[ 9Th Age of Reclamation, Edens Systems Third Planet.] A Covenant Battlecruiser exited jump space. [b]Dark of Intent[/b] came about as it's engines incresed thrust turning towards Eden fallowing two Corvette Class ships. Deep in the bowls of the Battlecruiser was a holographic platform. It was a circular room used for one on one transmissions. This day there were two in the room. Field Marshal Har'rush stood tall next to a Prophet. They both had been waiting here since the third bell. Suddenly the display came to life. High Prophet of Truth appeared in all his glory. Har'rush kneeled down. Prophet next to him bowed solemnly. " Field Marshal it is good to see you again." Rising Har'rush stood tall once again." I see my assistant Prophet of Hope made it aboard." " To explain why you both are here. You see Mercy plans on using this device to gain control over the Hierarchs. This cannot be allowed. My voice must lead the others."Both stiffened at this news. " Hierarch to do this act you are asking of me to subvert those on planet, is one that will in turn require a favor. "Prophet of Truth taken aback by this was not surprised."This is acceptable. You seem to be more flexible than most Marshal. I want this to be a failure." "If you can retrieve the Artifact do so. Otherwise kill all except my spy who with his warriors will help you bring silence to this issue." Prophet of Truth disconnected leaving the two who stood in silence for a moment. "I have been instructed to help assist you. Our spy is in the Hierarchs debt. When you arrive Marshal it would be prudent to not shoot before we are ready." Har'rush understood the treachery he was involved in yet was eager to end this quickly. Har'rush left this room behind heading to the bridge to coordinate things with his commanders who will be eager for new orders. This treachery with Truth was rumored but it was too late now to turn back. He would have to bear this sin in silence. [Edited on 12.26.2012 12:35 PM PST]

Chapter:8 [About 1100 hrs October 26th 2525,Misty Feilds Eden] Major Ivanovitch fired a three rocket burst on a Spectre. Finishing it off with another 65mm three rocket burst that killed all three enemy occupants. Energy explosion fallowed next with parts raining down in a fifteen foot area as the crafts power plant blew. Crafts fires licked at the dead alien bodies. Her marines did a good job of getting the enemy in the kill zone. Wolverines would use MLRS with painted targets by infantry against heavy armor. Cobras would take allot of the smaller craft assisted by Warthogs that screened there heavy armor. So far this was the second action of the day as these aliens tried to rush them with a recon force backed with another force of tanks fallowed by infantry. She was proud her marines were doing so well against three even four to one odds. Still it was no time to get over confident. Pelicans were on standby for reinforcements to be delivered. She would have time to morn later if there were any dead. Enemy forces rushed over the hills attack craft swiftly moved into battle. Her rocket 'Hog hit a hill as she in mid air let loose with rockets while another hog used its Vulcan gun to spray them with bullets. Rockets reloaded into tubes as six rockets detonated on a enemy squad of troops carrying a mounted weapon. They drove past a burning scorpion that had been the target of the enemy's first assault. Dirt would run with more blood as both alien and humans would loose more in this hard soil. Some did not notice those dark clouds on the horizon. It was steadily getting colder. Major Ivanvitch had little time to surmise such thus noted it for later. It pained her to see half of her hogs wreckage from that first engagement but such is to be expected in war. They fought on hilly terrain that was part grass but mostly dirt. It was filled with craters, along with other scars of war. Broken bodies lay around areas along with a shell of a shattered vehicle. Purple wreckage would stick out. Her forces were hitting the enemy currently. All except her Hornets every thing else was firing on enemy positions. Scorpions fired 90mm cannons to infantry firing M37 Assault Rifles. Second engagement had failed now as alien troops fell back with other forces to plot once again. It would be a matter of time before those alien bastards rushed them in full force. " This is Com Tech Allers to Ivan Six." Ivanvitch listened while they did a victory lap. After that heading to friendly lines where three Scorpion tanks sat waiting ready for next engagement. " We have two Longswords on standby. Captain can send four more Hornets if you need them." Ivanvitch