The darkness of night enveloped Naboo as a UNSC Pelican transport swooped low over the planet's calm waters. The craft, an imposing structure of metal and power, kept its engines at a low but steady roar. The Vulcan machine guns mounted on either side swiveled, alert, ready to open fire if any Covenant vehicle dared cross its path.
Inside the Pelican, Noble Team was fully focused. Each Spartan checked their weapons with meticulous precision, their scopes glowing with a soft glow in the dim light of the compartment. Sam, the newly recruited Spartan-II Samuel-034, stood silently beside his companions, checking his assault rifle. His movements were sure and calculated, reflecting the experience of a veteran who, though new to the team, had already proven himself worthy of the armor.
At the bottom of the Pelican, three figures in white armor watched the Spartans in silence: two ARC troopers, Fives and Echo, alongside Captain Rex. The three clones kept a respectful distance, and though the journey had begun without words, they all shared a tension in the air. It was the first time the clones had seen the Spartans in action so close, and, though they didn't show it, the respect and curiosity was evident.
Fives, notoriously the most curious, couldn't help but comment quietly, "I don't know whether to feel excited or like a fucking amateur next to these guys."
Echo nodded, watching as the Spartans checked every detail of their equipment with almost inhuman precision. "We're definitely in a different league."
Rex, ever the professional, glanced at his companions. "Stay ready, guys. No matter who's next to us, our mission remains the same. We just have to do our job."
Hearing the clones, Noble Six, who was standing next to Sam, looked up and gave them a small nod. "You three have fought the Covenant long before we got here. One thing you can be sure of is that we want to survive just as much as you do. So do what you know how to do."
The response had the clones exchanging a quick smile, a silent confirmation that the Spartans recognized their skills and experience. The tension eased slightly, though everyone knew what awaited them in Keren, and the weight of the mission was still as present as the night around them.
As the Pelican continued its flight toward the besieged city, a warning signal echoed over the intercom. The pilot spoke from the cockpit: "Entering operating zone. Stay ready. We will be on the ground in two minutes."
Noble Team and the clones stood up, adjusting their weapons and preparing. In unison, the Pelican slowed as the rear hatch opened, letting the night wind and the smell of earth waft into the compartment.
It was time.
The Pelican touched down with calculated precision in the foothills of a rocky mountain not far from the town of Keren. As soon as the doors opened, Noble Team and the clones disembarked, moving quickly and in complete silence. The Pelican took off almost instantly, and over the intercom, the pilot wished them good luck before disappearing into the darkness of the night.
"We're on our own now," Noble Leader, Spartan Carter, muttered as the team scattered and took up positions around a rocky outcropping that offered natural cover.
"Remember, absolute stealth," Carter continued. "This is a reconnaissance mission, not combat. Any engagement must be avoided at all costs. The Covenant must not know we're here."
Beside him, Sam-034 nodded, checking his helmet visor. "We have about an hour before the Covenant monitoring system restarts its scanning cycle in this area," he reported, based on the latest intelligence provided by the UNSC and Republic. "That gives us limited room for maneuver. Let's make sure we take advantage of it."
Fives and Echo, being ARC troopers, understood well the importance of stealth. Rex, a little more reluctant, took one last look at the heavy weapons they carried, almost wistfully. "I guess we'll have to leave the explosions for another time," he commented quietly, addressing the Spartans.
Noble Six replied in a neutral tone but with a slight smile in his voice, "Don't worry, Captain. We still have the night to enjoy that explosion, it's just that on this mission it's preferable that they do it since they won't find us."
As they moved forward in tight formation, the team moved like shadows across the mountainous terrain. The Spartans' visors picked out heat spots on the horizon, quickly identifying several Covenant patrols and Spirit vehicles guarding the main entrances to Keren.
"Visual negative for reinforcements in the area," Kat-320 whispered, scanning the perimeter with her magnified visor. "We could be looking at an outpost, but transmissions indicate there could be more troops hidden in the vicinity. I'd suggest flanking the north side and circling the city."
Carter nodded, and Rex spoke immediately, "My ARCs can approach that area. Fives, Echo, make sure we're not detected. We'll confirm the position of central command and any possible supply lines or reinforcements the Covenant have here."
The two ARCs slipped through the shadows with almost surgical precision, their movements trained to the limit to avoid any noise. The Spartans, for their part, dispersed to agreed-upon observation points, and within minutes, had a clear view of the entire city.
From above, the team spotted makeshift Covenant facilities, and Sam-034 reported, "Confirmed: multiple groups of soldiers and vehicles. I also see supply depots. It appears they are preparing for more than just a temporary camp."
