[Hells Sniper]

March 1st – 2523 ******************************************************************** Kiva – Edge of Community – 0600 ******************************************************************** The Sharpmen’s were located 2 kilometers from the closest town, a quiet kiva, or homestead, with four other families. Six wind turbines powered the entire community, with a river for a constant supply of food and water. Jacob was sitting by the river, a bow and sheath of arrows leaning on a rock next to him. The bow, carved from a yew tree, Jacob’s pride and joy, the thing that proved to him he was a man. However, he was young, taking the steps to become a man little by little. Jacob sighed as he saw the sun rise above the horizon. Jacob: And it begins. Jacob grabbed his bow, and slung the arrows over his shoulder. It was one of his favorite activities, besides cooking the animals he would catch. He walked towards the edge of the Kiva, and looked behind him. He heard the birds about to fly over him and loaded an arrow into his bow. He looked up, watched the bird, pulled the arrow back and took a deep breath. He trailed the bird and finally let the arrow fly. Within seconds, the bird was hit and came to a halt, falling to the ground. Jacob grabbed the bird and turned back to the community. He made his way home. ******************************************************************** Sharpmen Residence – 0900 ******************************************************************** George: It is what he has always wanted. His brother left him here alone! Heather: I will not stand for this George. I’ve already lost one son! I will not lose anoth--- The door slammed. Jacob: Nice of you to talk about me when I’m not here. Jacob dropped the bird on the kitchen table, and turned when he heard his mother. Heather: Jacob, son, I can not let you leave. Jacob: Mom, I already decided. I do not want to stay here; this life is not for me! It will never be for me! George put a hand on Heather’s shoulder. George: He is right. He was born for bigger and better things. It is not right to keep him here. Heather sighed; she looked Jacob in the eyes. Her son, her only son as it felt to her. Heather: Fine, but understand Jacob, I do not want to lose you. Jacob smiled. Jacob: You won’t mom. You won’t. I promise you, I will always be here and...you can always call. Heather smiled, she put her hands on Jacob's cheeks. Heather: You are a good man Jacob. Don't forget that, don't become something you're not because you have to. Jacob smiled and nodded, he kissed his mother on the forehead and then turned to his dad. His dad just smiled. George: Just like your father, huh kid? Jacob: Just like my father. To the UNSC and beyond? George: Even farther. His father put his hand on Jacob's shoulder and then embraced him. "Even Farther," it was something George's father had said to him before he left for the UNSC. He had continued it and Jacob knew exactly what it meant. Be who you were born to be. Jacob made his way to his room. His duffle bag was sitting on his bed, packed and ready to go. He looked around the room, the life he would be leaving behind for a new one. He nodded, as if he approved of the conditions. He slung the bow onto his back and stuffed the arrows in his duffel. He grabbed his duffel bag, took one deep breath, and turned. He was leaving his old life behind him. ******************************************************************** Reach Military Training Camp – 5 Kilometers from Utgard – 1100 ******************************************************************** Jacob jogged to the group of recruits standing around. One hundred new marines for the UNSC, a few of which he knew. His best pal, who everyone called Texas and Tiffany, one of the best girls he ever met, beautiful and smart. The three of them had grown up with each other since 2509. Jacob: Good to see you two made it. Texas: Jacob, didn't think you were gonna make it? Ya know, with your mom and all. Jacob: She was sidetracked with Dallas, that’s all. And hey, she understands why I can't stay. Texas nodded. Then, the three turned as they heard the footsteps of someone approaching. A Staff Sergeant, presumably their drill instructor. Szendry: Recruits…Welcome to hell. I am your Staff Sergeant, Andor Szendry. The instructor had a demanding tone with a thick Hungarian accent, and stared into each of the recruit’s eyes. Szendry: For the next eight grueling weeks you will be training hard to become a marine. And not just any marine, a United Nations Space Command Marine. The frontline soldiers of every war since the Jovian Campaign. We, my trainers and I, will make you run so far you’re feet will bleed. Will make you do more sit-ups in one day than anyone in their entire life. If you are not prepared for this… Szendry paused. Szendry: Leave now. Szendry waited a good ten seconds, and no one left. He nodded in approval. Szendry: Woman to the left bunker, men to the right. We meet again at 1300, eat lunch, and get prepared for the first day of training. ******************************************************************** Reach Military Training Camp – 