Ground Zero - Halo 3: ODST Alternate Storyline

[D-38 Boss]

Well, I decided I'm horrible at establishing characters in the story, so I'd take the Lazy/easy route, and just make a few character bio's. Here you go for now.

 

Name: Charles Louis Mathison

 

Age: 32

 

Height: 6 feet

 

Weight: 235 Pounds

 

Rank: Sergeant

 

Class: Team Lead

 

Preferred weapon: M90CAWS Shotgun

 

Appearance: Appears much older than he really is, with deep set wrinkles covering his face. He started to go bald at 25, and decided to just shave his head. Other than that, he looks to be a "Man's man" with rugged features, and a decently muscular build.

 

Biography: A ten year Veteran of the ODSTs, Mathison has been around the block, and knows exactly what to do when the action starts. He tends to keep new recruits at an arms length, as he has lost a fair number of troops in combat. He has the skills to take him to a higher rank, but his lack of an education has seen him Locked at Sergeant for the rest of his career.

 

Relationships:

Logan Scott - Mathison trusts Logan, but not as much as he'd like, as his tendency for silence makes him hard to deal with.

 

Christopher Lugo - Mathison and Lugo are best friends, having seen plenty of action together. Both of them love their job, but hate their restrictions of rank.

 

Admiral Parker - Mathison respects Parker, but has his dissagreements, which Parker is quick to remind him who is in charge.

 

Edward Buck - Both are the Senior ODSTs in the operation, and have been on several deployments together.

 

 

Name: Christopher Xavier Lugo

 

Age: 26

 

Height: 5 foot 11

 

Weight: 210 pounds

 

Rank: Corporal

 

Class: Medic

 

Preferred weapon: MA5B Assault Rifle

 

Appearance: The "Pretty boy" of the team, Lugo takes time to make sure he looked good. His Brown hair is always spiked perfectly, and he keeps a neatly trimmed beard. Much to his dismay, however, his body is grossly average.

 

Biography: Lugo didn't choice military life, it chose him, literally. During his training as an Emergency Medical Technician, The U.N.S.C. drafted him as a Medic. He's made the best of it though, and is well liked by the people he has served with. Unfortunately, he has a problem with his temper, and can be rather reckless.

 

Relationships:

Charles Mathison - Best friends, and have served several missions together.

 

Logan Scott - Lugo has a tendency to make fun of Logan, but gets frustrated, as the silent giant tends to ignore him completely.

 

 

Name: Logan Alexander Scott

 

Age: 23

 

Height: 6 foot 3

 

Weight: 290 pounds

 

Rank: Private First Class

 

Class: Marksman

 

Preferred weapon: SRS 99D-S2 Anti-Material Rifle

 

Appearance: Huge, with a very muscular build. He is rather plain looking, with short Blond hair and Blue eyes.

 

Biography: No one knows much about Logan's past, but his files say he was rescued from a Colony world before it was glassed. He very rarely speaks, fitting the "Strong, silent" bill perfectly. His career has been decently successful, With nearly 50 confirmed kills to his name.

 

Relationships:

Charles Mathison - Unknown

 

Christopher Lugo - Unknown

 

 

 

Name: Tyler "Ty" Mitchell MacMillan

 

Age: 18

 

Height: 5 foot 7

 

Weight: 150 pounds

 

Rank: Private

 

Class: Pointman

 

Preferred weapon: M7S Caseless SMG

 

Appearance: Short and thin, most people mistake him for being weak, or fragile. He has short messy black hair, and Sharp green eyes. He usually has a thick patch of hair on his chin.

 

Biography: Ty hasn't seen as much action as most of the other members of T.R.E.C. but he is by no means a rookie. He has had several sabotage missions already, and has established a report of being quick, quiet, and efficient.

 

Relationships:

None.

 

I should have the first chapter up tomorrow. please comment if you'd like, as it lets me know people are actually reading this.

[Sp4rkFloW]

Wow. I can tell you put a lot of effort into this. I cannot wait to read it! I'm literally tearing my hair out in anticipation. AHHHHHHHH!!!! O_O

[Surveillance]

Very nice. I can't wait to see how this plays out.

Edited May 7, 2013 by HaloGeek

[D-38 Boss]

Boom. First chapter. Comments, questions, reviews, and especially criticism are welcome.

 

 

 The U.N.S.C. Garuda, Earth Orbit, October 20^th 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....

[Sp4rkFloW]

Aha! There we go! It's brilliant D-38 Boss! The UNSC Say My Name sounds absolutely awesome! I like the dialogue choice, and I think I'm beginning to have a strong liking for Logan, mainly because he's a sniper and he is the non-talkative type. Anyhow, keep up the great work!