The team remained silent as they processed the information. Every Spartan and clone knew this was a mission that required patience and caution. Suddenly, Fives reported over the communicator,
"Captain, we have spotted at least two Banshee fighters patrolling the area. We will not be able to move if they stay close."
"Roger that," Carter whispered. "Hold position. Priority is to avoid alerts. Let's continue reconnaissance and determine the extent of Covenant forces in this area."
The soldiers kept their breathing controlled as they advanced slowly, moving like shadows in the night and making sure to remain unnoticed.
Noble Team and the clones advanced carefully, moving deeper into the city of Keren. They moved in complete silence, using the shadows and ruined structures as cover to avoid detection. As they moved deeper into the city, the landscape became more oppressive: Covenant checkpoints dotted the streets, with patrols of Grunts, Jackals, and Elites keeping watch at precise intervals. The soldiers remained crouched, waiting for the right moment to slip through unseen.
A kilometer from their objective, the team stopped. Before them, a Scarab, the Covenant's colossal war machine, was parked in a plaza, with Covenant troops moving around it in what looked like a makeshift camp.
"We have a Scarab in sight," Sam-034 reported in a whisper, his eyes fixed on the machine. "A confrontation would not be favorable. Let us continue to advance quietly."
Noble Team and the ARCs continued deeper into the city, always keeping cover. Soon they found themselves immersed in a veritable Covenant nest, with occupied structures and makeshift strongholds at every turn. When they judged they were close enough to observe the core of the enemy forces, they entered an abandoned building, probably some administrative facility in the city.
"Safe place, at least for now," Carter whispered. "Kat, establish the communications link with central command and transmit the information."
Kat nodded and deployed her equipment to begin the transmission. With a few commands, she connected to the UNSC's secured channel, allowing all the information gathered to be transmitted to the base of operations in Theed. Images of patrols, locations of checkpoints, details about the defenses, and an image of the Scarab were sent in real time.
As Kat completed the dispatch, Fives and Echo watched through the windows, keeping an eye on every enemy movement outside.
"It won't be easy getting out of here with all this activity," Echo muttered, her eyes fixed on a patrol of armed elites passing right in front of the building.
"I know, but we need this information in the hands of central command," Fives replied. "Maybe we can perform an extraction once they receive everything and confirm next steps."
Kat ended the transmission and looked at the rest of the team. "Transmission completed. Now we just need to wait for command's orders."
Kat approached Carter as they both momentarily took shelter in a safe corner of the building, keeping an eye out for the slightest sound of the enemy.
"This mission is more complicated than we expected, Carter," Kat commented quietly, her face serious. "The Covenant hasn't just fortified themselves in Keren; they're increasing patrols and deployments by the hour. We can't move too far without attracting attention."
Carter nodded, looking out the window at the enemy troops and anti-aircraft towers that dominated the horizon. "Yes, it looks like they've turned the city into a fortress," he replied with a grimace. "But until we have clear orders from command, we hold position and avoid direct confrontations. We're not here to fight battles, Kat, just to secure the route."
Before Kat could respond, her device flashed. It was a message from central command, sent directly by Arnet.
Kat displayed the message on a hologram and read it silently as Carter watched. After a few seconds, Kat looked at her leader with a mix of shock and determination.
"Arnet confirms the offensive plan," she reported, keeping her voice low. "At dawn, they will launch a full-scale attack on Keren. But…" she paused, pointing on the hologram to the location of the anti-aircraft towers. "They need us to destroy these towers before the offensive, or reinforcements won't be able to get close without being shot down."
Carter sighed, understanding the gravity of the situation. "So if we want a chance of success on this mission, we need to move quickly and quietly, and take down those towers before dawn comes."
Kat nodded, confirming his words. "If we fail, the morning attack will be a disaster; the ships will not be able to enter Keren and the Covenant will remain in control. This is our only chance to ensure that the Republic and UNSC offensive is effective."
Carter turned to the rest of the team, making a quick, firm decision. "Jorge, Samuel, everyone… get ready. We're heading for the anti-air towers. This is the objective that will define the entire offensive, and we have no room for error."
Carter met with the team for a final review of the plan before splitting up. He reviewed the hologram showing the Covenant anti-air towers spread across the city.
"We have three main towers that must be destroyed before dawn," Carter explained, pointing at Keren's map. "We'll split the team up: each take one tower and knock it out. We can't allow the Covenant to hold these defenses or the offensive will fail."
The team nodded, wordlessly accepting the mission.
"Noble Six," Carter said, indicating the northeastern-most tower, "take this one. You'll need to take out the patrols protecting the perimeter and make sure the tower doesn't get reinforcements."
