1030 Hours, September 12, 2525
En route Epsilon Secundus System, UNSC Destroyer, Pioneer
As Aedan entered the armory, he was greeted by John, who inquired about his delayed arrival. Aedan responded by fabricating a story that the Chief had assigned him an additional task prior to the mission. Aedan proceeded to don the black body suit stored in one of the lockers; it bore the number 001 on the left chest.
The suit was exceedingly tight, but having previous experience with similar suits, he had grown accustomed to it. Moving towards the weapons rack, he observed a variety of firearms including MA2B, MA5B, M7S, M392, SRS99C, and his preferred M6D magnums.
"That's an impressive selection of firearms," Aedan muttered as he considered his loadout options. He reflected, "Given this is a stealth mission, the M7S would be a logical choice, but once the initial shots are fired, it will no longer remain a stealth operation." Consequently, he opted for the M392 DMR, an M6D, and a pair of combat knives.
As Aedan selected his loadout and grabbed his ammo, Sam noticed his DMR. "DMR? Isn't that too loud for stealth?" he asked.
"Logically yes, but the Chief said to be prepared for anything," Aedan replied. "Once shots are fired, stealth is out, and it only takes one or two well-placed shots to neutralize an enemy," he explained while loading his DMR.
Sam considered, "You have a point, but what if you run out of ammo?"
Aedan disclosed his combat knives, stating, "I will utilize these to conserve ammunition; they will suffice until the actual shooting commences."
"Let's hope our cover doesn't blow right after we get inside," Sam said.
As Sam and Aedan joined the others, who were already equipped, they all gathered around a table with uniforms that the crew of the Laden wore—blue coveralls with grease stains and names written on the left chest. Kelly examined the new uniforms.
"So, these are the uniforms we are supposed to wear?" she asked.
"ONI provided them," John said. "They're meant to match what the crew of the Laden wear."
Kelly held the coveralls up and frowned. "They don't give a girl much to work with."
"At least it's better than what I'm wearing now," Aedan said, eyeing his black body suit meant for the mission.
"Good point," replied Fred, putting on his suit.
Linda handed Kelly a suit. "Try this on."
The group had used these lightweight polymer suits before. They offered small-caliber bullet deflection, temperature regulation, and infrared masking. The helmets included encryption, communication gear, heads-up displays, and thermal and motion detectors.
Sealed tight, the unit had a fifteen-minute reserve of oxygen to let the wearer survive in vacuum. But yes, the suits were extremely tight and uncomfortable and were also tricky to repair on field. And they always needed repairs
"They're too tight" Kelly said. "It'll limit my range of motion"
"We wear them for this op" John told her. "There are too many places between here and there with nothing to breathe but vacuum. As for the rest of your equipment, take what you want- but stay light. Without recon data on this place, we're going to have to be moving fast…or we'll be dead"
The team, with the exception of Aedan, selected their weapons.
"Everyone, please select firearms that utilize .390 caliber ammunition so we can share magazines if necessary. Except for you, Linda," John instructed. He then turned to Aedan, who had a DMR strapped to his back, a single magnum at his waist, and a pair of combat knives on his thighs. "Aedan, you will need to-"
"No need, John. I will rely on my knives initially. If the situation escalates, I will adapt accordingly. Rest assured, I will keep up," Aedan reassured John.
Despite his initial hesitation, John nodded and subsequently picked up an MA2B, a shortened version of the MA5B. Aedan donned his grease-stained coveralls and gathered approximately 90 bullets for his DMR, equating to about six magazines, in addition to four magazines for his M6D. He also decided to carry a medical kit.
Linda gravitated towards a matte-black, long-barreled rifle, the SRS99C-S2AM. Sam and Kelly chose similar equipment with a few variations. Kelly selected a small computer pad with IR links and a field medical kit, while Sam carried two medium-sized backpacks filled with enough high explosives to penetrate three meters of battleship armor plate. Fred likewise selected an MA2B but additionally took two combat knives and an M7S equipped with a suppressor, just in case.
"Is everyone ready?" John inquired.
