard

  • 07.02.2007 12:26 PM PDT

The Mirratord The Right Hand Of The High Council

Never judge a man till you've marched a mile in his boots! After that who cares? He's a mile away AND YOU'VE GOT HIS BOOTS!!!!

my anticipation grows

  • 07.02.2007 2:54 PM PDT
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Looking forward to it!

  • 07.03.2007 4:35 AM PDT
Subject: Halo Fanfic: Path of Reclamation

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Well it went better then expected. And so... here is the first run through. Same as before, small grammer mistake will be present and the edited version will be posted later this week on FF.net. Enjoy.
*************************
Level 13: Last Will and Testament

Time stamp \\ October 29, 2552
Black Ops 05 \\ Chief Petty Officer Melanie Peters

“Damn I hate this. Testing. Testing. Testing. Today is … damn, October 29, 2552. I, Melanie Peters, am here to say that there are no changes to my damn Will. Everything is the way it was the day I signed the damn thing. Brass says I have to … I need to record any changes to my Will now that we are back on Earth, so here I am saying that there are no changes. Every week… every damn week we have to do this -blam!- and it irritates the hell out …”


- - - - - - - -

Camp Eden
November 8, 2552

A cold blue contrail of blood was flung into the air as explosions sounded in the distance. Eric sat on top of a dead brute, breathing heavily as he pressed his combat knife deeper into the deceased creature’s skull. He pulled the knife free and stabbed it again and again, hoping that the pain in his heart would go away. Blood splattered on his armor, staining into his fatigues and dripped from his helmet.

At his side, Mathew kicked a dead brute from off of him. He stood and held his side as he examined the area. All the Brutes that had surrounded them were dead, yet Eric had only killed one Brute. Mathew counted three that he himself had slain, but that did not account for the other five Brutes that lay lifeless around them. They had been surrounded and outnumbered, yet lived through it.

Mathew walked over to Eric and watched as he slowly dug his knife into the Brutes lifeless corpse. He placed a hand on Eric’s shoulder but dared not to interfere.

“It was unwise for you to leave your position in such a way.” The deep voice of a Sangheili sounded in Mathew’s ear. He turned and watched as Gridolee uncloaked and appeared before him. Several more Elites also appeared; the Mirratord. Mathew then realized that they had been saved from the jaws of death. “We were returning to the line when we saw you surrounded. Luckily we arrived just in time.”

“Not soon enough.” Mathew coldly stated. He turned to Eric and forcefully pulled him off of the dead brute.

“What has happened?” Gridolee questioned.

Eric turned to Gridolee and glared at him through his helmet visor. “We lost 05. She’s dead.” Eric turned toward the front line and watched as the brutes and jackals began to regroup. Overhead, a new swarm of drones buzzed into the area. The brutes were about to press toward them again. “08, pull the Marines up, we’re taking back the front line.”

Mathew tapped on his COM. “Marines, get your lazy asses up here. Check the dead brutes on your way up. Weapons transports, reposition to the second line and ammo up.” Mathew nodded toward Eric.

Eric opened a COM line to Palab. “Sergeant, you have the second line now.”

Palab replied, “Human female no longer in command?” Palab questioned.

Eric calmly replied back. “She’s dead.”

“Dead? Human female is dead?”

Eric listened closely to Palab’s voice, hearing the obvious concern and wondering what the grunt was thinking, but Eric knew that he needed to get himself focused. “Don’t dwell on it. She isn’t the first or the last of us to die in this war.”

Palab snapped back. “Me understand.”

The COM went silent and Eric moved toward the gathering Marines. He scanned the lot and picked up his assault rifle. He had nothing to say to any of them. He turned and faced the Mirratord. Unlike the marines and ODST under his command, Eric knew that the Mirratord wouldn’t die so easily. While his desire to strike back against the Brutes was strong, Eric still had to consider the lives of his men.

“Gridolee, we’re pushing back toward the front line.”

“Understood.” Gridolee nodded. He turned to his team. “Split up amongst the human troops. We’ll provide assistance as the humans retake their lost grounds.” Gridolee then chuckled as he spoke to his kin. “It is time to spill more Jiralhanae blood.” The Mirratord warriors all growled deeply in response. The Mirratord were living up to their name, and their bloodlust was building with each battle. They had successfully toppled three scarab tanks, and nearly the entire brute tank division. Thankfully, the Mirratord’s attack tactics was something that humanity never saw unleashed against them.