nodded then replied." Those Hornets would be best used to cover my Pelicans. We might as well do it now before there is no chance. Send them in." Allers calmly replied." Aye Aye Ma'am. Give them hell down there." Ivan chuckled." Will do" " Sergeant Jones report." Sgt. Major Jones replied." Sorry i was discussing with Conway here our scout to go take a peek. Better safe then sorry." Touching her helmets right ear." Roger that. I agree just be safe. I hope hes not going alone." Jones said with a prideful" Alone ma'am ? Hes got ammo with the entire Marine Core behind him. But i will send a few others" Ivanavitch stepped off her 'Hog as Davers her platoon sergeant walked over. He held out a canteen she refused." You know Major you sure do like playing dirty." Unsure if he was commenting on her appearance or Battlefield tactics. " Nothing better than rolling up ones sleeves then getting it done. Besides any good job is one well done." Sgt. Davers gave his usual goofy smile." Amen. Well this fine day is ruined as we have yet to bury more aliens on this planet. That is one thing i shall aim to rectify." Ivan looked at those clouds she knew a storm was coming. It reminded her when she was little looking at clouds that went on forever. It also was silly but thinking about it they were in a storm as well. One she hoped to navigate her marines through to see them safely away from Eden. [Edited on 12.28.2012 4:37 PM PST]

[1102 hrs October 26Th,2525 ONI Base Project:Overdrive, Eden.] Eric O'Keefe had been medicated who was resting as the Doc spoke unintelligible words to Gunny. He dozed off into a dream he had before. This was three years ago. He had been tracking a Indie terrorist group who were disliked even by other Rebels. It was his greatest sin yet he felt right at the time doing it. Fading into the dream he relived it. ----------------------------------------------------- [December 23rd 2522,New Hong Kong,Arcadia] Sgt. Eric O'Kife with a Army Ranger team from the 82ND Airborne. Had gotten Intel from UNSC Command that a Indie Terrorist group were going to bomb a target in the city. With his drones Eric had scoured the City then finding them inside a fountain in a park, Another set at a Market place even some inside a gas station near city hall. Lieutenant Kadan was leading this effort. His bomb disposal guy Bobby"Bubba"Linux was inside the gas station defusing the explosives. He defused the one at the park as well. He came out in his bomb suit after twenty minutes giving a thumbs up. O'Kifes Dragonfly's hovered overhead. One picked up signal from a rooftop as some one called in. His Drone amplified that voice to his wrist display. " They just defused our bomb. Yes blow it. Blow it NOW!. I do-" The drone flew over as the man realized he was being monitored now. He ran despite Eric sighing that he was prepared for this. " Well it seems we have one being fallowed by my drone. He is going to blow the market. He has to be one of the terrorist. let him run. My drone will find him. thus leading us to his hideout." Every one nodded piling into two Warthogs one was a passenger model. They arrived at the market square with his other Dragonfly hovering overhead in the Afternoon sun. Two individuals stood at a market door. Same one that was designated by his drone to have explosives. Lt. Kadan shouted over a loud speaker." All Civilians please clear out-" Indies fired at them from both rooftops on either side of the street." Bullets rang off Warthog armor as Indies tried to kill them with high powered rifles. One Ranger took a round to the leg. Indies suddenly appeared with SMGs moving out of the store. Eric was having his drone scan the area for more explosives and hostiles. Leaping out of the hogs except the gunner who was letting them have a storm of lead but even he fell to a well placed rifle shot that went into his helmet killing him instantly. Every one was returning fire now even Eric who fired his SMG at those firing at them. Every one lay flat on the warm asphalt. Beeping showed that the market was wired fully. Suddenly the gunmen disappeared from the roofs. Rangers attended wounded also were checking rooftops. Suddenly the market exploded. Civilians who took cover in buildings were killed as were vendors who were selling fruit or vegetables had taken cover behind there stands. Six shops exploded simultaneously. All sorts of debris traveling at incredible speeds tore through unprotected flesh. Some civilians died instantly others were injured pretty bad. A woman was crossing the street in a pretty sundress who had hid away during the gun battle. She lay dead in the street on