The Gallery
This topic has moved here: Subject: [Story] The Hybrid (Part Twelve released!)
  • Subject: [Story] The Hybrid (Part Twelve released!)
  • Pages:
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • of 4
Subject: [Story] The Hybrid (Part Twelve released!)

The Hybrid a FanFic by Tehface

"Look for the signs, the keepers of the flame. They will lead you to war, and perhaps, to victory."

Part Twelve! Got some nice suprises in this one. Can't believe I got this far, lovin' writing this. Hope you enjoy reading it!


Part Twelve- Bang!

Three bullets impacted on the Grunt's skull and the small alien fell to the ground, dead. Emerging from his cover, Mark raced to meet up with his squad, shooting off bursts at any Covenant brave enough to approach.

"Get some of this ya dirty son of a-" Vince was holed up behind a concrete wall, another ODST at his side.

Noticing his approach, Vince nodded briefly to Mark, and went back to showering the Loyalists with gunfire.

"Hey Buck!" Vince shouted, addressing the other ODST, while continuing to fire on the aliens.

"Yeah Vince?" Buck responded, doing the same thing on the opposite side.

"You shoot like a girl!"

Enemies eliminated, the duo stopped firing, Buck looking at Vince with a frown on his face.

"Uncool man." Buck replied, sounding hurt.

Vince grinned, and was about to speak, when an explosion knocked all three men off their feet.

A Brute in golden armor charged at them, it's Brute Shot holstered on it's back, meaning for hand-to-hand combat.

The marines didn't however.

Scrambling to their feet, the soldiers quickly fired at the ape, bullets pinging off the armor, having no effect.

Diving to avoid the Brute, Mark fired off shots towards the more exposed head region.

Luck perhaps, but a bullet made it's way into the unguarded position around the eye, causing the Brute to roar in pain.

It only seemed to anger it more, as the monster swiveled to face it's attacker. Mark's pistol clicked, out of ammo.

As the Brute moved in closer, the scene became eerily familiar.

Mark looked up at his attacker, and his blood ran cold.

The Loyalist walked forward, savoring the moment, oblivious to the war waging around him.

It was over for Mark, and he knew it.

He felt gauntlets close around his neck, and he was lifted high off the ground.


He struggled to breath and the beast spoke,
"I shall not be as cruel as your people, look into the face of your murderer, the last face you'll ever see."

He proceeded to take his helmet off, the grabbing the brute shot, he prepared to gouge the small human.

He stared his enemy down; preparing for death.

He stared into the Brute, watched as it grinned menacingly.

"BANG!"

Violet blood stained the air, and Mark was released, the ape collapsing to the ground.

Buck was standing behind where the Brute was, pistol pointed in a movie-like pose.

"Said the lady."

**********************

"Brother, you must depart. Surely the humans have secured the structure." the Shipmaster, Rtas 'Vadum, suggested to the Elite monitoring the COMM chatter.

That Elite, Thel 'Vadam, looked up at his friend, and nodded.

"Aye friend, it just seems rather suspicious. Human chatter in the Chi Ceti system have all but vanished." he stated.

"Perhaps they are sleeping, brother, as you should've done earlier." Rtas replied.

"Perhaps..." Thel sighed, obvious concern in his voice.

Thel sat in quiet for a moment, Rtas waiting patiently.

The former Arbiter stood, looking at the Shipmaster, he asked, "Phantom, I assume?"

"Indeed. Gather with the humans, keep the strange one safe."

Thel nodded and exited the Control Room, troubled thoughts clouding his mind.

*******************

"You are ready." It was a statement, a fact.

He was being called, it was his time.

The being once known as Isaac was no more, but what replaced it was much worse.

Not like any meager Flood being, no, this new form was far more complex than anything ever constructed.

A brutal warrior, far stronger than any living being in the universe.

Legions of the once living at it's fingertips.

It was a Gravemind.

Part of, the Gravemind.

In front of it's creator it stood, waiting.

"I am your shield." the sinister entity proclaimed.

"And I am your sword." the once Captain finished.

There was silence.

"Go forth, their world shall be undone!"

[Edited on 10.18.2009 8:54 PM PDT]

  • 10.18.2009 8:50 PM PDT
Subject: [Story] Hybrid

I am human, I am good and bad as well. But I try my hardest to stay good. And some of the things I do and say may be bad. Or just not too good, but I do try.

