And so here at the end of my life, I do once again betray a former master. The path ahead is fraught with peril. But I will do all I can to keep it stable - keep you safe. I'm not so foolish to think this will absolve me of my sins. One life hardly balances billions.
Chapter 4
In Orbit Above Gilgamesh
"Michael, take us down." Arthas told Michael, one of the pilots controlling the Prowler. Outside of the pressurized windows, dark, cold, empty space stretched endlessly. "Sir, yes sir." Replied Michael, the ship beginning to drop into the Atmosphere of Gilgamesh. In the cargo transport (Which Arthas noticed to have been refigured into a troop hold) at the back of the ship, the 8 ODST's sat, talking to each other. Taking a left, he headed toward the armory, which held the ships weapons. Picking up a Long, razor sharp combat knife, he tossed it up in the air, catching it as it came down, and then sheathed it on his side.
He also chose a M6D pistol, placing it next to the knife on his waist. He also picked up one of the new, prototype weapons ONI had supplied him with. It was a battle rifle, capable of long range shots, and could fire sustained fire, or burst fire. He placed it on his back, where magnets held it in place, and then continued to the Bridge of the ship. The ship began to slow down considerably, before finally stopping. "Good luck out there." Michael said. The ODST's Climbed off the Prowler, following Arthas. Once they were off, static and then words came over the Com. "Call us when you need Evac." In the distance, watchtowers were constructed, guards patrolling the walls. "Move out." Arthas whispered, pointing in the direction of the lights. The group started in the direction of the Camp.
Arthas watched the patrols, on the lookout for a open spot. The ODST's had split up, ready to cause a distraction for Arthas, but he hoped that wouldn't have to happen. Activating his camouflage, he sneaked up to the wall. Above, footsteps echoed by. Crawling up the wall, he drew his knife. Sneaking up behind the soldier, he slit his neck. Climbing off the wall into the complex, he whispered over his Com "Move in." and 5 of the 8 ODST's climbed over the wall behind him. They creeped through the complex, all the while heading towards the center of the camp. As the group continued, behind them alarms started going off, lights lighting up the area.
Immediately Arthas grabbed an ODST and pulled him behind a shed. The others followed. Evidently, the soldiers had discovered their fallen patrolmen. 3 sniper rifle shots cracked the air, and 3 screams followed. The insurrectionists scrambled for cover, firing into the night air. Arthas tapped an ODST on his back, pointing towards the shed. Reaching for his back pack, the ODST pulled out explosives, rigging them onto the shed. More Sniper shots, and more screams, filled the air. Leading to another sheltered area, they rigged more explosives. Insurrectionists rushed by on the street, Arthas and the ODSTs concealed in the shadows.
Near the main building of the complex, Arthas quietly signaled the ODST to trigger the explosives. Chaos erupted, fire spouting into the air. Arthas ran towards the door, the ODSTs following closely behind him. Bursting into the room, two guards immediately raised their rifles at him, but did not get the chance to even utter a word. Arthas ripped open ones chest with bullets, and then sprayed the other Insurrectionist likewise. Looking up, he saw a camera, which he immediately put out with a bullet.
The room now empty, he walked forward, ready to fight at a moments notice. The 5 ODSTs followed him, rifles at the ready. Noticing a stairwell, Arthas nodded his fingers in its direction twice, signaling the soldiers to follow him. Walking into the stairwell, he pointed his rifle upwards, rising up the steps. Reaching the top, he exited into a hallway, lined with doors. At the end of the Hallway, a official looking door opened, Insurrectionists rushing out, firing their guns. Behind Arthas, there was a sound of ripping flesh, and then the thud as one of the ODSTs hit the floor. Disposing of the guards, Arthas turned around, looking at the ODST lying on the ground. Blood seeped from his arm, where he had been hit. Flashing an amber signal on his HUD, indicating the other soldiers to wait, he bent down and helped the ODST up. "Ahhh!" He screamed, breaking under the weight of his legs, falling back to the ground.
"I will" He said, gathering his breath. "Stay here. Go ahead." He said raggedly. Nodding Arthas turned back around, advancing down the corridor. Standing next to the door, he nodded, and an ODST kicked it in. Sitting behind a desk, sat Mathews. 10 Guards stood behind him, rifles raised, ready to fire at a flick from Mathews hand. "Drop your guns!" One of the Insurrectionists barked, raising the rifle threateningly. Arthas nodded, crouching and placing his rifle and pistol on the ground. The other ODSTs did the same. "Good, good." Said Mathew, smiling evily. Mathews nodded, pleased. Motioning towards Arthas and the ODSTs he said "Open fire.", and bullets rushed from the Insurrectionists guns, tearing apart the soldiers standing around Arthas.
[Edited on 03.04.2010 2:28 PM PST]