Eric nodded toward Mathew. “Move them out.”

“Roger that.” Mathew smiled from beneath his helmet. “Let’s get some, maggots!” He shouted to the human forces and the Mirratord. A large roar of approval escaped every mouth as they charged toward the Brutes established position at the front line. “Time to get a little payback.” Mathew muttered as he sided with the Mirratord and sprinted outward.

Warthogs blazed ahead as their gunners fired into the front line, leading the charge as the humans and elites sprinted toward the brutes. The brutes fired back, but the Mirratord took the brunt of the hits; their shields brushing off the weapons with ease. A roar of aggression followed as the brutes stood and charged toward the advancing allied forces. Even though they were outnumbered, the Brutes braved ahead.

Eric watched as the Marines and Mirratord neared the brutes and he walked toward Mel’s body. “Damn it, Mel. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left you alone.”

He knelt over her prone form and removed a data chip from her helmet and slipped it into his pocket. He then examined her back pocket and removed the one thing she never left behind; the flask that Kim gave her.

Eric examined the silver flask and rubbed his hands over the inscription. “Do or Die.” He mumbled as he gave the flask a shake. It was half full, most likely with whisky from the gathering in the medical ward several days ago. He slipped the flask into his pocket, and grabbed Mel’s bloody hand. “I’ll make them pay for this, Mel. All of them.” He held her hand tightly, hopping to feel her hand move, but such a thing would never happen. The deafening battle raged on behind him as several more warthogs and scorpions rolled past. They sound pulled Eric out of his daze and he gently laid Melanie’s hand back on the ground.

Eric stood and leaned into a full sprint toward the front line. He unclipped his assault rifle, pulled back the hammer and pulled the butt firm to his shoulder. Though he was trotting at a controlled sprint he held his rifle at the ready. He peered down the barrel, lined up his first target and pushed forward until he was at maximum firing distance for the MA5C. His palms tightened around the weapon as Marines stood in front of him. Some ducked behind building debris, and smoldering vehicles, but Eric pushed through.

Ahead were the Mirratord, dancing their ballet of death as the Mirratord single blades swung in poetic arcs and cut down anything in their path. Eric pushed even deeper, his hands clutching the fully loaded weapon as he scanned from side to side. Another assault rifle barked ahead of him, and Eric watched as Gridolee and Mathew mowed through four Brutes. Eric jumped forward, pushed past Gridolee and Mathew, and began firing into the first brute he saw.

The ammo counter on the top of the MA5C counted down in a blaze of speeding digits. From thirty-two, it rolled quickly down to twenty. Eric pulse-fired; tapping the trigger with a rhythm so that he could track his ammo. The empty 51mm Full Metal Jackets kicked out from the side of the gun as he filled two brutes with a deadly spray. Eric’s HUD, and the ammo counter, read three rounds remaining. Eric flipped the magazine release, pulled up a fresh magazine, angled the butt downward and let the empty-mag fall, slapped in the fresh magazine, and pulled back the hammer. Total time for the reload was two seconds.

The gun was back at his shoulder, head was on a swivel and checking for any movement. His radar flashed red as plasma rained down from over head. Eric rolled forward, angled the barrel upward and fired at the drones.

Mathew and Gridolee raced to Eric’s side. Gridolee powered off his blades, and pulled down a carbine. The green projectiles streaks cut into the air and the Drones plummeted back to the ground. Several marines raced up to their sides and everyone checked their gear.

“Gridolee, Mirratords’ status?” Eric questioned as he scanned the horizon. Brute camps littered the area, and they were gathering together to defend against the humans that were now pressing toward them.

“My team is reporting successes all around, with minimal losses to the humans in their teams.” Gridolee stated.

“Palab, move the second line up to our previous position.” Eric barked into the COM. “Stand by to assist.”

“Me understand.” Palab radioed back.

“How we felling, Sergeant?” Mathew knelt at Eric’s side, loaded his MA5C and scanned ahead toward the Brute occupied territory.