5 Kilometers from Utgard – 1700 ******************************************************************** Szendry: Move it recruit! Keep up the pace you pansy ass! Szendry was behind a large man, who everyone was calling “Wild Weben.” Jacob peered over his shoulder just as Weben dropped. Szendry: Our first drop out ladies and gentlemen. Corporal, get him out of here! A Corporal came over to assist Weben. Szendry looked up and saw the platoon was losing pace. Szendry: Did I say to slow down? Go you little maggots! Run! The platoon ran harder, faster, stronger. No one wanted to drop out, let alone the first day. Jacob: Glad I did this shit every day for the past three years. The platoon continued to run and eventually arrived at a large mountain. Steadily, they headed upwards, each man and woman slowing down from exhaustion, and lack of food. Szendry ordered the platoon to halt at a nearby river. Each recruit filling their canteen and drinking as much as possible. Jacob slid over to Tex and Tiffany. Jacob: Drink slowly guys. You drink too fast, you’re going to drop. Tiffany: This guy is tough. Jacob: Yeah…but, hey, we can handle it. Jacob smiled. And then the whip cracked again. The platoon was ordered to run back down the hill, and by now it was getting darker. Jacob knew there would be no sleeping tonight. ******************************************************************** Reach Military Training Camp – 5 Kilometers from Utgard – 0700 ******************************************************************** Szendry had given every recruit a workout regime. Each one would take at least an hour under the best circumstances, and they were going to be given one every two hours. Jacob had already finished his third and was exhausted. His bones were aching, his heart was racing, and his canteen was almost empty. He however knew what had to be done and pushed forward. Jacob: Staff Sergeant, sir! I have finished my third regiment, sir! Szendry looked Jacob over, up and down for a few seconds. He nodded. Szendry: Doing great recruit. Keep it up. Szendry handed Jacob another sheet of paper. This workout was for more grueling, three miles of running, two hundred sit-ups, push-ups, and so forth. Jacob saluted and walked off to his section. He walked onto the track and began to run. Jacob slowed his breathing, and looked around. He knew Tex and Tiffany were out there, pushing themselves, but he knew they were breaking down just like he was, perhaps even worse. He pushed the thought out of his mind and ran onward. His mind was full of thoughts, especially of his family. He couldn’t forget that his father went through the same thing when he joined, and even his brother, who he had long forgotten had as well. Jacob tried to focus on the here and now, but couldn’t get the thoughts out of his head. Twenty long hours of training would do that to a man. A man, he liked the thought, and focused on that. Jacob: You go home, you’re manhood is gone. You leave this place, you drop out, and you’re done. Jacob kept up these words of encouragement for another two miles before Szendry called the recruits. Szendry: Seize workouts! Almost immediately, half the platoon dropped to their knees, jugging their canteens. Szendry: You have all gone at least twenty hours without sleep or food. This is the life of a marine in battle. We will not stop until 0900 tonight, where you will finally have your rest. Groans of men and women filled the training grounds. Szendry laughed to himself. Szendry: Just keep in mind…you are the future of the human race. If you can’t prove yourself here and now, how will you ever? He paused. Szendry: Continue. The words stuck with Jacob as he began the final mile of his run again. He repeated them over and over. Jacob: “If you can’t prove yourself here and now, how will you ever?” He would remember that, no matter what this new found hell would bring him. ******************************************************************** Seven Weeks Later – April 18th, 2523 Reach Military Training Camp – 5 Kilometers from Utgard – 0700 ******************************************************************** Szendry: Wake up Marines! Szendry yelled into Jacob’s bunker. Thirty-two men left and only twenty-one women. Forty-seven recruits had dropped out in the past seven weeks, he was proud to say he, and his friends were not part of those recruits. Jacob arose from his bunk as quickly as he could. He put on his gear for the day and made his way outside. To his surprise, it was Szendry standing outside, with four other men in black overcoats. Within five minutes, everyone else was lined up and ready to go. Szendry: You have lasted seven weeks. Congratulations. Today is evaluations. I have some guests here today that would like to speak with each and every one of you personally. We will continue to train, but it will be far less grueling. Inside the mess is a hearty breakfast for each of you. Szendry paused. Szendry: Today, seconds will be served to anyone who wants them. The comment seemed to perk most of the recruits up. Szendry: Get a move on recruits. We’re going alphabetically, so it may take all day. When you’re