[Surveillance]

That made me happy. Your writing talent lifts up my day. Especially after what happened, but it was so traumatizing I won't go into detail.

[D-38 Boss]

Aha! There we go! It's brilliant D-38 Boss! The UNSC Say My Name sounds absolutely awesome! I like the dialogue choice, and I think I'm beginning to have a strong liking for Logan, mainly because he's a sniper and he is the non-talkative type. Anyhow, keep up the great work!

 

I wish I could take credit for the U.N.S.C. Say My Name, But unfortunately that is the name of the ship you drop from in Halo 3: ODST. I didn't make it. I made Da Garuda though.

[Sp4rkFloW]

Oh. Lol. Still a great chapter though

[D-38 Boss]

Next should be up by Friday. Keep an eye on this thread.

[D-38 Boss]

U.N.S.C. Garuda, Earth orbit, Above Africa, October 20^th, 3:30 PM

 

Mathison and the other three members of TREC 1 Settled into their Drop pods.

 

The Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle, or SOEIV, is the standard drop pod used by the ODSTs. With a survival rate of 80%, they are the best chance ODSTs have of making it to the drop zone, but have a nasty tendency to drift off course.

 

“Ok boys, make sure your gear is stowed, your harness is on, and your balls are there, we drop in 3.” Mathison said into his helmet’s radio.

 

“Lugo here, I’m good to go.”

 

“Logan. I’m ready.”

 

“This is Ty, Ready to rock.”

 

“Alright, just sit tight, hatches are comin’ down now.”

 

The SOEIV’s doors swung down and clicked shut, followed by a distinct whoosh as the Interior pressurized. The following minutes were nearly silent, with the only noise being that of the Technicians checking, and double-checking the Pods. Mathison just hummed to himself. He been through hundreds of drops before, and this one would be no different. Ty, on the other hand, Checked and rechecked his harness.

 

“You nervous, Kid?” Mathison said over his comm.

 

“Kinda, yeah. I’ve been through a few drops before, but never in an urban environment.”

 

“Don’t worry, if you hit a building, you’ll only feel it for a few seconds before you die.” Mathison said with a chuckle.

 

“That’s….. Reassuring…”

 

“I’m just messing with ya, you’ll be fine.”

 

“Yeah…… yeah…..”

 

The next minute seemed to last an eternity, until finally the lead technician’s voice crackled in their helmets.

 

“All pods are set. Commencing drop in thirty seconds.”

 

Ty cracked his knuckles, and put a tight grip on his pod’s control sticks.

 

“Alright ladies, do or die time!” Mathison said.

 

“20 seconds.”

 

“Hey Sarge! I’ll race you down!” Lugo cackled over the comms.

 

“Lugo, you know you can’t keep up with me!” Mathison snickered back.

 

“10…. 9….”

 

“Hey, new guy,” Logan said into the comm.

 

“Uh, yeah?”

 

“Stop breathing so heavily on the comms.”

 

“Oh… sorry…”

 

“5….. 4…..3…..2…..1…..”

 

The air seemed to thicken, and time stood still for an instant.

 

“Drop.”

 

The four pods shot out of the drop bays, and were pulled into the upper atmosphere.

 

“Tighten up the formation! We don’t need to get separated!” Mathison roared into his radio.

 

“Can’t help it, cross wind is blowing us off course!” Lugo answered, struggling to keep his pod on target.

 

The four pods shook as they entered the lower atmosphere, and suddenly, a huge Covenant carrier came into view.

 

“That’s it? The force on Reach was way bigger!” Mathison though out loud.

 

“Maybe the MAC’s took them all out?” Ty suggested.

 

“No way, reports said they only got four or five…. And that the Chief got one by himself.”

 

“By himself?!”

 

“Almost makes soldiers like us unnecessary…” Mathison sighed. ‘Anyway, cut the chatter, and tighten up!”

 

“Negative Sarge! Something’s locking up my controls!” Lugo shouted.

 

“Mine too!” Ty added.

 

“Same here.” Logan said calmly.

 

“It’s the shielding! We’re passing through the carriers shields!”

 

“Ah, Crap… Alright, when we clear it, try to get back in as tight as we can, and we’ll regroup in the city. Deploy Air foils in three…..two…..one…. Deploy!”

 

The four pods launched their airfoils, slowing them down to a safe landing speed. They tried to close the formation, but they entered the cities airspace before they could get close enough. The pods smashed into the ground, a few blocks apart. Mathison opened his bay door and climbed out.

 

“Oh man… Report in!”