“We go Black from here.” Eric huffed.

“Damn right!” Mathew replied with an eager approval.

“What does it mean to go Black?” Gridolee questioned.

Mathew looked up to Gridolee and the Marines at his side. “From here on out, you will address Sergeant Raynord as Senior Chief Petty Officer, or Chief. We are officially Black Operations as of this moment, and our objective is….” Mathew turned to Eric.

Eric stood and double checked his reserve ammo. “Clean the area of hostiles. Neutralize primary targets; Brute Chieftains and Captains. Then we form a strike team and press forward to take down one of their ships.”

The Marines all sat in shock. Was he serious? Did he fully intend to attack a ship with only a small team of elites and a bunch of new recruits? This wasn’t a strategy, it was madness.

  • 07.03.2007 10:30 AM PDT

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“The glory of battle is ahead!” Gridolee snarled with anticipation.

Eric tapped his COM. “Supply group, move up with those transports.” A few short seconds later and three transport hogs rolled toward the group as Marines quickly began to divide up the weapons it towed. Eric gripped a Jackhammer Rocket-Propelled-Grenade and two spare rockets. He locked his assault riffle to his back and shouldered the monstrous weapon.

Gridolee radioed his team. “Mirratord warriors, cleanse the Jiralhanae from your sector and then form up with the honorable human. The ‘brutes’ blood shall continue to spill this day!”

Eric pushed ahead and closed the gap between the brutes’ camp and his team. He climbed a smoldering scorpion tank and jumped higher into the air. He freefell toward the ground, took aim with the Jackhammer and fired into the center of their camp.

“Let’s dance.” Eric mumbled on the Black Ops private line. He partially waited for a reply, a subtle joke from Melanie that would calm the mood and keep the group focused but not distracted.

But no such reply came.

Eric landed in the dusty grass as the RPG streaked into the encampment. The Brutes scattered perfectly, splitting their forces and making themselves easier targets for small arms fire from the approaching marines. SMG, BR55, and Assault Riffles barked loudly at Eric’s side as the RPG exploded. Brute’s returned fire and took cover behind their portable shields. Eric took aim and fired his second rocket into the central shield in his path.

Mathew rallied the troops. “Rush’em! Go! Go! Go!” The RPG slammed into the shield generator and exploded. Two of the small portable shields powered off with a loud buzz, leaving the jackals and brutes unguarded. A hail of weapons fire followed and cut into the Covenant controlled zone.

Eric knelt and reloaded his last two rockets. He unclipped his Assault Riffle and attached the Jackhammer to his back. He then quickly sprinted back to the front of the charge. His augmented strength pushed him forward and into battle. Marines were cut down at his side, screaming as needle rounds impaled them, but brutes were also being slain; for now it was an even trade. Gridolee roared in the chaos of bloodlust as his single blades cut down any Covenant opposition that came close.

Eric turned a corner and fell into a trench. He rolled to his feet and the ferocious roar of a Brute snarled at him; standing only a few inches from him. Eric quickly slammed the butt of his rifle into the creature’s chest. The brute stumbled backwards, his chest armor dented by a mere human, and as he raised his head another melee caught the brute in the chin. The creature’s helmet sailed free, upward into the sky as Eric leveled his rifle and fired into the creature’s skull. Dark blue blood sprayed in all directions as the creatures head nearly vanished from the close range onslaught of bullets. Eric checked his FOF tag, made sure that none of his Marines were in the trench with him, and lobbed a grenade further down the line. Several brutes roared in pain from the explosion and Eric charged them, his weapon blazing as he fired into their armor covered hides.

All around the brute camps, more and more Marines and elites were charging into the fray. Warthogs raced around the perimeter, unimpeded by any Covenant forces. The Brute’s did not know what to make of it. For the past few days the humans had been on the Retreat, but for some unknown reason the Allied forces were no longer on the defensive.

- - - - - - - -

Time stamp \\ November 5, 2552
Black Ops 05 \\ Chief Petty Officers Melanie Peters

“Check. Check. Check. Blah. Blah. Blah. This is Melanie, same old, same old. You know what, I think I have a ingrown toe-nail. -blam!-… uhh, nothing new to report. No changes in the Will. But I do love the smell of Smoked Brute. Probably tastes like -blam!- though. Oh, the date is… hell if I know. Check the time stamp.”