finished with your meal the other trainers will meet you outside to begin the day. Just some light workouts. Roll out, recruits. Jacob walked to the mess hall, peering over his shoulders to watch Szendry talk to the four men for a few minutes. He rushed to his meal and met up with Tex and Tiffany, and all the recruits sat together. Jacob: What do you think it’s all about? Texas: I could care less right now. Seconds!? I’m so excited! Jacob and Tiffany laughed. Jacob: Don’t rush yourself Tex. I’m sure we’ll be taking enough time to eat this meal. Jacob, Tiffany, and Texas began to chow down. The recruits talked about the past seven weeks and about the future. For a few short minutes they wondered about their parents, but let the thought go as more and more recruits were being called and only returning for their food. After they finished they headed outside to eat. ******************************************************************** Reach Military Camp – Twelve Hours Later ******************************************************************** Jacob whispered to one of the girls who were returning, Lisa Pinestar. Jacob: Lisa, what’s going on? Pinestar: Sorry Sharper, I was given strict orders not to tell anyone. Jacob nodded. One of the trainers called the next name. Trainer: Rogers! Let’s go! Jacob looked over and saw Tiffany walk into the building. He wondered what was happening in there. Only a few members returned with joy on their faces, and the others had the same blank stare they had when they entered. Jacob: Which means it can’t be bad news…only an evaluation, and some good news for others. Jacob tried to focus on his training, but the constant thought of what was approaching him kept creeping back into his mind. It felt like forever, but his name was finally called out. Trainer: Sharpmen, you’re up! Jacob stopped his training and headed for the building. He knew he was the last one to go forward as everyone else was returning for dinner. He took a deep breath and stepped inside. He was directed to a small room with one table in it. The lighting was nice, but it felt eerie to him. He sat down in the chair and waited. Not five minutes later the four men in overcoats stepped in. Jacob stood and saluted. Szendry walked in directly afterwards and shut the door. The officers sat down. Szendry: At ease Jacob, sit down. Jacob sat down. He looked into each of the officer’s eyes. Szendry had Jacob’s file out and was reading through it. Szendry: Jacob Sharpmen, sixteen years old, farmer’s boy, good education, and one of our best recruits. Excellent long-range skills and leadership abilities. Great personality. The list goes on, Captain. One of the officers nodded. Jacob had a smirk on his face from the compliments. Officer: Jacob, my name is Lev Tolstoy. The officer had a thick Russian accent. Tolstoy: I am a Captain of the UNSC Marine Corps, and part of the Orbital Drop Shock Trooper, or ODST team. Have you ever heard of us? Jacob nodded. Tolstoy: Good. Szendry: Jacob, for the past twelve hours we have evaluated every single recruit on this training ground. You are the final one. Tolstoy has a proposition for you, considering your excellent boot camp record. Jacob: Sir, I’m ready for it, sir. Tolstoy let out a slight smile. Tolstoy: Glad to hear it, you’re going to need it where you’re going. The ODST’s are a special branch of the UNSC Marine forces, part of NavSpecWar. We are a special operations unit, with many roles and groups to our name. The ODST’s are not some group to be messed with. We are “Helljumpers,” as the nickname is. Tolstoy paused. Tolstoy: Szendry here has recommended you to come to the ODST training grounds and given a chance to become an ODST. We were reluctant to see rookies at first, but our minds were changed. My fellow officers and I have looked over your service record especially and gladly invite you to join the ODSTs. Tolstoy looked at Szendry. Szendry: It is a great honor to be chosen for this, not many are chosen, and many will fail. Of course, you will finish out you’re training here and be granted the rank of Private in the UNSC, but you will be taken to the ODST training grounds to train further. Szendry paused. Szendry: I believe you can make it, and become an ODST. What do you say? Jacob pondered the question. He thought about his family, becoming an ODST may very well mean he would never see them again. He thought about what his father had said. Jacob: “He was born for bigger and better things. It is not right to keep him here.” He then realized what he had to do. Jacob looked at Szendry, then at Tolstoy. Jacob: I’ll do it, sir. Tolstoy smiled and nodded. Tolstoy: Your family will be notified. I will see you in a week. The officers stood, as did Jacob. They walked out one by one. It was only Szendry and Jacob in the room. Szendry: Sharpmen, good choice. I believe you can do it. Get some rest, training continues. Jacob nodded and saluted. He left the building and headed to his room for the night. He smiled to himself. Jacob: And another Sharpmen leaves Reach… ******************************************************************** Reach Military Camp – One Week Later ******************************************************************** The recruits were all standing outside. It was pouring rain and none of them had hats or anything. Yet, the ceremony had to go on and the marines were taught to endure. Szendry stood in front of the fifty-three men and women, staring at each and every one of them. He began to yell over the pouring rain. Szendry: Today is the day I no longer call you maggots, pansies, or recruits. You have endured eight weeks of brutal UNSC Marine training. You have lasted through the harshness of weather like this, through the brutality of me and my fellow trainers. Szendry paused. Szendry: Today, I give you the name of Marine! How does that sound!? All: Oorah, Staff Sergeant! Szendry smiled and nodded. Szendry: Congratulations to all of you. You all deserve it. Szendry paused and pulled out a PDA. Szendry: Ambrus, Bondar, Gombos, Holender, Lantos, Nemes, Pinestar, Sharpmen. The eight of you report to building seven for further orders. The rest of you, report to building five for your orders. Congratulations Marines, let’s go give those “innies” some hell. Jacob began walking towards building seven, looking behind him to see Rogers and Texas moving towards building five. He frowned. Jacob: And the trio is separated… He turned back to the seven other marines near him, three women; Pinestar, Holender, and Nemes, five guys. He wondered if these were going to be his fellow ODSTs. Once they arrived in building seven, they all took a seat. Ambrus; Well…you guys were offered ODST positions too? Everyone nodded. Ambrus: So this is the crew… A few laughed. Jacob: I guess we showed them something no one else did. Pinestar: Of course, that is why we’re here. Holender: What do you think it’ll be like? ODST training? Jacob: I’m sure what we encountered here will be a picnic compared to ODSTs. They jump out of starships for Christ’s sake. Szendry said this was hell, I don’t even think we’re there yet. Tolstoy: That’s exactly right, Sharpmen. All eight soldiers jumped out of their seats and saluted at Tolstoy. Tolstoy: As you were marines. Tolstoy walked over as the marines sat down. Two other officers and Szendry followed behind him. Tolstoy stood as the others sat. Tolstoy: Marines, today you evolve into something greater in life. You become a symbol of humanity. ODSTs are an elite group of the UNSC Marine forces, ones not to be messed with. And they value their squad mates’ lives over their own. Jacob: Well that’ll be tough considering Lantos and Bondar hate me. Tolstoy: Before we begin your training. I am telling you this. We are leaving Reach. Tolstoy paused. Tolstoy: We are heading to Mars, where you will endure harsh combat training, as well as survival techniques. Training will be tough, and Szendry might have taught you pain, but we’re going to increase that twenty-fold. Tolstoy looked at the marines. Tolstoy: Any of you who wish to stay on Reach, should head to building five now. No one left. Tolstoy nodded. Szendry stood. Szendry: It has been my honor to train you all, and I hope to see you all again in the future, and next time…I’ll probably be saluting you. A few marines laughed, including Jacob. Szendry: Good luck on Mars. Make sure you show these ODSTs I trained you right, oorah? All: Oorah! ******************************************************************** UNSC Ultimate Glory – Orbiting Mars– Four Days Later - 0700 ******************************************************************** Jacob and Pinestar were sitting in the armory, talking about things and working on guns. Jacob: I’m sure our families are doing fine, Pine. Pinestar: But, how do you know? Jacob: I don’t. I just…they knew what we were getting into, and I’m sure they’ll understand why we chose this path. Pinestar: You mean to get away from that hellhole? Jacob laughed. Jacob: Yeah, but c'mon, it is still our home. Pinestar nodded. Pinestar: I know. I know. Jacob pulled the stock back on his magnum. Jacob: Done. Pinestar: Damnit Jacob. How do you do it so fast? Jacob shrugged. He helped Pinestar finish up with her magnum and they left the armory. The Ultimate Glory was a nice ship. Destroyer-class, and one that had definitely seen combat. And its commander had an even more impressive background. A PhD in Aerospace at twenty-six years old, and a Captain by twenty-nine, he was one hell of a guy. Jacob: I heard he’s kind of a hard ass though. Pinestar: Aren’t they all like that? Jacob: I don’t know…I only met one before, and that was in high school, when he was recruiting. He was nice, but I think that was a show. Jacob and Pinestar were two of the one hundred and fifty marines who were being sent to Mars for ODST training. He had met most of them so far, but couldn’t keep track. They walked into the mess hall and grabbed some breakfast. The two sat down with a few other ODSTs and began to eat. Marine: Officer on deck! The entire mess hall snapped to attention. Jacob turned around and saluted at the Captain. Fredward Harrison, the Captain of the Ultimate Glory. Harrison was only twenty-nine years old and already a Captain, and one with a very