Aedan and Sam gave him thumbs-up signals while Linda and Fred nodded in affirmation. Kelly responded with a grin, saying, "Ready."
1210 Hours, September 14, 2525
Epsilon Secundus System, Eridanus II Space Docks, Civilian Cargo Ship, Laden
Aedan ascended to the upper girders and fashioned a hammock from the support nets he discovered above, allowing him to rest comfortably. The team was positioned above one hundred thousand liters of black water and enclosed by two centimeters of stainless steel. Aedan had advanced ahead of the team to scout for an appropriate location to establish camp. During this process, he successfully evaded multiple guards and had numerous opportunities to neutralize them but opted not to, as their elimination would not provide any tangible advantage to the mission.
Later, John and the others joined him inside the water tank. Aedan helped set up their nets while Sam adjusted the flow sensor. Once the setup was complete and the nets were secure, everyone took their positions. Kelly finished reporting to John about the cigars and sweets, and John instructed everyone to rest, assigning Kelly the first watch. Aedan closed his eyes to sleep, anticipating the next event.
'Now I have to determine precisely how I am supposed to gather the necessary intelligence inside the asteroid base,' Aedan thought. 'Whatever it is, I'll have to solve it somehow.'
"Are you still awake?" Kelly inquired as she turned towards him.
"Yes," he replied, looking at her. "Is there anything you need?"
"Actually, I've been wanting to ask this for a while now," Kelly said. "You are a Petty Officer Second Class, and outrank John, yet you always let him take command. Why is that?"
"John has been leading the team for a considerable duration, and I have confidence in John's capabilities. I believe he is an outstanding leader who has rightfully earned this position," Aedan explained.
"I see… Sometimes you sound like a veteran," Kelly remarked.
"Give it a few years, and it will come true," Aedan responded, prompting a chuckle from Kelly.
"Well, I'll be off to sleep now," Aedan said, and he fell asleep shortly after. Unbeknownst to the both of them, John had also been awake and had overheard their conversation. He smiled slightly, and his respect for Aedan grew even more.
A couple of hours later, Aedan was awakened by Kelly, who informed him that they had docked. He promptly prepared his gear and donned his coveralls. They proceeded to the cargo bay, affixed the tag on the box of cigars, and then exited the Laden to enter the asteroid base. It matched the depiction Aedan had encountered in comics and animated series.
Aedan pointed towards the public showers, indicating their direction, and they followed him inside. John led them to the farthest section of the locker room, where they began to discuss their subsequent actions.
"I propose we designate this area as our fallback point in case of an emergency," Aedan suggested.
"Agreed," John responded. "As for Colonel Watts, once we apprehend him, our only viable option will be the Pelican. After securing a safe distance, I will activate the distress signal."
"An excellent idea, but what about the doors?" Linda inquired.
"I have that covered," Sam replied, lifting his pack of explosives.
John then checked the location of the cigars. Once he completed this task, they were preparing to move out when Aedan spoke again.
"Before we proceed, let's separate for a bit to avoid drawing attention," he advised.
"Alright," John agreed. "Kelly, you're with me. Sam, you're with Aedan. Fred, you're with Linda."
They all nodded and began following the cargo tram while keeping a safe distance from each other.
The tram eventually stopped at an apartment building. John signaled Aedan to move ahead, and Aedan entered with his combat knives, neutralizing both guards stationed there. Over the past months on Reach, Aedan had been training in effective techniques.
The rest quickly followed in, removing their coveralls and putting on their helmets.
"The NAV marker is moving," Linda noted. "Bearing 270, elevation ten meters… twenty… thirty-five and holding. It appears to be on the top floor."
Sam entered and sealed the doors behind him. "All clear out there," he said.
"Go!" John ordered.
Kelly opened the door, and she, John, and Linda entered first, eliminating the guards. Aedan, Fred, and Sam followed. John motioned for them to take the stairs. Kelly opened the doors and signaled "all clear." She led with John behind her, while Sam and Fred covered the rear, and Linda and Aedan stayed at the flanks.