 

“This is Lugo, I’m good. I landed outside of the 8^th street Hospital. Want me to come to you?”

 

“Negative, wait there, we’ll come to you. Logan? You alive?”

 

“Yes. I’m on the Corner of 3^rd and Mandela.”

 

“Alright, head to the Hospital. On 8^th street.”

 

“Moving.”

 

“Hey kid? You there?”

 

Ty’s reply was scrambled, but legible.

 

“-m fine-…..-nded in the subway-……-y way up-….-at the Hospit-….”

 

“Alright, get up here ASAP.”

 

“-s Sarge.”

 

Mathison retrieved his Shotgun from the Pod and turned to examine his surroundings. He had landed in a city park. He was alone, luckily, but the

entire area felt eerie, completely silent save for the occasional gunshot or explosion, and the ever present Banshees screaming overhead. He shrugged off his nerves and started off toward 8^th street.

 

“Everyone keep off the main streets, Covies have a lot of air presence, and there are bound to be troops on the ground.”

 

“Yeah… definitely troops on the ground…” Ty said over the comms, finally getting back above ground.

 

“You have eyes on, kid?”

 

“Affirmative, Platoon sized, Brutes and Grunts.”

 

“What are they doing?”

 

“Sweeping the buildings, probably looking for potential prisoners.”

 

“Alright, give them a wide birth, you don’t have the gear to take them out on your own.”

 

“Don’t have to tell me twice. I’m on the way to 8^th street. See you there.”

 

A few uneventful minutes later found them all meeting outside of the 8^th street hospital.

 

“Sitrep!”

 

“No contacts, Hospital’s got quite a few civilians inside, along with the staff.” Lugo said.

 

“Logan?”

 

“Ran into a few on the way. I handled it.”

 

“Good, Ty?”

 

“Nothing other than the group at the Subway entrance. The might be headed this way though.”

 

“Sounds like a good bet, ‘specially if we try to get these civies out of here…. Covies can’t resist a target like a Pelican.” Mathison pulled off his

helmet and wiped his brow. “Alright, here’s the plan; Logan, you’re gonna head into the Hospital and set up a perch on one of the upper floors.” Logan nodded and jogged off. “Lugo, you and me are gonna stay here and organize the evacuation, and cover the civilians. Ty, you’re gonna head up the street, and spot targets for Logan. Don’t fire unless you need to. I don’t want you trying to take them on alone.”

 

“Got it. You catch that Logan?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Alright, I’ll try to find some juicy ones for ya.”

 

Ty sprinted off down the street. Mathison turned to Lugo.

 

“New kids got a decent head on his shoulders.”

 

“I give him that. Let’s see if he can keep it there.”

 

“How many do we have inside?”

 

“50 or so, 70 with the staff.”

 

Mathison put his helmet back on, and switched radio channels.

 

“Command, come in, this is TREC 1-1.”

 

“This is command, we read you TREC 1.” Came the slightly static reply.

 

“We’re at the Hospital on 8^th street, Financial District. We’ve got a large group of Civilians here and they need to be evac’d. How copy?”

 

“Solid copy. How many birds do you need?”

 

“Probably two, send three to be sure.”

 

“Copy that, Archangel 1,2, and 3 are on the way. ETA twenty minutes.”

 

Ty’s voice crackled on the comms.

 

“Sarge! I don’t know why, but that platoons headed your way!”

 

“Already?!”

 

“They may have tapped our comms.”

 

Mathison slapped his forehead.

 

“And I just gave them our position… Lugo! Get the staff to barricade the doors!”

 

“On it!” Lugo ran inside the doors, and began shouting orders.

 

“Logan! Are you in position?”

 

“Almost. In the elevator now.”

 

“As soon as you are, start dropping ‘em!”

 

“With pleasure…”

 

“Ty?  Where are they now?”

 

“Just turning onto 8^th street now.”

 

Mathison looked out to the city.

 

The hospital was built on a dead end, with a large courtyard between it and 8^th street. And the only way up to it was directly up the street. The Covies would be funneled in, but with Brutes, that was hardly an advantage.

 

Mathison jumped as he heard the distinct Boom of Logan’s 12.7 caliber sniper rifle.

 

“Jesus, Logan! You just took that friggin’ Brute’s jaw clean off!” Ty said into his radio.

 

“Kill confirmed.” Logan responded quietly.

 

“Alright… take the one on the right side, by the Red car. He’s got a Brute shot.”

 

“I see him.”

 

Another loud bang.

 

“Ooo…. This is your brain… this is your brain on lead, any questions?”

 

That earned a quiet chuckle from Logan.

