ALRIGHT! here's the second installment of the story. I'll probably update this one in a day or two, because i just have to edit the second part of it. Enjoy. Nudging the clip into his BR55 rifle, Fred looked out from the dropship, staring blankly into the spectacle only a few hundred miles above him. Some ships explosions shone brighter than the sun, but only for a brief moment, not willing to take away its glory. The Pelican made a sharp right, making him grab the railing above, and moving several bags of assorted armaments the Spartans had taken along. A sack holding a Jackhammer rocket launcher and at least eight rockets started slipping, only to be forced back by a mighty grasp. Linda looked up at Will, clutching the bag. “I wanna keep these near me at all times.” Fred smiled as he turned, even though he knew neither of them could see it. But he also knew that they were smiling as well. Yet as he looked at the roomy interior of the Pelican, his smile dissipated, as he remembered how only a month ago, or about three weeks according to real time, he commanded a Pelican filled with Spartans. Now, only the three of them, the Master Chief, and Kelly were all that was left of the Spartans. The time distorting phenomenon that occurred due to the crystal they found on Reach was excessively puzzling, or maybe it’s just me, thought Fred. Even Cortana had only theories, which she herself said showed no promising data. Only Doctor Halsey seemed to understand how it worked, but she never mentioned it to anyone. What he was really worried about was whether the crystal was destroyed or not. Fred understood why they had to leave it, because it warped Slipspace and sent out a signal the Covenant could track, but he couldn’t help but wonder what the Covenant could do with it. If they knew how to use it, couldn’t they just send a few ships back a couple hundred years ago and wipe out humanity? Fred shook his head, knowing that this wasn’t the time to be figuring out their fates. “Status report”, he radioed to both the pilots and his Spartans. “We have dust-off in one minute, chief.” Two acknowledgement lights blinked on his HUD. Fred turned to Linda. “I want you on sniping duty. I don’t want anything non-human able to count to three before getting its head blown off. Will, take the Jackhammer and its ammo, as well as the Lotus tank mines. Set them up immediately after dust-off.” “Why does he get all the fun?” After mopping up the remaining Covenant from the first attack, everybody lightened up. Even Will, who was usually quiet. But their fun was short lived, as a transmission cut through. “This is Major General Nicholas Strauss calling all Spartans, over.” Surprised, Fred snapped a look at will and Linda, then keyed in a reply. “This is Spartan 104 reporting, sir.” “Good. Chief, I’m gonna be frank with you. Our intel suggests an unclassified ship headed to your area. We know it’s full of some important Covenant figures, and there are incoming dropships from all vectors to your position. I don’t know or care what they want, but I want you to give them a warm welcome. Any questions?” “Yes sit. Estimated amount of resistance?” The signal broke out into static as they leaped from the Pelican. “I’m sure there’ll be enough for you to have fun. We’ll give you air support and are sending more troops to you. “Acknowledged.” “Oh, and one more thing, chief. The Master Chief is aboard that ship, so don’t fire at everything that comes out of that ship. Strauss out.” Fred stopped, and quickly turned around to see if the others had heard. Acknowledgement lights blinked, and he tapped his helmet twice and pointed up. Their suits communication system searched for another Spartan signal, and found John's. “Sorry Master Chief, but you’re already coming in. You’ll hit atmosphere in 30 seconds. Grab hold of something steady and good luck. Admiral Hood out.” Fred looked back at Will and Linda, figuring out what exactly was happening. “Send an Acknowledgement signal to John; let him know we’re here. Linda, go over to Nav Alpha and set up camp there. Will, go over to Nav Beta and do the same. I want this area secure before the Covenant land.” [Edited on 12/21/2004 12:23:35 AM]