John had them get out a few floors down and they went to the elevator shaft, he had them activate their cooling units on their suits and then Sam pried open the elevator door, exposing the shaft. Before they entered, however, Aedan decided to nudge John who looked at him.
"What is it, Aedan?" he asked.
"You guys take the shaft I'll continue onwards through the stairs" Aedan said.
"What" Fred said as he looked at Aedan, "What do you mean take the stairs, it will be filled with guards the more you go?"
"Fred's right, Aedan, this is a bad idea," John said.
"That's the point," Aedan replied. "I'll distract them while you get Watts out."
"You can't be serious, Aedan; that's a suicide mission," Kelly added.
"Look once the insurrectionists fire the first shots, this whole building will be crawling with them, and would probably head towards where watts are at, I'll be in the lower floors distracting them while you take watts out of here." Aedan said.
"Then I'll be coming with you," Kelly said as she started moving towards the stairs only to be stopped by Aedan.
"No," he said, "They'll need you here." Aedan glanced at John, who nodded.
Sam patted him on the back. " Make sure you don't die Aedan. Don't be the first casualty."
"I won't," Aedan said and soon started sprinting up the stairs, knives in hand. 'Alright Aedan… now to gather the Intel' he thought as he started passing by floors at a quick pace. 'Alright the communications room is on the 25th floor.'
As Aedan made his way into 25th floor he saw about 3 guards patrolling the entrance to it, Aedan went towards one of the guards who had his backs turned and in an instant slit his throat the other two guards immediately reacted to this by aiming their guns but before they could shoot he threw his combat knife hitting one of them in the throat while he rushed the other guy who was too shock to react fast enough and soon he snapped his neck.
As he passed his knife he collected it. "Alright, that's five kills today" Aedan said as he made his way through the 25th floor not bothering to hide the bodies as he wanted the insurrectionist to find them and focus on him and not the other.
As he continued onwards, he noticed that there were not as many guards as he had expected. Soon he started hearing gunshots from the top floor.
'That's my signal to speed up' he thought as he unsheathed his other knife and sped his way into what looked like the entrance to the communications room, with 4 guards stationed outside, Aedan took off sprinting towards them and threw his knives hitting the two directly in the eye, and without missing a beat he leapt towards the other two and split kicked them in the head shattering their skulls. Quickly collecting his knives before he entered the communications room in a blur as he saw an insurrectionist officer inside attempting to raise his pistol at him but before he could squeeze the trigger, Aedan appeared from behind and stabbed him in the left side of his chest right in the heart.
As Aedan navigated through the room, he located the central communications computer, which should contain all the necessary data. He inserted a data chip and began extracting as much information as possible. Suddenly, hearing some movement behind him, he quickly took cover behind one of the desks in the room.
Soon 3 more insurrectionists entered the room and started looking around for him, Aedan slowly unsheathed his knives, he took a breath and came out of cover firing his two knives through the air, hitting one of them in the chest while the other was hit directly in the eye. The last one turned opened fire into where he thought Aedan was but never noticed him already standing behind him until it was too late and was already shot in the back of the head with his M6D.
"That was quite a lot," Aedan remarked quietly. He then proceeded to the computer, which had just finished transferring all the information to the data chip. As Aedan removed the chip, he received a communication from John informing him that they had captured Watts and were heading down the elevator. Aedan replied that he was on the twenty-fifth floor.
Soon, Aedan proceeded towards the elevator, ensuring to remain vigilant. He successfully evaded a squad of insurrectionists who were moving toward the communications room. Upon reaching the elevator, he noticed Fred and Linda securing the area.
"Impressive work," Fred remarked as Aedan arrived at the elevator.
"The insurrectionists should be preoccupied in the communications room; this should provide us sufficient time to evacuate the building," Aedan responded.
"Good job," John added as Aedan, followed by Fred and Linda, entered the elevator where a trolley with crates was present. Aedan also observed that John had been hit.
"So, which one contains Watts?" Aedan inquired.
"This one," Sam replied, tapping the bottom crate with the butt of his gun.