 

“Alright, you’ve got the grunts nice and confused. The next Group won’t be here for a few more minutes. Drop ‘em as you see fit. I’m gonna move to a better position.”

 

“Roger.”

 

Lugo had rejoined Mathison in the courtyard.

 

“They moved some benches in front of the doors, and there are two Cops inside with Pistols, but we’re gonna have to hold them here.”

 

“I had planned on it.” Mathison said, peering into his binoculars, watching as Logan did what he did best. “If Hawkeye up there keeps this up though, we won’t have much to worry about.”

 

“What about the new guy? He doing his job?”

 

The radio crackled again, almost as if to answer Lugo’s question.

 

“Logan, I’ve moved to the Convenience store on the left side of the street. The next squad is coming in. All Brutes, Spikers and Plasma rifles. Don’t fire until they reach the Mailbox in front of the store.”

 

Mathison looked over at Lugo and chuckled.

 

“Sounds like it.”

 

Lugo rolled his eyes and spoke into his radio.

 

“Hey, New guy! If you’re in the Store, get me a soda.”

 

“Yeah right. I’ll get right on that once Planet of the Apes is over. Logan, drop the one in front.”

 

Another sharp response from Logan’s rifle.

 

“Oh man… if he was still alive, he’d feel that in the morning…”

 

Mathison sighed.

 

“Kid, I asked you to spot, not give commentary.”

 

“Sorry Sarge. Logan, take the one on the left, near the street light.”

 

Another load roar from the Anti-material rifle, and another dead Brute.

 

“Reloading, hold off on new targets.” Logan said as he reloaded the rifle.

 

“Make it quick, they’re gonna start running!”

 

Ty poked his head over the shelf he was hiding behind.

 

“oh… Sh--, Guys! We’ve got a problem…”

 

“What?”

 

“4 squads! All High ranking Brutes!”

 

“Damn it… I thought this could be easy… Keep your head down and keep spotting for Logan, kid. Me ‘n’ Lugo are gonna get into a defensive position.”

 

“Roger…” Ty whispered as the large group rushed past him.

 

“I’m ready for more targets.” Logan said into his radio.

 

“Ok…. Uh….” Ty poked his head out again, trying to pick a high risk target out of the crowd. “Near the blue fuel truck. Brute Commander. Grav’ hammer. Get him before he gets any closer. He might need a few shots.”

 

Logan trained his scope over the Brute’s eye, but stopped. He saw a better target, and moved his scope over to the truck itself.

 

“Keep your head down Ty.”

 

“Uh… ok…..”

 

Logan fired two shots at the truck, and two more at the trailer it carried. The resulting fireball launched the rushing brutes across the street, and blew out the windows of the Convenience store Ty was in.

 

“Crap! A little warning next time?!”

 

“You’re fine…”

 

“Yeah, but that could have- Oh crap….” Ty’s comm cut out.

 

“Ty?” Logan said into his radio. Receiving no reply, he moved his scope over to the store. He could just make out Ty hiding behind the counter as

the Brutes searched around.

 

“Sarge. Ty’s pinned down.”

 

“What?”

 

“The brutes are looking for him in the store.”

 

“Crap… Lugo! Let’s make some noise!”

 

“How much noise?”

 

“Go Rambo, buddy.”

 

“Awesome!”

 

Lugo sprinted down the street, firing his AR and taunting the Brutes, while Mathison tossed frag grenades toward them. All the Brutes turned to investigate the noise and ran out to fight the new arrivals.

 

“Thanks guys…” Ty said over the Comm. “I’m gonna flank behind them. See if I can drop them while you have their undivided attention.”

 

“Good call! Logan! You are weapons free!”

 

Logan decided to let his rifle reply for him, as he put another round perfectly through a brute’s skull, and searched for another target.

 

Lugo and Mathison had taken position in the courtyard before the Hospital.

 

“Kid? Feel like helping?!”

 

“I’m moving in now! Watch the crossfire!”

 

Ty crept behind a flipped car, and leaned out. Lugo and Mathison were holding their own, but they were under a lot of fire. He tucked the extended stock of the M7S into his shoulder, and fired off a quick burst. The brute he had aimed at cringed as the 5-by-23-millimeter rounds ripped into its back, spraying a fine red mist into the air, and fell over, dead. Ty had no time to admire his handwork, however, and moved to get a better shot at another target.

 

“Sarge, why the hell did you bring a shotgun?” Lugo asked as he slapped a fresh mag into his MA5B.

 

“It seemed like a good idea at the time…” Mathison said, swapping the shotgun out for his sidearm.

