So back again to were it all began. Anyway if you're wondering what I'm talking about I came back to redo this entire chapter. So yay no biggie.

As I'm still organizing my story a bit I thought I would use the time to update and redo every chapter that I thought could use a face lift and somewhat up to date grammar and spelling, still don't hold me to that because I'm crap at both. So if something doesn't match up I'll be updated soon as I will be deleting one chapter and over overhauling another so that it will make sense. Anyway sorry for any confusion on my part.

Anyway enough talking and lets get on with it. All rights to their owners as I own nothing

ONI ID accepted: Accessing both UNSC and ONI records.

Begin playback: UNSC brief history and current events

The UNSC was born out of the aftermath of the Interplanetary Wars in the 22nd century. It was formed in an attempt to centralize the UEG military, scientific and logistical needs for the colonization of planetary systems outside of the Sol system.

For a time it worked and may human colonies were founded under the UNSC banner. But as time past so did the peace, as a independent movement brewed in what came to be known as the outer colonies. Tired of the UNSC and how they were governed by the UEG as a whole the movement became a full scale rebellion known as the insurrection.

As the years past and the insurrection movement became more bloodily, more violence. As such desperate measures were taken to prevent war and the loss of the outer colonies with the commission of the Orion project.

The program aim to create the perfect super soldier but after the first incarnation of the program was deemed a failure, more radical steps were taken to ensure success. Placed at the forefront of this new project was UNSC best scientist: Doctor Catherine Halsey, who new approach to the project was see as successful.

But before this new super soldiers dubbed the Spartan II could be deployed in force against the instruction everything would change.

In the year 2525, on the outer colony of Harvest first contact was made with a alien theocratic hegemony made up of several alien species, simply called the Covenant. In a unexpected turn of events the Covenant declared a holy war against humanity lead to believe by their leaders, that humanity was a stain on the universe that had to be wiped out.

So begun the long and bitter war that lasted 27 year was that saw whole world glassed into dust along with the rise and fall of heroes new and old. The Spartan II which had been made to put down uprisings were now thrusted onto the front lines to combat against this new foe.

The Spartans quickly proved themselves to be very effective at combating Covenant forces on the ground but their numbers along with their victory would be too few to change the course of the war. As the Covenant kept push humanity back, keeping them on the back-foot as they kept winning planet after planet, battle after battle.

But the worst was yet to come, in the year 2552 Reach humanity's fortress world among the stars fell to the Covenant onslaught and with its fall humanity defeat seemed all but certain.

Until Halo, a ring shaped station that was at center of the Covenant religious ideas and saw them as a way to heaven. But in truth, Halo had the ability to wipeout all life in the galaxy. All to stop a all consuming parasite called simply: The Flood. Halo was made as a weapon of last resort, by the a race that had failed to contain the Flood before, they were known as the Forerunners.

Thankfully Halo was destroyed by Spartan 117, also known as the Master Chief. Before it could fire its main weapon and the parasitic Flood could leave the installation. This single action caused a crisis within the Covenant which would eventually lead to it fragmenting with Great Schism, tearing the Covenant apart from the inside.

A event that would eventually lead to the downfall of the Covenant, as the former military leaders of the Covenant; The Sanghili or as more commonly called the Elites by UNSC military personnel. Would be usurped by another species within the Covenant, simply called the Brutes as the Covenants main military commanders.

Humanity would form an alliance with their former enemies, they were confront what remained of the Covenant at the Forerunner installation simple called, The Ark where the all Halo rings were made.

It was there that the Master Chief and his newest ally, the Arbiter would see the end of both Flood and Covenant as they would fire the ring currently under construction within the facility. Both wiping out the Flood and ensuring a future for humanity.

Still the war wasn't won by the Spartans alone, as the brave men and women of the UNSC armored forces gave everything they had to ensure that the Spartans had the Intel and support they needed.

Now with the war over the insurrection is once again poised to rear its ugly head, as remnants of the former Covenant Empire via for what power they can. Once again this men and will be called upon to go about and beyond the call of duty of earth and her colonies.

No matter the cost.

Location: Valiant-class cruiser: UNSC Salvation, drop bays, three months after the end of the human Covenant war.

[Time: 18:19] [date: Thursday, June 5, Local date, 2553 UNSC stander year]

"This, doesn't look good." Commented the lightly skined young man who was currently look at ground situation via holo-table.

It was clear to anyone looking that man that his stubble haven't been shaved a couple weeks.

This man was called Michael Crespo, but mostly called Mickey by his squad members. He looked to be your average man with brown eyes and hair to match with a face you wouldn't really notice in a crowded environment. The most distinct feature about him was his armor with its maroon color in contrast with its gray and black. But otherwise there wasn't anything remarkable about them other then the fact he was the squads resident demolition expert.

"Ha, I think what you meant to say. It's borderline suicide." Replied a dark skin man who was the squads resident sniper.

The dark skin mans name was Kojo Agu, but most of his squad mates stuck with called him Romeo. How had a cleanly shaven head only showing traces of his black hair. Along with his brown eyes and blue stripes on his armor. Romeo was also known for being simple put the squad ladies man and resident jackass and it show with the way he would intact with his teammates.

"Hay, Romeo why didn't you show some respect. It's not only our necks that they're putting on the line for this OP." Came his partner from his old squad.

Taylor Miles also known as Dutch had been with Romeo way before they had transferred to this unit. With his chiseled face covered in brown stubble The same color as his short hair and eyes. Dutch also had a well built body you wouldn't of taken him to be the religions type in this time and age and yet he was. His armor was the most recognizable on the battlefield with yellow strips and deaths head itself painted on his helmet.

"Hay, I'm just saying. So any idea as to where our fearless leader is?" Asked Romeo changing the subject.

"Last I hear, he was greeting a 'special guest'." Mickey used his fingers to emphasize the words.

"Ten credit says, it's his lovely lady friend."

"You're on!" Mickey said as he and Romeo shock on it.