"Alright, let's proceed with our exit," John stated.
As Aedan checked his DMR he was nudged by Kelly, as he looked at her, she simply gave him thumbs up sign which he returned.
"Everyone, we will be stopping at the 12th floor where we will take the balcony and rappel down into an alleyway to change into our coveralls," John stated. Everyone nodded in agreement.
As the elevator stopped and opened, Fred and Linda were the first ones out. Once they gave the all-clear signal, the group began moving toward the balcony with Fred and Linda in the lead, John and Sam at the flanks, and Aedan and Kelly in the rear. Upon reaching the balcony, Kelly secured a line and fastened the crate to it, lowering it into the alley.
The group then rappelled down the line into the alleyway and changed back into their coveralls. Sam and Fred took the crate and proceeded down the streets towards the docks. They returned to the public showers, removed their coveralls, and donned their helmets again.
"I'll go ring the doorbell," Sam said as he left with his pack of explosives.
"We need to reach the pelican before Sam opens the doors; John's suit is damaged, and he won't survive if that happens," Aedan said. "John, I think you should activate the distress signal."
John nodded and activated the beacon, leaving it inside an empty locker. They all headed for the pelican. Just as they entered the ship along with the crate, a loud explosion was heard, and soon Sam came rushing in while the ramp to the Pelican closed.
Aedan and Kelly were in the cockpit, with Kelly assisting him. As Aedan started the engines, he flew through the hole that Sam created and navigated into open space. He briefly observed the asteroid base, which was now spinning erratically. After this, he directed the pelican towards the rendezvous point.
"You can go to the back Kelly. I will manage it from here." Aedan said as he continued flying the pelican keeping eyes focused on the front.
"Are you sure?" Kelly asked, reluctantly.
"Yeah, you should head to the back and get some rest." Aedan assured.
Kelly then unbuckled her seatbelts and got up from her seat but before she reached the exit to the cockpit she gave Aedan one last glance and headed to the back.
Kelly sat next to Sam, who was checking his weapon. John, across from them, looked pale from blood loss, while Linda and Fred ensured their prisoner wasn't suffocating—he wasn't. Kelly kept glancing toward the cockpit where Aedan was.
"What's the matter?" Sam asked.
"I'm not sure. I sometimes worry excessively about Aedan," Kelly replied.
Sam smiled under his helmet. "It's probably nothing. Aren't you best friends?" he said, thinking that Kelly might be in love. Sam had a basic understanding of love, having learned about it during training through Margret and Otto's secret relationship, uncovered by him and Jorge.
"I guess it probably is," she said before falling asleep. Their first mission was exhausting but necessary for now.
In the cockpit, Aedan wondered if his decisions were right and whether staying behind was wise. "Everyone made it out alive, so it's probably fine," he muttered.
As the Pelican landed inside the Pioneer, Doctor Halsey and Chief Mendez waited nearby with a few guards. When the hatch of the Pelican opened, John emerged with assistance from Fred. Sam carried the crate containing Watts, while Kelly and Linda watched the surroundings, and Aedan exited last after piloting the Pelican.
"Mission accomplished, sir," John said, saluting Mendez.
"Well done, Spartans. 117, you may head to the infirmary. 104, please assist him," Mendez instructed.
"Yes sir," both Fred and John responded as they proceeded to the infirmary.
"Is Watts inside the crate, 034?" Mendez inquired of Sam, who nodded and placed the crate on the floor. Mendez then signaled to the guards, who opened the crate and extracted Colonel Watts. "You scoundrels, you're all dead, do you hear me? DEAD!" Watts snarled at the Spartans as he was quickly restrained and escorted away by the guards.
"He will undoubtedly have much to say in court," Mendez remarked as he observed the Colonel being taken away. "Spartans...Dismissed."
Sam, Kelly, Linda, and Aedan saluted and began heading towards the exit, except for Aedan, who remained behind with Chief Mendez and Doctor Halsey. As the Spartans departed, Kelly gave Aedan one last glance, to which Aedan simply responded with a nod.
"So...001," Mendez began, "Were you successful?"