So with that said I don't fault you. I mean your only human, good or bad.

Stat and Sig

Nice man this Is very interesting.

  • 10.18.2009 9:01 PM PDT

Posted by: Dropship dude
No, acnboy. Spartain Ken 15 is a lesser being. Much like the bacteria that lives in your shi­t.
Posted by: mike120593
My shi­t bacteria takes offense to that comparison.

Don't make me lel. You won't like me when I lel.

Haha! BAM, said the lady!

Hmm... the Captain Isaac bit is getting intersting, very well written and congrats on getting this far!

  • 10.22.2009 2:20 AM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

No matter how many seals are killed by sharks a year, it never seems to be enough :D

Nice man! I love this story. So many perspectives :D Congrats!

  • 10.22.2009 6:51 PM PDT
Subject: Halo: The Hybrid [Part Thirteen is out!]

The Hybrid a FanFic by Tehface

"Look for the signs, the keepers of the flame. They will lead you to war, and perhaps, to victory."

Part Thirteen! Oh no! A plot twist! *evil laugh*


Part Thirteen- Makes me Glad

Buck grasped Mark's hand and hauled the soldier to his feet.

"Thanks Buck," Mark told him, "That could've ended badly."

Buck holstered his pistol, and exhaled.

"Don't mention it Trooper. Let's get to the generators before more apes show up." he said, gesturing for them to follow.

The battle was going relatively well, most of the remaining Covenant were retreating to a Temple-like structure in the center of the base.

The trio slowed as they neared the Loyalist power building, where the shield generators would be.

A squad of ODSTs were positioned near the entrance, medics tending to the wounded. Which included...

"Commander Barnes!" Vince exclaimed, rushing to the officer's side.

The battle hardened Helljumper was lying on the ground, seven nail like spears protruding from his chest.

A medic was talking quietly to the Commander, it seemed to Mark like they were arguing. Then Barnes spoke something sternly and the Corpsman sighed and walked away.

Mark noticed that Buck was kneeling down by Barnes, the latter smiling and talking peacefully.

Discreetly, Mark edged towards the two, hoping to catch the conversation.

"First Sergeant, Edward Buck." the Commander was saying, "Hell of a good shot son."

"Thank you sir," Buck replied, abashed. "Shouldn't you be getting some medical attention?"

Barnes paused, suddenly serious, and looked at Buck.

"I'm dying Buck."

The old soldier sighed, then spoke again.

"Do something for me, will ya?"

He looked over at Mark, and Vince, who had also moved over silently towards the scene.

"And this includes you guys too."

He took a deep breath and winced, he would be gone soon.

"Send every single one of these alien bastards, straight to Hell."

"With your help, sir." Buck said, holding his gloved hand out to the wounded man.

Barnes waved it away.

"So young," he rambled, "So unwilling to accept death."
The Commanders head started to tilt.

"Makes me..." he breathed in, "Glad."

The marine exhaled, his life leaving him.

**********************

Thel' Vadam stood in the Phantom dropship, which had yet to depart from their Cruiser.

"Can't the humans proceed faster?" Thel grumbled to himself.

"Relax brother." Rtas replied from Thel's helmet speakers,
"They have just destroyed the energy shields. It's clear to land."

Thel sighed and sat down, as the Phantom began it's descent towards the planet.

As they got closer, the Elite walked into the drop bay, and equipped himself with an Energy Sword and Carbine.

"What is our mission, great one?" An Elite Minor, part of Thel's squad, asked him.

"The humans have secured most of this base. We'll assist them in clearing out the Temple, as well as investigating the Forerunner structure." the battle-worn Sangheili explained.

They stood in silence the rest of the journey, and as they settled above the ground, they propelled themselves from the dropship, determined to snuff out their former allies.

************

Outside the Temple they waited.

A force of Fifty-Three Shock Troopers.

More than enough.

Mark was standing by Buck and Vince, right when the Arbiter approached with three other Elites.

Buck nodded in greeting, then gestured towards the front of the crowd where a lone marine was shouting at the others.

"All right Troopers!" Lieutenant Hardings, who took command after Barnes death, shouted.

The crowd was silent.

"I'm gonna need some tough ass marines to be the first to teleport on in there and kick some chin. As they've so kindly left their transporter pad, on ."