 

“In a street-to-street op?”

 

“Shut up and keep shooting!” Mathison ordered as he hopped up to fire, putting two rounds through a cowering Grunt’s methane tank, sending him spinning through the air.

 

“Hell, I didn’t know we were gonna get a fireworks show!” Lugo chuckled. He leaned over the low wall they were using for cover, and shouldered his AR. A brute was charging towards him. “Big mistake, Monkey!” Lugo squeezed the trigger, emptying the 32 round mag into the Brute’s torso, stopping him, literally, dead in his tracks.

 

“Please tell me someone’s keeping score!”

 

“Lugo! Less talk-y, more shoot-y!” Mathison barked.

 

“You always spoil the fun…” Lugo groaned, reloading his rifle.

[Surveillance]

Very nice! That was quite enjoyable. I always LOVE to see how characters develop. Can't wait for the next part!

[Sp4rkFloW]

Wow! Quite an action packed chapter! Im lovin all the characters (especially Logan).

Quote: “Ooo…. This is your brain… this is your brain on lead, any questions?” Genius dialogue.

[D-38 Boss]

Wow! Quite an action packed chapter! Im lovin all the characters (especially Logan).

Quote: “Ooo…. This is your brain… this is your brain on lead, any questions?” Genius dialogue.

 

Yeah, Ty's usually the one who tries to be witty. Any way... next chapter is in the works, keep an eye out.

[D-38 Boss]

New Mombassa, October 20^th 2552, 4:00 PM

 

TREC 1 was still fighting off the Covenant attacking the Hospital. For every Brute they killed, two more showed up. The Pelicans that had been dispatched to them were 20 minutes overdue. Mathison switched his radio channel to Command’s frequency.

 

“Command! TREC 1 is heavily engaged on 8^th street! Where are those birds?”

 

“TREC 1, they were attacked by Banshee’s on the way in. They’ll get there, just hold on for a few more minutes.”

 

“We might not have a few more minutes!”

 

“Do you need air support? We have Longswords on standby.”

 

“That would’ve been nice to know! Bring ‘em in! Targets are on 8^th street, danger close!”

 

“Copy that, connecting you to Firehawk 3-1.”

 

A short static took over, and a quick tone confirmed his radio was connected.

 

“TREC 1, this is Firehawk 3-1. I’ve got bombs that need a new home. Can you pop smoke to mark your targets?”

 

Mathison pulled a Smoke grenade off of his belt, pulled the pin, and tossed it over the wall.

 

“Smoke’s up! Be careful, they’re right on top of us!”

 

“Turning now. Bombs away in one minute.”

 

Lugo turned to Mathison.

 

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

 

“What?”

 

“The new guy?”

 

“Oh S---…”

 

Mathison scrambled to change his radio channel.

 

“Kid! We’ve got air support coming in! You need to get out of there!”

 

“Oh crap…. Alright, I’m moving now!”

 

Ty broke off from the brutes he was exchanging fire with, and moved up the street towards the Hospital. He dashed across the street and leaped over the wall Lugo and Mathison used for cover.

 

“Howdy! Miss me?”

 

“Yeah, I almost hit you a few times though.” Lugo said with a smirk.

 

“Oh, how nice….” Ty said, rolling his eyes. Their radios crackled.

 

“TREC 1, Firehawk is coming in, and the talons are out. Keep your heads down.”

 

A Longsword fighter streaked down and followed 8^th street, Heading directly for the hospital.

 

“Bombs away.”

 

The twin 500 pound Dumb-bombs dropped from their rails, and screamed toward the ground.

 

“Get down! Now!” Mathison shouted, before getting as low to the ground as possible, Lugo and Ty doing the same.

 

The bombs hit just a few feet off where the smoke grenade was, and exploded, tearing the attacking brutes to bits, and spewing blood all over the street.

 

“TREC 1, confirm on drop?” Firehawk 3-1 said into his Mask. Receiving silence. “TREC 1, Respond.”

 

Mathison pulled himself up and wiped the blood off of his helmets visor.

 

“Good effect on target Firehawk… I’ll send ya my laundry bill.” He said, flicking some brute bits off of his shoulder.

 

“Roger that, TREC 1. Might wanna move downwind before you start to stink. Firehawk 3-1, out.”

 

“Man… I wanted to watch the explosion…” Lugo said, hanging his head.

 

Ty was still sitting on the ground.

 

“Can you give me a hand Lugo?”

 

“Sure, here ya go.” Lugo giggled as he dropped a Brute’s severed hand into Ty’s lap.