"Affirmative, sir," Aedan replied while producing a data chip, "Everything ONI would want is contained within this chip."
"Excellent work, Aedan," Halsey said. "Congratulations, by the way."
Aedan looked puzzled. "For what exactly, Doctor?" he asked.
"You will be receiving a promotion and a medal for your actions," Mendez responded.
"Wait, what?" Aedan exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise.
"Yes, the intelligence you have gathered could very well put an end to the insurrections in the Eridanus system," Halsey explained. "Originally, I had planned to inform the rest of your team as well, but doing so would have jeopardized the mission to capture Watts. Therefore, I only informed you, as I knew you were capable of executing such a task successfully."
"Wow… I feel…strange," Aedan said nervously, prompting Halsey to chuckle.
"This is only the first of many medals I foresee you earning," Halsey stated. "Oh, and Command now has no further questions about you following your successful mission."
0600 Hours, November 02, 2525
Epsilon Eridani System, UNSC Military Complex, Planet Reach
The Spartans had all been gathered inside the amphitheater, all of them were wondering why they had been gathered. They had been called to muster in their dress uniform only one other time, which was during the funeral of the Spartans who had not made it through augmentations and had died.
John was awarded the Purple Heart because of the injuries he suffered during the mission to capture Colonel Watts. Aedan had received the Silver Star for his bravery and success in acquiring the Intel from the asteroid base, although he had not donned it on his uniform yet, to hide the fact that he had received a medal from his fellow teammates.
Aedan sat at the edge of the second row next to Kelly, with Sam on her right. John, Fred, and Linda sat behind them in the third row.
Soon Chief Mendez entered the room and marched to the center platform. He, like the Spartans, wore his black dress uniform. His chest was covered with multiple Silver and bronze stars, three purple hearts, the Red Legion of Honor award, and a rainbow of campaign ribbons. He had also recently shaved his head.
All the Spartans rose and stood at attention. Doctor Halsey entered the room and made her way onto the stage.
"Vice Admiral on deck!" Mendez announced.
The Spartans immediately stood at attention, their postures becoming more erect. A man approximately six years senior to Doctor Halsey entered the room and took his place at the center of the stage. His short, silver hair resembled a steel helmet.
His gait exhibited a peculiar loop, often referred to as Space walk by crew members, a result of extended periods spent in microgravity. He was dressed in a simple, unadorned black dress uniform of the UNSC, devoid of any medals or ribbons. However, the insignia on the forearm of his jacket clearly identified him as a Vice Admiral.
"At ease Spartans" he said. "I am Vice Admiral Michael Stanforth, head of ONI section III."
The Spartans then took their seats. "And this is Beowulf," Vice Admiral Stanforth said, gesturing to the Avatar of the AI. Stanforth's voice was calm, and he continued, "He is our AI attaché with the Office of Naval Intelligence."
He turned away from the AI. "We have several important issues to discuss this morning, so let's get started." The light in the room dimmed. An amber sun appeared in the center of the stage with three planets closely orbiting it.
"This is Harvest," he said. "With a population of approximately three million, this colony, despite being on the edge of UNSC-controlled space, remains one of our more productive and peaceful settlements."
The holographic view zoomed in, showing grasslands, forests, and fish-filled lakes on the planet's surface.
"As of February 4th, at 1423 hours, the Harvest orbital platform detected this object via long-range radar," Vice Admiral Stanforth said, as a blurry object outline appeared. "Spectroscopic analysis was inconclusive. The material is unknown."
A molecular absorption graph with spikes and jagged lines indicating element proportions appeared on the side screen. Beowulf raised an arm, darkening the image, and CLASSIFIED-EYES ONLY flashed over the data. Vice Admiral Stanforth glared at the AI.
"Contact with Harvest was lost shortly thereafter," he said. "The Colonial Military Administration sent the scout ship Argo to investigate. The ship arrived on April 20 but only confirmed their exit slip space position before going silent. Fleet command then assembled a battle group, including the destroyer Heracles led by Captain Veredi, and frigates Arabia and Vostok. They entered the Epsilon Indi system on October 7 and found this."