a pile of rubble. Wind blew showing blood seeping onto the ground. Eric with the other Rangers had been peppered by debris. There armor saved them from most of it. One ranger was not so lucky as a piece of metal protruded from his right eye socket. It was silent as no Ranger moved yet. Eric got up slowly to his feet. Silence filled the air. Then his ears rang. Walking over to the woman in the sundress seeing her Asian face. He touched her shoulder now noticing that she was dead. They had failed. Yet tears would not bring them back. Eric limped back to see Rangers standing up. Erics voice croaked at his drone gave the Indie terrorist location. " This is Blue two-three. We need Emergency services to our location." He dropped a IR grenade marking there position. Also a smoke grenade. " Also i need-" He coughed a few times." I need air strike at second drones coordinates. Its painting target now." Hearing sirens not far off he took a seat next to Lt. Kadan who was holding his side leaking blood." I have help on the way. Also we are about to torch those Indies." Turning to help Lt. Kadan with medical aid. Kadan had a smile on his face. Longsword blew an apartment building that housed terrorists in the basement. Other innocent people died yet it would all be covered up as it would be reported they were sympathizers. --------------------------------------------------------------- Eric awoke out of the drug filled dream hearing argument near. Lt. Col. Kingston stood with pistol in hand." I am going to get Cort Marshaled Gunnery Sergeant. This is all on my hands. So since you will not hand over the object i have one thing to do." A single shot from a Magnum killed the unstable ONI officer from his own gun who could not cope with his actions. Eric was too doped up to entirely know what was going on but he knew it was bad. It was a stunned silence. Even the Mp's did not expect that kind of sudden change. Eric fell back into a drug induced sleep once again. That dreadful silence once again. [Edited on 12.28.2012 3:00 PM PST]

Dang this was pretty good

[1109 hrs October 26Th 2525,Indie Base,Eden] Lieutenant Angela Cortez stepped off the lowered cargo ramp. Marines stepped off as well creating a barrier against those who would approach. She was armed with a SMG due to being in a war zone. Allot of desperate faces. Offering a kind smile to them all. "Ma'am we are secure."A sergeant said to her as she looked up. Hovering above was another Pelican. Looking about seeing that this base had chain link fencing. Barbed wire at the top. Automated Stolen UNSC gun turrets were powered down. Four in all surrounding the base. Watch towers over looked the perimeter with barricades also stolen from UNSC. Her black shoes stepped off onto muddy dark earth. Survivors parted cheering at them. Waiting for them was a UNSC corporal. His armor had seen better days. " I am Corporal O'Malley" His thick Irish accent surprising to Lt. Cortez who returned his salute." This way ma'am" Fallowing him they talked as they walked. Eight marines trailed behind keeping wepons pointed in a non-threatening fashion. " Are we glad to see you. Our last orders were to take these people to safety. We had no contact with any one for quite a bit." She nodded to the corporal who showed them into a command center. It was more like a cement building with radios. Few chairs, with computers and even a coffee machine stuffed in a corner. Another UNSC Trooper was standing aside Colonel David Colt. He was more impressive in person than his file indicated. Radio operators listened with a few armed guards. Entering with two marines she gave a pleasant smile even though she did not feel like it." We got your call." Looking at both of them. Corporal O'Malley walked over nodding to the new arrivals." Sarge they just arrived." The NCO looked up at the officer." Sergeant Ohara" Gave a crisp salute." UNSC Army, Second Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. I do logistics. Up until four days ago." He rubed his face glumly with a hand across his some what unshaven face. " Corporal with a few medical personnel who are mostly Army or Marines were ordered to get Civillians to safety." Col. Colt shouted." Clear the Room. Lets have some privacy. Lieutenant we need to talk in private. Back here in my office." He waved his people out the door. Reluctantly every one left including Marines all except Sgt.Ohara and Corporal O'Malley. A old paper map of Eden was behind the desk. It was a global map with shaded areas. His office was cluttered with old disks to a few paper back books. Col. Colt sat down at his desk. His eyes looking each person