Dutch for his part disapproved of the bet fully knowing that it was likely to end badly either way. But before he could protest against it, the door leading into the room opened and Buck the light skin, brown haired, clad in his familiar ODST armor. With his lady friend as Romeo put it came walking in right behind him.

ONI very own Veronica Dare, she seemed a bit tense for some reason and it showed in her blue eyes that were the same color as Buck, with her blond hair was in that same bun as last time they had seen her. She was also wearing the same unique armor the last time they had seen her.

"Pay me bitch." Romeo said as Buck shot Dutch a confused look.

To which Dutch could only shake his head. Buck then closed his eyes and side, today was gonna be a very long day indeed. If fact this was supposed to be shore leave for all of them, but the Covenant Remains seemed to have other plans. As they had just come back from a earlier raid on one of their strongholds.

"I all assumed that you remember Veronica." Buck said to them to which they all nodded yes.

"Good. Because Miss naval intelligence will be joined us this trip." This drew whispers from his squad mates as they tried to figure out what this meant.

"Gentleman, if I can have your attention please. I know that you have many questions but let's get down to business." Said Dare cutting through their murmuring. "As you know, you're going to deploying here." She gesture to highlight points on the map and continued. "From there will be infiltrating the main Covenant facility from this ventilation shaft, here." She pointed at the now blinking red dot on the map.

"So how will we be getting through? As memory serves most Covenant base entrances are protected either by shield or armed guards." Dutch asked as he now took a larger interest in the map in front of him.

"We've already have a way around that." Dare said not volunteering in more information.

"Care to explain what that is." Asked Buck suspicious over the lack of information.

"It's on a need to know basis!" Dare shot back.

All the men there could feel the tension between Buck and Veronica. And it wasn't settle either, you get hear it in their voices and in the see it in the glares they gave each other across the table. Obviously something had happened between them while they were making their way up to the ready room.

Still they did the smart thing and kept their mouths shut, until an opportunity came to press them with question about what they had missed. Still if they had the choice of who they asked it would most definitely be Buck as they were pretty sure that Dare wouldn't give them a straight answer to their question.

"Now, as I was saying. Once we're inside we'll make our way to the main hub located here. All you have to do once you're in, is insert this data chip into one their computer drive slots." Dare said handing Buck the microchip.

"What will you be doing during all this?" Buck asked picking up on the fact that she wasn't going to be with them.

"I'll tell you since I'll be needing one of you. As you're storming the control room, me and one person of my choice will be assisting me in the recovery of a tier one asset." Dare now informed them.

"Who would that be?" Asked Buck fully knowing the answer but asked anyway.

"Him." She simply said as she then pointed at the Rookie.

The Rookie wasn't even surprised that Dare had chosen him for this.

"Hold it! Before I even think about committing him to this. I want to know what he's getting into." Buck said in a tone that said he wouldn't budge on this position even if the Lord Hood himself was ordering it.

Dare fully knowing when Buck was like this knew that there was little that she could do to change his mind on this matter. So she did the only thing that she could do in this situation; tell the truth, for once.

"Alright what is it that you want to know?" She asked a Buck from a moment was taken a back by this.

He quickly recovered and asked his question.

"All I want know is what we're deal with. And not just saying, 'it a artifact,' is good enough we need details."

She seemed almost annoyed about sharing this information. Bust Dare knowing this was the only way took a deep breath to compose herself as she then went fully onto the subject.

"Well, I'm only telling you what I'm allowed to, so no questions. Got it?" Everyone there instantly agreed as Dare had taken on that infamous tone of voice of a ONI agent about to reveal something very important. "From one of our contacts, we've recently discovered that the Covenant have recovered an artifact. And as far as we know it's not Forerunner in origin." Dare stop to let it sink in.

Forerunner artifacts were bad news, from the halos to the even to their most simplest devices could be used for any matter of things depending on who was using it. But something that wasn't Forerunner and had caught ONI attention, now that was a new level of scary.

"If I may be so bold to ask. Should we assumed that this artifact is of, the explosive kind." Said Dutch.

"Honestly, we have no clue as to the nature of the artificial." Dare stated much to silence horror of everyone there.

A unknown artifact that wasn't Forerunner in nature able to catch the attention of both ONI and the Covenant was definitely bad news. What even worse was that both didn't know what the hell it did, and that definitely scared the ever living hell out of Buck. As for all he knew it could've be, well he didn't know the keys to the universe.

"Okay, anything else we should know?" Asked Buck seemly not fully convinced that was all of it.

"The rest is: Classified. So much so that they could and would throw us in a cell without so much as a second thought." Dare information him and Buck made the smart move in not pushing it any further then he already has.

"So basically they're sending us in blind and dumb." Romeo so eloquently put it.

He wasn't really wrong as they were going into the situation without knowing many key fact let alone what it was that the strange artifact looked like.

"Pretty much." Buck confirmed earning him a glare from Veronica.

Who he shot back a well it's true, look to her in response.

"We've thought of that. But...unfortunately..." Dare then trailed off leaving everyone there shocked.

Had she just let slip some very important information? Who was this and what had they done with the real Veronica Dare? Everyone there was asking themselves this question, as they knew that she wouldn't of let slip this kinda information so easily before.

Still what she had told them was all the more worrying as it implied that they had to take at least one of the commanders alive. That was no easy feat, even for Spartan as most Covenant commanders would rather commit suicide than rather be dishonored by the prospect of captivity.

Not even to mention whether or not the commander was even able to speck let alone understand their language.

All and all it looked like this was going one of those missions where everything that could go wrong would go wrong was very likely to happen. They especially hated this kinda missions as with their current record as of late they would be amazing if they could get out of there with their skins attached let alone with this mysterious artifact.

"UGH! Why do we always get the shit missions?" Romeo asked aloud.

Still no one there disagreed with what Romeo had said, because this was in fact a shit mission. But Veronica was running low on time and decided to bring the conversation to a close.