- - - - - - - -

Eric walked about the camp as transports drove into the region. Wounded marines cried out for help as med teams assisted them, but Eric had other things to ponder. He approached a groaning brute, laying on its back and holding a fatal injury on its chest. Eric kicked the creature and it tried to roar in protest, but it was in too much pain. Eric used his foot, pushed the feral monster’s helmet off and took aim with his magnum. A round split the brute’s forehead and Eric continued to examine the brute bodies. They had successfully driven the brutes out of the Southern end of Camp Eden, taken back a great deal of territory, and sent the brutes a message; humanity was not done fighting.

Gridolee walked closer. “I have received word from my scouts that the Brutes have fallen back to their ship landing zones. They are regrouping to attack with more forces.”

“I’ll call in for a bombing run before we advance.” Eric looked outward, glaring at the distant Covenant ships as they sparkled in the setting sun. “By the time the fighters can load up and exit Eden’s underground strip it’ll be nightfall. Pick your best warriors Gridolee. Leave the rest here to set up the defenses. We’re going in with the stealth group. Contact Palab, I won’t the Mirratord grunts with us as well. I’ll need them for my plan to work. Also we’ll need a good captain to helm the ship.”

Gridolee curiously tilted his head at the last statement. “Understood. I’ll attempt to find a ship master.” Gridolee walked toward a group of Elites as Mathew stood beside Eric.

“My trigger finger is itching.” Mathew joked. “Tell me were to go, Chief, I’ll make it happen.” Mathew looked at Eric, and noticed that he was awkwardly quiet.

Mathew sighed as he tilted his rifle to his shoulder. “I know what you’re thinking, Chief. I’m just a soldier in a much bigger war. And as much as I hate to bring this up, the only people who matter right now are Rose and Kelly.” Eric looked at Mathew oddly. Mathew explained, “Rose is doing something bigger then we can fathom. You and I may be Spartans, but we’ll never be like the Master Chief, or Spartan 087. Kelly and Rose have the potential to shift this war, long after we’re dead. Men like us, were cannon fodder. As long as John, Kelly and Rose are still out their, and Halsey for that matter, humanity has a chance to survive.”

“When the hell did you become so enlightened?” Eric softly questioned.

Mathew sniffled, his visor hiding his tears. “Two hours ago; when I watched my best friend go crazy when his little sister died.”

“Little sister?” Eric questioned to himself. It was clearly the only way to explain the relationship that Eric and Melanie shared. Though there was so much more to their relationship then a simple brother-sister bond, they had a common connection in Kim.

Eric had nothing to say. Mathew was right, a part of him did loose it when he saw Melanie, but it was more of a realization. He understood at that moment that the worst thing they could do was sit and defend. Attacking was their only way to ensure survival.

Mathew huffed. “So. All this sappy talk is making my trigger finger itch even more. You lead, and I’ll follow. Even into hell.”

“Rest up.” Eric gripped Mathew by the shoulder and gave him a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll hit those brutes under the cover of darkness.”

Eric walked to a nearby pile of rubble and sat down. Marines were spread out around the area, searching for weapons, and survivors. “Tower, this is Black Ops 19, come back.”

“Loud and clear 19. How’s the fighting going?”

“We’re fighting back. I’m not going to sit with my thumb up my ass while the brutes make plans to attack. I need a bomber run on those brute camps at Northern Eden.”

“Under those ships?”

“Roger.”

“The fly boys won’t like. Those cruisers fire at anything that comes close. But I’ll find a way to make it happen. I’ll keep you updated. HighCOM out.”

  • 07.03.2007 10:32 AM PDT

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Eric leaned back and pulled Melanie’s helmet recorder from his pocket. He slipped the small disk into his helmet and activated it. He began to listen to the recording of her Last Will and Testament updates. He chuckled at the first two but then stumbled upon something new. The brass had informed everyone to make one update per week, but Melanie had made one additional update, and the time stamp was this morning…

Time stamp \\ November 8, 2552
Black Ops 05 \\ Chief Petty Officers Melanie Peters

“Melanie Peters here, checking in to update my Will. I know I just updated three days ago, but something just came up. I would like to add that Eric Raynord be given my whisky flask, that is if he doesn’t die before me. He’s a bit stubborn in the death department. I swear the man should have died ten times by now.