over. " Normally i would not have this conversation with a UNSC officer. Yet the circumstances compel me to do so. Let me start at the beginning. Little over four days ago it was UNSC against Indies." " I served as an officer in the UNSC. You probably already know this." His comments directed at Lt. Cortez who sat prim and proper." I left as a Lieutenant then for some years became a mercenary for hire. Seeing what the UNSC did especially ONI whom i have despised for years now." "Despite all of that. I got a call from my wife as the Aliens invaded." He nearly choked those words out." She..She told..me that.." He winced" She loved me. That i must promise to help all those i can. To fight for what is right. I lost signal." " I went to see if she some how survived. Our house was a flaming wreck. Only thing that keeps me going is that promise. Nothing you can do to lock me up or hurt me will go past that pain." Col. Colt wiped a tear from his eye. " Despite all of that i have done. I am willing to help you. Help humanity. Ten Thousand souls are burning in that ring of fire. I will use every means i can to defeat them." " If i some how survive this and avoid a trial i will rejoin to take the fight to this enemy." Sitting back his face in pain. " Despite what has happened in the past we must focus on what is going on now. We have Pelicans ready to ferry survivors to our ship. That being said we need people to remain calm." Her eyes locked on Colts face. " This has been trying for every one. Captain Night is a good man. He will see to it every survivor is taken care of. What i need are those who are in medical need to get lifted out first." Sgt. Ohara handed her a clipboard. " A list of every one. People at the top need a Medevac. Women and Children next." Thanking Sgt. Ohara she took the clipboard. " I will speak with our Captain then see what else can be done. Rest assured we will not abandon any here who want to leave peacefully." Exiting Lt. Cortez sighed. Brave words for some one who is in charge of all of this. It felt as if her chest was going to explode. [Edited on 12.28.2012 4:42 PM PST]

Authors Note:Thanks. I Hope you enjoy it. Plenty more on the way. Allot to tell. Its a gritty story but it has moments in it that i hope is worthy of any Halo story. [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Nader121 Dang this was pretty good[/quote] [Edited on 12.28.2012 4:54 PM PST]

[1117 hrs October 26Th, [i]Devils Advocate[/i],Eden] Captain Night stood on the bridge looking over the plot with Petty Officer Laura Vexen. Lt. Cortez Secretary who was filling in. "Any good news ?" Captain Night turned to Vexen who shook her head no." We have reports sir of activity below us. Enemy is up to something moving some sort of machines into place." Walking over to a empty chair showing him footage on a empty crew terminal. Captain Night fallowed looking over Vexens shoulder. Footage from a drone made it quite clear." Dammit." Chief ready the M.A.C. to be used. I want our Long Swords to make a strike on them as well. Allers Let the Air Boss know." Footage from the drone showed the aliens towing in huge disk like apparatus below them. Every one was at there stations doing so." Ensign Redwolf ready us to move when the time is right. Wait till after the air strike." Captain Night shook his head sadly." Our options are limited. Operation Silent Night is in effect. Let the ground forces know. Our Pelicans reinforcing Task Force Ivan have not left yet. Make sure they have supplies." Night did not like the options he was not going to loose the ship. " Allers put me through to the Ground forces. All of them." Com Tech Allers did so reluctantly." This is Delta Able Actual. Operation Silent Night is in Effect Repeat. Silent Night. Do not reply." Captain Speaking into his headset knowing if he did not get off Eden he never would." Task Force Ivan is to link up with Charlie Four and Wolf Pack. Pelicans are inbound with coordinates and supplies. A beacon will broadcast this message." Adjusting his headset Captain Night rubed his tired eyes. " Sir we are ready to fire the M.A.C. " Ensign Redwolf informed him." Launch Longswords. Once they are clear i want a firing soultion." Punching up the bridge plot it gave him a 2-D map of the area below them. " Sir Longswords away. Pelicans are en route to Task Force Ivan's position." Captain Nodded. It was the first time she ever seen Captain Night look very sad. His face was grim yet he kept his cool. " Fire Control reports we have a lock." Com Tech Allers reported." Fire!." Captain Night yelled. It startled a few crew members who watched the power of a