impressive background. He began command of the ship at age twenty, received a PhD in Aerospace at twenty-four, and well, designed ships. He was a big guy, compared to Jacob, and his hair was pure black. Harrison: ODSTs in Training, you will begin orientation today. Meet me in the HEV bay, prepare for immediate departure. His voice was stern and demanding, as he left the mess hall. Jacob turned and sat down. Jacob: Well, cheers. Pinestar: To what? Jacob: To a long life ahead of us, passing of training and hey, a bit of luck! The marines hit their coffee mugs together and chugged the drinks down. They then went their separate ways to grab their gear and equipment. ******************************************************************** UNSC Ultimate Glory – Orbiting Mars– Ten Minutes Later ******************************************************************** The last marine entered the HEV bay, as the other 75 were standing around. Harrison was at the front of the crowd. Harrison: Marines, for the past four days you have been debriefed about what will happen in the next two months. Harsh training. Intense workouts. ODST Hell. The Ultimate Glory will be your “HQ” for the next two months. Your HEV drops will happen here, and they will begin today. You have all experienced it, now it’s time for the real thing. Harrison paused. Tolstoy walked up behind him. Harrison: Captain Tolstoy will train you; I will be standing by aboard this ship in case any of you drop out. Which in most cases, two-thirds of you will…Their all yours Tolstoy. Tolstoy: Thank you Captain. Tolstoy looked at the 75 men and women. Tolstoy: Your mission today is simple. You are going to be dropped in some of the harshest conditions possible on Mars. You must survive for the next month if you wish to continue your training. Tolstoy paused. Tolstoy: We have all of you linked up to the ships computers, if we see any of your vitals dropping, we will come and check on you. Tolstoy paused again. Tolstoy: If you encounter each other on this expedition you may work together, you are all a team, keep that in mind. Any equipment you had with you when you arrived on this trip is already in your HEV bay, unless we deemed it unnecessary. Tolstoy looked at marines standing in the armory and nodded at them. Tolstoy: Give up your duffels now. You must survive on only what is given. Good luck. I’ll see you in two months. Marines started to grab duffels from everyone and the ODSTs in training headed to their HEV pods. Jacob: I better have my bow and arrows in there. Jacob walked to his HEV pod and saw Pinestar one unit down. Jacob: Pinestar. Jacob spoke under his breath, and checked over his gear he had on. Jacob: Remember that tune we learned in boot? Pinestar let out a slight smirk and nodded. Jacob: Keep your eyes and ears alert, I’ll see you down there. Jacob got into his pod and strapped in. Tolstoy: Good luck marines! That was the last voice he heard before the HEV pod shut. The light was red, and then he heard the HEV bay open after everyone had left. Jacob took a deep breath, he had on his ODST body armor, and it felt right. He heard three beeps, and the light turned green. Jacob: Here we go… The HEV pod was let go, and it hurtled down towards Mars. Jacob had felt the G-forces against him as soon as it let go. He slowed his breathing, just like training. He watched the countdown til he hit the ground. He was entering the atmosphere now, as he felt the flaps open up, the G-forces lightened up on him. 3000 meters. He continued to breath, slowly. 2000 meters. He took long deep breaths. 1500 meters. The HEV pod was slowing down. 1250 meters. 1000. 750. He looked out and could see where he was headed. 500 meters. A dense forest. 250 meters. Jacob: Forests. Which means plenty of game, and when there’s game, there’s water. The HEV pod hit the ground, and Jacob bent his knees a little. Before he opened the pod he checked himself over. No injuries, he was good. He looked around the pod and checked the motion tracker, nothing, even better. Jacob opened the pod and hopped out. First thing he did was set his watch. It was 0720. He looked inside the HEV and found a sniper with two magazines, a magnum with five magazines. Jacob: No bow…damn. Not worth trying to make one either. He continued to search and found a health kit, the radio Tolstoy had told them about, two ration packs, and bottled water. Then he checked another compartment, nothing. Jacob frowned. Jacob: Better start moving, didn’t see any other pods land near, so I might as well try and find a river. Jacob moved through the forest, quietly and quickly. He couldn’t hear any animals nearby, and didn’t hear one trickle of water. He took a break and pulled out the bottled water. Jacob: 24 ounces. One ounce an hour and I’ll have enough for a day. And for now, only half rations a day. Jacob then heard a twig snap. He looked up, a deer. He smiled. Jacob: Animals mean water. Jacob got up and followed the deer for a little bit, until it ran off. He began to follow tracks, and feel the air for humidity. He felt he was getting closer, but wasn’t sure. It felt like forever, but when he checked his