The troopers shuffled around nervously.

"No one will?" Hardings questioned, his tone condescending.

"We'll go." Mark and the Arbiter proclaimed at the same time.

Stepping up awkwardly, the three marines, and the four Sangheili reached the transporter.

"God speed." Hardings stated, tapping a bright violet button on it's control panel.

In a flash, the group was enveloped in purple light. Mark felt like he was spinning, and did he best to look menacing as he rematerialized inside the Temple.

They wasted no time letting off rounds once they arrived.

But when they saw it , they all stopped shooting.

They ignored the cries of the crippled Loyalist forces.

Ignored the fact that the Loyalists had their hands in the air.

What they focused on, was the Ring shaped hologram in the center of the room.

"By the Council..." Thel muttered.

"Awh, Hell." Vince spluttered.

The words displayed on the hologram read:

Installation 01
Status: Active, Ready to Fire



[Edited on 11.01.2009 9:34 AM PST]

  • 10.26.2009 5:53 PM PDT
Subject: [Story] The Hybrid (Part Twelve released!)

Posted by: Dropship dude
No, acnboy. Spartain Ken 15 is a lesser being. Much like the bacteria that lives in your shi­t.
Posted by: mike120593
My shi­t bacteria takes offense to that comparison.

Don't make me lel. You won't like me when I lel.

Dun Dun Duuuuuuuuun! Awesome part and plot twist!

  • 10.27.2009 12:06 AM PDT

Halo: Heretic or Hero---An Elite's Story
Choose your own destiny

FanFicFactor
Forged in the Flames of Passion, go forth and represent!

Hey, this is turning out really well, Tehface! It is a very unique idea that I must say I've never even considered--a human-Forerunner Hybrid--whoodathunkit? I also like the way you write--it never gets boring.

Keep up the good work!

  • 10.27.2009 3:41 PM PDT

The Director of Royal Films.

Wicked awesome! Gotta say, I missed reading this while I was gone.

  • 10.28.2009 1:25 PM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

No matter how many seals are killed by sharks a year, it never seems to be enough :D

Niceeeeeeeeeee. The ending gave me the shivers :D

  • 10.28.2009 2:56 PM PDT
Subject: [Story] Halo: Hybrid (Part Thirteen released!) - 10/26
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

Pretty nice.

Not to intrude, but do you mind checking out Halo: Aftermath? I'd appreciate it.

  • 10.28.2009 4:13 PM PDT
Subject: [Story] Hybrid

I'll read this tomorrow, but right now it's late and I'm tired.

PS - I wish people would make links to each chapter like I do; it makes things much easier. Ah well, I suppose trawling through the thread it is then...tomorrow. Now I r gun haz sleep face.

  • 10.28.2009 7:46 PM PDT

The Hybrid a FanFic by Tehface

"Look for the signs, the keepers of the flame. They will lead you to war, and perhaps, to victory."

Yeah, I need to hit the hay too. Eh, If I can figure it out, I might have said chapter links ready by tomorrow. Maybe.
Part Fourteen sometime this weekend probably.

  • 10.28.2009 7:55 PM PDT

Just read the entire thing from start to finish; it's very good. You're an excellent writer. Some of the dialogue seems a bit out of character and clunky, and the surroundings could be described better. It's also hard to get a sense of where you are, it seems to be jumping all around the place.

However, for the most part, an excellent story, and I look forward to more.

  • 10.29.2009 2:15 PM PDT

The Hybrid a FanFic by Tehface

"Look for the signs, the keepers of the flame. They will lead you to war, and perhaps, to victory."

Posted by: Wolverfrog
Just read the entire thing from start to finish; it's very good. You're an excellent writer. Some of the dialogue seems a bit out of character and clunky, and the surroundings could be described better. It's also hard to get a sense of where you are, it seems to be jumping all around the place.

However, for the most part, an excellent story, and I look forward to more.


Thanks for the feedback Wolver!

Yeah, at times I do get a bit scarce on the surrounding details. I'll try to fix that. The bit about Barnes death did seem a bit mushed together and cliche.

I'm glad you actually gave things to improve on, it helps alot.

By the way, I went back and added Chapter links. :P

  • 10.29.2009 3:17 PM PDT
Subject: Halo: The Hybrid [Part Thirteen is out!]