M.A.C. Be unleashed. The shot destroyed two of the disks that exploded. They were one hundred meters in diameter. Longswords hit the remaining two destroying them as well sending enemy troops to cover. " LADAR shows nine alien craft heading this way sir. Size of Pelicans." Chief Thorton reported to the Captain who stood tall looking out at the planet. "Let the Longswords know to hit them. I want to be away from the planet. Prepare to Repel Borders. Master of Arms to the Bridge. Chief Keep an eye out for more." Com Tech Allers was working her board alerting the right departments. " Aye Aye Captain." Chief Returned to his duties. Ensign Redwolf swivel in her chair." Sir we are rising but enemy is going to intercept us in fifteen minutes. We should be in the stratosphere by that time." Captain Night Nodded. " Alert the ship to battle stations. I want all hands on deck. Security is to lock down Engineering and the Bridge. Small arms are to be distributed to officers." Captain Night did not know what was going to happen. "Sir a Longsword wants to speak with you. They are heading back." Com Tech Allers switched his headset." This is Sandman Lead to Actual. We have downed three enemy ships. Lost one bird to enemy fighters. We will land just before they arrive over." Night keyed in. " I copy. good job out there." Com Tech Allers was speaking with security when Master of Arms showed up with two squads of Security personnel. Saluting Lieutenant Bryant waited for Captains instructions." Sir." Night Turned to him after checking the plot one more time. " Take up positions here." Captain Night looked over the Navy and Marines who were S.P. and M.P. respectfully. He would need there help. " I have two more squads protecting Engineering as well sir" Lt. Bryant was directing his men with hand movements where he wanted them. " Allers are we ready ?" Com Tech Allers shook her head yes." Good our new friends have some lessons to learn about humans. Lets show them a good time." [Edited on 01.04.2013 6:49 PM PST]

i know what is missing

Chapter 9 [1130 hrs October 26Th, Airlock one,[i]Devils Advocate[/i], 9Th Age of Reclamation.] Lance Leader Dul'Kalth stood in the drop bay of the Drop Ship. His Phantom turned as they stood quietly. They were docking. Several Unggoy ready plasma pistols or checked over one another. His fellow Sangheili patted a brother to his right affirming the gods blessings. Few Kig-Yar readied the shields they carried on one arm. Drop Ship slowed as they knew it was time before they docked." Brothers. We have given our Oath. Now we must fulfill that Oath. We are to take the ship intact. May the Gods favor us all." Readying both of his Plasma Rifles in each hand. Seal of an Airlock as two Unggoy moved forward to use a cutting charged to unseal the door. It was a plasma charge that changed due to door shape. It cut through in moments. Squads lead by Sangheili poured out towards waiting marines. His shields flared as his squad was second behind another. Unggoy fell yet a testament of the fearlessness they showed during the Charge. Humans used there inferior wepons as metal projectiles. Plasma Grenades arched low in the cramped hallway. Human marines fell as they were wounded or killed. Plasma fire stormed back. As enemy grenades bounced in as well to kill more Unggoy. As a Major it was his job to take care of those under his command. Yet it seemed as if he would fail that charge. Dul'Kalth fired both of his Plasma Rifles taking cover behind a support beam. More troops arrived with Kig-Yar who used there shields to press forward returning fire with plasma fire. Humans pulled others down the hallway. Yet he did admire them for not giving up. Some were dragging wounded away. He hit a human who was firing some rifle from around his Corner as Kig-Yar kept the focus on them. Humans seem to be afraid of them. They had courage as a white suited leader had them fall back. He needed to find a hangar bay that was possibly below them. At an intersection he called back to the Phantom. " This is Dul'Kalth leading a strike lance. I need directions to a hangar bay." His wrist mini projector was up dated with info as scans from his Phantom showed the desired location. A Kig-yar pilot squawked as his helmet displayed the translated words.