“Also, I would like to leave a private Message to that jerk as well. This is for Eric Raynord’s ears only, relay this sound clip to him and to him only, at this mark.

“Okay... so... only Eric should be listening right now. About ten minutes ago today, November 8th, I woke up and you were sitting beside me. Do you remember? You snore, loudly. Kim never told me that. Eric, if by chance you do hear this then it must mean that I’m dead. Off to the big whisky pot in the sky. I’m probably surrounded by sexy men and lots of alcohol. Or I’m burning in hell… and kicking some serious ass in my attempt to overthrow the dark world. Uhh, focus. Eric… I … if you are listening… I wanted to tell you… to tell you how important you are to me. I wanted you to know that. No matter how I died, it wasn’t your fault. I know how stubborn you get, trying to take the blame for everything, just like with Kim. You hid it well, but I know it hurt you more then it hurt me when she died, and she’s my sister so that means a lot. It wasn’t your fault she died. It isn’t your fault that I died; unless you shot me, and if you did… well, I’ll haunt you from here to eternity.

“This morning, I was watching you sleep, and I put my head on your shoulder. Honestly, I never understood what Kim saw in you. I mean, you were more my type then hers… but I guess you were the one who chose Kim. Since the moment I joined the Black Ops, I haven’t slept that good. I’m thankful of you being in my life, Eric. I had a really nice dream while we slept. You, Kim and I were back in boot and there was no war. No Covenant. We were together and happy, like a real family.

“Geez, this is getting long. You know what I mean. I’m not Kim, and you know that. I’m not a romantic book of gooey words like she was. I’m a soldier, not a romance nut. Kim did love those stupid romance novels. You’ve always been special to me, Eric, and I guess I just wanted to say thanks. Thanks for being there. God that was sappy…”


Eric pulled the chip from his helmet, stood and motioned toward the group. “Tower do you copy?”

“Loud and clear. I’m still waiting to hear back from the flyboys.”

“Understood. I have another request. I need to find a way to reconnect the lower level uplink. We need AI support.”

“Siren has been sending work teams to establish a link. COM traffic works, but she can’t relay herself. I’ll check on her status.”

“Roger.”

“Looks like the tech crew is nearly done. She should have a digital uplink any moment now.”

“Tell her to contact me as soon as she can. 19 out.” Eric knew that telling Siren about Mel’s death was a bad idea, but hopefully she would be able to control herself. However, even if he didn’t tell Siren, she would know once she up-linked herself into the team COM. Knowledge of Melanie’s absence would be instantaneous.

“19, this is tower. HighCOM has dispatched your fly boys. They’ll drop a few salvos on the brute camps and then you’re on your own.”

“Roger that tower.” Now it was only a matter of time before Eric and company would make their move.

Gridolee approached Eric and nodded. “Palab is on his way, along with his team. What is the plan?”

Eric turned to the Marines. “Alright maggots, from here on out, we go silent. Once the sun sets and the grunts arrive, we’ll sneak into the brute’s camps and take their ship right from under their noses. Once we seize their ship, we’ll turn it against the others.”

A buzz entered Eric’s COM. “I see you’ve changed your ID tag, Senior Chief Petty Officer.” Siren stated with a chuckle, though her communication was filled with static. “I guess the Black Ops are back in action. Though ‘Sergeant’ had such a better ring to it.”

“How long before you can access that Covenant cruiser?” Eric questioned the AI.

“The techs are still working on my uplink. I am barely able to talk with you right now. Another few minutes and I’ll be fully online with the top side, however, in order for me to hack into that ship, I’ll need a transfer node that is at least four hundred meters from that Covenant ship. And, that Covenant ship will need to be broadcasting so that I can find an open frequency and hack in.”

“I’m leading a strike team inside that ship, we can get you inside, but how can we get a data node close enough?”

“A longsword or Pelican will suffice. They can broadcast my digital commands just like the Rogue Fantasy did when we attacked Truth’s ship.”