Noble Six checked his sniper rifle and nodded. "I'll do the job quickly and quietly."
"Kat, Emile," Carter continued, "they've got the tower in the west sector. Hack into the security systems and access the generator. I trust they'll know how to neutralize it."
Kat and Emile nodded slightly. "Count on it."
"Samuel, Jorge," Carter turned to the two Spartan IIs, who were already prepared for direct confrontation. "You'll take care of the tower in the south. We know it's heavily guarded, but we also know you're the one for this task."
Samuel looked at his heavy weaponry, ready for confrontation. "I'll do it quickly."
"I'll take care of the central tower," Carter concluded. "I'll keep communications open. If things get complicated or you need support, let us know. Silence and precision are essential."
The three clones – Fives, Echo, and Captain Rex – watched the exchange intently, ready to provide support in case of emergency.
"Good luck, Noble," Rex said quietly, and the Spartans gave each other a curt nod before slipping into the gloom of the city.
-x.X.x-
Noble Six slipped into the darkness with calculated steps, moving through the shadows like a spectre. His visor picked up the figures of the Covenant patrols hovering around the anti-air tower, marking their movements on a detailed display of the tactical interface. With lethal precision, the Spartan took aim at the patrol's Elite leader, who commanded a squad of armed Grunts.
Noble Six took a deep breath and pulled the trigger. The silencer muffled the shot, and the round struck the Elite's helmet with piercing force. The body fell to the ground without a sound, and the Grunts, seeing their leader down, looked around in confusion. Six gave them no time to react. With quick, cold movements, he moved forward, eliminating each Grunt methodically, each shot direct and accurate.
A Jackal attempted to turn on his shield and call for reinforcements, but Six switched to his combat knife and silently brought it down, plunging the blade between the armor and the neck in a calculated move. The patrol was neutralized. With no time to stop, Six retracted his knife and moved to the perimeter of the anti-air tower.
As he moved forward, he observed a secondary patrol guarding the entrance to the tower, composed of two Elites and several Jackals. The Spartan moved with military precision, using every cover at his disposal. He found a high point from which he launched a fragmentation grenade in a perfect trajectory. The explosion lit up the perimeter, throwing debris and taking out the Jackals in a cloud of shrapnel.
The remaining Elites turned toward the source of the explosion, activating their energy shields. But Noble Six was already upon them. He fired a volley of shells, wearing down the Elites' shields, and as one fell, he lunged at it, shoulder-butting it to knock it down. In one swift movement, he placed the weapon under the Elite's helmet and fired, leaving the ground covered in charred remains.
The last Elite tried to retreat, activating his energy sword. Noble Six watched him coldly, anticipating his every move. With an agile turn, Six evaded the first slash of the sword and fired a precise burst that hit the Elite's torso directly, penetrating his armor and dropping him to his knees.
With the area cleared and every enemy eliminated, Six advanced towards the tower. His breathing remained controlled, his stance firm. Within minutes, he placed the explosives at strategic points in the tower system, ensuring that the attack was final. Before retreating, he took one last look at the area, ensuring that the mission was accomplished.
"Six to Carter. Tower neutralized. I'm withdrawing," he reported, as the echoes of explosions began to rumble across the horizon.
-x.X.x-
Kat and Emile advanced in perfect synchronicity through the shadows, their steps calculated and their movements as silent as they were deadly. Kat, an expert in systems and sabotage, led the way, while Emile covered every corner and every nook, his shotgun ready for any unexpected confrontation.
Kat paused momentarily, checking the tower's security scheme on her visor. With quick, precise gestures, she deactivated the nearby cameras and alarms, leaving the path clear. They continued forward, eliminating any guard who crossed their path with quick, efficient movements: silenced shots and calculated blows.
Reaching the tower's central generator, Kat began to work without wasting time, accessing a control terminal and deactivating the place's defensive systems. One by one, the security lights began to flash and then went out, leaving the tower in darkness.
Without letting his guard down, Emile watched the entrance. "Kat, hurry up. We don't know how much time we have before the Covenant notices," she muttered, her eyes scanning every shadow intently.
"Easy, this is almost ready," Kat replied, focused on her task. She accurately placed a sabotage device on the generator core and set the explosives. Within seconds, the system was compromised, and a notification on her visor confirmed the success of the operation.
"Target secured," Kat said over the comm channel. "Carter, this is Kat. West tower compromised, all systems are disabled and the generator is ready to detonate on your signal."
Carter replied, "Roger. Good work, Kat. Stand down."
