Hey everybody. This is my first time posting on the forums. I'm new. I've written a short story set in the Halo universe after the events of Halo 4 and from the perspective of Kelly, Spartan-087. I decided to sign up and post it here to get some fan feedback. So, without further ado, enjoy the story guys and let me know what you all think.
A Stroke of Luck
She couldn’t believe it. After four years being designated as missing in action, the Master Chief had been found. Found by the UNSC Infinity on its encounter with Requiem. Adding yet another commendation to his already incredibly impressive career, and being ever so typical, John had saved the human race. Again. He had disobeyed direct orders to pursue the Didact and his actions virtually single-handedly protected the population of Earth from a fate worse than death. Now, he was stationed aboard Infinity. She was going to see him. She, Fred and Linda had jumped as soon as they heard the news. None of them had seen John in nearly six years, and he could do with being reunited with his squad and friends. Kelly had also heard of the loss of Cortana. That must’ve hurt like hell. Cortana and the Chief had served together since the Fall of Reach. She was, at times, the only companion Chief had. Quite possibly the only thing keeping him sane. Kelly regretted that she would never get to tell her that she appreciated her looking after John. A rap echoed throughout her helmet and she turned to see Fred standing with his helmet tucked under his right arm. “We’ll rendezvous with Infinity in five hours. You should use that time to get some sleep.” He said. He was right. Since finding out John was alive, Kelly hadn’t been able to sleep well. “I think I’ll take you up on that thought.” She replied. “You should.” He agreed. “I’ll wake you when we get there, I promise.” His voice sounding slightly muffled as he pulled his helmet on. He turned about and left, throwing a half-wave at Kelly over his shoulder as the door slid shut behind him. She lay back on the bed, and fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.
Jolting upright, Kelly glanced over at the door as it opened and revealed Fred standing behind it. “Okay, that’s still creepy the way you do that…” He muttered. “I was just coming to wake you. We’re docking with Infinity now.” “I told you before, I don’t do it on purpose. You wake when you wake.” She shrugged. “Right. Well, follow me. Linda’s already waiting in the hanger bay.” He called out as he started walking down the corridor. Kelly caught up then strode past him, in her peripheral vision, she saw him shaking his head and allowed herself a smirk. It was fun being the fastest Spartan. They reached the hanger and Linda was sitting on a crate, legs crossed, looking as calm as ever. “Well, look what the Spartan dragged in. Another still sleepy Spartan. You get any sleep yet, Kelly?” Linda’s faceplate depolarized showing her smiling face. Everyone was in good spirits after the news about John. “Yes, actually. A whole five hours.” Kelly told her. “Wow. Slacker.” Linda grinned. “Officer on deck!” Fred exclaimed, saluting. Kelly and Linda followed suit. “Captain Lasky, sir. Pleasure to meet you.” Fred said. “At ease, Spartans.” Lasky smiled. “The pleasure’s all mine.” He said, taking each of their hands in turn. “If you want to follow me, I’ll have transport arranged and show you to the Master Chief’s quarters.” The Spartans shared a look. “I get it. You’re Spartans. Transport is humiliating for three walking tanks. Well, I am not a Spartan, and I would very much like some transport. It’s a big ship.” You couldn’t not help but like Lasky. He was a good CO. Friendly with everyone. Kelly took an immediate shine to him, and by the body language of Fred and Linda, she could tell they approved too.
After fifteen minutes or so, they arrived at John’s quarters. Lasky keyed the intercom. “Chief?” The response was immediate. “Captain Lasky. What is it, sir?” “Visitors, Chief.” There was silence on the other end. Kelly knew John was weighing up who it could be. Then, “Thank you, sir. Send them in.” He sounded braced. As if he was expecting the visitors to be a pack of ****** off Jiralhanae. Lasky gave a nod to the Spartans and said, “I’ll leave you to it then. It was nice meeting you all.” “Appreciate it, sir. You too.” Fred replied. The door slipped apart and Kelly was surprised to see him sitting there, minus his MJOLNIR. He had always been the most comfortable in his armor. Every Spartan loved their armor, but John was almost never seen without his. “John. It’s been too long.” Fred took his helmet off with his left hand and extended his right. “Fred. Likewise, Lieutenant.” Fred grimaced. “You heard about that? You’re not allowed to call me ‘sir’. It would just be too damn weird, Chief.” “I’ll keep that in mind.” John turned to Linda who did the traditional Spartan smile, swiping two fingers across her faceplate. “Good to see you, Chief.” Kelly took her helmet off as Linda reached over and patted Johns shoulder. She caught him quickly look over at her, then turn his attention back to Linda. “Linda, how have you been? Looking after everyone in my absence?” She smiled. “Of course, Chief.” Finally, he turned to Kelly. She did something she’d never done before. She hugged him. To her surprise, he hugged her back. “I missed you, John.” She whispered. “I missed you too, Kelly.” He replied. Then, in a manner more befitting her usual self, she punched his arm. “That’s for making everyone think you were dead, dummy.” She grinned. “I get lost in space for four years with no means of contacting anyone, and I’M at fault.” Everyone laughed at that. “I’m going to hit the gym. You Spartans take some well-deserved R&R on Infinity. That’s an order.” Master Chief told them. “Understood, Chief.” Fred shook his hand once again, and turned to leave with Linda in tow. Kelly hesitated. “That includes you, Kelly.” She rolled her eyes at him, then said, “Aye aye, Chief.” And followed Fred and Linda out of the room.
After a quick meal in the Canteen, and having her MJOLNIR removed, Kelly went in search of John and found him still in the gym. “Do you ever switch off?” She asked questioningly. “On occasion.” He responded without looking around. “How about now? Fancy trying to switch off now?” She inquired. John set down the weight he’d been lifting and turned to face her. His piercing blue eyes focused directly on hers. He ran a hand through his short, brown hair. “I’m sorry about Cortana, John.” Kelly put her hand on his face. “I miss her, Kelly.” He patted her hand. “I know you do. I’m here.” He moved away from her and over to the huge window. She followed. “Do you remember what you said to me at Jericho VII?” He asked her. “It’s a shame to leave this place… there are so few left...” She replied. “And I told you there would be other places to fight for.” As she leaned her head against his shoulder she felt her mind at ease for the first time since the mission to Onyx. “Where are we fighting for now, John?”