“Make it happen.” Eric ordered.

“Roger that. I’m relaying your orders to Eden’s air strip. How much time?”

“We attack at dark.” Eric examined his gear as Siren’s signal became more clear.

The static faded and she acknowledged her status. “The uplink line is operational. I’m scanning the FoF tags in the area and establishing your team markers while… comparing… it… to… where’s 05?”

Eric sighed heavily as he prepared to discuss the events of the last few hours. He had no idea of how Siren would take the news.

- - - - - - - -

Simyaldee opened his eyes and glared upward. His wounds were no longer causing him severe pain and he could finally stand to his feet. Cautiously he stood and stretched his weary bones, a brief dizzy spell past, and he began to dress. His armor had been cleaned, no doubt thanks to Palab’s followers, but the dents and scratches were still ever present.

Simyaldee stepped out of the makeshift tent, made from spare cloths, and looked about the camp. Unggoy and Sangheili muttered around, all anticipating the battle that was surely ahead. In the distance the sound of weapons fire grew immeasurable. It was so loud that it seemed as though it were coming closer.

“Second, you are awake.” A Mirratord warrior stated in surprise. “Finally, we can join the others in combat.”

“What is happening?” Simyaldee questioned.

“The honorable human is attacking the Jiralhanae camps to the north. Lieutenant Gridolee and several of our brothers have gone to assist.”

“Is the human female still in command of the door? I will speak with her before we depart.”

“Second, the human female fell in combat. Palab is now in command. His unit has moved to the second line.”

Simyaldee finished strapping on his armor and motioned toward the second line. “I understand. Explains why Raynord is suddenly attacking.” Simyaldee neared the Second defensive line and powered on his COM. “Sergeant Palab, do you copy?”

Palab turned as he heard Simyaldee and gasped to see him walking about. “Me see you! Me here!”

Simyaldee spotted the Grunt King standing behind a human barricade, surround by Marines and several grunts. “Sergeant, what is the status of the battle?”

Palab looked outward at the plumes of smoke and stray fire. “Honorable human lead forces into heart of first line. Mirratord attack from sides. Human soldiers attack second. Jiralhanae defeated, but more troops coming.”

At that moment Palab’s COM chirped. “Sergeant Palab, you are needed at the front line. Leave a suitable warrior in command. And bring your Mirratord team with you.”

“Gridolee, what happening?” Palab replied.

“The honorable human is taking a strike team into the nearest Covenant ship. He has a plan, a glorious one!”

“Me come.” Palab cheered. He looked up to Simyaldee. “Second, we need you if you can fight.”

Simyaldee paused to give it thought. Could he risk leaving the gate without a suitable warrior to guard it?

A set of heavy footsteps approached as three Sangheili walked towards Simyaldee. Of the group, two were Mirratord, and their Black Spec Ops armor showed the same battle damage as a Warrior who had seen numerous combat. They were veterans within the Mirratord. Between them, and few steps ahead, walked the Elite Councilor. The Elder’s silver armor glistened in the twilight hour as he approached Simyaldee.

  • 07.03.2007 10:33 AM PDT

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The Elder pulled off his elaborate headdress and cupped it under his arms. “Good to see you on your feet, Second. I overheard Sergeant Palab’s question. Go and fight with your brothers. It has been many years since I have led a defensive, but I feel that I can lead these forces without fail. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that these ‘Brutes’ will not expect.” The Elder looked down to Palab and nodded. “There is much an old Sangheili like myself has had to accept in these past few weeks. Hurry. Go and join your brothers and lead the Mirratord to victory.”

Simyaldee added. “Do not hesitate to withdraw our forces into the Camp, Elder. When we return, we will end this siege.”

“May our ancestors guide your sword.”

Simyaldee and Palab bowed their heads and stated, “For the Honor of the Mirratord.” They then sprinted to the front line as the Elder turned to his Mirratord guards.

“Now then, inform me of the current battle structure.” The next few hours would be crucial to the defense of the human stronghold and the protection of the Tee of Life.

However, no one was aware of what was happening on the far side of the Galaxy.