-x.X.x-
Samuel and Jorge advanced through the ruins towards their objective, their imposing figures moving with precision and lethality. They knew that Covenant resistance was heavy in this section, but they were prepared for a direct confrontation. Reaching the first line of patrols, Samuel raised his assault rifle and opened fire, sweeping the Grunts away in a hail of bullets before they could even raise their weapons. The Jackals attempted to form a barrier with their energy shields, but Jorge had already thrown a grenade that exploded in their midst, breaking the ranks and disintegrating their defenses.
As they drew closer to the tower, several Elites appeared, their energy sabres glowing in the darkness. Samuel wasted no time: he switched to his shotgun and ran towards them, firing at point-blank range and sending one of the Elites flying back with a hole in its chest. Another Elite lunged at him, but Samuel dodged its lunge and felled it with a brutal blow from his armored fist.
Jorge, meanwhile, advanced like an unstoppable machine, his heavy machine gun roaring with each shot, eliminating the reinforcements that tried to approach. The Elites tried to flank him, but he held his position, turning quickly and cutting down each of the attackers. His size and strength allowed him to withstand hits that would have felled any other soldier, and each time he took a hit, he responded with even greater force.
Samuel and Jorge finally reached the central generator of the tower. Samuel placed the explosive, while Jorge guarded the entrance, covering it from the last attempts of attack. Once the device was armed, both Spartans fell back, firing one last burst of shots to clear the area before activating the detonator.
In an instant, the generator exploded in a fireball, and the tower collapsed, its anti-air systems falling silently. Samuel looked at Jorge, both covered in dust and debris from the battle, and nodded.
"Objective accomplished. The tower is out of service," Samuel reported on the channel.
-x.X.x-
Carter advanced on his own toward the last anti-aircraft tower. He knew this tower was at the center of a particularly well-fortified position, but he had no choice: he had to take it out to open up airspace for Republic and UNSC forces.
As he approached, a patrol of Jackals appeared in his path, quickly forming a wall of energy shields. Carter crouched, looking for an angle, and fired, aiming for the gaps between the shields. One by one, the Jackals fell as their defenses gave way, and he advanced steadily, tossing a grenade just before turning into an alley. The explosion threw the bodies of the Jackals backward, and the few remaining Grunts fled in terror, screaming in their language.
However, he had barely eliminated the first wave of defenders when a group of well-armed Elites arrived in reinforcements. Carter took cover behind a partially destroyed wall and watched their movements, waiting for the perfect moment to counterattack. The Elites advanced in formation, their armor glowing with blue energy shields, each carrying heavy plasma rifles.
With calculated movements, Carter slipped out of cover and fired, his sniper rifle catching one Elite's neck and shattering his shield before piercing his helmet. The other Elites reacted quickly, launching into the attack. Carter moved quickly, seeking new cover positions as he fired in bursts, causing the Elites to scatter to avoid his lethal shots. One of them managed to get too close, attempting a melee strike with his energy sword, but Carter narrowly dodged and counterattacked, delivering a blow with the barrel of his rifle that shattered the enemy's helmet and knocked him out.
Just as it seemed the situation was under control, Carter sensed a buzzing sound behind him. Turning, he saw a Wraith slowly approaching, its mortar cannon ready to fire. Without wasting a second, Carter ran towards the tank, using his agility to move quickly through the shrapnel and plasma shots raining down around him. He managed to get behind the Wraith and tossed a plasma grenade into the engine slit, quickly retreating before the explosion blew the vehicle to pieces. The shockwave pushed him back, but Carter got up, dusting himself off and continuing his advance.
Finally, he reached the base of the anti-aircraft tower. He was still unsure of how to infiltrate, but then he saw a maintenance duct that seemed to lead into the structure. Without hesitation, he crawled through the narrow tunnel, moving forward until he reached the generator control room. Upon exiting, he encountered two Elites and several Grunts guarding the area. Carter did not hesitate: he shot the first Elite and tossed a grenade at the Grunts, taking advantage of the confusion to move quickly and dispatch the second Elite with a precise shot.
Carter placed the explosive into the tower's generator, making sure the timer was set correctly. As the device began its countdown, a final group of Covenant reinforcements entered the room. Carter, exhausted but determined, took cover behind a console and fought back shot by shot, using each bullet with deadly accuracy until the timer showed the final seconds. He took advantage of the countdown to escape through the same shaft he had entered.
He had barely made it out when the tower exploded in a spectacular column of fire, lighting up the night. He turned for a moment, surveying the destruction, and then, wasting no time, he contacted the team.
"Tower neutralized. Airspace clear. Meet me at the rendezvous point," Carter reported, catching his breath.
End of Chapter 14.