 

“Oh God!!” Ty shouted as he scrambled to his feet, wiping the blood off of his pant legs. “Don’t do that!!”

 

“Oh come on! You HANDED me that one.” Lugo said with a cheesy smile.

 

“Are you two ladies done?” Mathison sighed. “The Pelicans are here…”

 

Back at the Hospital, Logan was already loading civilians onto the evac flight.

 

“Alright people! Listen up!” Mathison bellowed, getting everyone’s attention. “These fine UNSC pilots are gonna take you to the Garuda, Our own little slice of heaven. Once there, you’ll be checked in, and you can eat, sleep, or look for your loved ones. We have 4 other teams evacuating civilians as we speak, so if you don’t see them right away, don’t freak out. Wait a bit, and they may show up on the next flight. Good luck, and Godspeed.”

 

Lugo and Ty rushed over, having given similar speeches to the other two full Pelicans.

 

“Everyone’s in.” Lugo said with a satisfied smirk.

 

“Got it. Pilots! Get these people out of here!”

 

The three pelicans lifted off, and rocketed away from the city, slipping past the Covenant cruiser as Longsword fighters kept up their assault.

Mathison watched for a bit, and turned to his team.

 

“Good work guys. Real textbook stuff.”

 

“What part of the textbook talks about being covered in Pureed Brute?” Ty groaned, still trying to get the blood off of his uniform.

 

“Oh chin up, Diva… Think of the story this’ll make!” Lugo said, fantasizing about all the female Marines he’d regale with his heroic tale.

 

“Well, it sucks so far…”

 

Mathison radioed the Garuda.

 

“TREC Actual, this is TREC 1. Evacuation complete.”

 

“Affirmative TREC 1. One moment.”

 

Mathison sat on the steps of the hospital, thankful for the moment of silence, save for Lugo, as usual, talking up a storm.

 

“I’m telling you, I got like… 10, on my own. How many’d you get Newbie?”

 

“Three I think…”

 

“Ha! You lose! What about you Blondie?”

 

“15.” Logan said, patting his rifle.

 

“Yes! I wi- 15? Damn it…” Lugo said, kicking at the ground.

 

“It’s not about kills Lugo.” Mathison scoffed.

 

“Says the guy who didn’t get any…”

 

“I’m about to get one if you don’t check your mouth.”

 

Lugo slinked away, and walked inside the hospital. Mathison’s radio clicked on.

 

“All TREC teams, this is TREC Actual. Evacuation operations are complete. 8 Pelicans confirmed arrived. Two confirmed lost. Begin phase two; Recon the sectors you were assigned in briefing. Report any and all findings to us. How copy?”

 

“Solid copy. TREC 1 is moving now.” Mathison said, jumping to his feet, and turning to his team.

 

“Alright, here’s the- Where the hell is Lugo?”

 

“He went inside…”

 

“I swear, sometimes I just want to-“

 

Lugo sauntered through the double doors, helmet off, and a soda in his hand.

 

“What’s up Sarge?”

 

“Did you seriously just go get a soda?”

 

“I said I wanted one, didn’t I? And Rookie here forgot to grab it while he was in the store.”

 

“Yeah, I had a hard time deciding what was more important, my survival, or your thirst.” Ty scoffed.

 

“Always think of the team first, kid.” Lugo said, before chugging down the rest of the bottle.

 

“Lugo… I swear to god…” Mathison fumed. Lugo pulled another soda from behind his back.

 

“I got you one Sarge.”

 

“Can we at least TRY to act like professionals?”

 

Lugo hung his head.

 

“I was thirsty… sorry. I guess I’ll just throw this out.”

 

“Well, I didn’t say I didn’t want it…” Mathison chuckled.

 

“Hypocrite…”

 

“Anyway,” Mathison said, taking the bottle from Lugo. “We’re starting phase two. We have two spots to Recon. An old weapons depot on the outskirts of the city, and the central park. If we wanna take a stand and stop these guys, we’ll need both. Lugo, you ‘n’ me are goin’ to the Depot. Logan, take Ty and scope out the park. Engage at your own discretion. Any questions?”

 

“Where are the other teams going?” Lugo asked, slipping his helmet back on.

 

“Targets closer to the Carrier’s area. Hopefully they won’t run into too many problems…”

 

“Where are we meeting up after this, Sarge?” Ty asked as he adjusted his vest.

 

“All teams are meeting at Evac-point Alpha. The courtyard of the Capital Building.”

 

“Got it.”

 

“Alright, you two are on your own from here. Keep radio use to a minimum. Got it?”

 

“Yes.” Logan nodded. Ty gave Mathison a thumbs up.