watch it had only been a few minutes. Jacob sighed and kept moving. He took a sip of the water and marked the time in his head. 0730. He began to whistle the tune he had learned in boot camp. The UNSC anthem. He continued to whistle and track animals, but he was nowhere close to finding water, and killing an animal this early was a bad idea. Jacob: If I can just find a small puddle, it’ll do for now. Jacob stepped again, and felt the ground soften. Jacob: Mud…water is close. He continued to walk for an hour or two. Taking two sips of water and continuing to move. By the time he checked his watch again it was 1025. He was due for a sip of his water any minute now. He sighed, time was going by too slow for him, and he needed to do something. As he walked, he began to whistle the UNSC anthem again. Jacob: Hope someone’s out there… He then heard the tune repeat when he stopped. He looked around. Jacob: Pine? Pinestar: Jacob? Jacob: Get out here… Jacob heard footsteps to his left and looked over. Pinestar was walking over to him, in her full body armor and magnum in hand. Jacob: You’re not gonna need that with me. He smiled and Pinestar laughed, she holstered the magnum. Pinestar: Need some water? Pinestar held out two canteens worth. Jacob removed his helmet. Jacob: Where? Pinestar: My pod landed twenty meters from it, a lake. I’ve been searching around that area mainly. Jacob nodded in approval. Jacob: Take me to it, please. Pinestar: Of course, wanna set up base camp there? Jacob nodded. Jacob: It’s near a pod…so that’s even better. The two began to walk towards Pinestar’s HEV pod. Pinestar had a smile on her face, they were approaching the lake, and Jacob could hear the running waters. Jacob: I love the smell of water in the morning. Pinestar: As do I… Pinestar led Jacob to her pod, where he kicked off some of his gear. He laid down his rifle and magnum. Jacob: How many mags they give you? Pinestar: Five mags for the magnum, four for the assault rifle. Jacob: Good, should be enough. Pinestar: Planning for an attack? Jacob turned and smiled at Pinestar. Jacob: Doesn’t hurt to be cautious Lisa. Pinestar took a seat in her HEV pod. She leaned backwards. Jacob: Tired already? Pinestar: Nope, just listening to nature. Jacob: Well, I’m gonna see if I can go catch some food, I’ll be back in an hour or two…keep a lookout for anymore of our buddies. I’m sure they’ll need water. Pinestar: Will do, find me some rabbit. Jacob smiled and nodded. He holstered his magnum and walked off. The woods were tranquil for Jacob; he would always leave early in the morning, take a jog, and be off in his own world. They were truly his home away from home, and they were on every planet humanity knew of, and if not, humanity made them. Jacob made his way to an area at least a mile from the pod. He kneeled and looked at the forest floor, he could see tracks, rabbit mainly. He smiled. He took a few steps forward when he saw something jump from the corner of his eye. A rabbit, pure white hair. A thing of beauty... and perfect to eat. He raised his silence magnum, and shot. A clean shot, right through the eye. Jacob nodded. Jacob: Looks like I’m a little lucky after all. Jacob continued on this trail for a few minutes, stringing up any animal he caught. By the end, two rabbit and a squirrel. Enough for a few days at least. By the time he headed back, it was close to 1300. Pinestar: What’d ya get me? Jacob: Two rabbit and a squirrel, somehow we need to keep it from the flies. Pinestar: The pod? Jacob: For now, it’ll have to do. Jacob stuck the rabbits in the pod and set the squirrel in the fire Pinestar had set up. Jacob: No others? Pinestar shook her head. Jacob frowned; he knew it was gonna be hell with just the two of them. Jacob: You think Tolstoy’s gonna throw any surprises at us? Pinestar: What do you mean? Jacob: Well, think about it…this can’t just be about “survival.” We’re colony kids, half of us farmer families. It has to be more than that, they only gave us concussive rounds, so maybe we're not supposed to hurt each other? Maybe, it's going to be UNSC personnel attacking us? Or a Counter-Insurgency Op? Pinestar: You think so? As soon as the words left her mouth, an explosion was heard down the river. Jacob looked at Pinestar, they both dimmed their visors. Jacob: I know so! Pinestar: Get to higher ground! I’ll use the pod for cover. Jacob pulled out his Socom. Jacob: Like hell I’m leaving your side right now… Pinestar smiled. She nodded and Jacob took point. He held his Socom up and headed to an overturned tree. He slid into cover and Pinestar followed. His radio began to muffle with sounds. Ambrus; Does…*static* this? There’s been *static*… I don’t know *static* I’m with four ot--*static* Someone HEL---*static* Jacob: Pine? Pinestar: I heard it. Another voice came on the radio, this time the radio was fine. Harrison: This is Captain Harrison…as many of you just heard five of your fellow ODSTs have just fallen. They are not confirmed KIA. We believe the Insurrection is behind this…you must find and eliminate the Insurrectionists. Save your fellow ODSTs if possible. Good luck. Jacob cursed under