{{
`${userDetail.user.displayName}${userDetail.user.cachedBungieGlobalDisplayNameCode ? `#${standardizeBungieGlobalCode(userDetail.user.cachedBungieGlobalDisplayNameCode)}` : ""}`}}
{{getUserClans()}}
11/9/2012 1:19:36 AM
64
The Man Who Sang to the Stars
[May 2ND, 2554, Earth, Norfolk UNSC Naval Academy]
Major Eric "Smooth" O'Kife just finished teaching these young naval cadets on photographic intelligence. They were eager young minds who had been taking his Introduction to Electronic Surveillance 101.
This course educates the student on devices from a lapel cam to Drones. Useful applications in collecting intelligence and how to gather useful nuggets of intelligence.
Students filed out of the class room as the class was concluded for today.
Clearing up his notes on his holo display at his desk. He looked up to see Samantha Bright one of his top students." Sir that was quite informative today. I learned a great deal about how even with the best equipment it still comes down to the human factor."
Eric smiled at the young woman who was a lovely young brunette. " I related it back to World War Two when they did not have computers yet were able to get air recon over targets. In those days a pilot had to fly a mission to take the pictures. Later it developed into spy planes that were useful in the Cuban Missile Crisis and Even During the Vietnam Conflict. If you look it up you can find out how we got to drones and satellites but yes there is still a human factor in this."
Samantha shook her head yes at him. Excitement in her voice." I shall look that up sir. Thank you." She curtly left his classroom as he returned to clearing up his notes.
Stepping out of the class room he ran into the Commandant of the Academy. Who was making his rounds. He stopped to chat with Eric for a moment." Major i am glad i ran into you. I hope you have been treated well. Navy is not used to seeing Air Force personnel but you come highly recommended. The Covenant War has left us short handed."
Eric simply nodded at the true statement having lost too many good friends to the Alien Menace that was thankfully over." I am glad to be here sir. I accepted due to the fact my experience might rub off on these young minds. I accepted this position due to shortages all over and it i am proud to help out." This Made the Commandant smile.
" Good..good" Patting Eric on the shoulder." We should have a drink in the next staff meeting. I need to take care of a few things but we desperately need ten more of you but i will take what i can get so we can get these cadets graduated. Tell you more later keep up the good work." Patting Eric once again on the shoulder the Commandant walked on down the hall.
Exiting the building Eric did seem a bit out of place but his record shows he was willing to work with any one who worked with him. He headed back to his officer billet. It was a single house on a simple street. Military housing still was on the base yet he knew he would have to do "Paperwork" from his terminal inside.
He got into his car driveing off looking at the main building and its parade ground. Not to mention it's wet navy docks. Seamen have trained here for many years. He left the parking lot heading home.
After parking his car Eric entering his house. His loyal companion was a six month old Golden Retriever named George. Who bounded over to give him puppy kisses when he bent down to pet the dog. Passing his small Living room that lead to his kitchen he sat down opening his computer interface then petting George who was so happy to see him.
Giving George his favorite bone the dog happily chewed on it. Eric turned to do a few hours of work. He created a lesson plan for next week. George waged his tail before whimpering he was hungry.
Eric stood up feeding his loyal companion in his small kitchen. Giving George a pat on the head Eric looked outside to see that night had fallen.
Walking over to a worn guitar case. He took out his guitar from a case that was sitting on a couch. It had a blue finish yet was a familiar brand. Grabbing a few beers he headed out back. Carrying the instrument into his back yard,Plugging in his guitar to his set up.
It was a clear night with the stars shining bright. He left the sliding glass door open for George to come out if he wanted. Sitting down on a pre placed chair Eric began to play the blues.
It seemed as if time melted everything away. Even the crisp night air did not bother him. Twenty years of war faded from mind as he sang to the stars.