 

“Get goin’ boys, we’re on the clock.”

[Surveillance]

Looks great! Can't wait for more!

[Sp4rkFloW]

Quotes: “Oh come on! You HANDED me that one.” Lugo said with a cheesy smile.

“What part of the textbook talks about being covered in Pureed Brute?” Ty groaned, still trying to get the blood off of his uniform. 

 

 

That was a pretty "punny" chapter! You've amazed me again Boss! It was awesome, outstanding, amazing, and absolutely magnificent! :

)

[BaconShelf]

After resting this, I'm getting an RP idea formulating in my head....

[BaconShelf]

http://www.343industries.org/forum/topic/28815-ashes-of-mombassa-ooc-rp-signup/

[BeckoningZebra1]

Great read I really enjoyed it only ran onto one thing and I'm not sure if its just a pet peeve of mine or improper grammar, but sometimes you'll use past tense inside present progression. Which basically means "Ty reloaded his gun" then say "Ty shoots the Brute" its incoherent and if you would just choose one tense to stay in I think it would improve the overall unity and flow of the story. Other than that though great job

[D-38 Boss]

Great read I really enjoyed it only ran onto one thing and I'm not sure if its just a pet peeve of mine or improper grammar, but sometimes you'll use past tense inside present progression. Which basically means "Ty reloaded his gun" then say "Ty shoots the Brute" its incoherent and if you would just choose one tense to stay in I think it would improve the overall unity and flow of the story. Other than that though great job

Wait... I did that? I can't even find it....

[BeckoningZebra1]

Wait... I did that? I can't even find it....

“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?”

 

Above is an example the story seems to be told from the present tense but then seems to change to the past tense

 

A possible fix maybe is:

 

“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 nods, sits back down, and picks up his game.

 

“So kid… I didn't exactly get a chance to review your file. What Academy are you coming from?”

[D-38 Boss]

“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?”

 

Above is an example the story seems to be told from the present tense but then seems to change to the past tense

 

A possible fix maybe is:

 

“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 nods, sits back down, and picks up his game.

 

“So kid… I didn't exactly get a chance to review your file. What Academy are you coming from?”

 

ISSUE RESOLVED!

[D-38 Boss]

New Mombassa, October 20^th, 2552, 6:00 PM

 

Tracking ODSTs: Sergeant Charles Louis Mathison and Corporal Christopher Xavier Lugo

Sector 3-F. Historical District, Armax Weapons Depot.

 

Mathison Crept up next to the emplacement of sandbags outside of the Armax Facility.

 

“Lugo.” He said into his radio, looking over the sandbags.”You in place yet?”

 

There was a few seconds of silence before Lugo responded.

 

“Yeah, I'm in place. You've got a bit of resistance on the way in.”

 

Mathison peeked out again.

 

“Which tower are you in?” Lugo used his helmets flash light to get Mathison's attention. “Alright, I see ya. Guide me in. I need to get inside the main building.”

 

“Why don't we just take 'em out? Be a lot easier... and fun...”

 

“Without a proper head count? We could be biting off more than we can chew. Once I get a solid number on the enemy, we can decide whether or not we can take 'em then.” Mathison said, with some annoyance. “Now can you do me a favor and tell me where to go?”

 

Lugo rolled his eyes. “Alright, you've got a few grunts to your left, head right around those crates, and be quick. There's a brute who keeps making passes over there.”

 

Mathison peeked around the corner one more time, before rushing out, and sliding to a stop behind a pile of Ammo crates.

 

“Am I clear?”

 

“You'd have to be blind to miss ya, Sarge, but I don't think anyone saw ya.” Lugo chuckled. He scanned around Mathison. “Slip around that shed behind you and move along the wall.”

 

Mathison crept along the wall, staying as low to the ground as possible, in the shadow of the outer walls. Lugo followed him though his spotting scope.

 

“You're clear, the entrance is on the left. Hope it's not locked.” Lugo said with a smirk.

 

“Oh ha ha, you're on a roll today Lug'.” Mathison scoffed. “Get over here. Try not to get spotted.”

 

“You're not giving me enough credit, Sarge.” Lugo said as he climbed down to ground level. “I'm telling you, you probably won't even realize when I get there.”

 

“With your mouth? Hell I'd know if you were in the same state without seein' ya.” Mathison groaned.

 

A few minutes later, Lugo crept up next to Mathison.

 

“Did you get the door open, Sarge?”

 

“No.” Mathison said, shaking his head. “I thought you could?”

 

“Logan's the one with the lock-picks...” Lugo sighed.

 

“Ah... F—k it.” Mathison stood up and kicked the door in, getting the attention of the four brutes inside the room.