The Hybrid a FanFic by Tehface

"Look for the signs, the keepers of the flame. They will lead you to war, and perhaps, to victory."

Part Fourteen is here! Didn't expect this guy did ya? Thanks for reading!



Part Fourteen- Darkness Once More


"What the hell Raymond?" Anna York yelled, her words like sharp glass.

Across the room, the wild Sergeant Major, Raymond, sat in silence. Two marines stood guard beside him.

The Captain frowned at the man, not bothering to hide the discontent in her eyes.

"Not wanting to drop in pods? That's fine. I understand, in your case." She explained, and she softened her expression for a moment.

But the sympathy was replaced with annoyance, as she continued her lecture.

"But blatant disregard for protocol!" She exclaimed, "You should have told me. Asked to stay aboard."

Raymond looked up at her.

"I-" He started.

" And, " she interjected, "When asked why you acted in such a manner, you attacked the poor soldier!"

The room was silent. York staring at Raymond's slouched head.

Raymond looked up at the Captain, a trace of sadness on his face.

"That's not exactly what happened..." He said quietly, closing his eyes.

**************

"Court martial me!" I screamed, racing out of the Armory.

I couldn't stay there.

It was too painful.

Pushing past the occasional soldier, I ran towards my quarters, trying in vain to stop the tears from rolling down my face.

Bursting into my room, I then stood, leaning on the wall. Then, gradually, I slumped down to the floor, head in my hands.

I sat and wept on the ground.

I remembered all the good times we had.

Dad and I at the zoo. Dad and my brother at my graduation.


Finally I sat quietly, sobs subsiding.

I stood up, sighing, then wiped my face with a handkerchief.

There was a knock on the door, and I opened it wide to see Gunnery Sergeant Robin in the hallway.

He looked angry.

"Listen here Raymond!" the young man yelled, "I had orders, and regardless of your personal issues, you had better learn to shut up and follow them!" The marine seemed nervous, but determined to make a point.

My eyebrows furrowed, and I was about to retort angrily when the bastard said it.

"It wasn't a big deal anyways!" the Gunny shouted, "What, was your father scared of heights too?"

My temper flared, and Robins suddenly looked frightened. He realized he had gone too far.

Old, painful memories suppressed in my mind, had suddenly been unleashed.

And the only thing left on my mind, was to teach that snot a lesson.



***************

Captain York sighed.

"Raymond..." she said, multiple emotions conflicting her thoughts.

She sat quietly for awhile, then looked back at the Sergeant Major.

"Guards, take him back to his room. Isolation. Not to be placed on any mission assignments unless I designate otherwise."

Wide-eyed, Raymond looked at York.

Sympathetically, the Captain responded to the gesture.

"You're too emotionally conflicted to do anything right now. Just take some time to rest."

The marine was about to protest, but he realized that she was right. He wasn't psychologically stable.

Once the Sergeant Major had left the room, York pondered quietly.

Something vibrated in her pocket, her comm device.

The text read:


Important find down here. We're on our way back to the ship, the Arbiter and Rtas included. Prep a meeting for debriefing. This is classified stuff. ~ Lt. Hardings


York raised an eyebrow.
What could they have possibly found?

****************

After the Human-Covenant war, a space station had been constructed above Earth.
It was normally referred to as the Origin Summit.

In it were representatives of different species gathered to work together, forming organizations and helping rebuild their scarred worlds.

Political leaders of each species were normally found aboard.
The Sanghelli's representatives were gone however. Thel and Rtas, on a mission to aid the humans.

Admiral Hood sat in his chair aboard the Summit. As one of the Human representatives, he had spent all day in numerous meetings, discussing war, politics, etc.

So when a probe emerged through Slipspace, a human probe, he was curious of what it held.

Having brought it on to the station, Hood now resided in his office, fumbling with the mechanism.

He took a deep breath and hit the play button.

A older male voice blared from the device. The man was frightened, and talked fast.

"This is Captain Isaac, of the "Bundle of Joy." We responded to a distress beacon on the Ark and-"

A banging sound and a roar was could be heard.
The man started again, talking even faster.

"-- the Flood!"

More banging.

"-- it's only a matter of time before I-"

Hood turned the recording off.