(Information loaded.) They ran down this hall to large cargo elevator took it down. Humans were waiting here as well as they killed mechanics who used improvised tools or pistols. Opening the Cargo Bay really unleashed the human defense effort as they came down with even more wepons. A turret mounted gun that killed one of his brothers who had been focusing on a pair of humans. Every one rolled into cover. Dul'Kalth hid behind a large tool chest. Several Unggoy fell to the enemy's wepons as a drop ship flew in with reinforcements. They did not do much better as many were cut down. Yet the turret was silenced from a well thrown plasma grenade. Human manning it was able to get away. He had assumed command of that other lance. There leader lay dead riddled with holes. Drop Ship was unable to fire in the close confines. Unggoy having no choice backed by Sangheili rushed the stairs. He supported this effort as they tried to pin down humans with plasma fire. This was going to take more troops then they had brought. He understood now the meaning of sacrifice. [Edited on 01.07.2013 8:28 AM PST]

[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] ashley8neu i know what is missing[/quote] Authors note: Movie Deal ?Or it getting published.?(Doubts it but hey i need to dream.) Anyways thanks...*Showgirls in Spartan Armor kick dance coming out as the curtain closes on another Authors Note.*

*revivin' old top topicz* (click [url=http://www.bungie.net/en-us/View/community/Forum/Post?id=47679257]here[/url] for more of 'em)

[1147 hrs October 26Th, 2525 Hanger Bay [i]Devils Advocate [/i]] 1st Lieutenant Derrick Proud hustled to the Hanger as the rest of his ODST team fallowed. Com Tech Allers buzzed in his ear." Team Seven please report." Glancing at the intersecting bulkheads he moved forward." We are approaching Bay three." Checking corners as his team leapfrogged up two doors lead down into the pit. It was suppose to be empty but an alien vessel was docked. " The other alien vessels have broken off. We need you to close the Hangar doors as we should be entering vacuum here soon. " Copy Bridge." L.T. Proud was suppose to support the operations on the ground for exiting Phase three but it was delayed as Wolf Pack became mired with other support elements into battle against a new alien foe. A exit strategy was being planed but they had had been near the pods for hours now. He kind of felt as if they were leaving them behind but the ship came first knowing that the Captain stayed long as they could. Now they needed to get rid of the visitors on board showing them the door. He was told that a squad of marines were helping secure the Hangar Deck. It was a bit too quiet. Peeking his head around a corner he found them as they lay dead. Human marines who had fallen up on the catwalk above the pit. Aliens had a ship in the Docking Bay. A energy bolt narrowly missed his head as a lizard like alien fired a rifle from behind cover. He glimpsed two large aliens discussing something as the look out alerted them with his shot. Apparently they were wary and expecting more humans to show up to the party. He alerted his team with hand signals as all six of them stacked up on separate doors leading in. Taking out flash bang grenades they waited as the others got into position. Two teams scant meters apart would storm in using the flash bangs to disorient the enemy. Readying his shotgun he signaled the others as L.t. Proud threw the flash bang at the same time Sergeant Henry Chang did as they both went off blinding any enemies looking at them. Silenced SMG's fired as he in turned rushed in behind the other two to let a dazed large blue armored alien have a shotgun to the face who had rushed up the stairs to meet them now was shaking its head. Enemies fell such as the little aliens with masks and Lizard like aliens with shields or Energy rifles of some sort. Both teams professionally took out what remained of the Enemy's lesser troops as only a few of the bigger aliens remained who hid away. As the flash bang faded away the last three popped out as one wielded two energy wepons that spat blue death. SMG's pelted the shields as they had not expected this. One alien charged a ODST hammering him over the head with his weapon and Knocking him to the ground. Proud expected it would be close quarters but not like this. Still he had spent years doing this as he pumped a few rounds into the Alien who was mauling the ODST. Another fell to the twin guns of the Red Clad Alien who seemed to be the leader of this bunch. Sgt Chang Let the leader have a grenade shouting."Fire in the Hole." They moved back as the alien was hit in the head with the Frag Grenade. It bounced further damaging a tool chest and some crates it was using for cover. The second blue clad alien fell to the deck. Not before wounding one of his ODSTs badly. The leader was alone but with three of them left it went out guns blazing. As it got up a single sniper shot came from the Catwalk above. A Recon