Chapter 2
Posted By: Tyler Lawton<gruntking@sbcglobal.net>
Date: 2 October 2005, 5:31 pm
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1805 hours Oct 12, 2555 (military calendar)
Sacramento, CA, Earth
I looked at the pilot and said "So where we heading?"
"Well, right now were heading towards "The Amber Clad". All I've heard is that Miranda Keyes wants some marines aboard the ship. Their supposed to be heading planet side soon, but she hasn't said exactly what she needs you for." "Alrighty then." I went back to the passenger compartment and glanced at the weary faces of my squad. "So it seems we won't be going back to base any time soon. It looks like were going to board the "Amber Clad". I guess Miranda Keyes wants us to "Help Here". I said quoting with my fingers." "Good," replied Chris "Maybe we can get some rest and relaxation Eh…" "Hell yeah, I think we earned it." replied Johnson trying to conceal his anticipation. I looked out the window.
We were surrounded by the inky blackness of space. There were also dozens of UNSC and Covenant ships which were engaging each other. I felt a descent then heard the familiar pings and groans of the dropship as gravity settled on the ship. The pilot then said over the com "Attention passengers this is your pilot speaking. We have just made a safe landing, please feel free to move about the cabin." I smirked as the dropships door opened to reveal the inside of The Amber Clad's launch bay.
I walked out and was almost instantly greeted by staff. The staff members then told us to go to our newly acquired bunks. I walked into my bunkroom with my other squad mates. I smiled and fell onto my bed I sighed then groaned "Man, doesn't this feel good. Am I right comrades?" "oh hell yeah man, it feels like this bed is made to feel good." We all laughed at Chris's last comment. After that there was no more talk and everyone fell into a deep sleep.
0450 hours Oct 15, 2555 (military calendar)
Unknown location
I woke up to the sound of blaring sirens tell crew to strap up for battle. I groaned as I looked at the clock 0450 hours. "jeez, that was sleep! It felt like a catnap." Grumbled Johnson I just grumbled a acknowledgement. Chris was already up, he was always the fastest one to get out of bed. I managed to get up and haul my fat ass to the armory and strap up for battle.
I was walking around the armory Miranda's voice came on the loudspeaker, she sounded extremely stressed "Attention, all marine personnel, please report to the HEV drop pods. You will be briefed there, that is all." Me and my squad simultaneously turned around and ran towards the drop pods.
The only person that was there for the moment was Sergeant Johnson. I jogged over to him and saluted. A.J. (which is the name for Sergeant Johnson so he doesn't get confused with Lance Corporal Johnson) lazily returned the salute and said "How's it goin son?" "I could feel better, so we got a mission to do or what?" "I'm waiting for more of my men to get there fat asses up. Then I'll brief you guys on the mission." A.J. stated with a noticeable tone of anger in his voice. I sighed then sat down with the rest of my team.
In about 8 minutes the room was completely crowded. I looked around for a while. Then I heard the A.J.'s booming voice yell over the noise "Attention ladies and gentlemen, I bet you're all wondering why you were all called here. Well, you were called to help fight on the only ground we have in this system." He pressed a button on a control panel and a ring floated serenely in space. I stared at the ring with awe. "This is what you'll be fighting on!" said A.J. interrupting my thoughts. "You'll be leaving the ship in a few minutes. So I want you to get to the drop ships and kick some ass when you get down there!"
There was a roar of approval as the marines went to the dropships. I got into mine with the rest of my crew plus Corporal Peterson, Pfc. Mendez and Pfc. Wolfe. I introduced me and my team to the newcomers. Then quickly toke my seat as the pilot warned the passengers that we will depart in 3…2…1…0. I felt the ship lurch out of the ship and into the black void of space. The ship jolted as we entered the rings atmosphere. The room became noticeably hotter.
After that moment everything went downhill. The pilots voice crackled with static "Were going in hot, get ready for a hard landing!" I groaned and strapped myself in. The dropship lurched to the left then the right. I felt the ship turn around and the engines roar and the force sent me into the wall. I looked through blurry vision.
"Get ready!" the pilot screamed. I braced for impact.
To be continued…
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