She cleared her throat to get everyone's attention.

"As previously discuss, we'll be using the strategy previously discussed. I didn't need to mentioned how complicated this will become if they know we're coming." Receiving a couple nods to this Dare continued.

"Very good. Dismissed." She said as she finally realize the time.

But as she was leave she, Buck then called out to her.

"Hay Veronica, if you have a moment. I would like talk something over with you before before the dance." Buck asked as she continue to walk away from him but before she left the room she turned to him and said.

"Unfortunately as much as I would love to, I have other things more import to focus on at the moment. Still I'll save you that dance." Dare said to Buck as she then disappeared behind one bulkhead doors.

Buck was obviously frustrated by being shot down by Veronica again. Still Romeo being Romeo decided that it would be a good idea to pepper him with questions.

"So that ONI girlfriend still giving you trouble huh?When are you going to tell us about..." Began Romeo before he could really get into it he was then cut off by Buck who wasn't in the mood to deal with this.

"PODS! NOW!" Growled Buck as his team.

Who quickly got the point as they then backed off and went over to their SOEIV to prep for the upcoming mission.

"Geez, haven't seen him like this in a while." Said Dutch once they were out of earshot of Buck.

"Trouble in paradise is more like it. Didn't you notice how their body language as they talk to each other?" Asked Romeo.

"It's probably to do with the fact, they were supposed to have a chat once the war was over." Chipped in Mickey.

"Guessing for that, it's probably safe to say that it didn't go so well." Dutch said as he tapped the Rookie on the head waking him up from his nap.

"She's a ONI agent, any sort of relationship with spooks is a full on minefield. But give me five minutes with her and I'll smooth out everything for the man." Romeo said as he grabbed his sniper rifle and checked it.

"By getting into her pants, more like it." Chipped in Dutch to which got a chuckle out of Mickey.

Romeo for his part at least had the decency to pretend that wasn't still interested in Dare. But Dutch knew better, the way Romeo looked at her was all he needed to know what he was thinking.

"I wouldn't even think about it. Why would you accuse me of such a thing." Romeo with a almost believable sounding shock that Dutch would accuse him of such a thing.

"Because, I've know your ass too long to think otherwise." Respond Dutch just as Buck walked into the room.

"First off, I would like to apologize for my behavior earlier." To this Buck got a choirs of "don't worry about it." Or, "it's nothing we understand." From the boys.

"Thanks. Alright as you know from the briefing, our job is to infiltrate the Covenant facility and recover our, mysterious objective." This drew a deep grown from everyone there. "I know, I know. ONI bull shit at it finest. Still we got a job to do. So lets get it done!" Buck said, he would've made it a lot more inspirational if he wasn't so irritated and for the most part just plan worn out from the nonstop missions in the last three months.

Still it was enough for the moment as they quickly loaded their Pods with extra kit in anticipation everything going to hell. It seemed to have become the norm as even the simplest missions they were given had a way of going completely pear shaped with either the enemy strength was grossly underestimated to major equipment failures that had nearly cost them their live.

[Hay Rookie got anything to say?] Said Romeo over his personal Com's.

This drew a short grunt from him. But before Romeo could continue his planned session of teasing the apparent mute on their team, Buck stepped in and broke it up before it even had a chance to start.

[Romeo pack it in. I've got a thousand other things to worry about, and I especially don't need you to be one of them.] Romeo quickly got the message as he then cut his Com's.

[And Veronica? Do we really need that extra dead deadweight?] Buck was referring to the extra drop Pod next to him.

[In fact yes, we do.] Dare replied to him.

But before he could respond the ship onboard AI cut into their Com circuit.

[We are approaching the drop area. Alpha nine? Are you in position?] Inquired the AI.

"Sol, this is Agent Dare. We're in position raise the drop on your command."

[Acknowledge Dare. Will be over the target area in thirty seconds.] Sol informed them as he then cut out of their Com circuit.

[Veronica, just how close are we going to be?] Asked Buck who didn't have time to get the full details beforehand.

But before she could tell him they were interrupted when the ships onboard AI, once again cut into the Com circuit.

[Alright Helljumpers we're over the target zone. We'll be dropping you in; Three! Two! Drop! Drop! Drop!] Came the ship bored AI over their Com's, as Alpha Nine Pods was then released and their mission could truly begin.

Location: Covenant outpost located on planet designated: A3 8937

[Time: 19:00] [date: Thursday, June 5, Local date, 2553 UNSC stander year]

Surprisingly at least to Buck everything was going to plan for once. They had landed where they were supposed to be and there wasn't anyone waiting to greet them, so it was safe to say that Salvation fly by had done it job; still he wasn't expecting it to last long as someone was bound to come across them.

"Alpha-Nine sound off!" Cried Buck as he got into the clearing.

"Dutch here." Dutch stated plainly.

"Romeo here, but you already knew that." Romeo seemed to be annoyed and let it be known in his remark to Buck.

"Mickey locked and loaded and ready for action!" Come Mickey's enthusiastic reply.

And Buck could clearly see as the Rookie saluted him and took point. The last to arrive obviously was Dare herself still fuming with the extra Pod she had brought with her.

"Veronica! Will you be joining us?" Buck called out to her as she struggled to open the Pod.

"You go on a head I'll catch up." Was the response he got from Dare.

Honestly Buck wasn't expecting to hear that from Dare which was the more unnerving. Still he wasn't sure as to whether he should do as she said or go back there and see what was going on.

But he wouldn't have the time to make up his mind on the matter as seconds later a shot rang out and passed only inches in front of his visor.

"SON OF A BITCH! SNIPER!" Cried Buck as he dove for cover as another shot came in.

That shot would've taken his head off if he hadn't moved in time. Still that wasn't any comfort to him, fully knowing that patrol had already found them and had already put the plan in Jeopardy.

Because if this patrol was able to alert the facility to the presence, the job of breaking in there would become a whole lot harder. So they had to take it out and fast!