 

“A little warning would have been nice, Sarge!” Lugo shouted as he followed Mathison into the room, his AR lighting up. Two of the brutes dove for cover, but the other two didn't move quickly enough, and were cut down by the storm of metal. Lugo ducked down behind a crate to reload, while Mathison scanned the room.

 

The Depot was rather large, but it seemed smaller with all the weapons and ammo crates around the room, stacked to the ceiling.

 

Lugo circled the room slowly, searching for the two brutes, with Mathison following closely behind him.

 

“How'd we lose a pair of god damn gorillas?” He said, Sniffing the air. “I smell you monkeys! Come out and play!”

 

Almost to answer him, one of the brutes shoved over a crate of DMR's, colliding with Lugo and knocking him to the ground. The alien leaped over the fallen crate, intent on beating Lugo to a pulp. Mathison reacted quickly, however, firing his Shotgun, and blowing the Brute's chest wide open. The second brute tried to rush him, but Mathison spun quickly, cocked the gun, and blasted the Brute's face off. He ducked aside as the lifeless body toppled toward him, collapsing on top of Lugo. Mathison slid two fresh shells into his weapon.

 

“And that,” He said with a grin. “Is why I brought the shotgun.”

 

“Fantastic,” Came Lugo's muffled reply. “Can you get King Kong off of me now please?”

 

“Since you asked so nicely...” Mathison chuckled, dragging the corpse of off his squad-mate. He scanned the surrounding room. “Oh yeah, we can definitely use this stuff...”

 

“That's great and all, Sarge...” Lugo said, wiping the Brute blood off of his visor for the second time today. “But did you forget about our friends outside? Assuming they didn't hear all this.”

 

“You didn't read up on our target, did you?” Mathison groaned.

 

“Can't say I did. Care to enlighten me?” Lugo said, slinging the AR over his shoulder and looking into a few random crates.

 

“Well, these Depot's are important, obviously, so they need to be protected.”

 

“Which explains why we had to sneak in here and take it back...” Lugo said with a scoff.

 

“Shut up and listen, Smart a--. This base uses Auto-turrets, we get to the Command Console up there,” Mathison pointed to a small booth overlooking the room. “We can turn 'em on, and kick our feet up while they do the hard work.”

 

“Do I still get credit for the kills?” Lugo asked hopefully.

 

“One of these days, I swear...” Mathison muttered, heading up the nearby stairs to the command console. Lugo peeked into another crate.

 

“Ooo.... Pretty....” He said, lifting the large Automatic Rifle. “The hell is this thing? We don't have any of these in the Armory...” He peeked down at the Crate's label, and read aloud. “ The M739 SAW... Chambered for 7.62 by 51 Millimeter ammo... Hm... Sold!” He said, shouldering his new weapon. He gathered a few spare drum magazines, and joined Mathison in the control booth.

 

“Damn it... which button is it?” Mathison muttered as he looked over the practically foreign control panel. Lugo reached forward and pointed to a single switch, labeled “Turrets”.

 

“Oh... I knew that...” Mathison said, flipping the switch, which was immediately followed by the sound of heavy gunfire outside. Mathison turned to Lugo. “Where'd you get that thing?”

 

“I found it... I call it Greg.” Lugo said with a cheesy grin.

 

“Do you ever listen to the S—t that comes out of your mouth, Lugo?”

 

“No sir, I do not.” Lugo said, puffing out his chest.

 

“Idiot...”

 

“Love you too, Sarge.” Lugo chuckled. Mathison walked over to the large garage-type door leading outside, and punched the button to open it. The door slowly slid open, and Mathison ducked under it, followed by Lugo. It was a gruesome scene outside, as the Covenant had been cut down but the auto-turrets.

 

“Oh, this is real pleasant...” Lugo said, looking around. “Oh, hey! Lookie lookie!” Lugo pointed to the other end of the compound. “A Warthog!”

 

A military grade Warthog sat near the wall of the depot, ready and waiting to be used. Mathison looked over to Lugo, holding up his gun.

 

“I call Shotgun!” He said with a snicker, making Lugo groan.

 

“That was bad... and you should feel bad...”

 

“Like your jokes are any better.” Mathison said, rolling his eyes. “Go get it fired up, I'll plant the tracking beacon. I get the feeling Logan and Ty are gonna need our help.”

 

“You got it, Sarge.”

[Sp4rkFloW]

Good example of brotherly love.

[D-38 Boss]

Good example of brotherly love.

 

I'm working on the next chapter, which covers what Logan and Ty were doing at the time. Keep an eye out!