CHAPTER ONE-SPARTAN XI
1643 HOURS, SEPTEMBER 26, 2775 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \
SENTINEL CONSTRUCTION FACILITY EXTERIOR, INSTALLATION 06
The Pelican's engines scorched the ground as it slowly descended. The landing gear extended outwards and the Pelican settled on the ground. The door opened and five armour-clad super soldiers rushed out. Omega Squad Leader Tom-S638 gave the signal to move forward. The team took cover on both sides of the gate in front of them. The ground exploded between the two walls and they opened fire. Sentinels were flying out of the facility to defend it. Their beams could burn a hole straight through the Spartans' MJOLNIR Mark-XI Armour. However, the Spartans were not easy targets. Despite being encased in almost a ton of metal, they had incredible acrobatic abilities. They fired their MA7G Assault Rifles at the metallic drones, who, after withstanding a burst for around 3 seconds, finally broke down and exploded.
Despite their efforts to push the Sentinels back, Omega was quickly becoming overwhelmed. Tom knelt down behind cover and opened his COMM Channel.
"This is Spartan-638 requesting immediate assistance! Over!"
Tom heard static for a second, and then the reply.
"Acknowledged."
Within a matter of minutes, three more Pelicans flew into the courtyard. The Sentinels turned to face the new arrivals. All firing stopped. The Sentinels waited.
All three doors opened at once and two dozen more Spartans charged out, cutting through fields of Sentinels.
Once the floor was covered in charred, broken metal pieces, the Spartans began to proceed into the facility. Tom tapped Zach-S624 on the shoulder.
"We need a headcount." He said. Zach pointed at each Spartan, one by one. There were twenty-nine of them. One was missing. Sam Trevelyan.
"Sir, Sam is missing."
"We all know he's occupied, Spartan." said Tom. Sam Trevelyan was ONI's favourite SPARTAN-XI. Right after training, he had abandoned his fellow soldiers to be sent on other classified missions. Occasionally he would return to help out, but was always met with disappointed stares. Sam had forgotten that the Spartans were a family, which infuriated Tom. However, he didn't have time to think about that; he had a job to complete. After this job, they could finally retire from these dangerous assignments and train the new Spartans.
The facility was illuminated by blue lights, which cast shadows across the walls. The place was silent. At the end of the hallway was a display of holographic images, arranged to resemble a signpost. The Spartans ran over to it, just as the enormous doors to the facility closed. Vicky-S642 turned to see a thin crack of light disappear, followed by a metallic clank. "That can't be good, sir." she told Tom, who nodded. The Commander waved towards the doorway, and six Spartans rushed to defend the position. The other soldiers arrived at the end of the hallway. Zach looked up at the holographic signpost.
"The Control Centre should be that way." He pointed to the right. "However, we need people to stop the incoming waves of Sentinels reaching the Control Centre from that direction." He pointed to the left. "This Construction Facility has a slightly different layout compared to the others we have invaded. We need to be careful."
Vicky stepped forward and looked at Tom. "Commander, I think we will need more people holding the Sentinels back."
"Agreed." Tom replied. "Omega Team." The squad formed a semi-circle around their leader. "The six of us will proceed to the Control Centre. I doubt we will have much resistance from there. The rest of you: follow the other path and don't let any Sentinels get through." While seventeen Spartans proceeded to the left corridor, the six that made up Omega Team went the other way, to the Control Centre.
Spartan 665 crouched, a frozen statue, barely moving a muscle. He aimed his assault rifle down the corridor, ready to fire upon whatever metal drones decided to fight him. The other Spartans did exactly the same. Soon enough, 665 heard the familiar buzz of a Sentinel, followed by the glow of a blue light. A dozen Sentinels flew past the corner and fired their beams. They were too late, however. The Spartans' advanced reactions gave them the upper hand in a fight, and the Sentinels were instantly sent to the ground in pieces. 665's helmet speakers started buzzing. The static cleared to reveal Tom's voice.
"How are you guys holding up down there?"
"Alright, just the usual." Was 665's reply.
"That's great. Keep an eye out for more trouble, and as I said, don't let anything through."
"Acknowledged."
The Spartans waited for a little while longer, until they heard that sound even they feared. Footsteps.
The Sentinel Construction Facility's Control Centre was very similar to that of a Halo's Control Room. A ring-shaped walkway extended over the main factory complex, shielded by glass covers. At the end of the bridge leading up to the ring, the holographic shapes that made up the control panel slid and rearranged themselves like a puzzle. Omega Team entered the Control Centre with instant knowledge of how the place worked. However, before they started blowing the place up, they had to deal with the Sentinels that guarded the area. They immediately swooped down, firing their beams. Omega Team sprinted to cover to get time to think of their next plan of action. Joe-S645 hefted his rocket launcher over his shoulder. "Do you think this is a good idea?" he asked with a grin.
"Not yet." said Tom. "Save your rockets for the Guardians."
"But there aren't any Guardians here."
"Exactly." Tom said sarcastically as he raised his rifle and shot at one of the Sentinels. It spun out of control and smashed into another Sentinel. Both landed in a heap of burnt metal. Joe switched to his EMP Launcher and popped a charge at one of the drones. He released the trigger at the precise time and the Sentinel twitched and dropped into the chasm below.
William-S643 rolled to the side and carefully angled his 59E-S7 Sniper Rifle at a cluster of Sentinels. Once he found the best position, he pulled the trigger. The shot hit one of the robots, ricocheted onto another. The blast from both Sentinels caught the other two. William laughed with satisfaction.
Once the Sentinels were down, Omega Team regrouped at the control panel. Tom stepped to the side as he received a call from 665.
"Sir, we have a problem."
"What kind of problem, Lieutenant?"
"Reclaimers."