"Romeo! You're up. I'm going to draw him out, then you take him out." Buck said as he slowly picked his head out from behind the rock he was hiding behind.

Seconds later Buck broke cover, and as before a shot from a beam rife nearly took his head off. But that was the last shot that the sniper would get off as Romeo with his 99D sniper rifle and lined up his shot on the alien sniper most commonly called: the Jackal.

With a slander body, alone with a slander birdlike face and with feathers on it head and arms.

It had just noticed Romeo out in the open with his sniper rifle but before he could do anything, Romeo fired his rifle and in a mist of purple blood the Jackal keeled over and fell from it perch.

"Chuck up another one. Come on, it's like you're not even trying." Joked Romeo as he broke from cover.

"It's not like you to leave your sniper rifle unattended." Mickey shot back giving him a playful shove.

"Maybe if you hand over your rocket launcher. Then maybe I'll let you handle my girl." This drew a laugh from Dutch who replied for Mickey.

"That will be the day. You get an actual girlfriend."

But before Romeo could shot back, Buck signaled them to be quiet with a quick hand gesture.

Instantly the squads attention was on him as he then told them what he had seen.

Large potrol. About fifteen to sixteen straight not counting the little gas-suckers. About eight split lips, four brutes and four hunters.

Once again the universe was throwing them a curveball. They knew this place would be highly protected but this? What in hell could be so important to them that they could justify a patrol of the size?

Still it wasn't Bucks job to wonder at the moment as he had to quickly set up an ambush before they stumbled upon them.

They quickly split into two teams, the first one consisting of Buck, Mickey and the Rookie and the other consisted of Romeo and Dutch.

They quickly set up shop in two locations with Romeo and Dutch on a overhang, where Romeo could make the most use out of his sniper rifle and Dutch his heavy weapons without worrying about any sort of constraining space. All he had to worry about was not hit his squad mate that were currently hiding behind a large rocky outcropping on the other side of the shallow ravine.

It was a very tense couple minutes as the patrol made their way closer and closer to them.

"Come on already." Mickey complained as his body started to cramp up.

The Rookie was already losing his patience with Mickey as complaining continued. Still he didn't have to injure it much longer as the Covenant patrol finally turned the corner and walked right into the middle of their Killzone.

[Alright. Romeo light it up.] Buck said into his Com's.

Not even a moment later one of the leading Elites found itself dead, a hole were its eyes used to be. But before the rest of the group was about to react to this. Everyone there opened up for all they were worth, as bullets, rockets, grenades and the energy discharges of Dutch's Spartan laser.

The of the patrol didn't even stand a chance, as the cries of the little Grunts that were quickly turned into piles of charred meat as it was joined by the roaring Elites who quickly found themselves without shields and were quickly cut down by either bullets, rocket or lasers blast.

Still despite the volume of fire being poured into that area at least two Hunters and three Elites had managed to survive the initial surprise attack. Upon seeing the remains of the patrol retreating, Buck quickly got onto his squads Com's.

[Damn. Alright you all know the drill. Stop them before they let their friends know we're here or this jobs going to get a whole lot harder.] Buck didn't need to tell them twice as they all ran in pursuit of the fleeing Covenant patrol.

Still it wasn't the easiest thing in the world when you're chasing someone in their own backyard as they knew the place pretty well. As the Elites managed to quickly put together a counter attack as Alpha Nine quickly found out as the two Hunters pin down the entire squad.

"Damn!" Buck said as quickly picked out and let loose a couple rounds from his assault rifle.

They were in a real bind as the Covenant had really manage to turn the tables on them. Now low on ammunition for their heavy weapons Buck was in a real pickle as he wasn't going to be able to take out Hunters without at least a rocket launcher.

"Does anybody have any ideas? Because I would be very open to some." Buck asked, as one of the Hunters fuel rod rounds nearly took his hands off.

"Not really. Hopefully the kid can do something or else we're finished." Replied Dutch as he ditched his spent Spartan laser in favor for his scavenged plasma rifle taken off a dead Elite and firing for all t was worth.

Nearby the Rookie was currently observing the current situation, as he saw the rest of his squad pinned down behind a rocky outcropping by two Hunters on the high ground with a unrestricted view of the area in front of them.

'Crap! How I'm I supposed to do this?' He asked himself.

Like everyone else he didn't have any heavy weapons on him and those he did were empty. Still that didn't mean that he have a couple of ideas of how to either acquire some or draw them off till they could think of something.

Still a glint of blue metal caught his eye as he then spotted on of the Elite minors that had managed to get away and was currently holding a Type-52 Guided Munitions Launcher! He had to have it. It wasn't an option not to as it was the only heavy weapon that he could currently acquire.

So slow, as to not draw attention to himself the Rookie made his way over to where the minor was. As he quickly positioned himself on a small rocky overlook the area to survey the situation below him. Elite minor wasn't alone, he was currently organizing ten Grunts and three Jackets one of which had a beam rifle.

'This is bad.' The Rookie thought to himself.

If this reinforcements were to reach the two Hunters currently besieging his comrades they would be overwhelmed and slaughtered. So he took his last grenade off his belt and quickly armed it, as the careful tossed it towards the small assembly area.

In that time he quickly grabbed one of his pillaged plasma grenades and lit it.

Seconds later his first grenade exploded, just as the second was in the air. He quickly noticed that two of the three Jackels were down and all but two of the Grunts were wiped out and the minor was getting the fuck out of there.

The Rookie cursed under his breath hoping that more of them would've been taken out as the plasma grenade detonated harmless as his intended victims had moved out of it range.

'It always has to the hard way doesn't it?' The Rookie thought to himself as he then jumped out from behind his cover in pursuit of his quarry.

It didn't take him to catch up as he then found out that the Jackel that had the beam rifle had indeed survived the grenade blast. As a lance of energy nearly took his helmet off.

