Location: UNSC Forward Operating Base - Briefing Room
Date: May 13, 2534
Time: 0630 Hours
The air in the briefing room was tense, the weight of the mission hanging over us like a storm cloud. I had grown used to the feeling—these constant briefings, the endless cycle of deployments—but something about this one felt different. There was a heaviness to the air, something that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
Doss stood at the front of the room, his eyes locked on the holo-map displaying our next target. It was deep within enemy territory, a Covenant stronghold that had been causing problems for weeks. Our job was simple: get in, disrupt their operations, and get out before reinforcements arrived.
But we all knew it wouldn't be that simple.
"The Covenant has been reinforcing this position heavily," Doss said, his voice low and commanding. "Intel suggests they've got a full garrison of Elites and Brutes holding the line. This won't be like the outpost you hit last time. They'll be ready for us."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the squad. "That's why I'm assigning Alice and Cass to lead this one. You two will take point. The rest of us will provide support."
I felt Alice shift beside me, her posture stiff but confident. She had always been steady under pressure, and I knew she would handle this mission like she had every other—focused and unshakable. I, on the other hand, couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to go wrong.
"Questions?" Doss asked, his eyes lingering on me for a moment.
I shook my head, keeping my concerns to myself. There was no room for doubt. Not now.
"All right, gear up. We drop in one hour."
Location: UNSC Pelican - En Route to Covenant Stronghold
Date: May 13, 2534
Time: 0730 Hours
The Pelican rattled as we descended into enemy territory, the sound of the engines humming around us. I checked my gear for the third time, making sure everything was in place. My rifle felt heavy in my hands, the weight of the coming battle pressing down on me.
Beside me, Alice sat quietly, her helmet resting in her lap. She hadn't said much since the briefing, but I could tell she was deep in thought. We had been through so much together, and I knew she could sense the same tension that I did.
"You ready for this?" she asked, her voice low enough that only I could hear.
I nodded, though the truth was I wasn't sure. Something about this mission felt wrong—like we were walking into a trap. But I couldn't let that show. Not in front of the squad.
"We'll get through it," I said, trying to muster a confidence I didn't feel.
She gave me a small smile, the kind that told me she understood. "Just watch my back, Cass."
"Always," I replied, feeling a warmth spread through me at the familiar exchange.
The Pelican jolted as it touched down, the ramp lowering to reveal the rocky terrain of the Covenant stronghold. The place was massive, a fortress of alien architecture that loomed over the landscape. Energy shields crackled around the perimeter, and I could already see Covenant patrols moving through the shadows.
This was going to be a tough one.
Location: Covenant Stronghold - Outer Perimeter
Date: May 13, 2534
Time: 0800 Hours
We moved quickly, advancing through the rocky terrain toward the Covenant stronghold. The air was thick with the smell of burning plasma, and the distant hum of energy weapons echoed across the landscape. Alice and I took point, leading the squad through the narrow ravines that led to the outer perimeter of the fortress.
We kept low, staying out of sight as we approached the first set of energy barriers. The Covenant patrols were well-organized, their movements precise as they scanned the area for intruders. But we were ODSTs—stealth was second nature to us.
"Cass, we've got a patrol on the west side," Alice said quietly, her rifle trained on the approaching Elites.
I nodded, signaling for the squad to hold position. We needed to time this perfectly—one wrong move, and the entire garrison would be on us.
"Wait for my mark," I whispered, my heart pounding as the Elites moved closer.
The tension in the air was suffocating, every second stretching out like an eternity. I could feel the sweat beading on my forehead as I waited for the right moment.
Then, just as the patrol passed by, I gave the signal.
We moved as one, firing in quick, controlled bursts. The Elites didn't stand a chance. Within moments, the patrol was down, their bodies crumpling to the ground in a mess of blue blood and broken shields.
"Move up," I ordered, signaling for the squad to advance.
We pushed forward, slipping past the energy barriers and into the outer courtyard of the stronghold. The Covenant forces were still unaware of our presence, but that wouldn't last. We had to act fast.
Location: Covenant Stronghold - Inner Courtyard
Date: May 13, 2534
Time: 0830 Hours
The courtyard was massive, filled with Covenant structures and vehicles. Ghosts and Wraiths lined the area, their engines humming with idle energy. Covenant infantry patrolled the walkways above, their eyes scanning for any sign of movement.
We stuck to the shadows, moving quietly through the maze of structures. Alice and I stayed at the front, our rifles raised as we cleared the way for the rest of the squad.
But something wasn't right.
I could feel it in my gut—the tension, the unease. It was too quiet. Too easy.
And then, in an instant, everything went wrong.
A plasma bolt seared through the air, hitting the ground just inches from where I stood. The explosion sent me sprawling, the force of the blast knocking the wind out of me. I hit the ground hard, my ears ringing as the world spun around me.
"Ambush!" Alice shouted, her voice barely audible over the roar of gunfire.
I struggled to my feet, my vision blurred as I tried to make sense of the chaos. Covenant forces were pouring out of the surrounding buildings, their energy weapons lighting up the courtyard as they fired at us from all sides.
We were trapped.
I raised my rifle, firing blindly into the mass of Covenant troops, but I could barely keep my footing. My chest ached from the impact, my movements sluggish as I tried to find cover.
And then I felt it—a sharp, searing pain in my side.
I looked down, my breath catching in my throat as I saw the blood soaking through my armor. I had been hit. The world seemed to slow as the realization sank in, my vision narrowing as I staggered back.
But before I could process what was happening, Alice was there, her arm wrapping around me as she pulled me toward cover.
"I've got you," she muttered, her voice strained with effort.
Everything was a blur—gunfire, explosions, the distant shouts of the squad. I could feel my strength slipping away, the pain in my side growing worse with every step.
"Hold on," Alice said, her voice tight. "We're getting out of here."
But I wasn't sure if I would make it.