sniper arrived with his squad as they looked as if they had to hustle to get here. The sniper shot had hit the enemy leaders head ending his would be rampage. Big Alien fell to the floor as his big wepons clattered to the deck as well. He hit the door control panel to close the hangar bay he reported back to the Bridge." Team Seven to Allers we are secured down here. Let the Captain know we have an alien transport here." Com Tech Allers Voice calm came back." Roger that. I sent another squad to support you and secure the area. Medical personnel are being dispatched to you as we speak. Good job Lieutenant." Proud nodded as he would have liked to be in on the meeting for the mission but he was just suppose to cover Wolf Packs exit with the packages. Yet he lost a man now as first aid was administered to the two wounded men buy the Recon Squad medic. Proud wondered if the aliens were this tough to take down what chance will they have against them ?.

[1207 hrs October 26th, 2525 Bridge [i]Devils Advocate[/i]] Com Tech Allers turned to Captain Night who was looking at reports."Captain." His head turned to her his eyes looking burdened yet questioning." Report Allers." She nodded." ODST's secured the hanger. We have a team secureing the alien craft. Also Longswords are docked." Captain Night breathed a sigh of Relief. "This is good. Thank you Allers." Turning to Ensign Redwolf. "Make best speed out of the system so we can jump away. Avoid enemy contacts. Lets hope the enemy does not have any more tricks. I will be in my ready room looking over reports. Mr. Kenderson you have the Conn." Captain Night strode off the bridge leaving it in the Officer of the Watch's hands . Captain Night entered his ready room with a holo-tablet filled with information. His shoulders felt hevy from his burdens. He brought up the tablets interface looking over the casualties reports. Night felt a pang of guilt as some names were put into MIA due to being on planet. Dr. Karen Star his chief medical officer was through. She expressed the same concerns as he did. Yet he was the Captain of the ship. He left behind men and women under his command. This enemy was clever. No one understood there capabilities yet so it was any ones guess. It also worked the other way as the enemy did not know humans yet. Sitting down in his chair he sat down the tablet on his desk. looking at the three old style picture frames sitting on his desk. It was the right call despite having to justify why he left. To save the ship and its crew he sacrificed marines and a few navy personnel. Taking one picture in hand of him with his family. His wife smiled in the photo with his four kids. Jessica was the oldest she was about to leave high school. Hopefully a collage will accept her as she was smart wanting to study Geology. His second oldest Maria was still in high school who enjoyed pageants and singing. They made sure she went to a school that allowed her to develop her talent. Jacob was the skinny boy in all black who understood computers and how to modify them. He was a constant problem but it was teen age growing pains. His mother smothers him in love. Then there is Carmen. The Eight year old who looked much like her mother. Every person on that planet had a family. He could only hope that they did not add to the death toll. Information they did get planet side about these aliens just flabbergasted him. So many questions on his mind with no answers. Chief Thorton Entered his face impassive yet he had something important to say." Captain i have the Chief Engineers report." Setting down the Pad on Captain Nights desk."Also sir, we have more news." Captain Night looked up from the picture to listen close. " This enemy had a ship on planet and we suspect it is going to give chase. Also we detect three alien craft. One is a large cruiser the other two are about frigate sized. We think they will alter course to intercept us at some point." Night leaned back in his chair thinking for a moment. " So we will never make it out of system unless we play hide n seek. Our armor does not allow us to speed on out of here. I do not want to test it against alien weapons. Thank you Chief as always i do not know what i would do with out you."Chief Thorton saluted then left. Opening his computer console he touched the screen that brought up Ensign Redwolf who was at the helm." I want you to plot a course into the debris field. I will be down in Engineering for a bit. Keep me posted on the enemy ships position." She smiled at the Captain."Aye Aye Sir." Captain Night knew this was going to be difficult but all he could do was hope for the best.