'Damn! As if I don't have enough to worry about.' The Rookie thought as he was then forced behind cover as minor unleashed a barrage from his Munitions Launcher.

Cursing under hie breath, the Rookie quickly marked him and the rifle Jackel as priority targets. As dived out of cover his SMG blazing as he finished off what remained of the Grunts and got in a couple of good hit on the minor, as he let out a battle roar and brought his weapon into line.

But the Rookie was forced back into cover by the Jackel ruining the minors chance to finish him off. Cursing his luck once again the Rookie quickly came to the decision to focus on the Elite as he was the primary objective, the Jackel could wait on account of the fact that he was now fleeing.

He settled on making a quick kill as he would use a move that was affectionately called; The noob combo, by his peers.

As he charged up his acquired plasma pistol from a dead Grunt. As he then combat rolled out of cover and released!

The green overcharged ball of plasma energy almost like an animal flew across the distance between the hunter and pray as it quickly found it mark and overloaded the Elites shields leaving him open for a head shot. Which without any hesitation the Rookie pulled the trigger only to hear a sickening, *CLICK!*

He then cursed his luck, as his pistol had jammed at the moment he needed it most. Still he wasn't slowed down for long as he then drew out his knife and threw it at the Elite as he kept shooting it with his plasma pistol to prevent it shields from coming back up.

The knife found it mark right in the left eye of the minor as it die instantly gushing out purple blood from where the knife was now protruding from his head.

He then consciously making his way over as he fought with his pistol match to fix it.

As he approached the body, that had a small pool of blood now forming on the ground underneath where the knife had gone in.

The Rookie pumps two shots into the corpse to make sure he was dead, as he then retrieve and cleaned the knife before putting it away.

'That proved more difficult then expected.' Was the only thought the Rookie had as he gathered his prize.

Mean while the rest of Alpha Nine was in deep shit. As the rock they were using for cover was quite literally started to melt! Lunching another string of curses, Buck let loose another burst from his rifle only to be rewarded with nearly having his hands melted off once again.

But just as the situation seems hopeless, when hope quite literally fell right in front of him.

"The hell?" Asked Dutch as a Type-52 Guided Munitions Launcher landed right beside him.

"Aw, the Rookie sent us a gift." Romeo said as he shouldered the weapon.

"How nice of him. Lets put it to some good use." Buck said as he then pointed out were Romeo should shot.

The Hunters without realizing had moved onto a over hang that was just barely holding their combined weight. Big mistake as Romeo on Dutch's signal, rolled out from behind their cover and unleashed three plasma bolts.

The effects were almost immediately, as the already strained overhang was then broken by the explosive energy. As it came tumbling down Hunters and all.

"Nice. Messy though, but nice." Romeo said grading his handy work.

Just then a Elite come out from it clock and was about to strike at Buck with it energy sword. When it unexpected received a powerful blow to it back breaking its energy shield and disorienting it for a couple seconds.

"About time you showed up." Buck said as Veronica was just finishing off the final Elite.

"It's a good thing that I didn't." She said as a DMR shot then rang through the valley as a Jackel fell down dead beside her.

"Nice shot." She then said as the Rookie then reveal herself from his hiding place, as he then strolled over to her.

"Nice job Rookie." Buck said giving him a approving slap on the shoulder.

Then once everyone had regroup, Buck didn't have to waste anytime on issuing orders as they then made they way towards the outpost.

Location: Inside Covenant research outpost

[Time: 20:11] [date: Thursday, June 5, Local date, 2553 UNSC stander year]

Two Elites were currently walking down the purple hallway on their way to the barracks, their attention was quickly caught by the strange sounds coming from above their heads.

"Do you hear that as well brother?" Asked one Elite in his native Sanghili tongue.

But before he could respond, a large circular chunk of the ceiling then fell in front of them. As they quickly drew their blades, two humanoid figures in black armor landed in front of them.

"The humans are here!?" Cried the other as he drew his plasma blade, full intending on killing the intruders that were now in front of him.

As his other charged the intruders, he was quickly mowed down by the blast of their shotgun which effortlessly shattered his energy shields and destroyed his armor. Then was finished off by SMG fire.

As for brother wasn't as foolish to blindly charge into battle as he hid behind one of the columns lining the walls as he opened a link to the local battle net.

"This is..." But unfortunately for all those listening all they heard was gunfire and death rattle of the Elite that had tried to warn the base but in fact he had.

Not even seconds later the alarm start blaring throughout the entire base.

"Fucking hell." Cursed Romeo as he then shot out one of the speakers.

"Feeling better?" Asked Dutch as the Rookie followed by Buck and Dare came down through the same hole that had used minutes before.

"So what. It be a lot better if I had killed him sooner." Romeo gestured to the body.

"Still nothing we can do about it now. But it does complicate things. Alright the most effective way to lift the lockdown is to capture the commander and used a bit of, persuasion on him." Dare said persuasion way that it left nothing to the imagination of what she was going to do to him.

"So Ms. navy intelligence? How do you propose that we even capture him while his on his guard?" Asked Romeo mockingly.

"We'll deal with that when we get to it. Anyway we got enough to worry about." Just as Buck finished that sentence the door behind him opened to reveal more guards.

"I hate it when you're right." Dutch said as he along with the rest of the squad scrambled for cover.

"Useless! All of you are so useless!" Roared the commander of the base who was furious at the news that base perimeter had been breached.

And by humans no less, the scum of the Galaxy. The very thought of them made his blood boil such honourless creatures they dare called themselves warriors.

"We've so far managed to contain them in the southern block. But they well eventually break out. Unless we take action now!" Said the young officer who had been his post all day.

"Yes. Finally someone say something useful. For one. What's your name?" Asked the Ultra.

"Kuze 'Sazamee. And if I maybe so bold, I would like to lead the counter attack against this filth." Kuze bagged his commander.

He was desperate to ascend the ranks of the military to get himself off this boring post on the battlefield on Sangelios with his kin. And this was probably his best and most likely his only chance to make any sort of head way in that direction.