his breath. Pinestar: Is he for real? Jacob: I have no idea Pine, let’s keep moving. Stay close. Jacob moved through the forest quickly, jumping over sticks, running through the trees. It was like his home, he knew a forest without ever being in one. He turned around, Pinestar was keeping up, and he smiled and kept moving. Eventually they reached the area of the explosion. It was huge, a giant circle of nothing. The circle was at least a dozen meters in diameter and absolutely no life in the middle of it. Jacob: Shit. Jacob knelt down, he scanned the area. There was no one on his tracker or anyone he could see. Jacob: Anything for you? Pinestar: Nope. Just then a lone ODST walked into the circle, just a few inches in, but very visible as the rest of the area was barren. Pinestar: That’s Nemes… Jacob: You sure? Pinestar: Positive, you think we sho— Before Pinestar could finish her sentence, Nemes was taken by two Marines in black armor. She struggled for a bit and finally managed to break free. She threw a punch at one of ht marines and kicked the other in the groin. She made a run for it across the barren field. Jacob stood and starting singing the UNSC tune he learned in boot camp. Nemes looked around and spotted Jacob, she ran towards them. Nemes: We need to move now! Jacob and Pinestar nodded and ran back towards Pine’s HEV pod. It took them a few extra minutes with Nemes on their trail, but they made it. Nemes: You guys have a nice set up. Jacob: Nemes! What the hell happened! Nemes: I have no idea Sharp…I got the transmission from Ambrus, then Harrison, then I was being attacked. Pinestar: It’s gotta be real then…the insurrection attacked our training grounds? Jacob: No way! The Ultimate Glory is in orbit, how could they have not seen this…it’s training. We were given concussive rounds! Nemes: The guys who grabbed me...they had live rounds. Jacob: How do you know? Nemes; The trees were shot at, no concussive rounds can do that. Jacob: Alright, well we can’t let this happen to any of the other ODSTs…we have to get back there, regroup with as many others as possible. If these are real insurrectionists...and the Glory doesn't know, we have to make sure no one else goes there. Nemes and Pinestar nodded. Jacob: Fill your canteens, gather equipment, we leave in fifteen minutes. ******************************************************************** UNSC Ultimate glory – In Orbit above Mars – 1035 ******************************************************************** Harrison: Initiate Phase 1 – Alpha Counter-Insurgency Op. Target the five ODSTs, the ones with Ambrus. Officer: Aye aye, sir. Missiles going out, sending ten UNSC marines disguised as insurrectionists into the training grounds. Alpha Counter-Insurgency Op is beginning. Harrison: Good, good. What is the status of the other ODSTs? Officer: There are approximately eight groups of three or more. Everyone else is in duos or alone. Harrison nodded. After a few minutes he heard reports from the ODSTs on the ground. Officer: Ambrus is attempting to send out a transmission, scrambling it. Ambrus; Does…*static* this? There’s been *static*… I don’t know *static* I’m with four ot--*static* Someone HEL---*static* Harrison nodded. He leaned onto the command console and pressed a button. Harrison: This is Captain Harrison…as many of you just heard five of your fellow ODSTs have just fallen. They are not confirmed KIA. We believe the Insurrection is behind this…you must find and eliminate the Insurrectionists. Save your fellow ODSTs if possible. Good luck. Harrison took his hand off the button. He figured that should keep the ODSTs occupied for the next few days, besides Phase 2 wasn’t supposed to begin for another week anyway. Harrison: If anything comes up, notify me. I will be in my office. Officer: Aye, aye sir. Harrison made his way to his office, on the way their Tolstoy met up with him. Tolstoy: Captain, what’s the situation of the ODSTs? Harrison: Phase 1 began just a few minutes ago. Tolstoy stopped dead in his tracks. Tolstoy: Already!? I thought we agreed three days! Harrison: They were regrouping far faster than we imagined. I deemed it necessary to disorganize them. Tolstoy: Are you crazy! Harrison turned. Harrison: First of all, it’s “Are you crazy, SIR.” Harrison paused. Harrison: Secondly, I am not crazy. These marines need to be turned into hardened ODSTs…that will not happen unless something big happens. Five of their friends have just been taken hostage by an unknown threat, how will they go about doing this? As Harrison finished his speech, an officer contacted him. Officer: Captain, two of the ODSTs have arrived at the crater..wait, make that three. Harrison: Is one of them alone? Officer: Yes, sir. Harrison: Take the ODST. Shove some more fear into the hearts of these soldiers…it will sort out the weak. Officer: Attempting..wait, no. She hit our guys, she’s gone. She’s regrouping with the other two. Harrison smiled. Harrison: And that is why we begin Phase 1 early. Lieutenant, get our “insurrectionists” out of that area. Fall back to the Base HQ for them, keep the hostages there, and keep me updated on the