- - - - - - - -

High Orbit of Uncharted World // Location Unknown
October 31, 2552 :: Sol Relative Time

Across time and a space, on the very edge of the Galaxy, a small habitable planetoid was surrounded by the silver lines of dozens of Sangheili controlled ships. The planet was believed to be one of the primary outposts of a race known only as The Prime. In high orbit of this world floated the Prime’s main battle fleet. Their ships were weaker then the Sangheili forces, and yet they fought relentless.

Eighty years ago, the Prophet known as Rregret had kidnapped the Sangheili with the purest of blood, and sent them to a world once believed to be abandoned, yet the Prime still thrived. The Prime had embraced the Sangheili into their culture, given them a home and shared their food, however, these warriors could not ignore the crime being committed against their race back home. The Prime had taught them much of the Forerunner’s past and the true purpose of Halo had been revealed to them, and now they were attempting to return and destroy the weapons that threatened their distant kin.

But the Prime could not let the Sangheili interfere with “The Path of Reclamation”, for it was a purpose far more important then even they could understand. This created a drift between the Prime and the Sangheili race, and for years they have been feuding, attempting to stop the Sangheili from finding Halo.

The uncharted world was now a battlefield, a world of turmoil as the Prime fought to protect the legacy of the Forerunners, but they were no match for the Sangheili’s will. The Sangheili’s numbers, their might, and their tenacity were unstoppable, and though the Prime fought valiantly, they had now been pushed into a corner. They’re forces had been outclassed, outsmarted, and outmaneuvered by the leader of the Sangheili race; a leader whom was adopted by their kin and known primarily as the Queen.

And it was upon this world, that the battle against the ruminants of the Forerunners quickly began to shift. ‘The Path of Reclamation’ had to be stopped.

To be continued
**********************

Notes: This level still feels, I don't know, wild and untamed. But no matter how I looked at it, this was the shape it presented itself. Don't worry, this won't go too far off course. We'll get back to Raynord and the gang very soon. VERY SOON!

As always, thanks for reading.
~soulgaurd

  • 07.03.2007 10:38 AM PDT
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And as always, a great read.. :) Just some things I noticed that needed correction:

Contact Palab, I [won’t] the Mirratord grunts with us as well. I’ll need them for my plan to work. Also we’ll need a good captain to helm the ship.”

Kelly and Rose have the potential to shift this war, long after we’re dead. Men like us, [were] cannon fodder. As long as John, Kelly and Rose are still out [their], and Halsey for that matter, humanity has a chance to survive.”

Eighty years ago, the Prophet known as [Rregret] had kidnapped the Sangheili with the purest of blood

This one made me chuckle ;0)

“Now then, inform me of the current battle structure.” The next few hours would be crucial to the defense of the human stronghold and the protection of the [Tee] of Life.

Any, HTH!

  • 07.03.2007 11:10 AM PDT

TWP - Assistant Director
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woah! your quick bender. lol yeah, i'm sure there are a lot more then that.
Glad you enjoyed it at least. I finished it and uploaded it as fast as I could, as I simply wanted to be done with it. This way, I can't make story changes anymore, only edits to GPS.

Thanks for the assists.

~soulguard

  • 07.03.2007 11:27 AM PDT
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heh, I must have logged in about the time you posted it or something. I loved the whole "Ingrown toenail" comment. Just came out of left field. LOL No problem on the edits, I am a beta for several people over at FF, and just enjoy it for some reason. I do agree with an earlier poster, it seems like the chapters are getting shorter, although they aren't. I think that speaks well about the pacing and flow. I don't feel like I get bogged down.

  • 07.03.2007 12:17 PM PDT

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NONE HALO3 ARG ASSOCIATED
******************

{{{{{Ark Data Node_Segement_001250ABA }}}}}

\\ flash main protocol …{by-pass}
\\ flash main protocol …{by-pass}
\\ flash main protocol …{by-pass}
\\ flash main protocol …{by-pass}
\\ flash main protocol …{by-pass}
\\ flash main protocol …{command accepted}


\\… execute…\\

Good or Evil?
Right or Wrong?

Messages have been sent to the chosen and the chosen will respond.

Only time matters now.

Seek the Path... and prepare.

end of line...

  • 07.03.2007 2:29 PM PDT