He sat there in silent shock, unwilling to believe his recovering society, could be plunged into darkness once more.

[Edited on 11.01.2009 6:45 PM PST]

  • 11.01.2009 6:44 PM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

No matter how many seals are killed by sharks a year, it never seems to be enough :D

AWESOME! I love the emotion and the internal conflict. The story line is also EPIC! Except i haven't seen much of Mark's powers lately. Anyway, i love the cliff hanger :D

  • 11.01.2009 8:45 PM PDT

Posted by: Dropship dude
No, acnboy. Spartain Ken 15 is a lesser being. Much like the bacteria that lives in your shi­t.
Posted by: mike120593
My shi­t bacteria takes offense to that comparison.

Don't make me lel. You won't like me when I lel.

This is really shaping up good! Although I can't quite remember what the deal with the psycho soldier is, can you explain?

  • 11.02.2009 1:25 AM PDT

The Hybrid a FanFic by Tehface

"Look for the signs, the keepers of the flame. They will lead you to war, and perhaps, to victory."

You mean Raymond right?
It's been awhile since he's been seen. Part Nine should clear it up for you.

  • 11.02.2009 5:06 AM PDT
Subject: Halo: The Hybrid [Part Fifteen is out!]

The Hybrid a FanFic by Tehface

"Look for the signs, the keepers of the flame. They will lead you to war, and perhaps, to victory."

Phew! It's been a long time! Sorry for the short part and not so good quality. I'm trying to transition back into the swing of it. Enjoy!



Part Fifteen- Check Mate

Aboard UNSC Destroyer 'No Regret'

"I can't believe it," York breathed, eyes locked onto the small holographic depicting another Halo.

"Nor can I..." the Arbiter sighed, mandibles clicking as if impatient.

The Captain, Lieutenant, Buck, Mark, Vince, and the Elites, were seated around a circular table, where an image of Installation 01 glowed in the center.

"The Loyalists are more organized than we thought," Buck said, frowning.

"Perhaps, it is a trick." Rtas offered hopefully.

No one spoke. A beetle scurried across the sleek floors, and was promptly stomped on by Vince.

"But why else would they spare Tribute?" the normally silent Mark questioned, looking around at his peers.

"Yeah, they've burned all the other human colonies." Vince chimed in. "They don't just land on them without good reason."

York looked up, hand on chin.

"And they hardly even touched the population areas." York said, eyes widening. "In fact, the Covenant force at the base was the largest seen on the planet so far."

"It's almost like they're in a hurry or somethin'..." Lieutenant Hardings pointed out.

Turning to York, he said, "We've got to contact HIGHCOM. Tell 'em that-"

A loud voice blared over the room speakers, interrupting the Lieutenant.

"Captain, we've got four hostile ships emerging from Slipspace over the equator. Two are headed down towards Casbah, the others are prepared to engage." Taking a breath the flustered voice spoke once more, "Orders, Ma'am?"

York shot a glance at Mark, who, along with Vince, Buck and the Arbiter, we're already standing.

"Get to your pods, be ready to drop in five!" Then, turning to the Lieutenant, she said, "Get all available soldiers to Casbah stat! Take a Pelican down and coordinate the offense!"

Mark and company reached the Pod bay in record time, and Vince slumped down in a chair.

"And they say I'm pushy."

Buck grinned and shook his head.

******************************

Still in the meeting room, Anna turned towards Rtas.

"You can try and head back to your ship-" She began.

Suddenly, the ship swayed drunkenly and red sirens began to blare.

"But you'd probably be better off commanding from our bridge."

They ran towards the control room of the ship, passing by frantic soldiers and technicians moving around.

Bursting into the bridge, York saw it's occupants rushing about in a daze.

"Status report!" She demanded, eying the enemy ships through the ships cameras.

Shane McMillon, her Navigation's Lieutenant responded, keeping his eyes on the terminal in front of him.

"The two ships are closing in fast Captain! The other two are about to enter Tribute's atmosphere."

Meanwhile, Rtas was commanding his own ship using a COM Uplink from another computer terminal.

"Captain we have lock on the Covenant cruiser." the Weapons Lieutenant, Lt. Parks, said.

"Target shield stress points and fire torpedoes 1 through 25." York commanded, nervously pacing the deck.

'No Regrets' is a top of the line cruiser.