ODSTs. Officer: Done, sir. Harrison began walking again, Tolstoy followed. Tolstoy: So you think this is acceptable? Just letting them fe— Harrison: It’s completely acceptable. In one weeks time, Phase 2 will begin, the ODSTs will face the Insurrection we have set up, and they will enter a combat situation. They jumped into hell, we might as well make it feel like it. Tolstoy nodded. He understood. Tolstoy: Yes, sir. I will be watching the ODSTs, sir. Tolstoy saluted and walked away. Harrison continued on to his office. Tolstoy continued to walk towards his quarters, when he arrived he shut and locked his door. He went over to his PDA and began to type a message. It was short, it needed to be short. The message read five simple words, each encrypted and sent to a secure link. Phase 1 Began - Send Troops Tolstoy smiled, he knew they would respond in force. ******************************************************************** Mars Training Grounds – 2100 ******************************************************************** Jacob was lying in the grass on top of a cliff; he was a few hundred meters away from the “crater.” He had a perfect view of everything around the area. Pinestar and Nemes were just a few meters from the crater; they were running a patrol of the area. Since the incident with Nemes the marines in black disappeared. They were nowhere to be found and no ODSTs had approached the site. Jacob had found this area a few hours earlier, a perfect place for a sniper and it had a direct route back to level ground. No one could get them from surprise. Finally, Jacob contacted Pinestar after an hour of searching. Jacob: Pine, I’m seeing nothing up here. Get back to camp, we’ll figure it out later. Pinestar: On our way. Jacob crawled backwards and set his sniper propped up against a rock. He removed his helmet, finally letting the wind blow across his face for the first time in a few hours. He closed his eyes for a few minutes until he heard footsteps. He raised his Socom. Pinestar: Wow, just us Jacob. Jacob: Sorry, I’m getting a little jumpy. Pinestar and Nemes sat down near Jacob; Nemes began a fire to keep them warm. The night was getting colder and it was getting darker out. Jacob: So, tomorrow, we spread our search out…start heading west. Nemes: You think that’s a good idea? There are only three of us. Jacob: Stay within radio contact, if we want to find any of our buddies we can’t stay here. And no way can we rescue five marines with just the three of us. We still don’t know what else it out there. Nemes: Well, when those guys grabbed me they were reporting to someone that they caught another…although, no one can catch me. Pinestar laughed. Pinestar: Good to know. Jacob: In any case, we need to find some others... We move at dawn. I’ll take the first watch, get some sleep guys. Jacob stood and grabbed his sniper, he walked towards the edge of the cliff. He sat down, letting his feet hang off. Within a few minutes he knew Pinestar and Nemes were sleeping. So, he sat there, listening to the forest and watching the time click by. He knew that they were here for another four, grueling weeks. Each day would send new surprises, each day would send another conflict, and somehow he and the other ODSTs would have to solve them. Jacob picked up a stick with some rabbit meat on it and removed his helmet. He began to eat the meat slowly, taking in the sights of Mars. Jacob: So...this is what it's like, not living on Reach. Jacob could see some faint flares very far in the distance, other ODSTs he assumed. He sighed, he was with two great ODSTs, but he didn't know what would happen next. Once he finished the rabbit he looked up to the stars. He could see hundreds of stars, just like at home, just like Reach. In the distance, he could see the outline of the Ultimate Glory, the ship he'd live on in a few months. If he made it that far. He wondered where his brother was, if he was offered to be an ODST, if he accepted to be an ODST and how he fared in training. He could imagine his brother, trying to survive just like he was, trying to find a place in the stars. Jacob smiled at the thought, of his brother having a nice life, of his family being happy. It hadn't been that way for a few years, but sooner or later things had to get better for them. Just as he closed his eyes, he saw the bright outline of another explosion in the distance. He quickly threw his helmet on and stood, sniper in hand. He scanned the area, the explosion was nowhere near him, or anywhere in the forest. That's when he saw the flare in the sky. The Ultimate Glory's outline was glowing red, they had been hit by something. Enemy or not, Jacob was helpless, he couldn't do anything. That's when he saw the engines of the Glory give out, and two frigates appear behind it. To Jacob's surprise, the Ultimate Glory came hurtling down to Mars' surface. **************************************************************************************************** I hope you all enjoyed Part 1 of my STB. Part 2 is in the works and is coming soon! ****************************************************************************************************