[Edited on 11.08.2012 5:29 PM PST]
-
[2525 1322 hrs,October 18Th,[i]Orion[/i]] Sergeant Allen Green stood up as the Pelicans cargo ramp descended. His black armor denoted he was apart of a special forces unit. The ODST visor dialed clear, showed his rugged face. Some medical supplies were placed in the pelican. A single man dressed simmiler as him strode up. His kit was a bit different but the M7s he carried was the same all except the black wolfs head on a orange background on Allens left brest. Both men shook hands." Its good to see you again Staff Sergeant O'Kife." Eric smiled shaking hands."Good to see you again as well. Thought you would be with the Rangers." Allen shrugged." I got a better offer from the Lieutenant Commander. Also i never left the Rangers. My skills are appreciated." Eric set down a guitar case. " Still toting that thing around ?" Allen nodded. Eric shook his head no." This one is the string model." Taking a seat with Allen who was glad to see a friendly face. Its been a year i think ?" Allen smiled. " Yeah that secret Indie research station. You saved our butts that day with those drones you carry." Eric looked off for a moment." I did not save every one." Allen patted the mans armored knee." You did good. No ones perfect. We blew that station to hell." Eric gave a silent nod.Remaining silent the two men watched the cargo door close on the pelican. Alarms went off as personnel left the cargo area." So ? who's the C.O. ?" Allen waited till there pelican was space bound. It gathered thrust leaving the cargo bay as the doors opened. It set a course to [i]Devils Advocate[/i]. A refurbished frigate that was refitted to drop rapid deployment forces on any planet. Allen answered Eric's question now."L.C. Shane Hernandez is our C.O. of the team. Team lead if you will. He is the Heart of the Wolf Pack. Not many can match his skill in battle or tactics." Eric leaned to look out the pilots window seeing the docked frigate.Allen continued after pausing a moment." The rest you will get to know when we arrive." Allen leaned back to catch a nap during the ride over. ------------------------------------------------------------ Gently awakened by the cycling air of the Pelican as it touched down on board the frigate. Both exited the VTOL all purpose troop transport. Pelicans might be ugly to some, but angels when you are in a hot zone needing a pick up. Allen stepped off the cargo ramp. He taped Eric on the shoulder who had grabbed the guitar case. " Going to meet our other new member." Allen knew Eric pretty well. He thought it was nuts to send some Air Force techie out into the sticks. He proved that theory wrong. Calling in that air strike to allow them access to the research station took guts. His whole old team had took fire. Eric had a drone give him coordinates while he assisted a wounded man. Allen was impressed with the dedication of the man. They became fast friends. Allen made Eric an honorary Ranger for leading them past booby traps or mines with his portable drones. Allen was no slouch having fought the Indies for a few years himself. That research center had been a tough nut to crack. Yet they managed to blow it to hell. Both waited in the cargo bay observation room waiting for the shuttle. Both men were silent as each leaned against a wall. Each person had skills that made a team as a whole better. It was this foundation that formed the backbone of any team. Joining Wolf Pack was a simple choice. Most of his team had been wounded or killed on that last mission and was surprised that a Navy Officer was interested in his soldiering skills. Being the best shot with about any rifle in his battalion did turn heads. He gained even more credit by being able to fly and nail targets while using a jet pack. His real talent was hidden behind the macho exterior. He could hack or splice any system made. This stemmed from a early childhood love of some of his favorite video games. He developed a unhealthy obsession with electronics so to keep up with that, he would break into stores. He was a guest of juvenile corrections for years until the death of his father made him rethink life. When he turned 18 he left his childhood crime sprees behind to become a productive member of society. Joining the UNSC gave him doors to open that had been closed before. He was a street kid. One with the savvy to make it in a ever changing universe. A universe with allot to see. His wanderlust never left him as he had traveled to hidden places few have seen. Seeing the Pelican arrive they both headed down. Stepping out of the Pelican's bay was a Spartan II. Her green armor gave the impression it was a robot of some kind. Taking off her helmet showed a red headed beauty. Her hair was cut stylishly short yet the baby blue eyes stood out the most. White number was on her armored shoulder. 050 had been painted on. She smiled at both of them." You boys expecting me ?" Allen waved for her to fallow." This way. I am Sergeant Green and that is Staff Sergeant O'Kife. Fallow me if you will." The Spartan II smirked at them both." Petty Officer Elizabeth Dillard."Placing her helmet on again. Allen leading the way the trio made there way to the upper decks of the ship. Seems as if his travels were not over but were going to be interesting none the less. He hoped to see some interesting sights in this new war. Allen made sure the two were with him before reporting into the L.C. who was behind this door in his small office. Waiting at the door for the two. He glanced back noticing Eric's interest in this female Spartan II. It made him smile. Yep his travels always had some sort of interesting thing about them. Keeping silent he opened the door leading the way. [Edited on 11.19.2012 10:24 PM PST]