Built as a collaboration project to strengthen Human-Sangheili relations, the ship featured several updated systems that improved combat effectiveness.

An increase in the amount of torpedo clusters the ship carried, (about 250) because engineers discovered a way to reduce the size of the projectile but enhance volatility.
Shields were improved by nearly 3 times their original strength.

And perhaps most important, is the decrease in ship size. Newer ships keep getting smaller and smaller. Still big, of course, but they cut around the corners. More slender, and less like Legos.

The torpedoes launched from the ship and raced towards the Covenant cruiser, catching the disoriented ship by surprise.

The projectiles sparked against the enemy vessel, it's bright purple shields flaring briefly, then fading.

"They've upgraded too," said York grumpily.

Meanwhile, Rtas was ordering his ship to attack the Battlecruiser that was circling around No Regret.

"Divert non-essential power to the PGP generators, fire our torpedoes!" the Fleet Admiral barked, fist clenched.

The Plasma Guided Projectile was the Covenant equivalent to the UNSC MAC blast that tears through enemy hulls. Sangheili leaders thought it best that they had a "super weapon" on board as well.

A concentration of plasma is charged up to critical levels, which when fired at high speeds, melts through anything.

Rtas' ship, Vadam , named after the province on their homeworld, abruptly turned and unleashed and barrage of plasma torpedoes on the Battlecruiser.

Each impact shook the Loyalist ship like an earthquake. It's shields quickly failed.

"Belay the PGP firing." Rtas added quickly, "There is no need to waste resources."

The barrage from the Vadam continued until the Covenant ship violently gave in on itself and exploded.

"Check." Rtas said triumphantly and glanced at York.

"...and Mate." she agreed.

Behind her, through the window, the cruiser that No Regret attacked was now a smoldering heap of metal.

The two remaining ships were already hovering over the planet, beginning deployment.

"Prepare a MAC round," York ordered, eyes on the two ships.

"We can't stop the Covenant already on the ground...
But we can sure as hell stop the reinforcements."





[Edited on 02.02.2010 8:45 PM PST]

  • 12.14.2009 7:40 PM PDT
Subject: Halo: The Hybrid [Part Thirteen is out!]

Posted by: Dropship dude
No, acnboy. Spartain Ken 15 is a lesser being. Much like the bacteria that lives in your shi­t.
Posted by: mike120593
My shi­t bacteria takes offense to that comparison.

Don't make me lel. You won't like me when I lel.

Good to see you back mate.

  • 12.15.2009 2:44 AM PDT

The Hybrid a FanFic by Tehface

"Look for the signs, the keepers of the flame. They will lead you to war, and perhaps, to victory."

Posted by: random no337
Good to see you back mate.

It's good to be back.

Just a small announcement;

I should be updating Hybrid regularly with more parts again!

More importantly, I've revised Part Fifteen majorly, so rereading it is recommended.
Thank you for your comments and support!

  • 02.02.2010 8:47 PM PDT
Subject: Halo: The Hybrid [Part Fifteen is out!]

Good work, although your Elites need to speak more often.

  • 02.02.2010 11:17 PM PDT

I'm someone you knew, maybe even were friends with.....but from another time...another place.

The Mayans were the most epic trolls EVAR.

Gotta admit, I'm impressed. Good flow, excellent character dialogue, and a great storyline to boot!

Makes me feel inferior when I write :P

Keep 'em comin!

  • 02.06.2010 5:50 AM PDT

The Hybrid a FanFic by Tehface

"Look for the signs, the keepers of the flame. They will lead you to war, and perhaps, to victory."

Part Sixteen- Before the Storm

Relief flooded the pod bay once the ship ceased shaking.

The marines, after reassuring their status as living, once more began to gather at the briefing table in the center of the bay.

Standing closest to the holograms representing Tribute, Lt. Hardings was the focus of attention.

"Listen up!" He commanded, gripping the edge of the table.
He then changed the holograms to feature a overview of Casbah.

"Bravo squad, you're droppin' into the Business District, Echo, you're goin' to the Agriculture Di-"

One of the Marines groaned, "Aw man! I hated Ag..."

Hardings snarled, "Cut the theatrics soldier! Now pay attention."

He paused, eying the disruptive marine, then continued.
"Like I said, Echo's going to the Agricultural District. I'll lead a team through the Slums, and we'll all converge at City Hall. If we can secure that, we can funnel the remaining Covenant out of the city."