"Very will. I shall grant you this honor. But remember failure will not be forgotten." Kuze understood what he was implying.

If he failed it would be fatal one. As such there was all the more motivation for him to succeed, as his fate would be the same as if he were to fall in battle if he came back empty-handed.

But he wouldn't, not if his own sense of pride and honor prevailed.

"It will be done. You four with me." Kuze said gathering a small group of Elites as he then exited the command center.

"MOVE UP!" Cried Buck as he put down another group of Grunts.

So far progress has been slowed, mostly from the blast doors and the occasional isolated security team. Progress had steadily increased once they had sliced into their network.

"And...Got it!" Cried Mickey as he unplugged the date chip from the console.

What he had just done was download a full schematic of the entire research facility, as he then pluggedchip into his helmet which was shared through their private network.

"Alright! Now we can..." But before Mickey could finish his sentence the lights went out and they were left in a ominous purple lighting that come from the console itself.

As they then heard something landing in the darkness beyond them.

"Ah, hell." Dutch said as he nervously as he switched his HUD to low light mode.

Even with it the smoke that was now coming out for the ventilation shafts were obscuring his line of sight.

"Can someone please, get the door?" Asked Romeo who was quickly getting a bad feeling about the current situation.

This felt and had all the signs of being an ambush, maybe not true one but every sense honed over hundreds of hours were screaming at them to get the fuck out of town!

This was then confirmed as the telltale sound of a energy sword was heard.

"SHIT!" Cried Buck as his storm rifle was cut in half by a plasma blade.

"Ah hell!" Romeo cursed as he tried to anticipate where the clocked Elite would strike next.

He wouldn't have to wait long as seconds later from his right another blade tried and failed to impaneling It's intended target. Letting lose another string of curses, Romeo quickly found itself back to back with Buck who was also struggling seen through the thick smoke.

"Damn. Even with the VISR I can't keep track of them." Complained Romeo as Buck then spoke up.

"Then do something about that smoke." Buck supply as he manage to finally put down one of their attackers.

"Dare get on that computer, and vent the smoke from the room!" Cried Mickey as Dare quickly did as instructed and was now at the console typing in different commands trying to find the one that do as Mickey said as he covered her.

It didn't take long for Dare to figure out how to vent the smoke from the room and when she did the effects were immediate. As the three remain Elites were left without any cover to speak of Still that didn't make them any less dangerous as they quickly realize what it happened then attack.

But it was already too late as their enemies unleashed their attacks that cut through them like a hot knife through butter. Still Kuze mortally wounded by the attack still have some fight left in him.

"I...I can't FAIL! NOT NOW! NOT WHEN I'M SO CLOSE!" Roared Kuze in his native tongue.

Then with the last of his strength, Kaze made one last valiant attack but to no avail. As in mid-flight in a move that was designed hit no matter whether he lived or died.

But was blunted by experience as the members of Alpha Nine quickly realize what he was doing and shot him. First in the sword hand killing his sword, next his torso to stop his momentum and finally the killing head shot.

With that the ambitious of Kuze were cut short as Alpha Nine regrouped and started their final put towards the command center.

"How many? Doses it take to find some filthy reaches!" Cried the annoyed Ultra commander.

He was absolutely livid that not only UNSC forces had infiltrated the base, but they couldn't even keep track of them. Any yet with all the resources at his disposal he couldn't even figure out where they were.

'The artifact. It must be why they're here." Thought the Ultra as another powerful boom shocked the door behind him.

He then felt the eyes of the whole room on him as the door was about to come off it hinges.

"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!? THE ENEMY IS OUTSIDE THAT DOOR!" Cried the commander as the remaining occupied of the room ready themselves for battle.

Then the doors were blown back as pieces of that metal door now flew in the air. Then moments later it was replaced by flying plasma and metal were flying through the smoke filled air. As the commanding Ultra could only watch as his brother and those he commanded were cut down and the figures in black armor storm through the doorway.

"I have failed." Was the only words the Ultra could say as he continued fighting against the inevitable.

This honorless brute, this filth ingrains of the species was going to cost him everything. He silently cursed that Kuze for his failure to eradicate the problem. But that thought was short-lived as he took a couple of rounds and reflexively drop down behind the console is using its cover.

He then looked around and saw his was the only one left.

'Very well. I shall join my brothers in death." Thought the Ultra as he then stood up drew his sword, let loose a battle cry and charged the enemy.

He charged at one who he had identified as their leader.

'An eye for an eye." He thought as his journey was stopped cold when his shields broke and he quickly found that both his legs have been shredded to bits.

Letting out painful howl as he then fell to the floor in a pool of his own blood. Still he was surprised when they started dragged forward, and now brought him face to face with a female who had now removed her helmet.

"I will never bend to you. Human." He spoke in no delusions as to what they had planned for him.

He then watched as her face furled as she then responded.

"We shall see. Give me five minutes." Dare said as she then started dragging the Ultra into a side room.

For the next five minutes they could hear was the pain screams of the Elite from behind the door as Veronica was torturing the poor soul.

"What the hell is she doing to it?" Asked Mickey to Dutch how replied.

"Don't know, I'm just glad that she isn't do it to us." He said as in especially loud high pitch scream come through the door.

Then Veronica came out caked in purple blood. Still that didn't shock anyone there as they had heard the results of her handiwork.

"So did you get anything?" Buck had to ask.

Not only because of the blood also because he wasn't sure as to what to ask. It was the first time that he had seen her like this, and that unnerved him a bit to think at she could do something like this and not even flinch or what she did effect her own voice as she responded.

"Yes I did." Was her simple response.

'Well at least something when right today.' Thought Buck as he then barked out orders.

"Alright Romeo, Mickey and Dutch stay here and hold the control room. Me, Veronica and the Rookie are going down to the vault." Buck said before Dare could protest.