The holograph of Harvest changed from lush fields and rolling hills to a cratered, barren desert with thin gray sunlight reflecting off a dusty crust and isolated regions glowing red. Aedan heard Kelly gasp and Fred murmur behind him, "The hell."
"This is what was left of the colony" The Vice Admiral paused for a moment to stare at the image and then continued. "We assume all inhabitants are lost"
Aedan closed his eyes, grit his teeth, and clenched his fists until he was bleeding from his palms. He then looked at Kelly through the side of his eye and saw her ball up her fist in anger. Aedan then continued looking at the stage as the Admiral continued, "And this is what the Heracles Battle group found in orbit" he said.
The blurry outline that was still visible, hanging in the air, sharpened into a crisp focus. It looked smooth and organic, and the hull possessed an old, opalescent sheen it looked more like the carapace of an exotic insect than the metal hull of a spacecraft. Recessed into the aft section were pods that pulsed with purple-white glow. The prow of the craft was swollen like the head of a whale.
"The unidentified vessel launched an immediate attack on our forces." Vice Admiral Stanforth said. Blue flashes strobe from the ship. Red motes of light then appeared along its hull. Bolt of energy coalesced into a fiery smear against the blackness of space.
The deadly flashes of light impacted Arabia and flashed across its hull. Its meter of armor plating instantly boiled away, and a plume of ignited atmosphere burst from the breach in the ship's hull. "Those were pulse lasers." Vice Admiral Stanforth explained, "and if this record is to be believed some kind if self-guided, superheated plasma weapon."
The Heracles and Vostok launched salvos of missiles towards the craft. The enemy's lasers intercepted half of them before they reached their target. The remaining missiles impacted and detonated into a burst of fire, which quickly dissipated. The ship shimmered with a semitransparent silver coating that then vanished.
"They appear to have some form of reflective shield," Vice Admiral Stanforth remarked, taking a deep breath as his features hardened into a mask of grim resolve. "The Vostok and Arabia were lost with all hands. The Heracles managed to jump out of the system, but due to the damage she sustained, it took several weeks for Captain Veredi to return to Reach."
"These weapons and defensive systems are currently beyond our technological capabilities. Therefore, this craft is of nonhuman origin," he paused and then added, "This is a product of a race with technology far more advanced than our own."
As the Admiral finished, murmurs broke out among the Spartans, Aedan could hear Kelly and Sam conversing next to him while John and Fred could be heard behind him; he continued looking at the stage with a look of hatred.
"We have developed several first contact scenarios," he said, "and Captain Veredi followed our established protocols. We had anticipated that contact with the new race would be peaceful. However, this was not the case—the alien vessel did not open fire until our task force-initiated communications."
He paused before continuing. "Fragments of the enemy's transmissions were intercepted," he added, "and a few words have been translated. We believe they call themselves The Covenant. Prior to opening fire, the alien ship broadcasted the following message clearly."
The Admiral gestured to Beowulf, who nodded. A moment later, a voice was heard through the amphitheater's speakers.
"Human, Your destruction is the will of the Gods…and we are their instruments"
'Damn bastard' Aedan thought as he continued glaring at the stage. John, who was behind him, stood up from his seat, his hand raised.
"Yes, Spartan?" Stanforth said.
"Sir, is this a translation?" John asked.
"No," the Vice Admiral replied. "They broadcasted this to us in our own language. We believe they have some kind of translation system to prepare the message, which indicates they have been studying us for some time."
John then took his seat.
"As of November 1st, the UNSC has ordered us to be on full alert," Stanforth said. "Vice Admiral Preston Cole is mobilizing the largest fleet in human history to retake the Epsilon Indi System and address this new threat. Their transmission clearly indicated their intent for conflict."
"Due to this UNSC-wide mobilization," Vice Admiral Stanforth continued, "Your training schedule will be accelerated to its final phase, Project: MJOLNIR."
He stepped away from the podium and placed his hands behind his back. "Regarding this, I have another announcement," he said, turning to the chief. "Chief Petty Officer Mendez will be leaving us to train the next group of Spartans. Chief?"