Hardings looked at the crowd of marines, putting on his ODST Helmet. He caught Mark's eye and nodded, while his visor polarized, hiding his face.

Another slight rocking of the ship stabbed at everyone's omnipresent fears: What if the Covenant win in space?

They wouldn't glass the city, would they? Mark hoped not.

Almost silently, the Helljumpers prepared for the mission to come, gathering equipment, supplies, and weapons.

Mark realized they were missing something though, a motive.

Barnes pressed two fingers to his helmet, as if listening to something. He then turned to Buck.

"First Sergeant, give the order," He told Buck, who nodded.

"Troopers!" He yelled. "Mount up! We're droppin' in five!"

Mark exhaled, glancing at his drop pod. He noticed himself in the reflection. His eyes were green.

What? My eyes are blue..., he thought.

Biotic augmentation, he remembered, thinking of the AI Construct back on the Ark.

But I don't feel different! He protested. The only thing that's changed is my senses. My physical attributes. They're stronger.

He paused, thinking, but was interrupted by a frantic Vince.

"Come on man! We gotta go!" He exclaimed, grabbing Mark by the arm.

"Yeah! Sorry." Mark obliged.

He packed in his weapons, a battle rifle along with a suppressed pistol. He then proceeded to climb into the drop pod.

The still unfamiliar feeling of claustrophobia set in once the pod door shut.

His superiors were talking in their respective pods, but Mark ignored it. He knew what was coming.

Though Mark prepared, he found it impossible to brace himself for a plunge through a planet's atmosphere in sweltering metal coffins.

His stomach did somersaults and the adrenaline kicked in. Mark was suddenly aware of each and every minute detail.

"Quite a drop isn't it?" the Arbiter chuckled through his COMM.

In spite of himself, Mark laughed.

"Twas a difficult task, fitting inside these pods of yours" the Arbiter continued.

The clever Elite could tell Mark was nervous, and was trying to distract him.

Suddenly remembering, Mark addressed Hardings.

"Lieutenant! Weren't you supposed to go down by Pelican?"

Hardings appeared on one of his screens, visor depolarized.

"I'm a marine, not a pansy!"

Mark smiled, and stole a glance at the city below him.

Buildings had already begun to smoke, an outcome of the battle already under way.

Suddenly, Mark's entry vehicle swerved away from the city. Along with three other pods.

"What the hell?!" Vince and Buck shouted in unison.

"Brace yourselves!" the Arbiter commanded.

The pod's systems shut down, only to be replaced by a scroll of ancient glyphs which had appeared on screen.

As if these were a trigger, Mark began to feel dizzy.

But there was something about the glyphs. Something...familiar.

He peered closer at the strange markings.

Reclaimer.

His mind told him, and he knew it to be true.


Mark's pod grew nearer and nearer to the ground, and farther and farther from the city.

His head hurt, like someone had decided to punch it relentlessly.

By the time his pod hit the ground, the pain had become unbearable.

Vision blurry, an image flashed before his eyes.

A station, once used to heal. To help.

Now used to burn. To kill.

Tendrils snake the hallways, with the echoes of the dead that haunt them.

And at the heart, a villain. A Gravemind.

The Shield.



*****************


"Good hunting Captain." Rtas said to York.

"Indeed." She replied, gazing at the wreckage that used to resemble Covenant starships.

"Damage report?" York asked Lt. Parks.

"Shields stable at 52%. We've got enough firepower left to take on another 4!" Parks smirked.

York grinned, but her victory was cut short.

"We're not out of the woods yet." McMillon stated curtly.
"We've got a couple ships comin' out of Slipspace."

York frowned. "Human? Covenant?

The Navigations Lieutenant grimaced, like she was recalculating the data.

With a relenting glance she said,

"Neither."



  • 03.09.2010 9:36 PM PDT

Posted by: Dropship dude
No, acnboy. Spartain Ken 15 is a lesser being. Much like the bacteria that lives in your shi­t.
Posted by: mike120593
My shi­t bacteria takes offense to that comparison.

Don't make me lel. You won't like me when I lel.

Yay! I sort-of remember what happened :P

  • 03.12.2010 2:59 PM PDT

  • Pages:
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • of 4