"Alright. We'll try to guiding in from here." Dutch confirmed his role as he walked over to the alien console and started plugging away at it.

"Don't look at me." Romeo said as he joined Dutch just as Dare looks like she was going to say something but didn't.

Frustrated unable to do anything, silently cursed Buck as she then joined the small group that would be going down to the vault as the Ultra had called it before he passed on.

"Alright. Seal the door behind us, and if you can try to do something about that alarm." Buck asked as Romeo responded by shot out on the rooms speakers.

"Fixed." Romeo said, but before Buck could respond the door closed shut in front of his face.

They were now currently on an anti-gravity lift dropping down deeper into the planet surface. Other then the purple color energy rings and the similar colored walls. There wasn't much to do on the left except talk, which Dare was trying to put off for as long as possible. At that moment more then any in her life she envied the Rookie with his ability to keep quiet despite the situation.

She never heard him talk before even when the situation had been dire, it made it both a blessing and a curse as he wouldn't complain, yet it made it extremely hard for him to inform them of any useful information.

Dare knew that she was trying her best to avoid talking to Buck, but damn it she was getting bored as the life was seemly taking it time in delivering them to their destination.

'I know I'm going to regret this.' Though Dare as she opened up to Buck with the only subject she could think off.

"Why did you insist on coming?" Dare asked Buck who was understandably confused.

"What?"

"Buck, I already know that you deliberately put yourself on my team even though I said it could just be done by me and the Rookie." Dare asked again.

"I thought we could use this opportunity to chat." Buck said casually giving Dare a hint as to what he wanted to talk about.

Knowing there was probably no way around it she when with her only choice, she took it head on.

"Okay, what do you want to talk about?" She asked him in that same casual tone that he was using.

"Oh, I don't know. The weather, life, where you've been for the last couple of months." Buck said in the most cliché way she had ever heard him bring up a topic.

"We're seriously not going to have this conversation now are we?" Dare said letting her irritation show.

"Oh you bet your ass for having a conversation now. Months, months in which I've not been able to contact you. All I get for my efforts are a visit from an ONI agent." Buck bit back.

It became very clear to Dare that there was no way that she could avoid this conversation with him. As much as she didn't want to admit it.

But thankfully fate intervened with them finally making it to the bottom of the left and running straight into the guards stationed there. Which upon realizing who had used the lift opened up on them. As the three of them had more pressing matters to attend to. Which Dare was silently thankful for but it didn't take long for them dispose of their enemies.

"Now let's see what all the fuss was about." Buck said as Dare walk over to the only door in this whole place, entered the code she had managed to extract earlier and was granted entry inside the vault.

"Alright Rookie, stay here and make sure that nothing comes in behind us." Ordered Buck who got a quickly salute response as they both walked in.

Once inside the vault there was only one thing of interest in the small room, it was held aloft by an Covenant antigravity holding device.

"Is that it?" Asking Buck as he looked at the strange blue glowing sphere currently levitating in a holding device.

"Do you see anything else?" She asked him as she reached behind to her back.

And produce a strange looking device. Buck must've gave her a funny look, as she then explained.

"Is a holding device. We don't know what we're dealing with here. So for all intents and purposes were treated as a hazardous material." Dare explained as the container now opened into two parts.

As she then carefully place the sphere inside the container and closed it with a with a satisfying, *CLICK!* as it then vented a little steam as the electronics came online. Dare gave it the once over, then satisfied she put it on the back of her belt and said to Buck.

"We're do here." Dare said as they both turned and left the room.

Everyone was currently running as the research facility behind them as it when up in a huge fireball.

It had been surprisingly simple to overload the base power core and have in melt down in the fire explosion behind them. Still it wasn't the best thing if you wanted to keep a low profile. But at this point it didn't matter as the bases emergency beacon had been on for hours now so they were way beyond subtlety.

[Salvation, this is Dare. We've retrieve the artifact and are moving to the extraction point. Please advise.] Dare said into her personal Com hoping that it could cut through any jamming that the Covenant still might be employing.

[Agent Dare. This is the Salvation, we read you. We're going to have to delay our rendezvous Covenant antiaircraft coverage is heavier than expected.] Said the ships AI Sol over the Com's.

[Understood. But the train leaves on time. Agent Dare out.] She said cutting the link.

For the most part of their journey to the rendezvous point they were mostly unopposed, except for the occasional patrol that got between them and their objectives which they quickly dispatched.

For the most part they look like they would be able to get home free till Murphy's Law singly came into effect.

As Dare was running a unseen Jackal sniper took a pot shot at her, and in doing so hit the container holding the unknown artifact. Cursing her lucky Dare immediately check the condition of the container; it wasn't good, scratch that it had just south as waves of unknown energy started to spill out of it as Buck quickly drag her away recognizing that what ever it was they carry was going to blow up.

"Ah, SHIT! ITS GOING TO BLOW!" Cursed Buck as ran with Veronica in tow as the energy discharges became bigger and bigger behind them as it was abundantly clear that it wasn't going to stop.

"Fucking hell! This is Bull shit!" Cursed Romeo as he scrambled for any available cover as he ran.

"I can see our drop pod! Everyone regroup there and prepare for EVAC!" Cried Buck as he let loose a couple of rounds from his rifle in the direction of the sniper to suppress him.

As they did Dare was frantically on the Com's letting the ship now what was happening as she climbed into her POD.

[Salvation. Abort! I repeat, ABORT! WE HAVE A CLASS ONE EVENT!] But the rest of Dares warning was drowned out by the explosion of the device detonating.

Then it all when dark.

Unknown

Buck fully expected himself to be dead after the bright flash of light, but much to his surprise he was indeed alive. Or else he wouldn't of been able to feel this unbearable pain. The pain that let him know that he, much to his own confusion; definitely alive. As such he made sure to any entity that was understood that he was in terrible pain, as he yelled into the walls of his confined metal coffin.

"THOSE MOTHER FUCKING COVENANT BASTERS!" Was one in a long line of curses that Buck yelled out as the pain became increasingly worse and worse.