Aedan observed the others' reactions; John held onto the riser in front of him while Sam tightened his hand.
Chief Mendez then approached the podium and firmly grasped its edges.
"Trainees," he began, "Soon your training will be complete, and you will attain the rank of Petty Officer Second Class within the UNSC, with the exception of 001." He directed his gaze towards Aedan, who acknowledged him with a nod. "One of the first lessons you will encounter is that change is an integral part of a soldier's life. You will form and lose friendships, and you will move forward. This is inherent to the role."
Chief Mendez surveyed the audience, his piercing eyes resting on everyone. He nodded, appearing content with what he observed.
"The Spartans are the finest group of soldiers I have encountered," he continued. "It has been an honor to train you. Always remember the principles I have imparted—duty, honor, and sacrifice for the greater good of humanity are the qualities that distinguish you."
Mendez paused briefly, searching for additional words. Finding none, he stood at attention and saluted. "Attention," Aedan heard John command from behind him. The Spartans all rose and saluted the chief.
"Dismissed, Spartans," Chief Mendez said, concluding his salute with, "And good luck." The Spartans lowered their arms in unison, hesitated briefly, and then slowly exited the amphitheater.
John and Aedan were the only ones that stayed behind. Both wanting to have a final talk with Mendez, Doctor Halsey spoke briefly with the Chief and Vice Admiral and looked at Aedan who gave her an 'Okay' nod and then she and the Admiral left. Aedan was the first to approach Chief Mendez and saluted.
"At ease 001" He said. "It was a pleasure knowing you, Chief" Aedan said as he offered the man that had trained and helped him since he was a child, to which Mendez accepted.
"Doctor Halsey and the Vice Admiral wish to speak with you. They are waiting for you in the hallway," he stated. Aedan acknowledged with a nod and proceeded down the corridor, briefly exchanging nods with John as he passed. After a few minutes of walking, Aedan reached Doctor Halsey and Vice Admiral Stanforth, who were engaged in conversation.
Aedan approached them and saluted, saying, "You requested my presence, Doctor, Sir?"
"At ease, Spartan," responded Stanforth, prompting Aedan to lower his arm. "You must be Aedan-001; Doctor Halsey has spoken very highly of you."
"Your recent success in obtaining Intel from the Eridanus system insurrectionists was quite an accomplishment," Stanforth said.
"Just following orders, sir," Aedan replied.
"Indeed, you are," Stanforth nodded. "Now onto why I called you here," he said seriously. "We have a new mission for you."
Aedan was puzzled. "New mission, sir?"
"The Spartans will head to the Chi Ceti system to receive Project: MJOLNIR," Halsey explained. "However-"
"There have been reports of an unidentified ship moving in and out of the system," Stanforth continued. "We suspect it is the Covenant."
Aedan realized what the mission was likely going to be.
"You will be leaving on board the UNSC Commonwealth. Once you have arrived inside the system, if you encounter the ship, you are to try and board it and, if possible, collect data or samples of the enemy's technology," Stanforth said.
"Understood, sir," Aedan replied.
"As of now, you are hereby promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer," Stanforth announced. Aedan acknowledged the promotion, which he had been informed about earlier, but did not expect it to be to the rank of SCPO.
"Yes, sir," Aedan said, standing at attention. "Good luck with your mission, Spartan," Stanforth said before leaving Aedan with Halsey.
"Why a Senior Chief Petty Officer?" Aedan asked Halsey.
"You've earned it. Your performance, tactical knowledge, and leadership qualities set you apart," Halsey explained.
"But Doctor, I don't even have a team. I am part of Blue Team; I cannot just take John's position," Aedan protested.
"You're a temporary member. After Project: MJOLNIR, all Spartans will be reassigned," Halsey replied.
"Any idea where I'll go?" Aedan inquired.
"That's up to command. Now get ready; we leave on November 6th," Halsey instructed as she walked away.
Aedan muttered, "Things are only going to get worse," and followed her.