[1231 hrs October 26th, 2525 [i]Devils Advocate[/i]] Captain Night stood on the bridge with a tablet reading reports as they neared the asteroid field. Chief Thorton approached Night with a calm look but in the mans eyes he looked sad." Sir i need you for a moment at the plot."Captain Night Walked over as they looked at the plot Together. A Voice spoke to them from the plot. " Captain as you can see the alien ships seem to be much faster. The few bits recovered show they are using some sort of plasma tech for power and weapons." Night turned his eyes to the images on the plot that showed red ship signatures of alien craft quietly listening. Chief Engineer Brandon Colt giving his report." Sir as you can see on the plot the ship leaving the planet. Will give chase to us. They will arrive in Six hours after we have entered the field, according to my calculations. Unknown is how good there scans will be but rest assured it will be difficult leaving the system undetected normally." Captain Night sighed knowing nothing could be easy." There has to be a way Colt. We need to prepare for entering the asteroid field. Find us a large Asteroid to hide in so we can work on trying to get out of this mess. I don't want the old girl getting hit so keep eyes open and i want damage control parties ready when we enter." Night feared being struck then stranded out here as no help will come. -------------------------------------------------------- Few hours later Ensign Redwolf eased the [i]Devils Advocate[/i] into the asteroid field. Smaller strikes impacted on the armors outer frame. It could be felt inside the ship when strikes size of car hit. Bridge was silent as Captain Night stood looking over everything. Captain knew that silent dread. It also can lead to mistakes as people get jumpy ending up like the little boy who cried wolf. Silence was deafening except critical communications that Com Tech Allers whispered into her headset with reply's. Captain Night knew he had to act fast or else the crews fears might come to life and they turn on each other like a pack of wolves." Did i ever tell you all about the spring break i spent on Reach at a Bluegrass Festival from Earth with live blues musicians ? I was dating a young nurse at the time." " Jonny"Willow" Hancock had me come on stage as i could play the harp. Dressed in my UNSC Cadet uniform we played together, some locals mentioned i was good but i was not going to argue. He gave me some good advice that day." If you love something do it well and do it right. Let all the other stuff work its self out." Crew had been listening to him and relaxed a bit more. Even Ensign Redwolf was sitting less straight. Walking over he hit a few buttons on a empty console. He keyed it to the ships P.A. it was not loud nor low it was just right so some one could talk over it if needed. Song came in strong with a guitar playing. Unmistakably Sgt. Eric"Smooth" O'Kife" My baby left me today..i have lost my way...into the deep dark place...she said i am married to outer space...Just a soldier who left by Sundays grace...I seen the look on her face...Baby we can work this out one day i am due back at the base." "She left me anyways...Tired of me being a waste of space....Baby..i love you every day..it does not have to be this way.." Harmonica plays a long solo here. The music faded as Captain Night dialed it down low as the crew seemed more alert and most of all relaxed. They approached a large asteroid with a few bumps on the way. He was grateful getting this far. Problem was what was next ? He would be planning a exit out of system. If they got lucky they could escape then report back to Fleet.Com. He could only hope the ground team could hold out that long.