Then it stopped. The pain the blinding light all of it had disappeared just as suddenly as it had materialized.

Still confused and disoriented, Buck was quickly to regain his bearings as he then noticed that his Pod that should've been on the ground but was currently in free fall.

He blinked as he then rubbed his eyes and looked again. But no he was really seeing this as he then spotted two others outside of his Pods small window. The cool blue sky outside his window that every ODST was extremely familiar with was filled with what only could be the Pods from the other members of his squad.

"The hell?" Buck asked himself as the situation around and became more clear.

Almost on instincts, Buck quickly opened up his squads personal Com's.

[Squads give me a status report!] He yelled into the static fuller silence.

Upon realizing that on one was received his calls, Buck begrudgingly cut the link.

But it was around about now that he finally noticed that none of the Pods electrical systems were lit up and his worst fears were realized. It was known as a blind drop, a ODST worst fears come to life.

No elections meant that it wouldn't automatically deploy the tails and other systems that would slow the Pod down to a safe speed at which it was possible for the human body to survive.

And currently he had no way of deploying it. Buck frantically checking all the systems, flicking every switch on and off in a desperate attempt to reboot the Pods main systems in the hope that he could use the computer to open the tail manually.

"Come on. Come on. Work damn it!" Buck said to himself as he worked.

His persistence was finally paid off when the small screen finally lit up. Still Buck didn't get much time to enjoy his victory as the ground was coming up pretty fast.

He quickly pulled the release for the Pods tail, which thankfully fully deployed without a hitch. Still he had moments to figure out where to land.

He quickly made a adjustment as there was a loud "BOOM!" As it then all when dark.

As Buck slowly came too and was met by darkness.

[Dutch? Rookie? Veronica? Anyone read me?] Buck asked once again into the silence of his Coms.

He then looked around as he turned on his HUDs nightvision as it became very apparent that all his PODS electronics were knocked out once again. As he took a closer look at his pod door he came to realize when it happened. As he then watched what he could only assume was mud leaking in through the cracks in the glass.

"You have to be joking." Buck said to himself as he checked he could blow open the hatch.

He found much to his surprise that the explosive charges that would blast his door from his POD were still intact and ready to use. He didn't question it as he quickly activated each in turn arming the changes as he ready himself for what was to came next.

As the chargers then detenated! The force of the blast alone was enough to get Buck out of his current predicament, as he found himself hanging on for dear life at the world in front of him spun madly in front of him, until it violently stopped as the POD then impacted! On the ground finally bringing it to complete stop.

"Son! Of a gun!" He said between coughing fits as his body tried to fill his lungs back up with oxygen that had been forced out by the blast that had freed him.

Once he had caught his breath he took a good look around. For the most part Buck found that he was somewhere in a forest. Some where on Earth if he had to guess, judging from the local plants and occasional animals that he could see.

"Ugh, what the hell I'm I?" Buck asked himself out loud as he got out and started man handled his pod back into a position to where he could get back inside.

Still he quickly came to realize that most of his equipment was thrown free by the explosion that had freed him from the now identified quicksand.

"Just another day, in paradise." Buck said sarcastically to himself as he finally pulled free his assault rifle from his Pod.

It was the only thing that had stayed were he had put it. Still Buck was sure as to what he should've been doing at that moment, with either going out an attempting to find the rest of his squad mates or just collecting his things and sitting tight and waiting for a rescue that may never come.

But then Buck attention was quickly drawn to the bright object just southwest of his position. He instantly recognized it as another POD making it way down.

[Dutch? Mickey? Come on anyone respond!] Came a frustrated Buck who was once again met by silence on his Com's as he watch the POD come down not too far from his position.

It was at that moment he made up his mind to make physical contact with however was in that POD. As he then got the rest of his kit from his POD and left his Com's on in case of anyone trying to reach him.

Buck then started walking in the direction of where he had see the POD touch down. As he made his way into the dense forest undergrowth which instantly surrounded him in a sea of green as he kept walked and push deeper into, and towards what he hope were some answers.

End of chapter

ONI report: Subject the MIA warship the Salvation and other resources that were lost with the ship

To: Head of Office of Naval Intelligence and heads of the UEG

To all and UGE and ONI Officials reading this report, it's my duty to inform you that the UNSC warships the Salvation, has been lost with all hands.

As most of you know, the Salvation was carrying all recovered Forerunner technology for the battle with the Covenant forces over a couple of days ago. This assets was going to be placed on humanity flagship the UNSC Infinity. As lost were all received Forerunner assets that were aboard ship.

Among the lost souls were the captain Donald Rayner, he will be missed for his skill set in commanding fighter craft in mid battle. Other notable include a ONI operative Ms. Veronica Dare and finally Edwerd Buck how was on the short list for the Spartan IV.

Among the lost assets with warship with an one of a kind experimental pelican with an AI that was built-in to handle its experimental cloaking system but it still could be pulled as others in it class as well. As lost was a great many other how should I call it unique equipment was put into that pelican to study its effects on the aerodynamics with the increased weight on the far the results have been little to no changing in how the pelican flies.

We are still getting the full details from the other ship in the fleet that were there when the incident with the Covenant forces above colony world happen so expect a follow up reports after this.

From: The Official of Naval Intelligence: This ruff draft of final report now awaiting approval this is to be destroyed once the official report is printed and released.

Well I hoped that you enjoyed my revised chapter after so long. I've been meaning to do this for sometime now.

As I changed quite a bit from last incarnation but still I hope it retains some of the same thing that I had before had. Anyway I hope to put out more of this especially for my earliest chapters, to first bring them up to speed and second try to fix the mistake that I made before.

And once again this is a work in progress so if something seems out of place then I'll probably have brought it up to speed yet. Still it's frustrating for me as well as I don't have the time that I would like to be working on this. Still I'm working with what I've got.

Anyway until then see you next time have a good one.