Boom. First chapter. Comments, questions, reviews, and especially criticism are welcome.
The U.N.S.C. Garuda, Earth Orbit, October 20th 2552, 3:00pm.
The U.N.S.C. Garuda, a Charon-class Light Frigate, was drifting in a high orbit of Earth, just over the African Main-land. The ships purpose was well publicized. It had been commissioned as the first ship in the new Tactical Reconnaissance and Evacuation Command, or T.R.E.C.
The group was established early in the war, when Reach fell, as a means to evacuate civilians. And currently, they were on high alert.
“So, what exactly do you think they’re doing?” Mathison asked.
A ten year veteran, Charles L. Mathison had seen his share of Covenant, as well as what they do to Humans, civilian or not, who get in their way. He was the first to volunteer for T.R.E.C. and Led T.R.E.C. 1. At 32, he was old for a Helljumper. He looked even older, going prematurely bald, and opting to shave his head.
“Well, it doesn’t take much to guess. If they’re attacking the MAC relay, they must have their eyes set on Earth.” Admiral Parker answered, stroking his mustache “Unfortunately, we don’t have the Authorization, nor the man-power to drop down and start evacuating civies at random… U.N.S.C. command wants to see IF they attack. We all know they will, it’s just a matter of where, and when.”
“We’ll need more than just us sir, we can’t fight off an invasion force.”
“The U.N.S.C. Say My Name is moving into a synced orbit now. They’ll be the main response force.”
“Hmm… Buck still leading the ODSTs over there?”
“He is, but everyone else there is green as grass.”
“Eh, if I know Buck, he’ll get ‘em together quickly.”
“That’s it. I’ll let you know if we need you, but I wouldn’t stow your gear just yet. Dismissed.”
“Yes sir!” Mathison stood and saluted before turning to leave.
“Oh, Sergeant! One more thing.”
“Yes sir?”
“Your new boy just arrived. He’s in the Hanger now.”
“A new recruit?”
“That’s right. He’s a young one, only 18.”
“Great… just what I need, a friggin’ babysitting job…”
“He’s gotten good reports so far, and he has a few drops under his belt. You don’t need to hold his hand, just keep an eye on him.”
“Yes sir.”
“Alright then, get to it Sergeant.”
Mathison left the Bridge, and headed down to his squads bunk-room. Inside his two squad mates were waiting.
“Up and at ‘em ladies. We’ve gotta go break in the newbie.”
“Newbie?” They both said in unison.
“You heard me, let’s go!”
“I’ve got to grab my rifle from the Quartermaster, I’ll meet you there.” Logan said, rushing out of the doorway before anyone could respond.
“Well, looks like it’s you an’ me Lugo.”
“Lead the way, Sarge.”
Christopher Lugo, the team’s Medic. He had planned to become an E.M.T., but the U.N.S.C. drafted him first. He made the best of it, and now is a proud member of the O.D.S.T.s. His valor in battle has made him a trusted and formidable soldier, but his temper has kept him from many a promotion.
“Come on, the Newb’s waiting in the Hanger.”
“I’m not exactly happy about replacing Paez so quickly.” Lugo lamented as they began to walk down the hall.
“Lugo, Paez went AWOL, and he paid for it. I’d been tryin’ to get rid of his sorry a—since he was assigned to me.”
“But he-“
“I know he was a friendly guy, but you know what he was like. He loved the Innies, and it cost him. I guess it was a one way relationship.” Mathison said with a chuckle as he pulled a pack of Cigarettes from his pocket. “Hopefully the new kid’s got a smarter outlook on life.”
“Kid?”
“He’s only 18, apparently.”
“Great…”
“Hey, Veterans are a rarity now. We gotta deal with the newbies, and make some new ones.”
Lugo and Mathison stepped onto the Elevator. Just before the doors closed, Logan slipped through the door, holding his SRS 99D-S2, A new Anti-Material sniper.
Logan Scott is the big guy of the group, at 6”3’. However, his personality is the exact opposite, as he rarely speaks. His talent as a sniper is well known, even to some in the SPARTAN project.
“Glad you could join us, Blondie.” Lugo said with a Grin, which Logan ignored.
They waited in Silence as the elevator slid down to the Hangar level.
Inside the Hangar, Technicians and Pelican Pilots were all scrambling to make sure they were ready to evacuate civilians should the need arise. Mathison glanced around the Deck, looking for the new recruit.
“Anyone see ‘em?”
“There.” Logan said, pointing to a short, Black haired man, sitting on his helmet and playing a handheld game.
Mathison walked over and stood above the recruit, who looked up, and quickly scrambled to his feet, dropping the game. He stood at attention and saluted.
“Sergeant. Private Tyler MacMillan, Reporting for duty sir.”
“At ease. You sure you belong here kid?”
“Yes sir. I’ve been assigned to TREC 1.”
“Well, you’re looking at TREC 1.” Mathison said, waving to his team. “That’s Lugo, and the big guy is Logan.”
Ty nodded respectfully to them, and returned his attention to Mathison.
“Orders sir?”
“Cut the ‘sir’ crap kid, I’m a Sergeant, not the damn president.”
“Yes si- Sarge.” Ty corrected himself.
“You go by Tyler?”
“I prefer Ty, if it’s all the same to you.”
“Ty? Alright, easy enough. As for orders, we gotta wait until U.N.S.C. Command gives us the green light. Until then, just relax.”
Ty nodded and sat back down, picking up his game.
“So kid… I didn't exactly get a chance to review your file. What Academy are you coming from?”
“Argo Academy of Reconnaissance, Boston, Massachusetts.”
“A recon specialist eh?”
“Yep.”
“Good. What gear you runnin’ with?”
Ty pointed to the metal case next to him.
“I’ve got an M7S, and an M6CSOCOM.”
“Suppressed huh?”
“It helps to keep it quiet sometimes.”
“Smart kid. Now all we gotta do is-“
Without warning, Alarms began to blare. Admiral Parker’s voice roared over the intercom.
“TREC teams! We are green lit for Evacuation operations in New Mombassa! Covies have just landed! I repeat! The Covenant are on Earth! Teams 1 through 5, get to your pods and prepare to drop!”
While the rest of the squad took a second to process the information, Mathison was already spouting orders.
“You heard ‘em! Those ******** are on the ground! Let’s move it!”
To Be Continued....